cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultracold photoassociation spectroscopy: Long-range molecules and atomic scattering

Photoassociation is the process in which two colliding atoms absorb a photon to form an excited molecule. The development of laser-cooling techniques for producing gases at ultracold !!1 mK" temperatures allows photoassociation spectroscopy to be performed with very high spectral resolution. Of particular interest is the investigation of molecular states whose properties can be related, with high precision, to the properties of their constituent atoms with the “complications” of chemical binding accounted for by a few parameters. These include bound long-range or purely long-range vibrational states in which two atoms spend most or all of their time at large internuclear separations. Low-energy atomic scattering states also share this characteristic. Photoassociation techniques have made important contributions to the study of all of these. This review describes what is special about photoassociation spectroscopy at ultracold temperatures, how it is performed, and a sampling of results including the determination of scattering lengths, their control via optical Feshbach resonances, precision determinations of atomic lifetimes from molecular spectra, limits on photoassociation rates in a Bose-Einstein condensate, and briefly, production of cold molecules. Discussions are illustrated with examples on alkali-metal atoms as well as other species. Progress in the field is already past the point where this review can be exhaustive, but an introduction is provided on the capabilities of photoassociation spectroscopy and the techniques presently in use.
Transient Force Reduction in Electromechanical Actuators for Thrust-Vector Control

There is a move within the aerospace community to use electromechanical actuators (EMA) in thrust-vector control (TVC) applications. However, shock-wave forces that occur during startup and shutdown of unthrottled TVC rocket engines excite resonance in the mechanical dynamics. This results in very large forces transmitted through the actuator. Additionally, with traditional compensation, the position control system must be designed with lowbandwidth because of the typically low resonant frequency. Dynamicforce feedback (DFF)compensation is proposed to reduce the effects of resonance. Utilizing a motor position sensor and a load cell in the actuator mount,aproportional-integral-derivative (PID)positioncontrolloopisclosedinparallelwithaforcecontrolloopto provideresonancereductionand transmitted forcereduction.Thisallowshigherpositioncontrolbandwidthswhile reducingthetransmittedforces.Thecontrollerdesignmethodologyusestwoindependentloop-shapingprocedures, which are separated by their effective frequency ranges. The techniques are validated with experimental data from an EMA-TVC simulator, showing improvements in both the position control and the transmitted forces. Additionally, the controller is shown to be robust with respect to variation in the resonance.
Maximum Z Scores and Outliers

Abstract The magnitude of Z(n), the Z score associated with the largest value of X in a data set of size n, is shown to be bounded above by (n — 1)/√n. As a result, outliers defined as values exceeding four standard deviations from the mean cannot exist for small data sets.
Design methodology for multiple inlet cyclones

Correlations were developed to model the performance of two types of multi-inlet aerosol sampling cyclones. The body of one cyclone had the Lapple conventional geometry and the other had a shorter ...
Principles and applications of emittance-independent infrared nondestructive testing.

Three emittance-independent ir nondestructive testing techniques are described. Two of these use the dual scan ratio principle, and the other uses ir energy reflected from the test specimen surface to compensate for emittance differences. Complete details on the theory behind the three techniques are given-Instrumentation used to carry out tests and the results of two practical applications are described.
MODELING MESOSCALE DYNAMICS OF FORMATION OF δ′-PHASE IN Al-Li ALLOYS

A mesoscale minimal model study of the α−δ′ two-phase system is presented. A minimal model free energy is introduced which reveals universal features of the ordering dynamics of the disordered into the L12 ordered state. Static phenomenological parameters of the minimal model are chosen to reproduce the equilibrium phase diagram, and dynamical ones are chosen to reproduce recent experimental scattering results by H. Chen’s group.
Staff Management By Behavioral Contracting

Employee performance has been shown to be improved by reinforcement procedures that are determined by the supervisor. The present study used behavioral contracting between an employee and her supervisor to structure their discussion in arriving at mutually acceptable performance standards and reinforcers. A multiple baseline design across responses was used with an employee who conducted training sessions with persons who are mentally retarded in a large institution. The results showed an improvement of the specific employee behaviors for which behavioral contracting was arranged for the duration of the contracted reinforcement. Behavioral contracting may be useful as a structured method of achieving employee-supervisor agreements in employee motivation programs.
Use of Services by Persons With Mental and Addictive Disorders: Findings From the National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiologic Catchment Area Program

• The use of ambulatory and inpatient mental health and addiction services in the United States was estimated by means of data from the National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiologic Catchment Area Program standardized to the 1980 US census for adults 18 years of age and older. In a 1-year period, 22.8 million people used ambulatory services for mental or addictive disorder treatment; 54% of them had a current Diagnostic Interview Schedule/ DSM-III mental disorder and another 37.4% had a history of psychiatric disorder or significant psychiatric symptoms. A total of 325.9 million ambulatory visits were made, and the average number of visits per treated person per year was 14.3. There were 1.4 million persons admitted to at least one inpatient mental health or addiction setting during a 1-year period; 80% of them had a current DIS/ DSM-III disorder, and the remainder had a history of psychiatric disorder or significant psychiatric symptoms. Results were determined for specific mental and substance use diagnoses and service settings. Among treated persons with any mental or addictive disorder, the majority of visits were to mental and addictive disorders specialty settings (40.5% of total visits) and to support networks composed of friends, relatives, and self-help groups (37.0% of total visits). Although a large number of persons with mental and substance use disorders were seen in the general medical sector for mental health or addiction problems, they were seen less frequently and therefore made fewer visits to this sector (10.9% of total visits).
Traning Future Urbanists: The Integration of Theory and Practice

I have been asked to talk about theory-practice linkages and in thinking about what I might say, it occurred to me that such linkages could be described in the context of educating future urbanists. Furthermore, linkages can best be understood by talking about “small” theories as opposed to “big theories” such as those reflected in the papers by Professors Choi and Sassen. My meaning of the term, small theory, is different from that attributed ti Merton (1957) and Baker (1968). Rather, my meaning is more closely associated with the ideas espoused by John Lyle when he described the concepts underlying the Center for Regenerative Studies and the practices that take place in that environment. In my paper, I present another example of a small theory and show how it links to practice. And like professor Lyle, my example, involves faculty and university students working together. As a prelude to my example, I will discuss some changes that have recently occurred in the training of urban planner and other in US ...
Lead inhibits 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 regulation of calcium metabolism in osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells (ROS 17/2.8)

Abstract We have determined the dose-response of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 (1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 ) on the intracellular free calcium-ion concentration ([Ca 2+1 ] i ) in the osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells, ROS 17/2.8, using 19 F-NMR and the intracellular divalent cation indicator, 1,2-bis(2-amino-5-fluorephenoxy)ethane- N , N , N ′, N ′-tetraacetic acid (5F-BAPTA). The dose-response demonstrated an inverted U-shaped relationship with maximal elevation of [Ca 2+ ] i at doses of 1 to 10 nM 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 . At 10 nM, 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 elevated the [Ca 2+ ] i from a control level of 118±4 nM to a peak value of 237±8 nM within 40 min. 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 also increased the intial rate of Ca 2+ influx into ROs 17/2.8 cells, measured by 45 Ca uptake, with a dose-response relationship which paralleled its effects on [Ca 2+ ] i . Treatment of ROS 17/2.8 cells with Pb 2+ at 1 and 5 μM significantly increased [Ca 2+ ] i but significantly reduced the 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 -induced elevation of [Ca 2+ ]i. Simultaneous treatment of naive cells with 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 and Pb 2+ produce little reduction of 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 and Pb 2+ produce little reduction of 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 -induced 45 Ca uptake while 40 min treatment with Pb 2+ before addition of 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 significantly reduced the 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 -induced increase in 45 Ca influx. These findings suggest that Pb 2+ acts by inhibiting 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 -activation of Ca 2+ channels and interferes with 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 regulation of Ca 2+ metabolism in osteoblastic bone cells.
Multiple precursor proteins bind individual Tat receptor complexes and are collectively transported

The thylakoid twin arginine protein translocation (Tat) system is thought to have a multivalent receptor complex with each cpTatC-Hcf106 pair constituting a signal peptide-binding unit. Conceptual models suggest that translocation of individual precursor proteins occurs upon assembly of a Tha4 oligomer with a precursor-occupied cpTatC-Hcf106. However, results reported here reveal that multiple precursor proteins bound to a single receptor complex can be transported together. Precursor proteins that contain one or two cysteine residues readily formed intermolecular disulphide bonds upon binding to the receptor complex, resulting in dimeric and tetrameric precursor proteins. Three lines of evidence indicate that all members of precursor oligomers were specifically bound to a receptor unit. Blue native–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed that oligomers were present on individual receptor complexes rather than bridging two or more receptor complexes. Upon energizing the membrane, the dimeric and tetrameric precursors were transported across the membrane with efficiencies comparable with that of monomeric precursors. These results imply a novel aspect of Tat systems, whereby multiple precursor-binding sites can act in concert to transport an interlinked oligo-precursor protein.
The Moral Dimension: Toward a New Economics

Contents Preface Acknowledgments Chapter 1: The New Paradigm: Underlying Themes PART I: BEYOND PLEASURE: THE CASE FOR DEONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL SCIENCES Introduction Chapter 2: Pleasure, Altruism, and the Great X Chapter 3: Substantive Differences: Moral Not Equal Pleasure Chapter 4: Some Evidence: People Act Unselfishly Chapter 5: The Irreducibility of Moral Behavior PART II: BEYOND RATIONALISM: THE ROLE OF VALUES AND EMOTIONS Introduction Chapter 6: Normative-Affective Factors Chapter 7: How Inefficient? The Scope of Intra-Cognitive Limitations Chapter 8: What Is Rational? Chapter 9: Instrumental Rationality: Supportive Condition Chapter 10: Thoughtless Rationality (Rules of Thumb) PART III: BEYOND RADICAL INDIVIDUALISM: THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY AND POWER Introduction Chapter 11: Collective (Macro) Rationality Chapter 12: Encapsulated Competition Chapter 13: Political Power and Intra-Market Relations Chapter 14: In Conclusion: Policy and Moral Implications Overview and Propositional Inventory Bibliography Name Index Subject Index
Locus of Control in Children with Learning Disabilities and Hyperactivity: A Subgroup Analysis

The Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale (Nowicki & Strickland, 1973) was administered to 51 boys, ages 7 to 9 years. Children were classified into four separate diagnostic groups: (a) attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADDH), (b) learning disabled (LD), (c) ADDH-LD, and (d) controls. Results of a 2 X 2 (ADDH X LD) analysis of variance indicated that the LD diagnostic dimension was associated with heightened externality. Locus of control scores were not found to be significantly related to scores on a variety of other descriptive and diagnostic measures with the exception of IQ-academic achievement discrepancy scores. Results are contrasted with previous findings for ADDH and LD samples and highlight the vulnerability of children who are experiencing even relatively minor learning problems. Implications for intervention and future research are discussed.
DOA Estimation for L-Shaped Array Based on Complex FastICA

Combining complex FastICA and L-shaped array DOA (Direction of Arrival) estimation, a new algorithm is proposed. Firstly, the received signal is whitened to reduce the computational load, Secondly, the original signal is restored by the ICA algorithm, Thirdly, the generalized separation matrix is inversed to obtain the estimation of the array manifold. Finally, the estimated steering vector is projected to the ideal L-shaped array to get the final results. This algorithm doesnt need a spectral peak search, What is more, it is able to recover the source signal during the estimation. The formed new algorithm can get faster speed without losing the intrinsic advantage of the original DOA estimation algorithm. Simulation results confirm the validity of the new algorithm.
Characterization of the bidirectional promoter region between the human genes encoding VLCAD and PSD-95.

Bidirectional promoters are widely known among lower organisms but rare in mammals. A shared promoter between the two human genes encoding very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) is an ideal model to investigate bidirectional transcription in mammals. VLCAD associates with the inner mitochondrial membrane and catalyzes the initial step in mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid β-oxidation. PSD-95, a component protein of the PSD, plays an essential role in clustering the transmembrane proteins in synaptic membranes. Interestingly, the human genes encoding VLCAD (ACADVL) and PSD-95 (DLG4) are adjacently located in the head-to-head orientation on chromosome 17p. The transcribed regions of the two genes overlap, while the two transcription start sites stand ∼220 bp apart. To analyze the common transcriptional control region shared by the two genes, we generated serial promoter partial deletion constructs using firefly luciferase as the reporter gene. Our results showed that the essential promoter activity of PSD-95 is carried within an ∼400-bp region, which covers the entire ∼270-bp minimal promoter of VLCAD. The results from di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)-treated HepG2 cells revealed that the minimal VLCAD promoter is able to up-regulate VLCAD expression in response to DEHP treatment. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments showed that a mutated activator protein 2-binding site markedly reduced the transcriptional activity of both promoters and abolished the minimal VLCAD promoter's response to DEHP treatment.
Sympathetic nervous system activity and resting metabolic rate in vegetarians

We examined the resting metabolic rate (RMR) and sympathetic nervous system activity of young male vegetarians (n = 17) and nonvegetarians (n = 40). Subjects were characterized for RMR by indirect calorimetry, norepinephrine kinetics from infusions of tritiated norepinephrine, energy and macronutrient intake from a 3-day food diary, and body composition by underwater weighing. Vegetarians reported a greater relative intake of carbohydrates (62% +/- 5% v 51% +/- 6%, P < .01) and a lower relative intake of fat (25% +/- 5% v 33% +/- 6%, P < .01) than nonvegetarians, whereas no differences were observed in daily energy intake, body composition, or maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) between groups. Vegetarians exhibited an 11% higher absolute RMR (1.29 +/- 0.15 v 1.16 +/- 0.13 kcal/min, P < .01), a higher plasma concentration of norepinephrine (216 +/- 33 v 165 +/- 18 pg/mL, P < .01), and a greater norepinephrine appearance rate (0.50 +/- 0.08 v 0.36 +/- 0.09 micrograms/min, P < .01) than nonvegetarians. After statistically controlling for differences in relative amounts of carbohydrate and fat in the diet and for norepinephrine concentrations, no significant differences in adjusted RMR between vegetarians and nonvegetarians were noted. These results suggest that the higher RMR observed in young male vegetarians is partially mediated by differences in dietary macronutrient composition and increased sympathetic nervous system activity.
Prostaglandin binding in human serum follows the polarity rule

Abstract Human serum binds PGA1 > PGE1 > PGF2α. This is in inverse order of their polarity. Approximately 90% of PGA1 is bound. By analogy with steroid and iodothyronine metabolism, it is likely that the tighter binding of PGA1 accounts for its relatively slow clearance.
Metabolic theory and elevational diversity of vertebrate ectotherms

The Metabolic Theory of Ecology (MTE) posits that the temperature-dependent kinetics of metabolism shape broad-scale patterns of biodiversity. Here we test whether the MTE accounts for patterns of diversity using 102 elevational diversity gradients of reptiles and amphibians. In particular, we examined the support for the two key predictions of the MTE: that the reciprocal of absolute temperature (1/kT) and diversity are linearly related and that the slope of that relationship is -0.65. We also tested two underlying assumptions of the MTE in cases with appropriate data, namely, that abundance is invariant among samples, and that behavioral thermoregulation influences the MTE predictions. We found that few studies supported the predictions of the MTE for the relationship between environmental temperature and elevational diversity using previous methods on individual gradients and using meta-analysis. The predominant relationship was curvilinear, and the slopes were steeper than predicted. In analyses of individual gradients, only 6% followed the MTE predictions in the strictest application, and 25% in the broadest. We found violations of the assumption of invariant abundances in all five test cases. All four herpetofaunal groups, regardless of behavioral thermoregulatory abilities, demonstrated poor fits to the MTE predictions. Even when arid gradients are removed, ameliorating the potential effects of water limitation, the MTE did not account for herpetofaunal elevational diversity. We conclude that an interplay of factors shapes elevational diversity gradients rather than the simple kinetics of biochemical reactions.
ICESat-2 and the importance of space-based laser altimetry measurements

This presentation will summarize the motivation for space-based laser altimetry, the science requirements for ICESat-2, and the current concept for the ICESat-2 mission. ICESat-2 will employ a photon-counting measurement approach using a high-repetition rate laser in a multi-beam configuration.
Mapping sensible and latent heat fluxes in arid areas using optical imagery

Accurate information on the distribution of sensible and latent heat fluxes is critical for evaluation of background characteristics. Since these fluxes are subject to rapid changes in time and space, it is nearly impossible to determine their spatial and temporal distributions over large areas from ground measurements alone. Therefore, prediction from remote sensing data is very attractive as it enables large area coverage and a high repetition rate. In this study, the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) is selected to estimate sensible and latent heat fluxes at 30 m resolution in the riparian areas of the Middle Rio Grande Basin (New Mexico), San Pedro River (Arizona) and Owens Valley (California). The objective is to compare SEBAL fluxes derived from LandSat TM images with those measured on the ground with eddy covariance towers. The comparison in arid heterogeneous riparian areas in the southwestern United States clearly demonstrates that SEBAL can be applied for mapping sensible and latent heat fluxes at high spatial resolutions.
The Use of Computed Tomography to Evaluate Suspected Mediastinal Tumors

Thirty patients with suspected mediastinal tumors were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) at UCLA Medical Center. Twenty patients with myasthenia gravis were examined for possible thymomas, benign and malignant; and 10 patients were studied for other mediastinal masses (including teratoma, seminoma, mediastinal lipomatosis, carcinoma, lymphoma, and paravertebral abscess). The CT scan was found useful in several respects: (1) yielding information not available by conventional radiographic techniques; (2) defining the anatomical location and extent of mediastinal tumors; (3) detecting pulmonary metastasis and involvement of mediastinal nodes in cases of malignancy; and (4) establishing the diagnosis of benign mediastinal fatty masses. On the basis of our early experience, we believe CT is a valuable adjunct in the preoperative assessment of patients with suspected mediastinal tumors.
Link gain matrix estimation in distributed large-scale wireless networks

In planning and using large-scale distributed wireless networks, knowledge of the link gain matrix can be highly valuable. If the number Nof radio nodes is large, measuring N(N-1)/2 node-to-node link gains can be prohibitive. This motivates us to devise a methodology that measures a fraction of the links and accurately estimates the rest. Our method partitions the set of transmit-receive links into mutually exclusive categories, based on the number of obstructions or walls on the path; then it derives a separate link gain model for each category. The model is derived using gain measurements on only a small fraction of the links, selected on the basis of a maximum entropy. To evaluate the new method, we use ray-tracing to compute the "true" path gains for all links in the network. We use knowledge of a subset of those gains to derive the models and then use those models to predict the remaining path gains. We do this for three different environments of distributed nodes, including an office building with many obstructing walls. We find in all cases that the partitioning method yields acceptably low path gain estimation errors with a significantly reduced number of measurements.
Content-based image retrieval for medical imagery

The main goal of content based image retrieval is to efficiently retrieve images that are visually similar to a query image. In this paper we will focus on content based image retrieval from large medical databases, outline the problems specific to this area, and describe the recent advances in the field. We will also present some of the more significant results obtained with ASSERT (Automatic Search and Selection Engine with Retrieval Tools), the content based image retrieval system developed in our laboratory.
Projections of ventromedial hypothalamic neurons to the midbrain central gray: an ultrastructural study.

Ventromedial hypothalamic projections to the midbrain central gray may be involved in the mediation of female reproductive behavior. In order to demonstrate and examine projections of the ventromedial nucleus in the midbrain central gray, in the rat, electrolytic lesions were placed in the ventromedial nucleus and the midbrain central gray was examined for ultrastructural signs of degeneration at various intervals, i.e. 27.5 h and two, four, six and eight days following the lesions. The fine structure of the midbrain central gray of unlesioned animals was also examined to characterize its normal morphology and to establish a baseline with which to compare the effects of the lesion. In unlesioned animals, the neuropil of midbrain central gray contained several synaptic types, with axodendritic synapses appearing to be the most predominant. Dendrites contained well-preserved microtubules. Synaptic endings contained many clear, round vesicles and some contained dense-cored vesicles as well. Neuropil synapses were both asymmetric and symmetric. Cell bodies were characterized by light cytoplasm and had asymmetric and symmetric synapses on their surface. Following electrolytic lesions in the ventromedial nucleus, various types of degenerative patterns were seen in the midbrain central gray, including electron-dense, flocculent, watery, and pinocytotic degeneration. Specific characteristics of degeneration included shrunken, dense axons and endings, clumped synaptic vesicles, abnormally large, dark mitochondria, membranous sacs of various sizes, swollen endings with reduced numbers of synaptic vesicles, and endings and processes containing large numbers of coated vesicles. Some of these signs were already evident at 27.5 h following the lesion. In addition, degenerating postsynaptic processes and cell bodies were seen in the midbrain central gray. At 27.5 h survival time, degenerating dendritic processes often appeared swollen, devoid of microtubules, and contained enlarged mitochondria. At longer survival times neuronal degeneration was observed in the midbrain central gray, characterized by electron-dense cell bodies and pycnotic nuclei. Both degenerating pre- and postsynaptic elements appeared to be engulfed by glial processes. Control lesions in non-hypothalamic regions which project to the midbrain central gray, i.e. nucleus gigantocellularis and pontine reticular formation and in a non-projecting region, i.e. parietal cortex, were performed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
On the Retrieval and Lexical Structure of Verbs.

Abstract This study examined the retrieval of regular and irregular past tense verbs. Subjects were presented with present tense verbs (e.g., TEACH) and had to produce the past tense form (TAUGHT) as quickly as possible. Reaction times and errors in this task suggested that preterites such as TAUGHT are not stored as separate and independent lexical units but are formed from the verb stem (TEACH) by means of derivational rules. The form of the errors suggested that different phonological operations for the same stem are to some extent independently specified and apply to distinctive features rather than fully integrated phonemes.
Collecting representative dust samples: A comparison of various sampling methods in underground coal mines

Abstract Former methods used in the U.S. to assess hazardous and explosible coal dust date back to the 1950s. As mining technologies advanced, so too have the hazards. Given the results of the recent coal dust particle size survey and full-scale experimental mine explosion tests, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended a new minimum standard, in the absence of background methane, of 80% total incombustible content (TIC) be required in the intake airways of bituminous coal mines, replacing the previous 65% TIC requirement. Most important to monitoring and maintaining the 80% TIC is the ability to effectively collect and analyze representative dust samples that would likely disperse and participate in dust explosion propagation. Research has shown that dust suspended on elevated surfaces is usually finer, more reactive, and more readily dispersible while floor deposits of dust are generally coarser and more difficult to disperse given the same blast of air. The roof, rib, and floor portions of the dust samples were collected and analyzed for incombustible content separately and the results were compared to a band sample of the roof, rib, and floor components. Results indicate that the roof and rib dust samples should be kept separate from floor dust samples and considered individually for analyses. The various experimental collection methods are detailed along with preferred sampling approaches that improve the detectability of potentially hazardous accumulations of explosible dust.
New structures for technology-based courses

Here we consider new modes of course organization, made possible by the computer, the videodisc player, the compact disk player, and other components of modern interactive technology. Current courses were all developed before this equipment existed, so it is not surprising that they do not reflect new possibilities created by the new technology. It is likely that new forms of course organization will come into existence, courses that would not have been possible without the computer. Several new forms are explored here, including the hypercourse and the complete mastery learning cycle. These courses imply a greater degree of student control, in a variety of ways, and they emphasize a level of interaction not typically attainable today.
Codes aperture system performance impact as function of mask damage and focal plane array cross talk

In this paper we investigate coded apertures as a function of mask damage, cross talk (on the focal plane arrays), and combinations of the two. We apply a Monte Carlo simulation to extract the probability of the scene reconstruction vs SNR as a performance metric. In addition we calculate the mean time between failures of the system as function damage to the mask.
Effect of boronic acids on antifreeze proteins.

The activity of antifreeze glycoprotein from the blood serum ofBoreagadus saida was strongly inhibited by ions of organic boronic acids as well as by borate. The activity of nonglycoprotein from the blood serum ofPseudopleuronectus americanus, however, was not similarly inhibited. The inhibition by borate is thus specific for molecules with the carbohydrate moiety.
Perceived confidence in the FAST exam before and after an educational intervention in a developing country.

Trauma care in developing countries suffers from many limitations related to equipment shortages, disrepair, quality assurance, and lack of training. Health care providers in the three principal hospitals in Cusco, Peru have ultrasound machines, but they do not utilize this for the focused assessment of sonography in trauma (FAST) scan (only one of the three hospitals has a computed tomography scanner). The goal of this study was to assess the confidence of physicians in a developing country to conduct a FAST exam after an educational intervention. Participants were Peruvian health care workers who attended a 2-day conference on trauma. Participants completed a questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = no confidence, 5 = high confidence) to assess comfort with the FAST scan before and after a FAST teaching workshop, which included hands-on ultrasound training. Thirteen individuals, eight of whom were physicians, completed the training and survey. Results were analyzed using paired t test statistics and are reported as pre- and post-training mean scores (± standard error), with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Participants rated their confidence in using the FAST exam on a trauma patient with an average score of 3.3 (± 0.3) pre-training and 4.5 (± 0.2) post-training (p = 0.007). When asked about their comfort level in making clinical decisions based on the FAST scan, pre-training average score was 3.5 (± 0.4) and post-training was 4.5 (± 0.2), p = 0.016. Participants also answered questions about their comfort with the technical aspects of using the ultrasound machine: ability to choose the correct probe (pre: 3.9, post: 4.6, p = 0.011), choosing the correct probe orientation (pre: 3.9, post: 4.6, p = 0.008), and adjusting the depth and gain (pre: 3.1, post: 4.4, p = 0.001). Finally, participants rated their comfort with the specific views of the FAST scan: ability to find the correct subcostal view (pre: 3.3, post: 4.9, p < 0.001), right upper quadrant view (pre: 3.2, post: 4.6, p < 0.001), left upper quadrant view (pre: 3.2, post: 4.4, p = 0.001), and the pelvic view (pre: 3.2, post: 4.5, p < 0.001). After a training session in the use of ultrasound in trauma, health care workers in Cusco, Peru reported increased confidence in their FAST scan ability and in their comfort in using this exam for clinical decision-making. Future research should include objective testing of participants’ skill as well as longitudinal follow-up to determine the extent to which the FAST scan has been incorporated into participants’ evaluations of trauma patients.
Caribmap: A Mobile-friendly Web Resource for Caribbean Maps that Facilitates Quantitative Historical Analysis

Caribmap presents high-resolution images of Caribbean maps printed since the early sixteenth century, including modern topographic maps. It incorporates mobile Web programming that automatically fo...
Activation of SiC surfaces for vapor phase lubrication by chemical vapor deposition of Fe

Vapor phase lubrication (VPL) has been proposed as a method for lubricating high temperature engines. During VPL, lubricants are delivered through the vapor phase to high temperature engine parts and react on their surfaces to deposit a thin, solid, lubricating film. Although ceramics such as SiC are desirable materials for high temperature applications, their surfaces are unreactive for the decomposition of TCP and thus not amenable to vapor phase lubrication. As a means of activating the SiC surface for TCP decomposition we have used chemical vapor deposition of Fe from Fe(CO)5 . Modification of the SiC surface with adsorbed Fe accelerates subsequent decomposition of TCP and deposition of P and C onto the surface. In the temperature range 500–800 K, m-TCP decomposes more readily on Fe-coated SiC surfaces than on SiC surfaces. The C and P deposition rates depend on the thickness of the Fe film and are further enhanced by oxidation of the Fe. This work provides a proof-of-concept demonstration of the feasibility of using vapor phase lubrication for ceramics.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
The Berkeley Contact Lens Extended Wear Study. Part II : Clinical results.

Abstract Objective To describe the principal clinical outcomes associated with 12 months use of rigid gas-permeable (RGP) extended wear contact lenses and address two primary study questions: (1) does extended wear (EW) of high oxygen transmissibility (Dk/t) RGP lenses reduce the incidence of ocular complications, and (2) does the wearing of high-Dk/t lenses reduce the rate of failure to maintain 6-night RGPEW over 12 months? Design A randomized, concurrently controlled clinical trial. Intervention Subjects who adapted to EW with high Dk (oxygen permeability) RGP lenses were randomized to either high Dk or medium-Dk RGP lenses for 12 months of 6-night EW. Main outcome measures Contact lens-associated keratopathies (CLAK), changes in refractive error and corneal curvature, and survival in EW. Results Two hundred one subjects were randomized to medium or high-Dk lenses for 12 months of EW. Sixty-two percent of the subjects in each group completed 12 months of EW; however, the probability of failure was significantly greater for the medium-Dk group. Although the risk of complications was similar for the two groups, the number of CLAK events that led to termination were 16 versus 5 for the medium-Dk and high-Dk groups, respectively. This suggests that the type of adverse response or the inability to reverse an adverse event was different for the group being exposed to the lower oxygen dose. Conclusions The level of oxygen available to the cornea has a significant impact on maintaining successful RGP extended contact lens wear, but not on the initial onset of CLAK. The number of clinical events leading to termination was substantially higher for the medium Dk group, which suggests that corneal hypoxia is an important factor in the development of CLAK. Although overnight contact lens wear should be recommended with caution and carefully monitored for early detection of ocular complications, it appears that high-Dk RGP lenses can be a safe and effective treatment for correction of refractive error for most individuals who can adapt to EW.
Affective sharing in the context of joint attention interactions of normal, autistic, and mentally retarded children

Disturbances in the development of joint attention behaviors and the ability to share affect with others are two important components of the social deficits of young autistic children. We examined the association of shared positive affect during two different communicative contexts, joint attention and requesting. The pattern for the normal children was one of frequent positive affect displayed toward the adult during joint attention situations. Compared to the normal children, the autistic children failed to display high levels of positive affect during joint attention whereas the mentally retarded children displayed high levels of positive affect during requesting as well as joint attention situations. These results lend support to the hypothesis that the joint attention deficits in autistic children also are associated with a disturbance in affective sharing.
Effect of maximum lift to drag ratio on optimal aeroassisted plane change

The influence of the maximum lift-to-drag ratio on the turning performance of an Orbital Transfer Vehicle is analyzed. Chapman's variables are used to formulate the equations of motion which are valid for both atmospheric flight and flight in a vacuum in a Newtonian gravitational field. Of the six adjoint variables involved in the variational formulation, four exact integrals and two approximate relations are obtained. This leads to an approximate but explicit control law for the lift and bank control. The control law is tested numerically for a whole range of entry speeds, from parabolic entry to near-circular entry with several values of maximum lift-to-drag ratio. The extensive numerical results, which are very accurate as compared to the exact optimal values, show that the maximum plane change for any speed ratio V(entry)/V(final) is simply proportional to the maximum lift-to-drag ratio, and depends solely on this parameter.
RNA interference: generic block on angiogenesis.

A virtue of using small interfering RNAs as therapeutics is their exquisite specificity. But when it comes to inhibiting blood-vessel growth, it seems that they can act generically without even entering a cell.
Multistage plug—in bandwidth selection for kernel distribution function estimates

The use of a kernel estimator as a smooth estimator for a distribution function has been suggested by many authors An expression for the bandwidth that minimizes the mean integrated square error asymptotically has been available for some time. However, few practical data based methods ior estimating this bandwidth have been investigated. In this paper we propose multisstage plug-in type estimater for this optimal bandwith and derive its asymptotic properties. In particular we show that two stages are required for good asymptotic properties. This behavior is verified for finite samples using a simulation study.
Total synthesis of -mexicanin I and -linifolin A

Abstract The helenanolides mexicanin I(1) and linifolin A(4) have been synthesized from hydroazulenol 5, thereby confirming the original structural assignments.
Calcification of the Ovarian Follicle in Rats.

SummaryThe induction of calcification in rat ovarian follicles by administration of parathyroid extract is reported. Calcium deposition is limited to the membrane granulosa and thecae interna of follicles in the early stages of antrum formation. It is suggested that the “calcifiability” of these tissues may be due in part to an action of endogenous estrogens.
Laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer: short-term benefits and oncologic outcomes using more than one technique

Several minimally invasive techniques have now been described for rectal cancer resection. Current outcome data for these approaches from high volume, single institutions remain limited. Our aim was to review outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer at our institution in the current era. A retrospective analysis was done to assess short-term benefits and oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer between 2004 and 2007. One-hundred consecutive patients (61 men, median age 62) with a median follow-up of 1.8 years were identified. Sixty-seven had hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS), while 33 were done laparoscopic-assisted (LA). Seventy-two patients underwent anterior resection, 27 an abdominal perineal resection, and 1 a total proctocolectomy. Tumor stage was stage 1 (21%), stage 2 (17%), stage 3 (56%), and stage 4 (6%). A median of 16 lymph nodes, a median 3.4 cm distal margin, and a 99% negative circumferential margin was achieved. The 3-year disease-free and overall survivals were 86.2 and 94.5%, respectively. Three cases required conversion. Median time to both diet and first bowel movement was 3 days, and median length of stay was 5 days. Length of stay, time to soft diet, incision length, and pain scores were less using a LA approach compared to HALS (P < 0.01). Overall morbidity was 26% with no mortality. Both minimally invasive techniques used achieved excellent oncologic results in patients with rectal cancer. The LA approach had slightly better short-term outcomes.
Infrared spectrum and structure of poly[3,3‐bis(chloromethyl)oxacyclobutane]

Poly[3,3-bis(chloromethyl)oxacyclobutane] is known to occur in two crystal forms, α and β, which exhibit the same fiber axis identity period but different unit cell cross-sections. To test if these differences might be due to differences in conformation of the —CH2Cl side chains, normal coordinate calculations were carried out for the three possible isomeric structures: trans-trans, trans-gauche, and gauche-gauche. It was found that the bands in the infrared spectrum could be assigned to frequencies of these three isomers. Furthermore, this correlation suggests that the α form is associated with the gauche-gauche isomer, while the β form is associated with the trans-trans isomer. The proportion of trans-gauche isomer increases when the polymer is melted.
A multicollinearity diagnostic for the cox model with time dependent covariates

This paper discusses the problem of detecting collinearity for the Cox regression model when the covariates are time dependent. We extend the Belsley, Kuh, and Welsch (1980) diagnostic for detectin...
Peer attachment, sexual experiences, and risky online behaviors as predictors of sexting behaviors among undergraduate students

The current study created a predictive risk model for sexting behaviors based on prior sexual experiences, online environments, and peer attachment styles (trust, alienation, and ambivalence). Eighty-eight undergraduate students completed an anonymous online survey regarding their sexting behaviors, sexual experiences, Internet usage, and peer attachment styles. 61% Of the sample reported sexting. The final predictive model for sexting behavior included the following variables: ambivalence, unprotected sex, Internet adult pornography use, and web-based video chatting with strangers. In terms of individual relationships, unprotected sex, adult pornography use, and web-based chatting with strangers were significantly related to sexting (see Table 5). Individuals who have had unprotected sex were 4.5 times more likely to sext, and individuals who viewed adult pornography were 4 times more likely to sext. Finally, individuals who had engaged in web-based video chatting with strangers were 2.4 times more likely to sext. Future research suggestions and study limitations are discussed.
The value of fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the differential diagnosis of adult myxoid sarcoma.

BACKGROUND The usefulness of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for the histologic subtyping of specific sarcomas still is somewhat controversial but is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. METHODS To determine the accuracy and usefulness of FNAB in the differential diagnosis of myxoid sarcoma, the authors retrospectively reviewed 18 FNAB specimens (16 primary tumors, 1 local recurrence, and 1 metastasis) in 18 patients. The study sample included myxoid/round cell liposarcoma in six patients, myxofibrosarcoma in six patients, myxoid chondrosarcoma in five patients, and myxoid leiomyosarcoma in one patient. RESULTS All but one tumor were recognized correctly as malignant. With regard to primary tumors, a specific cytologic diagnosis was rendered in 13 of 16 patients (81%). Problematic areas included the diagnosis of high grade myxofibrosarcoma with minimal amounts of myxoid stroma, myxoid liposarcoma with a predominant round cell component, and the single case of myxoid leiomyosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS FNAB represents a valuable diagnostic tool for the differential diagnosis of myxoid sarcoma, especially myxofibrosarcoma, low grade myxoid liposarcoma, and myxoid chondrosarcoma. Due to its prognostic and therapeutic significance, the presence of a predominant round cell component in myxoid liposarcoma should be documented adequately. Other sarcomas (e.g., leiomyosarcoma) rarely may exhibit a prominent myxoid stroma and therefore should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adult myxoid sarcoma. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2000;90:167–77. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Trajectories of Sleep Disturbance and Daytime Sleepiness in Women Before and After Surgery for Breast Cancer

Abstract Context Sleep disturbance is a problem for oncology patients. Objectives To evaluate how sleep disturbance and daytime sleepiness (DS) changed from before to six months following surgery and whether certain characteristics predicted initial levels and/or the trajectories of these parameters. Methods Patients (n=396) were enrolled prior to surgery and completed monthly assessments for six months following surgery. The General Sleep Disturbance Scale was used to assess sleep disturbance and DS. Using hierarchical linear modeling, demographic, clinical, symptom, and psychosocial adjustment characteristics were evaluated as predictors of initial levels and trajectories of sleep disturbance and DS. Results All seven General Sleep Disturbance Scale scores were above the cutoff for clinically meaningful levels of sleep disturbance. Lower performance status; higher comorbidity, attentional fatigue, and physical fatigue; and more severe hot flashes predicted higher preoperative levels of sleep disturbance. Higher levels of education predicted higher sleep disturbance scores over time. Higher levels of depressive symptoms predicted higher preoperative levels of sleep disturbance, which declined over time. Lower performance status; higher body mass index; higher fear of future diagnostic tests; not having had sentinel lymph node biopsy; having had an axillary lymph node dissection; and higher depression, physical fatigue, and attentional fatigue predicted higher DS prior to surgery. Higher levels of education, not working for pay, and not having undergone neo-adjuvant chemotherapy predicted higher DS scores over time. Conclusion Sleep disturbance is a persistent problem for patients with breast cancer. The effects of interventions that can address modifiable risk factors need to be evaluated.