cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Governance Options for a Regional Wireless Public Safety and Transportation Network

Abstract This paper examines several organizational governance options for CapWIN, an in-vehicle multi-jurisdictional communications and information system to be used by law enforcement, transportation, and public safety fleets in the Washington DC national capital region. The paper identifies and describes various organizational governance options for CapWIN, along with their institutional, constitutional, organizational, and financial characteristics and dynamics. An overview examination of various governance options is presented, including models and examples from across the country. From among these options, two structures are suggested as the most promising governance candidates. The research findings focus on the highest-potential candidate, the Interstate Compact Agreement and Organization.
A molecular orbital study of lithium ion association with bases. The excited carbonyl bases R2CO

Abstract SCF CI calculations have been performed to investigate Li XXX association with excited bases R 2 CO. Although association leads to large increases in n → π ∗ transition energies, the complexes R 2 COLi XXX remain bound in the n → π ∗ state, but are destabilized relative to the ground state. In the Li XXX -urea complex, the n → π ∗ A 2 , state lies slightly above a charge-transfer π → σ * A 2 state.
A low power high resolution digital PWM with process and temperature calibrations for digital controlled DC-DC converters

In this paper, a 12-bit high resolution, power and area economy Digital Pulse Width Modulator (DPWM) with process and temperature calibration is proposed for digital controlled DC-DC converter. It adopts the differential delay cell so as the size is minimized compared to the single ended one. Voltage controlled inverter is built to be a deferential delay cell. Both the delay cell is optimized and the additional control node makes the calibration possible. The process and temperature monitors provides the desired feature aimed to calibrate the frequency variation caused by the process corner and temperature factors, which allows this delay line can be served as a clock. The lookup table combines different situation and output proper control voltage to the delay cell. Each module is verified by simulation and whole block is working properly under different corner using 0.18um technology.
The pathology of head and neck tumors: Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, part 5

Nasal polyps and epithelial papillomas of the sinonasal tract often manifest similar clinical signs and symptoms. The similarity ends, however, when one considers their disparate biologic behavior. Polyps are associated with atopy, infection, and some metabolic, systemic disorders, whereas papillomas are enigmatic in pathogenesis and do not have an association with possible precursor disorders. While recurrences of nasal polyps may be an annoyance for the patient, such recurrences lack the local aggressiveness of the papilloma. Malignancies are rare in nasal polyps, whereas the frequency of malignancies in papillomas is both statistically and biologically significant. In this report, selected aspects of nasal polyps are considered and serve to contrast with the clinicopathologic evaluation of epithelial papillomas.
Energy conservation and indoor air pollution

Abstract Energy-conservation measures for buildings work partly by reducing air exchange (v) between buildings and their surroundings, resulting in greater retention of pollutants emitted indoors by combustion and other sources. For example, if v is reduced 4-fold, pilot-light pollutant contribution will quadruple (perhaps rising from ≅5 mg/m3 to ≅20 mg/m3 for carbon-monoxide). A calculation shows that it might take 4 1 2 h for CO levels to decline below the EPA one-hour ambient standard after only 1 h of oven use in a small kitchen when v = 1 4 air change/h (ach) but less than 1 2 h when v = 1 ach. We present a model that accounts for the reduced heating system operating requirement permitted by energy conservation by assuming that indoor pollutant levels are linear in v This model predicts that when v is reduced 4-fold, heating system pollutant contributions can still rise up to 3-fold, depending upon building characteristics and the extent of increased insulation. Thus precautions are clearly necessary when tightening building envelopes. At a minimum, pilot lights should be eliminated and effective kitchen ventilation systems installed.
Effects of testosterone treatment in adulthood on sexual behaviour of female pseudohermaphrodite rhesus monkeys.

DANTCHAKOFF1 observed 35 years ago that prenatal androgen treatment not only masculinized the reproductive anatomy of female guinea-pigs but also seemed to influence the development of their central nervous system since they displayed malelike mounting in adulthood. Normal female guinea-pigs also display male-like mounting2, however and Dantchakoff made no attempt to quantify the behavioural responses.
Tapping mode AFM evidence for an amorphous reticular phase in a condensation cured hybrid elastomer: Alpha,omega-dihydroxypoly(dimethylsiloxane) poly(diethoxysiloxane) fumed silica nanoparticles.

A new surface phenomenon is reported for hybrid nanocomposites comprising (1) a low Tg poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) phase cross-linked by (2) a siliceous phase (SP) generated by in situ hydrolysis/condensation of poly(diethoxysiloxane) (PDES), and (3) fumed silica nanoparticles (FSN). After ambient temperature cure, tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TM-AFM) easily reveals near-surface FSN. For nanocomposites with higher PDES content, FSN surprisingly “disappear” after a further cure at 100 °C. The observation is explained by further condensation of extant siliceous fragments creating an amorphous reticular phase, which acts as a mechanical barrier between the FSN and the AFM tip.
Orientation dependence of electron spin phase memory relaxation times in copper(II) and vanadyl complexes in frozen solution

The orientation dependence of the electron spin phase memory relaxation time (T) was measured for vanadyl 5-(4-carboxyphenyl)-10, 15, 20-tritolylporphyrin at 22, 50, and 100 K, copper(II) bis(diethyldithiocarbamate) at 50 and 100 K, and copper(II) 5, 10, 15, 20-tetratolylporphyrin at 50, 70, and 100 K in frozen solution. Tm was determined by fitting a single exponential to two-pulse electron spin echo data. The values of Tm were strongly dependent on the orientation of the molecule in the magnetic field. Longer values were obtained when the magnetic field was along a principal axis or along a non-canonical turning point in the spectrum. Shorter values of Tm were observed at intermediate orientations. The orientation dependence of Tm is attributed to molecular motion. The EPR spectra for the three systems examined are approximately axial, so the relevant motion is motion of the molecular z axis with respect to the external magnetic field. Longer values of Tm (slower relaxation) occur for orientations at which the resonant condition is less sensitive to a change in orientation of the molecular z axis. Shorter values of Tm (faster relaxation) occur at orientations for which the resonant condition is more sensitive to a change in orientation of the molecular z axis.
MR angiography with an ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide blood pool agent

The purpose of the study was to investigate the use of a dextran-coated ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) as a blood pool contrast agent for thoracic and abdominal MR angiography. Abdominal and thoracic MR angiography was performed in six healthy volunteers using two-dimensional and three-dimensional spoiled gradient echo (SPGR) sequences before and after intravenous administration of USPIO. Doses ranged from 1.1 to 2.6 mg Fe/kg. Flip angle was varied from 20 to 60 degrees. Subjective image quality, analysis of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and blood T1 relaxation times were measured. USPIO significantly lowered the T1 of blood (from 1,210 ms precontrast to 159 ms postcontrast at a dose of 2.6 mg Fe/kg) (P < .01). Image quality on coronal fast three-dimensional breath-hold SPGR images of the abdomen increased with increasing dose and was maximum at the highest dose, producing an aortic SNR of 9.6 compared to 1.8 precontrast. Axial two-dimensional time-of-flight (TOF) aortic SNR was reduced significantly from 13 on precontrast to 6 on the postcontrast images at the highest dose (P < .05) due to T2* shortening effects. There was little flip angle dependence on image quality. Due to the T1 shortening effect and long intravascular half-life, USPIO improved visualization of vascular anatomy using three-dimensional fast SPGR imaging. The echo time must be minimized to minimize signal loss from T2* shortening effects. The blood pool distribution of USPIO is useful for equilibrium-phase MR angiography.
The nature of the mistral: Observations and modelling of two MAP events

Two mistral events observed in 1999 during the Mesoscale Alpine Programme (MAP) are studied using observational data and high-resolution mesoscale-model simulations from the US Navy's Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS). Radiosondes suggested that both mistral wind events were associated with the passage of cold fronts and post-frontal air descent. EuroSat Rapidscan images indicated a stationary and persistent cloud edge along the lee of the Massif Central. The cloud edge marks the beginning of mistral flow acceleration and descent according to COAMPS simulations. Narrow persistent cloud banners were identified trailing from the Mont Lozere in the Massif Central during both mistral events. COAMPS indicated that these cloud banners were associated with a deeper turbulent boundary layer in wakes induced by hydraulic jumps. The cloud banner and wake defined the western boundary of the mistral. Analysis of dropsonde data and in situ flight data indicated the presence of a sharp shear line separating the cold severe mistral wind from the warm calm wake flow to the lee of the French Alps. Trajectory analysis of model data suggested that air parcels on the two sides of the shear line had different histories. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society.
Luminescent Decay of Localized Optical Excitations in KCl

As part of an effort to study absorption, luminescence, and thermal excitation with the same simple impurity system in a KCl single crystal, the luminescence arising from the optical excitation of iodine ions in KCl was measured. The excitation and emission spectra and the yield curves were determined in detail for different concentrations of iodine in the lattice between helium and room temperature and for various exciting photon energies. Results obtained for the thermal broadening of the emission bands, as well as previous results on the thermal broadening of absorption bands can be understood in terms of a simple Franck-Condon model. The existence of 3 emission bands, the observed large Stokes shift, and widely different half-widths of the bands suggest that different excited states are involved in the absorption and emission processes.
Some Notes on the Reinvention of Latent Structure Models as Diagnostic Classification Models

Rupp & Templin (2008) have done a remarkable job with their paper. The overview tries and to a large extent succeeds in being a balanced one—one that does not only include developments originating ...
Quantitation of endogenously occupied and unoccupied binding sites for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in rat intestine

Abstract The quantitative reversible dissociation of the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3]-receptor complex by the mercurial reagent mersalyl was used to develop an assay for endogenously occupied and unoccupied 1,25-(OH)2D3 binding sites. Incubation of intestinal cytosol preparations in buffer containing 50 mM Tris . HCl, 300 mM KCl, and 1.5 mM EDTA, pH 7.4, with 1 mM mersalyl for 60 min was effective in inhibiting 98% of 1,25-(OH)2D3 specific binding activity. Dissociation of bound 1,25-(OH)2[26,27-3H]D3 from the hormone-receptor complex approached completion by 180 min. In cytosol incubated with saturating levels of nonradioactive hormone, 96% of total binding activity was measurable with the hormone binding assay after displacement of bound nonradioactive ligand with 1 mM mersalyl. Endogenously occupied 1,25-(OH)2D3 binding sites contributed 0, 9, and 19% of total binding activity in rats with plasma 1,25-(OH)2D3 levels averaging 2, 121 +/- 36 and 516 +/- 92 pg/ml, respectively. Therefore, the major fraction of cytosolic 1,25-(OH)2D3 specific binding activity is unoccupied in rat intestine. The results suggest that only a small proportion of the measurable receptors are in the bound form to provide maximal 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced calcium transport.
Ambulatory-Based Education in Internal Medicine: Current Organization and Implications for Transformation. Results of A National Survey of Resident Continuity Clinic Directors

BACKGROUND Many have called for ambulatory training redesign in internal medicine (IM) residencies to increase primary care career outcomes. Many believe dysfunctional, clinic environments are a key barrier to meaningful ambulatory education, but little is actually known about the educational milieu of continuity clinics nationwide.
Variation within teosinte. II. numerical analysis of chromosome knob data

Principal components analysis of 46 chromosome knob positions and B chromosomes for 61 accessions of annual teosinte (in 12 groups) and 207 accessions of maize (in 87 groups) produced results which did not entirely agree with previous groupings. Teosintes of northwest and southeast Guatemala (races Huehuetenango and Guatemala) were widely separated from maize and from all other teosintes; however, teosintes of east Mexico-Distrito Federal (race Chalco) were also widely separated from maize and other teosintes. Teosintes of south Chihuahua (race Nobogame) grouped separately from other teosintes, suggesting that race Nobogame is not simply a northern extreme of race Central Plateau. Teosintes of east Michoacan and west Mexico (recently grouped into the Balsas race) grouped together but separately from other teosintes. The latter teosintes may merit special designation in a racial taxonomic system. Only the Central Plateau teosintes consistently overlapped with maize OTU's for the first few principal components. Even in that case there was no consistent association between the Central Plateau teosintes and any specific race of maize.
H.p.l.c. of benzo[a]pyrene glucuronide, sulfate and glutathione conjugates and water-soluble metabolites from hamster embryo fibroblasts.

Chromatography of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) sulfate, glucuronide and glutathione (GSH) conjugate standards were examined by h.p.l.c. on a C8 column as modified by various organic acids and solvents. Sulfate and glucuronide standards were positional isomers derived from BaP-1,3,6,7,9 phenols and BaP-GSH conjugates consisted of a racemic mixture of BaP-4,5-GSH. In the absence of acid, BaP conjugates appeared as rapidly eluting, unresolved peaks in aqueous-methanol or acetonitrile gradients or coeluted as broad peaks in a water-propanol gradient, with the exception of BaP-7-OH sulfate which eluted as a distinct symmetrical peak. Addition of acetic or trifluoroacetic (TFA) acids enhanced column retention of BaP conjugates in each solvent system. Upon acidification of mobile phases, BaP-GSH isomers were partially resolved, isomers of BaP sulfates or of BaP glucuronides coeluted, and BaP-7-OH sulfate was resolved from all conjugates. BaP-GSH conjugates were most resolved and preceded elution of other conjugates when TFA was added to mobile phases. BaP sulfates and glucuronides generally coeluted but were partially resolved at 0.1% TFA in a water-methanol gradient. Water-soluble metabolites from cultured hamster embryo fibroblasts (HEF) incubated with [3H]BaP for 24 h were chromatographed by h.p.l.c. in a water-methanol gradient with TFA. BaP glucuronides, consisting of tetraols, triols, quinones, dihydrodiols and phenols eluted as a single peak which could be removed by beta-glucuronidase treatment and organic extraction. BaP sulfates were not detected. The remaining BaP metabolites which were resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis, generally eluted prior to BaP glucuronides suggesting they constitute a family of BaP-GSH derivatives.
Modal and Spectrum Analysis: Data Dependent Systems in State Space

Data Dependent Systems in State Space Fundamentals of Data Dependent System Analysis Modal Decomposition of Vector (Multivariate) Systems Modal Analysis Spectrum Analysis Appendices References Index.
The effect of microgravity on protein crystal growth

Based on the results of microgravity crystallization experiments using the protein canavalin aboard four separate U.S. Space Shuttle missions, visual observations and diffraction data are presented that support the contention that protein crystals of improved quality can be obtained in a microgravity environment. With canavalin, no significant increase in resolution was noted, but an overall improvement in diffraction quality, as judged by statistical analyses of the data, was clear. This improvement in quality may be due primarily to the elimination of defects and dislocations rather than an overall enhancement of order. The mechanism for this improvement may be microgravity-stabilized depletion zones that develop around growing crystals that establish and maintain optimal growth conditions more rapidly following nucleation. Such zones would be destroyed by convective flow effects in earth's gravity.
Extending the infomation theory approach to converting limited-entry decision tables to computer programs

This paper modifies an earlier algorithm for converting decision tables into flowcharts which minimize subsequent execution time when compiled into a computer program.The algorithms considered in this paper perform limited search and, accordingly, do not necessarily result in globally optimal solutions. However, the greater search effort needed to obtain a globally optimal solution for complex decision tables is usually not justified by sufficient savings in execution time.There is an analogy between the problem of converting decision tables into efficient flowcharts and the well-understood problem in information theory of noiseless coding. The results of the noiseless coding literature are used to explore the limitations of algorithms used to solve the decision table problem.The analogy between the two problems is also used to develop improvements to the information algorithm in extending the depth of search under certain conditions and in proposing additional conditions to be added to the decision table.Finally, the information algorithm is compared with an algorithm proposed in a recent paper by Verhelst.
Low-Temperature Water–Gas Shift: Doping Ceria Improves Reducibility and Mobility of O-Bound Species and Catalyst Activity

A series of platinum loaded catalysts supported on cation (Me)-doped cerium dioxide (Me = Ba, La, Y, Hf and Zn) was prepared by co-precipitation of the Me-nitrates and impregnation of a Pt precursor. Low temperature water–gas shift activity depends on the nature of dopant employed, varying in the order of Ba > Y > Hf > La > undoped ceria > Zn. TPR-XANES measurements with flowing hydrogen reveal that adding dopants to ceria facilitate ceria reduction and increases the extents of both surface shell and bulk reduction of ceria. Experimental results confirm past theoretical models that dopants enhance both O-mobility and reducibility of ceria. DRIFTS measurements of the transient decomposition of formates in steam suggest that formate half-life follows the trend Zn > undoped ceria > La > Hf > Y > Ba, indicating that the formate decomposition rate is enhanced by the addition of most of the dopants tested. Taken together, the results suggest that dopant addition improves the WGS rate by increasing the O-mobility of O-bound associated intermediates. Therefore, less Pt and Ce, which are expensive, is required to achieve comparable levels of activity.
Management of cancer pain with oral controlled-release morphine sulfate

Morphine sulfate Contin (MSC) is an investigational matrix delivery system for oral morphine sulfate that allows for prolonged blood levels of morphine. Twenty-six patients with inadequately controlled cancer-related pain were examined in an open but controlled study using MSC. Initially, all patients were converted from the prestudy analgesic regimen to an equianalgesic amount of immediate-release morphine sulfate (IRMS) on a q4h dose schedule that was in turn titrated to the level of adequate pain relief. Patients then were switched to MSC q8h and eventually to q12h, starting at doses representing the same total daily amount of morphine that was in the final IRMS dose. Of the 18 patients who completed the study, all achieved satisfactory levels of analgesia on MSC, seven at q8h and 11 at q12h dosing intervals. All patients reported better analgesia while taking MSC compared with their previous regimen. Side effects associated with MSC included sedation and constipation but not nausea or respiratory difficulty. Significant drug tolerance did not develop during a mean follow-up period of four weeks (range, 1-18 weeks). MSC is an effective oral opioid analgesic that allows an increased dose interval without increased side effects or decreased potency. It can improve the quality of life of cancer patients by allowing them to be maintained without frequent dosing or parenteral medication.
Technological high strain deformation of ‘wavy glide’ metals and LEDS

The evolution of dislocation structures in technological high strain deformation of «wavy glide» metals is studied by the examples of pure aluminium, nickel, copper and hot deformed stainless steel, and compared with the earlier observations by Langford and Cohen on drawn iron wire and Wert et al. on rolled aluminium alloys including precipitates. The various dislocation cell structures in all of these (in contrast to «planar glide» metals which deform via planar arrays and/or Taylor lattices) develop in agreement with the LEDS theory to the effect of practically proving its basic tenet, the LEDS principle. Namely, dislocation rotation boundaries substantially obeying Frank's formula, i.e. LEDS's, are the dominant feature throughout. The stronger, longer and sharper of these delineate volume elements, dubbed «cell blocks» (CBs). The number of active slip systems in the CBs always falls short of the five required by the Taylor criterion, and their selection and/or relative intensitv of operation differs from onc to the next. The CBs in turn are subdivided into ordinary dislocation cells. In the early stages of rolling, believed to represent workhardening stage III, the structure is of large plate-like arrangements of roughly equiaxed cell blocks subdivided into equi'axed dislocation cells. These plates are inclined about ± (40° ± 10°) to the rolling plane. With straining, the rotation angles increase and the scale of the structure shrinks but such that the CB size shrinks faster than the cells, eventually down to n bamboo structure. This evolution proves the dislocations forming the structure to be quite mobile, in agreement with the LEDS theory. Next, in what is believed to be the onset of stage IV, intersecting slip distorts the roughly parallel CB boundaries into S-shapes (S-bands) and thereby rotates them towards parallelity with the rolling plane into finely spaced lamellar walls subdivided by n bamboo structure of cell walls. Finally, roughly equiaxed subgrains form, no longer subdivided by dislocation cells, considered to mark stage V. Rotation angle/axis determinations reveal overlapping rotation angle distributions of CB and cell walls which extend to much larger than expected angles, and that the structure is formed of dislocations from the active slip systems. Throughout, the structure evolves in accord with the LEDS hypothesis, in that the energy per unit length of dislocation line decreases successively. Although the structures could not have been predicted, they can serve for future modelling
Magnetic Levitation and Rotation for Feasibility of Free-Form Machining

This paper presents a new transformative manufacturing methodology for free-form machining. An experimental prototype machine is constructed to levitate and rotate an object attached with sharp edges, which act as a cutter for the purpose of performing machining processes. This device aims to lead to a technological breakthrough, overcoming the limitation of the workpiece features, and achieve greater free-form machining capability. The construction of curved holes and interior surfaces are constrained by the geometry of the machine tool. The proposed concept creates a new device that uses a magnetic field generator as a base. It is loaded with a constant power imposing a vertical physical force to balance gravity and stabilize the cutting tool. With the uniqueness of a preferred orientation between the tool and the base, a rotating surface placed below the base permits the rotation of the cutting tool in order to achieve desired tool rotation speed. A smooth and controlled cut is achieved on a soft material. The result shows the feasibility of the device to achieve similar outcomes as a machine tool.
Visual/Graphic Aids for the Technical Report

Authors of technical papers have many visual/graphic aids available to them. The most common are: grid graphs, tables, bar charts, flow charts, maps, pie diagrams, and drawings and sketches. Grid g...
DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL SYSTEM USING GLYCERINATED MUSCLE FOR THE STUDY OF PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

A model system which duplicates in some of its properties the chemical and physical states of non-glycerinated muscle in its various postmortem states, has been developed using glycerinated muscle at different states of contraction. The state of the muscle was related to sarcomere length, extractable actomyosin, and binding of 1-fluoro-2, 4-dinitrobezene (FDNB) to myofibrillar proteins. It was established that FDNB binding was a more accurate measure of actomyosin formation in situ than was actomyosin extractability. FDNB binding was presumably related to thin and thick filament overlap, even after the Z disc was removed, whereas extraction of actomyosin was not. Results of extensibility with the glycerinated muscle could be predicted based on the model and matched that found with non-glycerinated muscle as described in the literature. The model system offers the following advantages over non-glycerinated muscle: stability, convenience, maintenance of a “pre-rigor” condition indefinitely, and a “pre-rigor” muscle that is not contractile.
Binding of Small-Molecule Ligands to Proteins: “What You See” Is Not Always “What You Get”

We review insights from computational studies of affinities of ligands binding to proteins. The power of structural biology is in translating knowledge of protein structures into insights about their forces, binding, and mechanisms. However, the complementary power of computer modeling is in showing "the rest of the story" (i.e., how motions and ensembles and alternative conformers and the entropies and forces that cannot be seen in single molecular structures also contribute to binding affinities). Upon binding to a protein, a ligand can bind in multiple orientations; the protein or ligand can be deformed by the binding event; waters, ions, or cofactors can have unexpected involvement; and conformational or solvation entropies can sometimes play large and otherwise unpredictable roles. Computer modeling is helping to elucidate these factors.
An optimal algorithm for integrating raw materials inventory in a single-product manufacturing system

Abstract In this paper, we develop an exact solution procedure for finding the optimal inventory policies and for grouping the raw materials into a few groups. This is under the provision of a common order cycle for a single-product manufacturing system where the raw materials used for manufacturing it are procured from outside sources. We also present a numerical example.
Hepatic enrichment and activation of myeloid dendritic cells during chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious disease that can result in numerous long-term complications leading to liver failure or death. Approximately 80% of people fail to clear their infection, largely as the result of weak, narrowly targeting or waning antiviral T-cell responses. Although professional antigen presenting cells (APCs) like dendritic cells (DCs) might serve as targets for modulation of T-cell immunity, the particular role of DCs in immunity to HCV is not known. Moreover the identity, phenotype, and functional characteristics of such populations in the liver, the site of HCV replication, have proven difficult to elucidate. Using a multicolor flow-based approach, we identified six distinct populations of professional APCs among liver interstitial leukocytes isolated from uninfected and HCV-infected patients. Although a generalized enrichment of DCs in the liver compared to blood was observed for all patients, HCV infection was characterized by a significant increase in the frequency of intrahepatic myeloid DCs (both CD1c1 and CD1411). Phenotypic analyses of liver plasmacytoid (pDC) and myeloid DCs (mDC) further revealed the HCV-induced expression of maturation molecules CD80, CD83, CD40, and programmed death ligand-1. Importantly, pDC and mDCs from HCV-infected liver were capable of secreting effector cytokines, interferon-alpha and interleukin-12, respectively, in response to Toll-like receptor stimulation in vitro. Conclusion: Chronic HCV infection facilitates the ‘‘customized’’ recruitment of liver DC subsets with established functional roles in antigen presentation. These DCs are characterized by a mature, activated phenotype and are functionally responsive to antigenic stimulation in vitro. Such findings highlight an important paradox surrounding liver DC recruitment during HCV infection, where despite their activation these cells do not provide adequate protection from the virus. (HEPATOLOGY 2012;56:2071-2081)
Multiresolution probability analysis of gray-scaled images

Digitized images can be decomposed into a sum of images by use of a multiresolution wavelet expansion. Each image of the expansion can be analyzed with a parametric statistical model for the histogram associated with each expansion component. The statistical analysis of the individual expansion components is relatively simple, whereas the analysis of the original image is complicated. We show that the probability model for each expansion component can be approximated with a Laplace probability-density function for some important applications in digital mammography. An approach to random variable analysis based on the predominant low-frequency characteristics of the random fields provides theoretical support for the approximation. The theoretical framework of multiresolution analysis provides a natural extension for modeling many levels of image detail simultaneously for special cases. We demonstrate this with a noise field simulation and a mammographic application, where the expansion components are treated as independent random variables.
Lesser Scaup Nest Success and Duckling Survival on the Yukon Flats, Alaska

Abstract Over the last 20 years scaup numbers have declined, and these declines have been greatest in the northern boreal forests of Canada and Alaska where most lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) nest. We studied nest success and duckling survival of lesser scaup over 3 field seasons, 2001–2003, on the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Alaska, USA. Daily survival rate (DSR) of nests on our study area across all 3 years was 0.943 (n = 177 nests, 95% CI: 0.930–0.954), corresponding to a nest success of only 12.3%, considerably lower than published estimates of an average nest success as high as 57% for lesser scaup in the northern boreal forest. With Mayfield logistic regression, we investigated effects on nest survival of year, clutch initiation date, and nesting habitat type (large wetlands >10 ha, small wetlands <10 ha, and wooded creeks). Neither year nor clutch initiation date influenced nest survival; however, the odds of nest success on large wetlands was 49% lower than on wooded creek...
The fieldworker and the field : problems and challenges in sociological investigation

A paperback edition of the 1979 text which broke new ground in social investigation. There have, since, been other books on the experience of fieldwork, but this remains a much cited work. The 18 essays in the volume describe the experiences of field research mainly in rural and urban India, and in complex organisations such as a hospital, a factory and a trade union. There are also accounts of work in Japan, Sri Lanka and New Mexico. The book should prove an informative and helpful guide to those about to embark on their own field research.
Increase in fetal hydration during long-term intraamniotic isotonic saline infusion

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a long-term infusion of saline into the amniotic space alters amniotic fluid volume or fetal fluid balance. Isotonic saline solution was infused continuously at a rate of 1 L/day for 3 days into the amniotic cavity of eight fetal sheep, resulting in an increase in amniotic fluid volume that averaged 50% of the infused volume. This amniotic volume expansion persisted during a 36-hour recovery period. During the infusion, fetal urine flow increased by 600 ml/day and was accompanied by a significant rise in renal electrolyte excretion. Fetal swallowing of amniotic fluid rose in parallel by 600 ml/day and fetal blood volume significantly increased by 5%. Maternal parameters were not changed during the experimental or recovery periods. Thus the present data suggest that direct intraamniotic infusion on a long-term basis in pregnant sheep appears to be an effective method for increasing fetal hydration and amniotic fluid volume.
Radioimmunoassay of iodinated gentamicin

A radioimmunoassay is described for the aminoglycoside antibiotic, gentamicin. lodinated gentamicin was prepared using an 125I-labeled acylating agent: 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester which spontaneously reacts with gentamicin to produce an iodinated conjugate. The radioimmunoassay with iodinated gentamicin produced a straight line on a logit/ log plot yielding an assay sensitivity of 80 pg. A Scatchard plot plus an equilibrium technique were used to estimate the affinity constant at 8 × 109 1 mol−1 and 10.5 × 109 1 mol−1, respectively. Kanamycin and neomycin, two chemically related aminoglycoside antibiotics, did not crossreact with gentamicin until concentrations were 105 greater than those found in blood. Assay of patients' serum samples by both a microbial assay and radioimmunoassay resulted in a statistically significant (p < 0.001) correlation between the two methods.
Do type B women have more offspring?: An instance of asymmetrical selection at the ABO blood group locus.

Though several studies have examined the relationship between parental ABO blood types and reproductive success, results have been inconsistent. In this paper, the relationship is considered using the data collected by Newton Morton and colleagues from a sample of 1,068 nuclear families of migrant workers in Brazil. Morton et al., using segregation analysis, compared parental and offspring generations and found evidence of selection acting through the mechanisms of maternal/fetal incompatibility in the ABO blood group system (Morton et al. [1966] Am J Hum Genet 18:153–171). Further analysis of the same sample yields results which favor the conclusions that: (1) type B mothers have, on average, more offspring than mothers of other ABO blood types; (2) selection as expressed in reproductive differences affects females and not males; and (3) the ABO polymorphism in this sample is maintained by favoring reproductive success in heterozygous mothers. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Critical Care Management of Increased Intracranial Pressure

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a pathologic state common to a variety of serious neurologic conditions, all of which are characterized by the addition of volume to the intracranial vault. Hence all ICP therapies are directed toward reducing intracranial volume. Elevated ICP can lead to brain damage or death by two principle mechanisms: (1) global hypoxic-ischemic injury, which results from reduction of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and cerebral blood flow, and (2) mechanical compression, displacement, and herniation of brain tissue, which results from mass effect associated with compartmentalized ICP gradients. In unmonitored patients with acute neurologic deterioration, head elevation (30 degrees), hyperventilation (pCO2 26-30 mmHg), and mannitol (1.0-1.5 g/kg) can lower ICP within minutes. Fluid-coupled ventricular catheters and intraparenchymal pressure transducers are the most accurate and reliable devices for measuring ICP in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. In a monitored patient...
Is reading disability likely to interfere with glaucoma screening of adults using frequency-doubling technology perimetry?

Abstract Purpose The present study is a preliminary investigation of whether frequency doubling technology perimetry (FDT) performance deficits exist in adults with reading disability (RD) and could thereby interfere with screening assessments for glaucoma. Design Cross-sectional. Methods The study population was composed of 46 college students. Twenty-four of the participants were identified as having a RD, and 22 served as controls. All participants underwent assessments of reading, IQ, FDT, Humphrey Visual Fields (HVF), and an ophthalmologic examination. Results No differences between the RD and control groups were found in age, education, IQ, far visual acuity, HVF, or FDT performance, regardless of how FDT was evaluated (P’s > .05). Conclusions Preliminary results indicate that FDT performance deficits, which have previously been demonstrated in children with RD, are either small in magnitude or do not exist in adults. Thus, it is unlikely that RD will interfere with assessment for glaucoma using FDT perimetry.
Speaking through pictures: images vs. icons

People with aphasia, a condition that impairs the ability to understand or generate written or spoken language, are aided by assistive technology that helps them communicate through a vocabulary of icons. These systems are akin to language translation systems, translating icon arrangements into spoken or written language and vice versa. However, these icon-based systems have little vocabulary breadth or depth, making it difficult for people with aphasia to apply their usage to multiple real world situations. Pictures from the web are numerous, varied, and easily accessible and thus, could potentially address the small size issues of icon-based systems. We present results from two studies that investigate this potential and demonstrate that images can be as effective as icons when used as a replacement for English language communication. The first study uses elderly subjects to investigate the efficacy of images vs. icons in conveying word meaning; the second study examines the retention of word-level meaning by both images and icons with a population of aphasics. We conclude that images collected from the web are as functional as icons in conveying information and thus, are feasible to use in assistive technology that supports people with aphasia.
An architecture for the coordination of system management services

Today, system management services are implemented by dedicated subsystems, built using proprietary system management components. These subsystems are customized to automate their operations to the extent feasible. This model has been successful in dedicated enterprise environments, but there are opportunities to broaden the scope of these services to multicustomer utility computing environments while reducing the costs of providing these services. A new model suitable for utility computing is being developed to address these opportunities. This model features several new elements: (1) a repository to represent the state of the remotely managed components and of the services that manage them, (2) a repository of policies and operational constraints, and (3) a set of meta-management services that use existing management services to analyze, construct, and safely execute a complex set of management tasks on remote systems. The meta-management services manage the system management services provided by the utility--they guide and modify the behavior of the services, often as a result of the collective analysis of the state of one or more services. In this paper, we describe requirements and behaviors of such meta-management services and the architecture to provide them. We focus on the components of this architecture that enable and provide effective meta-management services in a utility environment.
A thermomechanical constitutive theory for elastic composites with distributed damage—I. Theoretical development

Abstract A continuum mechanics approach is utilized herein to develop a model for predicting the thermomechanical constitution of elastic composites subjected to both monotonic and cyclic fatigue loading. In this model the damage is characterized by a set of second-order tensor valued internal state variables representing locally averaged measures of specific damage states such as matrix cracks, fiber-matrix debonding, interlaminar cracking, or any other damage state. Locally averaged history dependent constitutive equations are posed utilizing constraints imposed from thermodynamics with internal state variables. In Part I the thermodynamics with internal state variables is constructed and it is shown that suitable definitions of the locally averaged field variables will lead to useful thermodynamic constraints on a local scale containing statistically homogeneous damage. Based on this result the Helmholtz free energy is then expanded in a Taylor series in terms of strain, temperature, and the internal state variables to obtain the stress-strain relation for composites with damage. In Part II the three-dimensional tensor equations developed in Part I are simplified using material symmetry constraints and are written in engineering notation. The resulting constitutive model is then cast into laminate equations and an example problem is solved and compared to experimental results. It is concluded that although the model requires further development and extensive experimental verification it may be a useful tool in characterizing the thermomechanical constitutive behavior of continuous fiber composites with damage.
What?s therapeutic about the therapeutic milieu?

While the milieu of an inpatient facility is considered a treatment modality, extant literature focuses on the staff's role in creating the milieu rather than the patient's perception of it. Not since Goffman's Asylums (1961) has there been an in-depth examination of the phenomenal world of the hospitalized psychiatric patient. In this study, eight inpatients (ages 23 to 58) on the acute psychiatric unit of a metropolitan general hospital participated in phenomenological interviews about their experience of the environment. The essential meaning of the hospital was refuge from self-destructiveness. Prominent aspects of patients' experience within the place of refuge were three interrelated themes (like me/not like me, possibilities/no possibilities, and connection/disconnection). Universally, patients perceived peer-administered "therapy" as the most beneficial aspect of their hospitalization. They expressed longing for a deeper connection with staff and more intensive insight-oriented therapies. Although their needs for safety, structure, and medication were met, patients were not gaining greater understanding of their dysfunctional patterns of behavior. Renewed emphasis must be placed on the nurse-patient relationship and the therapeutic alliance.
Mechanical Behavior of Alumina Reinforced with Carbon‐Coated Silicon Carbide Whiskers

SiC whiskers with 0, 20, and 50 A carbon coatings were incorporated into an alumina matrix to modify residual thermal stress and interfacial bonding. Composites were characterized using triaxial X-ray diffraction for residual stress determination and electron microscopy to explore interfacial chemistry. Fracture toughness and R-curve behavior were examined for short and long crack lengths. Uncoated SiC whiskers optimized strength, fracture toughness, and R-curve behavior of these composites. A graphite interphase at the whisker/matrix interface decreased contributions to crack bridging without promoting additional toughening by whisker pullout.
Learning about the equal sign: Does comparing with inequality symbols help?

This study investigated whether instruction that involves comparing the equal sign with other relational symbols is more effective at imparting a relational interpretation of the equal sign than instruction about the equal sign alone. Third- and fourth-grade students in a comparing symbols group learned about the greater than, less than, and equal signs and had the opportunity to compare the inequality symbols with the equal sign. Students in an equal sign group learned about the equal sign only. A third group of students served as a control group. Three aspects of students' knowledge were assessed before and after the lesson: (a) conceptual understanding of the equal sign, (b) equation encoding, and (c) problem solving. Students in the comparing symbols group showed greater gains in conceptual understanding from pretest to posttest than students in the other two groups, and students in the comparing symbols group also scored higher on a posttest that assessed knowledge about inequality symbols and inequality problem solving. Thus, they learned about three symbols in the same amount of time as other students learned about the equal sign alone or not at all. Therefore, an instructional approach involving comparison can be an effective tool for learning about concepts in mathematics.
Sedation for pediatric endoscopy

Abstract Sedation is a fundamental component of pediatric gastrointestinal procedures. Although anesthesiologist-administered sedation is becoming more common, to date, no ideal regimen has been identified for endoscopy in children. The 2 main types of pediatric sedation remain general anesthesia, which requires the presence of an anesthesiologist, and procedural sedation, which may be administered by the gastroenterologist. In choosing between the 2 for a child's procedure, it is critical to maintain patient safety, while maximizing procedural efficiency and minimizing costs. In this chapter, we discuss levels of sedation for endoscopy, as well as various regimens that can be used to achieve them. We also review risks and considerations that may be specific to performing gastrointestinal procedures in children. Finally, we examine potential future directions for sedation, which may fundamentally change the practice of procedural gastroenterology and ultimately patient outcomes.
Chief ‘Ntrepreneur Officers (CNOs): American Sam Ginn and Britisher Chris Gent, in high‐risk (PRINT), high‐returns decisions creating a wireless world, 1984‐2000

Wireless communication comprises telecommunications industry products and services which move voice, video, data, and graphics at the speed of the electron. But wireless is far more than products and services; it is the very backbone of the Internet. We have today a wireless world which two Chief ‘Ntrepreneur Officers (CNOs) – American Sam Ginn and Britisher Chris Gent – created during the 16 years between the Olympics in Los Angeles (1984) and Olympics in Sydney (2000).
Indentification of viable paths using binary decision diagrams

An efficient algorithm for the indentification of viable paths in a combinational logic circuit using binary decision diagrams is described. The viable paths are justified by generating and resolving logic and delay constraints along the critical path based on the stable times and stable values of the side inputs. Results of the analysis, using the ISCAS combinational benchmark circuits, indicate that most of the circuits can be analyzed in a few CPU-seconds. >