cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of artificial neural network and genetic algorithm in flow and transport simulations

Abstract Artificial neural network (ANN) is considered to be a powerful tool for solving groundwater problems which require a large number of flow and contaminant transport (GFCT) simulations. Often, GFCT models are nonlinear, and they are difficult to solve using traditional numerical methods to simulate specific input–output responses. In order to avoid these difficulties, ANN may be used to simulate the GFCT responses explicitly. In this manuscript, recent research related to the application of ANN in simulating GFCT responses is critically reviewed, and six research areas are identified. In order to study these areas, a one-dimensional unsaturated flow and transport scenario was developed, and ANN was used to simulate the effects of specific GFCT parameters on overall results. Using these results, ANN concepts related to architecture, sampling, training, and multiple function approximations are studied, and ANN training using back-propagation algorithm (BPA) and genetic algorithm (GA) are compared. These results are summarized, and appropriate conclusions are made.
Hybrid stress analysis by digitized photoelastic data and numerical methods

A method is presented that determines photoelastic isochromatic values at the nodal points of a grid mesh which in turn is generated by a computer program that accepts digitized input. Values of σ1 - σ2 are computed from the digitized fringe orders. The Laplace equation is solved to separate the principal stresses at each nodal point. The method is extended to digitize isoclinics. Subsequently, σ x - σ y and τ xy are calculated to be used as starting values for the solution of the pertaining partial differential equations to enhance convergence. For further accelerating the rate of convergence, superfluous boundary conditions are added from the digitized data; significant improvement is demonstrated. Estimated values of σ x - σ y from the digitized data are further used in conjunction with the solution of the Laplace equation to determine the state of stress without solving the boundary value problems.
Genetic structure of brackish water clams (Rangia spp.)

Two congeneric species of brackish water clams, Rangia cuneata (Sowerby, 1831) and Rangia flexuosa (Conrad, 1839), that are sympatric in the northern Gulf of Mexico, were analyzed for electrophoretic a variation at 19 allozyme loci. Rangia cuneata also was analyzed for restriction-site and (partial) nucleotide sequence variation for a mitochondrial gene, cytochrome oxidase I (COI). Rangia cuneata has greatly increased its abundance along the mid-Atlantic coast of the U.S.A. within the last 100 years, due either to colonization from southern populations or to expansion of indigenous populations. Rangia cuneata populations from Virginia to southern Florida formed a discrete and homogeneous group based on allozyme allele frequencies, as did populations from Mississippi to Texas (Nei's unbiased genetic distance between the two groups was 0.03). Atlantic coast populations of R. cuneata also had uniformly lower expected heterozygosities and lower numbers of alleles per locus than Gulf populations. The COI gene was largely monomorphic and mostly uninformative about possible genetic differences between Atlantic and Gulf coast R. cuneata, but a polymorphic MboII restriction site in the Gulf was monomorphic in all examined Atlantic populations. These data are more consistent with the indigenous-expansion model than the southern-expansion model. Nei's genetic distance between R. cuneata and R. flexuosa was large (1.45), but there was no evidence for the existence of a complex of sibling or semi-species within R. cuneata.
Granular segregation studies for the development of a radar-based three-dimensional sensing system

The behavior of dense granular materials is difficult to measure in three-dimensions due to the opacity of the materials. We present a new radar-based sensing system that has the capability of measuring three-dimensional particle movement throughout the bulk of high solids fraction granular systems. A key component of the new system involves retroreflectors imbedded in objects resembling the particles in the bulk granular systems. These embedded retroreflectors may be used as tracers in systems comprised of relatively large particles. However, in systems of smaller particles the most versatile use of this new sensing system requires an understanding of the details of relative particle movement based on particle size and other particle properties. Towards this, we present new ongoing experimental and computational results toward building a versatile sensing system for high solids fraction granular systems. We then comment on additional research needed on the behavior of the components in granular mixtures for a fully versatile sensing system.
Vertical contracting between airlines: An equilibrium analysis of codeshare alliances

Abstract This paper studies the competitive effects of airline codeshare alliances. We consider an airline market with two firms offering two differentiated final products: a direct flight and an indirect flight between two destinations. An intermediate (complementary) flight is needed to complete the indirect flight. When the intermediate flight is offered only by a third airline, codesharing between the two complementary airlines eliminates double markup and lowers consumer prices. When the intermediate flight is offered only by the airline that also offers the direct flight, codesharing does not eliminate the double markup, but, interestingly, it again lowers final prices for consumers. However, if both the third and the direct flight airlines can offer the intermediate flight, then allowing codesharing leads to the exclusion of the third airline and to higher consumer prices.
PAR9: VALIDATION OF A RATING INSTRUMENT ASSESSING THE INHALATION SKILLS OF CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA

OBJECTIVES: Despite their complexity appropriate use of asthma inhaled medicines is crucial to ensure optimal drug delivery to the airways. We describe the validation of an instrument to assess inhalation skills in children. METHODS: The instrument includes a breakdown of the steps necessary for appropriate inhalation. We videotaped 25 children taking a placebo inhaler (metered dose inhaler (MDI), MDI with AeroChamber® (MDI-AE®), and Diskus®). A gold standard (GS) was developed by agreement of two asthma experts watching the videotaped demonstrations. Twenty-one raters scored the randomly ordered demonstrations twice within a 2-week interval (sessions 1 and 2). Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess validity (comparing GS to raters' scores), interrater reliability, and test-retest reliability for each step of the inhalation. RESULTS: ICCs varied considerably by both, the device and the step. In session 1, a small proportion of raters agreed with the GS on whether patients actuated the MDI and inhaled simultaneously (9.5%, ICCs 0.62 to 0.74) and whether patients hold their breath (19%, ICCs 0.62 to 1.00). A better agreement was observed for the MDI-AE® where actuation (43%, ICCs 0.43 to 0.56) and inhalation (57%, ICCs 0.43) are two separate steps. The best interrater agreement was on the shaking of the MDI (ICC = 0.83) and the MDI-AE® (ICC = 0.74). Agreement for the Diskus® was poor for all steps. Results for session 2 were similar. The best intra-rater agreement was for the Diskus® (ICCs = 1 for 5 steps), though only a small proportion of raters agreed on these steps (5% to 21%). CONCLUSIONS: There was large variability within and between raters' scores. Some steps were better assessed than others. These results suggest that in addition to a detailed instrument, training of raters is crucial to obtain a valid assessment of the childrens' inhalation technique.
Broadband noise and perturbation response in o-TaS3: Fluctuation-dissipation and driven-noise considerations.

The slow response (as distinguished from the fast current overshoot) of the charge-density wave in o-${\mathrm{TaS}}_{3}$ after a reversal in bias current was measured as a function of perturbation parameters. The response roughly decayed as a power of time, up to a time scale set by the length of the perturbation. This result fits a quasiequilibrium picture of the broadband noise (BBN) and other slow relaxational phenomena. The form of the relaxation does not fit pictures in which BBN comes from a large response to external perturbations.
Intrarenal control of urea reabsorption by renal tubules of the marine elasmobranch, Squalus acanthias.

Abstract 1. 1. Exogenous epinephrine caused a fifteen-fold increase in urea elimination expressed as fraction of filtered load excreted, while urine flow rates doubled and the excretion of chloride and trimethylamine oxide increased 2·6 and 3·8-fold, respectively. 2. 2. Expansion of extracellular fluid volume by 20 per cent caused an eightfold increase in the fractional excretion of urea. 3. 3. The osmoregulatory significance of tubular control was further indicated by a 40 per cent rise in the fraction of filtered urea excreted when dogfish were maintained in a hypotonic 70 per cent sea water environment. 4. 4. Extraglomerular control mechanisms appear to be implicated in each of these experimental situations.
PULSE SHAPE DISCRIMINATOR FOR X-RAY PROPORTIONAL COUNTER BACKGROUND REDUCTION.

Abstract A new method for the reduction of radiation and particle background in X-ray proportional counters has been developed and tested. X-ray events leave shorter track lengths than background events depositing the same amount of energy in the counter. The charge from the X-ray event is therefore collected in a shorter period of time than the background event and the resulting current pulse is of higher amplitude. A pulse shape discriminator which compares the amplitude of the current pulse with the total charge collected in the counter is described.
Contextual Influences on Reproductive Health Service Use in Uttar Pradesh, India

This study examines the determinants of the use of four types of reproductive health-care services in Uttar Pradesh India: contraceptive services antenatal care delivery in a medical institution and services dealing with reproductive tract and sexually transmitted infections. The analysis uses a multilevel modeling strategy to assess the presence of household- and community-level variation in service use. The influence of community-level characteristics and reproductive health-care service attributes on service use is examined. The results highlight strong community-level influences on service use although the type of community effect varies by service type. The role of some individual and household factors in determining a person’s use of services is mediated by the characteristics of the community in which the individual lives. The results demonstrate the need to look beyond individual factors when examining health-care-seeking behavior and illustrate that there is no singular “community” effect on service use. (authors)
De novo expression of sodium-glucose cotransporter SGLT2 in Bowman’s capsule coincides with replacement of parietal epithelial cell layer with proximal tubule-like epithelium

In kidney nephron, parietal epithelial cells line the Bowman’s capsule and function as a permeability barrier for the glomerular filtrate. Bowman’s capsule cells with proximal tubule epithelial morphology have been found. However, the effects of tubular metaplasia in Bowman’s capsule on kidney function remain poorly understood. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) plays a major role in reabsorption of glucose in the kidney and is expressed on brush border membrane (BBM) of epithelial cells in the early segment of the proximal tubule. We hypothesized that SGLT2 is expressed in tubularized Bowman’s capsule and used our novel antibody to test this hypothesis. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed with our SGLT2 antibody on C57BL/6 mouse kidney prone to have tubularized Bowman’s capsules. Cell membrane was examined with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain. The results showed that SGLT2 was localized on BBM of the proximal tubules in young and adult mice. Bowman’s capsules were lined mostly with normal brush border-less parietal epithelial cells in young mice, while they were almost completely covered with proximal tubule-like cells in adult mice. Regardless of age, SGLT2 was expressed on BBM of the tubularized Bowman’s capsule but did not co-localize with nephrin in the glomerulus. SGLT2-expressing tubular cells expanded from the urinary pole toward the vascular pole of the Bowman’s capsule. This study identified the localization of SGLT2 in the Bowman’s capsule. Bowman’s capsules with tubular metaplasia may acquire roles in reabsorption of filtered glucose and sodium.
Acid-hydrolyzable corticoids of serum.

SINCE the work of Nelson (1) there have been many studies concerning blood corticoids. These have raised questions concerning the exact significance of measurements of chloroform extractable blood corticoids, hereinafter called free corticoids. Were there conjugated as well as free blood corticoids?What was the significance of conjugated blood corticoids, if such existed? Were the free blood corticoids an insignificant part of the total blood corticoids and, if so, were their measurements of any value? Finally, the question arose, if there were conjugated blood corticoids, were they important as active hormones or could they be converted to active forms of hormone if they were inactive? The present study attempts to answer some of these questions. METHODS AND SUBJECTS The method used for the measurement of conjugated corticoids was essentially an adaptation of the method of Nelson and Samuels (1) for free 17,21-dihydroxy-20-ketosteroids in blood. Either plasma or serum was extracted according to their met...
On virtual epidemics and the mediatization of public health

Abstract This article uses Wittgenstein’s notion of language games and my approach to communicability in ethnographically exploring cultural models of “communication,” “media,” and “the public” advanced by public health officials and the centrality of mediatization to their institutional practices. I focus on extensive efforts by officials in a California county to disseminate information on West Nile Virus—which has sickened few local residents and killed none—precisely because it highlights substantial gaps between official attempts to regiment the metapragmatics of mediatization and the pragmatic features of news coverage. The conclusion points to analytical problems raised by the complex ways that semiotic mediation and commodification intersect in mediatization.
Needs analysis for the development of a preoperative clinic protocol for perioperative beta-blocker therapy.

Abstract Study Objective To study the development and implementation of a hospital-wide protocol regarding preoperative beta-blocker therapy. Design Prospective, observational clinical study. Setting Preoperative test center at a university hospital. Patients 1,000 consecutive patients presenting for a preoperative visit and scheduled for same-day admit surgery. Interventions An algorithm of indications and contraindications for beta-blocker therapy was designed. Data were collected prospectively on 1,000 consecutive patients between June 1, 2004 and August 31, 2004. Measurements Data collected included patient demographics, medication history, risk factors, indications and contraindications to beta-blocker therapy, as well as surgical risk stratification and postoperative complications. Main Results 960 of the 1,000 patients underwent surgery and had complete information for the study collected. 169 patients (17.6%) were receiving beta blockers prior to evaluation. Of the patients having high-risk surgery, 72% had a major or minor indication for beta-blocker therapy without contraindication. Of the patients having intermediate or low-risk surgery, 10% had a major indication for beta blockers without contraindication. Overall, 52% (409/791) of the patients who were candidates for perioperative beta blockers were not receiving them. Some type of complication was experienced by 59 (6.1%) patients. Conclusions Development, implementation, and monitoring of perioperative beta-blocker therapy protocols is necessary, as a significant number of appropriate patients do not receive this therapy.
Graphene growth process modeling: a physical–statistical approach

As a zero-band semiconductor, graphene is an attractive material for a wide variety of applications such as optoelectronics. Among various techniques developed for graphene synthesis, chemical vapor deposition on copper foils shows high potential for producing few-layer and large-area graphene. Since fabrication of high-quality graphene sheets requires the understanding of growth mechanisms, and methods of characterization and control of grain size of graphene flakes, analytical modeling of graphene growth process is therefore essential for controlled fabrication. The graphene growth process starts with randomly nucleated islands that gradually develop into complex shapes, grow in size, and eventually connect together to cover the copper foil. To model this complex process, we develop a physical–statistical approach under the assumption of self-similarity during graphene growth. The growth kinetics is uncovered by separating island shapes from area growth rate. We propose to characterize the area growth velocity using a confined exponential model, which not only has clear physical explanation, but also fits the real data well. For the shape modeling, we develop a parametric shape model which can be well explained by the angular-dependent growth rate. This work can provide useful information for the control and optimization of graphene growth process on Cu foil.
Techniques for inferior vena cava resection and reconstruction for retroperitoneal tumor excision

Management of the inferior vena cava (IVC) after resection for treatment of retroperitoneal sarcomas is controversial. Ligation is well tolerated if collateral circulation is preserved. These pathways, however, are often interrupted or resected during tumor excision, and up to 50% of these patients will experience lower extremity edema with IVC ligation. We have favored IVC reconstruction, particularly when circumferential resection is necessary for complete retroperitoneal tumor removal. Our results with this approach have been recently updated, documenting that en bloc resection and reconstruction of the IVC can be performed with very low morbidity and mortality and is associated with a low incidence of postoperative symptoms of venous hypertension. This article describes our preferred techniques for the management of the IVC after partial or circumferential resection.
Rapid identification of key amino-acid–DNA contacts through combinatorial peptide synthesis

Abstract Background: Basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factors are characterized by a conserved four-helix bundle that recognizes a specific hexanucleotide DNA sequence in the major groove. Previous studies have shown that amino acids in the basic region make base-specific contacts, whereas the HLH region is responsible for dimerization. Structural data suggest that portions of the loop region may be proximal to the DNA; however, the role of the loop in DNA-binding affinity and specificity has not been investigated. Results: Protein–DNA recognition by the Drosophila bHLH transcription factor Deadpan was probed using combinatorial solid-phase peptide synthesis methods. A series of bHLH peptide libraries that modulate amino acid content and length in the loop region was screened with DNA and peptide affinity columns, and analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI–MS). A functional bHLH peptide with reduced loop length was found, and Lys80 was unambiguously identified as the sole loop residue critical for DNA binding. Unnatural amino acids were substituted at this position to assess contributions of the terminal amino group and the alkyl chain length to DNA-binding affinity and specificity. Conclusions: Using combinatorial solid-phase peptide synthesis methods and MALDI–MS, we were able to rapidly identify a key amino acid involved in DNA binding by a bHLH protein. Our approach provides a powerful alternative to current recombinant DNA methods to identify and probe the energetics of protein–DNA interactions.
The estimation of spatially varying albedo and optical thickness in a radiating slab using artificial neural networks

Abstract The inverse problem of estimating the single scattering albedo and optical thickness of a radiating slab from the knowledge of exit radiation intensities was accomplished by using an artificial neural network. Three training sets were developed which incorporated different amounts of training data. Simulated noisy measurement data was used to test the network. The network estimated the parameterized form of the spatially varying single scattering albedo and the optical thickness of the slab even when the amount of training data was limited to a few examples. The estimation of these parameters was more difficult, however, when the optical thickness was large.
Measurement of Heat Transfer Coefficients for Non-Azeotropic Hydrocarbon Mixtures at Cryogenic Temperatures

The use of non-azeotropic hydrocarbon mixtures in throttle-cycle refrigeration systems has resulted in large increases in the performance of Joule-Thomson type cryocoolers. However, there is very little data or theory currently available in the literature regarding the thermal-fluid behavior of multi-component, multi-phase mixtures at cryogenic temperatures. The design of these systems is therefore semi-empirical, relying heavily on experimental iteration. In this paper, an experimental apparatus is described that is capable of making precise and controlled measurements of the heat transfer coefficient over a range of cryogenic temperatures, compositions, geometries, and flow rates that are relevant to small-scale, throttle-cycle refrigeration systems. The experimental apparatus is used to carry out a study of the horizontal flow boiling heat transfer coefficient for a non-azeotropic hydrocarbon mixture in a circular cross-section with a constant wall temperature. The measurements are carried out over a range of cryogenic temperatures and the data is presented in the form of heat transfer coefficient as a function of temperature and thermodynamic quality. The experimental uncertainty of the measurements is theoretically estimated to be 10%. Measurements of the single-phase heat transfer coefficient for pure nitrogen fall within 10% of the Dittus-Boelter correlation.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Modification of enzymic activity II. Effect of salts on α-amylase, alcohol dehydrogenase, peroxidase and hematin catalysis

Abstract In relatively high concentration cations inhibit α-amylase-catalyzed starch hydrolysis in decreasing order of Li + , Na + , NH 4 + , Rb + , Cs + and K + and anions in decreasing order of I − , F − , NO 3 − , SO 4 2− , Br − and Cl − . Inhibition is directly proportional to the square root of ionic strength. There appears to be a general relationship between the degree of inhibition of activity and the hydration of the ion. Alcohol dehydrogenase is activated by very low concentrations of sodium, potassium and lithium chlorides but inhibited, as a linear function of square root of ionic strength, by high concentrations. Peroxidase is activated by potassium, sodium and lithium chlorides and sodium sulfate; in contrast, hematin catalysis is inhibited by potassium and lithium chlorides.
Oligosaccharide identification and mixture quantification using Raman spectroscopy and chemometric analysis.

Abstract This work demonstrates the feasibility of using Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of small quantities of chemically similar oligosaccharides and their mixtures. Raman spectra were obtained from 10-μL aliquots of 1 mM solutions of maltotetraose and/or stachyose after deposition onto an electrochemically roughened silver substrate (and the resulting spectral features are attributed to a combination of normal and surface-enhanced Raman scattering). These compounds were selected because they are representative of glycans derived from post-translationally modified proteins which, like these compounds, often consist of isomers of equal mass and similar shape. Replicate spectral measurements were recorded and processed using a partial-least-squares (PLS) classification and quantification algorithms with a leave-one-batch-out (LOBO) training and testing procedure. Spectra derived from solutions of individual sugars were identified with 100% accuracy, and mixtures of the two sugars were quantified with an average error of 2.7% in the relative maltotetraose/stachyose composition for mixtures with a total oligosaccharide concentration of 1 mM.
Black–white differences in health-related quality of life among older adults

Very little information exists on racial differences in quality of life among older adults. In this paper, we examine black–white differences in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and identify factors that may account for these differences. The participants were 5,986 community-dwelling persons age 65+ (62% black at baseline) from the Chicago Health and Aging Project. Poor HRQOL was defined as having 14 or more self-reported physically or mentally unhealthy days over the past 30 days. A higher proportion of blacks (11.0%) than whites (9.7%) reported poor HRQOL. After adjusting for age and sex, blacks had increased odds of reporting poor HRQOL compared with whites (odds ratio [OR] = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.50–1.98). The black–white differences in HRQOL tended to increase with age (p < 0.05) and were greater among females (p < 0.05). Lifetime socioeconomic status, summary measures of medical conditions, and cognitive function accounted for most of the black–white difference (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.89–1.27). Our results suggest that racial differences in HRQOL are associated with the combined effects of social disadvantage, poor physical health, and lower cognitive function.
The recombinant DNA technology

The recombinant DNA technology or DNA cloning permits the isolation, amplification, and precise manipulation of specific DNA fragments. This is generally accomplished by linking or recombining the desired DNA fragment with a DNA molecule, termed the vector, which is capable of directing the replication of itself in a suitable host cell and any DNA segment covalently attached to it. Using this and associated technologies, it is possible to produce large amounts of specific proteins and to modify cell types by introducing the genes for proteins that are otherwise absent. Moreover, it is now possible to construct variants of naturally-occurring proteins with improved biological or physical properties.
Characterization of the VirG binding site of Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Abstract Expression of Agrobacterium tumefaciens virulence (vir) genes is dependent on the presence of a conserved 'vir box' sequence in their 5' nontranscribed regions. The location and number of these sequences vary considerably in different vir genes. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to identify the functional vir box(es) of virB, virC and virD. For virB expression both vir box B1 and B2 are required but only the vir box B1 is absolutely essential. Of the five vir boxes of virC and virD two are required for virC expression while only one vir box is required for virD expression. To investigate the minimum sequences necessary for vir gene induction a deletion derivative of virE that lacks the vir box region was used. This mutant is not induced by acetosyringone. The inducibility of this promoter was restored when a synthetic deoxyoligonucleotide dGTTTCAATTGAAAC was introduced at a location analogous to that of the wild type vir box sequence. Mutational analysis indicate that the functional vir box sequence is 14 residues in length, contains a dyad symmetry and has the consensus sequence d ryTncAaTTGnAaY [corrected] (r = purine, y = pyrimidine).
A scalable EE_HEMT based large signal model for multi-finger AlGaN/GaN HEMTs for linear and non-linear circuit design

A scalable non-linear large signal model based on the ADS EE_HEMT model was developed for AlGaN/GaN HEMTs for use in linear and non-linear circuit design. Excellent agreement between simulations and measurements was obtained for the DC, small signal and large signal power and efficiency performance including load-pull and source-pull contours. Excellent scalability of the model was also demonstrated (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
LPS-Induced Murine Systemic Inflammation Is Driven by Parenchymal Cell Activation and Exclusively Predicted by Early MCP-1 Plasma Levels

Systemic inflammation remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, across many disease processes. One classic murine model to study this syndrome is lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)–dependent systemic inflammation. Although most studies have focused on inflammatory cell TLR4 responses, parenchymal cells also express TLR4. Our objective was to define the in vivo role of parenchymal- versus marrow-derived cell activation via TLR4 during LPS-induced inflammation. Mice bearing TLR4 on parenchymal cells only, marrow-derived cells only, both, or neither were generated using bone marrow transplantation. Mortality occurred only in mice that had TLR4 expression on their parenchymal cells. Before onset, virtually all major plasma cytokines and blood neutrophil responses were related to marrow-derived cell activation via TLR4. The only cytokine predictive of oncoming systemic inflammation was the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Late blood neutrophil responses were related to the presence of TLR4 on either parenchymal or marrow cells, whereas plasma cytokine elevations late in LPS-induced systemic inflammation were dependent on mice having TLR4 in both cell compartments. Parenchymal cell activation via TLR4 is a key component of LPS-induced systemic inflammation and mortality, although most plasma cytokine levels and blood neutrophil responses were not key components. Given its unique role, future studies into monocyte chemoattractant protein-1's exact role during systemic inflammation are warranted.
Laboratory management of Molloplast-B-lined dentures

Abstract A detailed description of the laboratory processing procedures for Molloplast-B-lined dentures that varies from those offered by the manufacturer has proved to be effective. 1 The processing technique for MolloplastB-lined dentures is very sensitive, consequently, no steps should be omitted. Because these procedures are time-consuming, the minimal time required is 3 full working days in the laboratory.
Measurement of the dielectric properties of soft materials with high loss and high permittivity in a parallel-plate region

A method described is for measurement of the loss tangent and permittivity of any soft substance in which either or both of these quantities have large values, by means of field measurements in a parallel-plate region. A measurement of the complex permittivity of agar agar is included. The method has proved to be accurate and convenient.
Risk factors for cesarean delivery in twin gestations near term

Abstract Objective: We evaluated the risk factors associated with cesarean delivery in laboring twin gestations at least 36 completed weeks. Methods: We reviewed the records of 134 women with twin gestations who underwent a trial of labor between 1993 and 1995. Women who delivered by cesarean were compared with women who delivered vaginally. The factors associated with an increased risk for cesarean were determined using univariate analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine which of those factors was most strongly associated with cesarean delivery. Results: Of 134 laboring twin gestations, 25 (18.7%) delivered by cesarean and 109 (81.3%) delivered vaginally. Univariate analysis revealed that women who delivered by cesarean were more likely to be nulliparous, have a less advanced cervix at both admission and epidural placement, a higher mean oxytocin infusion rate for induction or augmentation of labor, a combined fetal weight greater than 5500 g, and received magnesium for seizure prophylaxis. Multivariate analysis identified that nulliparity and timing of epidural administration were the factors most strongly associated with cesarean delivery. Conclusion: The timing of epidural analgesia is a modifiable risk factor strongly associated with cesarean delivery in term and near-term laboring twin gestations.
Technical considerations for cardiac laboratory high‐definition video systems

With the expanding use of video systems in diagnostic imaging a significant benefit could be obtained by applying this technology in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Reduced radiation exposure to the patient and staff, reduced examination cost by the elimination of cine film and equipment (cameras, processors, etc), and instant replay of each injection would result in improved patient care. We discuss the technical parameters of a video system which we have found suitable for diagnostic purposes and describe how this system is used on a day-to-day basis. In addition, the technical aspects of higher bandwidth, higher line rate systems is presented, and we show that these more sophisticated systems provide no advantage over conventional high-definition television and, in fact, degrade the diagnostic quality of the image.
A model of the relay valve used in an air brake system

Abstract The mathematical model governing the response of the relay valve in an air brake leads to a hybrid system in which different governing equations apply to different phases of the response of the air brake. To accurately describe the brake’s response characteristics it is imperative to take into account this hybrid structure, and it is to this aspect of the problem that this paper is addressed. The safe operation of any vehicle on the road depends, amongst other things, on a properly operating brake system. Most commercial vehicles such as trucks, tractor–trailers, buses, etc., are equipped with an air brake system. Any defect in a brake system can degrade its performance seriously and can lead to accidents. It is desirable and also important to develop systems that can control and diagnose air brake systems in order to both sustain and improve their performance. One approach to develop such systems is by obtaining a model of the air brake system and then using the same in the design process. The air brake system currently used in commercial vehicles can be broadly divided into a pneumatic subsystem and a mechanical subsystem. One of the main components in the pneumatic subsystem is the relay valve which operates the brakes on the rear axles of a tractor and the axles of a trailer. A relay valve has different modes of operation and the pressure response of the relay valve can be naturally described as the response of a hybrid system. In this article, we develop a hybrid dynamical model to predict the pressure response of the relay valve. An air brake testing facility has been set up at Texas A&M University and this model will be corroborated against experimental data obtained from the same.
Pretreatment chemistry in the preparation of silica-supported Pt, Ru, and Pt$z.sbnd;Ru catalysts: An in situ UV diffuse reflectance study

Silica-supported metal catalysts were prepared from strongly absorbing Pt(NH3)4(NO3)2 and Ru(NH3)6Cl3 precursors at a pH of 9. When supported [Pt(NH3)4]2+ was directly reduced in H2 at 400°C, a Pt dispersion of 40% was obtained. Pretreatment in flowing oxygen resulted in a Pt dispersion of 70%. The in situ diffuse UV reflectance data suggest that pretreatment in H2 results in the formation of a mobile [Pt(NH3)2(H)2]0 Species. Surface diffusion during reduction results in the agglomeration of Pt particles to form a supported catalyst with a relatively low dispersion. When the decompositon of the Pt precursor is carried out in flowing O2, a Pt2+ precursor with low surface mobility is formed. This results in the formation of a much more highly dispersed Pt catalyst. Studies carried out using Ru(NH3)6Cl3 as the metal precursor resulted in very low dispersions when the pretreatment was carried out in O2. The Ru dispersion was a direct function of the oxidative pretreatment temperature. It was concluded that the mobile surface species consisted of Ru oxides, most likely RuO4. Reduction in H2 resulted in the formation of highly dispersed Ru. In addition to diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, surface characterization techniques included TEM, EDXS, and chemisorption.
Intrinsic urethral sphincteric deficiency: critical analysis of various diagnostic modalities.

Purpose of review The proper diagnosis of intrinsic urethral sphincteric deficiency among women with urinary incontinence carries important implications for determining the most effective medical or surgical therapy. Numerous diagnostic tests have been described attempting to make an accurate and comprehensive assessment of urethral function, but all suffer from a lack of standardization or inconsistently quoted reference values. This paper will review the literature on the positive aspects and limitations of commonly employed procedures to diagnose intrinsic urethral sphincteric deficiency. Recent findings Specific urodynamic studies, including the 'active' valsalva leak-point pressure and the 'static' urethral pressure profile are commonly used to determine urethral competence. However, these tests measure specific aspects of the continence mechanism under different clinical conditions, which limits the direct comparison between them. More complex techniques such as Doppler ultrasound, video-urodynamics and both static and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging are attempting to validate the urodynamic findings for urethral function. This approach may encourage the standardization of these procedures and parameters for diagnosing intrinsic urethral sphincteric deficiency. Summary A single definitive test for the diagnosis of intrinsic urethral sphincteric deficiency does not exist. Instead, multiple tests should be employed to reach a consensus for the diagnosis. This should include a complete voiding history, simple office examinations, and advanced studies such as urethrocystoscopy, urodynamics and possibly radiological evaluations. Understanding the limitations and variabilities of their equipment and the specific studies utilized should enable practitioners to standardize the approach for determining the extent of urethral dysfunction.
Teleseismic P wave imaging of the 26 December 2004 Sumatra-Andaman and 28 March 2005 Sumatra earthquake ruptures using the Hi-net array

[1] Seismograms from a dense, high-quality seismic network in Japan are used to investigate the characteristics of the 26 December 2004 Sumatra-Andaman and the 28 March 2005 Sumatran earthquakes. The onset of the P waveforms are aligned through cross correlation, and a simple concept of back-projecting seismic energy to a grid of potential source locations is applied. The waveform alignment removes the effects due to lateral variations in wave speed between the hypocenter and each station. To better approximate the effects of three-dimensional heterogeneity for paths originating from grid points away from the hypocenter, cross-correlation results of the P waveforms from aftershocks are introduced. This additional information leads to improved resolution of smaller-scale features near many of the aftershocks by reducing wavefront distortion. The back-projection analysis provides a quick assessment of the spatiotemporal extent and variability of relative high-frequency energy release, which can be translated into an estimate of the moment magnitude, as well as an unparalleled view of high-frequency rupture propagation. The results are, in general, consistent with those obtained from more involved source inversion methods. The 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake released most energy in a region northwest of the Sumatra island and the rupture extended to the northern Andaman islands, about 1300 km from the epicenter. This northern portion of the rupture radiated a considerable amount of energy, but there is little evidence of slow slip. The 2005 event is imaged to have bilateral rupture with northwestern slip occurring for about 50 s before it moved to the southeast of the epicenter.
Bandgap tuning and morphology amelioration of sol-gel derived Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) thin films by selenium incorporation

Solution-based techniques are promising for fabrication of low-cost Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin film solar cells (TFSCs). Annealing at high temperature with Se vapor has been widely applied to improve the performance of CZTS TFSCs. However, the mechanisms have been scarcely addressed in literatures. In this work, Se incorporation into sol-gel derived CZTS thin films was accomplished by introducing Se vapor into the annealing chamber in order to investigate the effects of Se incorporation. Our results indicate that increasing the concentration of Se decreases the optical bandgap. Most importantly, the morphology of CZTS thin film was significantly improved with increasing the concentration of Se.
Hemodynamic effects of oxdralazine and hydralazine in hypertension.

Oxdralazine, a pyridazine shown to induce prolonged arteriolar dilation in animals, was given orally in doses of 15 to 30 mg to 7 subjects with hypertension. Arterial pressure fell in 2 hr (average mean of 16 mm Hg), peaking in 3 to 4 hr, and was sustained for more than 6 hr. Cardiac output and heart rate rose in 2 hr (2.1 l/min and 17 bpm) and were elevated at 6 hr (3.1 l/min and 22 bpm). Pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary arteriolar resistance did not change. In 6 subjects receiving oxdralazine with hydralazine 50 to 75 mg at 1-wk intervals, hydralazine induced earlier, less sustained decreases in arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance and less of a rise in heart rate than oxdralazine alone. Circulating norepinephrine levels (radioenzymatic method) 3 hr after oxdralazine rose from a mean of 159 to 294 pg/ml, a greater (p < 0.05) effect than after hydralazine. At the doses tested, oxdralazine is a potent systemic arteriolar dilator with longer-sustained action and more prominent reflex sympathetic stimulation than hydralazine. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1980) 27, 773–778; doi:10.1038/clpt.1980.109
Nucleotides, amino acids and peptides in perchloric acid extracts of Chlamydomonas moewusii.

Abstract An investigation of perchloric acid extracts of wild-type and two paralysed strains of the green alga Chlamydomonas moewusii was carried out. A similarity in the free amino acid composition of each was noted. The three strains, however, differed when, after removal of the free amino acids, the extracts were subjected to ion-exchange chromatography on Dowex-1. Characterization of the individual eluted peaks revealed differences in nucleotide-peptide components which were found to be present. The nucleotide constituents adenine, guanine, uridylic acid and cytidylic acid were identified and the major peptide components were found to be cystine, glutamic acid, serine and glycine.
The Influence of Fear of AIDS and Expectancies About Employees With AIDS on the Decision to Fire Employees With AIDS

This research investigated the relationship of managers' fear of AIDS and expectancies about employees with AIDS (EWAs; e.g., managers' beliefs about EWAs' ability to perform the job) to the likelihood of firing EWAs. In addition, the relationship of fear of AIDS to expectancies about EWAs also was assessed. Path analysis was used to test the proposed relationships using a sample of 194 managers. Fear of AIDS and expectancies about disruptions in the workplace and reductions in revenue were related significantly to likelihood of firing EWAs. Fear of AIDS also was related significantly to expectancies about disruptions in the workplace, reduced revenue, and increased insurance costs. Suggestions for future research, implications, and study limitations are discussed.
Accurate Boundary ConditiOns for Exterior Problems in Gas Dynamics

The numerical solution of exterior problems is typically accomplished by introducing an artificial, far field boundary and solving the equations on a truncated domain. For hyperbolic systems, boundary conditions at this boundary are often derived by imposing a principle of no reflection. However, waves with spherical symmetry in gas dynamics satisfy equations where incoming and outgoing Riemann variables are coupled. This suggests that natural reflections may be important. A reflecting boundary condition is proposed based on an asymptotic solution of the far field equations. Nonlinear energy estimates are obtained for the truncated problem and numerical experiments presented to validate the theory.
Long-acting contraceptive agents: analysis and purification of steroid esters.

Abstract More than 200 samples of esters of norethisterone (17α-ethynyl-17β-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one) and levonorgestrel (13β-ethyl-17α-ethynyl-17β-hydroxygon-4-en-3-one) have been analysed by a combination of techniques, including high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Compounds having a purity below the required limit (99.5%) were purified, mainly by preparative HPLC, prior to formulation and biological evaluation as long-acting progestogens.
Data-driven environmental compensation for speech recognition: a unified approach

Abstract Environmental robustness for automatic speech recognition systems based on parameter modification can be accomplished in two complementary ways. One approach is to modify the incoming features of environmentally-degraded speech to more closely resemble the features of the (normally undegraded) speech used to train the classifier. The other approach is to modifying the internal statistical representations of speech features used by the classifier to more closely resemble the features representing degraded speech in a particular target environment. This paper attempts to unify these two approaches to robust speech recognition by presenting several techniques that share the same basic assumptions and internal structure while differing in whether they modify the features of incoming speech or whether they modify the statistics of the classifier itself. We present the multivaRiate gAussian-based cepsTral normaliZation (RATZ) family of algorithms which modify incoming cepstral features, along with the STAR (STAtistical Reestimation) family of algorithms, which modify the internal statistics of the classifier. Both types of algorithms are data driven, in that they make use of a certain amount of adaptation data for learning compensation parameters. The algorithms were evaluated using the SPHINX-II speech recognition system on subsets of the Wall Street Journal database. While all algorithms demonstrated improved recognition accuracy compared to previous algorithms, the STAR family of algorithms tended to provide lower error rates than the RATZ family of algorithms as the SNR was decreased.
Investigation of Resazurin as an Indicator of the Sanitary Condition of Milk

Summary From the results of this investigation the following conclusions are drawn: 1.Only one hour is required to complete the resazurin test as prescribed in the text, while the methylene blue test requires over five hours. 2.Milk can be classified into four groups as regards sanitary condition by means of the resazurin test. 3.Milks from diseased udders and milks from physiologically abnormal cows have significant effects on the reduction of resazurin, and hence the test aids in their detection. 4.By observing the rate of color change of resazurin-milk mixtures over a period of hours of incubation, considerable information as to the flora can be obtained.