cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Software engineering for undergraduates

Software engineering has become one of the fastest growing fields in computer technology due to the increasing cost of software development. Software engineering courses have been placed in many undergraduate Computer Science curriculums. This paper describes a project approach to teaching undergraduate software engineering where each group developed the same project. Advantages and disadvantages of the one-project approach based on the students' and the instructor's evaluation are discussed.
Human proapolipoprotein A-I: Development of an antibody to the propeptide as a probe of apolipoprotein A-I biosynthesis and processing

Abstract In human plasma, apolipoprotein A-I is present as pro and mature isoproteins. The development of a highly specific antibody to the pro isoprotein of apoA-I has been difficult due to the close structural similarity between the pro and mature isoforms of apoA-I. To sermount this difficulty, a peptide was synthesized by the solid phase method which corresponded to the amino acid sequence present in the pro region of apoA-I. The synthetic peptide was coupled to serum albumin and the conjugate utilized to immunize rabbits for antibody production. Immumoblot analysis of purified proapoA-I and mature apoA-I revealed that the antibody was specific for the propeptide of apoA-I. Analysis of apoA-I in the plasma from a Tangier disease patient and newly secreted apoA-I from HepG2 cells clearly demonstrated the isoforms which contained the proisoprotein. The proapoA-I specific antibody should prove to be a useful tool in developing a radioimmunoassay for quantitation of the proisoprotein in plasma, isolation of proapoA-I from normal and dyslipoproteinemic subjects by immunoaffinity chromatography and in studies related to the synthesis and processing of apoA-I.
Microfluidic Digital PCR Enables Multigene Analysis of Individual Environmental Bacteria

Gene inventory and metagenomic techniques have allowed rapid exploration of bacterial diversity and the potential physiologies present within microbial communities. However, it remains nontrivial to discover the identities of environmental bacteria carrying two or more genes of interest. We have used microfluidic digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify and analyze multiple, different genes obtained from single bacterial cells harvested from nature. A gene encoding a key enzyme involved in the mutualistic symbiosis occurring between termites and their gut microbiota was used as an experimental hook to discover the previously unknown ribosomal RNA–based species identity of several symbionts. The ability to systematically identify bacteria carrying a particular gene and to link any two or more genes of interest to single species residing in complex ecosystems opens up new opportunities for research on the environment.
Serving Two Masters: Quality and Conflict in the Accreditation of Religious Institutions

Utilizing a voluntary review process, accreditation agencies judge the value of higher education institutions and programs. In doing so, the six regional associations and other accreditation agencies establish and maintain universal standards, which serve in the assessment of all their member institutions. Even so, the monitoring and quality standards used by the regional associations fail to escape or significantly alter the perception that religious colleges and universities are inferior to other higher education facilities. Essentially, the limited definitions of educational quality and the expectations of accreditation agencies place a special burden on religious colleges and universities by challenging the congruence between their faith and academic missions. Using data gathered from The Chronicle of Higher Education, this article examines the accreditation experience of religious postsecondary institutions to determine whether or not a conflict exists between the institutional obligations and the sp...
Real-Time Spectrographic Displays in Vowel Production Training With Children Who Have Profound Hearing Loss

The effectiveness of vowel production training with real-time spectrographic displays was assessed for two children with profound hearing loss. A multiple-baseline design across behaviors, with rep...
The influenza A segment 7 mRNA 3' splice site pseudoknot/hairpin family.

The 3′ splice site of the influenza A segment 7 transcript is utilized to produce mRNA for the critical M2 ion-channel protein. In solution a 63 nt fragment that includes this region can adopt two conformations: a pseudoknot and a hairpin. In each conformation, the splice site, a binding site for the SF2/ASF exonic splicing enhancer and a polypyrimidine tract, each exists in a different structural context. The most dramatic difference occurs for the splice site. In the hairpin the splice site is between two residues that are involved in a 2 by 2 nucleotide internal loop. In the pseudoknot, however, these bases are canonically paired within one of the pseudoknotted helices. The conformational switching observed in this region has implications for the regulation of splicing of the segment 7 mRNA. A measure of stability of the structures also shows interesting trends with respect to host specificity: avian strains tend to be the most stable, followed by swine and then human.
Regional Expression of Murine Intestinal Immune Cells in Normal and Isografted Intestine

Abstract The spatial organization and differentiation of the gut immune system was studied using immunohistochemistry from Embryonic Day 15 until adulthood. Leukocyte common antigen-positive cells were detected first, followed by macrophages, B, and then T lymphocytes increasing in number and intensity of staining until adulthood. The adult mouse displays regional localization of gut immune cells with highest expression in proximal intestine, decreasing distally to ileum with the fewest cells present in colon. The role of intestinal contents, bone marrow, and thymus on maturation of the gut immune system during development was studied using an isograft model small intestines from neonatal mice were implanted subcutaneously into SCID mice and developed into morphologically normal intestine. Injected syngeneic mononuclear cells recirculated to the isografted intestine and SCID host intestine with the same regional expression as normal adult. This model is useful to define the mechanisms that establish and maintain cellular and regional differentiation of the normal gut immune system.
The synthesis of syn‐ and anti‐2(S)‐phthalimido‐methyl‐2,3,4,4a,7,7a‐hexahydro‐6‐oxo‐5H‐pyrano‐[2,3‐b]pyrroles as rigid β‐bend peptide‐mimetics

The synthesis of the syn- 14 and anti- 13 isomers of 2(S)-phthalimidornethyl-2,3,4,4a,7,7a-hexahydro-6-oxo-5H-pyrano[2,3-b]pyrrole was accomplished starting from sodium 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-carboxylate. The isomers were separated by preparative high performance liquid chromatography. Both isomers can serve as β-bend mimetics and represent three amino acids plus the amino group of the fourth amino acid of a peptide. The lactam nitrogen was alkylated to provide the equivalent of a leucine as the fourth amino acid residue.
The problem of common sensibles

Our experience of the qualities Locke classified as secondary qualities generates a problem, a version of which Aristotle raised. I call this problem “the problem of common sensibles.” The problem, as I discuss it, concerns cross-modal experienced togetherness or unity. On the view that we undergo distinct sense-specific experiences as we hear, smell, taste, see, and touch things, there seems no room for cross-modal unity at the experiential level. But cross-modal unity is real and it necessitates that we give up the usual separatist view of sense experiences.
Short-Term Changes in Extractable Inorganic Nutrients during Storage of Tropical Rain Forest Soils

The nutrient status of tropical forests is commonly assessed by measuring inorganic nutrients extracted from soil, yet samples from remote research sites may be stored for prolonged periods of time before analysis. We assessed the influence of soil storage conditions on extractable nutrients in three lowland tropical forests soils from the Republic of Panama. The soils spanned a strong rainfall gradient and contained contrasting chemical and physical properties. Storage treatments were: (i) room temperature (22°C in the dark), (ii) refrigerated (4°C in the dark), (iii) air dried (10 d at 22°C and 55% humidity), and (iv) frozen (-35°C). Ammonium and NO 3 were extremely unstable and concentrations changed considerably within hours of sampling. Phosphate extracted by anion-exchange membranes also changed rapidly following sampling, although cations (Ca, K, and Mg) extracted in Mehlich-3 solution were less influenced by storage. Soil pH declined slowly in all samples during field-moist storage (4 and 22°C). Freezing and air drying generally caused significant changes in extractable nutrients, although the effects varied among soils and nutrients. We therefore conclude that inorganic nutrients should be extracted from tropical forest soils within 24 h of sampling, and preferably on the day of sampling for N fractions, to ensure that values represent field conditions. Where this is not possible, rapid air drying or storage of field-moist samples may be acceptable for some measurements (e.g., PO 4 , cations, pH), but are unlikely to provide realistic measurements of inorganic N.
Apical diffusion of calcium hydroxide in an in vitro model.

An in vitro agar model was developed to study the effect of intracanal medicaments on periapical tissues and was used to study the diffusion of three calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ) medicaments of varying viscosity through simulated root canals with various sizes of apical foramina. Experimental medicaments were added to pipette tips used to represent tooth roots, which were fixed in syringes containing brain heart infusion agar and calcium-reactive dye. OH − and Ca ++ concentrations were measured in the agar at 30 minutes and 24 hours. Ca ++ concentration and pH increased with larger aperture sizes, and higher pH and Ca ++ diffusion was produced by a 10% Ca(OH) 2 solution than was produced by Pulpdent or a Ca(OH) 2 paste. The results suggest that the properties of the Ca(OH) 2 -containing vehicle could affect the action of the medicament in the periapical tissues.
The Skills of Exemplary Principals.

What does it take to be an exem plary principal? Twelve specific skills—as identified by NASSP's Assessment Center project—are essential, according to this writer, who provides examples gathered from shadow studies of three out standing principals.
Sweat rate and prediction validation during high-altitude treks on Mount Kilimanjaro

This study measured sweat rates (msw) during high-altitude summer treks on Mt. Kilimanjaro to evaluate the efficacy of a recently developed fuzzy piecewise sweat prediction equation (Ṗw,sol) for ap...
A Telluric Current Experiment on the Antarctic Ice Cap

A TELLURIC current recording system was installed at the Soviet station, Vostok, on the Antarctic ice cap near the South Geomagnetic Pole in December 1964. It has generally been assumed that the high resistivity would preclude such an operation. The prime difference between an ice cap installation and a land-based operation1 lies in the electrode installation technique and the inherent high electrode-pair resistance.
Noradrenergic modulation of hypothalamic progestin receptors in female guinea pigs is specific to the ventromedial nucleus.

Abstract The concentration of estrogen-induced cytosolic progestin receptors (CPRs) in the hypothalamus of α1-noradrenergic antagonist- treated female guinea pigs is reduced relative to non-drug-treated controls. The present study determined where within the hypothalamus this reduction occurs. Ovariectomized, estradiol-treated guinea pigs were given either the α1-noradrenergic antagonist prazosin or vehicle. Microdissected brain regions were assayed for CPR levels. Prazosin caused a selective relative decrease in CPR levels of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. No significant effects of prazosin were seen in other hypothalamic or preoptic area nuclei.
Dense space division multiplexed transmission over multi-core and multi-mode fiber

We review recent progress in space division multiplexed (SDM) transmission, and examine our experimental demonstration of dense SDM (DSDM) using both multi-core and multi-mode, which provides a key advance to ultra-high capacity transmission.
Tetrapyrrole als π-Donoren: ein Sandwichkomplex aus einer Pd22+-Einheit und zwei helicalen Bilindion-Palladium-Liganden

Die Metallierung von Octaethylbilindion (H3OEB) mit Palladium(II)-acetat liefert den neuartigen vierkernigen Komplex [Pd4(OEB)2], in dem eine (Pd)2+-Einheit mit zwei helicalen Pd(OEB)-Einheiten eine Sandwichverbindung bildet (siehe Abbildung). Bei der Umsetzung von [Pd4(OEB)2] mit Pyridin/Ethanol entsteht der helicale Komplex [Pd(OEB)] mit ungepaarten Elektronen.
A technique for fitting system response data using a priori information.

System response data are frequently analysed by fitting with a trigonometric Fourier series. However, the trigonometric series is not necessarily the best choice since the number of terms required to give a desired integral-square error (i.s.e.) fit may be excessive and may not provide the intuitive feeling for the system-response poles. A general method is given wherebya priori orposteriori information about the system poles may be used to fit the data with a small number of terms and satisfy i.s.e. criteria. An application example shows a three-term series that fitted biological stretch-receptor step-response data with two terms other than d.c. and yielded an i.s.e. of only 0·5 to 1·2% for the non-d.c. data.
A review of the use of self-control techniques in the treatment of alcohol abuse

In recent years there have been increasing applications of self-control techniques in clinical settings. Concurrent with this trend, there has been increasing empirical support for social learning conceptualizations of alcohol abuse, providing a theoretical rationale for the use of a self-control approach in alcohol abuse treatment. Accordingly, the outcome evaluation literature on the use of self-control techniques in the treatment of alcohol abuse is reviewed and critiqued. It was found that methodological problems limit the conclusions that can be drawn regarding the efficacy of self-control techniques, and it is argued that better designed evaluations would have theoretical and practical implications for alcohol abuse treatment. Several conceptual questions that should be considered in future outcome studies are discussed.
Variability of electrocardiographic responses to repeated ergonovine provocation in variant angina patients with coronary artery spasm

We reviewed our experience with serial ergonovine provocative tests for coronary artery spasm (CAS) in ten variant angina patients with angiographically proved CAS. Of the 26 ergonovine tests performed in the ten patients, only four patients exhibited reproducible ECG response to ergonovine. The remaining six patients had variable and unpredictable ECG responses to ergonovine. All patients were in an active phase of their disease. The variability of ST segment directional response to ergonovine is considered to be on the basis of disparate sensitivity of the coronary circulation to intravenous ergonovine. Because of this variable response, the ECG response alone should not be considered as the standard indicator for CAS presence but should be utilized with other hemodynamic and angiographic criteria.
REFRIGERATED STORAGE OF PREPACKAGED SALAD VEGETABLES

This study was done to characterize the changes that occur during refrigerated storage of six salad vegetables individually and in a mixture. Salad-cut and intact lettuce, carrot, celery, radish, green onion and endive, and a salad mixture were stored at 4.4°C in packages made from a film having low gas permeability. Respiration of individual vegetables during storage showed two patterns: carrot and celery respired throughout the storage time while respirations by the others was halted after a few days. Respiration of cut vegetables exceeded that of intact. Total plate counts (TPC) for intact vegetables in storage increased slower than for cut vegetables; lettuce and endive showed higher TPC than the others. The cut vegetables were invariably poorer in organoleptic quality. Mixed vegetable salads were sealed with either air or an atmosphere containing 10.5% CO2, 2.25% O2. After 2-wk storage, organoleptic evaluation indicated that the chemical treatments were generally of no value and in some cases were even detrimental but the modified initial headspace was beneficial.
Interaction of beams of radiation of finite diameters within a plasma

Two beams of waves of finite diameters intersecting within a magnetized plasma emit a secondary beam of waves, provided a resonance condition is satisfied. The field of the secondary beam and the total power emitted are determined for arbitary directions and polarizations of the incident beams. This process could be used as a means of time- and space-resolved diagnostics since it yields two relations between the density, the temperatures, and the magnetic field. Explicit formulas are given for the case of two beams in the ordinary mode producing a lower hybrid wave.
p53 Mutations and Expression in Breast Carcinoma in Situ

The p53 tumor suppressor gene is altered in approximately half of human cancers. Although p53 mutations are common in invasive breast carcinoma, few have been identified in breast carcinoma in situ (intraductal breast carcinomas). Most studies of p53 in breast carcinoma in situ are immunohistochemical studies of p53 staining in paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Few studies have isolated the tumor cells and subjected them to DNA sequence analysis. The current study was undertaken to characterize p53 in a cohort of breast carcinoma in situ cases, both with and without invasive disease. Fifty-eight frozen breast biopsy samples were used for these investigations. Twenty-seven cases had only ductal carcinoma in situ (CIS) and 31 cases had evidence of both invasive and in situ carcinoma. DNA sequence alterations in exons 2 through 11 of p53 were screened by the single-strand conformational polymorphism technique. Exons with altered mobility were sequenced. Among breast CIS cases without invasive disease, 22% had p53 mutations and 7% had DNA sequence alterations of unknown significance. Analysis of breast CIS with concurrent invasive disease demonstrated p53 mutations in 19% of cases and one (3%) DNA alteration of unknown significance. Each carcinoma having a p53 mutation in the breast CIS component had the identical mutation in the invasive component of the same tumor indicating a clonal relationship between the two tumor components. p53 protein overexpression was identified in 22% of pure intraductal breast carcinomas and in 35% of breast CIS with invasive disease. Comparison of immunostaining and DNA sequence alterations showed a significant association between overexpression and mutations ( P = 0.0037) in cases of CIS without invasion, and similarly between overexpression and mutations in cases of CIS with invasion ( P = 0.007). p53 mutations and p53 overexpression were relatively common in intraductal breast carcinomas but were not observed in adjacent normal breast lobules or ducts in 9 cases available for DNA analysis. The frequency of p53 alterations when comparing breast CIS with and without an invasive component indicated that p53 mutations usually occur before invasion during the progression of breast cancer, as is observed for a number of other adult solid tumors.
A seafloor gravity profile across the TAG Hydrothermal Mound

A series of on-bottom gravity stations were completed across the TAG hydrothermal mound during a dive program with the Japanese Shinkai 6500 submersible. The mound appears as a gravity high (∼2 mGal) with respect to the surrounding seafloor, reflecting the high density sulfides of which it is comprised. Three-dimensional modeling of the data shows no evidence of a dense sulfide root extending deep into the seafloor below the mound, which would be associated with a broad, highly altered, stockwork zone. Sulfide thickness appears to be greatest (∼50m) to the north of the mound. The thickness decreases sharply to the south, reaching a steady value of about 10m just to the south of the Kremlin area. The mass of sulfides within the mound is estimated at 3 million tonnes. The surrounding basaltic seafloor appears to have a density of 2400±100 kgm−3, indicating a surficial porosity of between 20–30%.
A Comparison of Approaches for Geospatial Entity Extraction from Wikipedia

We target in this paper the challenge of extracting geospatial data from the article text of the English Wikipedia. We present the results of a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) based approach to identify location-related named entities in the our corpus of Wikipedia articles, which are primarily about battles and wars due to their high geospatial content. The HMM NER process drives a geocoding and resolution process, whose goal is to determine the correct coordinates for each place name (often referred to as grounding). We compare our results to a previously developed data structure and algorithm for disambiguating place names that can have multiple coordinates. We demonstrate an overall f-measure of 79.63\% identifying and geocoding place names. Finally, we compare the results of the HMM-driven process to earlier work using a Support Vector Machine.
NEW TRANSFUSION PROGRAM FOR AN INTENSIVE CARE NURSERY

A new transfusion protocol for sick neonates was established in February, 1974, in which units of packed red blood cells obtained biweekly from type O- donors are split into 4 packs. Up to 4 Infants requiring transfusions are crossmatched against a single unit. One split pack is brought to the nursery each day and refrigerated for 24 hours. During the 24 hours, the split pack may be entered as many times as necessary to provide small transfusions for infants crossmatched to the unit. Using this procedure, several infants can receive numerous small transfusions from a single unit for 3-4 days. Over a 16 month period, 191 newborns received 785 transfusions under this system. Of 129 infants who survived and had received transfusions, 91 (71%) were evaluated at a mean age of 10 months for evidence of CMV infection and most for hepatitis B infection and red cell antibody formation. Evidence for CMV infection was found in 18/91 or 20%, compared to 25% in transfused infants at a comparable age in other follow up studies. No transfused infants tested had either hepatitis B antigenemia (0/72) or antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (0/44). One transfused infant of 72 screened had an anti-M antibody. Advantages of this system compared to a walking donor program include immediate availability of blood in the nursery for most sick newborns, quality control in drawing and processing blood by the blood bank and testing for hepatitis B antigen before using blood.
Methods to test feeding tube placement in children.

PURPOSE This replication study examined the extent to which feeding-tube aspirates (pH and enzyme content) are effective predictors of feeding tube location in acutely ill children. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A convenience sample of 56 children was obtained at a metropolitan children's hospital. Approximately 2.5 ml of fluid were withdrawn from children's nasogastric, orogastric, or nasointestinal tubes within 30 minutes of radiographic examination. Fluid was tested for pH and enzymes, and results were compared with radiographic results of tube location. RESULTS Mean gastric pH was significantly lower than mean intestinal pH. Mean fasting gastric pepsin level was significantly higher than mean fasting intestinal pepsin level. Usual intestinal constituent, trypsin, was significantly higher in the small bowel than in the stomach. Mean fasting trypsin level was 70 microg/ml in the intestine, and only 10 microg/ml in the gastric site. Predictive positive value was >90% for all tests; predictive negative value was < 65%. Colors of the gastric aspirates were distinctly different from those observed in intestinal aspirates. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Methods of aspirating fluid from feeding tubes and testing visually or assaying for aspirate characteristics were found to be adaptable from adults to children. The clinical implications of being able to use a test as simple as pH of feeding aspirates means that nurses can easily test these aspirates in any clinical setting using reliable pH test strips, similar to what was done in this study. These data add evidence that suggests indicators of tube location effective in adults are also effective in children.
Control of Dynamical Processes in Solution: An Overview and Personal Perspective

A brief overview of studies of optical control of dynamical processes in solution is presented, with a focus on control of selection of product in a chemical reaction. It is argued that there are circumstances under which adiabatic population transfer in the liquid phase is possible, and that variations of such transfer processes can be used to control dynamical processes in solution.
Directional interstitial ultrasound applicators for thermal coagulation of tissue

Direct-coupled and catheter-cooled interstitial ultrasound applicators have been evaluated for thermal necrosis of small, localized tumors. Emphasis of the design criteria has been on directionality of power deposition and the corresponding tissue heating. Ultrasound applicators have been fabricated using piezoceramic tubes operating at approximately 7 MHz. The applicators have full 360 degree(s) active acoustic zones, or are sectored to provide different angular heating patterns. The applicators were characterized through acoustic power output measurements, beam profile distributions in water, thermal distribution measurements in an in vitro perfused kidney model, and in vivo thermal dosimetry in porcine thigh muscle. Bench tests demonstrated that high power output levels could be sustained in both the direct-coupled and catheter-cooled devices without degradation of the ultrasound transducer. The angular power depositions obtained in water were closely correlated to the resultant temperature distributions measured both in the in vitro kidney and in vivo experiments, thus demonstrating the ability to shape the beam profiles for controlled, directional ablation of tissue.
Observations of the Relationship between 700-mb Temperatures and Severe Weather Reports across the Contiguous United States

Abstract The relationship between 700-mb temperatures and convective severe storm reports is examined using data from 1993 to 2006 for the contiguous United States. Severe storm reports are used as a rough “proxy” for the occurrence of deep moist convection, and spatial and temporal distributions of 700-mb temperatures associated with these reports are analyzed. Secondarily, the distributions are assessed by individual severe storm report type, and convective inhibition also is evaluated. The motivation for this study is derived from the occasionally used 10°–12°C at 700 mb rule of thumb for estimating the extent and strength of the capping inversion. Whereas there is a semblance of merit for using this rule at times, its utility is shown to be strongly dependent on 1) geographic location, particularly with respect to surface elevation and the frequency of elevated mixed layers, and 2) the time of year. Calculation of convective inhibition, careful examination of the sounding, and assessment of lifting me...
Multipoint dixon technique for water and fat proton and susceptibility imaging

Extensions to a previously described three-point Dixon magnetic resonance imaging technique are presented that use alternative water/fat phase-encoding strategies. The technique is generalized to phase encoding of (-theta, O, theta) or (O, theta, 2 theta) radians, and the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) performance is evaluated. It was found that a theta of 2 pi/3 radians has optimal S/N but that a theta of pi radians is a good compromise and that phase encoding of (O, pi, 2 pi) radians offer an advantage over the previous method, which used (-pi, O, pi) increments, in that a T2' (intravoxel susceptibility dephasing) image may be obtained in addition to the usual water, fat, and Bo images. A new four-point method with phase encoding of (O, pi, 2 pi, 3 pi) radians that can also provide a measure of the spectral width of the fat resonance is suggested. The disadvantages of the method are the extra imaging time and low S/N efficiency.
FINE STRUCTURE OF THE LARVAL ANURAN EPIDERMIS, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE FIGURES OF EBERTH

Small pieces of skin from 8 cm long Rana clamitans larvae were fixed in OsO4, washed, dehydrated, and embedded in a methacrylate mixture. Ultrathin sections were cut on a Porter-Blum ultramicrotome and were examined in an RCA electron microscope, type EMU 2D. The sections showed that aggregates of fibrous material in the cells of the inner layer of epidermal cells are identical in disposition and size with the classical figures of Eberth. It is conclusively shown that these figures do not arise from an aggregation of mitochondrial filaments. The tendency of the fibrils to concentrate on attachment points, or thickenings of the basal plasma membrane, is noted. It is also observed that numerous mitochondria are located in the distal region of the cells of the outer layer of epidermis in association with the secretory vacuoles. Microvilli are seen occasionally on the free surface of the skin. Cisternae are found only in the cells of the outer epidermal layer, while vesicular endoplasmic reticulum is found in the cells of both epidermal layers.
DC Ring-Bus Microgrid Fault Protection and Identification of Fault Location

A fault protection and location method for a dc bus microgrid system is presented in this paper. Unlike traditional ac systems, dc bus systems cannot survive or sustain high-magnitude fault currents. And if a fault causes the dc bus to de-energize completely, it makes locating faults very difficult. The main goal of the proposed scheme is to detect and isolate faults in the dc bus without de-energizing the entire system and identifying the fault location. In order to achieve this, a ring-type bus was used in this paper. The bus was segmented into overlapping nodes and links with circuit breakers (CBs) to isolate the segment in the event of a fault. Backup protection is implemented for circuit breaker failures to improve system reliability. A noniterative fault-location technique using a probe power is also presented in this paper. This probe power can also be used for a pilot test before main CB reclosing to avoid system issues that can be expected when the reclosing fails due to a permanent fault. The proposed algorithm can be implemented and executed by an intelligent electrical device for individual node. The proposed concepts have been verified with computer simulations and hardware experiments.
MUOS U2B Interference Mitigation Analysis

This paper analyzes the effects on signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) caused by undesired interference within the user-to-base (U2B) MUOS spectrum, and the spectral modifications of the WCDMA waveform designed to combat such interference. Spectral modifications consist of waveform whitening and notching, and are applied to improve performance in the presence of background UHF interference, legacy interferers, and Multiple Access Interference (MAI). Spectral whitening applied at the MUOS receiver mitigates interference by reducing interference power at the demodulator, at a small loss of desired signal power. SNR degradation may be further reduced by applying the spectral whitening calculated at the receiver to the transmitted signal. This technique improves performance by concentrating transmitted power in spectral locations known to be free of interference.
Toward Supramolecular Assembly of 10-Vertex {closo-2,1,10-FeC2B7} Clusters: Intramolecular Imidate Formation and Polymetallic, Polycluster Species

Addition of Me3NO to CH2Cl2 solutions of [1-OH-2,2,2-(CO)3-closo-2,1,10-FeC2B7H8] (1a) affords [2,2-(CO)2-1,2-μ-{OCH2NMe2}-closo-2,1,10-FeC2B7H8] (2), which contains a five-membered FeNCOC unit. The same reaction in MeCN as solvent gives [2,2-(CO)2-1,2-μ-{OC(R)NH}-closo-2,1,10-FeC2B7H8] (3a, R = Me). Analogous derivatives [R = CH═C(H)Me (3c), p-C6H4NO2 (3d), p-C6H4Br (3f), p-C6H4C(H)O (3g), p-C6H4C≡CH (3h), p-C5H4N (3i), or NH2 (3j)] are obtained from treatment of CH2Cl2 solutions of 1a with other cyano-containing substrates and Me3NO. The μ-imidate species 3 undergo a variety of subsequent reactions. Thus, oxidative coupling of compound 3h in CH2Cl2, in the presence of CuCl−TMEDA (TMEDA = Me2NCH2CH2NMe2), affords dimeric [2,2-(CO)2-closo-2,1,10-FeC2B7H8-1,2-μ-{OC(NFeH)-p-C6H4-C≡C}]2 (4), which reacts with [Co2(CO)8] in CH2Cl2 to give the tetracluster species [2,2-(CO)2-closo-2,1,10-FeC2B7H8-1,2-μ-{OC(NFeH)-p-C6H4-{(μ-η2:η2-C≡C)Co2(CO)6}}]2 (5). Conversely, 3f forms a bis(cluster) species, [2,2′-dppb-{2-C...
Benefits derived from companion animals, and the use of the term “attachment”

AbstractResearchers have discovered that companion animals can physically and psychologically benefit their owners, and some argue that one's attachment to a companion animal influences those benefits. However, those studying the human–companion animal bond have used measures of attachment that may not be congruent with the school of attachment theory as it is applied to human–human relationships. We propose that the term “attachment” applied to human–companion animal relationships in research to date may share aspects of traditional attachment theory, but does not necessarily parallel attachment theory accurately. This paper provides a discussion of the similarities and differences between traditional attachment theory and measurements of human–companion animal attachment, and a review of the literature on physical and psychological benefits derived from companion animals. We conclude with a brief discussion of new research and future directions.
Deliberative decision making and the treatment of pain.

In recent years, increased emphasis has been placed on the ethical duty of physicians to relieve pain and suffering. According to a 1992 report from The Agency for Health Care Policy Research (AHCPR), the "ethical obligation to manage pain and relieve the patient's suffering is at the core of a health care professional's commitment." However, despite the increased emphasis on the ethical duty to relieve pain, the undertreatment of pain continues to be a serious problem. This problem has been widely discussed, but so far efforts to respond to it have focused almost exclusively on institutional and educational solutions. Yet surprisingly in this discussion very little attention has been paid to articulating a constructive role for the patient in combating this problem. In this article I argue that adequate pain treatment will often require the active participation of the patient in the decision making process. Given the special nature of pain and the special problems that arise in the treatment of pain, ade...
Molecular Characterization of Wax Isolated from a Variety of Crude Oils

Petroleum waxes from sixteen different crude oils were analyzed after isolation from the crude in a two-step process. These waxes were characterized molecularly to aid in the investigation of the effect of wax type and quantity on water-in-crude oil emulsion stability. The techniques used to gather information about the waxes included elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, field desorption mass spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, 13C NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry. Two distinctly different types of petroleum waxes were discerned, microcrystalline and paraffinic. Microcrystalline waxes are aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds containing a substantial amount of branches and rings. They have large molecular weight ranges from 300 to 2500 amu and are gel-like in appearance. The rings give rise to a decreased H/C ratio relative to paraffinic waxes, often as low as 1.85. Because of the large number of different compounds and the lack of large-scale crystallinity...
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for rapid detection of cerebrospinal fluid shunt or ventriculostomy infections

Abstract Introduction: Infections of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts or ventriculostomies are common complications that are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Detection of infection may be difficult or delayed as it requires colonial growth of microorganisms in culture medium. PCR provides rapid and accurate detection of bacterial DNA. Methods: Under Institutional Review Board approval (X030403011), 50 samples of CSF samples were collected (many serially) from adult patients who underwent either shunt tap or routine surveillance cultures of their external ventricular catheter. CSF was evaluated by standard culture techniques and by PCR. For PCR, frozen samples of CSF were thawed on ice and DNA extracted, purified and amplified for 16S rRNA using primers 16S-Forward and 16S-Reverse of conserved sequence region of all bacteria. DNA was PCR amplified for 30 cycles (denaturation at 94degC/15sec, annealing at 54degC/15sec, extension at 72degC/30sec) after initial denaturation at 94degC/5min. One microliter of the 1st PCR product was subjected to nested PCR using primers specific for Gram+ve, Gram−ve bacteria and P. acnes, S. aureus, and MRSA. Results: For 13/50 specimens, both culture and PCR were positive. For 18/50 specimens both PCR and culture results were negative. For 19/50 specimens, cultures were negative and PCR was positive. Conclusions: There were no positive culture results with negative PCR and the negative culture/positive PCR cases occurred after prolonged iv antibiotics. These preliminary data suggest that PCR is a highly sensitive, rapid and potentially useful modality for the detection of CSF shunt or ventriculostomy infection.
Cardinalities of ccc-spaces with regular Gδ-diagonals

Abstract We show that the cardinality of a ccc-space with a regular G δ -diagonal is at most 2 ω .
Micromixing effects on multiple steady states in isothermal chemical reactors

Abstract The effects of micromixing on occurrence of multiple steady states in isothermal reactors are analyzed. It is shown that reactor performance is conside
DETECTION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI O157:H7 THROUGH THE FORMATION OF SANDWICHED COMPLEXES WITH IMMUNOMAGNETIC AND FLUORESCENT BEADS†

A new fluorescent sandwich method for the detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef was developed. Immunomagnetic beads (IMBs) precoated with anti-E. coli O157:H7 antibody were used to capture and concentrate E. coli O157:H7 present in ground beef. Streptavidin-coated fluorescent beads with anti-E. coli O157:H7 to form immunofluorescent beads (IFBs) were used to detect the E. coli O157:H7 captured by the IMBs by forming IMBM–E. coli O157:H7N–IFBO sandwich complexes, where the subscripts M, N and O were variable but integral numbers. This sandwich technique was able to detect 500 cfu of the bacteria in a 0.5-mL sample taken from a quantified and diluted broth culture. The method was then applied to detect E. coli O157:H7 in artificially contaminated ground beef. Known quantities of freshly cultured E. coli O157:H7 cells were added to 25-g ground beef patties held in sterile bags with filters. The inoculated patties were stored at 7C overnight; 75 mL of E. coli broth was added to each sample, and the bags were incubated at 40C with shaking at 160 rpm for 4.5 h. After the enrichment, E. coli O157:H7 in the filtrate was captured and concentrated with IMBs and further conjugated with IFBs for detection. The results demonstrate that, after a 4.5-h enrichment period, the developed procedure can detect the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef previously spiked with 1 cfu/g.
Cerebrospinal fluid outflow: An evolving perspective

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) serves numerous important functions in the central nervous system. Despite numerous reports characterizing CSF and its circulation in the subarachnoid space, our understanding of CSF outflow remains limited. Although initial work suggested that both arachnoid granulations and lymphatic capillaries shared in the role of CSF outflow, predominant work since then has focused on the arachnoid granulations. A growing body of recent evidence not only suggests the importance of both arachnoid granulations and lymphatic capillaries, but also additional contributions through transependymal passage likely share in the role of CSF outflow. Consideration of all mechanisms and pathways will help us to better understand the significance of CSF outflow, in health and disease. Here we review how the present concept of CSF outflow has evolved, including a historical review of significant findings and a discussion of the latest innovative developments.
A segmentation-based automatic navigation technique for virtual endoscopy

Virtual endoscopy (VE) mimics the examination consisting of introducing an endoscope into a tubular structure for diagnostic purposes. One of the main problems in VE is the computation of the navigation path that the virtual camera will travel while producing the animation that will be viewed by the specialist. We propose a technique that allows the automatic computation of navigation paths connecting a starting and one or more end points inside the structure to be visualized. The computation of the path uses the connectedness map produced by the segmentation algorithm that has been used to identify the structure to be visualized in the image. A simple smoothing operation is then applied to this path to produce the final navigation path.
FDTD Analysis of Periodic Structures With Arbitrary Skewed Grid

An efficient finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm with a simple periodic boundary condition (PBC) is developed to analyze general periodic structures with arbitrary skewed grids. The algorithm is easy to implement and efficient in both memory usage and computation time. The stability criterion of the algorithm is angle independent and therefore it is suitable for implementing incidence with angle close to grazing as well as normal incidence. The validity of this algorithm is verified through several numerical examples such as dipole and Jerusalem cross frequency selective surfaces (FSS) with various skew angles.
Are Workers Who Leave a Job Exposed to Similar Physical Demands as Workers Who Develop Clinically Meaningful Declines in Low-Back Function?

Objective:The objective is to quantify differences in physical exposures for those who stayed on a job (survivor) versus those who left the job (turnover).Background:It has been suggested that high physical job demands lead to greater turnover and that turnover rates may supplement low-back disorder incidence rates in passive surveillance systems.Method:A prospective study with 811 participants was conducted. The physical exposure of distribution center work was quantified using a moment monitor. A total of 68 quantitative physical exposure measures in three categories (load, position, and timing) were examined. Low-back health function was quantified using the lumbar motion monitor at baseline and 6-month follow-up.Results:There were 365 turnover employees within the 6-month follow-up period and 446 “survivors” who remained on the same job, of which 126 survivors had a clinically meaningful decline in low-back functional performance (cases) and 320 survivors did not have a meaningful decline in low-back ...
A pi-Calculus Specification of Prolog

A clear and modular specification of Prolog using the π-calculus is presented in this paper. Prolog goals are represented as π-calculus processes, and Prolog predicate definitions are translated into π-calculus agent definitions. Prolog's depth-first left-right control strategy as well as the cut control operator are modeled by the synchronized communication among processes, which is similar in spirit to continuationpassing style implementation of Prolog. Prolog terms are represented by persistent processes, while logical variables are modeled by complex processes with channels that, at various times, can be written, read, and reset. Both unifications with and without backtracking are specified by π-calculus agent definitions. A smooth merging of the specification for control and the specification for unification gives a full specification for much of Prolog. Some related and further works are also discussed.
YM155 potently kills acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells through activation of the DNA damage pathway.

Novel-targeted therapies are in rapid development for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) to overcome resistance and decrease toxicity. Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis gene family and chromosome passenger complex, is critical in a variety of human cancers, including ALL. A well-established suppressor of survivin has been the small molecule, YM155. Reports are identifying other mechanisms of action for YM155. Therefore, we sought to investigate the mode of action and role of YM155 for therapeutic use in the context of ALL. Primary ALL samples and ALL cell lines were interrogated with YM155 to identify drug sensitivity. Ph+ALL harboring the BCR-ABL1 oncogene were tested for any interaction with YM155 and the multi-kinase inhibitor dasatinib. Representative ALL cell lines were tested to identify the response to YM155 using standard biochemical assays as well as RNA expression and phosphorylation arrays. ALL samples exhibited significant sensitivity to YM155, and an additive response was observed with dasatinib in the setting of Ph+ALL. ALL cells were more sensitive to YM155 during S phase during DNA replication. YM155 activates the DNA damage pathway leading to phosphorylation of Chk2 and H2AX. Interestingly, screening of primary patient samples identified unique and exquisite YM155 sensitivity in some but not all ALL specimens. These results are the first to have screened a large number of primary patient leukemic samples to identify individual variations of response to YM155. Our studies further support that YM155 in ALL induces DNA damage leading to S phase arrest. Finally, only subsets of ALL have exquisite sensitivity to YM155 presumably through both suppression of survivin expression and activation of the DNA damage pathway underscoring its potential for therapeutic development.
Design and Implementation of a Teleautonomous Hummer

Autonomous and semi-autonomous full-sized ground vehicles are becoming increasingly important, particularly in military applications. Here we describe the instrumentation of one such vehicle, a 4-wheel drive Hummer, for autonomous robotic operation. Actuators for steering, brake, and throttle have been implemented on a commercially available Hummer. Control is provided by on-board and remote computation. On-board computation includes a PC-based control computer coupled to feedback sensors for he steering wheel, brake, and forward speed; and a Unix workstation for high-level control. A radio link connects the on- board computers to an operator's remote workstation running the Georgia Tech MissionLab system. The paper describes the design and implementation of this integrated hardware/software system that translates a remote human operator's commands into directed motion of the vehicle telerobotic control of the Hummer has been demonstrated in outdoor experiments.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.