cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of the Effect of Artificial Crack Geometry on the Rate of Bulk H + Transport using Fiber Optic Chemical Sensors

Abstract Photopolymerized fiber optic chemical sensors were used to noninvasively investigate the time-dependent transport of ionic hydrogen (H+) between the crack tip and bulk environments as a function of crack tip opening angle (CTOA) and crack width. Artificial crack specimens were used to mitigate the chemical corrosion effects. It was found that both CTOA and crack width significantly affect transport of H+ to the crack tip. Cracks of sufficiently small CTOA demonstrated sufficient transport impedance in both the mouth-to-tip and transverse directions to be considered occluded. Increasing crack width for small CTOA further inhibited H+ transport as a result of increased impedance in the transverse direction.
Spatially resolved analyte mapping with time-of-flight optical sensors

Abstract Simultaneous real-time acquisition of analytical data from several locations is attractive in a variety of applications. This brief review traces the evolution of approaches to such measurements. Greatest emphasis is placed on optical time-of-flight chemical detection when signals are multiplexed from several point sensors or when the measurements are taken along the length of a single continuous extended-length `distributed' sensing element. The use of sensors featuring extended-length continuous chemically sensitive optical fibers offers detection arrangements for which there is no counterpart in conventional chemical sensor technologies.
Strategic Treatment of Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

This article presents the strategic treatment of a female with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. It breaks away from traditional treatment in that it does not include conventional sex therapy exercises. Instead, this article focuses on working with an individual in therapy, emphasizing the relational context. It also shows the utilization of the strategic concepts of identifying and altering problem-maintaining sequences and reframes in treating this disorder.
Growth and carbon uptake by natural populations of oceanic dinoflagellates Pyrocystis noctiluca and Pyrocystis fusiformis

Abstract Vertical profiles of species-specific carbon uptake rates were determined for Pyrocystis sp. collected from net tows in the Gulf Stream and Sargasso Sea and incubated for 1 to 2 h in situ. Rates of cell division (estimated from the frequency of dividing cells) and cellular Chl a, carbon and nitrogen contents were also measured. The in situ rates of cell division (0.085 to 0.116 d−1), the maximum rates of photosynthesis (1.7 to 1.9 ng carbon cell−1 h−1), and the molar C: N ratio (10) of isolated cells were similar to those observed in exponentially growing cultures data suggest that Pyrocystis, although contributing only ca. 1% to community primary production, was neither nutrient nor light limited in situ. Cell division rates were relatively constant throughout the euphotic zone. In contrast, rates of photosynthesis and carbon-specific growth declined by an order of magnitude between the mixed layer and the bottom of the euphotic zone. When integrated over the euphotic zone, rates of carbon-specific growth and cell division were similar, 0.122 and 0.116 d−1, respectively, at the most nutrient-poor station, and 0.098 and 0.085 d−1, respectively, at the most nutrient-poor station. We suggest that during its migration between the mixed layer and the base of the euphotic zone, Pyrocystis sp. assimilates carbon in excess of its immediate metabolic requirements near the surface and catabolizes the stored carbon at greater depths, thus maintaining a relatively constant division rate at all depths within the euphotic zone.
Comparative analysis of codon usage bias and codon context patterns between dipteran and hymenopteran sequenced genomes

Background Codon bias is a phenomenon of non-uniform usage of codons whereas codon context generally refers to sequential pair of codons in a gene. Although genome sequencing of multiple species of dipteran and hymenopteran insects have been completed only a few of these species have been analyzed for codon usage bias.
Insect transgenesis: mechanisms, applications, and ecological safety.

(2006). Insect Transgenesis: Mechanisms, Applications, and Ecological Safety. Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Reviews: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 129-156.
Modification of valyl tRNA synthetase by bacteriophage in Escherichia coli.

Abstract Infection of Escherichia coli with T4 bacteriophage is known to bring about the appearance of a new valyl tRNA synthetase activity distinguished by its behavior during hydroxylapatite fractionation, by its sedimentation in sucrose gradients and, in certain temperature-sensitive bacterial mutants, by its increased stability. Studies were made to determine the origin of this new activity. Its formation was accompanied at all times by a proportional decrease in the original valyl tRNA synthetase activity; 20 minutes after infection at 30 °C no original enzyme remained and no further increase in the phage-induced activity occurred. The addition of chloramphenicol at any time completely blocked both the gain of new and the loss of old activity. An increase of 2.6% in the buoyant density of valyl tRNA synthetase could be achieved by growth of the cells in 80% D 2 O medium, permitting resolution of heavy and light enzyme by equilibrium centrifugation with cesium chloride. By appropriate transfer of cells between deuterium-labeled and unlabeled media it was possible to demonstrate that the new enzyme activity brought about by phage infection in both mutant and wild cells consists of polypeptide chains synthesized prior to infection. From these results it was concluded that T4 infection causes a chloramphenicol-sensitive conversion of host valyl tRNA synthetase into a new, possibly dimeric form.
The mechanism of quench-hardening and its recovery in gold

Abstract Resoftening characteristics of quench-hardened gold were experimentally determined. Resoftening occurred above 600°c at a highly temperature-dependent rate with an activation energy of 4·7 ev. Various quench-hardening mechanisms are considered. The processes corresponding to the observed characteristics are for quench-hardening: formation of tetrahedral stacking faults; and for resoftening: the nucleation of a Shockley partial dislocation ring on any face of the tetrahedron.
Stability of tidal inlets—Pass Cavallo, Texas

Many tidal inlets are scoured in loose granular material, and the morphological changes in these inlets are discussed. The changes are the result of the predominantly fortnightly variations in the tide, the seasonal variations in storm activity and the occurrence of extreme meteorological events. The adjustment of an inlet to changes in the hydraulic environment and sudden changes in its morphology associated with extreme meteorological events is primarily via a change in the cross-sectional area. For a single-inlet bay system, the response of the inlet cross-sectional area can be determined using the stability analysis presented by Escoffier (1940). Rather than one inlet, many bays are connected to the ocean by several inlets. In this study, Escoffier's analysis is expanded to include the interaction of these inlets. In the analysis, the sediment carrying capacity of the inlet currents is characterized by the bottom shear stress. The stability analysis is applied to Pass Cavallo, Texas. Assuming the absence of future influences of tropical storms and hurricanes, the analysis shows that as a result of the opening of a companion inlet, Pass Cavallo ultimately will close.
Use of microcolumn liquid chromatography with a chiral stationary phase for the separation of low-resolution enantiomers

Premiere utilisation, selon les auteurs, de phase chirale dans cette methode. Separation d'acides dansyliques sur phase cyclodextrine
Histone Deacetylase 11 Regulates Oligodendrocyte-Specific Gene Expression and Cell Development in OL-1 Oligodendroglia Cells

Both in vivo and in vitro studies indicate a correlation between reduced acetylation of histone core proteins and oligodendrocyte development. The nature of these histone modifications and the mechanisms mediating them remain undefined. To address these issues we utilized OL-1 cells, a rat non-transformed oligodendrocyte cell line, and primary oligodendrocyte cultures. We found that the acetylated histone H3 at lysine 9 and lysine 14 (H3K9/K14ac) is reduced in both the myelin basic protein (MBP) and proteolipid protein (PLP) genes of maturing oligodendroglial OL-1 cells, and furthermore, this temporally correlates with increases in MBP, PLP, and histone deacetylase (HDAC) 11 expression. Disruption of developmentally-regulated histone H3 deacetylation within the MBP and PLP genes by the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A blunts MBP and PLP expression. With its increased expression, interaction of HDAC 11 with acetylated histone H3 and recruitment of HDAC 11 to the MBP and PLP genes markedly increases in maturing OL-1 cells. Moreover, suppressing HDAC 11 expression with small interfering RNA significantly: 1) increases H3K9/K14ac globally and within the MBP and PLP genes, 2) decreases MBP and PLP mRNA expression, and 3) blunts the morphological changes associated with oligodendrocyte development. Our data strongly support a specific role for HDAC 11 in histone deacetylation and in turn the regulation of oligodendrocyte-specific protein gene expression and oligodendrocyte development.
A comparative study of the ac-field dependence of ‘soft’ and relaxor PLZT ferroelectrics

Abstract Significant differences in the ac-field dependence of the dielectric constant, polarization hysteresis response, and the fatigue behavior have been found between low La-content “soft” and high La-content relaxor ferroelectric behaviors in lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed a decrease in domain regularity with La concentration in “soft” ferroelectrics. This domain breakdown is believed to be responsible for the anomalous ac field effects. An ac field induced relaxor behavior observed in low La content “soft” PZT requires an extended concept of relaxor behavior.
Interaction between Treg Apoptosis Pathways, Treg Function and HLA Risk Evolves during Type 1 Diabetes Pathogenesis

We have previously reported increased apoptosis of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in recent-onset Type 1 Diabetes subjects (RO T1D) in the honeymoon phase and in multiple autoantibody-positive (Ab+) subjects, some of which are developing T1D. We have also reported that increased Treg apoptosis was associated with High HLA risk and that it subsided with cessation of honeymoon period. In this report, we present results generated using genetics, genomics, functional cell-based assays and flow cytometry to assess cellular changes at the T-cell level during T1D pathogenesis. We measured ex vivo Treg apoptosis and Treg function, surface markers expression, expression of HLA class II genes, the influence of HLA risk on Treg apoptosis and function, and evaluated contribution of genes reported to be involved in the apoptosis process. This integrated comprehensive approach uncovered important information that can serve as a basis for future studies aimed to modulate Treg cell responsiveness to apoptotic signals in autoimmunity. For example, T1D will progress in those subjects where increased Treg apoptosis is accompanied with decreased Treg function. Furthermore, Tregs from High HLA risk healthy controls had increased Treg apoptosis levels and overexpressed FADD but not Fas/FasL. Tregs from RO T1D subjects in the honeymoon phase were primarily dying through withdrawal of growth hormones with contribution of oxidative stress, mitochondrial apoptotic pathways, and employment of TNF-receptor family members. Ab+ subjects, however, expressed high inflammation level, which probably contributed to Treg apoptosis, although other apoptotic pathways were also activated: withdrawal of growth hormones, oxidative stress, mitochondrial apoptosis and Fas/FasL apoptotic pathways. The value of these results lie in potentially different preventive treatment subjects would receive depending on disease progression stage when treated.
New visions of social control? Young people's perceptions of community penalties

This article engages with youth perspectives on community penalties, examining the significance of their sense of voicelessness and the indeterminacy of these interventions. The article examines young people's understandings of social inequality and racism, looking beyond issues of procedural fairness, legitimacy, and compliance to questions about young people's ability to accommodate and challenge injustices and ultimately escape the net of punishment they find themselves in.
Application of self‐modeling to externalizing and internalizing disorders

The self-modeling intervention has been studied for more than 40 years, most often through single-subject research design. This article evaluates the use of the intervention with behaviors associated with both externalizing and internalizing disorders. It compares and summarizes the use of the self-modeling intervention with behaviors such as: disruptive classroom and social-setting behaviors. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-associated behaviors, anxiety, depression, fear, and self-efficacy. Behaviors associated with disorders such as stuttering, selective mutism, and autism are not included in this review as they are covered more in-depth in other articles contained within this special issue. In general, the self-modeling intervention is supported for use in a variety of behaviors associated with both internalizing and externalizing disorders. Practitioners are advised to use the methods outlined in this article as support for incorporating the self-modeling intervention for school-aged children with both internalizing and externalizing disorders. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Automated analysis of intracardiac electrograms obtained during extrastimulus tests using a three-dimensional electrophysiology model

Catheter ablation procedures are performed by highly trained and experienced cardiology subspecialists. Yet the massive amount of data produced during these procedures creates a data overload problem that can impede the performance of even the best practitioners. This may be evidenced by (1) overlooking important signal features, (2) misinterpreting the signals, and (3) misinterpreting catheter locations in the heart, all of which can lead to increased procedure duration, applications of radiofrequency energy to the wrong part of the heart, or both. This article presents the first results from a project aimed at developing a model-based system for interpreting intracardiac electrograms in near real time. The system is intended to assist physicians in interpreting the enormous amounts of data recorded during catheter ablation studies. It is an extension of the Einthoven system that has been extended to account for the three-dimensional relationships in the cardiac conduction system as recorded in the various intracardiac electrograms. The new three-dimensional cardiac conduction model and the enhancements to Einthoven's reasoning algorithms are presented. The locus of this study is on interpreting the results of ventricular extrastimulus tests. Data collected for this study and the output generated by the system are presented.
Pharmaceutical marketing practices in the third world

Abstract Major criticisms of pharmaceutical marketing are summarized and industry responses identified. Analysis of this industry case study highlights ethical issues in marketing and the broader problem of harnessing enterprise to ensure quality of life and public good. A social control of business model is presented and the limits of corporate social responsibility delineated.
Investigation of misfit dislocation configurations in MBE-grown InGaAs layers on misaligned GaAs (001) substrates

The configurations of misfit dislocations in In[sub 0.2]Ga[sub 0.8]As/GaAs(001) heterostructures grown on slightly misoriented substrates was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Layers 6 nm, 20 nm and 40 nm thick were grown by MBE. The substrate was tilted in [110], [110], [120], [210] and [010] directions at angles between 0[degree] and 10[degree]. Only in the 40 nm thick layers networks of 60[degree] and 90[degree] dislocations were formed. Misfit dislocations were found at the interface in directions. In the substrate tilting range between 0[degree] and 4[degree] the changes in dislocation density can be explained by the different character of [alpha] and [beta] dislocations. For it substrate tilting above 60 the different dislocation sets show an increased anisotropy. The misfit dislocations at the interface were decorated by In atoms. The influence of three-dimensional crystal growth on increasing surface roughness is discussed.
Conjugated macrocycles related to the porphyrins. 21. Synthesis, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and structural characterization of carbaporphyrins

The “3 + 1” variant of the MacDonald condensation has been shown to be an excellent methodology for synthesizing carbaporphyrins. In particular, 1,3-indenedicarbaldehyde condenses with tripyrranes in the presence of TFA to give, following oxidation with DDQ, a series of benzocarbaporphyrins in excellent yields. Triformylcyclopentadienes also afford carbaporphyrin products, albeit in low yields ranging from 5 to 8%. These hybrid bridged annulene structures have porphyrin-like electronic absorption spectra with strong Soret bands near 420 nm and a series of Q-bands through the visible region. The proton NMR spectrum confirms the presence of a strong diamagnetic ring current, and the meso-protons show up at 10 ppm, while the internal CH is shielded to approximately −7 ppm. Carbaporphyrins undergo reversible protonation with TFA. Initial addition of acid affords a monocation, although mixtures of protonated species are observed in the presence of moderate concentrations of TFA. However, in the presence of 50%...
Polymer-Supported reagents for methylphosphorylation and phosphorylation of carbohydrates

Two polymer-supported reagents for methylphosphorylation and phosphorylation of carbohydrates have been developed. p-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol and β-mercaptoethanol were immobilized on cross-linked divinylbenzene-polystyrene copolymer and conjugated with methyl N,N-diisopropylchlorophosphoramidite. Carbohydrates were reacted with polymer-bound phosphitylating reagents. Further oxidation, with or without the methoxy group deprotection, and cleavage yielded methylphosphorylated or phosphorylated carbohydrates, respectively.
The Effects of Propranolol on Induction of A-V Nodal Reentrant Paroxysmal Tachycardia

Twelve patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) were studied before and after administration of 0.1 mg/kg i.v. propranolol. Echo zones for inducing atrioventricular (A-V) nodal reentry were determined using His bundle recording and the atrial extrastimulus technique. After propranolol the echo zone was abolished in two patients, decreased in one, unchanged in five, increased in two. In two patients echo zones appeared only after propranolol. Nine patients had episodes of sustained PSVT prior to propranolol. Following propranolol PSVT persisted in only five. In these five patients propranolol slowed the rate of PSVT. The data were analyzed by plotting A1-A2 and H1-H2 interval curves. On the basis of these curves the patients were separated into those with "dual pathways" and those with "reflection." The effects of propranolol on both conduction patterns are discussed. In summary, the actions of propranolol in PSVT patients were variable. Potentially beneficial effects included slowing of induced PSVT, loss of the ability to sustain PSVT, and decrease or total elimination of echo zones. Potentially deleterious effects included potentiation of the echo phenomenon with either increase or development of echo zones.
A computer language for determining flexural stresses in arbitrarily shaped cross-sections

Abstract This paper presents a problem-oriented language for determining stresses in arbitrarily shaped sections subjected to combined bending and axial force. The discretization of a continuous section is achieved by setting up a boolean matrix which describes the existence or non-existence of material at a given point of the cross-section. Special emphasis is given to the case of sections having limited resistance to tension. For this case an iterative algorithm is proposed to locate the position of the neutral axis. Various aspects of the implementation of the language and its extension are discussed.
Natural systems analysis

The environments we live in and the tasks we perform in those environments have shaped the design of our visual systems through evolution and experience. This is an obvious statement, but it implies three fundamental components of research we must have if we are going to gain a deep understanding of biological vision systems: (a) a rigorous science devoted to understanding natural environments and tasks, (b) mathematical and computational analysis of how to use such knowledge of the environment to perform natural tasks, and (c) experiments that allow rigorous measurement of behavioral and neural responses, either in natural tasks or in artificial tasks that capture the essence of natural tasks. This approach is illustrated with two example studies that combine measurements of natural scene statistics, derivation of Bayesian ideal observers that exploit those statistics, and psychophysical experiments that compare human and ideal performance in naturalistic tasks.
On unmanned aircraft systems issues, challenges and operational restrictions preventing integration into the National Airspace System

Commercial interest for unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) has seen a steady increase over the last decade. Nevertheless, UAS operations have remained almost exclusively military. This is mainly due to the lack of a regulatory framework that allows only limited public and civil UAS operations with usually crippling restrictions. Although efforts from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its partners are already underway to integrate UAS in the National Airspace System (NAS), the appropriate regulation will not be ready for several more years. In the meantime UAS developers need to be aware of the current operational restrictions, as well as make informed decisions on their research and development efforts so that their designs will be airworthy when the regulatory framework is in place. This paper aims to present an overview of current aviation regulation followed by an investigation of issues and factors that will affect future regulation.
Fast Electron Transfer Across Semiconductor−Molecule Interfaces: GaAs/Co(Cp)2+/0

The kinetics of majority electron transfer in the dark from n-GaAs electrodes to cobaltocenium (Co(Cp)2+) acceptors in acetonitrile has been studied in detail, both experimentally and theoretically. The experimental results were obtained from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM and EQCM) studies, and current−potential characteristics. The theoretical work involved calculating the adsorption energy and molecular configuration of the cobaltocenium acceptors at the GaAs surface using high level density functional theory (B3LYP and variations thereof) as well as semiempirical methods. The QCM experiments showed that both Co(Cp)2+ and Co(Cp)20 are physisorbed at GaAs surfaces, with adsorption energies of about 0.2 and 0.4 eV, respectively. The theoretical results are consistent with these experimental results. They indicate that adsorption of the Co(Cp)2+/0 redox system occurs on GaAs, with Co(Cp)20 somewhat more strongly adsorbed than Co(Cp)2+; the Co(Cp)2+/0 molecules wer...
Nonlinear spectral mixing models for vegetative and soil surfaces

Abstract In this article we apply an analytical solution of the radiosity equation to compute vegetation indices, reflectance spectra, and the spectral bidirectional reflectance distribution function for simple canopy geometries. We show that nonlinear spectral mixing occurs due to multiple reflection and transmission from surfaces. We compare radiosity-derived spectra with single scattering or linear mixing models. We also develop a simple model to predict the reflectance spectrum of binary and ternary mineral mixtures of faceted surfaces. The two facet model is validated by measurements of the reflectance.
Another determinant condensation formula

It is shown that CD=kDC implies that where r is the total multiplicity of nonzero eigenvalues of C. This extends similar results known for the hypothesis but its proof turns out to be more complicated. We also examine when our hypothesis is satisfied.
Mission Assurance Challenges within the Military Environment

Virtually all modern organizations have embedded information and communication technologies into their core processes as a means to increase operational efficiency, improve decision quality, and reduce operational costs. However, this dependence can place the organizational mission at risk when an incident occurs that compromises a cyber resource critical to the success of the organizational mission. In this paper, the authors examine the challenges of developing and maintaining a mission-wide understanding of organizational mission risk within military environments. Specifically, they examine the concept of mission assurance, discuss various factors which must be taken into account when describing military missions, analyze the four primary types of representations used to capture mission-to-cyber relationships, and highlight the complexities of documenting cyber dependencies for the purpose of achieving mission assurance.
Some results on the geometrically exact equations of pressurized, axisymmetric membranes

The geometrically exact, axisymmetric equations for elastic membranes are examined in the case of constant internal pressure. Particular attention is paid to the scenario wherein both the reference configuration and the current configuration are spherical caps. Hookean and non-Hookean materials are considered. For Hookean and neo-Hookean materials, it is shown that there is a maximum allowable pressure and two solutions (spheres) exist for each pressure less than the maximum, while for Mooney materials there is a unique solution for all pressures. The material properties that account for this dichotomy are identified in the Conclusion.
Postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding in orthognathic surgery patients: its estimated prevalence and possible association to known risk factors.

Purpose To assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients after orthognathic surgery and its relation to known risk factors. Patient and Methods With institutional review board approval, a single-center case series was conducted with data collected retrospectively from orthognathic surgical patients’ medical records from 1990 to 2010. All patients were treated by 1 primary surgeon, were limited to 21 years or younger at the time of surgery, and had no coagulopathy. The authors’ hypothesis was that patients concurrently exposed to mechanical ventilation and dual anti-inflammatory drugs in the postoperative period would be at a greater risk for clinically significant GI bleeding according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists guideline compared with those exposed to fewer risk factors. Its prevalence and relation to known risk factors were analyzed. Results In total 498 orthognathic cases consisting of 220 male patients (median age, 17 yr; age range, 3 to 21 yr) and 262 female patients (median age, 17 yr; age range, 10 to 21 yr) were reviewed. Of 17 patients admitted to intensive care unit level of care postoperatively, 4 patients were exposed to concomitant administration of ketorolac and steroids while being mechanically ventilated. Two of these 4 patients developed esophagogastroduodenoscopy-confirmed upper GI bleeding (UGIB). There was no incidence of UGIB in patients not exposed to all 3 risk factors concurrently. Conclusions Postoperative GI bleeding complication is rare in orthognathic surgical patients, with an estimated prevalence of 0.4%. Based on these observations, orthognathic surgical patients who require mechanical ventilation and are receiving anti-inflammatory medications may have an increased risk of GI bleeding. In the absence of active bleeding from the surgical site, persistent decrease in hemoglobin concentration should alert one to consider the possibility of UGIB.
Use of Unsectioned Dorsal Spines for Estimating Walleye Ages

Abstract Dorsal spines may be a suitable structure for aging walleyes Sander vitreus when the otoliths are unavailable due to live release of the catch, but the specialized equipment and additional time necessary to remove and mount a readable cross section can discourage their use. I evaluated a simple method of obtaining age estimates from unsectioned dorsal spines. The basal end of each dorsal spine was sanded smooth and viewed under a dissecting microscope with side illumination. For Red Lake, Minnesota, walleyes, where consensus otolith ages by two experienced readers indicated that most fish were younger than age 7, reader agreement rates (95%) and precision (mean coefficient of variation (CV) = 0.95%) of dorsal spine estimates were relatively high. Age estimates by individual readers inspecting spines generally agreed with consensus otolith ages (≥95%). Reader agreement rates (70%) and precision (mean CV = 2.71%) were much lower for a sample of walleyes collected from Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota, wh...
Design and characterization of an ion source for neutron production

Summary form only given. Compact neutron sources have possible applications in active interrogation systems and oil well logging. Plasma ion sources can produce beams of deuterium or deuterium and tritium, which strike a target doped with deuterium or deuterium and tritium, producing a measurable neutron flux.
New input to hospital decision making.

To respond to the rapidly changing environment of the hospital industry and to the impact of a prospective reimbursement experiment the Genesee Hospital has established a new structure and process to combine clinical and administrative expertise in management and planning activities. Various analyses and recommendations are developed from a data base of merged clinical and financial information. The result has been both better-informed decision-makers and more comprehensive analyses on which to base decisions.
Restoration, Resolution, and Noise

This paper treats the problem of restoring the detail to an optical image which has been degraded by diffraction and noise. The particular contribution of the paper is a more complete analysis of the effects of various types of noise on system performance than has been given previously. Background noise, measurement noise, and computer roundoff error are considered, and the errors in the reconstructed image caused by these noise processes are evaluated. Numerical results for the special case of a perfect one-dimensional slit aperture are obtained. A general conclusion is that the reconstruction technique described here is most useful when the smoothing is severe and when a modest improvement of resolution may be worthwhile.
Residency factors that influence pediatric in-training examination score improvement.

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine which measurable factors of resident training experience contribute to improvement of in-training examination (ITE) and certifying examination (CE) scores. Methods: This is a descriptive retrospective study analyzing data from July 2003 through June 2006 at a large academic pediatric training program. Pediatric categorical residents beginning residency in July 2003 were included. Regression analyses were used to determine if the number of admissions performed, core lectures attended, acute care topics heard, grand rounds attended, continuity clinic patients encountered, or procedures performed correlated with improvement of ITE scores. These factors were then analyzed in relation to CE scores. Results: Seventeen residents were included in this study. The number of general pediatric admissions was the only factor found to correlate with an increase in ITE score (P = .04). Scores for the ITE at pediatric levels 1 and 3 were predictive of CE scores. No other factors measured were found to influence CE scores. Conclusions: Although all experiences of pediatric residents likely contribute to professional competence, some experiences may have more effect on ITE and CE scores. In this study, only general pediatric admissions correlated significantly with an improvement in ITE scores from year 1 to year 3. Further study is needed to identify which elements of the residency experience contribute most to CE success. This would be helpful in optimizing residency program structure and curriculum within the limitations of duty hour regulations.
Efficacy of Coniothyrium minitans on lettuce drop caused by Sclerotinia minor in desert agroecosystem

Abstract Field experiments were conducted over 2 years in Yuma County, Arizona and Imperial County, California, to evaluate if increased application rates of a commercial formulation of Coniothyrium minitans (Contans) were effective against lettuce drop caused by Sclerotinia minor. The efficacy of C. minitans at varied application rates were compared to two field isolates of Paenibacillus polymyxa and the chemical fungicide Boscolid (Endura). Two applications of manufacture recommended rate of Contans (2.2 kg/ha) did not significantly reduce the incidence of lettuce drop caused by S. minor, even though applications at this rate have been shown to be very effective in controlling lettuce drop caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. However, two applications of high rates of Contans (6.6, 8.8, or 11 kg/ha), one at planting and one at post-thinning, significantly reduced the incidence of lettuce drop in most trials. Two isolates of P. polymyxa each applied at a rate of 9.4 L/ha (109 cfu/ml) were not effective in reducing the incidence of lettuce drop. Two applications of Endura, one at thinning and one at 4 weeks post-thinning, significantly reduced the incidence of lettuce drop in Yuma County, AZ, but not in Imperial County, CA. In summary, successful management of lettuce drop caused by S. minor in desert ecosystem could best be achieved with high application rates of C. minitans.
Electron Transfer Mechanism of Organocobalt Porphyrins. Site of Electron Transfer, Migration of Organic Groups, and Cobalt−Carbon Bond Energies in Different Oxidation States

The chemical or electrochemical oxidations and coupled chemical reactions of (TPP)Co(R) and (TPP)Co(R)(L) where R = Bu, Et, Me, or Ph, L = a substituted pyridine, and TPP = the dianion of tetraphenylporphyrin were investigated in acetonitrile or dichloromethane. The homogeneous one- or two-electron oxidation of the Co(III) σ-bonded complexes was accomplished using [Fe(phen)3]3+ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) as an oxidant. The products of the initial oxidation as well as that of the subsequent R group migration from (TPP)Co(R) or (TPP)Co(R)(L) to give the N-aryl or N-alkyl Co(II) porphyrins were characterized by ESR and UV−vis spectroscopies, while the rates of migration were determined using stopped flow kinetics. The rate constants of R group migration from the metal to nitrogen in [(TPP)Co(R)]+ were found to vary by 6 orders of magnitude upon going from (TPP)Co(Ph) (1.3 × 10-3 s-1) to (TPP)Co(Bu) (1.2 × 103 s-1) at 298 K in acetonitrile, but no significant differences were observed between E1/2 for the f...
The valuation effects of embedded value disclosure by life insurers

Many life insurance companies outside the US disclose embedded value (EV), an actuarial estimate of the present value of the future net cash flows arising from the company’s in-force life insurance business. Industry surveys have shown that EV is used by analysts for valuation purposes. However, there is little empirical research of EV disclosures. This study fills that void by testing the valuation relevance, information content and reduction in information asymmetry associated with the reporting of EV. We provide evidence supporting the premise that the market prefers EV to traditional accounting metrics in assessing security prices. This study advances our understanding of the valuation effects of corporate voluntary disclosures, and should be of interest to financial reporting standard setters such as the IASB and the FASB who are currently working on harmonizing financial reporting in the insurance industry.
A Bayesian approach to fault classification

According to their temporal behavior, faults in computer systems are classified into permanent, intermittent, and transient faults. Since it is impossible to identify the type of a fault upon its first detection, the common practice is to retry the failed instruction one or more times and then use other fault recovery methods, such as rollback or restart, if the retry is not successful. To determine an “optimal” (in some sense) number of retries, we need to know several fault parameters, which can be estimated only after classifying all the faults detected in the past.In this paper we propose a new fault classification scheme which assigns a fault type to each detected fault based on its detection time, the outcome of retry, and its detection symptom. This classification procedure utilizes the Bayesian decision theory to sequentially update the estimation of fault parameters whenever a detected fault is classified. An important advantage of this classification is the early identification of presence of an intermittent fault so that appropriate measures can be taken before it causes a serious damage to the system. To assess the goodness of the proposed scheme, the probability of incorrect classification is also analyzed and compared with simulation results.
Incidental cardiac papillary fibroelastoma: a management dilemma.

A 78-year-old woman with a history of diastolic heart failure and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) presented after a syncope. She was on warfarin therapy for PAF. Her cardiovascular examination was essentially unremarkable. Her orthostatic vital signs were stable and electrocardiogram revealed a normal sinus rhythm. Laboratory examination was unremarkable and her international normalised ratio (INR) was 2.5. Telemetry monitoring was largely unremarkable. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a mobile pedunculated mass (2.2 cm in the largest dimension) on the ventricular aspect of the anterior mitral valve, with a homogeneous speckled pattern and a characteristic stippling along the edges, most likely consistent with an incidental cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPFE) (figure 1 and video 1). Transoesophageal …
THE RUNNING OF THE COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT

In a quantum theory, the cosmological constant is scale-dependent. The leading behavior of the scaling in Coleman’s mechanism for the vanishing of the asymptotic cosmological constant is calculable. The Hawking scenario, in contrast, leads to a cosmological constant which is not precisely calculable, and whose scaling may be inconsistent with cosmology.
Progesterone of the blood in the menstrual cycle of the monkey.

ADVANCES in our knowledge of the physiology of estrous and menstrual cycles have been hampered by a lack of reliable, quantitative methods for the detection and assay of progesterone in small amounts of blood. Methods for the measurement of pregnandiol and other excretory metabolites of progesterone have been useful but are of limited quantitative value and are not suitable to all species of mammals (Pincus, 1948). The bio-assay technique recently devised by Hooker and Forbes (1947) seems to fulfill the requirements of a quantitative micro-method and at the same time is apparently specific for progesterone and thus obviating the presence of other steroid hormones that may be in the test material (Hooker and Forbes, 1949). Therefore, this procedure was used in the present investigation. The purpose of this study was to determine the time of appearance and the amount of progesterone in the blood serum of normal adult monkeys (Macaca mulatta) during the menstrual cycle.
Trends in Youth Sexual Initiation and Fertility in Developed Countries: 1960-1995

The widespread interest in recent changes in fertility, union formation, and union dissolution has largely focused on adult behaviors. Much less attention has been paid to changes in related youth behaviors that foreshadow and may shape adult behaviors. This article identifies some of the changes that have occurred in the timing of sexual initiation and fertility across Western industrialized countries since 1960. Documenting the similarities and differences in these patterns helps us to understand better how youth transition experiences differ across place. This article finds that patterns of youth sexual behavior are converging across developed countries. That is, within- and between-country variation in the timing of sexual initiation has decreased. There also has been a reduction and convergence in levels of teenage fertility, but the decline in fertility was more pronounced among non-English-speaking countries than among English-speaking countries, which has resulted in an increasing gap.
A hybrid optical-digital image processing method for surface inspection

A hybrid measurement technique is proposed for high-precision surface inspection. The technique uses an interferometer to image microscopic surface defects. In order to quantify the degree of various surface defects, the interferograms are scanned, digitized, and subsequently converted to a binary image by using an adaptive thresholding technique which takes into account the inhomogeneity of the imaging system. A new misalignment measure for binary patterns identifies the "straightness" of the fringe lines. It is shown that the resulting percentages of misaligned picture elements conform fairly well with the degree of various surface defects.
Toward a Process-Focused Model of Test Score Validity: Improving Psychological Assessment in Science and Practice.

Although definitions of validity have evolved considerably since L. J. Cronbach and P. E. Meehl's classic (1955) review, contemporary validity research continues to emphasize correlational analyses assessing predictor-criterion relationships, with most outcome criteria being self-reports. The present article describes an alternative way of operationalizing validity--the process-focused (PF) model. The PF model conceptualizes validity as the degree to which respondents can be shown to engage in a predictable set of psychological processes during testing, with those processes dictated a priori by the nature of the instrument(s) used and the context in which testing takes place. In contrast to the traditional approach wherein correlational methods are used to quantify the relationship between test score and criterion, the PF model uses experimental methods to manipulate variables that moderate test score-criterion relationships, enabling researchers to draw more definitive conclusions regarding the impact of underlying psychological processes on test scores. By complementing outcome-based validity assessment with a process-driven approach, researchers will not only improve psychology's assessment procedures but also enhance their understanding of test bias and test score misuse by illuminating the intra- and interpersonal factors that lead to differential performance (and differential prediction) in different groups.
The Effects Of Students' Predispositions Toward Communication, Learning Styles, And Sex On Academic Achievement

Females are more apprehensive when talking in class, but more nonverbally immediate, and prefer a collaborative learning style. Males prefer independent and avoidant learning styles, and report learning less than females.
Effects of moisture content on sulfate generation and retention in hardwood forest upper soil horizons

The influence of moisture on organic S mineralization and the fate of both mineralization-derived and added sulfate were examined in A and B horizon soil samples from a hardwood forest. The sulfur-...
Dynamic identification of electric motor parameters on the basis of QR-decomposition technique

Dynamic identification of DC motor on the basis of QR-decomposition technique is given in this paper. Authors propose to identify DC motor parameter using step-by-step method of rotor's parameters definition. The first step is definition of main poles magnetic flux and active resistance of exciting circuit Active resistance, rotary rotations are defined on the second step. Appropriate equations of transforming are given in the article. Identification results using this technique are presented on the graphs. Also the results of simulation are shown in the paper.
Complex anisotropy in D" beneath the eastern Pacific from SKS-SKKS splitting discrepancies

article i nfo Although observations of seismic anisotropy in the lowermost mantle are abundant, the mechanism which generates anisotropy in the D" layer is not well understood. Most observational constraints on D" anisotropy come from the splitting of shear waves that propagate (nearly) horizontally through the lowermost mantle. However, anisotropy in the D" layer can also give rise to discrepancies in shear wave splitting for SKS and SKKS phases for the same event-station pair, as these phases sample different regions of the lowermost mantle. Here I report observations of strongly discrepant SKS-SKKS splitting observed at broadband stations in western Mexico and California. In particular, strong SKKS splitting with fast polarization directions near ~60° and delay times up to ~3 s is observed for a group of raypaths that sample a region of the D" layer beneath the eastern Pacific Ocean. A comparison of SKKS splitting with SKS splitting observed from the same events, as well as with SKS splitting observed at a variety of backazimuths at each station, suggests that the anomalous anisotropic structure is in the lowermost mantle. My preferred model for the unusual anisotropic geometry in this region is large shear deformation in D" at the edge of a region where slab material impinges upon the core-mantle boundary, resulting in lattice preferred orientation of lower mantle minerals.
Elastic properties of mullite

Using ultrasonic methods, the authors determined the ambient-temperature elastic constants of dense (99.7%) hot-pressed polycrystalline 3:2 mullite (3Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}{center_dot}2SiO{sub 2}). The authors report the usual polycrystal elastic constants: Young`s, shear, and bulk moduli, and the Poisson`s ratio ({nu}). The Poisson`s ratio ({nu} = 0.280) suggests interatomic bonding that is very different from that of either alumina or silica. Temperature dependences of the elastic constants show a strong irregularity; for example, {nu} decreases as the temperature increases. This irregularity suggests an internal-state change that is perhaps related to the incommensurate structural modulation.