cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal models for analysis of respiratory function

We compare the results of fitting three longitudinal models, two autoregressive models (the serial correlation model and a damped autoregressive model) and a compound symmetry model, to data on a cohort of 1154 adult men in Boston. The serial correlation model assumes that the error terms are autocorrelated with correlation of the form lambda t for visits t years apart while the damped autoregressive assumes that the correlation between error terms of observations t years apart is of the form lambda t theta. The compound symmetry model assumes that the errors are correlated, with the same correlation regardless of how far apart observations are in time. These three models are all related in that the serial correlation and compound symmetry models are particular cases of the damped autoregressive models (that is, theta = 1 corresponds to the serial correlation model and theta = 0 corresponds to the compound symmetry model). For current smokers, the damped autoregressive model provided a significantly better fit than either of the other two models (p < 0.001); for never smokers the damped autoregressive and compound symmetry models were almost identical with both providing a significantly better fit than the serial correlation model (p < 0.001).
Infrared and Raman studies of amorphous MoS3 and poorly crystalline MoS2

Abstract Amorphous MoS 3 and poorly crystalline MoS 2 have been studied using infrared and Raman spectroscopies. While poorly crystalline MoS 2 exhibits sharp infrared bands at 385 and 470 cm −1 , broad bands at 287, 335, 373, and 522 cm −1 were observed for the amorphous MoS 3 . In contrast to poorly crystalline MoS 2 where sharp Raman peaks were measured at 384 and 408 cm −1 , the Raman spectrum of amorphous MoS 3 showed broad peaks at 215, 317, 431, and 528 cm −1 . The band profiles of both the ir and Raman spectra of the MoS 3 sample indicate the amorphous nature of the material. This is consistent with results obtained by other techniques. The comparison of the Raman spectrum of MoS 3 and that of amorphous MoS 2 reported in the literature indicates that local bondings in these materials are dissimilar. The presence of broad bands at 522 cm −1 in ir and 528 cm −1 in Raman spectra of MoS 3 is evidence for polysulfide bonds indicated by the XPS spectrum of the material. These results support a chain-like structural model for amorphous MoS 3 similar to that for crystalline MS 3 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, and U). The thermal stability of MoS 3 and the effect of laser power on the Raman spectrum of MoS 3 were also studied.
Dexamethasone-induced impairment in skeletal muscle glucose transport is not reversed by inhibition of free fatty acid oxidation.

Our previous studies suggested a possible role for the glucose-free fatty acid (FFA) cycle, ie, preferential utilization of FFA by muscle at the expense of glucose, in dexamethasone (DEX)-induced insulin resistance. To determine whether this resistance could be reversed by inhibiting FFA utilization, we used etomoxir, a potent inhibitor of mitochondrial FFA oxidation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected subcutaneously with 1 mg/kg DEX or the vehicle every other day for 10 days, and half of each group was administered 10 mg/kg etomoxir by gavage once per day and 1 hour before the experiment. As expected, etomoxir treatment increased serum FFA levels and inhibited FFA oxidation by diaphragm in vitro. Administration of etomoxir decreased serum glucose and insulin concentrations under basal conditions in both control and DEX-treated animals, implying enhanced insulin sensitivity. DEX treatment significantly increased endogenous glucose production and decreased whole-body glucose disposal, as well as 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake by skeletal muscle during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps. Administration of etomoxir led to small but significant increases in glucose disposal rates of both control (14%) and DEX (23%) groups, but had no effect on residual endogenous glucose production. Thus, DEX-induced insulin resistance was marginally ameliorated but not completely reversed by etomoxir. Depressed 2-DG uptake by individual muscle tissues observed in the present study in conjunction with the absence of free intracellular glucose in muscle tissue following glucose-insulin infusion strongly suggests that the primary defect in glucose metabolism is at the level of transport. Neither overall abundance of the insulin-sensitive glucose transporter (GLUT-4) in skeletal muscle nor its distribution between intracellular stores and plasma membrane were modified by DEX treatment, either under basal conditions or in response to acute insulin stimulus. These results suggest a defect(s) in the inherent activity of plasma membrane-bound GLUT-4 as the likely mechanism for DEX-induced insulin resistance.
Quantum corrections to nonlinear wave solutions

We investigate the second-order corrections to quantum-soliton solutions in the scheme proposed by Goldstone and Jackiw and expose the systematics as well as the self-consistency of their approach. We find exact agreement between our results and the corresponding predictions of the collective-coordinate method provided we take into account the modifications found by Tomboulis to the original results of Gervais and Sakita and of Callan and Gross. (AIP)
Diffractive Alvarez lens

A diffractive Alvarez lens is demonstrated that consists of two separate phase plates, each having complementary 16-level surface-relief profiles that contain cubic phase delays. Translation of these two components in the plane of the phase plates is shown to produce a variable astigmatic focus. Both spherical and cylindrical phase profiles are demonstrated with good accuracy, and the discrete surface-relief features are shown to cause less than λ/10 wave-front aberration in the transmitted wave front over a 40 mm×80 mm region.
Flowing afterglow studies of dissociative electron-ion recombination for a series of single ring compounds at room temperature

Abstract A series of dissociative electron-ion recombination reactions has been studied at room temperature using a Flowing Afterglow with Langmuir Probe (FALP) to determine the rate constants. Studied species include protonated five and six membered single rings with the heteroatoms, N, O and S and with or without CH3 substituent groups attached to the rings. The compounds studied are protonated benzene, C6H7+; toluene, C6H5CH4+; pyridine, C5H5NH+; pyrimidine, C4H4N2H+; 4-picoline, C6H7NH+; cyclohexane, C6H13+; 1,4 dioxane, C4H8O2H+ all six membered rings (all but the last two have π electrons in the ring) with furan, C4H4OH+; pyrrole, C4H5NH+; 1-methylpyrrole, C5H7NH+; thiophene, C4H4SH+ and pyrrolidine, C4H9NH+ all five membered rings (with only the last mentioned having no π electrons in the ring). Comparison is made with literature data on some of the multi-ring systems (PAH's and PANH's). The involvement of π electrons in the rings is discussed. Protonated six membered rings have been shown to recombine ∼2 times faster than five membered rings with the exception of 1,4 dioxane which has no π electrons. The situation is very different for the proton bound dimers, where five membered rings recombine somewhat more rapidly than six membered rings, again with 1,4 dioxane behaving very differently. These data are critically important in chemically modeling the Titan ionosphere which is presently being probed by apparatus onboard the Cassini spacecraft.
Proton-driven diels-alder reaction of azo compounds with cyclic dienes

Abstract Diels-Alder addition of bicyclic azo compounds to cyclic dienes would produce bis-N,N'-bicyclic hydrazines, but this reaction proves to be endothermic. The greater basicity of the adduct than of the azo compound makes the addition reaction 13.6–14.1 kcal mol -1 less endothermic: (in water) if the protonated azo compound is employed instead of the neutral compound, and the addition reactions proceed well in acetonitrile if HBF 4 Ėt 2 O is used to protonate the azo compound before adding the diene. Preparations of the neutral hydrazines derived from 2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene( 5 ) with 1,3-cyclohexadiene( 6 ) and from 2,3-diazabicyclo [2.2.1] hept-2-ene ( 10 ) with 6 and 1,3-cycloheptadiene ( 7 , 11 , and 13 , respectively) as well as the saturated hydrazines derived by catalytic hydrogenation ( 9 , 12 , and 14 , ropectively) are reported. The neutral adduct of 10H + and cyclopentadiene, 15 , proves to be too thermally unstable for isolation, and the saturated form, 16 , is prepared by diimide reduction of 15H + . The neutral hydrazines all give radical cations and dications with appreciable solution lifetimes, and 9 2+ (BF 4 - ) 2 is the first isolable hydrazine dication. The thermodynamics of electron loss for these hydrazines are studied by cyclic voltammetry, and prove to be dominated by non-bonded steric interactions between the alkyl groups. Compound 9 is the most easily oxidized hydrazine known, at E °' = -0.54V vs SCE.
Management of Heart Failure: a Brief Review and Selected Update

Despite innovative medications and devices, heart failure (HF) continues to be the leading cause for admission to hospitals in the United States in patients older than 65 years. Many trials have succeeded in improving survival and many have failed. In this article, the authors briefly review the past, describe the present, and speculate about future HF trials.
Quantitative Determination of Phenol by High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography

High-pressure liquid chromatography was used with a 5-μm silica gel column to quantitate the phenol in phenolated calamine lotion USP and a commercial antiseptic solution. This method requires less than 10 min/assay, and other compounds present in the products analyzed did not interfere.
Effects of steroid hormones in vitro on adrenal xenobiotic metabolism in the guinea pig

Abstract Studies were carried out to determine the effects of steroid hormones in vitro on adrenal and hepatic microsomal benzphetamine demethylation and benzo[ a ] pyrene hydroxylation. Testosterone inhibited adrenal drug metabolism but had no effect on hepatic enzymes, whereas 6β-hydroxytestosterone had no effect in either tissue. All of the corticosteroids tested (cortisol, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, progesterone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of adrenal drug metabolism, but had little or no effect on hepatic metabolism. The 17-deoxy-steroids were more potent inhibitors of adrenal metabolism than were their 17-hydroxylated counterparts. Cortisol was a potent inhibitor of adrenal benzphetamine and benzo[ a ]pyrene metabolism, produced a type I difference spectrum in adrenal microsomes, and diminished the magnitude of the benzphetamine-induced spectrum; 6 β-hydroxycortisol had none of these effects. Prior addition of benzphetamine to adrenal microsomes reduced the size of cortisol-induced spectral change. The results demonstrate that the effects of corticosteroids in vitro are relatively specific for adrenal enzymes and established a close association between the 6 β-hydroxylase and some drug-metabolizing enzymes. Adrenal steroids may have an important role in the regulation of adrenal xenobiotic metabolism.
The effect of chelating agents on the elemental composition of sarcoplasmic reticulum: the reactivity of SH groups with N-(1-pyrene)maleimide.

Abstract Treatment of sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles with ethylene glycol bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), Chelex-100, 1,10-phenanthroline, 8-hydroxyquinoline, or 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfonic acid increases the reactivity of SH groups with N-(1-pyrene)maleimide (PMI). The effect of Chelex treatment can be reversed by the addition of 10−6−10−5M Zn2+ to the Chelex-treated microsomes. The activation of the PMI reaction by EGTA was not reversed by subsequent addition of calcium, although the presence of excess calcium during EGTA treatment abolished the effect. Analysis of the elemental composition of sarcoplasmic reticulum by plasma emission spectroscopy indicates the presence of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Hg in amounts of 1–2 nmol/mg protein; of these only the Zn content is reduced significantly by treatment of microsomes with EGTA or Chelex-100. These observations suggest that Zn2+ may play a role in the regulation of the reactivity of SH groups in sarcoplasmic reticulum either by direct interaction with cysteinyl residues or by an effect upon the conformation of a subpopulation of ATPase molecules.
Prospective randomized crossover evaluation of three anesthetic regimens for painful procedures in children with cancer.

Objective To identify the most effective sedation regimen for bone marrow aspiration and lumbar puncture procedures with a prospective trial of 3 combinations of sedation/analgesia. Study design In this double-blind crossover study, we randomly assigned 162 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoblastic lymphoma to receive fentanyl 1 mcg/kg, fentanyl 0.5 mcg/kg, or placebo, in addition to propofol and topical anesthetic for 355 procedures. Results We found no significant differences among the 3 regimens in the frequency of pain (pain score > 0) or severe pain (pain score ≥ 5) during recovery, or a >20% increase in hemodynamic/respiratory variables during anesthesia. Treatment with fentanyl 1 mcg/kg was associated with a lower frequency of movement during procedure compared with treatment with fentanyl 0.5 mcg/kg ( P = .0476) or treatment with placebo ( P = .0545). The placebo group required longer time to recover (median, 18 minutes) compared with the fentanyl 0.5 mcg/kg group (median, 9 minutes) (median difference 2.0, P = .007) and the fentanyl 1 mcg/kg (median 8 minutes), (median difference 2.0, P = .15). The placebo group also required larger total dose of propofol (median 5 mg/kg) compared with that of the fentanyl 1 mcg/kg group (median, 3.5 mg/kg) and the fentanyl 0.5 mcg/kg group (median 3.5 mg/kg) (median differences 1.5, P Conclusion The addition of fentanyl 1 mcg/kg to propofol for brief painful procedures reduces movement, propofol dose, and recovery time.
Experimental and analytical procedures for flow dynamics of sheet molding compound (SMC) in compression molding

A package of procedures have been developed to collect and analyze the response of dynamic variables such as pressure, temperature, and mold separation during the compression molding of Sheet Molding Compound (SMC). From the dynamic responses, the molding process was found to consist of two regions: the flow and the subsequent curing reaction region. With an R-25 formulation and a mold closing rate of 30 mm/s, these two regions are well separated and the average flow time is not significantly affected by the maturation time for the material up to 30 days. Several mechanical parameters were estimated based on relatively simple flow models. The relationship between the press force, mold separation, and mold closing rate is found to be sensitive to the restrictions of the flow.
Evaluation of patients with decreased vision or blindness

A good ocular examination and careful evaluation of the pupillary light reflexes will localize most lesion(s) producing a complaint of blindness. Lesions of the clear media severe enough to produce blindness will prohibit fundus examination. Retinal, optic nerve, and complete chiasmal lesions will produce dilated, slowly reactive pupils. Retinal blindness is usually associated with dramatic ophthalmoscopic lesions of diffuse altered reflectivity and vascular attenuation, the major exceptions being the sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome and some patients with glaucoma. Optic nerve lesions may involve the optic disc where they may be recognized by either pallor or hyperemia and cupping or elevation. Confirmation of optic nerve blindness in practice usually is by ruling out retinal blindness, but a more definitive methodology is to have a normal electroretinogram, slow or absent direct pupillary light reflexes (PLR), and abnormal visual evoked potentials. Central blindness is diagnosed by normal eyes, normal PLR, and often central nervous system (CNS) signs indicative of a diffuse or multifocal CNS disease.
The role of ultraviolet light in the induction of cellular DNA damage by a spark-gap lithotripter in vitro.

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms for DNA damage induced by a spark-gap lithotripter.Materials and Methods: Cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells suspended in phosphate buffered saline were exposed in small chambers placed at the focus of a lithotripter in a 37C water bath. Viability was checked by trypan blue exclusion, and DNA strand breaks were evaluated with the comet assay after exposure.Results: About 50 percent cell lysis and significant DNA damage in surviving cells were found after 500 discharges. The strand break effect, but not the lysis, could be eliminated by blocking the light emitted by the discharge. The exposure chamber material influenced the results, and use of nutrient medium with serum reduced the observed effects. The DNA damage was eliminated by added novobiocin and enhanced by added aphidicolin, as expected for strand breaks associated with repair of ultraviolet light damage. The DNA strand-break effect of 500 spark-gap discharges approxima...
δ-Bonding in the [Pd4(μ4-C9H9)(μ4-C8H8)]+ sandwich complex

A remarkable triple-decker sandwich complex [Pd4(μ4-C9H9)(μ4-C8H8)][BArf4] (BArf4 = B{3,5-(CF3)2(C6H3)}4) composed of cyclononatetraenyl anion and cyclooctatetraene as “bread pieces” and square tetrapalladium dication as “meat” (Fig. 1a) has been synthesized recently [Murahashi et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2009, 131, 9888]. This complex attracted our attention because of the presence of an almost perfect square sheet composed of four palladium atoms. Such a structure could be a sign of aromatic nature of chemical bonding as it was shown to be present in the square Al42− cluster [Li et al., Science, 2001, 291, 859]. In this work we show that according to our chemical bonding analysis the bonding in the Pd42+ unit of [Pd4(μ4-C9H9)(μ4-C8H8)]+ is of δ-character among four palladium atoms, making the triple-decker sandwich complex the first synthesized compound identified as having δ-bonding in its cyclic building block when it's in solution or in a crystalline state.
Differential contribution of bacteria to sedimentary organic matter in oxic and anoxic environments, Santa Monica Basin, California

Two sediment box-cores in the Santa Monica Basin (SMB), one from the depocenter (900 m water depth) with anoxic bottom water and one from the periphery (840 m water depth) with oxic bottom water, were comparatively studied to assess the role of bottom water oxygen conditions to organic matter preservation and the differential contribution of bacteria to sedimentary organic matter accumulation and composition. Fatty acids from the sediment extracts were analyzed for their abundance and carbon isotopic compositions. Molecular and isotopic evidence indicates that most of the short-chain FAs from the SMB sediment extracts are sourced by bacteria as a result of intense microbial recycling and resyntheses of organic matter, especially in the aerobic environment at the periphery site. Long-chain fatty acids are probably derived from terrestrial sources and partially sourced by microbial processes. Very depleted δ13C values (−30 to −45‰) of bishomohopanoic acids and triglycerides suggest the presence of chemoautotrophic bacteria in the anoxic water column and in the sediments. There is a much greater contribution from anaerobic microbial biomass and chemoautotrophic bacteria in the depocenter sediments relative to the periphery sediments. In addition, organic matter exhibits bulk and molecular characteristics of enhanced preservation under the condition of anaerobic decomposition at the depocenter site, especially at the sediment/water interface and the first couple of centimeters. Together, enhanced preservation with the addition of microbial biomass could explain the higher organic accumulation rates and H/C ratios in the basin depocenter and the periphery sediments and the trend of decreasing δ13C values of bulk organic matter in the depocenter sediments. This study has implications for understanding the role of anoxia and associated bacterial processes in controlling the geochemical characteristics ancient organic carbon-rich sediments deposited under oxic and anoxic conditions.
Improved Black Nickel Coatings For Flat Plate Solar Collectors

A new black nickel formula was developed which had a solar absorptance of 0.92 and an infrared emittance (at 100 C) of less than 0.10 after 14 days at 38 C and 95 percent relative humidity. The electroplating bath and conditions were changed to obtain the more stable coating configuration. The effect of bath composition, temperature, pH, and plating current density and time on the coating composition, optical properties and durability were investigated.
Experiments on Dynamic Plastic Loading of Frames.

Abstract Tests are described on plane frames of mild steel and titanium (commercial purity) in which high intensity short duration pressure pulses were applied transversely to the beam member either uniformly over this member or concentrated at its center. The objective was to examine applications of two estimation techniques (upper bounds on deflections and the mode approximation technique) for major response features of pulse loaded structures at large deflections, taking account of strong plastic strain rate sensitivity. Loads over a range such as to cause final deflections up to about a third of the span were applied by detonating explosive sheet. Agreement between estimated and measured final deflections was often very good (generally conservative) but the intrinsic error of the mode technique was not observed as expected.
Excellence, leadership, skills, diversity: marketing liberal arts education

Abstract College promotional discourse highlights qualities that a college claims for itself (excellence), claims to instill or select for in students (skills or leadership) or values in itself and its students (diversity). These terms appear to have clear cut referents because of their semiotic coherence in this discourse: excellence, skills and leadership denote qualities which contribute to the good of the whole and index a common perspective on what counts as good. Diversity is invoked as if it does too, but since it can denote racial difference, the denotational fit is off. The denotational parameters are reset through indexical ordering (after Silverstein): excellence, skills, and leadership establish the prior semiotic ground and diversity becomes congruent. Diversity and multiculturalism used to share that pragmatic ground but the latter has faded from use. In this paper, I show how promotional terms are strategically deployed in ways that demonstrate that pragmatic fit.
Yogurt Manufactured from Whey-Caseinate Blends and Hydrolyzed Lactose

Abstract The replacement of NDM by economical whey-caseinate blends at 50 and 100% in the manufacture of yogurt was studied. Lactose in the yogurt mixes was hydrolyzed to 50% and 75% before fermentation to increase sweetness, which reduced added sucrose and simultaneously reduced lactose. Two taste panels detected flavor differences between yogurts from the 100% replacement formula and the control yogurts containing the full amount of NDM but could not detect flavor differences between the control yogurts and the 50% replacement formula. Although the experienced panelists preferred the unhydrolyzed yogurts over the lactose-hydrolyzed yogurts, the consumer taste panelists could not detect any flavor differences and preferred the unhydrolyzed and hydrolyzed yogurts equally. All yogurts had excellent body and texture. Yogurts made with whey-caseinate blends and less sucrose had lower calorie contents than the control yogurts. Whey-caseinate blends lowered the cost of manufacture, but the enzyme preparation used for lactose hydrolysis raised the cost of manufacture slightly.
Social Influence Strategies among Japanese and American College Women.

Social influence strategies of 40 Japanese and 41 American college women were compared. With the use of a free-response format, respondents were asked to describe how they get their way with their mother, father, male teacher/boss, female teacher/boss, male friends, and female friends. Contrary to expectations, content analysis indicated that Japanese women reported using strong and neutral strategies more frequently and weak strategies less frequently than American women. American women used manipulation (especially sexual manipulation) more frequently and reasoning less frequently than Japanese women. Analyses by target of influence indicated that these differences were not found when the target was a female friend but were demonstrated across most of the other targets.
Hydrogen plasma modification of metal/GaAs interface

Abstract GaAs surface modification caused by room-temperature atomic hydrogen treatment in an RF plasma system operated in the reactive ion etching (RIE) mode has been studied by electrical characterization of subsequently fabricated Au/GaAs Schottky barriers. Unlike with reported results for plasma hydrogenation at higher temperatures, the Schottky barrier height on n-GaAs is found to decrease slightly. More interestingly, a pronounced increase in the effective barrier height is seen for p-GaAs. Dopant deactivation close to the surface is also observed for both conductivity types.
Assessing conceptual understanding in mathematics

Modern mathematics careers are now requiring conceptual skills such as, critical thinking, modeling, and application of the content. This change in skillset needed for careers has strongly impacted mathematics curriculum and assessment. Meaningful assessment involves examining students' ability to inquire, to reason on targeted questions or tasks, and to promote conceptual understanding, not just focusing on discreet facts and principles. Mathematics assessment tools still focus solely on this procedural side of understanding mathematics instead of the equally important conceptual aspect of learning mathematics. Given that math is an active process that encourages higher-order thinking and problem solving, an assessment focusing on the growth of conceptual understanding is required. The proposed research focuses on the development of a tool that will be used to assess current U.S. calculus students' ability to apply their conceptual understanding of a mathematic concept to scientific phenomena through modeling. The assessment using Netlogo would be very useful for math educators to have good tools to assess students' conceptual understanding, as well as to develop instructional strategies used.
Current conservation, exchange currents, and hadronic electromagnetic form factors

The introduction of phenomenological form factors for the electromagnetic interactions of pions and nucleons is shown to lead to a violation of current conservation in standard treatments of exchange effects in nuclei unless these form factors are assumed to be equal. If they are not equal, other processes, which traditionally are not calculated, must contribute to the electromagnetic interaction of a nucleus. (AIP)
Morphology, spatial distribution, and concentration of flame retardants in consumer products and environmental dusts using scanning electron microscopy and Raman micro-spectroscopy

We characterized flame retardant (FR) morphologies and spatial distributions in 7 consumer products and 7 environmental dusts to determine their implications for transfer mechanisms, human exposure, and the reproducibility of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) dust measurements. We characterized individual particles using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and Raman micro-spectroscopy (RMS). Samples were screened for the presence of 3 FR constituents (bromine, phosphorous, non-salt chlorine) and 2 metal synergists (antimony and bismuth). Subsequent analyses of select samples by RMS enabled molecular identification of the FR compounds and matrix materials. The consumer products and dust samples possessed FR elemental weight percents of up to 36% and 31%, respectively. We identified 24 FR-containing particles in the dust samples and classified them into 9 types based on morphology and composition. We observed a broad range of morphologies for these FR-containing particles, suggesting FR transfer to dust via multiple mechanisms. We developed an equation to describe the heterogeneity of FR-containing particles in environmental dust samples. The number of individual FR-containing particles expected in a 1-mg dust sample with a FR concentration of 100ppm ranged from 1000 particles. The presence of rare, high-concentration bromine particles was correlated with decabromodiphenyl ether concentrations obtained via GC-MS. When FRs are distributed heterogeneously in highly concentrated dust particles, human exposure to FRs may be characterized by high transient exposures interspersed by periods of low exposure, and GC-MS FR concentrations may exhibit large variability in replicate subsamples. Current limitations of this SEM/EDS technique include potential false negatives for volatile and chlorinated FRs and greater quantitation uncertainty for brominated FR in aluminum-rich matrices.
Quenching of emission and of photochemistry for aqueous Rh(NH3)5Cl2

Abstract : Aqueous Rh(NH3)5Cl2+ shows emission and excited state absorption, ESA, decaying with the same lifetime. The temperature dependence of emission and of ESA, attributed to the first triplet thexi state, corresponds to an apparent activation energy of 5.4 plus or minus 0.3 kcal/mole. The photochemistry, predominantly chloride aquation, is also quenched. In the case of OH-, results indicate that 85-90% of the photoreaction is quenched on complete emission quenching.
The effect of neighborhood disadvantage on the racial disparity in ovarian cancer-specific survival in a large hospital-based study in cook county, illinois.

This paper examines the effect of neighborhood disadvantage on racial disparities in ovarian cancer-specific survival. Despite treatment advances for ovarian cancer, survival remains shorter for African-American compared to White women. Neighborhood disadvantage is implicated in racial disparities across a variety of health outcomes and may contribute to racial disparities in ovarian cancer-specific survival. Data were obtained from 581 women (100 African-American and 481 White) diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer between June 1, 1994, and December 31, 1998 in Cook County, Illinois, which includes the city of Chicago. Neighborhood disadvantage score at the time of diagnosis was calculated for each woman based on Browning and Cagney’s index of concentrated disadvantage. Cox proportional hazard models measured the association of self-identified African-American race with ovarian cancer-specific survival after adjusting for age, tumor characteristics, surgical debulking, and neighborhood disadvantage. There was a statistically significant negative association (-0.645) between ovarian cancer-specific survival and neighborhood disadvantage (p = 0.008). After adjusting for age and tumor characteristics, African-American women were more likely than Whites to die of ovarian cancer (HR = 1.59, p = 0.003). After accounting for neighborhood disadvantage, this risk was attenuated (HR = 1.32, p = 0.10). These findings demonstrate that neighborhood disadvantage is associated with ovarian cancer-specific survival and may contribute to the racial disparity in survival.
Spacecraft Charging at Geosynchronous Altitudes: New Evidence of Existence of Critical Temperature

The onset of spacecraft charging in a Maxwellian space environment is independent of the ambient electron density, ion density, and ion temperature but depends solely on a critical, or threshold, electron temperature. Below it, no spacecraft charging occurs; above it, spacecraft charging occurs. The spacecraft-charging potential is determined by the balance of all currents, including the incoming electrons, outgoing electrons, and ambient ions. Abundant evidence from the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) geosynchronous-satellite data supports the existence of critical temperature for the onset of spacecraft charging. Comparison of the theoretical curve with observations on the LANL-1994-084 satellite is encouraging. Whereas the electron-induced secondary-electron coefficient controls the onset of spacecraft charging at about from - 1 to -2 kV, the backscattered-electron emission coefficient and the ion-induced electron emission coefficient, which is commonly neglected, control the charging level at higher potentials beyond about from -3 to -4 kV.
Electrocatalytic Activity and Stability of Titania-Supported Platinum–Palladium Electrocatalysts for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

Titania-supported platinum–palladium electrocatalysts (PtPd/TiO2) were synthesized and investigated as alternative catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Transmission electron microscope images revealed a uniform distribution of metal nanoparticles (dM = 3–5 nm) on the TiO2 support. An increase in ORR activity has been observed with an increase in the Pd content of the bimetallic alloy up to 30%, and beyond this composition, the decrease in catalytic activity has been found to be due to the blocking of Pt active sites by a large amount of Pd in the catalyst. The PtPd/TiO2 electrocatalyst with a Pt/Pd composition of 70:30 shows activity comparable to that of a commercial Pt/C catalyst (TKK) in rotating ring-disk electrode studies. The accelerated durability test results show good stability for the PtPd/TiO2 electrocatalysts at high potentials in terms of minimum loss in the Pt electrochemical surface area. The high stability of the PtPd/TiO2 electrocatalyst synthesized in this investigation off...
Herpes simplex virus infection. A rare cause of prolonged croup.

• Pediatric acute subglottic croup is generally of limited duration (usually 2 to 7 days) and caused by influenza or parainfluenza viruses. Prolonged infections may involve other pathogens. To date and to our knowledge, there has been but a single case report of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection prolonging croup attributed to prolonged use of corticosteroids. Other authors have reported a wide range of HSV-1 infections of the upper and lower respiratory tracts in all age groups that are usually associated with immunocompromise. Two immunocompetent toddlers with prolonged croup associated with HSV-1—positive subglottic lesions are described herein. In one case the culture was obtained 11 days after just three doses of dexamethasone treatment. In the second case the culture was obtained after 10 days of prednisone therapy; the infection cleared quickly following treatment with acyclovir and rapid taper of the prednisone dose. These cases suggest that prolonged crouplike symptoms warrant thorough airway evaluation. Herpes simplex virus type 1 should be a suspected pathogen in cases of prolonged or atypical croup. Herpes simplex virus type 1 croup is not necessarily associated with immunocompromise or prolonged corticosteroid therapy. Acyclovir seems to be effective in treating other airway HSV infections, and by analogy it is the treatment of choice in recalcitrant herpetic croup. It is unknown whether HSV-1 represents a primary or secondary pathogen in prolonged croup. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.1993;119:551-552)
Three types of interviews: Qualitative research methods in social health

Interviewing is a primary way of collecting data in qualitative research to direct the participant in responding to a specific research question. In diabetes, this may include “what are the reasons that have contributed to your success in diabetes self-management” or “how do you believe stress impacts your blood glucose?” Three types of interviews are common in social health: (1) Structured; (2) semi-structured; and (3) narrative interview. These range in a format including specified sets of questions to the telling of patient stories in an organic way. This paper describes the differences between these types of interviews and examples of each related to diabetes research.
Time-varying energy consumption as a factor in urban climate

Abstract The thermal effects of urban energy consumption are investigated using a time-dependent, one-dimensional, numerical model. The surface energy balance includes a time-varying rate of anthropogenic heat addition from transportation, electric consumption, and space heating sources. Industrial input is treated as a constant. The contribution of each source to the urban temperature is determined for typical winter and typical summer days. Results indicate that transportation and electric usage accentuate the afternoon heat island and moderate the nocturnal heat island. Space heating in winter enhances the nocturnal heat island. Comparison of urban and rural simulations reveals two distinct types of urban heat islands, controlled by the combined effects of heat addition, moisture, and roughness. The moderating influence of increasing wind speed is also examined.
Important factors in screening for colorectal cancer

A complex, stochastic simulation model of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is examined through factor screening to determine which factors in the model are important. The factor screening employs a Resolution IV 2k Fractional Factorial experimental design. The factors are examined in terms of their impact on cost, quality-adjusted life- years (QALY), and cost per QALYs. Out of 72 factors, eight factors were determined to be most important and observed as "driving factors" in the CRC model. Surprisingly these factors were consistently important for all outcomes. However the limitations of the experimental design may have constrained the important factors to factors related only to the natural history of the disease and therefore subject to minimal control.
Semiconductor Processing Technique Based On Faraday Rotation Measurement Using A CO 2 Laser

A non-destructive technique for processing semiconductor material based on Faraday Rotation (FR) measure-ment has been developed and successfully utilized for evaluation of single crystal Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) wafers. We have extended the technique to the infrared region of the spectrum by utilizing a CO2 laser, thus significantly enhancing wafer mapping capability of the technique. Since homogeneity becomes a serious problem for large size wafers, considerable cost savings are realized if the wafer is screened prior to array fabrication. CdS Schottky barrier detectors are presently used in the two-color STINGER-POST missile system. In the band edge region, FR was found to vary as λ-2, where X is the wavelength of the incident radiation, as predicted by the theory for interband transitions. In the infrared, e.g., at 10.6 microns, FR is primarily due to free carriers and varies as λ 2. Free carrier concentration calculated from FR measurements agrees well with results obtained by Hall measurements. Advantages of the FR method are: 1) no contacts need be alloyed, hence no material contamination, 2) surface preparation such as etching/polishing is not required, 3) it is a rapid technique and does not require a skilled operator, and 4) by the use of the CO2 laser, auto-mated wafer mapping is possible. This technique, used here for CdS, is applicable for any semiconductor material where rapid measurement of carrier concentration and a determination of material homogeneity is desired. Development of a self-contained, automated and computer controlled wafer mapping system based on carrier concentration measurement by FR will be described. Results obtained for CdS wafers will be presented© (1986) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
EFFECTS OF DESOXYCORTICOSTERONE ACETATE IN THE ALBINO RAT1

IT is ESTABLISHED that some patients with Addison’s disease given large doses of desoxycorticosterone acetate develop cardiac dilatation and signs of circulatory failure (I). Similar doses in normal dogs cause marked polydipsia and polyuria and result inperiodic muscular weakness associated with very low serum potassium levels (2). The present study is concerned with the effects of prolonged administration of this drug in albinorats. In a preliminary experiment the treated rats failed to show effects similar to those seen in the human patient or in the dogs but changes in the weight of the testes and pituitary glands directed attention to the endocrine organs in subsequent groups. Group I. Due to the striking effect of the drug on serum potassium levels of human patients and dogs, the first group of rats was maintained on a low K diet (3) throughout theperiod of observation.
[D67] Sensory substitution using 3-Degree-of-Freedom tangential and normal skin deformation feedback

During manual interactions, we experience both kinesthetic forces and tactile sensations. Friction and normal force between the fingerpads and the tool/interaction surfaces cause shear and normal deformation of the skin. Capitalizing on this observation, we designed a 3-degree-of-freedom (DoF) tactile device that is grasped by a user and can render both tangential skin stretch and normal deformation on the skin of the user's fingerpads. Tactile feedback from the device is delivered in a manner consistent with natural tactile cues from manual interaction. An experiment assessed the accuracy with which users can locate the center of a contoured hole on a virtual surface. The task was completed under four conditions: the cases of skin deformation and force feedback, with both 3- and 1-DoF feedback in each case. With 3-DoF feedback, users located the hole faster and more accurately than with 1-DoF feedback, for both force and skin deformation feedback. These results indicated that users were able to interpret the additional DoF cues provided by our 3-DoF tactile device to improve task performance.
Leisure and Quality of Life in an International and Multicultural Context: What Are Major Pathways Linking Leisure to Quality of Life?.

This paper aims at advancing the conceptualization of leisure as a contributor to quality of life (QOL) in an international and multicultural context, based on an extensive and critical review of literature on leisure and QOL from a global, international perspective. Given the central role of culture in conceptualizing this notion, this paper gives attention to various cultural contexts world-wide. To illustrate the diversity of our societies, examples are introduced specifically from three culturally unique contexts in this paper – i.e., Asian, Middle-East, and Indigenous contexts. Also, some examples are drawn from other cultural groups in global and international contexts, particularly, in non-western contexts. Then, the final section of this paper aims at integrating and synthesizing the knowledge gained from this review to develop a tentative/working proposition about how leisure can contribute to QOL from international and cross-cultural perspectives. Specifically, based on such integration, this paper identifies and describes major pathways linking leisure to QOL. Overall, an overarching theme common to almost all cultural contexts examined appears to be the role of leisure-like activities as a context or space for creating meanings which then help to promote the quality of people’s lives. Major pathways or mechanisms that can facilitate meaning-making and life-quality-enhancement highlighted in this review include: (a) positive emotions and well-being experienced from leisure, (b) positive identities and self-esteem gained from leisure, (c) social and cultural connections and a harmony developed through leisure, and (d) leisure’s contribution to learning and human development across the life-span. Also, emphasized in this paper is the role of leisure as a context for realizing and utilizing human strengths and resilience. It is important, however, to stress that in people’s quest for a meaningful life, the benefits of meaning-making through leisure involve both “remedying the bad” and “enhancing the good,” as shown throughout this paper. Despite these benefits, we should not ignore that leisure experiences are socially and culturally constructed and shaped by the inequalities of society. Thus, the reality of power imbalance and inequalities should be acknowledged and appropriately addressed socially, culturally, and politically. Particularly, providing culturally relevant and meaningful leisure opportunities for less privileged population groups world-wide is clearly a top priority.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon optical properties and contribution to the acceleration of stellar outflows

The optical constants of four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules (benzene, pyrene, pentacene, and coronene) are determined from their measured laboratory absorption spectra. The Planck mean of the radiation pressure cross section is computed for each molecule and for amorphous carbon (AC) grains, and semiempirically estimated for large PAH molecules up to 400 carbon atoms. Assuming that PAHs are present in carbon-rich stellar outflows, the radiation pressure forces acting on them are calculated and compared with the radiation forces on AC particles. The results show that PAHs possess very different optical properties from AC grains. Small PAHs may experience an 'inverse greenhouse' effect in the inner part of the envelope, as they decouple from the gas close to the photosphere. The radiation pressure force on PAHs is always much less than the force at work on AC grains, and PAH molecules do not affect significantly the dynamics of the outflow.
The Antifederalists, the First Congress, and the First Parties

It is regularly argued that the ratification of the federal Constitution and the formation of the Federalist and Jeffersonian Republican parties marked points of significant discontinuity between politics before the new Constitution and thereafter. In this paper, we argue that there was significant continuity in politics in this period. In particular, we argue that the antifederalist representatives in the First Congress helped create such continuity in both debate and voting. Issues that arose in the First Congress were regularly tied to constitutional questions, sometimes explicitly so, as in passage of the constitutional amendments and in the question of executive removal powers. At other times, notably in debate and action over Hamilton's fiscal plan, the constitutional issues formed the basis for interpreting the particular policies at hand. We argue that the antifederalists forged such links in debate, helping to establish the grounds for the opposition of Madison and his supporters to Hamiltonian g...