cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A method to determine the R-curve of flexible materials using a monotonic loading of a single trouser tear specimen

It is shown that the R-curve of flexible materials can be determined using a monotonic loading of a single trouser tear specimen. The load-displacement records of trouser tear specimens are analyzed based on the locus method which determines the critical J-integral value (J c)) using the locus line of crack initiation points on load-displacement curves of specimens which differ only in initial crack length. Based on this analysis, it is shown that the crack resistance (R) during crack growth including crack initiation and steady state crack propagation can be expressed in terms of quantities that are directly related to the load-displacement plane, and that R can be simplified to a linear function of load. It is also shown that the crack growth (C) can be expressed as a linear function of load-point displacement. The load-displacement record of trouser tearing is then converted to an R-curve simply by changing the scale on each axis. The effectiveness of this method is illustrated experimentally by constructing the R-curve directly from the load-displacement record of a trouser tear specimen made from a thermoplastic rubber sheet.
Impact of combined modality therapy on the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the colon

An emphasis on careful surgical staging of adenocarcinoma of the colon has improved the predictive value of tumor staging systems. As a result of improved staging and carefully conducted randomized clinical trials, adjuvant therapy of locally advanced colon cancer, based on 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy, has been proven to substantially reduce recurrence rates and significantly increase overall survival for selected patients. Improved treatments and schedules are currently being studied in randomized trials and may increase the efficacy of this adjuvant therapy. Radiation therapy has not as yet been integrated into the adjuvant treatment of colon carcinoma. The application of a combined approach of surgery and chemotherapy in selected patients with liver metastases may also improve cure rates and long-term survival. The developing understanding of molecular determinants for the biological behavior of these cancers will increase the opportunities to identify, on the one hand, those patients who will benefit from specific therapies, and, on the other hand, new therapeutic strategies and treatments.
The Mechanism of VWF-Mediated Platelet GPIbα Binding

The binding of Von Willebrand Factor to platelets is dependent on the conformation of the A1 domain which binds to platelet GPIbα. This interaction initiates the adherence of platelets to the subendothelial vasculature under the high shear that occurs in pathological thrombosis. We have developed a thermodynamic strategy that defines the A1:GPIbα interaction in terms of the free energies (ΔG values) of A1 unfolding from the native to intermediate state and the binding of these conformational states to GPIbα. We have isolated the intermediate conformation of A1 under nondenaturing conditions by reduction and carboxyamidation of the disulfide bond. The circular dichroism spectrum of reduction and carboxyamidation A1 indicates that the intermediate has ∼10% less α-helical structure that the native conformation. The loss of α-helical secondary structure increases the GPIbα binding affinity of the A1 domain ∼20-fold relative to the native conformation. Knowledge of these ΔG values illustrates that the A1:GPIbα complex exists in equilibrium between these two thermodynamically distinct conformations. Using this thermodynamic foundation, we have developed a quantitative allosteric model of the force-dependent catch-to-slip bonding that occurs between Von Willebrand Factor and platelets under elevated shear stress. Forced dissociation of GPIbα from A1 shifts the equilibrium from the low affinity native conformation to the high affinity intermediate conformation. Our results demonstrate that A1 binding to GPIbα is thermodynamically coupled to A1 unfolding and catch-to-slip bonding is a manifestation of this coupling. Our analysis unites thermodynamics of protein unfolding and conformation-specific binding with the force dependence of biological catch bonds and it encompasses the effects of two subtypes of mutations that cause Von Willebrand Disease.
Lack of reliability in the disruption of cognitive performance following exposure to protons

A series of three replications were run to determine the reliability with which exposure to protons produces a disruption of cognitive performance, using a novel object recognition task and operant responding on an ascending fixed-ratio task. For the first two replications, rats were exposed to head-only exposures to 1000 MeV/n protons at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory. For the third replication, subjects were given head-only or whole-body exposures to both 1000 and 150 MeV/n protons. The results were characterized by a lack of consistency in the effects of exposure to protons on the performance of these cognitive tasks, both within and between replications. The factors that might influence the lack of consistency and the implications for exploratory class missions are discussed.
Scanning Electron Microscope Study of Brooklynella hostilis (Protista, Ciliophora) Isolated from the Gills of Gray and French Angelfish in Florida

Abstract Protistan parasites associated with a disease syndrome in tropical fish from the lower east coast of Florida to the upper Florida Keys were investigated. One of these pathogens inducing mortality in aquariumheld French angelfish Pomacanthus paru and gray angelfish Pomacanthus arcuatus is Brooklynella hostilis. This cyrtophorine ciliate was isolated from the gills and examined for the first time with scanning electron microscopy.
The Economic Contribution of Dental Hygienists' Activities to Dental Practice: Review of the Literature

This article reviews studies of dental practice and essays on practice management that have included information on the economic contributions of oral hygiene services. Several studies found that these services were less remunerative than other services and recommended that dentists delegate these functions when possible. However, one study noted that performance time, as well as delegation, influenced practice productivity and also reflected the practice's concept of care. Some practice management authors indicated that poorly managed practices without an excess of patients do not benefit economically from hiring a hygienist; but for practices with good management capabilities and an excess of patients, a hygienist may be able to make a major contribution to practice productivity. The lower remuneration for hygiene services and the high percentage of practice time required to provide a complete prophylaxis once or twice a year to each patient led several authors to doubt that dentists would or could provide these services themselves. The data in the reported studies, however, are insufficient to support firm conclusions about the profitability of hygienists' activities in dental practice.
Gold nano-rods as a targeting contrast agent for photoacoustic imaging

We have studied the potential of gold nanorods to target cancer cells and provide contrast for photoacoustic imaging. The elongated "rod" shape of these nanoparticles provides a mechanism to tune their plasmon peak absorption wavelength. The absorption peak is shifted to longer wavelengths by increasing the aspect ratio of the rods. Particles 15 nm in diameter and 45 nm long were prepared using a seed mediated growth method. Their plasmon absorption peak was designed to be at 800 nm for increased penetration depth into biological tissue. They were conjugated with a specific antibody to target prostate cancer cells. We have applied photoacoustics to image a prostate cell culture targeted by conjugated gold particles. Images confirm the efficiency of conjugated particle binding to the targeted cell membranes. Photoacoustic detection of a single cell layer is demonstrated. To evaluate the applicability of the technique to clinical prostate cancer detection, we have imaged phantom objects mimicking a real tissue with small (2 mm size) inclusions of nanoparticle gel solution. Our photoacoustic imaging setup is based on a modified commercial ultrasonic scanner which makes it attractive for fast implementation in cancer diagnosis in clinical application. In addition, the setup allows for dual mode operation where a photoacoustic image is superimposed on a conventional B-mode ultrasound image. Dual mode operation is demonstrated by imaging a mouse with gold nanorod gel solution implanted in its hind limb.
Combined, sequential intravenous and intra-arterial chemotherapy (bridge chemotherapy) for young infants with retinoblastoma.

Background Intra-arterial (i.a.) chemotherapy has more risks of procedural complications in neonates and young infants. For these reasons, we have developed a strategy of bridge intravenous single agent chemotherapy to postpone i.a. chemotherapy in these children Procedure Neonates and young infants with retinoblastoma who required chemotherapy were treated with systemic carboplatin chemotherapy (18.7 mg/kg i.v. every 3-4 weeks) until they reached the age of 3 months and a weight of 6 Kg. If necessary, i.a. chemotherapy was subsequently performed at 4 weeks intervals. Efficacy was judged by tumor regression on ophthalmological examination. Retinal toxicity was judged by electroretinography. Results Eleven children (19 eyes) were treated. All patients are alive and no patient has developed metastatic disease or second malignancies (mean follow-up 27 months, range 9-46 months). Intravenous carboplatin (median 2 cycles, range 1-5) combined with cryotherapy and laser was given to all children. This was effective for five eyes, which did not require i.a. chemotherapy. I.a. chemotherapy was administered to 14 eyes (median 3.5 cycles per eye, range 1 to 6). No radiation therapy was required. The Kaplan Meier estimate of ocular radiation-free survival was 94.7% at one year (95% confidence interval 68.1-99.2%). One eye was enucleated due to tumor progression. ERG showed no deterioration of retinal function. Conclusion Bridge i.v.-i.a. chemotherapy was feasible and safe, and is a promising strategy to treat retinoblastoma in neonates and young infants.
Case report: Bowel perforation presenting as subcutaneous emphysema of the thigh.

Necrotizing fasciitis is recognized as a surgical emergency. Early detection and aggressive surgical debridement are crucial to reduce patient mortality and morbidity. There are, however, other causes of subcutaneous emphysema. We present the case of a 64 year-old patient with a history of postsurgical radiation for rectal carcinoma with subcutaneous emphysema of the thigh in the presence of urinary sepsis. Surgical exploration revealed the source of the emphysema to be an enterocutaneous fistula. The patient had an unstable and prolonged hospitalization after debridements of the thigh and abdominal surgery and was readmitted for recurrence of thigh drainage, but eventually was discharged; nine months after the initial diagnosis all wounds had healed and he was walking with a walker. Despite an otherwise benign clinical appearance, the radiographic finding of subcutaneous emphysema in the absence of penetrating trauma must be considered a case of a necrotizing soft tissue infection until proven otherwise.
The DSP decision: fixed point or floating?

The rapid expansion of the market in applications of the digital signal processor has unloosed a flood of diverse chips. Design engineers are being inundated with altogether too much information to absorb. Still, the problem does become more manageable once it is decided whether a fixed-point or a floating point math unit should be basic to the digital signal processor (DSP) to be used. Several factors should be taken into account. An important first step is to gain an understanding of how the hardware representations differ and how they affect precision and range. Also needed is a grasp of the types of applications to which particular chips are best suited and which hardware vendors provide these chips. Another consideration is the availability of good development tools and the programming paradigms they support. And finally, since performance is a driving factor behind the use of DSPs, cost, speed and power consumption are key ingredients.
Nonlinear optics in daily life

An overview is presented of the impact of NLO on today’s daily life. While NLO researchers have promised many applications, only a few have changed our lives so far. This paper categorizes applications of NLO into three areas: improving lasers, interaction with materials, and information technology. NLO provides: coherent light of different wavelengths; multi-photon absorption for plasma-materials interaction; advanced spectroscopy and materials analysis; and applications to communications and sensors. Applications in information processing and storage seem less mature.
Anatomic spectrum of abnormal ventriculoarterial connections: Surgical implications

To clarify the salient anatomic features of surgical significance, we investigated 33 specimens representing the spectrum of abnormal ventriculoarterial connections. In those with tetralogy of Fallot or double-outlet right ventricle with subaortic ventricular septal defect, the muscular outlet septum separating the subarterial outflow tracts was always inserted into (or in front of) the anterior limb of the septomarginal trabeculation (septal band). In those having double-outlet right ventricle with doubly committed ventricular septal defect, the outlet septum was lacking. When the ventricular septal defect was in subpulmonary position, with either double-outlet or discordant ventriculoarterial connections, the outlet septum was attached to the posterior limb of the septomarginal trabeculation. The outlet septum was deviated into the subpulmonary outlet in hearts with discordant ventriculoarterial connections and pulmonary stenosis. It is the interrelations between the septomarginal trabeculation, the outlet septum, and the ventriculoinfundibular fold that hold the key to the understanding of surgical anatomy and determine the optimal choice of procedure for definitive biventricular repair.
Scopal Independence: A Note on Branching and Wide Scope Readings of Indefinites and Disjunctions

Hintikka claimed in the 1970s that indefinites and disjunctions give rise to 'branching readings' that can only be handled by a 'game-theoretic' semantics as expressive as a logic with (a limited form of) quantification over Skolem functions. Due to empirical and methodological difficulties, the issue was left unresolved in the linguistic literature. Independently, however, it was discovered in the 1980s that, contrary to other quantifiers, indefinites may scope out of syntactic islands. We claim that branching readings and the island-escaping behaviour of indefinites are two sides of the same coin: when the latter problem is considered in full generality, a mechanism of 'functional quantification' (Winter 2004) must be postulated which is strictly more expressive than Hintikka's, and which predicts that his branching readings are indeed real, although his own solution was insufficiently general. Furthermore, we suggest that, as Hintikka had seen, disjunctions share the behaviour of indefinites, both with respect to island-escaping behaviour and (probably) branching readings. The functional analysis can thus naturally be extended to them.
Compatiblization of Polymers via Coalescence from Their Common Cyclodextrin Inclusion Compounds

We have found, when inherently immiscible polymers are included as guests in the narrow channels of their common inclusion compounds (ICs) formed with host cyclodextrins (CDs) and then these polymer-1/polymer-2-CD-IC crystals are washed with hot water to remove the host CD lattice and coalesce the guest polymers, that intimately mixed blends of the polymers are obtained. This behavior had been observed previously by us for the crystallizable poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL)/poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) pair, where in the coaelsced blend PCL and PLLA crystallinity was completely and nearly completely suppressed, respectively. Here we report similar observations made on the polycarbonate (PC)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) pair, which are respectively difficult to crystallize and amorphous. PC/PMMA blends coalesced from their common γ-CD-ICs are amorphous and generally exhibit single glass transitions at temperatures (Tg) between those of pure PC and PMMA. Interestingly, a 1:4 molar PC:PMMA blend coalesced from i...
Effectiveness of Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis for the Early Detection of Diffuse Outbreaks Due to Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli in Japan

We applied pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to the investigation of diffuse outbreaks of illness due to Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC O157) in Japan and used these data to develop a database of STEC O157 PFGE patterns and associated clinical and microbiologic information to facilitate the recognition of geographic and temporal clusters of cases based on their PFGE profiles. This project has evolved into a subtyping network called PulseNet Japan that is cooperatively run by National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) and the local Health Institutes and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Although our domestic PFGE network that utilized locally developed PFGE protocols was effective in recognizing diffuse outbreaks of STEC O157 within Japan, we decided to adopt the standardized PFGE protocols from PulseNet USA and collaborate closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States to facilitate recognition of international clusters of ...
Stress-Induced Cocaine Seeking Requires a Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor-Regulated Pathway from the Ventral Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis That Regulates CRF Actions in the Ventral Tegmental Area

The ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (vBNST) has been implicated in stress-induced cocaine use. Here we demonstrate that, in the vBNST, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is expressed in neurons that innervate the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a site where the CRF receptor antagonist antalarmin prevents the reinstatement of cocaine seeking by a stressor, intermittent footshock, following intravenous self-administration in rats. The vBNST receives dense noradrenergic innervation and expresses β adrenergic receptors (ARs). Footshock-induced reinstatement was prevented by bilateral intra-vBNST injection of the β-2 AR antagonist, ICI-118,551, but not the β-1 AR antagonist, betaxolol. Moreover, bilateral intra-vBNST injection of the β-2 AR agonist, clenbuterol, but not the β-1 agonist, dobutamine, reinstated cocaine seeking, suggesting that activation of vBNST β-2 AR is both necessary for stress-induced reinstatement and sufficient to induce cocaine seeking. The contribution of a β-2 AR-regulated vBNST-to-VTA pathway that releases CRF was investigated using a disconnection approach. Injection of ICI-118,551 into the vBNST in one hemisphere and antalarmin into the VTA of the contralateral hemisphere prevented footshock-induced reinstatement, whereas ipsilateral manipulations failed to attenuate stress-induced cocaine seeking, suggesting that β-2 AR regulate vBNST efferents that release CRF into the VTA, activating CRF receptors, and promoting cocaine use. Last, reinstatement by clenbuterol delivered bilaterally into the vBNST was prevented by bilateral vBNST pretreatment with antalarmin, indicating that β-2 AR-mediated actions in the vBNST also require local CRF receptor activation. Understanding the processes through which stress induces cocaine seeking should guide the development of new treatments for addiction.
Passive dissolution kinetics of titanium in vitro

The dissolution of titanium in simulated interstitial electrolyte (SIE), human serum in SIE (serum/SIE) and 8.0 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in SIE (EDTA/SIE) was measured in vitro. Titanium fibre samples were immersed in these solutions and maintained at 37°C, 10% O2, 5% CO2 and 97±3% relative humidity for 0–5000 h. The concentration of titanium released was quantified using electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy. Changes in oxide stoichiometry were determined by Auger electron spectroscopy after processing and immersion in the test solutions. The oxide became nearly stoichiometric TiO2 after immersion, suggesting equilibration of the surface with the solutions. Solution ligands enhanced the magnitude of dissolution, with EDTA>serum/SIE>SIE. The dissolution kinetics were empirically fitted by a two-phase logarithmic relationship. The first phase of dissolution (t 300 h) by mass diffusion. The dissolution kinetics were similar for the EDTA/SIE and serum/SIE solutions, indicating that the mechanisms of dissolution for each solution may be the same.
Single Leaf and Canopy Photosynthesis Response to Plant Age in Cotton

This study was conducted to determine the single leaf and canopy photosynthesis response to plant age in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Field experiments were conducted with different row spacings and leaf types of provide a range of plant and leaf distribution patterns. Single leaf gas exchange measurements were made on upper-most, fully expanded, main stem leaves throughout the growing season when air temperature was about 27 o C and photosynthetically active radiation exceeded 1800 μmol m −2 s −1 . Canopy photosynthetic rate per unit ground area was measured concurrently with the single leaf gas exchange rate (...)
An Architecture of Ineloquence: José Lluis Sert’s Carmel de la Paix: A Study in Modern Architecture and Religion, by J. K. Birksted

In An Architecture of Ineloquence, J. K. Birksted writes a cultural and social history of the Carmelite nuns by analyzing the religious significance of the architecture of Carmel de la Paix, a Carm...
Hemoglobin-mediated synthesis of PEDOT:PSS: enhancing conductivity through biological oxidants

Hemoglobin- and catalase-polymerized PEDOT:PSS were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, visible and near-IR spectroscopy, FTIR, and ESR. Hemoglobin-polymerized PEDOT:PSS possesses bipolarons, while catalase-polymerized PEDOT:PSS is dominated by polarons. Use of heme-bound iron as an oxidant yields PEDOT:PSS with conductivity of 19.5 S cm−1 in a single-step aqueous reaction.
Fish scale: An unusual foreign body

Retained foreign bodies can be a source of infection and a cause of disability. A 63-year-old white man presented with a nonhealing wound of the right second finger of 1 month's duration. The injury occurred while cleaning fish. Radiographs and subsequent wound exploration showed a retained fish scale in a finger wound. In addition to foreign bodies, atypical infectious organisms must be considered in nonhealing wounds associated with fish or water.
Optomechanical backaction-evading measurement without parametric instability

We review a scheme for performing a backaction-evading measurement of one mechanical quadrature in an optomechanical setup. The experimental application of this scheme has been limited by parametric instabilities caused in general by a slight dependence of the mechanical frequency on the electromagnetic energy in the cavity. We find that a simple modification to the optical drive can effectively eliminate the parametric instability even at high intracavity power, allowing realistic devices to achieve sub-zero-point uncertainties in the measured quadrature.
Mutual impedance of parallel and perpendicular coplanar surface monopoles

One dimensional integral formulas are derived for mutual impedance of arbitrary size, coplanar, parallel, and perpendicular surface monopoles. The integrals in formulas are expressed as exponential integrals where possible. The mutual impedance expression for parallel monopoles is a summation of exponential integrals and one-dimensional integrals. For perpendicular monopoles, the mutual impedance is in closed form, containing exponential integrals only. The final expressions are in a form suitable for numerical computation. Since the expressions contain at most one-dimensional integrals, they can be utilized to reduce the matrix filling time in the moment method formulations, especially when inhomogeneous sectioning is preferred. Additionally, they can be used in rectangular surface patch modeling of conducting surfaces with edges which are at an angle to the surface patches, providing the angle is small. To this end, the expressions were utilized in the moment method analysis of linearly tapered slot antennas. Very good accuracy was obtained with a reduction in computer time. >
State and local area estimates of depression and anxiety among adults with disabilities in 2006.

Abstract Background Depression and anxiety are prevalent among adults with disabilities. However, little is known regarding the geographic variability of depression and anxiety among adults with disabilities in the United States. Objectives We estimated prevalence of current depression, lifetime diagnoses of depression (LD), and lifetime diagnoses of anxiety (LA) among adults with disabilities by state, metropolitan and micropolitan statistical area (MMSA), and county. Methods We analyzed Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 2006 for 41 states and territories, 74 MMSAs, and 112 counties. Stratified analyses by sociodemographic and health status variables were performed for the 10 MMSAs with the highest estimates of current depression, LD, and LA, respectively. Current depressive symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-8. Results Estimates of current depression, LD, and LA among adults with disabilities varied substantially by state, MMSA, and county. Current depression estimates ranged from 14.7% in North Dakota to 30.1% in Mississippi; from 8.4% in San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA, to 36.2% in Jacksonville, FL; and from 12.3% in Cumberland County, ME, to 44% in Orleans Parish, LA. There was major variation within some states (e.g., prevalence of current depression was 8.4% in San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA compared to 25.5% in Los Angeles–Long Beach–Glendale, CA). In the 10 MMSAs with the highest estimates, estimates varied by age, gender, socioeconomic status, and health status. Conclusions Public and mental health agencies may find these estimates useful for program planning purposes to address depression and anxiety among adults with disabilities.
Automatic classification of accounting literature

This paper explores the possibility of using semantic parsing, information retrieval and data mining techniques to automatically classify accounting research. Literature taxonomization plays a critical role in understanding a discipline's knowledge attributes and structure. The traditional research classification is a manual process which is considerably time consuming and may introduce inconsistent classifications by different experts. Aiming at aiding this classification issue, this study conducted three studies to seek the most effective and accurate method to classify accounting publications' attributes. We found results in the third study most rewarding in which the classification accuracy reached 87.27% with decision trees and rule-based algorithms applied. Findings in the first and second studies also provided valuable implications on automatic literature classifications, e.g. abstracts are better measures to use than keywords and balancing under-represented subclasses does not contribute to more accurate classifications. All three studies' results also suggest that expanding article sample size is a key to strengthen automatic classification accuracy. Overall, the potential path of this line of research seems to be very promising and would have several collateral benefits and applications.
Family Financial Satisfaction: The Impact of Reference Points

The Deacon-Firebaugh model of family resource management provided the con ceptual framework for this study, which was designed to assess the direct effect of selected inputs on a composite measure of financial satisfaction. This measure reflected satisfaction with consumption level, family wealth, and financial secu rity. The inputs included family income, net worth, and the number of earners in the household (resources); the household's debt-to-income ratio and child- rearing commitments (demands); perceived change in financial condition over time; and a measure of financial aspirations. It was hypothesized that these last two variables would exert a significant direct impact on financial satisfaction. The data analyzed in this study were collected in two communities in each of three states. The responses from husbands and wives were analyzed separately, using multiple regression analyses. The results supported the hypothesis that the “ref erence point” variables (i.e., perceived change in financial condition and aspira tions for the future) exerted a significant direct impact on financial satisfaction. The full regression models, including eight inputs, accounted for between 30 and 40 percent of the variation in financial satisfaction. The results suggest that future research should further explore both the direct and the indirect influence of past financial experience and aspirations on family financial management and financial satisfaction.
Computational study of thermal and mechanical properties of nylons and bio-based furan polyamides

Abstract We have investigated thermal and mechanical properties of bio-based furan polyamides and petroleum-based nylons with atomistic simulations. Glass transition temperatures estimated from a series of simulations at different temperatures were in good agreement with experimental measurements. Stress–strain relationships under uniaxial deformation conditions were also obtained and analyzed. Overall, polymers with smaller repeat units exhibited slightly higher glass transition temperatures and elastic moduli, which were attributed to higher cohesive energy densities. Furan polyamides displayed higher van der Waals cohesive energy densities and maintained more rigid planar structures near furan rings compared to nylons. As a result, bio-based furan polyamides showed higher glass transition temperatures and comparable mechanical properties despite having overall weaker hydrogen bonding than nylons.
Statistical Analysis Of The Output Rate Of A Sub-Band Video Coder

The output rates of a sub-band video coder are studied. The coder has been used to compress ten sequences of two minutes each. The resulting bit-rates are analyzed and the issues of statistical multiplexing, source modeling and resource allocation are discussed in light of the simulation results. A model is suggested in which a bit-rate sequence is approximated by the sum of a slowly varying non-stationary process and a stationary noise-like one. A dynamic resource allocation could thus be based on the slowly varying process while the noise-like process is used to set an error margin on the short-term variations.
Studies on the vaporization of pentachlorophenol from treated wood

Studies were made with pentachlorophenol (PCP) to determine the effects of temperature, air flow, humidity, carrier solvents, and wood coating systems on the vaporization properties of PCP. Temperature had the greatest effect on PCP vaporization from treated wood. Methylene chloride was associated with the highest air concentrations of PCP. The cosolvent WC-144 was most effective in reducing PCP vaporization, and a bituminous coating and an epoxy paint were the most effective coatings for reducing PCP vaporization from treated wood.
Isolating curvature effects in computing wall-bounded turbulent flows

Abstract An adjoint optimization method is utilized to design an inviscid outer wall shape required for a turbulent flow field solution of the So–Mellor convex curved wall experiment using the Navier–Stokes equations. The associated cost function is the desired pressure distribution on the inner wall. Using this optimized wall shape with a Navier–Stokes method, the abilities of various turbulence models to simulate the effects of curvature without the complicating factor of streamwise pressure gradient are evaluated. The one-equation Spalart–Allmaras (SA) turbulence model overpredicts eddy viscosity, and its boundary layer profiles are too full. A curvature-corrected version of this model improves results, which are sensitive to the choice of a particular constant. An explicit algebraic stress model does a reasonable job predicting this flow field. However, results can be slightly improved by modifying the assumption on anisotropy equilibrium in the model's derivation. The resulting curvature-corrected explicit algebraic stress model (EASM) possesses no heuristic functions or additional constants. It slightly lowers the computed skin friction coefficient and the turbulent stress levels for this case, in better agreement with experiment. The effect on computed velocity profiles is minimal.
Evaluating the Impact of Pain Management (PM) Education on Physician Practice Patterns—A Continuing Medical Education (CME) Outcomes Study

California Assembly Bill AB487 mandates that all practicing physicians are required to obtain 12 h of Continuing Medical Education in Pain Management and End of Life Care before the year 2006 in order to renew their state license to practice medicine. In order to determine the effectiveness of this bill in influencing the practice of medicine, we conducted the first of five planned annual Pain Management seminars and utilized physician questionnaires to determine possible practice changes as a result of this seminar. Eighty-one physicians representing 17 multiple specialties of medicine enrolled in this seminar. The topics included: management of malignant and non-malignant pain, pharmacology and management of side effects of opiate and non-opiate analgesics, and adjunctive therapies including depression management and spirituality issues. Physicians were asked to respond to an immediate post-seminar questionnaire and were subsequently queried 4 months following the conference. Fifty-one out of 81 physician registrants responded to an immediate post-attendance questionnaire,
Neoplastic masquerade syndromes in patients with uveitis.

Purpose To identify the demographic and clinical characteristics, along with the frequency, of neoplastic masquerade syndromes in a tertiary uveitis clinic. Design A retrospective observational cohort. Methods Demographic and clinical data on all patients presenting to the National Eye Institute (NEI) with uveitis between 2004 and 2012 were used to compare neoplastic masquerade syndromes and uveitis. Results A total of 853 patients presenting with uveitis were identified. Of these, 21 (2.5%) were diagnosed with neoplastic masquerade syndromes. The average age at presentation of masquerade syndrome patients was 57 years (median, 55; range, 38–78); for uveitis, 42 years (median, 43; range, 3-98) ( P = 0.0003). There were 48% females in the masquerade syndromes group, compared with 59% females in the uveitis group. African American patients represented 9% of the masquerade syndrome patients and 36% of uveitis patients ( P = 0.01). Mean worse eye visual acuity was 0.89 (20/160) in neoplastic masquerade syndromes, and 0.66 (20/100) in the uveitis group ( P = 0.21). Of masquerade syndrome patients, 90% had posterior inflammation, compared with 63% of uveitis patients ( P = 0.006). Of those with masquerade syndromes, 48% of patients had unilateral disease, compared with 27% of the uveitis patients ( P = 0.04). Conclusions Patients with neoplastic masquerade syndromes were more likely to be older, male, or non-African American and to have posterior segment inflammation and unilateral disease. Patients with masquerade syndromes also had worse visual acuity than did uveitis patients. These differences in clinical characteristics may help to raise the suspicion for neoplastic masquerade syndromes.
Mortality Determinants in Massive Pediatric Burns: An Analysis of 103 Children with ≥80% TBSA Burns (≥70% Full-Thickness)

OBJECTIVE: Survivors and nonsurvivors among 103 consecutive pediatric patients with massive burns were compared in an effort to define the predictors of mortality in massively burned children. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Predictors of mortality in burns that are used commonly are age, burn size, and inhalation injury. In the past, burns over 80% of the body surface area that are mostly full-thickness often were considered fatal, especially in children and in the elderly. In the past 15 years, advances in burn treatment have increased rates of survival in those patients treated at specialized burn centers. The purpose of this study was to document the extent of improvement and to define the current predictors of mortality to further focus burn care. METHODS: Beginning in 1982, 103 children ages 6 months to 17 years with burns covering at least 80% of the body surface (70% full-thickness), were treated in the authors' institution by early excision and grafting and have been observed to determine outcome. The authors divided collected independent variables from the time of injury into temporally related groups and analyzed the data sequentially and cumulatively through univariate statistics and through pooled, cross-sectional multivariate logistic regression to determine which variables predict the probability of mortality. RESULTS: The mortality rate for this series of massively burned children was 33%. Lower age, larger burn size, presence of inhalation injury, delayed intravenous access, lower admission hematocrit, lower base deficit on admission, higher serum osmolarity at arrival to the authors' hospital, sepsis, inotropic support requirement, platelet count < 20,000, and ventilator dependency during the hospital course significantly predict increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that mortality has decreased in massively burned children to the extent that nearly all patients should be considered as candidates for survival, regardless of age, burn size, presence of inhalation injury, delay in resuscitation, or laboratory values on initial presentation. During the course of hospitalization, the development of sepsis and multiorgan failure is a harbinger of poor outcome, but the authors have encountered futile cases only rarely. The authors found that those patients who are most apt to die are the very young, those with limited donor sites, those who have inhalation injury, those with delays in resuscitation, and those with burn-associated sepsis or multiorgan failure.
PREDICTING THE RELATIVE STABILITIES OF MULTIPARTICLE HYDROGEN-BONDED AGGREGATES BASED ON THE NUMBER OF HYDROGEN BONDS AND THE NUMBER OF PARTICLES AND MEASURING THESE STABILITIES WITH TITRATIONS USING DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE

This paper describes an experimental method for determining the relative stabilities of hydrogen-bonded aggregates in terms of the mole fraction of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in chloroform solution, χDMSO, required to cause their dissociation. It also describes three indicesITm, IG, and IG/(N−1)that estimate the relative stabilities of hydrogen-bonded aggregates. Each of these indices depend on two variables: HB and N. HB is the number of hydrogen bonds holding the aggregate together; N is the number of particles in the aggregate. The melting-point index, ITm = HB/(N−1), corresponds conceptually to a “melting point” for the aggregate, that is, a temperature at which it would dissociate into separate particles. This index is the most useful of the three for “rule of thumb” estimation of relative stability if assembly occurs cooperatively. The free energy index, IG = 2.8HB − 16(N−1), corresponds to a free energy of assembly, ΔG, with units kcal/mol. The index IG/(N−1) = 2.8HB/(N−1) − 16 corresponds conceptu...
Assessment on the stress state and the maintenance schemes of the transmission tower above goaf of coal mine

Abstract FEA model of a transmission tower was established. According to the monitoring data of the non-uniform settlement for the temporarily strengthened tower, the bearing capacity analyses were carried out with the wind loads of different velocities and directions. When the wind velocity is up to the design value, the stress of the main member exceeds the design stress by 34%. For the frequent velocity, stresses of all the members are lower than the design stress. By considering the settlements at the four foots are stochastic, one single installing program of the staying wires cannot decrease the stress of the members for all cases. For the settlement case which the member stress is up to the maximum value, the member stress decreases a little but even higher than the design value. By applying the large panel foundation, the bearing capacity of the tower can be enhanced significantly, and the settlement limit was determined by the structural analysis.
Providers' behavioral beliefs regarding the delivery of genomic medicine at the Veterans Health Administration.

Aims: To examine providers’ behavioral intention toward the utilization of genomic services at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA; Washington, DC, USA) through the lens of the ‘Theory of Planned Behavior’. The theory of planned behavior posits that individuals’ behaviors (using genomic services) are driven by their behavioral intentions. Behavioral intentions is a function of: first, behavioral beliefs; second, normative beliefs, and third; control beliefs. Materials & methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 providers working in different units at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS; TX USA). The interviews focused on assessing providers’ behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs and control beliefs regarding the delivery of genomic medicine at the STVHCS. Interview materials were tape recorded, transcribed and the content was analyzed using qualitative methods. Results: All participating providers perceived genomic medicine to be an important area in medicine (behavior...
Coulomb staircase in fused semiconducting InP nanowires under light illumination

Detailed electron transport analysis is performed for an ensemble of conical indium phosphide nanowires bridging two hydrogenated n+-silicon electrodes. The current-voltage (Id-Vd) characteristics exhibit a Coulomb staircase in dark with a period of ~ 1 V at room temperature. The staircase is found to disappear under light illumination. This observation can be explained by assuming the presence of a tiny Coulomb island, and its existence is possible due to the large surface depletion region created within contributing nanowires. Electrons tunnel in and out of the Coulomb island, resulting in the Coulomb staircase Id-Vd. Applying light illumination raises the electron quasi-Fermi level and the tunneling barriers are buried, causing the Coulomb staircase to disappear.
Use of Squeeze-Induced Somnolence for Routine Plasma Administration in Healthy Neonatal Foals

Reasons for performing study A nonchemical method of restraint to facilitate neonatal foal handling and minimally invasive procedures would be highly useful. Objectives To investigate squeeze-induced somnolence for providing adequate restraint of healthy neonatal foals for the purpose of plasma administration. Study design Prospective clinical study. Methods Squeeze-induced somnolence of neonatal foals was performed by use of a soft rope restraint as previously described [1] to allow intravenous catheterisation and plasma administration. Physiological and clinical parameters were monitored pre-, during and post squeeze-induced somnolence. Results Squeeze-induced somnolence and plasma administration was performed on 14 foals within the first day of life without any adverse effects. Mean time to recumbency during squeeze restraint was 53 s, mean time to stand and mean time to nurse from dam following release of restraint were 46 s and 163 s, respectively. Over 50% of foals gave some reaction to subcutaneous injection of local anaesthetic but only one foal reacted strongly. The restraint technique was performed without any difficulty in 8/14 foals, 5/14 foals became less somnolent latterly in the procedure (around 17–18 min) and one foal never became fully somnolent. Conclusions Squeeze-induced somnolence provides adequate restraint for plasma administration, without the need for sedation, in the majority of neonatal foals. Squeeze-induced somnolence can be used to allow nonchemical restraint of neonatal foals for routine procedures. Further refinement of the technique is required to maximise its potential usefulness. Ethical animal research: The study was approved by the University of California Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Foals were included in the study with informed owner consent. Sources of funding: Private anonymous donation. Competing interests: None.
Penetration tendency models for diffusion behavior in copper-rich Cu-Ni-Zn alloys☆

Abstract The pattern of composition paths and Kirkendall shifts has been experimentally determined in couples covering the copper-rich corner of the Cu-Ni-Zn system, in the range of compositions to 30 at.% nickel and zinc. A model for the penetration tendencies of the components in this system was derived from tracer diffusion information about this system and used to predict the pattern of Kirkendall shifts and composition paths. Comparison of computed patterns with experimental results led to a second, improved penetration tendency model. The latter description was found to yield patterns of composition paths and cross-over displacements that agree with observed behavior to within about one atomic percent over most of the information examined. The pattern of Kirkendall shifts was also closely described by the modified penetration tendency model.
A genetic approach to the study of farnesylation

Protein prenylation has emerged as an important class of post-translational modifications. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae provides a genetic approach to the analysis of such modifications. Mutants that are defective in farnesylation have been isolated by virtue of their defect in the processing and localization of RAS proteins. This defect confers heat shock resistance on RAS2 Val19 cells, providing a selection for mutant isolation. In this article, we describe the isolation and genetic and biochemical characterization of farnesylation mutants, and discuss their use in the analysis of protein processing.
Northwestern University Initiative for Teaching NanoSciences (NUITNS): An Approach for Teaching Computational Chemistry to Engineering Undergraduate Students

The Northwestern University Initiative for Teaching Nanosciences (NUITNS) at nanohub.org Web site combines several tools for doing electronic structure calculations and analyzing and displaying the results into a coordinated package. In this article, we describe this package and show how it can be used as part of an upper-level quantum chemistry course that is specifically aimed at undergraduate engineering students. Two assignments are described: one concerned with the thermodynamic properties of molecules and the thermochemistry of chemical reactions, and the other concerned with the optical and chemical properties of doped nanodiamonds. Both assignments are aimed at helping students gain practice with computational chemistry software while at the same time seeing applications that are of practical significance for engineering studies.
Proton magnetic resonance study of complex formation between N6‐methyladenosine and polyuridylic acid

The interaction between N6-methyladenosine and polyuridylic acid in D2O solution at neutral pD has been studied as a function of temperature and N6-methyladenosine concentration by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A rigid double-stranded 1:1 complex is formed below ∼10°C, involving hydrogen-bonded N6-methyladenine:uracil base-pairing and stacking of the adenine bases. This complex is less stable than the 1:2 complex formed between adenosine and polyU, and involves a more rapid exchange of the monomer between free and polymer-bound environments.