cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of inpatient diabetes transitions of care consult on glycemic control

Abstract Objective(s) An evaluation of a diabetes consult service for hospitalized patients was completed to determine effect on glycemic control. Methods This medical record review was conducted to determine impact of a short-term program on patients with diabetes. The electronic medical record was used to identify patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and hospitalized from September 2016 to September 2017. A case-control design was utilized to compare patients with an inpatient order for the diabetes transitions of care service to those receiving usual care. The consultation service consisted of inpatient diabetes education and follow-up post discharge. The HbA1c reduction of adult inpatients those who completed a consult (n = 67) and those who received usual care (n = 67) were compared. Statistical analyses were conducted. Results For the primary outcome of HbA1c reduction at 3 months, absolute difference from baseline to 3 months in the intervention was -2.9 % compared to 0.9 % in the control group (p Conclusions Participation in the service reduced HbA1c at 3 months and 6 months post-discharge, reduced 30-day all-cause readmissions, and increased percentage of patients with HbA1c Practical implications A consult-based diabetes transitions of care service decreased HbA1c versus usual care.
Two-zone ligand-assisted displacement chromatography for producing high-purity praseodymium, neodymium, and dysprosium with high yield and high productivity from crude mixtures derived from waste magnets

Three rare earth elements (REEs), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), and dysprosium (Dy), are essential ingredients of permanent magnets, used widely in electronics, motors, hybrid cars, generators, televisions, sensors, and windmills. Conventional methods for producing high-purity REEs employ two-phase liquid–liquid extraction methods, which require thousands of mixer-settler units in series or in parallel and generate large amounts of toxic waste. In this study, a two-zone ligand-assisted displacement chromatography (LAD) system with a new zone-splitting method is developed for producing high-purity (>99%) Nd, Pr, and Dy with high yields (>99%) and high sorbent productivity from crude REE mixtures derived from waste magnets. The zone-splitting method based on selectivity-weighted composition factors enables a two-zone design to achieve two orders of magnitude higher productivity than that of a single column design. The design and simulation methods are based on first principles and intrinsic (or scale-independent) engineering parameters. They can be used to design processes for a wide range of feed compositions or production scales. The overall productivity of the two-zone LAD can exceed 100 kg REEs m−3 day−1, which is 100 times higher than those of the conventional extraction methods. The LAD for the purification of the ternary mixture requires only three chromatography columns, a safe extractant, EDTA, and other environmentally friendly chemicals. Most of the chemicals can be recycled, generating little waste. This method has the potential for efficient and environmentally friendly purification of the REEs from waste magnets. The method may also help transform the current linear REE economy (from ores to pure REEs, to products, to landfills) to a circular and sustainable REE economy.
Two low-lying coastal grassland species differ in mechanistic response to saline flooding stress

Coastal wetlands and low-lying coastal grasslands are increasingly susceptible to salt water intrusion (SWI) influenced by storm surge and sea-level rise. Our aim was to understand physiological and growth responses of dominant coastal grassland species, Spartina patens (Ait.) Muhl. (Poaceae) and Fimbristylis castanea (Michx.) Vahl. (Cyperaceae), to increased saline flooding as expected with sea-level rise or saltwater intrusion. We hypothesized that S. patens would exhibit greater resistance to salt stress due to wider distribution. Both species were subjected to saltwater flooding at 0, 5, 10, and 20 ppt (parts per thousand) for 16 weeks. Physiological, morphological, and biochemical responses were measured at the end of the experiment. Biomass and tissue chlorides were quantified above- and belowground. Physiology was minimally affected by increased saltwater. Relative growth rate and aboveground biomass were reduced in both species at 20 ppt. Both species maintained belowground biomass, with increased root and leaf tissue chlorides as salinity increased. The results did not support our hypothesis and found that both species are impacted by saltwater flooding, but S. patens exhibited more signs of stress at 20 ppt. However, both species exhibited tolerance to long-term salt stress through different mechanisms. Spartina patens excretes salts and allocates resources belowground, whereas F. castanea maintains root:shoot and exhibits higher relative water content. Maintaining or allocating biomass belowground with increasing salinity may be important in future sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion scenarios as low-lying coastal systems are at higher risk of erosion. Reduction in plant size (aboveground biomass) may impact function of coastal grasslands.
THE LONG GOODBYE: PROBLEMATIC POTTERY AND PILGRIMAGE AT CAHAL PECH, BELIZE

Investigations in the site core of Cahal Pech have recovered a range of data reflecting Terminal Classic Maya activity at this Belize Valley site. The materials, which were recovered in a tomb, a burial, and in epicentral plaza deposits, include a diverse assemblage of cultural remains including whole and partial vessels, projectile points, obsidian blade fragments, deer antlers, figurines, pottery flutes, spindle whorls, and jade beads. Similar deposits at other Maya sites in western Belize have been interpreted as evidence for de facto refuse or rapid abandonment. Contextual analyses of the Cahal Pech data suggest that the deposits are more likely associated with post-abandonment activity such as pilgrimage from the still-occupied periphery of the site.
Identifying Exceptional Talent in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: Increasing Diversity and Assessing Creative Problem-Solving:

In the Cultivating Diverse Talent in STEM project, funded by the National Science Foundation in the United States, new assessments were developed, field tested, used to identify students with excep...
TiN@TiO 2 Core-Shell Nanoparticles as Plasmon-Enhanced Photosensitizers for Photocatalysis

We demonstrate the effective generation of singlet oxygen (1O 2 ) catalyzed by hot electrons obtained from the plasmon decay in TiN@TiO 2 core-shell nanoparticles at 700 nm excitation.
Novel Model of Hypoxic-ischemic Brain Damage in Intrauterine Growth Restricted Newborn Rats*

The morbidity and mortality from hypoxic ischemic (HI) brain injury still remains high. There is a critical lack of knowledge of factors that might prevent adequate response to moderate hypothermia (HT) after HI brain injury. We aim to characterize a reproducible, rat model of neonatal HI with intrauterine …
Sources of Support for Studies That Inform Recommendations of the Community Preventive Services Task Force.

ObjectivesThe Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) makes evidence-based recommendations about preventive services, programs, and policies in community settings to improve public health....
A Review on Artificial Intelligence for Grid Stability Assessment

Artificial intelligence provides a convenient route for power grid stability assessment. Compared with simulation-based approaches, artificial intelligence can potentially save time on model development and numerical computation in stability assessment. This paper first reviewed existing literature on using artificial intelligence for power grid stability assessment. Then a machine-leaning-based tool is presented and developed to assess power grid transient stability, frequency stability, and small signals stability. Test results verified the accuracy and effectiveness of the AI tool for power grid stability assessment.
Post-CAR-T cell therapy presenting as proteinaceous lymphadenopathy

Abstract Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoma and is often treated with chemotherapy, autologous stem cell transplant, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) cell therapy. Despite the increasing use of CAR-T therapy in various hematolymphoid malignancies, very little is known about pathologic effects on various tissues. We report a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with CAR-T, with suspected relapse on PET scan. Pathology from an excisional biopsy showed no evidence of persistent diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, but instead showed extensive deposition of PAS positive, acellular material, consistent with proteinaceous lymphadenopathy. There is little known pathologic effects on malignant tissue following CAR-T therapy and we present one such undocumented finding of post-CAR-T cell therapy-induced proteinaceous lymphadenopathy.
Sharp-Interface Immersed-Boundary Method for Compressible Flows with Shock–Particle Interaction

A sharp-interface immersed-boundary method that does not smear the boundaries, is easy to implement, and is straightforward in handling the Neumann condition as compared to previous methods is deve...
Elastic anisotropy of mechanically responsive molecular solids

The mechanical properties of organic molecular solids have progressed well beyond simple brittle fracture to encompass a broad spectrum of unique behaviors: flexibility in one- and two-dimensions, twisting, bending and even jumping. Design models are under construction to help navigate property expression through crystal engineering, though no clear consensus is available on how structural and energetic (interaction anisotropy) factors combine to generate a specific mechanical response. Subtle differences in intermolecular strength or spatial organization have significant impact on material mechanics, and while diffraction and computational data have been instrumental to recent success, a need has developed for new tools that better quantify the interaction anisotropy. Herein we introduce a unique application of powder Brillouin light scattering (p-BLS) to assess the elastic anisotropy of molecular solids. We hypothesize that the width of the longitudinal frequency distribution directly correlates with a material's elastic anisotropy. We introduce a new characteristic frequency (νL,peak) and define our elastic anisotropy index (EAI) as the ratio of νL,max/νL,peak. This EAI is validated against a library of 24 molecular solids with experimentally determined stiffness tensors (Cij) used to calculate previously reported EAIs. Using energy frameworks and sound velocity polar plots, the elastic anisotropy from p-BLS is extended as an experimental window into the interaction anisotropy in organic molecular solids. We conclude with an application of p-BLS to mechanically responsive solids – 3,4-dichlorophenol and 4-bromo-3-chlorophenol – to discriminate elastic flexibility and plastic bending from the perspective of interaction anisotropy.
Implementation of ACT in correctional and forensic settings

Abstract In this practical innovations article, we describe how a research-practitioner collaboration has led to statewide implementation of ACT-based programs within Iowa's correctional system. We outline how ACT fits well with principles of effective correctional interventions, such as risk-needs-responsivity and core correctional practices. We contend that ACT is also well-suited to address the challenges inherent in correctional practice, such as establishing an effective working alliance with clients and navigating dual roles of control and support. The barriers to implementation, such as staff buy-in, correctional policies, and training are explored. We discuss the partnership and lessons learned throughout this journey, and identify remaining issues in our work to promote the fidelity and sustainability of ACT-based programs in corrections.
A Logic Verification Framework for SFQ and AQFP Superconducting Circuits

Traditional logical equivalence checking (LEC), which plays a major role in the entire chip design process, faces challenges of meeting the requirements demanded by the many emerging technologies that are based on logic models different from the standard complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). In this article, we propose an LEC framework to be employed in the verification process of superconducting electronics (SCE). Our LEC framework is compatible with the existing CMOS technologies and can also check features and capabilities that are unique to SCE. For instance, the performance of nonresistively biased single-flux quantum (SFQ) circuits benefits from ultradeep pipelining, and verification of such circuits requires new models and algorithms. We, therefore, present the multicycle input dependency circuit model which is a novel model representation of design to explicitly capture the dependency of primary outputs of the circuit on sequences of internal signals and inputs. Embedding the proposed circuit model and several structural checking modules, the process of verification can be independent of the underlying technology and signaling. We benchmark the proposed framework on postsynthesis SFQ and 4-phase adiabatic quantum flux parametron netlists. Results show a comparative verification time of SFQ circuit benchmark, including 16-bit integer divider and ISCAS’85 circuits with respect to the ABC tool for similar CMOS circuits.
California Wildfire Exposure, Vulnerability, and Mental Health: Who gets to recover and who does not? (preprint)

One of the various aftereffects of persistent climate change is an upsurge in the frequency, severity, and effect of wildfires on the wellbeing of suffering communities. The destruction and wreckage of one's home, properties, and the surrounding neighborhood, as well as the threat to one's psychological safety and the safety of loved ones, can have long-term effects on survivors' mental health. The central goal of this study, therefore, is threefold. Firstly, identify the significant qualitative and quantitative studies that examine the impacts of wildfire on mental health. This study mainly focuses on studies that capture the effects of wildfire, smoke, and air quality in California and how that affected the local communities based on their vulnerability determinants. Secondly, the study examines both types of studies to find common grounds regarding the most vulnerable population and their mental health, their ability to seek professional help, and barriers to the road to recovery. Finally, this study provides evidence-based strategies for including more vulnerable members of society in receiving sufficient and timely psychological care to recover from PTSD, trauma, distress, and hopelessness. Migrant farmworkers, particularly younger female Hispanic and indigenous workers, suffer from the wildfire's long-term stress, PTSD, depression, and emotional distress. Furthermore, the continued COVID-19 deepens the gap, social stigma, and barriers to receiving sufficient mental health care to recover and rehabilitate traumatic wildfire exposure. A localized mental healthcare support system based on equity, with flexible infrastructure and greater accessibility, promises to be more efficient and advantageous for underrepresented and vulnerable individuals seeking mental health treatment and quick recovery.
Feminism and Film

This is the first study to apply a broad range of theory to contemporary film. With dazzling insight and critical aplomb Maggie Humm highlights and explains feminist issues and offers a fascinating array of original film analyses. She begins with an in-depth historical survey of contemporary feminist theory, visual aesthetics and film theory, with a particular focus on the work of Laura Mulvey, Annette Kuhn, E. Ann Kaplan and bell hooks. Subsequent chapters examine the issues of reproduction, pornography and the gaze, autobiography and literary theory, postmodernism, Black feminism and 'the personal is political' in relation to a variety of mainstream and independent films, including Klute, Dead Ringers, A Question of Silence, Orlando and Daughters of the Dust.
Correlating in vitro data to in vivo findings for risk assessment.

Summary A special session at the Toxicology and Risk Assessment Conference in Cincinnati, OH, USA in May, 2012 presented approaches to expand current uses of in vitro toxicity data for risk assessment. Evaluation of xenobiotics through use of in vitro study methods is increasing exponentially and these methodologies offer a relatively fast and considerably cheaper way to determine toxicities in comparison to traditional animal-based approaches. One of the challenges with in vitro data is to effectively use this information for risk assessment purposes. Currently, in vitro studies are used as supportive information for hazard characterization and to identify mechanisms associated with toxicity. Being able to effectively correlate in vitro effects with in vivo observations represents a major challenge for risk assessors. The presentations in this special session provided innovative approaches toward effectively using in vitro data for the human health risk assessment process.
Tumors: Cerebral Metastases and Lymphoma

This chapter focuses on two intracranial neoplasms: cerebral metastases and lymphoma. Cerebral metastases are the most common form of intracranial tumor and often require treatment with surgery and/or radiation. Improvement of neurological function occurs in 50–75% of patients. Primary lymphoma represents about 1% of intracranial tumors and is highly responsive to chemotherapy and whole brain radiotherapy.
A systematic exploration of the failure mechanisms in underfilled flip-chip packages

A study on failure mechanisms in underfilled flip-chip packages is presented here. The flip-chip packages were built after conducting a range of finite element modeling studies that varied only the geometric entities in the package. Thereafter, these packages were stressed under a thermal-cyclic loading condition and were probed for electrical failures during the course of thermal cycling. The finite element analysis' thermal cyclic modeling simulations show a good correlation between the predicted plastic-energy dissipation per unit volume in the solder stack and the measured electrical and physical failures in the packages. The empirical correlations developed in this study can be extended to a generic package for predicting the failures associated with reliability either during testing or under field operating conditions.
Topographic EEG Correlates of Good and Poor Performance in a Signal Recognition Task

Topographic EEG measures were compared in 12 adult male subjects during performance of a signal recognition task, presented at three difficulty levels. EEG data were recorded from 17 standard cortical sites, referenced to linked earlobes. Digitized mean spectral magnitude values were calculated for sequential 2 second epochs for each condition, log transformed and subjected to statistical analysis. A good and a poor performance group was established on the basis of scores registered at the highest difficulty level and confirmed statistically.Within-group comparisons showed different EEG patterns for the two performance groups, both within and across difficulty level. The poor performance group showed a progressive pattern of disengagement (increase in 8-12 Hz activity) which diminished gradually as difficulty escalated and was replaced by a pattern of increasing engagement (decrease in 8-12 Hz activity). Good performers showed the same level of engagement independent of difficulty. Performance data alone ...
Integrating Global Gene Expression Analysis and Genetics

The transcriptome is defined as the collection of all RNAs produced in a cell or tissue at a defined time in development and is one of many stages that make up a biological system. It is also one of the most important; providing the critical link in the flow of information between genes and disease. Therefore, identifying gene expression changes that are reacting to or causing disease promises to significantly enhance our understanding of common disorders. However, only recently has the technology, in the form of DNA microarrays, been in place to quantitate gene expression levels on a genome-wide scale. DNA microarrays are small chips that contain arrays of DNA sequences and are capable of simultaneously quantifying the expression of thousands of genes. When applied to samples representing diseased and normal states, microarray-based expression profiling can identify differentially expressed genes that may play a role in the disease or predict progression or severity. Additionally, the integration of genetics and gene expression promises to aid in uncovering common genetic variations that control a particular disease. In animal models, this approach has already been used to identify genes correlated with disease, prioritized candidates, model causal interactions between genes and traits, and generate gene coexpression networks; all of which have shed light on novel disease mechanisms. In this chapter, we provide an overview of DNA microarray technologies and discuss ways in which microarray expression data can be combined with more traditional experimental approaches to dissect the genetic basis of disease.
Reduction and Analysis of Two-Dimensional Diffraction Data Including Texture Analysis

This chapter provides a commented list of references which the author considers useful for diffraction data analysis such as references relating to Rietveld analysis. In particular, references relating to the analysis of two-dimensional detector data such as image plates or CCDs are given. Literature dealing with texture analysis and interpretation as well as web links for software and online tutorials are also provided.
The use of autologous platelet‐rich plasma in the orthopedic setting

BACKGROUND Autologous platelet-rich plasma (aPRP) is widely used with orthopedic patients to help treat injuries to tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and muscle. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to evaluate aPRP's efficacy and compare available methods. In addition, the production and administration of aPRP were explored. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A literature search was performed. Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) in orthopedic procedures on adult patients were included and assessed for methodologic quality. The main outcomes were pain relief, increase in function, structural integrity, and “healing” based on various validated scales. RESULTS Twelve RCTs and one controlled cohort were included (four lateral epicondylitis, two chronic Achilles tendinopathy, two anterior cruciate ligament injury, and five rotator cuff injuries). Four trials reported some benefit from aPRP versus controls while eight trials found no benefit from aPRP applications versus control. One study had too many patients withdraw from the control arm for acceptable data interpretation. All protocols used a different aPRP formulation or method of delivery or application. CONCLUSIONS Despite its popularity, there are no standardized criteria that define aPRP. Different techniques yield wide variability in terms of platelet count and concentration. These variations make it difficult to compare clinical trials that use aPRP or draw conclusions concerning its clinical efficacy in orthopedic procedures. Blood bankers have experience in the production of standardized blood components. This expertise may be used to develop and implement protocols for the production and administration of aPRP, as well as quality control measures.
Plea bargaining: on the selection of jury trials

We consider a model of the criminal court process, focusing on plea bargaining. A plea bargain provides unequal incentives to go to trial because innocent defendants are more willing to plead not guilty. We show that the court process implements the preferences of the person or group who is most concerned about wrongful conviction. If a prosecutor is more concerned about wrongful conviction than the jury, the prosecutor can shape the defendant pool at trial so that jurors act according to prosecutor’s preferences against judicial mistakes. Our model also connects insights from strategic jury models that usually omit plea bargaining with the actual criminal court process where most cases are resolved through plea bargaining. As an example, we show that the inferiority of the unanimity rule established in Feddersen and Pesendorfer (Am Polit Sci Rev 92(1):23–35, 1998) persists in spite of the addition of plea bargaining.
Nonparametric bayesian lifetime data analysis using dirichlet process lognormal mixture model

We propose a nonparametric Bayesian lifetime data analysis method using the Dirichlet process mixture model with a lognormal kernel. A simulation-based algorithm that implements the Gibbs sampling is developed to fit the Dirichlet process lognormal mixture (DPLNM) model using rightly censored failure time data. Five examples are used to illustrate the proposed method, and the DPLNM model is compared to the Dirichlet process Weibull mixture (DPWM) model. Results indicate that the DPLNM model is capable of estimating different lifetime distributions. The DPLNM model outperforms the DPWM model in all the examples, and the DPLNM model shows promising potential to be applied to analyze failure time data when an appropriate parametric model for the data cannot be specified. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2013
The effect of filtering profilometer data on fractal parameters

Abstract Filtering long wavelength components of self-affine profilometer data affects fractal parameters derived from a box-counting fractal algorithm. The fractal dimension and scale factor for a honed engine cylinder liner increased and decreased respectively when filtered. Therefore, the amount of filtering must be carefully defined in order to correlate properly fractal parameters with surface processes. The effect and importance of filtering is not limited to surface roughness traces, as demonstrated for wind speed data where similar results were obtained.
A theoretical assessment of the effect of microchemical, microstructural and environmental mechanisms on swelling incubation in austenitic stainless steels

Abstract The sensitivity of swelling incubation in austenitic steels is assessed. A critical sized helium bubble-to-void conversion model is used to evaluate the influence of helium partitioning, sink strength, surface energy and diffusion rates which mediate microchemical, microstructural and environmental effects. Several new mechanisms of precipitate-enhanced (and retarded) void formation are proposed. While such microchemical effects are important, they were not found to be dominant in all cases. The results suggest that unless fine distributions of helium can be maintained, swelling will be higher in fusion than in either fast or mixed spectrum fission environments.
Multidimensional scale types and invariant multivariate statistics

This paper proposes an extension of the definition of one-dimensional ordinal, interval, ratio, difference and absolute scales to the multidimensional case. The connection between measurement structures and statistical structures suggested in a previous paper is also extended to the multivariate case, and examples of invariance properties of multivariate functions and statistics are discussed.
Interactive visualization of function fields by range-space segmentation

We present a dimension reduction and feature extraction method for the visualization and analysis of function field data. Function fields are a class of high-dimensional, multi-variate data in which data samples are onedimensional scalar functions. Our approach focuses upon the creation of high-dimensional range-space segmentations, from which we can generate meaningful visualizations and extract separating surfaces between features. We demonstrate our approach on high-dimensional spectral imagery, and particulate pollution data from air quality simulations.
Use of Mutual Support to Counteract the Effects of Socially Constructed Stigma: Gender and Drug Addiction

This article describes the stigma women perceive as drug addicts and the strategies used to confront that stigma once they become members of a mutual support group, Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Stigma is heavily associated with being a drug addict and even more pronounced for the female drug addict. Public policy and media continue to focus on women's reproductive roles, igniting and perpetuating the stigmata associated with being female and addicted. The heavy emphasis on women's reproductive roles contributes to a double standard that women perceive it as unique to them as compared with their male counterparts. This study surveys a sample of women in NA that represents a potentially highly stigmatized group by race and class and uncovers the extent to which women perceive stigma both in their active addiction and once in recovery. Unexpectedly, women from a more socially disadvantaged background do not necessarily experience more stigma than their more privileged White, middle-class counterparts. Not surpr...
Direct Regulation of ZAP-70 by SHP-1 in T Cell Antigen Receptor Signaling

The threshold at which antigen triggers lymphocyte activation is set by the enzymes that regulate tyrosine phosphorylation. Upon T cell activation, the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 was found to bind to the protein tyrosine kinase ZAP-70. This interaction resulted in an increase in SHP-1 phosphatase activity and a decrease in ZAP-70 kinase activity. Expression of a dominant negative mutant of SHP-1 in T cells increased the sensitivity of the antigen receptor. Thus, SHP-1 functions as a negative regulator of the T cell antigen receptor and in setting the threshold of activation.
Cerebral Embolism From Atrial Myxoma in Pediatric Patients

We describe 2 children with cerebrovascular events caused by emboli from left atrial myxomas and review 7 other pediatric cases from the literature. Transient cutaneous eruptions involving the extremities preceded the cerebrovascular events and were most likely attributable to fragmentation of the atrial tumor with peripheral embolization. Our first case demonstrates the more common presentation with acute hemiplegia caused by cerebral infarction and the second case a transient ischemic attack manifested by more subtle features as a result of involvement of the vertebrobasilar circulation. Neither child had a history or other signs of cardiac disease. Atrial myxoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis when children present with neurologic symptoms or with signs of embolization, because surgical removal of the tumor is critical and may be curative.
Efficient 3D TOF PET Reconstruction Using View-Grouped Histo-Images: DIRECT - Direct Image Reconstruction for TOF

For modern time-of-flight (TOF) positron emission tomography (PET) systems, in which the number of possible lines of response (LOR) and TOF bins is much larger than the number of acquired events, the most appropriate reconstruction approaches are considered to be the list-mode ones, where the processing of the acquired data is done event by event. However, their shortcomings are relatively high computational costs for reconstruction and sensitivity matrix calculation. Furthermore, new sensitivity matrix has to be calculated for each (attenuation) object, and all possible LORs have to be considered for its calculation, not only those which coincide with the actually detected events. Efficient treatment of the TOF data within the proposed DIRECT - Direct Image Reconstruction for TOF - approach is allowed by 1) proper angular (polar and co-polar) grouping of the TOF events to a set of views as given by angular sampling requirements for TOF resolution - each view having a common TOF kernel, and 2) placement/deposit of the grouped events, and all correction data, into the "histo-images" (one histo-image per view), having the same geometry (voxel grid and orientation) as the reconstructed image. Unlike binning, proper storing operation does not compromise resolution of the data since events are directly stored into the histo-image elements at desired image (voxel) resolution. The reconstruction operations do not negatively affect the resolution neither since no tracing or interpolation operations are needed - all data and operations are directly in the image space. Very efficient reconstruction operations and calculation of correction coefficients can be designed utilizing the image equivalent format and grouping, as demonstrated in this work using DIRECT approach with iterative row-action maximum-likelihood (RAMLA) algorithm.
Object Recognition on a Chip: A Complete SURF-Based System on a Single FPGA

This paper describes a system for robust optical object recognition based on sophisticated point features which is completely implemented in a medium-size FPGA. All components needed to process image data are integrated in a System-on-Chip, including a special IP core which accelerates the feature detection step of the Speeded-up Robust Features (SURF) algorithm. The task of object recognition is solved by a lightweight matching algorithm. The system was evaluated with a set of 60 scene images. All 7 test objects were recognized at a sensitivity of 93% without any false positives at all. The minimum total execution time for one frame was 191ms, and the average time was 481ms.
Stress relaxation in nanoscale aluminum films

ABSTRACT In an effort to find ways to minimize the undesirable effects of thin metal film stress changes with time on MEMS reliability we have investigated stress relaxation of nanoscale Al thin films. We have found that the relaxation is strongly dependent not only on temperature but on film thickness as well. Films 33, 107 and 205nm thick prepared by evaporation onto a silicon nitride membrane substrate were studied using membrane resonance to determine film stress. A single thermal cycle to 300 o C was used to establish a stress in the aluminum films, after which the time dependence of the stress was measured for the three film thicknesses at 50, 75 and 100 o C. The relaxation rate is highest for the highest temperature and the thinnest film. The time dependence is very well represented in all cases by an expression of the form d /dt = -A( - ) n where is the limiting stress below which the relaxation mechanism (which we attribute to dislocation motion) is unable to proceed. In all cases the value of n is greater than one so the decays are not exponential. A dislocation locking mechanism is suggested as a possible explanation for the observed thickness dependence. Keywords: Al thin film, nanoscale, stress relaxation, time dependence, dislocation glide mechanism.
HEAT CAPACITY OF ALUMINUM BETWEEN 0.1 K AND 4.0 K

Measurements of the heat capacity of aluminum have been made between 0.11 and 4.0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K in the normal state and between 0.17 and 4.0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K in the superconducting state. Within the experimental error the normal state heat capacity, ${C}_{n}$, can be represented by ${C}_{n}=\ensuremath{\gamma}T+\ensuremath{\beta}{T}^{3}$ with $\ensuremath{\gamma}=1.35\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ Joules/mole ${\mathrm{deg}}^{2}$ and a value of $\ensuremath{\beta}$ corresponding to a Debye temperature of 427.7\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in agreement with calculations based on elastic constants. For reduced temperatures between 0.5 and 0.25 the electronic heat capacity in the superconducting state, ${C}_{\mathrm{es}}$, is approximated by $\frac{{C}_{\mathrm{es}}}{\ensuremath{\gamma}{T}_{c}}=7.1\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}\frac{1.34{T}_{c}}{T})$, in which ${T}_{c}$ is the transition temperature, 1.163\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. At reduced temperatures less than about 0.25, ${C}_{\mathrm{es}}$ is greater than an extrapolation of the exponential, the difference amounting to a factor of 4 at the lowest temperature. The departure of ${C}_{\mathrm{es}}$ from an exponential temperature dependence, which is believed to be outside the experimental error, is not consistent with the existence of a constant energy gap at low reduced temperatures. The calculated critical field is 103.0 gauss at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and shows a maximum negative deviation of 4% from the parabolic law. The results are compared with other measurements and with theory.
Standard Interactive Genetic Algorithm—Comprehensive Optimization Framework for Groundwater Monitoring Design

Optimization for water resources management typically requires many simplifying assumptions about the definition and characteristics of the policy or design application in order to express decision makers’ criteria as mathematical objectives and constraints. However, real-world applications often involve important subjective information that cannot be reflected in mathematical expressions accurately or completely. This can result in mathematically optimized solutions that are less meaningful or desirable to decision makers. To address this issue, this paper presents the standard interactive genetic algorithm (SIGA) methodology that enables human decision makers to effectively analyze subjective information that is not easily quantifiable and make decisions about the quality of a design based on their preferences. These decisions are used as continuous run-time subjective feedback, along with the mathematically defined objectives and constraints, to search for optimal designs that reflect both quantitative...
The Theosophists' Bathroom

The story that takes India from the electrical infrastructure of 1966 to a modern infrastructure 40 years later is a parable for the free market.
The Amplitude Asymmetry between Synoptic Cyclones and Anticyclones: Implications for Filtering Methods in Feature Tracking

Abstract The “background” state is commonly removed from synoptic fields by use of either a spatial or temporal filter prior to the application of feature tracking. Commonly used spatial and temporal filters applied to sea level pressure data admit substantially different information to be included in the synoptic fields. The spatial filter retains a time-mean field that has comparable magnitude to a typical synoptic perturbation. In contrast, the temporal filter removes the entire time-mean field. The inclusion of the time-mean spatially filtered field biases the feature tracking statistics toward large cyclone (anticyclone) magnitudes in the regions of climatological lows (highs). The resulting cyclone/anticyclone magnitude asymmetries in each region are found to be inconsistent with the unfiltered data fields and merely result from the spurious inclusion of the time-mean fields in the spatially filtered data. The temporally filtered fields do not suffer from the same problem and produce modest cyclone/...
A model of cognitive development across the life span

Abstract A model of cognitive development across the life span was proposed. A distinction was drawn between an individual's unexercised potential, which refers to the level of performance that would be expected if the individual had no exercise and/or training on the ability in question, and an individual's optimally-exercised potential, which refers to the level of performance that would be expected if the individual had optimal exercise and training. Both unexercised and optimally-exercised potential levels were proposed to increase with age up to early adulthood and decrease gradually thereafter. The region between the two types of potential, which was also suggested to increase during childhood and decrease during later adulthood, indicates the extent to which exercise and/or training can affect performance. This model was shown to be consistent with a number of different types of empirical findings.
The O(3P) Methylacetylene Reaction over Wide Temperature and Pressure Ranges

Rate coefficients for the reaction between ground-state O atoms and methylacetylene have been measured using the High-Temperature Photochemistry (HTP) technique at temperatures from 300 to 1350 K and pressures from 100 to 700 mbar. The oxygen atoms were generated by flash photolysis of O2 or CO2, and their relative concentrations were monitored by time-resolved resonance fluorescence. The data are independent of pressure and are well-fitted by the expression k(300−1350 K) = 2.9 × 10-11 exp(−1134 K/T) cm3 molecule-1 s-1 with 2σ precision limits of ±6% to ±12%, depending upon temperature, and corresponding 2σ accuracy limits of about ±22%. An estimation for methyl group H-abstraction yielded kH(300−2500 K) = 5.7 × 10-20(T/K)2.16 exp(−2429 K/T) cm3 molecule-1 s-1. This suggests that addition is the only significant initial O-atom attack step even at temperatures as high as those encountered in atmospheric-pressure methylacetylene−air flames.
Cloned mouse cerebrovascular endothelial cells that maintain their differentiation markers for factor VIII, low density lipoprotein, and angiotensin-converting enzyme

This communication describes a relatively novel cell culture technique for the isolation of cerebrovascular endothelial cells from three strains of inbred mice. Cerebrovascular endothelial cells were identified by their morphology, the presence of Factor VIII-related antigen and angiotensin-converting enzyme, and the uptake of acetylated low-density lipoprotein. Cloned cerebrovascular endothelial cells were found to maintain their differentiated state and diploid genotype through 15 serial passages. The morphology and growth characteristics of these cells were found to be altered when cultured on different extracellular matrices. The isolation and cloning methods described are simple and highly reproducible.
Unusual Keratitis from a Household Remedy

During a nine-month period, we have seen seven patients with a rather uniform clinical picture of keratoconjunctivitis which ap­ pears to have been caused by a new form of Vick's VapoRub, marketed on a trial basis in Boston and Detroit. This new product has also proved injurious to the eyes of rabbits, whereas regular Vick's VapoRub has been innocuous. Although the new product has been with­ drawn from the market, publication of our observations seems worthwhile for several reasons. Of the several hundred thousand tubes that were distributed, many may re­ main in the hands of consumers, providing a potential cause of keratitis. In addition, de­ scription of the recognizable distinguishing characteristics of this keratitis should facili­ tate its diagnosis. The experience with this product provides additional evidence that preparations for the skin can readily con­ taminate the eyes without producing any warning discomfort unless, of course, a com­ ponent is present which immediately causes irritation. Mathalone and Easty and Brodkin and Bleiberg have recently reported a similar type of keratitis resulting from the use of Exolan cream in the treatment of psoriasis. A-200 Pyrinate, a pediculocide ap­ plied to the hair, has also caused severe tran­ sitory keratitis through accidental contami­ nation of the eyes, as described by Reinecke and Kinder, and continues to be a cause of eye injuries, particularly in children.
Effective elasticity tensor of a periodic composite

Abstract The effective elasticity tensor of a composite is defined to be the four-tensor C which relates the average stress to the average strain. We determine it for an array of rigid spheres centered on the points of a periodic lattice in a homogeneous isotropic elastic medium. We first express C in terms of the traction exerted on a single sphere by the medium, and then derive an integral equation for this traction. We solve this equation numerically for simple, body-centered and face-centered cubic lattices with inclusion concentrations up to 90% of the close-packing concentration. For lattices with cubic symmetry the effective elasticity tensor involves just three parameters, which we compute from the solution for the traction. We obtain approximate asymptotic formulas for low concentrations which agree well with the numerical results. We also derive asymptotic results for C at high inclusion concentrations for arbitrary lattice geometries. We find them to be in good agreement with the numerical results for cubic lattices. For low and moderate concentrations the approximate results of Nemat - Nasser et al., also agree well with the numerical results for cubic lattices.
Simulations to Determine Laminar Loss Coefficients in Arbitrary Planar Dividing Flow Geometries

The goal of this study is to determine laminar stagnation pressure loss coefficients for planar dividing flow. These losses are of clear interest in understanding flow in microfluidic devices, in porous media, or other complicated laminar pore networks. There is no published set of pressure loss coefficients for arbitrary bifurcation geometries that occur in these networks. Additionally, the small number of bifurcation geometries that have been studied are for turbulent flow often found in fluid supply and drain systems. The pressure loss coefficients determined in this study allow realistic simulation of existing laminar flow networks or the design of these networks. This study focuses on a single inlet duct with two outlet ducts, which were allowed to vary in diameter, flow fraction, and angle — all relative to the inlet duct. Laminar stagnation pressure loss coefficients have been determined by simulating incompressible flow through 600 different geometries. In all cases, the flow is laminar in the inlet and outlet ducts. Simulations of the dividing flow geometries were done using FLUENT and a custom written computer code, which automates the process of creating flow geometries, of creating FLUENT input files, and of parsing FLUENT output. The outputs, pressure and velocity distributions at the inlet and outlets, have been averaged and then used to calculate pressure loss coefficients for each of the geometries and flow fraction scenarios simulated. The results for loss coefficient for the geometries considered range from 0.15 to 49. The loss coefficient for any geometry increases significantly as the flow fraction increases and as the duct size of an outlet duct relative to the inlet duct decreases. Less significant variation of the loss coefficient has been observed as a function of the angles of the exit ducts.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Perturbation behavior of a multiple eigenvalue in generalized Hermitian eigenvalue problems

We show that a multiple eigenvalue has different sensitivities under perturbations in a generalized Hermitian eigenvalue problem. Our result provides a solution to a question raised by Stewart and Sun. We also show how this difference of sensitivities plays a role in the eigenvalue forward error analysis after the Rayleigh-Ritz process, for which we present an approach that provides tight bounds.
Analytical method for the quantitation of sertraline hydrochloride stereoisomers by electrokinetic chromatography

Sertraline is a basic compound and of pharmaceutical application for antidepressant treatment. The compound has two chiral centers. Separation of the three enantiomeric impurities from the parent compound is challenging. In this study, we successfully separated all four stereoisomers by electrokinetic chromatography using highly sulfated gamma-cyclodextrin and highly sulfated alpha-cyclodextrin as the chiral selectors. The two chiral selectors provided different selectivity and therefore affected the overall separation profiles. This may be due to the size difference between the dichlorophenyl moiety end and naphthalenamine moiety end, resulting in two different types of inclusion complexes with the different cyclodextrins. For routine analysis, highly sulfated gamma-cyclodextrin was better than highly sulfated alpha-cyclodextrin. For each stereoisomeric impurity, the method using sulfated gamma-cyclodextrin provided a limit of quantitation at or lower than 0.1% of the drug substance with adequate resolution. The critical resolution at this concentration level was not less than 4.0. Experimental data suggested that an internal standard was necessary for the purpose of quantitation, and the practical linearity range for analysis of sertraline stereoisomeric impurities was of about two orders of magnitude.