cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
3.4.1 CENTER FOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

The “Systems Engineering” Discipline seems to have has lost its focus within the Air Force. Comments by high level USAF leaders have pointed out that the front end of the Systems Engineering Process has broken down. This has resulted in systems that have high requirements volatility and acquisition failures. In a combined effort, the Air Force Institute of Technology, the Air Force Material Command and the Air Force Space Command have joined forces to establish a Center for Systems Engineering. It has become evident over the last ten years, with Acquisition Reform, the government gave away the “Keeper” role that assured a consistent application of Systems Engineering and no one from industry has stepped up to accept full responsibility. Systems Engineering (SE) is an interdisciplinary engineering management process that evolves and verifies an integrated, life cycle balanced set of system solutions that satisfy customer needs. It is a comprehensive, iterative, multi-functional, technical management process that includes translating operational requirements into configured systems. It is responsible for integrating the technical inputs of the entire design team, managing interfaces, characterizing and managing technical risk, transitioning technology from the technology base into program specific efforts, and verifying that designs meet operational needs. It is a life cycle activity that demands a concurrent approach to both product and process development. Systems Engineering/Management touches every aspect of our acquisition, operational, sustainment and retirement processes. A national forum on SE identified the need to ensure that a quality systems engineering capability exists. The Center for Systems Engineering (CSE) has been established to do just this job. This CSE serves as the nucleus for the development and accumulation of academic, government and industry SE best practices, processes, metrics and training. It is collaborating with other members of the SE community to develop, publish, continuously refine and advocate systems engineering processes and implementation. The CSE provides consulting and analysis services on SE to all Air Force commands and programs and publish findings as necessary. The CSE manages the identification and collaboration of education and training for all Air Force personnel associated with the systems engineering process. Ultimately we hope to rebuild the systems engineering expertise across all Department of Defense areas. This paper identifies some of the current systems engineering issues/initiatives and challenges with which the CSE is engaged. The approach in this paper provides a logical method of correcting current systems engineering shortfalls and posturing the Air Force, and potentially the Department of Defense, for future success in the management of our weapon/space systems toward meeting the war-fighters needs.
Conservative adjustment of permutation p-values when the number of permutations is limited

In this study, we show through the theory of order statistics that a considerable proportion of p-values will be under-evaluated by the permutation procedure. To solve this problem, we propose to conservatively adjust permutation p-values. The adjustment requires no parametric assumption on the distribution of test statistics. The solution can be expressed by a normalised incomplete beta function. The related normal distribution approximation is also discussed. Simulations are conducted to illustrate the proposed method and two microarray gene expression data sets are considered for applications.
Birational invariants of crystals and fields with a finite group of operators

It is well known that an n -dimensional crystallographic group can be reconstructed from its point group, the integral representation of the point group which arises from its action on the translation lattice, and the 2-cocycle which glues the point group to the lattice ([ 2 ]). In practice, this constitutes a complicated list of invariants. When confronted with the classification of objects possessing a rich structure, the algebraic geometer first attempts to find more coarse birational invariants. We begin such a programme for torsion-free crystallographic groups. More precisely, if Γ is a torsion-free crystallographic group and k is a field then the group algebra k [Γ] is a non-commutative domain (see [ 6 ], chapter 13). It can be localized at its centre to yield a division algebra k (Γ) which is a crossed product; the Galois group is the point group and it acts on the rational function field generated by k and the lattice (regarded multiplicatively), which is a maximal subfield ([ 3 ]). What are thecommon invariants of Γ 1 and Γ 2 when k (Γ 1 ) and k (Γ 2 ) are isomorphic k -algebras?
Walkers Cay Fault, Bahamas: Evidence for Cenozoic faulting

Interpretation of seismic reflection data reveal evidence of a Cenozoic fault (Walkers Cay Fault) north of Little Bahama Bank. This fault strikes N15–30°E, perpendicular to the adjacent bank margin and offsets a late Oligocene reflector by as much as 100 m. The origin of this near-surface fault is uncertain, but its location and strike are nearly coincident with an independently mapped basement fault. Walkers Cay Fault may be the result of recurrent faulting, implying intermittent basement fault movement during the post-rift history of the northern Bahamian continental margin.
External rhinoplasty excision of a nasal tip glioma in a 6-month-old infant: Case report and review of the literature

Summary In this report, we describe an infant with a nasal tip glioma treated by excision via external rhinoplasty. A 3-month-old full-term, otherwise healthy infant presented with a slowly enlarging midline mass of the nasal tip. Clinically the mass appeared cystic without trans-illumination, enlargement with crying, or signs of infection. On successive CT scans at 3 and 5 months old the mass appeared as an enlarging focal prominence to the left of midline with central hypodensity without evidence for intracranial extension. Preoperatively the differential diagnosis included nasal dermoid, glioma, and hemangioma. The mass was removed at 6 months of age via an open rhinoplasty approach with conchal cartilage grafting to reconstruct the left upper lateral cartilage. The final pathological diagnosis was nasal glioma (glial heterotopia) with fibrosis. Pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative photos were taken. The patient has been followed up for 6 months without evidence of recurrence or other complications. A review of the literature on nasal glioma and external nasal surgery in infancy is presented.
Evidence of oxidative damage in Alzheimer's disease brain: central role for amyloid β-peptide

Amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) is heavily deposited in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Free-radical oxidative stress, particularly of neuronal lipids, proteins and DNA, is extensive in those AD brain areas in which Abeta is abundant. Recent research suggests that these observations might be linked, and it is postulated that Abeta-induced oxidative stress leads to neurodegeneration in AD brain. Consonant with this postulate, Abeta leads to neuronal lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and DNA oxidation by means that are inhibited by free-radical antioxidants. Here, we summarize current research on phospholipid peroxidation, as well as protein and DNA oxidation, in AD brain, and discuss the potential role of Abeta in this oxidative stress.
The Future of Emergency Medicine

When considering the future of emergency medicine, we need to study the multiple environments that affect the specialty. This review considers three broad environments: federal government, state jurisdictions, and the private system.
Influence of organic matter on the chemical and electrochemical properties of some flooded soils

Abstract The influence of organic matter added in the form of gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium Steud.) leaves and rice straw on the chemical and electrochemical kinetics of three flooded soils was studied in a pot experiment. Soils after submergence differed markedly in the properties studied. With addition of organic matter not only the peaks of CO2 production and maximum concentrations of water-soluble Fe2+, Ma2+ and other cations occurred earlier but their concentrations were also significantly higher as compared to controls (no organic matter addition). The high concentration of CO2 appeared to influence pH, the accumulation of cations in the soil solution, and to be chiefly responsible for the death of the rice plants. The lethal effects of CO2 and other reduction products can be avoided and nutritional gains to rice can be achieved by planting 3–4 weeks after the addition of quickly-decomposing organic materials.
MAKING ART FROM UNCERTAINTY: Magic and Its Politics in South African Rugby

This essay examines the intersection of the politics of post-apartheid South Africa and the politics of playing rugby. It traces the sport's history through its manifestations in the apartheid state and the anti-apartheid struggle, but it also shows that South African rugby counts for more than the sum of these histories. Drawing inspiration from the writings of Claude Leevi-Strauss and Franz Boas, as well as from the aesthetic theory of Theodor Adorno, the article argues that rugby contains an inherent dimension of unpredictability that allows it to recombine and challenge the symbols and sentiments assigned to it. Considered in this way, rugby acquires a measure of autonomy as a social production, shaping possibilities and entering into existing political conversations with its own voice. Acknowledging this small space of unpredictability, then, carries important implications for how we theorize sporting performances in relation to other forms of creative expression. Rugby players, coaches, and teams, for their part, are well aware of the sport's autonomous dimension, and they know that they must negotiate the uncertainty of the sport if they wish to participate at all. These social actors regard uncertainty as a problem to be solved, and they conceptualize and work through rugby's layering of unpredictable instant atop unpredictable instant in socially and historically specific ways. As a result, the negotiations between South Africans and their rugby become a powerful heuristic for post-apartheid social life, and they produce not only violence and injuries but also moments of magic thick with political significance.
Faculty evaluation of a faculty development center

There is relatively little firm information concerning the effectiveness of faculty development programs at the present time. This condition is not likely to be alleviated by any one study, including the present one. The study does, however, offer a rationale for the faculty survey approach it uses and reports faculty responses concerning importance and performance, to each of 19 functions that make up the faculty development program at the institution involved. The study was conducted in a large urban university and involved responses from both faculty who had participated in the program during the preceding year and those who had not. It was concluded that, despite the subjective nature and other limitations of the survey approach to evaluation of faculty development programs, the information provided is useful both as a basis for decision making and program improvement.
The vertical attenuation of light in Charlotte Harbor, a shallow, subtropical estuary, south-western Florida

The relative contribution of different components to the attenuation of photosynthetically active radiation was determined in the Charlotte Harbor estuarine system based on laboratory and in situ measurements. Agreement between laboratory and in situ measurements of the attenuation coefficient (kt) was good (r2 = 0·92). For all in situ measurements (n = 100), suspended, non-chlorophyll matter accounted for an average of 72% of kt, dissolved matter accounted for 21%, suspended chlorophyll for 4%, and water for the remaining 3%. For individual determinations, suspended non-chlorophyll matter, dissolved matter, suspended chlorophyll, and water, each accounted for as much as 99%, 79%, 21%, and 18% of kt. Attenuation by suspended matter was greatest near the mouth of the northern tidal rivers and was variable over the rest of the estuarine system. Attenuation by dissolved matter was greatest in the brackish tidal rivers and decreased with increasing salinity. Attenuation due to dissolved matter was positively correlated with water color. The source of the color was basin runoff. Wavelength transmittance changed along the salinity gradient. Maximum transmittance shifted from 500 to 600 nm in gulf waters to 650 to 700 nm in colored, brackish waters. Dissolved matter was primarily responsible for the large attenuation at short wavelengths (400–500 nm).
Radiative properties of Ch and Ch+ molecular states

Abstract The lifetimes of the A 2 Δ , B 2 Σ − , and C 2 Σ + states of CH and the A 2 π of CH + have been measured by the time-sampling technique. There is excellent agreement with previous investigators for the A 2 Δ and A 1 π states of CH and CH + , respectively. Additional detailed studies must be made on the B 2 Σ − and C 2 Σ + state of CH.
Characterization of a sex pheromone in the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus : Crustecdysone studies

The molting hormone/sex pheromone hypothesis of Kittredge and Takahashi (1972) and Kittredge et al. (1971) was explored inC. sapidus. Two concentrations of crustecdysone (5 × 10−5 M and 5 × 10−6 M) were presented to male crabs in a bioassay system in which courtship behavior was monitored. The results demonstrate that crustecdysone does not stimulate courtship in this species. The physical properties of crustecdysone were also compared to those of the partially purified sex pheromone derived from pubescent females. Using HPLC and mass spectral analysis, no correspondence of crustecdysone with the bioactive material could be shown. These results, in conjunction with the findings of others, do not support an evolutionary relationship between the molting hormone and sex pheromone communication in the Crustacea.
NN potential with separable core from MIT bag model.

A one-boson-exchange NN potential with mesonic vertices obtained from bag model quark wave functions is extended to short distances by a separable potential for a six quark core which is fitted to the NN $S$-wave data. Core parameters are extracted.
Monte Carlo renormalization-group study of the Baxter-Wu model

The effectiveness of a Monte Carlo renormalization-group method is studied by applying it to the Baxter-Wu model (Ising spins on a triangular lattice with three-spin interactions). The calculations yield three relevant eigenvalues in good agreement with exact or conjectured results. We demonstrate that the method is capable of distinguishing between models expected to be in the same universality class, when one of them (four-state Potts) exhibits logarithmic corrections to the usual power-law singularities and the other (Baxter-Wu) does not.
Calculations of internal stresses during sintering in two dimensions

The internal stresses which may arise during sintering are modeled by calculating the behavior of coupled strings of circular particles. Strings consisting of large and small particles are connected in parallel and are allowed to sinter by surface and grain boundary diffusion. The strings consisting of the smaller particles experience tensile stresses, since their shrinkage is inhibited by the slower sintering of the larger particles. These internal stresses are followed as a function of time. The calculations provide a first-order estimate of the internal stresses which may arise during the sintering of irregular arrays of particles.
Selective Regulation of Neurite Extension and Synapse Formation by the β but not the α Isoform of CaMKII

Abstract Neurite extension and branching are important neuronal plasticity mechanisms that can lead to the addition of synaptic contacts in developing neurons and changes in the number of synapses in mature neurons. Here we show that Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) regulates movement, extension, and branching of filopodia and fine dendrites as well as the number of synapses in hippocampal neurons. Only CaMKIIβ, which peaks in expression early in development, but not CaMKIIα, has this morphogenic activity. A small insert in CaMKIIβ, which is absent in CaMKIIα, confers regulated F-actin localization to the enzyme and enables selective upregulation of dendritic motility. These results show that the two main neuronal CaMKII isoforms have markedly different roles in neuronal plasticity, with CaMKIIα regulating synaptic strength and CaMKIIβ controlling the dendritic morphology and number of synapses .
Synthesis, separation, and circularly polarized luminescence studies of enantiomers of iridium(III) luminophores.

A family of heteroleptic (C^N)2Ir(acac) and homoleptic fac-Ir(C^N)3 complexes have been synthesized and their photophysical properties studied (where C^N = a substituted 2-phenylpyridine and acac = acetylacetonate). The neutral Δ and Λ complexes were separated with greater than 95% enantiomeric purity by chiral supercritical fluid chromatography, and the solution circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence spectra for each of the enantio-enriched iridium complexes were obtained. The experimentally measured emission dissymmetries (gem) for this series compared well with predicted values provided by time-dependent density functional theory calculations. The discovered trend further showed a correlation with the dissymmetries of ionic, enantiopure hemicage compounds of Ru(II) and Zn(II), thus demonstrating the applicability of the model for predicting emission dissymmetry values across a wide range of complexes.
Comparative neuropharmacology of dihydroergotamine and sumatriptan (GR 43175).

SYNOPSIS The potency of dihydroergotamine (DHE) was determined at 13 neurotransmitter receptors using radioligand binding techniques. DHE is a potent agent (i.e. affinity value < 100 nM) at 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A), 5-HT1c, 5-HT1D, 5-HT2, dopamine2, alpha1- and alpha2-adrenergic binding sites. DHE displays moderate affinity (i.e. affinity values = 100 - 1000 nM) for beta-adrenergic and dopamine1 sites and is completely inactive at 5-HT3, muscarinic and benzodiazepine receptors. These results were then compared to similar data on sumatriptan (formerly called GR 43175), a novel acute anti-migraine agent. The only pharmacological property shared by both agents is high affinity for 5-HT1D and 5-HT1A receptors. Therefore, these data suggest that 5-HT1D and/or 5-HT1A receptors may play an important role in the pathophysiology of migraine.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Diabetes

The field of regenerative medicine is rapidly evolving, paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions through cellular therapies and tissue engineering approaches that are reshaping the biomedical field. The remarkable plasticity of different cell subsets obtained from human embryonic and adult tissues from disparate sources (including bone marrow, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid, placenta, and adipose tissue) has sparked research endeavors evaluating use of these cells for numerous conditions, including diabetes and its complications (1). A readily accessible source for multipotent stem cells is the bone marrow, which comprises progenitors of hematopoietic, endothelial, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Unfractioned and fractioned bone marrow–derived stem cells have been used in experimental and clinical settings to improve diabetes and diabetes complications. Bone marrow–derived MSCs are stromal, nonhematopoietic cells generally obtained from iliac crest aspirates following enrichment based on their preferential adhesion on culture vessels in defined media. MSC characterization relies on expression of specific surface markers and on their ability to differentiate into fat, bone, and cartilage when exposed to appropriate culture conditions (2). Recent clinical trials have demonstrated powerful immunomodulatory effects of the inoculum of MSCs to treat graft-versus-host disease (3,4), to improve allogeneic renal transplant outcomes using lower immunosuppressive regimens (5), and to reduce immune cell activation in patients with multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (6). Autologous MSCs were shown to improve Crohn disease lesions refractory to …
Manufacturing System Design

Abstract To achieve the desired goals of a manufacturing enterprise, manufacturing systems must be designed to satisfy a specific set of functional requirements (FRs) and constraints (C). Such a design can be achieved based on axiomatic design theory. A hypothetical manufacturing system that has to produce a mix of products in large numbers in highly competitive industry is designed to illustrate the methodology. This design, albeit hypothetical, may be an ideal and practical design for many manufacturing firms competing in consumer-oriented industries with worldwide over-capacity of manufacturing facilities.
Crystal structure of the anti-viral APOBEC3G catalytic domain and functional implications

This paper describes a high-resolution crystal structure of the catalytic deaminase CD2 domain of APOBEC3G, a human antiviral defence protein that restricts replication of HIV and hepatitis B virus. This structure will provide a basis to pursue further functional studies of proteins of the APOBEC superfamily that will facilitate our understanding of their important biological functions, such as how they interact with nucleic acid substrates for deamination, how their activity is regulated, and how they restrict HIV and other viral pathogens. The APOBEC family members are involved in diverse biological functions. APOBEC3G restricts the replication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus and retroelements by cytidine deamination on single-stranded DNA or by RNA binding1,2,3,4. Here we report the high-resolution crystal structure of the carboxy-terminal deaminase domain of APOBEC3G (APOBEC3G-CD2) purified from Escherichia coli. The APOBEC3G-CD2 structure has a five-stranded β-sheet core that is common to all known deaminase structures and closely resembles the structure of another APOBEC protein, APOBEC2 (ref. 5). A comparison of APOBEC3G-CD2 with other deaminase structures shows a structural conservation of the active-site loops that are directly involved in substrate binding. In the X-ray structure, these APOBEC3G active-site loops form a continuous ‘substrate groove’ around the active centre. The orientation of this putative substrate groove differs markedly (by 90 degrees) from the groove predicted by the NMR structure6. We have introduced mutations around the groove, and have identified residues involved in substrate specificity, single-stranded DNA binding and deaminase activity. These results provide a basis for understanding the underlying mechanisms of substrate specificity for the APOBEC family.
A values clarification workshop experience for residents

Ten residents, 3 faculty members, 2 nurses, and 1 social worker from an adolescent clinic attended a workshop designed to explore, understand, and experience their personal values systems. The purpose was to train health care workers to better care for adolescents. Didactic teaching was minimized. The majority of time was spent on training exercises, including role-playing and group discussion. Most participants felt the experience was positive. This format appears to be useful in training young physicians about interpersonal skills.
Small bowel absorption in hypophysectomized rats.

Five, 10, 15, and 21 days after operation, absorption of sodium, chloride, water, and glucose from an isotonic test solution from the entire small bowel (from the ligament of Treitz to the ileocecal valve) of hypophysectomized rats was measured in vivo by a perfusion technic. The absorption of all these substances was decreased by approximately 50% as compared to values found in control and sham-operated rats. The sham-operated rats absorbed all substances normally. The small bowel in the hypophysectomized rats was smaller than in the controls, yet the decrease in absorption from the small bowel of hypophysectomized rats cannot be explained by a decrease in surface area alone. An undefined factor, perhaps a hormonal deficiency, seems to be responsible for the observed decreased absorption.
Self-confidence of managers in work and social situations: A look at gender differences

This study examined gender differences in self-confidence among working managers in two situations (work and social/family) as well as relationships between self-confidence, personal adjustment, and gender identity. Respondents were 437 women and men managers (208 men and 229 women) in southeast Florida. Although the sample was predominantly non-Hispanic white, an effort was made to include as many as possible Hispanic and black managers of both genders. Meaningful subgroup analysis was not possible, however, due to the small number of minority managers. Results showed that contrary to commonly held beliefs, the women and men managers were not significantly different in self-confidence in either situation, but both were higher in self-confidence at work than the same gender was in the social/family environment. Strong gender identity—either masculine or feminine—was associated with self-confidence at work for both genders, as was high personal adjustment. Implications are discussed.
The potential calcification of octacalcium phosphate on intraocular lens surfaces

Recently, calcification was observed on implanted intraocular lens (IOL) surfaces when viscoelastic substances were applied during surgery. To elucidate the mechanisms of mineral formation, the crystallization of calcium phosphates on IOL surfaces was studied in vitro with nanomolar sensitivity using a constant composition method. Three different commercial viscoelastic materials (Viscoat, OcuCoat, and Amvisc Plus) were investigated and it was found that some IOLs treated with Viscoat or Amvisc Plus induced the nucleation and growth of octacalcium phosphate crystallites under biological conditions. After treatments, the IOL surfaces became more hydrophilic probably because of the high viscoelastic phosphate and carboxylate contents. In contrast to Viscoat, the use of OcuCoat during surgery resulted in virtually no octacalcium phosphate nucleations. Calcification studies of IOL surfaces treated with fatty acids, which are present in human aqueous humor, suggest that hydrophobic cyclic silicones adsorbed on the IOL surfaces interact strongly with hydrophobic hydrocarbon chains of the fatty acids, creating a layer of amphiphiles oriented with functional carboxylate groups exposed to the aqueous solution and serving as active calcification sites.
Focussing in the hard x-ray band

Several novel techniques can raise the upper limit of grazing incidence focussing to 100 keV, making it possible to extend the domain of focussing to studies of non-thermal processes. With an angular resolution of an arcminute or better, focussing reduces background to low levels. Consequently, a focussing instrument can be significantly more sensitive than a scanning collimator or coded masked system of similar aperture. In addition, the small area of the image facilitates the use of high spectral resolution detectors. Promising techniques for focussing hard x-rays include: reflecting x-rays more than twice on their way to the focus; non-traditional optical configurations based upon micro-channel plate arrays and capillaries, and two types of two-element, multilayer coatings, one with a uniform period and the other with a depth varying period. Long focal length and modular multiple focus configurations will augment the effective area in all cases. Telescopes which focus to 100 keV are strong candidates for the next generation of large x-ray observatories beyond AXAF and XMM.
Secondary structure of the 33 kDa, extrinsic protein of Photosystem II: a far-UV circular dichroism study.

The 33 kDa extrinsic protein of Photosystem II is an important component of the oxygen-evolving apparatus which functions to stabilize the manganese cluster at physiological chloride concentrations and to lower the calcium requirement for oxygen evolution. Chou-Fasman analysis of the amino-acid sequence of this protein suggests that this component contains a high proportion of alpha-helical structure and only relatively small amounts of beta-sheet structure. A computational study using more sophisticated techniques (Beauregard, M. (1992) Environ. Exp. Bot. 32, 411-429) concluded that the protein contained little periodically ordered secondary structure. In this study, we have directly measured the relative proportions of secondary structure present in the 33 kDa protein using far-ultraviolet circular dichroism spectroscopy. Our results indicate that, in solution, this protein contains a large proportion of beta-sheet structure (38%) and relatively small amounts of alpha-helical structure (9%). A structural model of the 33 kDa protein based on a constrained Chou-Fasman analysis (Teeter, M.M. and Whitlow, M (1988) Proteins 4, 262-273) is presented.
Development of classification models to detect Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium found in poultry carcass rinses by visible-near infrared hyperspectral imaging

Salmonella is a major cause of foodborne disease outbreaks resulting from the consumption of contaminated food products in the United States. This paper reports the development of a hyperspectral imaging technique for detecting and differentiating two of the most common Salmonella serotypes, Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and Salmonella Typhimurium (ST), from background microflora that are often found in poultry carcass rinse. Presumptive positive screening of colonies with a traditional direct plating method is a labor intensive and time consuming task. Thus, this paper is concerned with the detection of differences in spectral characteristics among the pure SE, ST, and background microflora grown on brilliant green sulfa (BGS) and xylose lysine tergitol 4 (XLT4) agar media with a spread plating technique. Visible near-infrared hyperspectral imaging, providing the spectral and spatial information unique to each microorganism, was utilized to differentiate SE and ST from the background microflora. A total of 10 classification models, including five machine learning algorithms, each without and with principal component analysis (PCA), were validated and compared to find the best model in classification accuracy. The five machine learning (classification) algorithms used in this study were Mahalanobis distance (MD), k-nearest neighbor (kNN), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), and support vector machine (SVM). The average classification accuracy of all 10 models on a calibration (or training) set of the pure cultures on BGS agar plates was 98% (Kappa coefficient = 0.95) in determining the presence of SE and/or ST although it was difficult to differentiate between SE and ST. The average classification accuracy of all 10 models on a training set for ST detection on XLT4 agar was over 99% (Kappa coefficient = 0.99) although SE colonies on XLT4 agar were difficult to differentiate from background microflora. The average classification accuracy of all 10 models on a validation set of chicken carcass rinses spiked with SE or ST and incubated on BGS agar plates was 94.45% and 83.73%, without and with PCA for classification, respectively. The best performing classification model on the validation set was QDA without PCA by achieving the classification accuracy of 98.65% (Kappa coefficient=0.98). The overall best performing classification model regardless of using PCA was MD with the classification accuracy of 94.84% (Kappa coefficient=0.88) on the validation set.
Scenarios for the Peruvian rural electrification program

The rural electrification program initiated in Peru in order to achieve the 2012 rural electrification target was developed to forecast energy systems from both conventional and renewable resources. This program has proposed three scenarios for gradual increasing of the amount of renewable energy generation (36% of the 2012 target). However, it’s necessary to analyze the situation because the renewable energy rural market shows a low income for private investors although it has a high social impact. So, there is still significant risk for the development of renewable energy systems that could be minimized by using decentralized biomass energy systems with the application of small-scale-technologies.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Targeting strategies: an overview of criteria and outcomes.

Researchers generally agree that Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Units are effective only when they are targeted at a specific group of frail, elderly patients who are most likely to benefit. Such patients are those who are neither too sick (eg, severely demented or moribund) nor too well. Various strategies for identifying such patients have been employed by investigators with little consensus on the most efficient targeting criteria. Criteria most often used for inclusion in GEM programs are various combinations of patient age, degree of functional impairment, presence of geriatric conditions (eg falls, incontinence, confusion), particular diagnostic conditions (eg, multiple disorders), and psychosocial conditions (eg, living alone, recent bereavement, low income). Commonly used exclusion factors are severe dementia, inevitable nursing home placement, and terminal illness. Outcome studies suggest that beneficial effects of GEM care are most apparent when patients are selected using specific clinical criteria. Future research on targeting should address the potential need for differing criteria in different settings (eg, inpatient vs outpatient GEM units), simplifications of criteria for greatest ease of application, and prospective evaluation of which criteria best predict functional improvement, longer survival, and reduced health care expenditures in response to GEM care.
Prospective evaluation of β-cell function in insulin antoantibody-positive relatives of insulin-dependent diabetic patients☆

During the preclinical period of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), progression to clinical IDDM is characterized by declining β-cell function. Although the presence of insulin autoantibodies (IAA) improves the ability of islet cell antibodies (ICA) to predict subsequent clinical IDDM, few studies have examined the risk of developing IDDM in subjects positive for IAA but negative for both ICA and antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (64kA). To investigate this question, detailed β-cell function tests (acute insulin response to glucose [AIRgluc] and slope of glucose potentiation) were performed on eight IAA-positive first-degree relatives of insulin-dependent diabetics. All eight subjects were negative for ICA, and seven were tested for 64kA and were negative. Five subjects were studied prospectively for 22.4 ± 9.4 months, while three subjects had only initial studies. Initial β-cell function tests were normal in each subject. AIRgluc was 122.2% ± 19.0% of the expected normal response, while slope was 168.6% ± 20.6% of expected normal response. β-cell function remained normal and remarkably stable in the five subjects followed prospectively. AIRgluc did not significantly change from an initial value of 147.9% ± 23.1% of expected to 153.2% ± 22.4% (NS). The slope of glucose potentiation varied little from 165.5% ± 39.4% initially to 159.5% ± 27.3% (NS) at the most recent determination. We conclude that among nondiabetic first-degree relatives of IDDM subjects, the presence of IAA in the absence of ICA and 64kA is not usually associated with and therefore does not reliably predict β-cell dysfunction or progressive deterioration in β-cell function.
Four digital algorithms for activation detection from unipolar epicardial electrograms

The reproducibility of activation detection by each of four algorithms used to calculate maximum derivatives was tested on two sequential paced beats of right ventricular unipolar epicardial electrograms, which represented either local activation of the right ventricle alone or synchronous activation of both ventricles. The methods were evaluated by comparing the shape of the two beats aligned on their selected activation times, i.e. the time at which the maximum negative deflection occurred, the differences in activation intervals for the two beats, and the effect on the activation time of superimposing distant events on local activation. The 17-point second-order data fit algorithm performed slightly better than the first-order difference, three-point Lagrange derivative, and five-point second-order data fit algorithms except that activation time selection by the 17-point technique was slightly, but significantly, delayed by the superposition of distant potentials. The 17-point second-order data fit technique is therefore recommended for use in detecting activation unless computation time is a major consideration. >
The role of inhalation rewarming in the early management of hypothermia

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of inhalation rewarming in early resuscitative efforts for hypothermic victims. Data Sources: Search of MEDLINE and manual retrieval using the terms hypothermia, resuscitation, inhalation and treatment. All articles and papers published within the last 5 years were searched. Earlier literature was also included if considered vital to documenting the scientific basis and rationale for using airway rewarming. Study Selection: Letters to the editor, review articles, case reports and original research were included in this review. Material was considered for inclusion if it contributed generally to the understanding of the role of inhalation rewarming in the stabilization or treatment of accidental hypothermia. Results: The literature reported many instances in which inhalation rewarming appeared to contribute to a successful outcome during hypothermic resuscitative efforts. The maximum contribution that inhalation rewarming provides to overall core rewarming does not appear to endorse it as a sole method of core rewarming. Conclusions: The safety and efficacy of inhalation rewarming suggest that it is a viable adjunct of treatment during hypothermic resuscitation. Its routine use may be more appropriate for a field rescue situation where more advanced rewarming modalities may not be available or practicable. Also, its primary value may be to minimize further core temperature loss during early management of accidental hypothermia.
Evidence for thyroglobulin-reactive T cells in good responder mice.

Abstract The T-cell-based difference in responsiveness to MTg between good and poor responder mice was investigated by the use of congenic mouse strains, B10.BR( H -2 k ) and B10.D2( H -2 d ), and a T-cell adjuvant, poly A:U. Poly A:U, administered 3 hr after MTg, was effective as adjuvant only in good responder B10.BR mice; antibody titers (both mercaptoethanol sensitive and resistant) to MTg were equivalent to those obtained when MTg was given as an emulsion in IFA. The incorporation of poly A:U with IFA and MTg further raised the titers to the levels of those produced with MTg in CFA. Despite high antibody titers, treatment with MTg and poly A:U led only to transient thyroid infiltration. Thus, poly A:U activated MTg-helper T cells in good responders. In contrast, poly A:U was ineffective in promoting antibodies to MTg in poor responder B10.D2 mice. These data provide evidence for the presence of MTg-reactive T cells in good responder mice.
The cost of tolerance for violence

Our society evinces a high tolerance for violence. This acceptance of certain forms of violent behavior is ingrained in the American value system, established through our history in the simple struggle to survive. Beginning with the colonial era, through the settlement of the western frontier, and during the wave of immigrant arrivals, Americans often used violence to establish basic rights. Sociobiological explanations of individual violent tendencies focus on genetic predisposition established through natural selection--or survival of the fittest--while psychoanalytical perspectives define extreme violence as a deviant form of natural aggression. On the other hand, criminologists define all violence as deviant. In today's society, physical force is considered to be justifiable when expressing political dissent and protecting self and property, and less so during domestic disputes. Language: en
One-Dimensional Steady State Infiltration in Heterogeneous Soils

The effects of heterogeneity on one-dimensional, steady state infiltration are studied using numerical simulations where the soil hydrologic properties are assumed to be spatial stochastic processes. Analytical solutions to one-dimensional, steady state infiltration in heterogeneous soils are developed and applied to the stochastic random fields. The effects of spatial variability of parameters of an exponential unsaturated hydraulic conductivity model on the soil-water pressure profiles are examined. The amount of variation in pressure heads is found to vary with infiltration rates and mean pressure heads, while the cross-correlation between parameters is shown to have important influences on the value of the head variance. An inverse procedure is developed to determine the effective hydraulic conductivity parameters. The effective parameter is found to vary with mean pressures. Effective hydraulic conductivities and pressure head variances estimated from the numerical simulations were compared with those obtained from a spectral method by Yeh et al. (1985a, b, c). A unit mean gradient approach was used to estimate the effective unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, and the result shows that this approach is adequate for heterogeneous soils.
Characterization of polymorphism within the H2-M MHC class II loci

The products of the class II-like H2-M genes of the major histocompatibility complex are required for class II antigen processing. We sequenced H2-Ma and Mb from several mouse strains to determine whether these genes are polymophic, like H2-O. Both Mb loci appear to be transcribed and are distinct from each other. Mb1 and Mb2 differ by about 11% at the nucleotide level and are most dissimilar in their second exons (corresponding to the β1 domain). Relative to the published Mb 1d haplotype sequence, the products of the b, g7, f, and k2 alleles of Mb 1 from Mus musculus domesticus and the separate mouse species Mus spretus differ by only one to four amino acids. The majority of the changes occured in the second exon of Mb 1, in contrast to HLA-DMB, the human orthologue. Little polymorphism was seen for Mb 2, and Ma was invariant in all strians tested. The similarity of the g7 allele to those from other haplotypes makes it unlikely that the M class II genes play a role in the autoimmune diabetes of NOD strain mice. The M genes are regulated in a manner similar to classical class II genes, in that they are upregulated by IFN-gd in mcrophages, and to a lesser extend by IL4 in B cells. When modeled on the crystal structure of the HLA-DR1 class II molecule, nearly all of the differences between Mβ1 and Mβ2 affect residues facing away from the putative peptide binding groove.
Estimating Velocity Turbulence Magnitudes Using the Thermosonde

Abstract : Equations are developed to estimate velocity turbulence from index of refraction turbulence as measured by the thermosonde. Using an adaptation of the radar "power" method to estimate velocity fluctuations from backscattered radar return and concurrently measured atmospheric data, the method is applied to optical turbulence measured by the thermosonde. The method is then used to compare velocity turbulence levels as estimated by the thermosonde to those estimated by the "Groundwinds" lidar in the lee of Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. There is reasonable agreement in identification of the areas of high turbulence.
SU-FF-T-443: Validation of Tomotherapy Machine Matching Procedure at the University of Wisconsin

Purpose: To verify and validate an in‐house developed procedure used to readily transfer treatment plans between two tomotherapy machines without the need to re‐optimize the plan. Easy patient transfer between tomotherapy machines provides smooth patient flow in the clinic and reduces the time needed to complete patients' treatments as scheduled. It also reduces the possibility of introducing errors in the transfer of patients from one machine to another. Method and Materials: Two tomotherapy Hi‐ART machines: Tomotherapy I, running software version 2.1.0.2 and Tomotherapy II running software version 2.2.1.2 (TomoTherapy Inc. Madison, WI.). The Tomotherapy planning was used for comparing treatment plans. The Delivery Quality Assurance (DQA) module of the tomotherapy planning software was used to compare delivered dose to films within the Tomo phantom to the calculated dose from the plans. Results: Comprehensive tests using film and ion chamberdosimetry show that the beam model is true representation of both machines within measurement uncertainty. DQA procedures show that transferred plans are delivered accurately within IMRT acceptable limits (3% of prescribed dose and 3mm distance to agreement). Conclusion: Using this approach the two UW tomotherapy machines were found to be similar and can deliver the same treatment plan within tolerances acceptable by IMRTtreatments. On several occasions, tomotherapy treatment plans were transferred between the two tomotherapy machines to avoid treatment cancellation. Tomotherapy treatment plan transfer is accomplished within a reasonable time frame (5–10 minutes per plan) without changing the final outcome of the plans. Conflict of Interest and Disclaimer: R. Mackie has financial interest in TomoTherapy Inc., and potential conflict of interest. The procedure and methods presented here are solely developed by the University of Wisconsin physics for internal use. TomoTherapy Inc. did not participate in this study and they do not support or recommend the procedure presented here.
Bridged Bisimide Polysilsesquioxane Xerogels: New Hybrid Organic−Inorganic Materials

New hybrid organic−inorganic materials which incorporate the bisimide functionality were synthesized by sol−gel condensation of bisimide monomers containing pendant triethoxysilyl groups. Monomers were prepared by transimidation of bis (2-aminopyridyl)imides with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane. This synthesis was applicable to a variety of commercially available bisanhydrides and did not result in the evolution of water which causes premature hydrolysis and condensation of the trialkoxysilyl group. Solid-state NMR (29Si, 13C, and 15N) was utilized to characterize the polysilsesquioxane bis-imides. Nitrogen sorption porosimetry was used to determine the surface area. The thermal and mechanical characteristics of the resultant materials were measured and compared to linear polyimides.
Using a Stimulus Equivalence Paradigm to Teach Numerals, English Words, and Native American Words to Preschool-Age Children

Most of the nearly 300 indigenous American languages in North America are moribund, including Ojibwe and Dakota. Despite numerous basic studies of stimulus equivalence, only a small handful of applied studies have demonstrated that a stimulus equivalence paradigm can be an effective and efficient means of teaching several concepts including math, spelling, and a second language. This study was designed to apply a stimulus equivalence paradigm involving match-to-sample procedures to teaching numbers and words in a second, endangered, language. A pretest–posttest randomized group design was used to examine the effectiveness of a stimulus equivalence computer program for teaching unknown Ojibwe and Dakota words to pre-kindergarteners. All of the participants who received the computer training demonstrated the development of equivalence classes that included numerals, spoken English words, and written words in Ojibwe and Dakota. Results also suggested that the stimulus equivalence paradigm may be an efficient way to teach words in a second language and to aid in language revitalization efforts.