cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF THE HYDROGEN ION CONCENTRATION ON THE PHAGOCYTOSIS AND ADHESIVENESS OF LEUCOCYTES

1. Immediately after coming into contact with glass, leucocytes are most adhesive at pH 8.0 or > 8.0. 2. Agglutination of leucocytes increases with increasing H ion concentration from pH 8.0 to 6.0. 3. In phagocytosis experiments where leucocytes creep about on the slide picking up articles the optimum pH is 7.0. Here ameboid movement is probably the limiting factor. 4. The optimum for phagocytosis of quartz from suspension is on the acid side of neutrality at or near pH 6.7. 5. Phagocytosis of quartz increases with the acidity, while adhesiveness of leucocytes to glass increases with the alkalinity.
Testing the emergence and effect of the reference outcome in an integrative bargaining situation

We describe and analyze an experiment in two-person, integrative bargaining. We test two hypotheses. First, that in this particular conflict situation a reference outcome emerges. Second, that the bargaining outcome is explained by a model developed in Gupta and Livne (1988). Both hypotheses are confirmed. This experiment supports the view that the reference outcome is an important factor in integrative bargaining and indicates that the Gupta-Livne model, originally developed as an axiomatic one, may also be a satisfactory descriptive model.
Information distance based contrast invariant iris quality measure

Poor quality can affect iris recognition accuracy. Feature information is an objective measure to evaluate the iris image quality. By combining Feature Information Measure (FIM), an occlusion measure and a dilation measure, a quality score is obtained that is well correlated with recognition accuracy. FIM is calculated as the distance between the distribution of iris features and a uniform distribution. Images of low contrast can appear to lack information from manual inspection, but actually perform well in iris recognition due to the presence of feature information. However, the FIM score for a low contrast image could be low. To adjust this affect, this paper developed an information based contrast invariant iris quality measure. For exhaustive comparison, CASIA 1.0, CASIA 2.0, ICE and WVU databases is used. In addition, the proposed method is compared to the convolution matrix, spectrum energy and Mexican hat wavelet approaches which represent a variety of approaches to iris quality measure. The experimental results show that the proposed quality measure is capable of predicting matching performance.
Maximum grip strength in normal subjects from 20 to 64 years of age

The purposes of this study were to develop normative maximum grip strength (GRIP) data for men and women aged 20 to 64 years, separated into nine five-year age groups, and to develop prediction equations for GRIP using gender, age, height, weight, and hand dominance. A total of 1,182 volunteers (553 men and 629 women) participated in the study. Maximum hand grips were obtained using the Jamar dynamometer with standardized positioning and instructions. The hand to be tested first was chosen randomly. Each hand was then tested alternately. Three trials were performed on each hand. The highest GRIP for each hand was used for analysis. Two-way analyses of variance showed significant differences between the right and left hands and across the age groups for both genders. Follow-up analyses showed that significant decreases occurred between the age groups of 50-54 and 55-59 years in men and between the age groups of 50-54 and 60-64 years in women. The data also indicated that right and left GRIPs were highly correlated with each other (r = 0.93). Gender, height, and weight moderately correlated with both GRIPS (r = 0.52-0.73. Age correlated weakly with both GRIPs (r = -0.17). If either the right or the left GRIP was known, the other GRIP could be predicted easily from the known GRIP, with 87% of variance accounted for. Without the knowledge of the other GRIP, either GRIP could be predicted through gender, height, weight, age, and hand dominance, with 61% to 62% of the explained variance. The norms and prediction equations of GRIP developed in this study for men and women aged 20 to 64 years will help clinicians with decision making regarding grip strength.
Extracellular Ca2+ and the effect of antidiuretic hormone on the water permeability of the toad urinary bladder: An example of flow-induced alteration of flow

The extracellular Ca2+ requirement for antidiuretic hormone (ADH) stimulation of water permeability in the toad urinary bladder has been critically examined. The polarity of the tissue was maintained with 1mm Ca2+ in the mucosal bathing medium and a serosal bath nominally free of Ca2+. Under these condition, ADH-induced osmotic water flow was inhibited by more than 60% while enhancement of the diffusional permeability to water was unaffected. Structural studies revealed that low serosal Ca2+ led to parallel alterations in epithelial architecture that amounted to a significant distorition of the osmotic water pathway. Prevention of these alterations, or restoration of normal cell-cell contact showed that the reduction of serosal Ca2+ did not restrict hormonal action,per se, but that it resulted in a weakening of cell-cell junctions such that intercellular space distension during water flow occurred to a point where the geometric conditions for maintenance of osmotic flow were compromised. We conclude that extracellular Ca2+ is not a requirement for the molecular aspects of ADH action but that, in its absence, a direct measurement of ADH-induced osmotic flow proves to be an inaccurate index of the hormone-generated changes in epithelial transport characteristics. Under certain conditions the ADH-effect on the tissue's hydraulic permeability is probably best assessed by measurement of the diffusional permability to water; although accuracy in this determination is difficult, it is not as strongly dependent on tissue geometry.
Sensory responses of dorsal cells in the lamprey brain

Sensory responses were evoked in 17/33 dorsal cells in the brain of the lampreyIchthyomyzon unicuspis by mechanical stimulation of the dorsolateral skin of the sucker and head. Fifteen of the responsive cells tested were classified as pressuresensitive and two as nociceptive. Thus, some of the dorsal cells which are situated in the medulla of the lamprey and which project into the branches of the trigeminal nerves have sensory functions similar to those of dorsal cells in the spinal cord.
Computed tomography in gunshot wounds to the neck: Can we predict vascular injury?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of helical computed tomography (CT) to detect arterial injuries in gunshot wounds to the neck. In a blinded retrospective review, 54 helical CT scans of the cervical spine were evaluated for bullet/bone fragments, subcutaneous air, bullet path, hematoma, spine fractures, and pharyngoesophageal compromise. The distance of fragments to a major vessel was calculated. CT findings that correlated significantly with major arterial injury included the presence of fragments (bullet/bone) close to a major vessel (2.5 mm) and spine fractures. Visualizing fragments <5 mm from a vessel or a transcervical bullet trajectory predicted 12 of 13 major arterial injuries. We conclude that CT clearly depicts anatomic damage. Specific findings, such as the location of fragments and bullet trajectory adjacent to a vessel and spine fractures, indicate a higher probability of vascular damage, thus directing more definitive evaluation.
The political history of syphilis and its application to the AIDS epidemic

The history of syphilis control from the mid-19th century through the present time is a strong argument for the need to enhance the public health efforts to find cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and to notify the partners of infected individuals. To do this, public policy must be changed to allow better case-finding (mandatory testing) and partner notification (mandatory reporting). The history of syphilis is such that one person in 22 was infected in this country in 1918. If we are to use this history to control the current HIV epidemic, control measures used for syphilis (before penicillin) are needed; these are equal attention to education, available health care, case-finding, and partner notification.
A method to determine the optimal features for control of a powered lower-limb prostheses

Lower-limb prostheses are rapidly advancing with greater computing power and sensing modalities. This paper is an attempt to begin exploring the trade-off between extrinsic and intrinsic control modalities. In this case, between electromyographic (extrinsic) and several internal sensors that can be used for intrinsic control. We propose a method that will identify the particular features, taken from two trans-femoral amputee and one trans-tibial amputee, during locomotion on varying terrain, that perfectly discriminate between locomotion modes. From this we are able to identify the source of the discriminability from a large-set of features that does not depend on the type of amputation. Also, we comment on the use of this algorithm in selecting the most discriminatory and least encumbering sensor/feature combination for transitions when the ground underneath the foot is unknown for trans-tibial amputees.
Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 2003

The tropical cyclone activity for 2003 in the eastern North Pacific hurricane basin is summarized. Activity during 2003 was slightly below normal. Sixteen tropical storms developed, seven of which became hurricanes. However, there were no major hurricanes in the basin for the first time since 1977. The first hurricane did not form until 24 August, the latest observed first hurricane at least since reliable satellite observations began in 1966. Five tropical cyclones made landfall on the Pacific coast of Mexico, resulting in 14 deaths.
An Approach to Imaging Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Pitfalls and Pearls

Noninvasive cardiovascular evaluation of an adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patient is a multimodality endeavor that can include chest roentgenograms, electrocardiograms, echocardiography (including stress, three-dimensional, intravascular and intracardiac ultrasound, and transesophageal), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), computed tomography angiography (CTA), single photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) perfusion imaging, and positron emission tomography (PET). The cost-benefit ratio and limitations of each modality should always be considered (Table 1). Adults with ACHD often need repetitive imaging, making them vulnerable to radiation-induced cancer; hence, modalities using ionizing radiation should be minimized. A transthoracic echocardiogram remains the initial noninvasive modality of choice due to its real-time imaging capability with excellent temporal resolution and its ability to quickly assess hemodynamics along with anatomic delineation. A transesophageal echocardiogram is extremely helpful in further defining intracardiac anatomy and guiding surgical and interventional procedures. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is an adjunctive modality to an echocardiogram because ACHD patients frequently have intra-thoracic abnormalities (e.g., adhesions from multiple cardiac operations and lung disease) that can limit the resolution of the ultrasound beam. A CMR is especially helpful in periodic evaluation of the right ventricle, visceral situs, extracardiac anatomy, lesions of the pericardium, pulmonary veins, systemic veins, pulmonary arteries, and aorta. For real-time CMR, special techniques such as echo planar can be used; for hemodynamic evaluation by CMR, techniques like velocity-vector mapping, myocardial tagging, echo planar, and fast gradient echo can be used. Besides excellent spatial resolution, the advantage of CTA over other techniques is an extremely fast acquisition time. Furthermore, CTA can replace an invasive procedure such as catheterization and angiography for anatomical diagnosis where hemodynamics is not required, such as the diagnosis of arch or coronary artery anomalies. Nuclear scans such as lung perfusion scans and splenic scans are very helpful in determining differential pulmonary blood flow and splenic function, respectively. Both SPECT and PET are valuable in assessing tissue perfusion and metabolism and help to determine viable versus nonviable myocardium after surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and coronary artery anomaly, after arterial switch operation for d-transposition of great arteries, and in acquired illness such as Kawasaki disease. When considering imaging a patient with ACHD, and overall evaluation strategy should include the aspects found in Table 2.
Evaluating the Impact of CETA on Participant Earnings.

This article summarizes estimates of CETA net impact on labor market outcomes using multivariate matching and weighting. The approach produces a comparison group from the Current Population Survey similar to the treatment sample on higher order interactions of match variables and displays only limited sensitivity to model specification. Unlike other approaches that rely on a priori assumptions, the estimates do not require explicit assumptions concerning the temporary or permanent nature of the "preentry earnings dip. "Statistical tests show the resulting comparison groups to be superior both to random samples of eligibles from the Current Population Survey and to comparison groups derived by statistical matching without replacement. Consistent with program changes, FY 1977 impact estimates were higher than FY 1976 impact estimates.
Cities and Citizenship

(2003). Cities and Citizenship. Urban Geography: Vol. 24, Cities and Citizenship, pp. 97-102.
Gene expression of proteases and protease inhibitors in the human ciliary epithelium and ODM-2 cells.

Abstract Complementary DNAs (cDNAs), corresponding to the human proteinases cathepsins D and O and proteinase inhibitors α2-macroglobulin and PP5/TFPI-2, have recently been isolated and identified from a subtractive human ciliary body library. In the present study we determined: (i) their pattern of expression in the human eye; (ii) the ability of the ciliary body and/or ciliary epithelial cells to synthesize and secrete cathepsin D and α1-antitrypsin in vitro; and (iii) whether α1-antitrypsin expression in cultured ciliary epithelial cells is modulated by protein kinase C activation. Northern analysis demonstrated that the ciliary body expresses high levels of cathepsins D and O, α2-macroglobulin, α1-antitrypsin and PP5/TFPI-2 transcripts. Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation experiments with cathepsin D and α1-antitrypsin antibodies indicated that metabolically labeled ciliary body explants and/or ciliary epithelial cells in vitro with35S-methionine, synthesize and secrete these proteins. Cultured nonpigmented ciliary epithelial ODM-2 cells, in response to phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), but not to the non-protein kinase C binding phorbol ester 4 α-phorbol didecanoate (PDBu), elicited up-regulation (up to 5-fold) of transcription, synthesis and secretion of α1-antitrypsin. These results provide in vitro evidence that the ciliary epithelium synthesizes and secretes a selective group of proteinases and proteinase inhibitors detected also in aqueous humor. The expression of at least of one of the proteinase inhibitors, α1-antitrypsin, can be modulated in response to phorbol ester.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia-2B presenting with orthodontic relapse.

Abstract The multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes are a relatively uncommon group of genetic disorders characterized by the development of tumors in various endocrine organs. MEN type 2B is of particular interest to the dental profession because of its oral manifestations, which are often some of the earliest clinically detectable signs of the disorder. Early identification of this syndrome is critical because affected patients often develop a characteristic malignancy, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, at a very early age. We describe a 17-year-old male whose initial diagnosis of MEN-2B was triggered by his orthodontist's request for an oral and maxillofacial pathology consultation to evaluate the patient's oral abnormalities.
CEO Regulatory Focus: The Impact on Firm Acquisitions

Regulatory focus theory argues that decision making and goal pursuit are accomplished via either a promotion focus (a sensitivity to gains and a desire for advancement and growth) or a prevention f...
Relation of Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony Measured by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Tissue Tracking in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot to Ventricular Tachycardia and Death

The impact of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony on clinical outcomes in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is unknown. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that LV dyssynchrony assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)–derived tissue tracking in patients with repaired TOF is associated with ventricular tachycardia (VT) and death. Included patients had repaired TOF and CMR data from 2000 and 2008. Patients (n = 13) had histories of death or sustained VT. Control subjects (n = 26), with no death or VT, were matched by age at CMR and type of last surgical procedure. Demographic, clinical, and electrocardiographic data were recorded. CMR short-axis cine data were analyzed by tracking the motion of the endocardial border using commercial software. LV dyssynchrony was quantified as the maximum difference in time to peak radial displacement, circumferential strain, and radial strain among the 6 ventricular segments and the standard deviation of the times to peak value. There were no differences between groups in clinical, electrocardiographic, or demographic characteristics. Among CMR parameters, right ventricular volumes were higher and ejection fractions lower in the patient group. Indexes of LV dyssynchrony were higher in the patient group (e.g., maximum time difference of circumferential strain 94 vs 46 ms, p
Connectivity of icosahedral network and a dramatically growing static length scale in Cu-Zr binary metallic glasses

We report on and characterize, via molecular dynamics studies, the evolution of the structure of Cu${}_{50}$Zr${}_{50}$ and Cu${}_{64}$Zr${}_{36}$ metallic glasses (MGs) as temperature is varied. Interestingly, a percolating icosahedral network appears in the Cu${}_{64}$Zr${}_{36}$ system as it is supercooled. This leads us to introduce a static length scale, which grows dramatically as this three-dimensional system approaches the glass transition. Amidst interpenetrating connections, noninterpenetrating connections between icosahedra are shown to become prevalent upon supercooling and to greatly enhance the connectivity of the MG's icosahedral network. Additionally, we characterize the chemical compositions of the icosahedral networks and their components. These findings demonstrate the importance of noninterpenetrating connections for facilitating extensive structural networks in Cu-Zr MGs, which in turn drive dynamical slowing in these materials.
Analysis of Penetrating Head Impact

Impact-induced injuries can be classified into blunt and penetrating types. Penetrating injuries are often the byproduct of gunshot wounds and these injuries to the head result in significant mortality and morbidity. The objective of the study is to determine the probability of fatality as a function of admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and injury volumes (hematoma and edema) in gunshot wounds using computed tomography (CT) scans. Head CT images from 19 patients were analyzed. Hematoma and edema volumes were computed using grayscale equivalents and special computer software. Hematoma and edema volumes were found to be better predictors than GCS. In addition to admission GCS, hematoma and edema volumes may allow more accurate prediction of outcome, and these data should provide informed counseling of relatives and improved guidelines for more efficient resource allocation during the acute care phase.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Breaking the barriers to emergency contraception access in the USA: the time has come

Levonorgestrel (Plan B®) was approved as an over-the-counter medication for emergency contraception in 2006, but barriers to access still exist. Several studies have shown that emergency contraception does not increase promiscuity nor decrease condom use, but these erroneous beliefs are still widely held. Myths and political controversy about emergency contraception have limited its access to adolescent girls, despite its demonstrated safety and effectiveness. Other methods of emergency contraception, such as mifepristone, may actually be more effective in preventing unplanned pregnancies, but further research in the USA for this indication needs to be performed. Finally, while it is important to increase access to emergency contraception, it should not replace the promotion of long-acting reversible contraception.
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Deficiency Fails to Restrain Macrophage Infiltration Into Adipose Tissue

OBJECTIVE— Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), a CC-motif chemokine, has been proposed to play critical roles in insulin resistance and recruitment of monocytes into adipose tissue. We hypothesized that the absence of MCP-1 would improve the former and diminish the latter. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We investigated these two hypotheses by quantifying glucose metabolism and the accumulation of macrophages in adipose tissue of control and MCP-1–deficient ( Mcp1 − / − ) mice after feeding the animals a high-fat diet for 10 or 16 weeks. RESULTS— We first established that the two strains were in the same genetic background and that macrophage recruitment into inflamed peritoneum was markedly reduced in the MCP-1–deficient animals. In striking contrast, independent studies at two different facilities at either an early or late time point failed to detect any impairment in macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue of fat-fed Mcp1 −/− mice. Immunoblot analysis revealed higher levels of Mac2, a macrophage-specific protein, in multiple fat depots of Mcp1 −/− mice fed a high-fat diet. These mice also had significantly more adipose tissue than control mice, but their glucose metabolism was similar. CONCLUSIONS— Our observations suggest that MCP-1 does not play a prominent a role in promoting macrophage recruitment into adipose tissue or in systemic insulin resistance.
Personality Correlates of Lateral Eye Movement and Handedness

After being asked a reflective question, S will make a lateral eye movement, right or left, away from the questioner before responding. Some relationships between lateral eye movement, handedness, and personality characteristics as measured by the 16 Personality Factor Test were examined among 89 college students. Left-movers were significantly less affected by feelings, and more assertive, shrewd, and suspicious than right-movers, contrary to Day's clinical observations. Left-handers scored significantly lower in intelligence and higher in trust than right-handers. Consistency of eye movement and of handedness showed little relationship to personality measures.
Parallel proximity detection and the distribution list algorithm

Generalized proximity detection for moving objects in a logically correct parallel discrete-event simulation is an interesting and fundamentally challenging problem. Determining who can see whom in a manner that is fully scalable in terms of CPU usage, number of messages, and memory requirements is highly non-trivial.A new scalable approach has been developed to solve this problem. This algorithm, called The Distribution List, has been designed and tested using the object-oriented Synchronous Parallel Environment for Emulation and Discrete-Event Simulation (SPEEDES) operating system. Preliminary results show that the Distribution List algorithm achieves excellent parallel performance.
Fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 regulates Paneth cell lineage allocation and accrual of epithelial stem cells during murine intestinal development

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR-3) is expressed in the lower crypt epithelium, where stem cells of the intestine reside. The role of FGFR-3 signaling in regulating features of intestinal morphogenesis was examined in FGFR-3-null (FGFR-3−/−) mice. FGFR-3−/− mice had only about half the number of intestinal crypts and a marked decrease in the number of functional clonogenic stem cells, as assessed by an in vivo microcolony-forming assay, compared with wild-type littermates. A marked deficit in allocation of progenitor cells to Paneth cell differentiation was noted, although all the principal epithelial lineages were represented in FGFR-3−/− mice. The total cellular content and nuclear localization of β-catenin protein were reduced in FGFR-3−/− mice, as was expression of cyclin D1 and matrix metalloproteinase-7, major downstream targets of β-catenin/T cell factor-4 (Tcf-4) signaling. Activation of FGFR-3 in Caco-2 cells, an intestinal epithelial cell line, abrogated the fall in β-catenin/Tcf-4 signaling activity that is normally observed in these cells as cultures become progressively more confluent. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that, during intestinal development, FGFR-3 signaling regulates crypt epithelial stem cell expansion and crypt morphogenesis, as well as Paneth cell lineage specification, through β-catenin/Tcf-4-dependent and -independent pathways.
Multiprocessor features of the HP Corporate Business Servers

The authors describe the multiprocessor features of Hewlett-Packard's (HP's) new high-performance Corporate Business Servers. The present implementation uses 60-MHz PA-RISC (reduced instruction set computer) CPUs interconnected with a high-speed processor memory bus to support symmetric eight-way multiprocessing. The focus is on the features and design decisions which allow the system to achieve excellent online transaction processing performance and efficient multiprocessor scaling. The system was designed to provide for scalability of processors, memory, and I/O adapters, and to accommodate multiple generations of processors. The system makes use of fast CPUs with large caches, a high-speed pipelined processor memory bus, duplicate cache tags on the processor modules for fast coherency checking, cache-to-cache transfers for coherency resolution, and highly interleaved large physical memory. >
BEHAVIOUR OF THE ALEUTIAN GREY‐CROWNED AND BROWN‐CAPPED ROSY FINCHES LEUCOSTICTE TEPHROCOTIS

Summary Visual and vocal displays of Brown-capped Rosy Finches Leucosticte tephrocotis australis, observed in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, and of Aleutian Grey-crowned Rosy Finches L. t. griseonucha on Adak Island, Alaska, are compared and contrasted with general behaviour among the Fringillidae. Visual display behaviour of the two subspecies is very similar. Vocal displays, as shown by sonagrams, are by comparison divergent. Most of the sound energy in the flock call of griseonucha is concentrated in a single band of frequencies. The range of these frequencies is small, and the call is whistle-like to the human ear. The flock call of australis, more like that of other finch species, consists of three major bands of frequencies. Based on this difference, it is hypothesized that the flock call of griseonucha may be specialized for penetration of high background noise, which characterizes the windy environment of the Aleutians. In ambient noise that extends across the frequency range of the flock calls, the narrow-range flock call of griseonucha is relatively high in signal/noise ratio. Some divergence in vocal display may also result from social mimicry in the respective habitats. The flight call of australis is click-like, and more like the flight call of the 8ympatric Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thallasinea than that of griseonucha or of descriptions of the flight call of other finches. The two races differ also in general breeding habits. The breeding season, from first sexual chasing to fledging of young, in griseonucha spans nearly seven months; the study population was sedentary. In australis, individuals migrate in summer to alpine breeding grounds, and the events of breeding occur within about two months. Males were observed to feed their mates during the nesting period, in both races. Male and female fed the young and removed excreta from the nest, with about equal frequency. Both australis and griseonucha have marked excesses of males in the mature populations, but both are monogamous. It is considered that the unbalanced sex ratio may have selective effects on the behaviour associated with reproductive activity.
Ray tracing on programmable graphics hardware

Recently a breakthrough has occurred in graphics hardware: fixed function pipelines have been replaced with programmable vertex and fragment processors. In the near future, the graphics pipeline is likely to evolve into a general programmable stream processor capable of more than simply feed-forward triangle rendering.In this paper, we evaluate these trends in programmability of the graphics pipeline and explain how ray tracing can be mapped to graphics hardware. Using our simulator, we analyze the performance of a ray casting implementation on next generation programmable graphics hardware. In addition, we compare the performance difference between non-branching programmable hardware using a multipass implementation and an architecture that supports branching. We also show how this approach is applicable to other ray tracing algorithms such as Whitted ray tracing, path tracing, and hybrid rendering algorithms. Finally, we demonstrate that ray tracing on graphics hardware could prove to be faster than CPU based implementations as well as competitive with traditional hardware accelerated feed-forward triangle rendering.
A virtual rapid chloride permeability test

The rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT), as it is commonly called, has been in existence for over 20 years and was standardized by ASTM over 15 years ago. The test is used extensively in the concrete industry for assessing concrete quality and is now being included in concrete specification documents. Because the underlying physics of the test are fairly well understood, it is possible to create a virtual test method that mimics the real world physical test. This paper presents a prototype virtual test method that includes prediction of the conductivity of the cementitious binder pore solution and the total charge passed during an ASTM C1202 RCPT. Potential applications of the virtual test method are first discussed. Then, the technical background used and the numerous assumptions employed in creating the prototype virtual test are outlined in detail. In addition, the computer implementation of the virtual test, as a set of HTML/JavaScript web documents, is presented. Validation against existing data sets is presented, with a generally reasonable agreement noted between the experimental and the virtual test results. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Estimating the Welfare Loss to Consumers When Food Labels Do Not Adequately Inform: An Application to Fair Trade Certification

Government officials and other policymakers often face difficult decisions determining what information must be provided to consumers in the limited space available on food labels. An ideal label will cause consumers to make the same purchase that they would make if they had all relevant information, while an inferior label will induce a consumer to purchase a product he would not purchase if more information were available or to forgo purchasing a product that would have yielded positive consumer surplus. We present the design and results of an experimental auction that allows researchers to compare several alternative labels in order to determine the welfare loss from labels that do not adequately inform consumers. Further, we compare a set of candidate labels to assess whether one of the labels is better or worse at informing consumers.
JoBS: Joint Buffer Management and Scheduling for Differentiated Services

A novel algorithm for buffer management and packet scheduling is presented for providing loss and delay differentiation for traffic classes at a network router. The algorithm, called JoBS (Joint Buffer Management and Scheduling), provides delay and loss differentiation independently at each node, without assuming admission control or policing. The novel capabilities of the proposed algorithm are that (1) scheduling and buffer management decisions are performed in a single step, and (2) both relative and (whenever possible) absolute QoS requirements of classes are supported. Numerical simulation examples, including results for a heuristic approximation, are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the approach and to compare the new algorithm to existing methods for loss and delay differentiation.
Management of ischemic optic neuropathies

Ischemic optic neuropathies (IONs) consist primarily of two types: anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) and posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION). AION comprises arteritic AION (A-AION: due to giant cell arteritis) and non-arteritic AION (NA-AION: due to other causes). PION consists of arteritic PION (A-PION: due to giant cell arteritis), non-arteritic PION (NA-PION: due to other causes), and surgical PION (a complication of several systemic surgical procedures). These five types of ION are distinct clinical entities etiologically, pathogenetically, clinically and from the management point of view. In the management of AION, the first crucial step with patients aged 50 and over is to identify immediately whether it is arteritic or not because A-AION is an ophthalmic emergency and requires urgent treatment with high-dose steroid therapy to prevent any further visual loss in one or both eyes. Patients with NA-AION, when treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy within first 2 weeks of onset, had significantly better visual outcome than untreated ones. Systemic risk factors, particularly nocturnal arterial hypotension, play major roles in the development of NA-AION; management of them is essential in its prevention and management. NA-PION patients, when treated with high-dose systemic steroid therapy during the very early stages of the disease, showed significant improvement in visual acuity and visual fields, compared to untreated eyes. A-PION, like A-AION, requires urgent treatment with high-dose steroid therapy to prevent any further visual loss in one or both eyes. There is no satisfactory treatment for surgical PION, except to take prophylactic measures to prevent its development.
Asymptotic Behavior of Composite Particle Form-Factors and the Renormalization Group

Composite-particle form factors are studied in the limit of large momentum transfer Q. It is shown that in models with spinor constituents and either scalar or gauge vector gluons, the meson electromagnetic form factor factorizes at large Q/sup 2/ and is given by independent light-cone expansions on the initial and final meson legs. The coefficient functions are shown to satisfy a Callan-Symanzik equation. When specialized to quantum chromodynamics, this equation leads to the asymptotic formula of Brodsky and Lepage for the pion electromagnetic form factor. The nucleon form factors G/sub M/(Q/sup 2/), G/sub E/(Q/sup 2/) are also considered. It is shown that momentum flows which contribute to subdominant logarithms in G/sub M/(Q/sup 2/) vitiate a conventional renormalization-group interpretation for this form factor. For large Q/sup 2/, the electric form factor G/sub E/(Q/sup 2/) fails to factorize, so that a renormalization-group treatment seems even more unlikely in this case.
Broadband, low-loss negative-permeability and negative-index media for free-space applications

We present broadband negative permeability and negative-refractive-index (NRI) media that operate in free space. Both of these media operate at X-band frequencies and are fabricated using standard printed-circuit-board techniques. The S-parameters of four-cell slabs of the negative permeability and NRI media are measured using a quasi-optical Gaussian beam measurement system. Using these data, the material parameters of the NRI lens are calculated. The four-cell-thick (λ 0 /3) lens exhibits a backward-wave bandwidth of 41.2% and a total loss of 0.67dB at the operating frequency. Super-resolved focusing in free space is also demonstrated over a bandwidth of 8.4%. A focus with a half-power beamwidth of 0.27λ 0 is achieved at 10.435GHz.
The oxidative desulphurisation and deselenation at pentacovalent phosphorus catalysed by metalloporphyrins

Abstract Manganese (III) mesotetraphenylporphyrin chloride in the presence of tetrabutylammonium periodate has been shown to aid the oxidative desulphurisation and deselenation at pentacovalent phosphorus: the desulphurisation reaction is further aided by the addition of imidazole.
Joint space-time interpolation for distorted linear and bistatic array geometries

This paper presents a new joint space-time interpolation technique (STINT) to improve the small sample support performance of space-time adaptive processing (STAP) with distorted linear monostatic arrays and linear bistatic array configurations. Brennan's rule for the space-time clutter covariance matrix rank is extended to monostatic linear arrays with arbitrary intersensor spacing, distorted linear arrays and bistatic geometries. It is shown that both distortion in the array geometry and bistatic operation increase the clutter rank and cause the space-time clutter covariance matrix to become range dependent. This results in lower output signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) for the same number of adaptive degrees of freedom and reduced available sample support. This motivates the development of the STINT technique aimed at compensating for the clutter rank inflation, while also making the clutter statistics appear more stationary across range. More specifically, a linear transformation is designed that maps the received clutter across space and time to that which would be received by a "virtual" monostatic side-looking ULA. By mapping the data to form a reduced rank clutter covariance matrix, fewer snapshots are needed for a statistically stable matrix inversion as required in STAP, thereby improving the short observation time performance. Simulation results for a typical airborne radar scenario indicate up to 10-dB SINR improvement can be obtained using STINT with limited sample support.
Distance Learning for Gifted Students: Outcomes for Elementary, Middle, and High School Aged Students:

Although distance learning often is cited as a potentially useful strategy to provide appropriately challenging academic coursework to gifted students, little research has been conducted on its use...
Seed germination conditions and implications for establishment of an epiphyte, Aechmea bracteata (Bromeliaceae)

Aechmea bracteata is a common epiphytic bromeliad found in symbiosis with many other species throughout tropical forests of Mexico and south through Panama. Given its importance and distribution in these forests, we asked how may A. bracteata be restored to areas where they have thrived in the past? We first investigated seed viability and response of seed germination to temperature, humidity, vapour pressure deficit (VPD), and light, under controlled growth chamber conditions. We recorded these environmental conditions within a seasonal tropical forest where this species is common and then conducted seed germination trials in various seral stages. In growth chambers, with constant water supply, highest germination percentages were at the highest temperature and lowest VPD levels. In the field, germination was less than 1%. Because of high temperatures and VPD within early seral stages, efforts to re-introduce A. bracteata into forests <20 years old are not likely to be successful.
Citalopram improves metabolic risk factors among high hostile adults: Results of a placebo-controlled intervention

Summary Hostility is associated with a number of metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including waist–hip ratio, glucose, and triglycerides. Along with hostility, many of these measures have also been shown to be associated with reduced central serotonergic function. We have previously reported that a citalopram intervention was successful in reducing hostility by self-report assessment ( Kamarck et al., 2009 ). Here we examine the effects of this serotonergic intervention on metabolic risk factors in the same sample. 159 healthy adults with elevated hostility scores were randomized to citalopram or placebo for a 2-month period. Citalopram favorably changed metabolic risk factors, including waist circumference ( p = .003), glucose ( p = .02), HDL cholesterol ( p = .04), triglycerides ( p = .03), insulin sensitivity ( p = .045) and diastolic blood pressure by automated assessment ( p = .0021). All of these metabolic changes were significantly mediated by treatment-related changes in body mass index (in most cases, p p
Into the Woods: A Cautionary Tale for Governance

In 2010, the state is not merely hollow but increasingly empty, and those of us in government have to find their energy and purpose in the process of rebuilding it. Our happy endings—the specific o...
Alcohol Mixed with Energy Drink Use as an Event-Level Predictor of Physical and Verbal Aggression in Bar Conflicts

BACKGROUND: Young adult use of alcohol mixed with caffeinated energy drinks (AmEDs) has been globally linked with increased odds of interpersonal aggression, compared with the use of alcohol alone. However, no prior research has linked these behaviors at the event level in bar drinking situations. The present study assessed whether AmED use is associated with the perpetration of verbal and physical aggression in bar conflicts at the event level. METHODS: In Fall 2014, a community sample of 175 young adult AmED users (55% female) completed a web survey describing a recent conflict experienced while drinking in a bar. Use of both AmED and non-AmED alcoholic drinks in the incident were assessed, allowing calculation of our main predictor variable, the proportion of AmEDs consumed (AmED/total drinks consumed). To measure perpetration of aggression, participants reported on the occurrence of 6 verbal and 6 physical acts during the bar conflict incident. RESULTS: Linear regression analyses showed that the proportion of AmEDs consumed predicted scores for perpetration of both verbal aggression (β = 0.16, p CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study suggest that in alcohol-related bar conflicts, higher levels of young adult AmED use are associated with higher levels of aggression perpetration than alcohol use alone and that the elevated risk is not attributable to individual differences between AmED users and nonusers or to contextual differences in bar drinking settings. While future research is needed to identify motivations, dosages, and sequencing issues associated with AmED use, these beverages should be considered a potential risk factor in the escalation of aggressive bar conflicts. Language: en
Ybe and Co.

YBE is a manufacturer of metal window boxes. This case describes the manufacturing process, which permits students to calculate appropriate performance measures for the process. Students must also determine bottleneck process. The trade-offs among setup time, inventory, and manufacturing lead time are also investigated.
The neglected nuance of Beccaria’s theory of punishment

Cesare Beccaria is widely acknowledged by the pioneers of the economics of crime as an important influence on their work, especially in terms of deterrence and proportionality of punishment. However, there is much more nuance to Beccaria’s writings that economists can learn from, including a unique psychological point of view that predates behavioral law-and-economics, as well as aspects of his prescriptions regarding criminal penalties that resemble retributivism, a theory of punishment often contrasted with deterrence. A deeper appreciation of Beccaria’s work may result in a richer and more humanistic economic approach to crime.
Integration of GIS Data for Visualization of Virtual Geospatial Environments

In this paper, we propose an approach to generate Virtual Geospatial Environments (VGE) using data provided by Geographic Information System (GIS). The resulting VGE provides a spatial representation of the real world for visualization and simulation purposes. Conventional VGE approaches are generally built upon a grid-based spatial representation, raising the well-known problems of the lack of accuracy of localized data and the difficulty to merge data with multiple semantics. Our approach overcomes these limits by using a precise spatial decomposition technique that relies on a graph-based topological model. Moreover, our approach integrates, merges, and propagates semantics associated with GIS data including when these later spatially overlap. We illustrate this model with an application which extracts geographic, topologic and semantic data from standard GIS files, and allows a user to navigate and retrieve information from the computed VGE.
Coordinated Reset Deep Brain Stimulation of Subthalamic Nucleus Produces Long-Lasting, Dose-Dependent Motor Improvements in the 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine Non-Human Primate Model of Parkinsonism

Abstract Background Novel deep brain stimulation (DBS) paradigms are being explored in an effort to further optimize therapeutic outcome for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). One approach, termed ‘Coordinated Reset’ (CR) DBS, was developed to target pathological oscillatory network activity. with desynchronizing effects and associated therapeutic benefit hypothesized to endure beyond cessation of stimulus delivery. Objective To characterize the acute and carry-over effects of low-intensity CR DBS versus traditional DBS (tDBS) in the region of the subthalamic nucleus (STN). Methods A within-subject, block treatment design involving the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) non-human primate model of parkinsonism was used. Each treatment block consisted of five days of daily DBS delivery followed by a one week minimum post-treatment observation window. Motor behavior was quantified using a modified rating scale for both animals combined with an objective, upper-extremity reach task in one animal. Results Both animals demonstrated significant motor improvements during acute tDBS; however, within-session and post-treatment carry-over was limited. Acute motor improvements were also observed in response to low-intensity CR DBS; however, both within- and between-session therapeutic carry-over enhanced progressively following each daily treatment. Moreover, in contrast to tDBS, five consecutive days of CR DBS treatment yielded carry-over benefits that persisted for up to two weeks without additional intervention. Notably, the magnitude and time-course of CR DBS' effects on each animal varied with daily dose-duration, pointing to possible interaction effects involving baseline parkinsonian severity. Conclusion Our results support the therapeutic promise of CR DBS for PD, including its potential to induce carryover while reducing both side effect risk and hardware power consumption.