cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of support fibers on micro-convection in droplet combustion experiments

This study reports experimental evidence of gas phase micro-convection induced by support fibers used in droplet combustion experimentation. Soot aggregates formed during combustion of n-octane and n-decane droplets (initial diameters ranging from 0.5 mm to 5 mm) provide natural seeds to reveal the thermal and flow asymmetries involved. The experiments are carried out in an environment that reduces the influence of forced and buoyant convection for both free-floating (unsupported) and fiber-supported droplets. Under these conditions, the soot trapping patterns (due to a balance of thermophoretic and flow-induced drag) would be spherical. However, this situation is only observed for unsupported droplets, or for fiber-supported droplets when the fiber is small relative to the droplet diameter. For Do 1 mm the International Space Station provided capabilities for anchoring test droplets onto a single 80 μm SiC fiber, and for deploying unsupported droplets. Results clearly indicate that a non-symmetric gas flow field exists in some cases (i.e., for 1 mm < Do < 3 mm, with an 80 μm fiber) near to where the fiber enters the droplet. This gas motion originates from the presence of the fiber that introduces asymmetries in the temperature and flow fields resulting in localized force imbalances on the soot particles, which cause vortical flow patterns near the fiber. This may in part be explained by flow asymmetries induced by droplet shape distortions coupled with heat exchanges between the fiber and surrounding gas and conduction into the droplet, resulting in a Marangoni flow near the droplet surface. For very small fibers (or for unsupported droplets) spherical soot shells are found suggesting that no thermal and flow asymmetries exist.
Determination of CYP2C19 phenotype in black Americans with omeprazole: correlation with genotype.

Background Our objective was to study omeprazole as a single-dose oral probe in the determination of CYP2C19 phenotype in black subjects and to determine the correlation between phenotype and genotype. Methods This single-dose, open-label outpatient study was conducted at a community-based, university-affiliated teaching hospital outpatient clinic. Study subjects were 100 healthy, unrelated black adults (age range, 18 to 50 years) who were receiving no medications. Baseline omeprazole and 2-hour postingestion omeprazole and 5′-hydroxyomeprazole concentrations were measured for phenotype determination. Identification of CYP2C19m1 genotypes were performed with use of the polymerase chain reaction. Results Results were obtained for 28 men and 72 women. Ninety-eight subjects were found to be phenotypically extensive metabolizers and two to be poor metabolizers (one man; one smoker). Genotype determination revealed that the two poor metabolizers of omeprazole were homozygous for a single base pair mutation (m1m1) in exon 5 of CYP2C19. Twenty-eight of the extensive metabolizers were heterozygous (m1wt) and the remaining 70 were homozygous (wt/wt). No side effects were reported. Conclusions The 2% prevalence rate of poor CYP2C19 metabolizers in this healthy black population residing in the Midwestern United States is similar to that reported in white subjects and in the Shona population of Zimbabwe but much less than in Asian subjects. Omeprazole is a safe and specific probe of the CYP2C19 enzyme system that correlates well with genotype. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1996) 60, 138–144; doi:
SAFETY OF HIGH-OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANES WITHOUT PHYSICAL SEPARATION

This study addresses safety issues associated with the operation of freeway high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes that are not separated by physical barriers from adjacent, general-purpose traffic lanes. Accident frequencies and characteristics obtained from 14 months of operation of an HOV lane in the greater Los Angeles area, together with similar data for 6 years prior to the opening of the lane, are analyzed to evaluate the safety impacts of the lane operation. The analyses rely on comparisons of accident characteristics associated with the HOV lane to those associated with both temporal and spatial control groups. Changes in accident characteristics are also related to existing patterns of freeway congestion. The results of the case study indicate no adverse effect on safety conditions that could logically be attributed to the HOV operation; all of the changes in the patterns of reported accidents can be explained by changes in the location and timing of traffic congestion. Although no overall change in the exposure to accidents was found, there is a significant migration of accident locations due to the combination of relief of congestion in the project area and a corresponding creation of more severe traffic bottlenecks downstream of the project.
Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for clinical stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumor: a large single institution experience.

Purpose: Primary laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is done at our institution with therapeutic intent and it technically duplicates the open approach. Controversies associated with the procedure include the thoroughness of dissection, the high rate of chemotherapy exposure and the potential deleterious effects of pneumoperitoneum. We present our experience with laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for clinical stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumors.Materials and Methods: We queried the Johns Hopkins minimally invasive surgery database from 1995 to 2010 for patients with a clinical stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumor undergoing laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Demographic, perioperative, pathological and followup information was collected and analyzed.Results: Of the 91 patients who underwent extended template laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection during the study period 60 (66%) had lymphovascular invasion and 55 (60%) had greater than 4...
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in intron 5 of the feline myosin regulatory light chain gene detected by SSCP analysis

Recently, we published the mapping of the chicken leptin gene to a microchromosome. This work was done through PCR-SSCP analysis, using primers designed from a published sequence (, EMBL accession number AF012727), presenting 97% similarity to the mouse and 83% to the human leptin genes. This sequence was also published by another group and the primers were therefore supposed to be homologous ones. We have now sequenced our PCR product: although it was amplified with primers chosen from a chicken sequence, it is neither homologous to the published leptin sequence, nor to any other sequence in Genebank/EMBL databases. Therefore, the amplimer we have localised can not be considered as a part of the chicken leptin gene.
Some thoughts on research in multiple criteria decision making

Our field of management science or operations research (I will use the names interchangeably) is roughly 40 years old. Strictly speaking, the beginnings may be found during World War II, but our two flagship journals (Management Science and Operations Research) are approaching their 40th birthdays. Though the fields have generally developed nicely, all has not been smooth sailing. Roughly 20 years ago I recall hearing a number of OR/MS pundits present papers at national and international meetings on the moribundity of our field. There were doomsayers who feared the death of the field! Yet from both theoretical and practical perspectives, operations research is not only alive and well today, but it is hale and hardy. The com~tition for the society prizes, the Edelman Awards for excellence in application of the management sciences, the Lanchester Prize, and other awards are highly sought after and are awarded, in my opinion, to better and better projects each year. Multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) is an important subfield of operations research. It has its roots in early work in management science. For example, goal programming as introduced by Charnes and Cooper [l] was an early MCDM approach. The work of Herbert Simon [2] on bounded rationality may be thought of as part of MCDM. Also, it probably helped motivate the development of goal programming.
The influences of size, sex and temperature on the toxicity of mercury to two species of crayfishes

The accumulation and toxicity of mercury chloride on crayfish was found to be dependent on species, size, sex and most importantly, temperature. Toxicity appears to be less during colder periods than warmer due probably to lowered metabolism. These results indicate the need for caution when examining metal toxicity if temperature, size and sex are not held constant.
Methodology for using prompt gamma activation analysis to measure the binary diffusion coefficient of a gas in a porous medium

Abstract Diffusion plays a critical role in determining the rate at which gases migrate through porous systems. Accurate estimates of diffusion coefficients are essential if gas transport is to be accurately modeled and better techniques are needed that can be used to measure these coefficients non-invasively. Here we present a novel method for using prompt gamma activation analysis to determine the binary diffusion coefficients of a gas in a porous system. Argon diffusion experiments were conducted in a 1 m long, 10 cm diameter, horizontal column packed with a SiO 2 sand. The temporal variation of argon concentration within the system was measured using prompt gamma activation analysis. The binary diffusion coefficient was obtained by comparing the experimental data with the predictions from a numerical model in which the diffusion coefficient was varied until the sum of square errors between experiment and model data was minimized. Predictions of argon concentration using the optimal diffusivity fit experimental measurements with an R 2 of 0.983.
Developing appropriate measures of the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is growing in popularity and consumes increasing amounts of resources. Economic evaluations such as cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) are intended to inform decision-makers about the relative efficiency of different interventions, including CAM. To be generalizable, economic evaluations should use the same metric to assess health benefits – e.g. quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). However, the recurrent conditions for which CAM is typically used suggest that the health benefits of CAM will manifest themselves primarily as quality-of-life improvements that appear in CEA as 'utilities' attached to health states. Therefore, appropriate utility measures will be critical to the production of valid CEAs of CAM therapies. Some economists assert that the process of health care, as well as its outcome, can contribute to patient utility. This essay argues that process utility is especially relevant to CAM; accurate assessment of process utility will be important to val...
WE-E-M100F-03: Improving Soft Tissue Contrast in Megavoltage Cone-Beam CT Images for Adaptive Radiotherapy

Purpose: To investigate image quality improvement in Megavoltage Cone‐Beam CT (MV‐CBCT) images using image filtering techniques for adaptive radiotherapy (ART) protocols. MV‐CBCT imaging is often used for daily patient localization. However, soft tissuecontrast in MV‐CBCT images is limited and accurate delineation of targets and organs‐at‐risk is sometimes challenging. Image post‐processing with advanced image filtering techniques can improve the quality without the need to increase the dose exposure for the imaging procedure. Method and Materials: MV‐CBCT images of two image‐quality phantoms and of patients with prostate cancer were post‐processed using noise‐reducing, edge‐preserving image filters. On the phantom images, the contrast‐to‐noise ratio and the spatial resolution before and after filtering were evaluated. The improvement in image quality for the prostate patients was qualitatively judged by physicians based on the ability to delineate the prostate, rectum, bladder and seminal‐vesicle volumes. The optimal combination of MV‐CBCT delivery protocols with different patient doses and filtering techniques was determined for online and offline ART protocols. Results: Using an edge‐preserving noise‐reducing curvature flow image filter, the quality of MV‐CBCT images was improved. The contrast‐to‐noise ratio on the phantoms was improved by up to 30%, while maintaining the spatial resolution. Although the raw cone‐beam image quality of the prostate patients was sufficient for patient treatment localization, the ability to contour anatomical structures was increased on the post‐processed images.Conclusion: Using advanced filtering tools for MV‐CBCT images can improve the image quality, especially soft‐tissue contrast. This allows delineation of organs not clearly visible on the raw images. The tools are potentially beneficial for deformable registration of MV‐CBCT images with planning CTs, for monitoring the delivered dose to targets and organs‐at‐risk, and for ART protocols. Finally using protocols with lower exposure, patient dose from daily imaging procedures can be reduced.
Global convergence of a blind multichannel identification algorithm

In this paper, we propose an adaptive algorithm for blind identification of single-input multiple-output (SIMO) systems. The algorithm consists of p-1 parallel recursive estimators, where p is the number of system outputs. We analyze the normalized least-mean square (NLMS) estimator, and the weighted recursive least-squares (WRLS) algorithm. It is proved that parameter estimates converge toward a scalar multiple of the true parameters with probability one. The value of the scaling factor is calculated. Numerically simple p-1 parallel NLMS recursions are potential candidate for real-time blind identification applications.
Detailed study of the nuclear dependence of the EMC effect and short-range correlations

Background: The density of the nucleus has been important in explaining the nuclear dependence of the quark distributions, also known as the EMC effect, as well as the presence of high-momentum nucleons arising from short-range correlations (SRCs). Recent measurements of both of these effects on light nuclei have shown a clear deviation from simple density-dependent models. Purpose: A better understanding of the nuclear quark distributions and short-range correlations requires a careful examination of the experimental data on these effects to constrain models that attempt to describe these phenomena. Methods: We present a detailed analysis of the nuclear dependence of the EMC effect and the contribution of SRCs in nuclei, comparing to predictions and simple scaling models based on different pictures of the underlying physics. We also make a direct, quantitative comparison of the two effects to further examine the connection between these two observables related to nuclear structure. Results: We find that, with the inclusion of the new data on light nuclei, neither of these observables can be well explained by common assumptions for the nuclear dependence. The anomalous behavior of both effects in light nuclei is consistent with the idea that the EMC effect is driven by either themore » presence of high-density configurations in nuclei or the large virtuality of the high-momentum nucleons associated with these configurations. Conclusions: The unexpected nuclear dependence in the measurements of the EMC effect and SRC contributions appear to suggest that the local environment of the struck nucleon is the most relevant quantity for explaining these results. The common behavior suggests a connection between the two seemingly disparate phenomena, but the data do not yet allow for a clear preference between models which aim to explain this connection.« less
Genetic Determinants of Arterial Stiffness

Stiffness of large arteries (called arteriosclerosis) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although previous studies have shown that arterial stiffness is moderately heritable, genetic factors contributing to arterial stiffness are largely unknown. In this paper, we reviewed the available literature on genetic variants that are potentially related to arterial stiffness. Most variants have shown mixed depictions of their association with arterial stiffness across multiple studies. Various methods to measure arterial stiffness at different arterial sites can contribute to these inconsistent results. In addition, studies in patient populations with hypertension or atherosclerosis may overestimate the impact of genetic variants on arterial stiffness. Future studies are recommended to standardize current measures of arterial stiffness in different age groups. Studies conducted in normal healthy subjects may also provide better opportunities to find novel genetic variants of arterial stiffness.
The development of a spectral-spatial classifier for earth observational data

Over the last several years a classifier for earth observational image data has been under development intended to achieve improved performance by utilizing spatial characteristics of the data as an adjunct to multispectral properties. The paper provides an overview of the conception, development, evaluation and documentation of this spectral-spatial classifier. The research program leading to this classifier is described, the algorithms of the current implementation called ECHO are outlined, and results on its performance are summarized. These results show improved accuracy, with greater computation efficiency, and only slightly increased operator complexity.
Transmitting Methods of Conflict Resolution from Parents to Children: A Replication and Comparison of Blacks and Whites, Males and Females.

This study is an attempt to replicate a study of conflict resolution in the family by Steinmetz (1977). Her model indicates that husband and wife set the pattern for conflict resolution and this pattern is used in their resolution of conflict with their children and modeled by their children in their conflict resolution with each other. In addition, the variables of race and sex are introduced The Conflict Tactics Scale was administered to students on two college campuses. The results agree with the Steinmetz study with one exception. The patterns of conflict resolution are similar for blacks and whites with one exception and there are several disimilarities between males and females relative to conflict resolution. When racial and sexual comparisons are made. the results indicate that the transmission of patterns for conflict resolution are not adopted by children in their sibling relationships.
Acoustical measurements of expression devices in pipe organs.

In this investigation, three different swell systems known in pipe organs, the swell box, the crescendo wheel, and the historic wind swell were measured and compared to each other. The dynamic range of the crescendo wheel was found to be most effective, and for frequencies near 2kHz the increase in sound pressure level could be up to 50dB between the softest and the loudest adjustment. The maximum dynamic range for the wind swell and the swell box were found to be 10–20dB in the same frequency range. With its step-wise crescendo procedure, the crescendo wheel simulates the type of orchestra crescendo which is reached by successively adding further musical instruments. In contrast, the swell box and the wind swell produce a crescendo effect similar to the crescendo in which individual musical instruments perform a dynamic movement. This type of crescendo requires a continuous level increase but allows a smaller dynamic range. The disappearance of the wind swell is not surprising because it offers no advant...
Change in Na, K-ATPase activity of Rana catesbeiana tadpole epidermal tissue during thyroxine-induced metamorphosis.

The effect of accelerating metamorphosis with two different doses of L-thyroxine on the epidermal ATPase activity of Rana catesbeiana tadpoles was examined. Na, KATPase activity progressively increased in epidermis of tadpoles treated with 10ng/ml of thyroxine and at the end of the experimental period the value was around 5 times the control group. In the group of tadpoles treated with 100ng/ml of thyroxine, activity of this enzyme changed more rapidly reaching values 7 times the control on the 10th day of treatment. The effect of thyroxine treatment on epidermal content of Mg-ATPase in tadpoles was considerably less than the changes noted above for Na, K-ATPase; levels after 10 days of treatment were only twice control values. In contrast to its effect in tadpoles, thyroxine treatment effected neither ATPase activity nor oxygen consumption of epidermal tissue from adult Rana pipiens frogs. From these observations it might be concluded that Na, K-ATPase activity of frog skin is specifically dependent on thyroid hormones for its initial activation (during metamorphosis) but not its subsequent control.
Transition rates of analog levels in A = 10 nuclei

Abstract A recent determination of the transition rate between the first two T = 1 levels in 10 B disagrees with the analog rates in 10 Be and 10 C. A remeasurement gives an upper limit consistent with isospin conservation. A measurement is also made of the 5.16 → 3.59 MeV transition in 10 B.
A simple method for estimating variations in the predictability of ENSO

[1] Using a linear stochastic dynamical system, we further develop a recently proposed criteria of measuring variations in the predictability of ENSO. It is found that model predictability is intrinsically related to how the initial signal variance (ISV) projects on to its eigenmode space. When the ISV is large, the corresponding prediction is found to be reliable, whereas when the ISV is small, the prediction is likely to be less reliable. This finding was validated by results from a more realistic model prediction system for the period 1964–1998. A comparison of model skill and ISV for prediction made with and without data assimilation reveals that the role of data assimilation in improving model predictability may be mainly due to a further increase of ISV. Furthermore, model skill may result mainly from a few successful predictions associated with large ISV.
On multiple-instance learning of halfspaces

In multiple-instance learning the learner receives bags, i.e., sets of instances. A bag is labeled positive if it contains a positive example of the target. An @W(dlogr) lower bound is given for the VC-dimension of bags of size r for d-dimensional halfspaces and it is shown that the same lower bound holds for halfspaces over any large point set in general position. This lower bound improves an @W(logr) lower bound of Sabato and Tishby, and it is sharp in order of magnitude. We also show that the hypothesis finding problem is NP-complete and formulate several open problems.
A unified model for slug flow in upward inclined pipes

The effect of pipe inclination on upward two-phase slug flow characteristics has been studied both experimentally and theoretically. Experimental data were acquired for the entire range of inclination angles, from horizontal to vertical. New correlations were developed for slug length and liquid holdup in the slug body as a function of inclination angle. A unified model has been developed for the prediction of slug flow behavior in upward inclined pipes. Reasonable agreement is observed between the pressure drop predicted by the model and the experimental data.
Burlington Industries: Modernize or Perish

In the 1960s, Burlington Industries was the largest textile firm in the world, and in 1973 the U. S. textile industry employed more than 1 million workers. Dynamic change came to the textile industry beginning in the 1960s, and in 2001 Burlington Industries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This case traces the dynamics of the market and the actions undertaken by Burlington executives from 1962 to 2001 in response to these changes. This case seeks to identify lessons learned that can be applied to other business-to-business industries that are currently experiencing similar forms of "creative destruction" or the need to innovate to remain successful.
Cognitive and metacognitive predictors of mathematics strategy use

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to compare the impact of second graders' metacognitive knowledge of mathematics strategies as measured in April and prior strategy use as measured in April on children's use of retrieval, min and decomposition mathematics strategies in June. After 71 second graders had solved 40 addition and subtraction problems with sums between 1 and 58, strategy use was determined through observation and through verbal report. Strategy specific metacognitive knowledge was assessed by questioning children about their strategy use. Both prevalence and correct use of the decomposition strategy increased between April and June whereas only prevalence of retrieval but not correct use of retrieval increased between April and June. Min strategy use decreased across the time period. Correlational analyses indicated that metacognition was related to emerging decomposition strategy use but not retrieval or the use of the min strategy. Only correct prior strategy use predicted June min strategy use and retrieval. It was concluded that metacognition comes into play in strategy use when a strategy is both effortful and in the process of being acquired, as was the case for the decomposition strategy, but was not influential for highly automated, less effortful strategies.
The kinetics and thermochemistry of chemical oxidation with application to combustion and flames

Abstract The chemistry, thermochemistry and kinetics of hydrocarbon oxidation is described with emphasis on the cool flame regime from 200–400°C over which the initial chemistry changes from hydroperoxide production to H 2 O 2 production. The development of cool flames in RH + O 2 mixtures is shown to be characterized by a short initial period of very slow radical production yielding RO 2 H as product which then autocatalytically accelerates its own production with propagation by RO . 2 (HO 2 )+RH → RO 2 H (HO 2 H)R′. As (RO 2 H)/(RH) exced 10 −3 , propagation is taken over by OH and (RO 2 H) reaches a stationary concentration. In these final approaches to stationary state, aldehydes which are produced along with RO 2 H act as important H donors in competition with RH and produce peroxy acids which are faster branching agents than RO 2 H. The negative temperature coefficient in the cool flame region is described kinetically and arises from a turnover in mechanism producing H 2 O 2 instead of RO 2 H. Hot ignition is briefly discussed as are liquid phase oxidation and modelling. Rate constants and thermochemical data are provided for the key steps and species.
Seven peptides derived from pro-somatostatin in rat brain.

Acid extracts of murine hypothalamic and extra-hypothalamic rat brains were analyzed by specific radioimmunoassays for the presence of somatostatin-14, somatostatin-28 and somatostatin-28(1–12)-like immunoreactivity. Seven molecular forms were observed after gel permeation chromatography. In addition to somatostatin-14, somatostatin-28 and somatostatin-28(1–12), there were two peptides of 4,400 and 7,500 mol. wt. which contained the somatostatin-28(1–12) sequence with an extension towards the NH2-terminus of pro-somatostatin. Moreover, two other peptides of 6,000 and 9,500 mol. wt. were detected containing the whole somatostatin-28 structure. These results imply that the processing of brain pro-somatostatin involves a minimum of four cleavage sites and yields at least seven peptides.
GaAs/GaAlAs integrated optoelectronic transmitter for microwave applications

A monolithically integrated optoelectronic transmitter is being developed for wideband microwave-modulated links. The transmitter is designed to operate at signal frequencies of several gigahertz. It combines a GaAs/GaAlAs ridge-waveguide laser with a GaAs MESFET driver circuit. The laser has one of its cavity mirrors formed by dry etching so that the die size of the transmitter is not limited to the laser cavity length. The single-stage driver circuit is matched to both the low impedance of the laser and the 50 (Omega) microwave input by the inclusion of reactive components. A single-growth, vertically integrated material structure is used. Potential step-coverage problems that might result from this vertical integration are avoided by the use of air-bridge connections. The submicrometer FET gates are formed by direct-write electron-beam lithography.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR ANTHOCYANINS. 5. Separation of Cranberry Phenolics by Electrophoresis and Chromatography

SUMMARY The mixed phenolics of cranberries were extracted by blending with a mixture of methanol (containing 10% water) and ethyl acetate. Anthocyanins were separated from the remainder of the phenolics by electrophoresis on paper. The part of the electropherogram bearing the anthocyanins was cut away. The remaining part of the paper was submitted to 2-dimensional chromatography. 4 well-defined spots of flavonoid glycoside were obtained.
Solitude and Relatedness: A Wily and Complex Twinship: Reply to Commentaries

This discussion responds to questions and comments made by Stefanie Solow-Glennon and Jean Wolff Bernstein. Here I further clarify different types of solitude and their connection to creativity and pathology. Many solitary individuals, creative and otherwise, are involved in a project that for them may be their most significant relationship. I speak about how culture shapes attitudes of aloneness and relationship, and I give examples from art (Frida Kahlo) and therapy (Morita Therapy) to illustrate the various functions of solitude. Finally I address ways that solitude works in therapy and how the necessary power differential places the analyst in a special place of aloneness.
Use of the quartz microbalance in the study of polyheterocycle electrosynthesis

Abstract An electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance has been used to study the anodic electropolymerization and concurrent deposition of polypyrrole onto gold in acetonitrile and propylene carbonate using tetraethylammonium tosylate, tetrabutylammonium fluoroborate, and lithium perchlorate. Simultaneous dynamic measurements of charge and mass have been used to monitor the efficiency of the polymerization/deposition process as a function of film thickness and electrodeposition rate. This work demonstrates that the early stages of film formation is affected by the solubility of the oligomers formed and that the ultimate efficiency is electrolyte dependent.
A new species of Anthodiscus (Caryocaraceae) from Choco, Colombia.

The first record ofAnthodiscus from the rain forest of Pacific coastal Colombia is the new speciesA. chocoensis which is described here. The distribution of the genus is discussed in relation to its recent discovery in both the Choco and the coastal forests of eastern Brazil.
Infrared Spectra of Infrared Detectors

Abstract Thermal detectors of infrared (IR) radiation are generally covered with a highly absorbing “black” coating in order to assure that the incident radiation is absorbed.1–3 Essentially, the black material is the prime radiation sensor which becomes warmed by the photothermal effect and in turn warms a secondary sensor or “detector.” There have consequently been ongoing efforts to devise inproved, suitable “blacks”, e.g. 4–5. The observations accompanying such work have involved measurements of the absorptive properties of the blacks, which are made independently of measurements of the electrical or other responses of the black/detector assemblies.5–7 The purpose of the present letter is to demonstrate the possibility of measuring the absorptive properties of the black in situ on the detector.
Ovarian steroidal control of connectivity in the female hippocampus: an overview of recent experimental findings and speculations on its functional consequences.

Experimental evidence accumulated over the past 5 years clearly indicates that ovarian steroids regulate the number of synapses in the rat hippocampal CA1 region. When estradiol levels are high such as during proestrus and ovulation, the number of synapses is high; when estradiol levels are low such as during estrus, the number of synapses is low. Here we address three questions that are frequently raised by these phasic fluctuations in synapse number in a brain region to which cognitive functions are classically attributed. First, what neuronal signals might produce the changes in synapse number? Second, how are the hippocampal functions of memory encoding and cognitive mapping affected by fluctuating levels of ovarian steroids? Third, for mammals in general, what might be the ecological/cognitive significance of such changes? In this last section, we integrate some of the relevant human and rodent cognitive/behavioral literature and propose a hypothesis. Namely, by altering its quantitative connectivity, the female hippocampus is optimized for different cognitive/behavioral functions when the female is sexually receptive and ovarian steroid levels are high rather than when she is not receptive and steroid levels are low. The hippocampus thus shifts its optimal computational functions across the estrous/menstrual cycle. Hippocampus 7:239–245, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Law, Political Reconstruction and Constitutional Politics

The purpose of this introductory article is to put the constitutional reconstruction that followed the collapse of Communism in 1989 in historical and macrosociological perspective. The `new constitutionalism' is considered the novel feature of the post-1989 transition to democracy, and is analytically contrasted with the old constitutionalism and the classic idea of rule of law, and with the ideological constitution-making of the intervening era. The role of constitutional courts as the typical institution of the new constitutionalism is highlighted. The concept of `constitutional politics' is developed to throw light on the process of political reconstruction, and the variation in its interface with the law is considered along a spectrum ranging from the `judicialization of politics' to the `politicization of the judiciary'. Contemporary constitutional regimes are compared with respect to their distance from ideological politico-legal regimes, the extent to which the emergency powers of the head of the ...
The Novel Synthesis of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 Using the Michael-Addition Directed Hydrogelation of Acrylates for Materials Synthesis (MADHAMS) Method

This report describes the low-temperature synthesis of nanocrystalline perovskite oxide, La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSM), using the ammonium acrylate salt precursor gel method that employs 3,3‘,3‘ ‘-nitrilotripropionic acid (NTP) as the gelling agent. Due to its high degree of hydrogen bonding with water, NTP can absorb many times its own weight of water to yield a viscous liquid. Subsequent pyrolysis converts the mixture to the desired metal oxides. This preparative method has several advantages such as homogeneity, excellent control of stoichiometry, ease of handling, lower heating times and temperatures, and the production of uniform particle size and distribution. The synthesis of the LSM is achieved in as little as 10 hours (400 °C) with uniform distribution of particles that are 25 nm in size.
Integrating Proactive and Reactive Approaches for Robust Real-Time Data Services

Real-time data services are needed in data-intensive real-time applications such as e-commerce or traffic control. However, it is challenging to support real-time data services, if workloads dynamically change based on the market or traffic status. To enhance the quality of real-time data services even in the presence of dynamic workloads, feedback control theory has been applied. However, a major drawback of feedback control is that it only reacts to performance errors. To improve the robustness of real-time data services, we develop a statistical feed-forward approach that proactively adapts the incoming load, if necessary, to support the desired real-time data service delay. Further, we integrate it with a feedback controller to compensate potential prediction errors and adjust the system behavior in a reactive manner for timely data services. Performance evaluation results acquired in our real-time data service testbed show that our integrated approach considerably reduces the average delay and transient delay fluctuations, while improving throughput compared to the tested baselines including the feed-forward-only and feedback-only approaches.
Beta 2 adrenergic receptor polymorphisms in cystic fibrosis.

There has been a recent emphasis on identifying modifier genes that influence the severity of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. The beta-2-adrenergic receptor is expressed on airway smooth muscle, is the target for inhaled beta agonists, and has several common polymorphisms in its gene, ADRB2. Polymorphisms changing glycine to arginine or glutamate to glutamine in codons 16 and 27, respectively, were associated with differences in clinical response to inhaled beta agonists in individuals with asthma. We compared acute airway responsiveness and 5-year decline in pulmonary function in CF patients with different ADRB2 genotypes. One hundred and six subjects performed spirometry before and after the administration of an inhaled bronchodilator, and had ADRB2 genotype determined for codons 16 and 27. Comparing the percent change in FEV1 and FEF25–75 continuously revealed differences in the degree of airway responsiveness to bronchodilator between ADRB2-genotyped groups. However, there was no significant relationship between the ADRB2 genotype at positions 16 and 27 and bronchodilator response when defined as 12% improvement in FEV1. Five-year decline in percent predicted FEV1 showed no association with ADRB2 genotype. These data are consistent with variants of the ADRB2 gene having different responses to bronchodilator, but the long-term effects, if any, are not apparent over a 5-year period. Pediatr Pulmonol © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Economics of Consumer Class Actions

The consumer class action has been hailed as the ultimate consumer remedy. It permits economies of scale in some legal proceedings which may benefit the consumer. Moreover, government agencies will not ordinarily bring suit on behalf of one of these consumers but they will, in some cases, sue on behalf of the class. In the case of a harmful commodity, if a class action is successfully adjudicated disutility is lowered for those harmed and social benefits (i.e., collective benefits) may accrue in some measure to those for whom damage was averted. Whether in the short run or the extent to which in the long run prices will be increased as a result of the adjudication of a class action depends upon the degree of competition in the market in which the producing firm operates and on the level and elasticity of the relevant supply and demand curves for the product subsequent to the suit. Even without suit being brought the effect of the threat posed by the availability of the consumer class action will be a shift to a higher quality of product and more non-price competition on the basis of quality or at least a reduction of fraud and of harmful product attributes. The overall effect of the class action being available as a legal tool should be a better performing market and better performing agencies serving the consumer. Though consumer economic welfare will not always be increased through the use of the class action, its increased use is important if we are to have a more equitable economy.
Successful treatment of distal coronary guidewire-induced perforation with balloon catheter delivery of intracoronary thrombin.

Distal coronary artery perforation with a coronary guidewire is a relatively rare but potentially fatal complication during PTCA. Historically, these types of perforations have been easy to control with reversal of heparin anticoagulation combined with prolonged distal balloon inflation. In the modern era, with widespread use of potent glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, this type of distal wire perforation has become more difficult to manage and potentially lethal. In this article, we report two cases of guidewire-related distal coronary artery perforation, successfully treated using a new technique using localized, distal intracoronary thrombin injection. During prolonged low-pressure balloon inflation, a small dose of thrombin was injected just proximal to the wire perforation site via the lumen of a coronary balloon catheter. This approach appears to be a relatively rapid and effective way to control this troublesome complication.
Extrinsic Gettering of Copper in Silicon: Heterogeneous Precipitation on Near-Surface Dislocations

Copper was precipitated on extrinsic near-surface dislocations in {100} Si wafers. Several types of precipitates were heterogeneously nucleated on low index planar arrays. Large crystalline precipitates with visible strain fields proved to bea silicide. Large weakly diffracting precipitates without strain fields proved to be voids. Small, thin, partially crystalline particles of unknown composition also precipitated on the arrays. Point defects played an important role in the precipitation reaction.
How Teacher Education Matters

Despite longstanding criticisms of teacher education, the weight of substantial evidence indicates that teachers who have had more preparation for teaching are more confident and successful with students than those who have had little or none. Recent evidence also indicates that reforms of teacher education creating more tightly integrated programs with extended clinical preparation interwoven with coursework on learning and teaching produce teachers who are both more effective and more likely to enter and stay in teaching. An important contribution of teacher education is its development of teachers’abilities to examine teaching from the perspective of learners who bring diverse experiences and frames of reference to the classroom.
A silicon micromachined four-pole linear phase filter

A 27-GHz four-pole linear phase filter constructed of micromachined cavities in silicon is presented. The structure of the filter consists of four side-by-side horizontally oriented cavities, which are coupled in turn by evanescent waveguide sections with three direct-couplings and one cross-coupling between the first and fourth cavity resonators. The cavities are reduced-height waveguide resonators and are fed by microstrip lines through slot apertures. A time-domain tuning technique is employed to improve the efficiency of the design synthesis. The measured results are presented and compared to those predicted by a finite-element-method model. The simulated filter response has a bandwidth of 2.2% centered at 27.480 GHz with an insertion loss of 1.4 dB at that frequency. The measured performance indicates a 1.9% bandwidth centered at 27.604 GHz with a deembedded insertion loss of 1.6 dB at that frequency and a measured unloaded Q of 1465.
Comparison of Local Twitch Responses Elicited by Palpitation and Needling of Myofascial Trigger Points

Objectives: To compare local twitch responses [LTRs] that are produced by manual snapping palpation to those produced by needle penetration of myofascial trigger points [TrPs]. Methods: One hundred and five LTRs were recorded electromyographically from 13 TrPs in 13 muscles and 9 subjects. Sixty-four LTRs were elicited by snapping palpation and forty-one by subsequently inserting a monopolar electromyographic [EMG] probe needle repeatedly into the same TrP region. The electrical activity of an LTR was recorded from a response EMG needle inserted 4 cm from the TrP in the same palpable taut band and with snapping palpation also from a surface electrode overlying the response needle electrode. Results: The EMG characteristics of the LTRs elicited by needle insertion and those elicited by snapping palpation were not significantly different in the mean number of discharges per LTR, mean duration, or discharge density. Conclusions: At the level of detail examined in this study, no indication of a difference was...
K-Class Estimators: The Optimum Normalization for Finite Samples

Abstract Frequently, in estimating an equation, one is interested in a particular set of normalized coefficients. There is still a normalization problem, however, for if an equation contains m 1 endogenous variables, there are m 1 ways to estimate the same coefficients. The purpose of this article is to determine the optimum normalization for finite samples. Restricting the analysis to k-class estimators and employing Kadane's small sample technique [9], let p 2 i denote the correlation coefficient between the ith endogenous variable and the disturbance. Then, measuring “endogenousness” by p 2 i , this article shows that subject to several important qualifications, one should normalize on the most endogenous variable.
Three-stage least-squares estimation for a system of simultaneous, nonlinear, implicit equations

Abstract The article describes a nonlinear three-stage least-squares estimator for the parameters of a system of simultaneous, nonlinear, implicit equations; the method allows the estimation of these parameters subject to nonlinear parametric restrictions across equations. The estimator is shown to be strongly consistent, asymptotically normally distributed, and more efficient than the nonlinear two-stage least-squares estimator. Some practical implications of the regularity conditions used to obtain these results are discussed from the point of view of one whose interest is in applications, Also, computing methods using readily available nonlinear regression programs are described.