cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Kinetics and Thermal-Hydraulics Capability for the Analysis of Research Reactors

The PARET code, originally developed for the analysis of the SPERT-III experiments for temperatures and pressures typical of power reactors, has now been modified to include a selection of flow instability, departure from nucleate boiling, single-and two-phase heat transfer correlations, and a properties library considered more applicable to the low pressures, temperatures, and flow rates encountered in research reactors. The PARET code provides a coupled thermal, hydraulic, and point kinetics capability with continuous reactivity feedback, and an optional voiding model that estimates the voiding produced by subcooled boiling. This modified code has been adapted for the testing of methods and models and for subsequent use in the analysis of transient behavior in research reactors. Comparisons have been made with the experimental results from the SPERT-I transients, and the agreement with the experimental data is generally quite good. The selection of proper correlations and properties for the range of interest in research reactors was essential to the accuracy of the results. The code has also been applied to the analysis of the International Atomic Energy Agency 10-MW benchmark cores for protected and unprotected transients. The code provides an accurate capability for the analysis of research reactor transients. This modified version ofmore » the PARET code is available through the National Energy Software Center.« less
Carbonic springs as distal manifestations of geothermal systems, highlighting the importance of fault pathways and hydrochemical mixing: Example from the Jemez Mountains, New Mexico

Abstract We examine a series of carbonic warm and hot springs in northern New Mexico, USA: 1) Tierra Amarilla springs 2) Penasco Springs and 3) Soda Dam, Jemez and Indian hot springs. Spring geochemistry is compared to waters from the Valles Caldera geothermal system and to groundwater in nearby sedimentary aquifers. Multiple hydrochemical tracers are applied to quantitatively evaluate flow paths and mixing at varying distances from the caldera. We test three hypotheses for source and transport of waters to Tierra Amarilla and Penasco Springs: San Juan basin origin, meteoric flow from the Nacimiento Mountains, and/or influence from the Valles Caldera geothermal system. Geochemically, carbonic spring groups are distinct from meteoric and sedimentary aquifer waters. Based on isotopes of He and Sr, and concentrations of Cl, SO4, Li and B, we interpret these carbonic springs to be distal manifestations of fluid circulation along faults with a mixture of Valles Caldera geothermal waters, local meteoric and Paleozoic aquifer waters, with the potential for small contributions from the San Juan Basin aquifers. Semi-confined fault conduits, the Jemez fault and Nacimiento fault systems, provide connectivity and help explain geochemical similarities and mixing trends within carbonic spring systems, and between these systems and the distal Valles Caldera. In addition, Penasco Springs are interpreted to reflect a component of outflow from the geothermal system that crosses the Nacimiento Mountain basement block along NE-trending faults. Input of deeply sourced waters can degrade water quality by contributing significant salinity and trace metals to groundwater at distances of >50 km from geothermal systems, with faults acting as conduits for subsurface fluid flow.
An iterative decoding scheme on random burst error correction with Reed-Solomon codes

We investigate the decoding scheme of conventional Reed-Solomon (R-S) codes, and propose a systematic model to achieve better decoding results on random burst error corrections. We follow the iterative decoding procedure and verify this decoding model by implementing a typical R-S (15, 9) code, then present complexity analysis of this decoding model on the improvements for burst error correction. Simulations on several examples of R-S codes display the validity of this decoding scheme.
Comparative antitumor activity of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in acute myelogenous leukemia cell lines

3267 Multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are a new and promising class of therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer. We are interested in identifying an effective TKI for the treatment of pediatric acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). We evaluated the antitumor activity of four TKIs imatinib, dasatinib, sorafenib and sunitinib in a panel of human AML cell lines, which represent different FAB and cytogenetic subtypes of AML (HL-60, Kasumi-1, KG-1, NB4, ML-2, MV4, THP-1, U937 and Mo7e). Using an MTT assay (72h exposure; 3 independent experiments), sorafenib and sunitinib exhibited more potent anti-proliferative effects in all cell lines than imatinib and dasatinib, which inhibit a narrower spectrum of kinases, with IC50 values ranging 0.0020 μM to 13 μM for the former. The two most sensitive cells lines to sorafenib and sunitinib were Kasumi-1 (IC50 values of 40 nM and 23 nM) and MV4 (IC50 values of 2 nM and 7 nM), which possessed activating mutations of c-KIT and FLT-3 genes, respectively. In a more sensitive cell line (MV4), sorafenib and sunitinib promoted apoptosis (Annexin V + PI staining) in 50% of cells between 0.05 - 0.1 μM (72h exposure; 2 independent experiments) and increased the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle; in a less sensitive cell line (NB4; IC50 values of 7 nM and 13 nM), apopotosis was observed in 100% of cells at drug concentrations > 5 μM, but no effect on cell cycle distribution was observed, suggesting that cell cycle arrest may play a role in response to the anti-proliferative effect of these TKIs. Consistent with the presence of an activating mutation, Kasumi-1 and MV4 cells had activated pCKIT and pFLT-3, respectively. The nine AML cell lines showed different levels of constitutive activation of MAPK, PI3K, and STAT signaling pathways by western blot analysis (2 independent experiments). Sorafenib and sunitinib inhibited phosphorylation of the down stream effector protein ERK in the more sensitive cell lines (MV4 and Kasumi-1) and in a cell line with intermediate sensitivity (KG-1; IC50 values 2.7 nM and 1.1 nM)), but not in a cell line of least sensitivity (NB4) at concentrations comparable to IC50 values for anti-proliferative effects; neither sorafenib nor sunitinib exhibited inhibitory effects on pAKT in the four cell lines above. In conclusion, sorafenib and sunitinib showed more potent antitumor effects than imatinib and dasatinib in AML cell lines, with potent activity against cell lines with c-KIT and FLT-3 activating mutations. Further evaluation of TKIs in combination with chemotherapy or other moleculary targeted agents may represent a promising treatment strategy in pediatric AML and warrants further investigation.
Tunable green electrochromic polymers via direct arylation polymerization

A method to tune the hues of neutral green conjugated electrochromic polymers (NG-ECP) via direct C–H arylation polymerization (DArP) was developed. We used 4,7-dibromo-2,1,3-benzothidiazole and 2,7-dibromofluorene to randomly copolymerize with ProDOT via DArP and successfully obtained a series of green polymers. On varying the ratio of 4,7-dibromo-2,1,3-benzothidiazole and 2,7-dibromofluorene, we can readily adjust the relative intensity of two absorption bands in the visible-light wavelength region, which leads to four green polymers with different hues being obtained. Specifically, increasing the ratio of 4,7-dibromo-2,1,3-benzothidiazole leads to the enhancement of the polymer absorption intensity in the long wavelength (∼550–700 nm) region, while increasing the ratio of 2,7-dibromofluorene will lead to the increase of the polymer absorption intensity in the short wavelength (∼400–500 nm) region. Via the random direct arylation polymerization of multi-component monomers in various ratios, we can precisely control the absorption spectra of neutral green conjugated electrochromic polymers (NG-ECPs) in the visible-light wavelength region. The electrochemical and optical properties, spectroelectrochemical behaviors, and electrochromic performance of these NG-ECPs were characterized and they showed great potential for electrochromic devices such as smart windows and transmissive displays.
Chromatin-modifying enzymes as therapeutic targets – Part 2

Background: Part 1 of this review described the importance of histone acetylases, deacetylases, methylases and demethylases in transcriptional control and their potential as therapeutic targets. However, precise gene regulation requires the involvement of more than just the addition or removal of acetyl and methyl groups on histones. Histone phosphorylation, ubiquitylation, SUMOylation and poly-ADP-ribosylation, as well as ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling complexes, play equally pivotal roles in the maintenance of transcriptional fidelity. Accordingly, the enzymes responsible for these modifications are also misregulated in various disease states. Objective: To review the complex roles of chromatin-modifying enzymes in gene regulation and to highlight their potential as therapeutic targets. Methods: This review is based on recent published literature and online resources. Results/conclusion: In this second and final part of the review, we discuss the importance of these other histone and nucleosome mod...
A web-based carepartner-integrated rehabilitation program for persons with stroke: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial

Family carepartner management and support can improve stroke survivor recovery, yet research has placed little emphasis on how to integrate families into the rehabilitation process without increasing negative carepartner outcomes. Our group has developed creative approaches for engaging family carepartners in rehabilitation activities to improve physical and psychosocial health for both the carepartner and stroke survivor. The purpose of this study is to explore a novel, web-based intervention (Carepartner and Constraint-Induced Therapy; CARE-CITE) designed to facilitate positive carepartner involvement during a home-based application of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) for the upper extremity. The primary aim of the study is to determine feasibility of CARE-CITE for both stroke survivors and their carepartners. Carepartner mental health, family conflict surrounding stroke recovery, and stroke survivor upper extremity function will be evaluated using an evaluator blinded, two-group experimental design (blocked randomization protocol according to a 2:1 randomization schema) with 32 intervention dyads and 16 control dyads (who will receive CIMT without structured carepartner involvement). CARE-CITE consists of online education modules for the carepartner to review in parallel to the 30-h CIMT that the stroke survivor receives. The intent of CARE-CITE is to enhance the home-based intervention of CIMT, by helping the carepartner support the therapy and create a therapeutic home environment encouraging practice of the weaker arm in functional tasks. The CARE-CITE study is testing the feasibility of a family-integrated rehabilitation approach applied in the home environment, and results will provide the foundation for larger clinical studies. The overall significance of this research plan is to increase the understanding and further development of interventions that may serve as models to promote family involvement in the rehabilitation process. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02703532 . Registered 9 March 2016
Assessing cardiovascular risk in the prerenal transplant population: Comparison of myocardial perfusion imaging and coronary angiography with risk factor stratification.

Introduction Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have a higher incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Hence, it is crucial to evaluate CAD before renal transplantation. This study compares the utility of pharmacologic single-photon emission computed-tomography (SPECT) imaging directly to coronary angiography for diagnosis of CAD with correlation to cardiovascular risk factors. Method Retrospective review of asymptomatic renal failure patients who underwent both SPECT and coronary angiography to identify obstructive CAD between the years 2008-2016. Ninety-four ESRD subjects were evaluated. Results Myocardial perfusion SPECT study found, when compared to coronary angiography demonstrated for CAD, the sensitivity of 93.3% with a specificity of 73.4%. Importantly, the negative predictive value for coronary artery disease was 96%. With seven or more cardiac risk factors, 66.7% of patients had obstructive coronary artery disease. Among all the risk factors examined, patients with a previous history of coronary artery disease had a 68% risk of obstructive coronary artery disease. Conclusion Comparing myocardial perfusion imaging SPECT findings with coronary angiography in patients with ESRD, a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 73% were observed. Of all the risk factors examined, patient with the previous history of CAD was the single most significant risk factor for CAD in 68% of cases.
Frequency with which surgeons undertake pancreaticoduodenectomy determines length of stay, hospital charges, and in-hospital mortality.

Others have suggested that in certain technically challenging operations, outcome and experience are related. Because pancreaticoduodenectomy is a technically complex procedure, this study was undertaken to evaluate mortality, length of hospital stay, and hospital charges when compared to volume of experience. The database of the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration was queried for pancreaticoduodenectomies undertaken during a recent 33-month period. Length of stay, hospital charges, and inhospital mortality were stratified by the frequency of pancreaticoduodenectomy. A total of 282 surgeons performed 698 pancreaticoduodenectomies over 33 months. Eighty-nine percent of surgeons performed one pancreaticoduodenectomy per year or less and accounted for 52% of the procedures. Overall mortality rate was 5.1%. Average hospital charges were $72,171.64. The more frequently pancreaticoduodenectomy was undertaken, the shorter the hospital stay (P = 0.025, regression analysis) and the lower the hospital charges (P = 0.008, regression analysis) and in-hospital mortality (P = 0.036, log likelihood ratio test). Surgeons who undertake pancreaticoduodenectomy more frequently have patients with shorter hospital stays, lower hospital charges, and lower in-hospital mortality rates, independent of hospital volume. Variations exist among surgeons and among different areas of the state. Data regarding cost and mortality are available for use in programs of cost and quality improvement.
10 – Investment Banking Careers, Opportunities, and Issues

Publisher Summary Investment banking focuses on giving financial advice to corporate or government-related clients and helping them raise, retire, or risk manage capital; giving strategic advice to corporate clients to enhance shareholder value through acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, or restructurings; and taking trading risk positions in financial instruments to provide investment opportunities and liquidity for investing clients. This chapter focuses on these prospective career opportunities. Each of these different areas is separately managed and has different responsibilities and compensation systems. Each requires a separate analysis to determine whether there are career fits. All investment banking jobs are time-consuming, intense, and well compensated, but they vary considerably in terms of content and required skills. The nine focus areas just described generally fall into five main business areas: Investment Banking; Trading and Sales; Private Wealth Management, Asset Management, and Research; Principal Investments; and other investment banking functions, such as Operations and Finance. The other activities conducted by an investment bank are characterized as service areas designed to facilitate revenue production in the previously described businesses. Included among these service areas are Finance, Operations, Compliance, HR, Legal, Building and Security Management, and Technology. Each of these areas is important for the successful operation of an investment bank.
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare childhood disorder caused by persistent measles virus (MV) infection of the brain that slowly evolves into chronic demyelination and neurodegeneration. Mutant MVs able to spread from cell-to-cell while evading cell-mediated immunity in the brain lead to SSPE 6–8 years after the primary infection. Patients present with behavioral changes followed by progressive myoclonus, seizures, cognitive decline, altered consciousness and death within 1–3 years. Ancillary diagnostic findings include periodic complexes on electroencephalography and intrathecal anti-MV antibodies. SSPE remains fatal despite therapeutic trials. Yet, blockage of MV fusion mechanisms is a promising approach.
Learning to Segment Brain Anatomy From 2D Ultrasound With Less Data

Automatic segmentation of anatomical landmarks from ultrasound (US) plays an important role in the management of preterm neonates with a very low birth weight due to the increased risk of developing intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) or other complications. One major problem in developing an automatic segmentation method for this task is the limited availability of annotated data. To tackle this issue, we propose a novel image synthesis method using multi-scale self attention generator to synthesize US images from various segmentation masks. We show that our method can synthesize high-quality US images for every manipulated segmentation label with qualitative and quantitative improvements over the recent state-of-the-art synthesis methods. Furthermore, for the segmentation task, we propose a novel method, called Confidence-guided Brain Anatomy Segmentation (CBAS) network, where segmentation and corresponding confidence maps are estimated at different scales. In addition, we introduce a technique which guides CBAS to learn the weights based on the confidence measure about the estimate. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed method for both synthesis and segmentation tasks achieve significant improvements over the recent state-of-the-art methods. In particular, we show that the new synthesis framework can be used to generate realistic US images which can be used to improve the performance of a segmentation algorithm.
Impossible Allies? When History and Security Collide:

To what degree are historical animosities regarding another country relevant for foreign policy in the face of changes in the security environment? This paper seeks to answer this question in the c...
The fold illusion: The origins and implications of ogives on silicic lavas

Abstract Folds on the surfaces of mafic lavas are among the most readily recognized geological structures and are used as first-order criteria for identifying ancient lavas on Earth and other planetary bodies. However, the presence of surface-folds on the surface of silicic lavas is contested in this study and we challenge the widely accepted interpretation that silicic lava surfaces contain folds using examples from the western United States and Sardinia, Italy. We interpret the ridges and troughs on their upper surfaces, typically referred to as ‘ogives’ or ‘pressure ridges’, as fracture-bound structures rather than folds. We report on the absence of large-scale, buckle-style folds and note instead the ubiquitous presence of multiple generations and scales of tensile fractures comparable to crevasses in glaciers and formed in ways similar to already recognized crease structures. We report viscosity data and results of stress analyses that preclude folding (ductile deformation in compression) of the upper surface of silicic lavas at timescales of emplacement (weeks to months). Therefore, analysis of fold geometry (wavelength, amplitude, etc.) is erroneous, and instead the signal produced reflects the strength and thickness of the brittle upper surface stretching over a ductile interior. The presence of ogives on the surfaces of lavas on other planetary bodies may help to elucidate their rheological properties and crustal thicknesses, but relating to their tensile strength, not viscosity.
The Wonderful World of Quidditch: An Innovative Model of Gender Inclusivity

Segrave argues that, as a new and emergent sport, Quidditch offers an innovative alternative to the androcentric, sex-segregated nature of contemporary sport. In particular, Quidditch represents a symbolic challenge to the dominant bimodal gender classification in sport which contributes to gender injustice, homophobia and transphobia. Specifically, Segrave suggests that Quidditch makes transparent the sexist and discriminating practices of sport, exposing the ways in which the entrenched and taken-for-granted gender binary institutionalizes and rationalizes heteronormative male power and privilege. Quidditch also displays many of the tensions and conflicts that characterize innovative sports as it seeks to maintain its gender integrity at the same time as it feels the pressures that accrue from its rapidly growing popularity and success.
Aviation Student Involvement in Campus Based Extracurricular Organizations at a Midwestern University

The purpose of this study was to investigate aviation student involvement in campus based extracurricular organizations at a large Midwestern university. Since 2002, the researchers have noted a steady decline in aviation student involvement, and recently surveyed students with the use of a descriptive survey questionnaire developed for this study to determine the cause of decreased student involvement. The survey was also used to investigate aviation student attitudes and beliefs about various student organizations in addition to soliciting demographic information about the students who completed the survey. The study found that a substantial number of aviation students did not perceive involvement in aviation student organizations as particularly meaningful to their lives. Furthermore, students were not aware of opportunities, through active involvement in campus and civic organizations, to network with aviation industry representatives for internships and employment during school or after graduation. Students also cited various reasons regarding their lack of active involvement in organizations including work, other obligations, and lack of time. Students indicated that some organizations had student leaders who lacked a sense of direction and purpose. Recommendations were made to assist faculty advisors in providing guidance to student leaders of organizations and to develop opportunities to educate students about the benefits of organizational involvement.
Toward a Methodology of Vocal Pedagogy Research

This paper will consider the cultural artifact we call vocal pedagogy. While the word "pedagogy" often presents multiple meanings, here it will specifically refer to the interaction of expert teacher and novice student in a one-on-one studio lesson. The studio teacher's art has long been considered to be beyond the capabilities of empirical analysis. Yet,we instinctively are drawn to the Svengalilike powers of the studio teacher. We are fascinated by the use of language to compel behavior, to facilitate learning. The study of one-on-one voice teaching offers us the opportunity to observe at close hand how language mediates teaching and learning, and to begin to crack open the mysteries of the art of teaching.
ACUTE METABOLIC ACIDOSIS: EFFECTS ON ARGININE IN VASOPRESSIN(AVP) RELEASE IN FETAL SHEEP

Acute asphyxia results in AVP hypersecretion in fetal sheep. Since acidosis, hypoxia, and hypercapnea occur simultaneously with asphyxia, it is unclear which is primarily responsible for AVP release. We have shown that hypoxia has no effect until aortic PO2 (PaO2) is 8μU/ml, 30.2μU/ml. We conclude that: 1) acidosis, like hypoxemia alone, does not result in marked fetal AVP release; 2) whereas AVP release is related linearly to pHa, there appears to be a threshold value for PaO2; and 3) acidosis and hypoxia appear synergistic for AVP release, but the role of PaCO2 is unknown. *p<.05.
A New Spin on Saturn's Rotation

Modulations of radio emissions from Saturn that have been used to measure the rotation of the planet's interior now turn out to be caused by an external ring of plasma. The true internal rotation continues to be a mystery.
The Base Rate Problem and Its Consequences for Interpreting Children's Ability Profiles.

Base rates refer to the proportion of a population that falls within a diagnostic category, either identifying an exceptionality (e.g., learning disability [LD], emotional disturbance [ED], or simp...
Stress Prevention and Management

Stress is the way of life—a condition that is only compounded by an individual being a physician. One solution to the dilemma of managing stress lies in prevention. Some proponents of this method have suggested prescreening medical school applicants for ability to handle stress and teaching values clarification during medical school (Spears). Others have suggested making support groups, stress management techniques and methods for early identification of problems during medical training a part of every medical school (Hoferik, Gerber).
GM-CSF-neuroantigen fusion proteins reverse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and mediate tolerogenic activity in adjuvant-primed environments: association with inflammation-dependent, inhibitory antigen presentation.

Single-chain fusion proteins comprised of GM-CSF and neuroantigen (NAg) are potent, NAg-specific inhibitors of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). An important question was whether GMCSF-NAg tolerogenic vaccines retained inhibitory activity within inflammatory environments or were contingent upon steady-state conditions. GM-CSF fused to the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein MOG 35–55 peptide (GMCSF-MOG) reversed established paralytic disease in both passive and active models of EAE in C57BL/6 mice. The fusion protein also reversed EAE in CD4-deficient and B cell–deficient mice. Notably, GMCSF-MOG inhibited EAE when coinjected adjacent to the MOG 35–55 /CFA emulsion. GMCSF-MOG also retained dominant inhibitory activity when directly emulsified with MOG 35–55 in the CFA emulsion in both C57BL/6 or B cell–deficient models of EAE. Likewise, when combined with proteolipid protein 139–151 in CFA, GM-CSF fused to proteolipid protein 139–151 peptide inhibited EAE in SJL mice. When deliberately emulsified in CFA with the NAg, GMCSF-NAg inhibited EAE even though NAg was present at >30-fold molar excess. In vitro studies revealed that the GM-CSF domain of GMCSF-MOG stimulated growth and differentiation of inflammatory dendritic cells (DC) and simultaneously targeted the MOG 35–55 domain for enhanced presentation by these DC. These inflammatory DC presented MOG 35–55 to MOG-specific T cells by an inhibitory mechanism that was mediated in part by IFN-γ signaling and NO production. In conclusion, GMCSF-NAg was tolerogenic in CFA-primed proinflammatory environments by a mechanism associated with targeted Ag presentation by inflammatory DC and an inhibitory IFN-γ/NO pathway. The inhibitory activity of GMCSF-NAg in CFA-primed lymphatics distinguishes GMCSF-NAg fusion proteins as a unique class of inflammation-dependent tolerogens that are mechanistically distinct from naked peptide or protein-based tolerogens.
A semantic analysis of c++ templates

Templates are a powerful but poorly understood feature of the C++ language. Their syntax resembles the parameterized classes of other languages (e.g., of Java). But because C++ supports template specialization, their semantics is quite different from that of parameterized classes. Template specialization provides a Turing-complete sub-language within C++ that executes at compile-time. Programmers put this power to many uses. For example, templates are a popular tool for writing program generators. The C++ Standard defines the semantics of templates using natural language, so it is prone to misinterpretation. The meta-theoretic properties of C++ templates have not been studied, so the semantics of templates has not been systematically checked for errors. In this paper we present the first formal account of C++ templates including some of the more complex aspects, such as template partial specialization. We validate our semantics by proving type safety and verify the proof with the Isabelle proof assistant. Our formalization reveals two interesting issues in the C++ Standard: the first is a problem with member instantiation and the second concerns the generation of unnecessary template specializations.
ON THE DESIGN AND EFFECTS OF MONETARY POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

In trying to evaluate the autonomy of central banks in the Middle East, the paper examines the determinants and implications of monetary policy across a sample of countries in the region: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Tunisia. Monetary policy is often established as a tool to facilitate government objectives. However, some of the announced objectives - price stability, economic growth, and full employment - may be contradictory. The governments may then set the reaction function for the monetary authority to devote more attention to specific objectives that they judge to be more urgent for economic performance. Models that attempt to identify the reaction function for the monetary authority differentiate between two types of policies: rules or accommodative policies versus discretion or stabilizing policies. An accommodative policy provides a regular supply of credit to an expanding economy. A stabilizing policy, in contrast, varies the money supply to counter shocks that may deviate the economy from its objectives. The present paper seeks to shed some light on the design of monetary policy across countries that have kept a sufficient data record for empirical investigation. The empirical investigation proceeds in two steps. The first step seeks to identify the reaction function for the design of monetary policy. The second step seeks to evaluate the varying effects of monetary policy in the light of variations in the policy design. Specifically, empirical models are estimated to identify the effects of growth in money supply on real output growth and price inflation.JEL classification: E51, E52, E58, N15Key words: Monetary policy, Economic growth, Middle-East countries
Immunology of Organ Transplantation

The major hurdle to successful transplantation is immune-mediated rejection, a process that has been partially prevented through the use of potent immunosuppressive medications. Understanding the basis of transplant immunology is required to comprehend the role of the tissue typing laboratory in managing potential transplant recipients to understand the mechanisms of immunosuppression and to be able to appropriately detect and diagnose acute or chronic rejection. The goal of this chapter is to give general overview of the components of the immune system, recognition of alloantigen, and cellular and humoral immune response, focusing on those aspects that are important to understand the logic behind the clinical use of immunosuppressive drugs. We then outline clinically relevant organ specific differences and clinical applications of transplant immunology.
Time scale analysis and synthesis for electrical transmission lines in a smart grid

As the electrical grid evolves into a smart grid, efficient routing of power through transmission lines becomes essential to meet power demands. Real-time computations of line temperature and line current become important for dynamically rating transmission lines. This process becomes challenging as the transmission line system consists of complex electrical and thermal dynamics, which exist simultaneously and interact with each other. This makes the system computationally ‘stiff’ for control design purposes and also for real-time/online control implementations. The inherent time scale nature of transmission lines are not well addressed in the IEEE 738 Standard, and require a better understanding to efficiently calculate ampacity levels based on line temperature. In this paper, a time domain modeling approach is proposed for a short-length transmission line, which captures the time scale nature of transmission lines. A software control design, utilizing the line's time scale behavior, is proposed that mitigates perturbations in a transmission line.
Origin of quasi-constant pre-exponential factors for adatom diffusion on Cu and Ag surfaces

Many-body interaction potentials from the embedded atom method with two functionals and electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory and the plane-wave pseudopotential method are used to calculate the pre-exponential factors for self-diffusion of adatoms via hopping on Cu(100) and Ag(100) surfaces with and without steps. The pre-exponential factors are found to be in the range of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}∕\mathrm{s}$ for all investigated processes regardless of whether substrate vibrational dynamics are included or omitted. When substrate dynamics are ignored, compensation effects between stiffening and softening of the vibrational frequencies of the diffusing atom are responsible for this quasi-constant pre-exponential. When these dynamics are included, subtle cancellations in the vibrational free energy make the local contribution of the diffusing atom the dominant one.
Measurement carbon dioxide concentration does not affect root respiration of nine tree species in the field.

Inhibition of respiration has been reported as a short-term response of tree roots to elevated measurement CO2 concentration ([CO2]), calling into question the validity of root respiration rates determined at CO2 concentrations that differ from the soil [CO2] in the rooting zone. Our objectives were to validate previous observations of a direct CO2 effect on root respiration in sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and to determine if high [CO2] also inhibited root respiration in other tree species. Root respiration rates for nine common North American tree species were measured in the field at ambient soil temperature at both 350 and 1000 ?l CO2 1-1. No evidence of direct inhibition of root respiration by elevated measurement [CO2] was found for any of the species tested. The ratio of respiration rates at 1000 and 350 ?l CO2 1-1 ranged from 0.97 to 1.07, and the 95% confidence intervals for this ratio included unity for all species tested. Tests of a respiration cuvette used in earlier experiments suggested that gas leakage from the cuvette/IRGA system created an apparent direct CO2 effect on respiration of sugar maple roots when none actually existed. Small sample masses used in those experiments exacerbated the error. Careful attention to the possibility of gas leaks and the avoidance of small sample masses should produce data that will allow researchers to accurately assess whether direct effects of measurement [CO2] exist. Our findings of no direct CO2 effect on respiration of roots of a wide variety of species suggest that such effects may be less common than previously thought for tree roots.
OBSERVATION OF RESONANCE EFFECT IN MODULATED FLUORESCENT LIGHT FROM COHERENTLY EXCITED 4$sup 2$S/sub 1/2/ AND 4$sup 2$P/sub 1/2/ LEVELS IN $sup 4$He .

We have observed a resonance phenomenon in the fluorescent light from $^{4}\mathrm{He}^{+}$ at a frequency corresponding to the interval between the nondegenerate Zeeman components $\ensuremath{\beta}$ and $f$ of the $4^{2}S_{\frac{1}{2}}$ and $4^{2}P_{\frac{1}{2}}$ states excited by an electron beam modulated at the corresponding frequency (uhf microwave). The observations can be interpreted as "quantum beats." An observation which we recently described in this way is better considered as a time-dependent level-crossing effect.
Playfield registration in broadcast soccer video

In this paper, we present a method to conduct playfield registration for ball and player trajectory mapping in soccer videos. The task is to find the geometric correspondence between a screen image plane and the standard playfield model, and then map the ball and players from the image plane to the field model. We firstly learn the video dominant colour, and use it to extract the field region. Then apply Hough transform to detect lines and extract their intersection points. If the number of intersection points is big enough (>=4), we use direct way to estimate the homography mapping matrix. Otherwise, we apply indirect way that reconstructs the mapping matrix by taking motion between adjacent frames as transition factor. We tested the method on thousands of frames in FIFA World Cup 2006 videos, and demonstrated the method is practicable and robust in cases player occlusion and moderate camera motion.
The Risk of Appendiceal Rupture Based on Hospital Admission Source

. Objective: To determine whether admission source is a potential risk factor for appendiceal rupture. Methods: Administrative data were obtained from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development for all patients in San Diego County with the primary diagnosis of appendicitis during 1993. The appendiceal rupture ratio was defined as those coded as ruptured (ICD-9-CM codes 540.0 and 540.1) divided by both ruptured and non-ruptured cases (540.9). The odds ratio of appendiceal rupture from routine outpatient office or clinic venues vs those admitted through the ED were calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis to adjust for age, sex, race, comorbidity, insurance status, and home address to hospital proximity. Results: There were a total of 1,906 patients, of whom 663 (34.8%) had appendiceal ruptures. Of the 1,360 (71.4%) admitted from the ED, 422 (31.0%) had ruptures, compared with 211 (43.3%) of the 487 admitted from outpatient sources (p < 0.0001). Patients with appendicitis directly admitted from outpatient sources were more likely to be complicated by appendiceal rupture than were those admitted through the hospital ED (adjusted odds ratio 1.62, 95% CI = 1.28 to 2.05, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Patients with appendicitis admitted from outpatient sources are more likely to have appendiceal rupture than are those admitted from the ED.
Probabilistic Analysis of a SiC/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composite Turbine Vane

To demonstrate the advanced composite materials technology under development within the Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology (UEET) Program, it was planned to fabricate, test, and analyze a turbine vane made entirely of silicon carbide-fiber-reinforced silicon carbide matrix composite (SiC/SiC CMC) material. The objective was to utilize a five-harness satin weave melt-infiltrated (MI) SiC/SiC composite material developed under this program to design and fabricate a stator vane that can endure 1000 hours of engine service conditions. The vane was designed such that the expected maximum stresses were kept within the proportional limit strength of the material. Any violation of this design requirement was considered as the failure. This report presents results of a probabilistic analysis and reliability assessment of the vane. Probability of failure to meet the design requirements was computed. In the analysis, material properties, strength, and pressure loading were considered as random variables. The pressure loads were considered normally distributed with a nominal variation. A temperature profile on the vane was obtained by performing a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and was assumed to be deterministic. The results suggest that for the current vane design, the chance of not meeting design requirements is about 1.6 percent.
Pediatric exposure to choking hazards is associated with parental knowledge of choking hazards

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate parental knowledge regarding household food and non-food choking hazards. DESIGN: Cross Sectional Survey. SETTING: Tertiary Care Children's Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Parents presenting to a Pediatric Otolaryngology Clinic with a child Language: en
Terminal component of complement (C9) in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis and neurologic controls

We measured the concentration of C9 in the CSF and plasma of 93 consecutive patients referred for CSF examination in an outpatient multispecialty clinic. We noted no differences in CSF C9 or C9 index between patients with multiple sclerosis and neurologic controls.
Differential catecholamine responses to dietary intake: Effects of macronutrients on dopamine and epinephrine excretion in the rat

Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) function responds to changes in diet in animals and humans; whether alterations in peripheral dopaminergic activity or in adrenal medullary secretion also occur with dietary manipulation is unclear. The present studies in rats demonstrate that casein supplementation of a lab chow diet raised urinary excretion of dopamine (DA) and epinephrine (E); both sucrose and lard feeding suppressed urinary DA, though only lard appeared to exert any effect on E excretion (reduction). Addition of tyrosine to the chow diet in an amount equivalent to the tyrosine content of casein increased DA output comparably to that seen in casein-fed rats, but did not reproduce the effects of casein on E excretion. Oral administration of carbidopa, an inhibitor of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) decarboxylation in kidney reduced the DA response to casein, but chemical sympathectomy, which lowered urinary norepinephrine (NE), and adrenal denervation, which diminished E excretion, did not. Thus, the patterns of response of the peripheral dopaminergic system in kidney and of the adrenal medulla to short-term nutrient and tyrosine ingestion are distinct from those observed for the SNS and for each other, suggesting that all three peripheral catecholamine systems may be governed by separate regulatory mechanisms.
The Influence of Race and Religion on Abstinence from Alcohol, Cigarettes and Marijuana among Adolescents

Objective: Past research has not fully explained why black youth are less likely than white youth to use alcohol and other substances. One plausible yet underexamined explanation is the "religion hypothesis," which posits that black youth are more likely than white youth to abstain because they are more religious than white youth. The present study tested this hypothesis empirically. Method: The study examined data from large, nationally representative samples of white and black 10th graders from the Monitoring the Future project. Results: Relative to white students, black students are more likely to abstain from alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana and are more highly religious. Consistent with the "religiosity hypothesis," race differences in abstinence are substantially reduced when race differences in religiosity are controlled. Unexpectedly, however, highly religious white youth are more likely than highly religious black youth to abstain from alcohol and marijuana use. Conclusions: Although religion is...
Working Through Tradition: Experiential Learning and Formal Training as Markers of Class and Caste in North Indian Block Printing

Located about 40 kilometers west of Jaipur, India, Bagru is home to a nationally renowned cluster of about 100 artisan families who use wooden blocks and rely heavily on regionally manufactured natural dyes to hand print upscale boutique textiles for the world market. As printers have successfully entered into export markets, they have sold their products as “traditional,” marking their commodities as distinct from mass-produced, screen-printed textiles made with chemical dyes in urban factories. At the same time, designers have played an important role in introducing these traditional products to a global market, marking their role as “innovative.” In this article I argue that the articulation and practice of tradition and innovation within different works, then, serve to mediate and maintain class distinctions in an arena where a rising middle class is still self-consciously creating itself. This article explores the distinctive formal and experiential learning associated with tradition and innovation alongside the discourses that accompany them. What is implicitly at stake in this narrative is the construction and maintenance of a class distinction: one that borrows from local caste understandings of patronage and responsibility at the same time that it manages to negotiate local and global systems—both exploiting and being exploited by the consistently reconstructed boundaries of the market.
An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy sputter profile study of the native air-formed oxide film on titanium

Abstract The incipient air-formed oxide film on titanium is approximately 80 A in thickness and consists of TiO 2 . Sputtering the oxide film in vacuum with 3 keV argon ions changes the composition of the oxide film. XPS depth profiles obtained by sputtering with 3 keV argon ions show that after sputtering, the outermost portion of the film consists of TiO 2 and that the inner portion consists of Ti 2 O 3 and TiO. Mathematical analysis of the sputtered oxide film as a three-layer structure shows that with increased time of sputtering, the calculated thickness of TiO 2 and its mole fraction in the oxide film decreases faster than that due solely to thinning of the outermost layer. In addition, the mole fraction of the TiO layer increases, while that of the Ti 2 O 3 remains relatively unchanged during sputtering. These observations suggest that the ion beam reduces part of the TiO 2 layer to Ti 2 O 3 , which in turn is then reduced to TiO.
1313 CRANIOSTENOSIS: CORRELATION OF ETIOLOGY WITH SUTURAL HISTOLOGY AND RESPONSE TO SURGERY

Retrospective studies have implicated fetal head constraint as one cause for sagittal, coronal and metopic craniostenosis, Early sutural patency is contingent on persistent dural growth stretch. We hypothesize that fetal head constraint in a particular plane is one mechanism through which one or more sutural regions may be relieved of growth stretch, enhancing the liability towards synostosis at that region. This hypothesis is supported by animal studies and we present sutural histology from 15 instances of sagittal craniostenosis for which gestational histories implicated fetal head constraint as the cause in 13 instances. We also present histology from 2 constraint-related cases of metopic craniostenosis. In each case there was ectocranial bone deposition, endocranial bone resorption and demonstrable sutural synostosis. A Sayers partial calvariectomy procedure was performed at or before 6 mos. in all instances. This dramatically restored head shape to normal with reformation of the calvarium and sutures. This sutural histology and restoration to normal form by surgery differed from that found in 6 instances of coronal craniostenosis which occured as part of a broader pattern of intrinsic malformation, such as Pfeiffer or Saethre-Chotzen syndromes. In these latter instances, the altered craniofacial form tended to persist despite early calvariectomy.