cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The fatty acids and glycerides of babassu oil

The fatty acids of babassu oil were determined quantitatively by the ester fractionation procedure. The values found in molar percentages were: caproic 0.3, caprylic 7.1, capric 8.3, lauric 47.3, myristic 14.5, palmitic 7.1, stearic 2.0, arachidic 0.1, oleic 12.2, and linoleic acid 1.1. Confirmatory evidence for the presence of linoleic acid was obtained by the isolation of one of its characteristic derivatives, tetrabromostearic acid, m.p. 115°C. A similarity in fatty acid composition was shown between babassu oil and seed fats of other members of the Palmae family.
On the problem of stochastic experimental modal analysis based on multiple-excitation multiple-response data, part II: The modal analysis approach

In this part of the paper the stochastic multiple-excitation multiple-response modal analysis problem is considered. The relationship between the actual structural and noise dynamics and their discrete special-form ARMAX-type representation is studied for each one of the vibration displacement, velocity and acceleration data cases, and a novel and effective modal analysis approach is introduced that, unlike previous schemes, is capable of operating on any one of these types of data records. By accounting for issues such as the required excitation signal type and stochastic model form, algorithmic instability occurrence and other well-known estimation difficulties, model structure estimation and model validation, as well as model reduction and analysis based on the dispersion analysis methodology introduced in the first part of the paper [1], the proposed approach not only overcomes the limitations and drawbacks of current schemes but also constitutes the first comprehensive procedure for stochastic multiple-excitation multiple-response experimental modal analysis. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated through numerical experiments with structural systems characterized by well-separated and closely spaced modes, and data records of various lengths and signal-to-noise ratios. Comparisons with the classical frequency domain method and the deterministic eigensystem realization algorithm are also made, and the approach is finally used for the experimental modal analysis of a three-span beam from laboratory data.
Boundary-element calculations of electromagnetic band-structure of photonic crystals

Abstract A boundary element method is developed for calculating the photon modes of periodic structures whose unit cells consist of piecewise homogeneous dielectric materials of arbitrary shapes. Green’s function techniques are used to derive integral equations for these structures. These equations involve integrals over the boundaries between the regions, which are discretized and solved numerically. Thus the full set of Maxwell’s equations with boundary conditions in d independent variables is changed into an integral equation in d −1 variables. This allows for the calculation of mode frequencies and field patterns for wave vectors throughout the Brillouin zone, thus allowing the determination of photonic band gaps. An illustrative example is given here for a two-dimensional system.
Rapid Gradient-Echo Imaging

Gradient-echo sequences are widely used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for numerous applications ranging from angiography to perfusion to functional MRI. Compared with spin-echo techniques, the very short repetition times of gradient-echo methods enable very rapid 2D and 3D imaging, but also lead to complicated "steady states." Signal and contrast behavior can be described graphically and mathematically, and depends strongly on the type of spoiling: fully balanced (no spoiling), gradient spoiling, or radiofrequency (RF)-spoiling. These spoiling options trade off between high signal and pure T(1) contrast, while the flip angle also affects image contrast in all cases, both of which can be demonstrated theoretically and in image examples. As with spin-echo sequences, magnetization preparation can be added to gradient-echo sequences to alter image contrast. Gradient-echo sequences are widely used for numerous applications such as 3D perfusion imaging, functional MRI, cardiac imaging, and MR angiography.
EXPECTED DEPLOYMENT DYNAMICS OF PROSEDS

The control law for The Propulsive Small Expendable Deployment System (ProSEDS) deployment is a modification of the control routine that was successfully used in the flight of SEDS-II. Unlike SEDS, the tether of ProSEDS consists of different sections with different mechanical characteristics. A non-linear control trajectory in phase-space (i.e., the reference profile) is fed forward to the controller to guide the satellite, at the tether tip, to the desired final state under nominal conditions and no external perturbations. A linear feedback control is applied by the brake to keep the actual trajectory as close as possible to the reference. The paper also shows the results of simulations of deployment dynamics with and without noise. The control law has thus far been developed and tested on the ground for the original ProSEDS tether configuration of 15 km. A new reference will have to be designed and tested for other tether configurations.
Acoustic imaging for nondestructive evaluation

The application of acoustic imaging techniques to non-destructive testing (NDT) of materials is discussed. After a description of the standard NDT techniques employed in the field and some examples of mechanically scanned imaging devices, most of the paper is devoted to a description of electronically scanned and focused systems. As holographic techniques are described by Ahmed et al. [22] in an accompanying paper, they are not discussed here. It is shown that the use of imaging techniques makes it possible to locate the position of flaws quickly and accurately.
Familial hypogonadotrophic eunuchoidism with cerebellar ataxia.

Two brothers, aged 23 and 31, exhibiting hypogonadotrophic eunuchoidism with cerebellar ataxia have been studied. The chromosome examinations revealed a normal male karyotype in each. A maternal uncle (not studied) apparently has the same syndrome. Seminiferous tubular dysgenesis and hypogonadotrophic eunuchoidism have been described previously in association with Friedreich's ataxia, of which cerebellar ataxia is a variant. While seminiferous tubular dysgenesis has also been described with cerebellar ataxia, the patients reported herein appear to be the first cases of hypogonadotrophic eunuchoidism in association with cerebellar ataxia to be reported. The disease entity could be due to either multiple gene linkage or a single mutant gene, but the available family data are insufficient to permit formulation of the genetic defect in these patients.
Lipoxin biosynthesis in inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract Background and aims Lipoxins are anti-inflammatory lipid mediators that are produced in gut mucosa, which serve to limit and resolve persistent inflammation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate colonic lipoxin biosynthesis in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) to establish a possible biochemical basis for persistent inflammation in UC. Methods Colonic mucosa from patients with UC or organ donors (controls) was placed into tissue culture for 90 min. The conditioned media was assayed (ELISA) for lipoxin A 4 (LXA) and the biologically active isomer 15- epi- LXA 4 (aspirin triggered lipoxin, ATL). Mucosal tissue 15-lipoxygenase protein was determined by Western blot. Results Patient colonic mucosa produced significantly lower (12-fold) amounts of LXA, relative to organ donors. This occurred irregardless of patient steroid treatment. However, patient tissue responded to in vitro aspirin by synthesizing biologically active ATL. For the first time, human colonic mucosa was found to synthesize 15-lipoxygenase-2, an epithelial-derived isoenzyme used for lipoxin synthesis. These levels were significantly lower in UC patients compared to the control tissue. Finally, mice chronically treated with a putative selective 15-lipoxygenase inhibitor (PD 146176) experienced significantly worse intestinal function during experimental colitis, relative to untreated mice. Conclusion Colonic mucosa from UC patients demonstrated defective lipoxin biosynthesis, which may contribute to the inability of these patients to resolve persistent colonic inflammation.
Complications In Brief: Osteotomy for Lower Extremity Malalignment

When performing an osteotomy for lower extremity malalignment, several complications can occur. These can include introducing iatrogenic malalignment, intraoperative fracture or vascular injury, postoperative recurrence of deformity, patella baja, and challenges when performing subsequent total knee replacement in the future. Likewise, a poor functional result can occur secondary to poor preoperative planning and patient selection. In this article, we review the complications that can occur as a result of errors made before, during, and after surgery. This article pertains to opening and closing wedge osteotomies of the distal femur and proximal tibia.
Top management's role in planning

Abstract This article, shortly to appear as a chapter of a book, describes the role of the Chief Executive in Corporate Planning. The author analyses the job of the Chief Executive and his responsibilities for planning, by reference to management surveys, specimen job descriptions, and the comments of senior executives from major companies. He concludes that the Chief Executive's support and participation is essential for successful planning and he must personally ensure that planning is properly organized and implemented.
On-orbit radiometric validation and field-of-view calibration of spaceborne microwave sounding instruments

Two calibration/validation efforts planned for current and future spaceborne microwave sounding instruments will be presented. First, the NPOESS Aircraft Sounder Testbed-Microwave (NAST-M) airborne sensor is used to directly validate the microwave radiometers (AMSU and MHS) on several operational satellites. Comparison results for underflights of the Aqua, NOAA, and MetOp-A satellites will be shown. Second, a potential approach will be presented for on-orbit field-of-view (FOV) calibration of the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS). A variety of proposed spacecraft maneuvers that could facilitate the characterization of the radiometric boresight of all 22 ATMS channels will be discussed. Radiance observations from the NAST-M airborne sensor can be used to directly validate the radiometric performance of spaceborne sensors. NAST-M includes a total of four spectrometers, with three operating near the oxygen lines at 50-57, 118.75, and 424.76 GHz, and a fourth spectrometer centered on the water vapor absorption line at 183.31 GHz. All four feedhorns are co-located, have 3-dB (full-width at half-maximum) beamwidths of 7.5° (translating to 2.5-km nominal pixel diameter at nadir incidence), and are directed at a single mirror that scans cross-track beneath the aircraft with a nominal swath width of 100 km. We will present results for two recent validation efforts: 1) the Pacific THORpex (THe Observing-system Research and predictability experiment) Observing System Test (PTOST 2003, Honolulu, HI) and 2) the Joint Airborne IASI Validation Experiment (JAIVEx 2007, Houston, TX). Radiance differences between the NAST-M sensor and the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) and the Microwave Humidity Sensor (MHS) were found to be less than 1K for most channels. Comparison results for ocean underflights of the Aqua, NOAA, and MetOp-A satellites are shown. We also present an approach for on-orbit FOV calibration of the ATMS satellite instrument using vicarious calibration sources with high spatial frequency content (the Earths limb, for example). The antenna beam is slowly swept across the target of interest and a constrained deconvolution approach is used to recover antenna pattern anomalies. Various proposed spacecraft maneuvers will be considered, with the intent to illustrate how each maneuver will help to identify and characterize possible FOV artifacts. Radiative transfer simulations that quantitatively assess the benefit of each satellite maneuver will also be presented.
Ethical issues in bereavement research: an overview.

Abstract Guidelines for the conduct of ethical research are reviewed and applied to the field of than atology. Unique aspects of bereavement studies are identified and discussed in the context of socially sensitive research. Questions are raised in an attapt to stimulate dialogue and debate among thanatologists on the topic of ethics in bereavement research.
Activation of serotonin-3 receptors increases dopamine release within the ventral tegmental area of Wistar and alcohol-preferring (P) rats.

Abstract The objectives of the present study were to (a) examine the effects of activating serotonin-3 (5-HT 3 ) receptors on dopamine (DA) release in the anterior and posterior ventral tegmental area (VTA) of Wistar rats and (b) determine if there are differences in 5-HT 3 –stimulated DA release in the VTA between alcohol-preferring (P) and Wistar rats. Local perfusion with the 5-HT 3 agonist 1-( m -chlorophenyl)-biguanide (CPBG) in the anterior and posterior VTA stimulated DA release in both the regions. The CPBG-stimulated increase in extracellular DA levels was significantly higher in the posterior than anterior VTA of Wistar rats. The basal extracellular DA levels were not significantly different between the anterior and posterior VTA of Wistar rats. However, the basal extracellular DA levels were significantly higher in the posterior VTA of Wistar rats than P rats. Local perfusion of CPBG into the posterior VTA stimulated somatodendritic DA release significantly more in the P than Wistar rat. Overall, the results indicate that there may be a heterogeneous distribution of functional 5-HT 3 receptors within the VTA, with higher numbers in the posterior than anterior VTA, and that, compared to 5-HT 3 receptors in Wistar rats, 5-HT 3 receptors in the posterior VTA of P rats may be more responsive to stimulation.
Fibronectin terminated multilayer films: Protein adsorption and cell attachment studies

Electrostatically driven layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is a simple and robust method for producing structurally tailored thin film biomaterials, of thickness ca. 10nm, containing biofunctional ligands. We investigate the LbL formation of multilayer films composed of polymers of biological origin (poly(L-lysine) (PLL) and dextran sulfate (DS)), the adsorption of fibronectin (Fn)--a matrix protein known to promote cell adhesion--onto these films, and the subsequent spreading behavior of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). We employ optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy (OWLS) and quartz crystal microgravimetry with dissipation (QCMD) to characterize multilayer assembly in situ, and find adsorbed Fn mass on PLL-terminated films to exceed that on DS terminated films by 40%, correlating with the positive charge and lower degree of hydration of PLL terminated films. The extent and initial rate of Fn adsorption to both PLL and DS-terminated films exceed those onto the bare substrate, indicating the important role of electrostatic complexation between negatively charged protein and positively charged PLL at or near the film surface. We use phase-contrast optical microscopy to investigate the time-dependent morphological changes of HUVEC as a function of layer number, charge of terminal layer, and the presence of Fn. We observe HUVEC to attach, spread, and lose circularity on all surfaces. Positively charged PLL-terminated films exhibit a greater extent of cell spreading than do (negatively charged) DS-terminated films, and spreading is enhanced while circularity loss is suppressed by the presence of adsorbed Fn. The number of layers plays a significant role only for DS-terminated films with Fn, where spreading on a bilayer greatly exceeds that on a multilayer, and PLL-terminated films without Fn, where initial spreading is significantly higher on a monolayer. We observe initial cell spreading to be followed by retraction (i.e. decreased cell area and circularity with time) for films without Fn, and for DS-terminated films with Fn. Overall, the Fn-coated PLL monolayer and the Fn-coated PLL-terminated multilayer are the best performing films in promoting cell spreading. We conclude the presence of Fn to be an important factor (more so than film charge or layer number) in controlling the interaction between multilayer films and living cells, and thus to represent a promising strategy toward in vivo applications such as tissue engineering.
An empirical method of predicting traction

Abstract A single wheel test device was used to characterize soil strength in developing a prediction equation for dynamic traction as a function of wheel slip. Normal loads were placed on the single wheel, via hydraulic cylinder, and the maximum torque that could be developed was measured. The slope of the plot of normal load versus wheel torque was used as a parameter and a term defined as the test wheel numeric was introduced. The prediction equation was compared with a widely used method that relies on the cone penetrometer to characterize soil strength. The method using the single wheel tester was found to provide better predictions of dynamic traction ratios on a number of different surfaces.
Total artificial heart: from bridge to transplantation to permanent use.

Background. Pneumatic artificial hearts have played an important role in supporting the circulation in patients before cardiac transplantation. Pneumatic hearts have also been used for permanent cardiac replacement, but most agree they have serious limitations. Methods. Several groups are now developing electric artificial hearts in which electrical energy crosses the skin using a wireless technique. The electrical energy powers a small direct-current motor, which actuates the blood pump. Results. Important progress in these devices has resulted in animal survival with electric hearts of more than 1 year. Conclusions. Extensive bench testing and animal testing will be performed before the initial clinical use of these devices will be initiated. One of the early scientific achievements of the 21st century will be the initial use of the electric artificial heart in humans.
Optical fibers with mid and high temperature coatings for harsh environment applications

One of the fastest growing application areas for optical fiber is for use in sensing applications in harsh environments. The designation of harsh environment includes temperatures above 85C, hydrogen atmosphere, tight bending radii, radiation, chemically aggressive environments, etc. Actual operating environments may include a combination of several of the above listed factors. Fibers deployed in a harsh environment require specialized design of both the optical fibers and cabling to ensure long term, reliable operation. Optical fiber development for harsh environment operation includes both glass and coating material development. Glass development includes changes to the core and cladding composition and refractive index profile design changes. Coating development includes material changes to improve the thermal characteristics.
Joint Mechanics and Its Clinical Application

Human physical activity is influenced in a variety of ways by physiological conditions and psychomotor response. Joints are essential parts of the musculoskeletal system, connecting the skeletal structure and enabling the muscles to actuate physical activity. Pain, subluxation and arthritis are common joint pathologies associated with disability. Biomechanical studies augment our understanding of normal joint function and the etiology of joint disorders, and provide treatments for the restoration of joint function.
Endurance-training-induced cellular adaptations in respiratory muscles

Controversy exists concerning the adaptability of mammalian respiratory muscles in response to endurance training. We examined the effects of 8 wk of progressive treadmill exercise (45 min/day 5 days/wk) on the biochemical adaptations of rat diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a sedentary control (n = 10) or an exercise-training group (n = 10). Endurance training resulted in an enhanced oxidative capacity in the anterior costal diaphragm as evidenced by a 29% increase (P less than 0.05) in the activity of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in trained animals compared with controls (4.15 +/- 0.13 vs. 3.21 +/- 0.17 mumol.g-1.min-1). Similarly, SDH activity in the intercostal muscles was 32% greater (P less than 0.05) in the trained animals than in the untrained animals (1.72 +/- 0.11 vs. 1.30 +/- 0.06 mumol.g-1.min-1). In contrast, the crural region of the diaphragm showed no significant increase (P greater than 0.05) in oxidative capacity as a result of the training program (3.28 +/- 0.12 vs. 3.13 +/- 0.18). Furthermore, training did not alter (P less than 0.05) lactate dehydrogenase activity in the intercostals or in the crural or the costal diaphragm. These data demonstrate that the oxidative capacity of the costal diaphragm and the intercostal muscles can be enhanced by increasing respiratory loads via regular endurance exercise. We speculate that the lack of metabolic adaptation in the crural region of the diaphragm was not due to limited plasticity of the fibers in this area but to failure to the exercise-training program to provide the appropriate stimulus for cellular adaptation.
Quantile Estimation for Radiation Portal Monitoring

Importance sampling aids in establishing alarm thresholds for instrumentation that is used worldwide to deter/detect nuclear threats. We review the statistical aspects of threshold determination, discuss the intuition behind the methodology, and show when simple techniques work well and when they do not. Computational efficiencies relative to ordinary simulation are improved by factors of tens to hundreds in many cases, and the approach is easily implemented by nonexperts. Supplementary materials (R codes) are available online.
Post-processing Method to Reduce Noise while Preserving High Time Resolution in Aethalometer Real-time Black Carbon Data

Real-time aerosol black carbon (BC) data, presented at time resolutions on the order of seconds to minutes, is desirable in field and source characterization studies measuring rapidly varying concentrations of BC. The Optimized Noisereduction Averaging (ONA) algorithm has been developed to post-process data from the Aethalometer, one of the widely used real-time BC instruments. The ONA program conducts adaptive time-averaging of the BC data, with the incremental light attenuation (∆ATN) through the instrument’s internal filter determining the time window of averaging. Analysis of instrument noise and the algorithm performance was conducted using Aethalometer 1-second data from a soot generation experiment, where input BC concentrations were maintained constant and an optimal ∆ATNmin value was defined. The ONA procedure was applied to four additional data sets (1 s to 5 min data), including cookstove emissions tests, mobile monitoring, continuous near-road measurements, and indoor air sampling. For these data, the algorithm reduces the occurrence of negative values to virtually zero while preserving the significant dynamic trends in the time series.
Demonstration by FRET of BACE interaction with the amyloid precursor protein at the cell surface and in early endosomes.

Amyloid-β peptide, which accumulates in senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease, is derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by proteolytic processing. β-secretase (Asp2), which cleaves APP at the N-terminus of amyloid-β, has recently been identified to be the protease BACE. In the present study, we examined the subcellular localization of interactions between APP and BACE by using both double immunofluorescence and a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) approach. Cell surface APP and BACE, studied by using antibodies directed against their ectodomains in living H4 neuroglioma cells co-transfected with APP and BACE, showed exquisite co-localization and demonstrated a very close interaction by FRET analysis. The majority of cell surface APP and BACE were internalized after 15 minutes, but they remained strongly co-localized together in the early endosomal compartment, where FRET analysis demonstrated a continued close interaction. By contrast, at later timepoints, almost no co-localization or FRET was observed in lysosomal compartments. To determine whether the APP-BACE interaction on cell surface and endosomes contributed to amyloid-β synthesis, we labeled cell surface APP and demonstrated detectable levels of labeled amyloid-β within 30 minutes. APP-Swedish mutant protein enhanced amyloid-β synthesis from cell surface APP, consistent with the observation that it is a better BACE substrate than wild-type APP. Taken together, these data confirm a close APP-BACE interaction in early endosomes, and highlight the cell surface as an additional potential site of APP-BACE interaction.
Speech driven facial animation

The results reported in this article are an integral part of a larger project aimed at achieving perceptually realistic animations, including the individualized nuances, of three-dimensional human faces driven by speech. The audiovisual system that has been developed for learning the spatio-temporal relationship between speech acoustics and facial animation is described, including video and speech processing, pattern analysis, and MPEG-4 compliant facial animation for a given speaker. In particular, we propose a perceptual transformation of the speech spectral envelope, which is shown to capture the dynamics of articulatory movements. An efficient nearest-neighbor algorithm is used to predict novel articulatory trajectories from the speech dynamics. The results are very promising and suggest a new way to approach the modeling of synthetic lip motion of a given speaker driven by his/her speech. This would also provide clues toward a more general cross-speaker realistic animation.
Factors Contributing to Weight Misperception in Obese Children Presenting for Intervention

Objective.To assess weight stigma, self-perception of weight status, and factors contributing to accurate self-perception of weight status in obese youth presenting for treatment at a hospital-based multidisciplinary weight management program. Methods. Participants (N = 97; mean age = 8.56 ± 1.66 years) used a figural rating scale to assess weight stigma and their current and ideal body type, and Sizing Me Up, a measure of obesity-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Results. The majority endorsed negative/stereotypical attributes toward an obese body type, chose an average or underweight figure as their ideal, and 39% misperceived their weight status. Older child age and greater HRQOL impairment were significant predictors (P < .01) of correct self-perception. Conclusion. Pediatricians may find that talking with the elementary school—aged patient and family about whether weight/size affects their day-to-day life will prove to be a salient and neutral opening to discussing the child’s obesity ...
Demographic and behavioral modifiers of arsenic exposure pathways: A Bayesian hierarchical analysis of NHEXAS data

We introduce a Bayesian hierarchical statistical model that describes subpopulation-specific pathways of exposure to arsenic. Our model is fitted to data collected as part of the National Human Exposure Assessment Survey (NHEXAS) and builds on the structural-equation-based analysis of the same data by Clayton et al. (Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology, 2002, 12, 29-43). Using demographic information (e.g., gender or age) and surrogates for environmental exposure (e.g., tobacco usage or the average number of minutes spent in an enclosed workshop), we identify subgroup differences in exposure routes. Missing and censored data, as well as uncertainty due to measurement error, are handled systematically in the Bayesian framework. Our analysis indicates that household size, amount of time spent at home, use of tapwater for drinking and cooking, number of glasses of water drunk, use of central air conditioning, and use of gas equipment significantly modify the arsenic exposure pathways.
Toxoplasmosis in Wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus and Macropus eugenii): Blindness, Treatment with Atovaquone, and Isolation of Toxoplasma gondii

Australasian marsupials, especially wallabies, are highly susceptible to clinical toxoplasmosis. This paper describes the use of atovaquone for effective treatment of toxoplasmosis in 4 Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus), along with the serology, isolation of Toxoplasma gondii, and genotyping of 3 T. gondii isolates from 5 captive wallabies. This is the first report of success in treating acute toxoplasmosis in wallabies, the first report of serology followed over a significant period of time, and the first report of isolation and genetic typing of T. gondii from wallabies in the United States.
An algorithm for frequency-domain noise analysis in nonlinear systems

Many mixed-technology and mixed-signal designs require the assessment of the system's performance in the presence of signals that are best characterized as having continuous frequency spectra: for instance, the simulation of a circuit's behavior in the presence of electrical noise. This paper describes an algorithm for frequency-domain simulation of nonlinear systems capable of handling signals with continuous spectra. The algorithm is based on an orthogonal series expansion of the signals in the frequency domain. Thus it is, in a sense, the dual approach to frequency-domain simulation with respect to harmonic balance, which relies on a time-domain series expansion of the signals. Signal spectra are obtained from the solution of a system of nonlinear algebraic equations whose dimension increases with the desired spectral accuracy. Numerical results obtained on an optical amplifier are presented.
Loyalty in e-Tailing

Abstract Internet retailers that attempt to establish a steady customer base by offering the lowest price are not basing their expectations on firm ground. An alternative to low-price strategies is to develop and maintain a loyal customer base. In this paper, we present a framework for developing loyalty via the Internet. Internet strategies should be developed based upon the firm's competencies and an analysis of the current loyal customer base. The components of the Internet exchange-such as site content, design, navigation and interactivity-are linked to convenience and risk perceptions. These in turn affect the satisfaction/loyalty and performance. Continuous evaluation of customers' perceptions of value determines the adjustments that need to be made to the existing retention activities. The benefits of Internet loyalty are discussed, along with directions for future research.
Nonparametric Identification of a Contract Model With Adverse Selection and Moral Hazard

This paper studies the nonparametric identification of a contract model with adverse selection and moral hazard. Specifically, we consider the false moral hazard model developed by Laffont and Tirole (1986). We first extend this model to allow for general random demand and cost functions. We establish the nonparametric identification of the demand, cost, deterministic transfer, and effort disutility functions as well as the joint distribution of the random elements of the model, which are the firm's type and the demand, cost, and transfer shocks. The cost of public funds is identified with the help of an instrument. Testable restrictions of the model are characterized.
The Practicalities of Targeted Gang Interventions

There are few crime problems as vexing as those posed by street gangs. Both the scientific and practitioner communities have devoted considerable time and attention to devising best practices for reducing the problems associated with these groups at the community and individual levels, with little and sporadic success. Civil gang injunctions (CGIs) represent one of many such responses that have received some support in the scientific literature for their ability to reduce crime (Grogger, 2002) and its associated problems (Maxson, Hennigan, and Sloane, 2005) in the short term. As Karen M. Hennigan and David Sloane (2013, this issue) highlight, however, implementation processes are not well understood, and perhaps, they are too variable to subsume under any one “programmatic” model. Variation in the implementation of CGIs exists not just from city to city or even neighborhood to neighborhood, but within the same injunction zone across time. Given this variation, Hennigan and Sloane used neighborhood-level differences in the way in which a series of CGIs were implemented to determine whether we could tease out particularly effective components of this strategy. In particular, the CGIs under study differed in three primary respects:
Role of balance ability and confidence in prosthetic use for mobility of people with lower-limb loss

For people with lower-limb loss, impaired balance is common and limits prosthetic function within the community. This cross-sectional study (1) analyzed relationships among prosthetic use for mobility, balance ability and confidence, and amputation-related variables and (2) determined multivariate models to identify level of prosthetic use. Subjects included 46 community-dwelling adults (mean age 56.2 yr) with limb loss (91.3% unilateral) of varied levels (52.2% transtibial) and etiologies (69.6% vascular). A three-variable linear regression model including balance ability, balance confidence, and years since amputation explained 63.7% of variance in the Houghton scale of prosthetic use score. A logistic regression model including the 14-task Berg Balance Scale, balance confidence, years since amputation, age, and number of comorbidities correctly differentiated between people who had reached a satisfactory level of prosthetic use or not 89.1% of the time. The first three variables demonstrated moderate accuracy with positive likelihood ratios from 2.34 to 4.35. The regression model was further reduced to correctly classify 87.0% of cases with three balance ability tasks (retrieving objects from floor, turning to look behind, and placing alternate foot on stool), balance confidence, and numbers of comorbidities. Logistic models that include balance ability, balance confidence, and numbers of comorbidities can identify level of prosthetic use in people with lower-limb loss. Increased balance confidence and ability when retrieving objects from floor, turning to look behind, and placing alternate foot on stool were most indicative of successful prosthetic use for mobility.
Joint Source–Channel Communication for Distributed Estimation in Sensor Networks

Power and bandwidth are scarce resources in dense wireless sensor networks and it is widely recognized that joint optimization of the operations of sensing, processing and communication can result in significant savings in the use of network resources. In this paper, a distributed joint source-channel communication architecture is proposed for energy-efficient estimation of sensor field data at a distant destination and the corresponding relationships between power, distortion, and latency are analyzed as a function of number of sensor nodes. The approach is applicable to a broad class of sensed signal fields and is based on distributed computation of appropriately chosen projections of sensor data at the destination - phase-coherent transmissions from the sensor nodes enable exploitation of the distributed beamforming gain for energy efficiency. Random projections are used when little or no prior knowledge is available about the signal field. Distinct features of the proposed scheme include: (1) processing and communication are combined into one distributed projection operation; (2) it virtually eliminates the need for in-network processing and communication; (3) given sufficient prior knowledge about the sensed data, consistent estimation is possible with increasing sensor density even with vanishing total network power; and (4) consistent signal estimation is possible with power and latency requirements growing at most sublinearly with the number of sensor nodes even when little or no prior knowledge about the sensed data is assumed at the sensor nodes.
Adenosine potentiates the inhibitory effects of calcium channel antagonists on human platelet aggregation induced by thromboxane A2 or U46619.

Abstract Calcium channel antagonists inhibit platelet function in vitro and ex vivo , but the mechanism responsible has not been clearly defined. The concentrations of these agents required to inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro are several fold higher than those attained in vivo . Adenosine, a known inhibitor of platelet function, is produced in large quantities in ischemic myocardium. In order to test the hypothesis that adenosine may potentiate the platelet-inhibitory effects of calcium channel antagonists, we studied the effect of adenosine plus nifedipine, verapamil or diltiazem on human platelet aggregation induced by thromboxane A2 or the stable endoperoxide/ thromboxane A2 mimic, U46619 ± epinephrine. Adenosine, in concentrations achieved in the plasma during myocardial ischemia (0.01–0.1 μM), enhanced the inhibitory effects of nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem on platelet aggregation 5–100 fold. The same concentrations of adenosine alone did not inhibit platelet aggregation. In the presence of non-inhibitory concentrations of adenosine, nifedipine, in concentrations approaching those attained in vivo following standard therapeutic doses (as low as 0.29 μM), significantly inhibited thromboxane A2-induced platelet aggregation. Therefore, adenosine potentiates the in vitro inhibitory effects of calcium channel antagonists on platelet aggregation induced by thromboxane A2 or thromboxane A2 plus epinephrine. These results suggest that adenosine production by ischemic myocardium may augment the inhibitory effect of calcium channel antagonists on platelets.
Reference Groups and Sex Conduct Norm Violations

(1967). Reference Groups and Sex Conduct Norm Violations. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 8, No. 4, pp. 495-504.
Variation for Epicuticular Waxes on Onion Foliage and Impacts on Numbers of Onion Thrips

Natural variation exists in onion (Allium cepa L.) for amounts of epicuticular waxes on foliage, and plants with lower amounts of these waxes suffer less feeding damage from onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lind.). Wild-type onion possesses copious amounts of epicuticular waxes and is often referred to as ''waxy.'' The recessively inherited ''glossy'' phenotype has significantly less wax relative to waxy types and shows resistance to onion thrips but is vulnerable to spray damage, foliar pathogens, and excessive transpiration. Phenotypes visually intermediate between waxy and glossy also exist in onion, which we refer to as ''semiglossy.'' Epicuticular waxes on the leaves of glossy, semiglossy, and waxy onions were evaluated for appearance using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and amounts and types were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Wax crystals were clearly visible on the surface of waxy foliage with decreasing amounts on semiglossy and none on glossy leaves. The ketone hentriacontanone- 16 was the most prevalent wax on leaves of waxy onion and was significantly (P < 0.01) less on semiglossy relative to waxy plants and on glossy relative to waxy and semiglossy plants. Numbers of adult and immature onion thrips were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) on glossy and/or semiglossy accessions relative to waxy in field and greenhouse cage experiments. These results indicate that semiglossy plants possess intermediate amounts of epicuticular waxes that may protect leaves from diseases or environmental stresses while still conferring resistance to onion thrips. Therefore, the semiglossy phenotype should be useful in integrated programs managing this important onion pest.
Genomic profiling of breast cancers.

Purpose of review To describe recent advances in the application of advanced genomic technologies towards the identification of biomarkers of prognosis and treatment response in breast cancer.
Sorption of Deisopropylatrazine on Broiler Litter Biochars

Biochars have received increasing attention in recent years because of a large-scale soil amendment to improve soil fertility, immobilize contaminants, and to serve as a recalcitrant carbon stock. Information is currently lacking in factors controlling the sorption capacity of manure-derived biochars. In this study, sorption isotherms for deisopropylatrazine, a stable metabolite of the widely applied herbicide atrazine, were obtained in acidic aqueous media (pH 5.5) for broiler litter-derived biochars formed by pyrolysis at 350 and 700 °C with and without steam activation at 800 °C. An increase in the Freundlich distribution coefficient (KF) and isotherm nonlinearity (nF) was observed with pyrolysis temperature and steam-activation, suggesting that the surface area and aromaticity (degree of carbonization) are the factors controlling the sorption capacity of chars at low surface coverage. At high surface coverage, the isotherms became increasingly linear, suggesting sorption on noncarbonized fraction of biochars. In binary-solute experiments, the sorption of deisopropylatrazine was significantly diminished by Cu(II), further suggesting the predominance of the surface adsorption mechanism at low surface coverage of biochars.
Effect of specific antibody on the metabolism of Serratia marcescens.

SummaryWhen growing bacteria, S. marcescens, are placed in contact with their specific antibody and with normal serum or gamma globulin there is an increased O2 consumption by the former over the latter, particularly when C02 is absorbed.
Delays in Diagnosing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (P03.174)

Objective: Determine the factors contributing to delays in ALS diagnosis. Background The recent explosion in science and the number of ongoing ALS clinical trials highlight the importance of early ALS diagnosis. Despite increased knowledge and awareness about ALS, the time from ALS symptom onset to diagnosis remains to be approximately 12 months and unchanged in the past twenty years. Design/Methods: This is a retrospective study of a cohort of people who were seen at Massachusetts General Hospital ALS clinic. Patients were identified through ALS billing codes and data collection was done though detailed charts review. Results: The number of ALS subjects analyzed was 93 on the day this abstract was submitted. Median time from symptom onset to suspected and confirmed ALS diagnosis was 10 and 12 months, respectively. The diagnosis was suspected by a general neurologist and an ALS specialist in 40% and 30% of cases, respectively, and was confirmed by an ALS specialist in 83% of cases. Patients saw an average of 3-4 different specialties before the ALS diagnosis was made. Common specialties visited: neurology, ENT, orthopedics, and Emergency rooms. When these patients were seen by these specialties, the diagnosis was 9unknown9 in 50% of the visits and the most common alternative diagnoses were neuropathy, spinal cord problem, and stroke. The most common symptoms were muscle weakness 91%, cramps 63%, and fasciculations 62%. The most common signs were weakness 98%, increased reflexes 95%, fasciculations 70%, muscle atrophy 67%, gait changes 50%, and tongue abnormalities 42%. Conclusions: It takes approximately 10 months from symptom onset to suspect the diagnosis of ALS and refer patients to ALS clinics. Confirming the diagnosis is quick (2 months) once patients are seen by an ALS specialist. Accelerated ALS diagnosis can be accomplished by early referral to ALS Clinics and targeted ALS awareness to frequently referring specialists. Supported by: AAN and MDA Fellowship Grants. Disclosure: Dr. Atassi has received personal compensation for activitie with Gerson Lehrman Group and Monitor. Dr. Lee has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Macklin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cudkowicz has received personal compensation for activities with Synapse, Trophos, and Acclerson as a data safety monitoring board chair or an advisory board member.
The Realizing of Switch of the Gas Passageway System Chunnels of a Certain of the Oxygen Production Equipmen

On the base of the switch of the positive and reverse flow,the paper analyzes the switch in a certain of time of positive and reverse flow chunnel of a certain of the oxygen production equipmen by the cooperation action of the switch valve with the box of automatic valve.
How do Nanoparticle Size and Protein Charge Affect Gold Nanoparticle-Protein Interactions?

When exposed to a solution containing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), proteins spontaneously bind to the nanoparticle surface, leading to the formation of a stable surface coating, or biocorona. The composition of this biocorona in biological fluids depends on various factors, and it is currently impossible to predict whether an adsorbed protein will retain its function on the AuNP surface. AuNPs are potentially useful in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications, but it is necessary to understand the physical interaction with host proteins before any of these applications can be realized. Using biophysical NMR spectroscopy, we are investigating the structural consequences and thermodynamic determinants of protein-nanoparticle interactions. Using a dataset of six globular proteins, we have found that all of them appear to remain globular upon binding, forming a single layer on the nanoparticle surface. Protein hydrogen-deuterium exchange rates are not perturbed upon addition of AuNPs, suggesting that at least some native structure is retained on the surface. Our observations hold for a broad range of nanoparticle sizes, suggesting that surface curvature may only play a minor role in protein binding. Most recently, we have investigated protein binding as a function of pH, and, assuming moderate shifts in protein pKa values, we have derived a thermodynamic model for the electrostatic contribution to binding. This model can be used to interpret competition experiments where two proteins are exposed to the same nanoparticle. From our results, we conclude that binding is a complex, electrostatically-driven process with multiple discrete steps. Future investigations will focus on whether the principles derived here can be used to design functional protein-based nanoconjugates.
Conflict Styles and Strategies

Dual-concern models indicate that styles and strategies for managing conflict result from concerns for self or other, concern for own outcomes or other's outcomes, or personality traits of high or low assertiveness and cooperation. These models have resulted in a variety of styles, which have been tested across cultures. A number of measures have been developed in a growing literature that has examined the possible styles and strategies and their appropriateness for studying conflict behavior. Keywords: conflict; conflict management; interpersonal communication