cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Twins and phase transitions in sodium tungsten bronze

Abstract A temperature range over which a twinned phase exists has been found for single crystals of sodium tungsten bronze, Na x WO 3 , for x greater than 0.5. Both the upper and lower temperature limits of this phase vary as a function of the sodium content. The twinned phase is birefringent and its optical behavior can be described in terms of a tetragonal cell with c a slightly less than one. The untwinned phase is not birefringent. The transformation at both temperatures is comparable to the cubictetragonal inversion in BaTiO 3 at 120°C.
Climate change perceptions and energy-use decisions in Northern Sweden

Abstract Lay perceptions of global climate change were examined in the Swedish town of Umea. Interviews revealed that some residents believed temperatures were becoming warmer, but few perceived linkages between the threat of global climate change and energy use. The desire to reduce household expenditure motivated conservation measures more than concerns about environmental issues. The greenhouse effect was confused with the issue of stratospheric ozone depletion and reductions in the use of aerosol cans were judged to be appropriate policy responses to the threat of greenhouse warming.
Telerehabilitation and its effect on story retelling by adults with neurogenic communication disorders

Background: Telerehabilitation (telerehab) is the method of using technology to provide rehabilitation services at a distance. The concept of delivering remote speech‐language pathology (SLP) services using telerehab tools and techniques has been acknowledged for more than 25 years. While research has demonstrated videoconference‐based telerehab to be a feasible, effective, and appropriate method for providing SLP services to a broad range of clients, studies have been primarily limited to technical feasibility or demonstration projects with relatively small sample sizes. There is an expressed need in the literature for controlled, randomised studies that track both quantitative outcomes of services delivered via telerehab as well as qualitative measures of satisfaction. Aims: The purpose of the study was to measure performance of adults with acquired brain injury on a standardised SLP assessment conducted in both face‐to‐face (FF) and videoconference‐based telerehab (T) settings. The objective was to det...
WE DON'T CARE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED, WE ONLY CARE ABOUT WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN: LAWYER-CLIENT NEGOTIATIONS OF REALITY*

When a person in trouble seeks help from a professional, one of the first tasks is to define the situation. A definition includes a description of what happened, an evaluation of what ought to happen, and a prescription for what is going to happen. Definitions are negotiated between the helper and the client, and relative power over the negotiation process reflects power over the resulting definition. The author observed initial interviews between lawyers in a legal-services-for the-poor program and their clients in order to discover relative degrees of power and describe the process of exercising control in professional-client relations. Paralinguistic aspects of exchanges, floor control (control over the timing of utterances) and topic control (control over the topic of conversation) were coded. Follow-up data on lawyers' perceptions of clients and the degree of effort expended by lawyers were collected. Lawyers exercised considerable control with little variance between lawyers in the sample. Clients differed in their persistence in attempting to control the definition that emerged during the encounters. The lawyers perceived persistent clients to be hostile, but expended more effort on their cases. The lawyers' control over the definition reflects an orientation toward highly standardized legal and organization remedies. The lawyers' emphasis on “what is going to happen” led to their attempts to fit the definition of “what happened” into predetermined categories. A division of control resulted with lawyers exclusively controlling what, if anything would be done, while clients exercised more control over when and how much would be done.
Discovery and biological evaluation of benzo[a]carbazole-based small molecule agonists of the thrombopoietin (Tpo) receptor.

Abstract A novel series of benzo[a]carbazole-based small molecule agonists of the thrombopoietin (Tpo) receptor is reported. Starting from a 3.4 μM high throughput screen hit, members of this series have been identified which are full agonists with functional potency
An alternate synthesis of levetiracetam

Abstract Development of a new strategy for the synthesis of levetiracetam 1 is described. This strategy involves solvent-free condensation, metal-catalyzed oxidation, and amidation. Solvent-free condensation and metal-catalyzed oxidation make this synthesis a more eco-friendly alternative for the synthesis of levetiracetam.
Interference Blanker for Dissimilar Modified Huffman Sequences

There are many pulse-coded sequence solutions for a pulse compression design that are available from D. A. Huffman's polynomial approach. If a sequence of length 13 is considered then there are 122 independent sequence solutions for the autocorrelation function of design. Out of this diversity of possible solutions some will be usable because pulse train energy utilization is high. The components of any chosen sequence possess different amplitude and phase excitation values which could be implemented by today's technology. In this paper an "interference blanker" is defined as a device that permits simultaneous operation of two or more pulse compression equipments so that there is no suppression of range resolution accuracy. The pulse compression decoder for the modified D. A. Huffman impulse-equivalent pulse trains is shown to be an " interference blanker" because the cross-correlation function between any two usable sequence solutions shows great variation from the autocorrelation function of design. Because in a practical implementation, there is a limit to the time sidelobe reduction that can be accomplished, D. A. Huffman's zero time sidelobe condition is modified. As an example, the ten most favorable sequence solutions for the time sidelobe level of 32.3 dB and a sequence length 13 are studied.
Firing pattern of neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius: modulation by membrane hyperpolarization

Neurons in the ventral region of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of guinea pigs were studied using an in vitro brainstem slice preparation. One group of neurons was characterized electrophysiologically by a delay between the onset of a depolarizing stimulus and the first spike. This delay could be as large as 760 ms and was modulated by the membrane potential level preceding the stimulus. The firing rate during the depolarizing stimulus was also modulated by the preceding membrane potential level. A fast transient outward current, similar to A-current in molluscan neurons, appeared to be responsible for the delay in firing while a slower calcium-activated potassium current affected the firing rate. These data suggest that intrinsic membrane properties may play an important role in determining the firing pattern of NTS neurons. In vivo, inhibitory synaptic inputs could modulate the expression of these intrinsic properties during subsequent excitation.
Biomechanical and structural response of healing Achilles tendon to fatigue loading following acute injury.

Achilles tendon injuries affect both athletes and the general population, and their incidence is rising. In particular, the Achilles tendon is subject to dynamic loading at or near failure loads during activity, and fatigue induced damage is likely a contributing factor to ultimate tendon failure. Unfortunately, little is known about how injured Achilles tendons respond mechanically and structurally to fatigue loading during healing. Knowledge of these properties remains critical to best evaluate tendon damage induction and the ability of the tendon to maintain mechanical properties with repeated loading. Thus, this study investigated the mechanical and structural changes in healing mouse Achilles tendons during fatigue loading. Twenty four mice received bilateral full thickness, partial width excisional injuries to their Achilles tendons (IACUC approved) and twelve tendons from six uninjured mice were used as controls. Tendons were fatigue loaded to assess mechanical and structural properties simultaneously after 0, 1, 3, and 6 weeks of healing using an integrated polarized light system. Results showed that the number of cycles to failure decreased dramatically (37-fold, p<0.005) due to injury, but increased throughout healing, ultimately recovering after 6 weeks. The tangent stiffness, hysteresis, and dynamic modulus did not improve with healing (p<0.005). Linear regression analysis was used to determine relationships between mechanical and structural properties. Of tendon structural properties, the apparent birefringence was able to best predict dynamic modulus (R2=0.88–0.92) throughout healing and fatigue life. This study reinforces the concept that fatigue loading is a sensitive metric to assess tendon healing and demonstrates potential structural metrics to predict mechanical properties.
High-resolution LEED profile analysis and diffusion barrier estimation for submonolayer homoepitaxy of Ag/Ag(100)

We present a high-resolution low-energy electron diffraction study of two-dimensional island distributions formed by depositing 0.3 ML of Ag on Ag(100). The substrate temperature ranged between 170 and 295 K. From the ring structure or ``splitting'' of the diffraction profiles, we determine the behavior of the spatial correlation length characterizing the island distribution. The precise relationship between this correlation length and the mean island separation is also determined via an analysis of kinematic diffraction from island distributions in a realistic model of nucleation and growth. Resulting estimates of this separation are consistent with those based on results from a previous scanning tunneling microscopy study at 295 K. From the Arrhenius behavior of the correlation length, we estimate a terrace diffusion barrier for Ag on Ag(100) of $0.40$ $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04\mathrm{eV},$ with a vibrational prefactor of about $3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{13}{\mathrm{s}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}.$
Risk factors for perinatal and postnatal mortality in lambs

Factors associated with preweaning mortality in lambs were identified by developing risk profiles with logistic regressions for perinatal and postnatal mortality. Compared with heavy lambs, lambs of low birth weight had almost twice the risk of perinatal mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 1.9) and lambs of average weight had a slightly lower risk (OR = 0.7). Two of four lambing location categories affected perinatal mortality, with lambs born at unmonitored areas at greatest risk (OR = 2.7). Multiple births increased the risk of perinatal mortality (OR = 1.5), especially among Targhee lambs (OR = 4.0). Breed variations in perinatal mortality were significant in Suffolk lambs (OR = 1.9) and Booroola Rambouillet lambs (OR = 2.1). Lambs born weak had an increased risk of postnatal mortality while strong lambs had a decreased risk (OR = 3.7 and 0.6, respectively) if the dam had an adequate milk supply. Poor milk supply increased the risk of postnatal mortality for lambs of average vigour (OR = 3.3), but did not change the risk for weak or strong lambs. Male lambs castrated at 30 days of age were at less risk of postnatal mortality (OR = 0.3) than females. There were slight increases in the risk of postnatal mortality for intact males (OR = 1.3), low birth weight lambs (OR = 1.6), and lambs born in sheds (OR = 1.3). Suffolk lambs (OR = 1.8) and Targhee lambs (OR = 1.6) had a higher risk of postweaning mortality.
Relationships between determinants of hospital quality management and service quality performance—a path analytic model

The purpose of quality management in hospitals is to establish a system that measures and manages patient care in a way that provides the optimal care for all patients. This study empirically explores the relationship between hospital quality management and service quality performance for a sample of US community hospitals using a path analytic model. The research reveals strong relationships between hospital service quality performance and the analysis of service process and workforce development. The data also indicate that medical technology investment alone does not contribute to a significant improvement in hospital service quality. It is the analysis of the health service process information collected using advanced technology that considerably contributes to health service quality improvement. In addition, the study shows that organizational cooperation, workforce development, medical technology investment, and information/process analysis mediate the relationship between health service quality and top management leadership.
The association of time of day and serum testosterone concentration in a large screening population

Authors from the USA reviewed semen samples for their National Prostate Cancer Awareness screening programme. They evaluated semen testosterone levels at various times during the day, depending on when the person attended for screening. In this study, they found that testosterone levels in older men remain stable throughout the morning and early afternoon, and declined only moderately after that. Further case control studies have been suggested to confirm this finding. In a study from the UK, changes to PSA screening programmes, such as lowering the threshold or incorporating reflex PSA tests, have been looked at, particularly their impact on programme performance characteristics. The authors found that such changes will increase the number of biopsies and the number of cancers detected, but the authors question whether this will improve treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVE To assess testosterone patterns during clinical hours in a large population of men participating in a national screening programme for prostate cancer, as the effect of time of day on serum testosterone concentration is unclear and largely reported in small studies. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Testosterone levels were measured in 3006 men attending the national Prostate Cancer Awareness Week screening programme. Blood samples were obtained between 06.00 and 18.00 hours, whenever men presented for screening. All men completed questionnaires on age, comorbidities, height and weight. Testosterone levels were compared based on four periods, i.e. T1, 06.00–10.00 (632 men), T2, 10.00–12.00 (812), T3, 12.00–14.00 (388), and T4, 14.00–18.00 hours (1174). RESULTS The mean (sd, range) age of the men was 60.3 (9.9, 40–94) years and the mean (sd) testosterone level was 415.2 (190.9) ng/dL. There was no change in mean (sd) testosterone levels over T1, T2 and T3, at 444.9 (206.2), 433.5 (195.8) and 434.4 (181.2) ng/dL, respectively, but levels at T4, at 380.4 (176.4) ng/dL, were lower by ≈ 13% (P < 0.05). Advancing age, diabetes and obesity were associated with lower testosterone levels. The percentage of men with biochemical hypogonadism (<300 ng/dL) did not change across all four periods. CONCLUSIONS Testosterone levels in older men are stable throughout the morning and early afternoon, declining only modestly thereafter. Further case-controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Analysis of onset location, laterality and propagation of cataplexy in canine narcolepsy.

Hypocretin deficiency is involved in most cases of human narcolepsy. Although cataplexy is pathognomonic of narcolepsy, mechanisms of induction of cataplexy are largely unknown. Patterns of occurrence of cataplectic attacks (i.e. onset location, laterality, and propagation of attacks) in hypocretin receptor 2-mutated narcoleptic Dobermans were characterized in order to understand the basic mechanism of this abnormal sleep-related atonia. Most cataplexy attacks were bilateral (98%) and were initiated in the hind legs (80%). Progression of attacks was also seen (49%) and atonia during propagation was most often bilateral (94%). Involvement of abnormal inactivation of bilateral pathways to the spinal motoneurones due to a deficiency in hypocretin neurotransmission is suggested in the occurrence of cataplexy.
Single Photon Imaging At High Energies With Electronic Collimation

In an effort to overcome limitations of conventional collimation for imaging high energy (>300 keV) single photon emitters, studies were conducted to measure the performance parameters of an electronically collimated gamma camera for imaging a Cs-137 source at 662 keV. In addition to theoretical computations, coincident counts from a point, line and disk source of Cs-137 were acquired with a prototype system to investigate the resolution and sensitivity characteristics. The results show that, unlike conventional collimation, the performance of an electronically collimated system improves with energy, thereby enabling efficient imaging at high energies.
Adolescent behavior and achievement, social capital, and the timing of geographic mobility.

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between geographic mobility and adolescent academic achievement and behavior problems. Specifically, it addresses how the effects of moving differ by age and how social capital moderates the impact of moving on children (aged 6 to 15). Children's behavior problems and academic achievement test scores were compared across four survey waves of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006) and matched to data from their mothers’ reports from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979. The findings indicate that the negative behavioral effects of geographic mobility on adolescents are most pronounced for individuals relocating to a new city, county, or state as opposed to those moving locally (i.e., within the same city). Furthermore, as suggested by a life-course perspective, the negative effects of moving on behavior problems decrease as children get older. The results also show that several social capital factors moderate the effects of moving on behavior but not achievement.
Defective Thyroid Hormone Action in Fibroblasts Cultured from Subjects with the Syndrome of Resistance to Thyroid Hormones

Two preadolescent girls and their mother with the syndrome of central and peripheral resistance to thyroid hormones are reported. The sisters had goiters, high radioiodine uptakes, high plasma levels of thyroid hormones, normal TSH levels, and brisk increases in TSH after TRH administration, but had no clinical evidence of thyrotoxicosis. The mother, who had undergone partial thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy, presented with mild hypothyroid symptoms, normal thyroid hormone levels, and a high TSH level. On T4 treatment, her TSH fell toward normal, and thyroid levels became elevated without thyrotoxic symptoms. Special studies were performed with cultured skin fibroblasts. T3 stimulated low density lipoprotein receptor activity in cells from normal subjects, but failed to do so in fibroblasts form the three patients, indicating that their fibroblasts had a defective response to T3. However, after incubation of fibroblasts with labeled T3, no abnormalities in the binding capacity or affinity of nuclei were observed. These findings suggest that in this family, the thyroid hormone resistance demonstrable in vivo and in vitro results from a cellular defect at a site other than at the nuclear binding site.
Microsomal deacetylation of ring-hydroxylated 2-(acetylamino)fluorene isomers: effect of ring position and molecular mechanics considerations.

Metabolism of arylamides such as 2-(acetylamino)fluorene to mutagenic products is catalyzed by various liver microsomal and cytosolic enzymes. Deacylation is believed to be a deactivating pathway, and the activity of the microsomal deacetylase toward N-hydroxy-2-AAF is exceedingly greater than toward the parent 2-AAF. Another deactivating pathway is cytochrome P450-catalyzed ring hydroxylation. We have studied the effect of ring hydroxyl substitution on the activity of the liver microsomal deacetylase from Aroclor 1254-treated rats in vitro. The deacetylase activity was generally decreased toward ring-hydroxylated derivatives in the order of 2AAF ≈ 1-OH-AAF > 3-OH-AAF > 7-OH-AAF > 5-OH-AAF ≈ 9-OH-AAF. The difference in activity between 2-AAF and 5-OH- and 9-OH-AAF was about eightfold. Molecular mechanics calculations reveal that structural and geometrical parameters are more important than the energies associated with the different isomers. We show that the greater the distance of the hydroxyl group on the fluorenyl ring structure from the acetylamino group, the slower the rate of deacetylation. The difference in reactivity between the 1-hydroxy-2-AAF and the other hydroxy-2-AAF isomers is due to the lack of planarity of the 1-hydroxy isomer as compared to the essentially planar configuration of the other isomers. The relative contribution of microsomal ring hydroxylation and deacetylation to detoxification of arylamides remains to be established. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biochem Toxicol 13: 279–286, 1999
Theory of a semiconductor laser

This paper summarizes a simple single-mode theory of a semiconductor laser and two kinds of multimode extensions. The theories are based on an quasi-equilibrium Fermi-Dirac model of a two-band semiconductor laser gain medium. We include cavity boundary conditions and find the laser single-mode steady-state oscillation intensity. The question as to when sidemodes can build up leads to consideration of a theory of multiwave mixing in the semiconductor medium. This theory is also useful in saturation spectroscopy and phase conjugation using such media, but it does not predict the saturation behavior of the sidemodes. We mention a third-order multimode theory of the laser that allows for sidemode saturation and includes the many-body effects of band-gap renormalization and Coulomb enhancement. These multimode theories assume that the intermode beat frequencies are small compared to the carrier-carrier scattering rate, an assumption that should be valid for external-mirror semiconductor lasers. Using a simple model for the beat frequencies comparable to the carrier-carrier scattering rate, we find two-level inhomogeously broadened sidemode gain and coupling coefficients. Population pulsations and spectral hole burning play approximately equal roles in this theory.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Factors associated with potentially inappropriate drug utilization in a sample of rural community-dwelling older adults.

Abstract Background: Many medications present special risks when used by older adults (ie, those aged ≥65 years) and are considered potentially inappropriate for this population. The Beers criteria are often used to identify such medications. Past research has documented that use of Beers drugs is common among older adults. Objective: The aim of this work was to examine factors associated with potentially inappropriate drug use among rural community-dwelling older adults using a conceptual framework adapted from the Andersen-Newman behavioral model of health service use. Methods: This was a population-based, cross-sectional survey. Data were collected via face-to-face home interviews between 2002 and 2004. Rural community-dwelling older adults residing in a single county in North Carolina were eligible. Potentially inappropriate drug use was operationalized using the Beers criteria. Data concerning predisposing (ie, age, sex, race, education, and marital status), enabling (ie, social support and insurance status), need (ie, disability and history of major depression, hypertension, osteoarthritis, back problems, or other comorbidities), and utilization factors (ie, number of medications used) were collected. Results: Data were gathered from 892 people, with information on medication use available for 800. Two hundred thirteen of these 800 participants (26.6%) used ≥1 Beers drug. Compared with individuals who used no Beers drugs, those who used ≥1 Beers drug reported lower levels of social support (odds ratio [OR], 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90–0.99) and higher levels of disability (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.11–1.97), used more medications (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01–1.13), and were more likely to have a history of major depression (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.05–2.66), hypertension (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.07–2.33), osteoarthritis (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.09–2.29), and back problems (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.19–2.47). Conclusion: As suggested by the Andersen-Newman model, the risk of potentially inappropriate drug use is highest among those with the greatest medication needs, as evidenced by poorer health status in this sample of rural community-dwelling older patients.
A theoretical and empirical comparison of the all-or-none multilevel theory and the mixed model

Abstract Two theories for stimulus generalization in paired-associate learning (P.A.L.) are compared—the mixed model and the all-or-none multilevel theory. Both theories postulate basic all-or-none learning processes but differ in their mechanism for generalization. The mixed model postulates that generalization occurs only during responding; whereas, the multilevel theory postulates that generalization takes place during learning itself. The theories are compared on P.A.L. experiments involving lists composed of several duos of related items with similar Gibson form stimuli and identical responses. Interactions among related items are studied by considering the joint error-success process to both related items during learning. Both theories give fairly adequate accounts of this joint data; however, the multilevel theory seems the more adequate. In addition to the empirical comparison of the two theories, several theoretical relationships are also presented.
Tissue and Plasma Somatomedin-C/Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Concentrations in the Human Fetus during the First Half of Gestation

ABSTRACT: To investigate the possible role of somatomedin- C/insulin-like growth factor I (Sm-C/IGF I) in early human development, we measured this peptide by radioimmunoassay in extracts of multiple tissues and in plasma from fetuses during the first half of gestation (9-19 wk). All tissues contained Sm-C/IGF I far in excess of that which could be accounted for by Sm-C/IGF I derived from blood entrapment. Lung and intestine had the highest concentrations (166 ± 35 mU/g, n=25 and 160 ± 20 mil/ g, n=19, respectively; mean ± SEM) and liver the lowest (67 ± 16 mU/g, n=26). Plasma concentrations were 270 ± 20 mU/ml (n=20). Neither fetal weight (6-258 g) nor gestational age correlated with Sm-C/IGF I concentrations in any tissue or in plasma. These findings suggest that Sm- C/IGF I is synthesized in many human fetal tissues from as early as the 1st trimester. They also provide further evidence for an autocrine/paracrine role of this peptide growth factor.
The development of cystic embryoid bodies in vitro from clonal teratocarcinoma stem cells.

Abstract Certain clonal teratocarcinoma stem cell lines can be maintained in the undifferentiated state or can be stimulated to differentiate by a simple alteration in the culture conditions. In these cultures, differentiation occurs in a clearly definable, relatively synchronous sequence of events, as the entire cell population participates in the process of “cystic embryoid body” formation. We have studied the morphological changes that occur during this process. The pattern of development in the embryoid bodies is remarkably similar to that in normal mouse embryogenesis up to the time of formation of the third germ layer, the mesoderm. Whereas, in some embryoid bodies, mesoderm appears to form in a relatively normal manner, in most it apparently arises by a process which has not previously been described. These results are discussed in comparison with similar studies on the development of isolated mouse inner cell masses in vitro .
Subsistence productivity and hunting effort in native South America

The question of why people work more or less at various activities is an old one in anthropology and recently has surfaced in studies of native South American societies. Growing out of debates about protein scarcity, arguments have arisen over the reasons why people spend time on hunting and fishing. Some authors suggest that labor allocation and other societal features can be explained with reference to absolute minimum requirements for specific nutrients (e.g., protein). This study presents data from four native Central Brazilian societies on the time spent at various subsistence tasks and the productivity of those tasks. The evidence suggests that decisions to allocate labor to hunting and fishing are influenced more by the overall possibilities for production in an area than by the availability of animal proteins alone. Satisfaction of calorie requirements appears to take precedence over satisfaction of protein requirements. In those societies in which gardening is highly productive, people can spend more time on hunting and fishing and improve the overall quality of their diet.
GPU-based iterative reconstruction with total variation minimization for micro-CT

ABSTRACT Dynamic imaging with micro-CT often produces poorly-distribut ed sets of projections, and reconstructions of this data with filtered backprojection algorithms (FBP) may be affected by artifacts. Iterative reconstruction algorithms and total variation (TV) denoising are promising alternatives to FBP, but may require running times that are frustratingly long. This obstacle can be overcome by implementing reconstruction algorithms on graphics processing units (GPU). This paper presents an implementation of a family of iterative r econstruction algorithms with TV denoising on a GPU, and a series of tests to optimize and compare the ability of different algorithms to reduce artifacts. The mathematical and computational details of the implementation are explored. The performance, measured by the accuracy of the reconstruction versus the running time, is assessed in simulations with a virtual phantom and in an in vivo scan of a mouse. We conclude that the simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique with TV minimization (SART-TV) is a time-effective reconstruction algorithm for producing reconstructions with fewer artifacts than FBP. Keywords: Micro-CT, GPU, iterative algorithm
Redundancy architecture design of PMU networks for availability of synchrophasors

units into the power grid increases the opportunity to utilize the supplied synchrophasor estimates for potentially significant improvement of monitoring and control performance. On the other hand, a growing grid reliance on synchrophasor estimates may accentuate the grid's vulnerability whenever such estimates become unavailable or faulty. This papers studies the redundancy architecture of a PMU network for which required synchrophasor availability at each location is specified. A Markov chain containing unspecified decision variables is established to allow the formal computation of the steady-state availability of synchrophasors. The decision variables are selected to minimize the cost of requiring communication links among the PMUs and the restoration of failed PMUs while maintaining the prescribed synchrophasor availability. The optimized decision variables determines the structure of the Markov chain, which in turn dictates the redundancy architecture of the PMU network. The redundancy architecture design method is illustrated through a 3-bus power system.
Geometrie correction factors for the Weisz diffusivity cell

Abstract Weisz has proposed a most convenient method of measuring the effective diffusion coefficient of a porous medium in which a spherical pellet of radius a is held in an elastic tube which effectively seals off an equatorial zone between the latitudes ± γ and allows the spherical caps to be exposed to two different concentrations c1 and c2. The effective diffusion coefficient De is related to the observed flux F by D e = α w F (πa 2 ) −1 [ c 1 − c 2 ) (2a) ] −1 where α w , a correction factor due to the spherical geometry, is a function of γ. A graph of αw is given for 10 ° ≤ γ ≤ 80 °. It agrees well with experimental measurements.
Body/persona/action!: emerging non-anthropomorphic communication and interaction in virtual worlds

Avatars are traditionally understood as representing their human counterparts in virtual contexts by incorporating many aspects of a person's real world physical characteristics within the virtual form. An alternate approach, in which avatars are instead imbued with non-human characteristics, challenges the limitations of solely anthropomorphic principles and expands the potential of avatars for virtual world interaction and communication. This paper provides a brief history of non-anthropomorphic avatars, with a focus on exploring the current use of such avatars in virtual worlds. In order to explain the shift in degree of anthropomorphism, we discuss Goffman's theory of symbolic interactionism, which holds that the self is constructed as a persona through social performance and relates identity to social behavior rather than appearance. Since non-anthropomorphic avatars are persistent characters engaged in a prolonged performance in virtual worlds, their use also may motivate emerging social mores, politics and ideologies. This paper argues that such avatar species create new social interactions and modes of communication that may signal interesting directions for future research.
Mud waves in the Argentine Basin and their relationship to regional bottom circulation patterns

Abstract Multi-narrow beam echosoundings from the central Argentine Basin of the South Atlantic Ocean define orientations of abyssal mud waves over an area of 100,000 km 2 . Mud wave heights vary from 80 m, and wave spacings vary from 1 to more than 10 km, with typical values of 4–6 km. Sub-bottom reflectors demonstrate that many of these bed forms have migrated with time. At least four distinct mud wave fields can be identified. Mud waves on the southern flank of the Ewing sediment drift strike northwest and migrate toward the northeast (upslope). Waves on the northern Zapiola Drift strike northeast and migrate toward the southeast. A field of symmetrical and/or relict waves with variable orientations lies between the Ewing and Zapiola Drifts. Mud waves on the southwestern flank of the Zapiola Drift strike west-northwest and migrate north-northeast (upslope). Wave orientations vary with respect to the regional contours, bottom slope and flow direction; however, bottom current flow directions are poorly defined. Analysis of historical bottom photographs from the Argentine Basin suggests that bottom currents locally flow around the sediment drifts. Sediment drifts and mud waves are best developed offshore where surface eddy activity is less intense and bottom flows are probably steadier, both in speed and direction. Mud waves require 10's or 100's of thousands of years to develop. Thus the waves reflect a long-term response to environmental conditions rather than a short-term response to discrete events.
An accurate computation of the global solution curve for the Gelfand problem through a two point approximation

When one solves numerically the Gelfand boundary value problem in two dimensions (with u=u(x,y), r=x^2+y^2 and @l a positive parameter)@[email protected]^u=0forr<1,u=0whenr=R.with 10 mesh points, two spurious turns appear on the solution curve. When one increases the number of mesh points, the spurious turns persist, occurring at smaller values of @l. It turns out that spurious turns are avoided in the other direction, by using two to six mesh points. We prove this in case of two mesh points. This gives us the correct form of the solution curve, and the accuracy can then be improved by using a linear search on u(0), combined with shooting.
Mild Posttraumatic Hypothermia Reduces Mortality after Severe Controlled Cortical Impact in Rats

The effect of posttraumatic hypothermia (brain temperature controlled at 32 degrees C for 4 h) on mortality after severe controlled cortical impact (CCI) was studied in rats. Four posttraumatic brain temperatures were compared: 37 degrees C (n = 10), 36 degrees C (n = 4), 32 degrees C (n = 10), and uncontrolled (UC; n = 6). Rats were anesthetized and subjected to severe CCI (4.0-m/s velocity, 3.0-mm depth) to the exposed left parietal cortex. At 10 min posttrauma the rats were cooled or maintained at their target brain temperature, using external cooling or warming. Brain temperature in the UC group was recorded but not regulated, and rectal temperature was maintained at 37 +/- 0.5 degrees C. After 4 h, rats were rewarmed over a 1-h period to 37 degrees C, extubated, and observed for 24 h. In the 37 and 36 degree C groups, 24-h mortality was 50% (37 degrees C = 5/10, 36 degrees C = 2/4). In the 32 degree C group, 24-h mortality was 10% (1/10). In the UC group, brain temperature was 35.4 +/- 0.6 degrees C during the 4-h treatment period and 24-h mortality was 0% (0/6). Mortality was higher in groups with brain temperatures > or = 36 degrees C versus those with brain temperatures < 36 degrees C (50 vs. 6%, respectively; p < 0.05). Additionally, electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded in subsets of each temperature group and the percentage of time that the EEG was suppressed (isoelectric) was determined. Percentage of EEG suppression was greater in the hypothermic (32 degrees C, n = 6; UC, n = 4) groups than in the normothermic (36 degrees C, n = 3; 37 degrees C, n = 6) groups (23.3 +/- 14.3 vs. 1.2 +/- 3.1%, respectively; p < 0.05). Posttraumatic hypothermia suppressed EEG during treatment and reduced mortality after severe CCI. The threshold for this protective effect appears to be a brain temperature < 36 degrees C. Thus, even mild hypothermia may be beneficial after severe brain trauma.
The historical evolution of arthrodesis of the foot.

Arthrodesis is the term coined by Albert for the operation whose purpose is to induce ankylosis of a joint by denuding it of cartilage. Whereas arthrodesis of the foot was initially used for paralytic conditions, its use has progressively widened. Numerous modifications of the original procedure have been developed, and with increasing experience the indication for each type of arthrodesis has been more clearly defined. Basic principles have emerged: a) To apply arthrodesis of the foot to stabilise joints, to correct deformity, to eliminate joint disease and pain: b) To limit arthrodesis to the minimum number of joints; c) To denude the articular surfaces congruently in order to enhance ankylosis; d) To add, where indicated, either bone grafting to enhance fusion or tendon transfer to prevent recurrent deformity.
Predictors of and satisfaction with bilateral prophylactic mastectomy.

Background. Women with a first-degree relative with breast cancer are at increased risk of developing this disease. The optimal medical management of these women is unclear, with options including close breast cancer screening, bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, or participation in chemoprevention trials. Among women who undergo prophylactic bilateral mastectomy, very little is known about satisfaction with this surgery. Also, we know very little about variables related to prophylactic mastectomy decision making. Methods. Participants were women at increased risk of breast cancer due to family history. These women were categorized by self-report as not interested in prophylactic mastectomy (n = 58), interested but deciding against surgery (n = 92), or subsequently having a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (n = 14). Information on screening practices, risk. perception, level of depression, and cancer-related worry was collected. Women completing prophylactic mastectomy reported on their satisfaction with the surgery and breast reconstruction. Results. Women selecting surgery reported more breast cancer worry. The group expressing no interest in surgery reported fewer biopsies and lower risk estimates. Women completing surgery were satisfied with their decision, although satisfaction with reconstruction was mixed. Conclusion. Factors influencing surgical decision making may include breast-cancer-related worry, biopsy history, and subjective breast cancer risk.
Scheduling optimization under uncertainty—an alternative approach

Abstract The prevalent approach to the treatment of processing time uncertainties in production scheduling problems is through the use of probabilistic models. Apart from requiring detailed information about probability distribution functions, this approach also has the drawback that the computational expense of solving these models is very high. In this work, we present a non-probabilistic treatment of scheduling optimization under uncertainty, where we describe the imprecision and uncertainty in the task durations using concepts from fuzzy set theory. We first provide a brief review on the fuzzy set approach, comparing it with the probabilistic approach. We then present mixed integer linear programming (MILP) models derived from applying this approach to two different problems—flowshop scheduling and new product development process scheduling—and show how they can be used to predict most likely, optimistic and pessimistic values of metrics such as the makespan. Results indicate that these MILP models are computationally tractable for reasonably sized problems. We also describe tabu search implementations in order to handle larger problems.
PUPPING PHENOLOGY AND DEMOGRAPHY OF HARBOR SEALS (PHOCA VITULINA RICHARDSI)ON TUGIDAK ISLAND, ALASKA

The number of seals on shore at Tugidak Island (Gulf of Alaska) declined 72%–85% between 1976 and 1988 and increased during the 1990s. We compared pupping phenology and the ratio of pupping-period counts to molting-period counts between declining (1976–1979) and increasing (1994–1998) years, and examined the sex/age structure of seals ashore during the 1990s. In the 1970s the onset and peak of pupping occurred 6–18 d later than in the 1990s. Rate of pup abandonment was higher in 1978 than in the 1990s. Between 1994 and 1995, the maximum and mean number of seals ashore increased >50%, largely due to an increase in non-pups. From 1995 to 1998, the sex/age structure of seals ashore was similar among years. We observed three to four times as many seals during the molting period than during the pupping period in the 1970s, whereas similar numbers were ashore during these periods in the 1990s, perhaps reflecting changes in demography and/or haul-out behavior. Changes in pupping phenology and demography may reflect environmental changes, such as food availability, and when monitored in conjunction with population counts, may help us better interpret changes in the number of seals ashore.
DEVELOPMENT and EVALUATION of MICROWAVE HEATING of APPLE MASH AS A PRETREATMENT to PRESSING

Fuji, McIntosh, and Red Delicious apple mashes were heated in a 2450 MHz oven to achieve bulk temperatures of 40, 50, 60, and 70C. Three kilograms of mash at a depth of 0.016 m heated using 1500 W were the optimum parameters to heat apple mash in the microwave. Variety of the apple mash was shown not to have a significant effect on the heating performance. Comparing actual bulk temperature to the predicted bulk temperatures of 40, 50, 60, and 70C showed reproducibility of heating these mashes using microwave energy. Average variation between actual and predicted bulk temperatures were 1.48C for the Fuji mash, 0.98C for the McIntosh mash, and 1.13C for the Red Delicious mash. In addition, regional heating was investigated and four distinct regions of heating were observed: the corner, the edge, the middle, and the center. Color and moisture content of the mash were also measured and compared to unheated mash at 21C.
Mutants of glucokinase cause hypoglycaemia- and hyperglycaemia syndromes and their analysis illuminates fundamental quantitative concepts of glucose homeostasis

Aims/hypothesis. Mutations of the glucokinase gene cause hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia. A quantitative understanding of these defects of glucose homeostasis linked to the glucokinase gene was lacking. Therefore a database of kinetic variables of wild-type and 20 missense mutants of glucokinase was developed and used in mathematical modelling to predict the thresholds for glucose-stimulated insulin release. Methods. Recombinant human glucokinase was generated in E. coli. The kcat, glucose S0.5, ATP Km, and Hill number of glucokinase were determined. Inhibition by Stearoyl CoA and glucokinase regulatory protein and thermal stability were assayed for all mutants kinetically similar to wild-type glucokinase. A mathematical model predicting the threshold for glucose-stimulated insulin release was constructed. This model is based on the two substrate kinetics of glucokinase and the kinetic variables of the database. It is assumed that both glucokinase gene alleles are equally expressed in beta-cells and that induction of glucokinase occurs as a function of basal blood glucose. Results. Large changes, varying greatly between mutants were found in nearly all variables. Glucokinase flux at threshold for glucose-stimulated insulin release was about 25 % of total phosphorylating potential in the normal beta-cell and this was used to predict thresholds for the mutant heterozygotes. Clinical data for maturity onset diabetes of the young type linked to the glucokinase gene and familial hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia linked to the glucokinase gene and the glucokinase kinetic data of this study were used to test the model. The model predicts fasting blood glucose between 3 and 7 mmol/l in these cases. Conclusion/interpretation. A kinetics database of wild-type and 20 mutants of glucokinase was developed. Many kinetic differences were found for the mutants. The mathematical model to calculate the threshold for glucose-stimulated insulin release predicts fasting blood glucose between 3 and 7 mmol/l in subjects with glucokinase gene mutations. [Diabetologia 42: 1175–1186]
A purinergic component in the central actions of meprobamate.

Abstract The anxiolytic propanediol carbamate, meprobamate, potentiates the depressant actions of adenosine on the firing of rat cerebral cortical neurons. Meprobamate inhibits the uptake of adenosine by rat cortical synaptosomes at concentrations within the therepeutic range. Potentiation of endogenously adenosine can account for many of the central actions of meprobamate.
Danger of False Intubation After Traumatic Tracheal Transection

Blunt tracheobronchial injuries may be difficult to diagnosis at presentation but can pose major airway difficulties. We present a patient with a tracheal transection who underwent intubation with the tip of the endotracheal tube exiting the trachea and terminating in the mediastinum adjacent to the distal trachea. He underwent surgical repair of the injury with end-to-end anastomosis. Although intubation over a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope is desirable in cases of suspected tracheobronchial injury, it may not be feasible. In cases of suspected tracheobronchial injuries with blind endotracheal intubation, the possibility of false intubation should always be entertained.
Dietary intake of fried and processed foods in the USA is inversely associated with obesity but positively associated with glucose intolerance

Purpose – Foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids are vulnerable to oxidation during processing and storage. The intake of oxidized lipids (OLs) and their subsequent relation with chronic disease risk are unknown in the US population. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The association between OL intake and markers of adiposity and glucose homeostasis was determined based on data collected from two cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys with a survey sample of 9,982 subjects between the ages of two to 85 years. Means or geometric means of markers of adiposity, glucose and lipid parameters were compared between the “low” and “high” consumers of OL using the t-test. Associations between OL intake and markers of adiposity, glucose and lipid parameters were determined by multivariate regression analysis. Findings – Mean markers of adiposity were all significantly lower in subjects in the “high” OL group as compared to the “low” OL group. Fasting glucose...