cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Matrix viscoelasticity: Controlling factor in the rubber toughening of epoxy resins

Our limited success in toughening methylene dianiline (MDA)-cured Epon 828, using varying rubber types, led to a study of the role of the matrix viscoelasticity in the toughening process. Two rubber types, with different interfacial bonding capabilities, poly(n-butyl acrylate)/15 wt % acrylonitrile/2 wt % acrylic acid and poly(n-butylacrylate)/15 wt % acrylonitrile, were incorporated into systems containing varying amine concentrations to control crosslink density. Impact strengths of controls and rubber-modified compositions increased with excess amine concentrations up to 70%. The impact strengths for the poly(n-butyl acrylate)/15 wt % acrylonitrile/2 wt % acrylic acid rubber-modified compositions were greater than their equivalent controls, with the effect being greater at a lower crosslink density. This study confirmed that the matrix viscoelasticity is the controlling parameter in the toughening process. The degree of rubber–epoxy interfacial bonding is also an important parameter to consider, if the matrix viscoelasticity permits toughening. A modified stress response model was used to explain the toughening phenomenon.
Electroosmosis and thermal effects in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) micropumps using 3D MHD equations

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) micropumps which have no moving parts have attracted attention from the microfluidics community. A significant amount of research is being reported in the design, fabrication and operation of such devices. In this work, we report analytical investigation of the physics of such devices and a development of a generalized numerical framework for the solution of the full 3D MHD equations that govern the multi-physics of MHD micropumps. Based on the numerical framework developed, we investigate different flow channel geometries influenced by the micromachining process, effects of non-uniform magnetic and electric fields, Joule heating, and electroosmosis in MHD micropumps.
The Worden meteorite: A new ordinary chondrite fall from Michigan, USA

An ordinary chondrite fall in southeast Michigan, USA (near the crossroads hamlet of Worden in northeast Washtenaw County) penetrated the garage roof of a private home on 1997 September 1. The Worden chondrite comprises silicate matrix, mineral fragments, chondrules, chondrule fragments, and opaque primary phases. Electron microprobe analyses (olivine, Fa23.9; orthopyroxene, FS20.1, En78.8, W01) indicate diagnostic L-chondrite silicate mineral compositions. Recognizable chondrules and chondrule fragments constitute up to 42 vol%. Chondrule boundaries are readily discernable (especially where chondrules have rims of opaque material) but not sharp, and discrete plagioclase crystals are visible in the devitrified mesostasis of barred olivine chondrules; together, these characteristics suggest petrologic type S. The spatially averaged ensemble of shockrelated features (optical extinction of olivine grains, minor localized shock melt) suggests assignment of a shock stage of S3. The 26 Al and 22Na activities are typical for an L chondrite. Worden fell near the most recent solar minimum in 1997, and the 22Na production rate should have been at a level approaching the maximum levels due to solar modulation of the galactic cosmic-ray flux. The low value for the Worden 22Na activity relative to those observed in chondrite falls associated with the 1969 solar maximum and 1976 solar minimum suggests a relatively small preatmospheric size. The 60Co activity confirms the indication of a small body. The 56Co activity was essentially zero, indicating that none of the recovered meteorite contained material exposed to solar cosmic rays. The Worden chondrite is the fourth documented fall in Michigan, and the fourth stony meteorite recovered in Michigan; all other Michigan meteorites are finds, not observed falls, and are iron meteorites. All Michigan falls to date are ordinary chondrites. The three falls prior to Worden were Allegan (HS) fell 1899; Rose City (HS, brecciated, black (dark matrix)) fell 1921 ; and Coleman (L6, veined (shocked); Osborn et aI., 1997) fell 1994. Worden has a much lighter matrix than Rose City, and is less extensively thermally and shock metamorphosed than either Rose City (StOffler et aI., 1991) or Coleman.
Hume's psychology, contemporary learning theory, and the problem of knowledge amplification

Abstract The problem of explaining the growth of knowledge has a long history among philosophers. David Hume rejected a logic of knowledge amplification and offered a psychological, rather than a logical, solution. Hume's naturalistic account can be made more powerful and precise by adopting the principles of contemporary learning theory. Until recently, however, a behavioral account of knowledge amplification could not account for the differential gains in knowledge seen across species. We argue that recent empirical and theoretical developments in the behavioral analyses of language and cognition add to previously developed behavioral principles in a way that allows for a fuller account of knowledge amplification as it applies to interspecies differences. The role of stimulus equivalence and other derived relational responding and their role in knowledge amplification is described. Relational Frame Theory is offered as an organizing structure for understanding the ways in which relational stimulus control impacts the growth of knowledge.
How to teach introductory accounting: Student views

Abstract This is the report of a survey on student preferences regarding teaching techniques in introductory accounting classes. Results are analyzed to determine whether there is an association between preferences and the variables of class level, major area of concentration, and sex of the student subjects. Implications of the research results are discussed — implications which may be helpful to the accounting instructor aiming for quality and variety in classroom presentation.
Bottom quark mass predictions in non-supersymmetric SU (5) unification

Abstract We study the bottom quark to tau lepton mass ratio in a large class of non-SUSY SU (5) models. Our general analysis allows us to rule out most one-Higgs models which predict too large a value for the mass of the bottom quark. We then look at a particular two-Higgs model and show that the correct bottom quark mass can be achieved by setting the top quark Yukawa coupling close to its intermediate fixed point.
Lipid apheresis, indications, and principles

Low-density lipoprotein apheresis (LDL apheresis) is a term that describes a group of apheresis techniques and devices that selectively remove apolipoprotein B containing lipoproteins. A number of different devices are available worldwide, which all effectively remove low-density lipoprotein cholesterol while sparing other important plasma components. LDL apheresis is used to treat familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), an inherited condition of accelerated atherosclerosis and severe coronary artery disease resulting in premature death. It has also been used to treat other disorders, although the evidence for its use is limited. This review describes the underlying pathophysiology of FH, the mechanism of action of the various LDL apheresis devices available, and how LDL apheresis is used to treat this uncommon metabolic condition.
Prepatellar bursitis: A complication of arthroscopic surgery of the knee due to a lost meniscal fragment

The case report of a patient with prepatellar bursitis resulting from a retained meniscal fragment following arthroscopic surgery is presented. The potential for the development of this condition is explained based on the anatomic position of the prepatellar bursa and its relationship to the arthroscopic portals.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in association with silicone breast implants

Abstract Background: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a chronic malignancy of helper T cells with the CD4 phenotype. It occurs less frequently in young women but is increasing in incidence for unknown reasons. Silicone breast implants have been associated with T-cell-mediated autoimmune reactions. Objective: Our purpose was to suggest the hypothesis that CTCL may arise after breast implants and that different patients with CTCL may be stimulated by different antigens. Methods: Investigators with many patients with CTCL were queried regarding the occurrence of CTCL in women after breast implants. Results: Three cases of confirmed CTCL after breast implants were identified and are reported. In one patient with Sezary syndrome and CTCL, the disease went into remission after removal of implants, resolution of chronic staphylococcal infection, and initiation of photopheresis and interferon alfa therapy. Another patient had progressive disease. Conclusion: CTCL may occur in association with breast implants in young female patients, but causality is unknown. If CTCL is antigen driven, then it is likely to result from several different antigens in different groups of patients.
Development of a Mechanistic Model for Friction Stir Channeling

A mechanistic model for the process specific energy as a function of the processing parameters during friction stir channeling (FSC) in Al6061-T6 was developed and investigated. The thermal cycle acting on the surface of the workpiece was measured using an infra red (IR) camera and the peak temperatures were studied as a function of the specific energy. The channel area is plotted against the process specific energy and is analyzed. A relationship between the processing conditions (tool rotational rate, traverse speed, and plunge depth) and the channel area is defined.
Characterization of ceramic membranes I. Thermal and hydrothermal stabilities of commercial 40 Å membranes

The thermal stability (up to 640°C) and hydrothermal (up to 90% of steam) stability of commercial microporous ceramic membranes with an ≈40 A pore diameter were characterized by dynamic capillary condensation porometry and gas permeation. The pore size of the membrane remained relatively constant under the thermal treatment for up to 110 h. Tne N2 gas permeance increased from ≈60 to ≈120 m3/m2 h atm, likely attributed to the removal of adsorbed moisture during storage. The pore size increased to≈50 and ≈65 A under hydrothermal treatment at 640°C with a stream containing 5 and 90% steam, respectively. The largest changes in membrane structures occurred within the first few hours of treatment. The corresponding increases in the gas permeance correlated well with the enlargement in the pore diameter, indicating the porous structure based upon the ratio of tortuosity to porosity likely remained constant during the hydrothermal treatment.
Molecular reorientations and intermolecular interactions: Raman spectra of the three crystalline phases of p-dichlorobenzene†

The three crystalline phases of p-dichlorobenzene (DCB) are related to each other primarily by molecular reorientations. In order to examine the anisotropy in the crystal interactions, the effect of these molecular reorientations on the phonon dispersion and the internal vibrational exciton splitting is investigated with Raman spectroscopy. Isotopically mixed crystals (DCB-h4:DCB-d4) are used to measure the phonon dispersions and the vibrational exciton splittings. The results obtained show that these dynamic properties are highly sensitive to molecular reorientation, revealing an anisotropy in the crystal interactions. The anisotropy in the crystal interaction is also found to be mode selective.
Biological properties of an improved transformation assay for native and denatured T4 DNA

Abstract Conditions for efficient transformation with native and denatured T4 DNA are described. Both native and denatured DNA cotransform amH17–amN116 which spans about 7% of the T4 genome, including the complete rII cistrons, quite efficiently. Thus, r mutations induced in denatured T4 transforming DNA by heat at 100° and pH 7.1 were readily detected as r mutant transformants. The rate of heat mutagenesis from r + to r at 100° is about 0.1%/min. Native T4 DNA containing numerous single-strand nicks within the region to be donated also cotransforms amH17–amN116 . The extent of nicking in native DNA can be estimated by residual transforming activity after denaturation. Covalent closure of single-strand nicks in native DNA by DNA ligase has also been detected by denatured DNA transformation. Increases (1000-fold) in denatured DNA transforming activity for amH17–amN116 were obtained after treating highly nicked native DNA with saturating levels of T4 DNA ligase. The biological activity of small fragments of denatured T4 DNA containing no transforming activity for amH17–amN116 was restored upon renaturation. Even renatured DNA species which required two renaturation events to restore activity, and thus, contained at least three individual fragments of DNA, cotransformed amH17–amN116 and donated the complete rII cistrons efficiently.
Phosphoproteins and mitochondrial and cell water.

IN previous communications1,2 it was shown that several antihistamine drugs in concentrations which do not affect respiration or phosphorylation reduce the rate of swelling of isolated mitochondria and also diminish the rate of extrusion of water by these particles. It was found that the drugs greatly reduce the rate of turnover of phosphoprotein phosphorus in such systems. This work has now been extended, and it has been found that a variety of agents which affect mitochondrial swelling and ‘contraction’ also affect the phosphorylation of proteins. A similar relation appears in liver slices taking up and extruding water under appropriate conditions. Amytal and azide inhibit mitochondrial ‘contraction’3, whereas 2,4-dinitrophenol does not. Phosphoprotein–phosphorus falls to low levels during swelling, and compounds which prevent this change preserve the phosphoproteins; this, however, might be a secondary phenomenon. During ‘contraction’ there is phosphorylation of protein; this is shown in Table 1, which also shows the effects of amytal, azide, 2,4-dinitrophenol and ‘Phenergan’, a phenothiazine antihistamine drug. It will be seen that there is a correlation between the increase in optical density of the mitochondrial suspension and the phosphorylation of protein. If the time-course of ‘contraction’ is followed, there is a close correlation between these two processes. Furthermore, if the mitochondria are allowed to re-swell, this event is preceded by a fall in phosphoprotein-level, even in the presence of excess adenosine triphosphate.
Assessment of Current Continuous Hemofiltration Systems and Development of a Novel Accurate Fluid Management System for Use in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with a renal replacement therapy such as continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) provides life-saving temporary heart and lung, and renal support in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units. However, studies have shown that this approach may be hampered due to the potentially inaccurate fluid delivery/drainage of current intravenous (IV) fluid pumps, creating potential for excessive fluid removal and undesired degrees of dehydration. We present a simple and novel accurate fluid management system capable of working against the high volume flow and pressures typically seen in patients on ECMO. The accuracy of the in-line system implemented at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston was assessed experimentally. The data assisted in the development of a novel automated and accurate fluid management system that functions based on a conservation of volume approach to limit the inaccuracies observed in typical clinical implementations of CVVH. IV pump accuracy measurements demonstrated a standard error in net ultrafiltrate volume removed from the patient of up to 848.5 ± 156 ml over a period of 24 h, supporting previous observations of patient's dehydration during the course of a combined ECMO-CVVH treatment and justifying the need for a new fluid management system. The innovative design of the new device is expected to achieve either a perfect or controlled negative fluid balance between the ultrafiltrate and replacement fluid flow rates. Perfect fluid balance is achieved by imposing an identical displacement on two pistons, one delivering replacement fluid to the circuit and the other draining ultrafiltrate from the hemofilter. Fluid removal is managed via a second syringe-pump system that reduces the net replacement fluid flow rate with respect to the ultrafiltration flow rate. The novel fluid management system described in this paper is expected to provide an effective method to control precisely fluid flow rates in patients on ECMO. Therefore, this device could potentially improve the efficacy of ECMO therapy and constitute a safe and effective way of reducing fluid overload in patients with cardiorespiratory failure.
Three-dimensional Dynamic Structure Of Phospholipid Bilayers Saturated With Cholesterol

Membranes made of synthetic phospholipids, as well as total phospholipids extracted from the eye lenses of young and old animals and containing saturating amounts of cholesterol (close to or exceeding the cholesterol solubility threshold), were investigated using conventional and saturation-recovery EPR spin-labeling methods. Profiles of the order parameter and hydrophobicity were obtained from conventional EPR spectra. Profiles of the oxygen transport parameter (oxygen diffusion-concentration product) were obtained from saturation-recovery curves. All of these profiles provide unique information about the depth-dependent physical properties and the three-dimensional dynamic organization of the membrane. Additionally, saturation-recovery measurements allow discrimination of membrane domains because the collision rate of molecular oxygen with the nitroxide spin label may differ in these domains. All membranes saturated (but not oversaturated) with cholesterol are homogenous on the EPR timescale. When properties of the phospholipid-cholesterol membrane are monitored with phospholipid analogue spin labels (by measuring the alkyl chain order parameter), the membrane shows high rigidity that decreases gradually toward the membrane center. However, when membrane properties are measured by monitoring movement and/or concentration of small molecules like molecular oxygen or water, the monitored properties change abruptly between the C9 and C10 positions (depth to which the rigid cholesterol ring-structure is immersed), showing low membrane fluidity and hydrophobicity to the depth of the ninth carbon and high membrane fluidity and hydrophobicity in the membrane center. Based on these observations, it can be concluded that the bulk physical properties of membranes saturated with cholesterol (with a cholesterol-to-phospholipid mole ratio close to one) are mainly determined by the presence of the saturating amount of cholesterol and are practically independent on membrane phospholipid composition.
Migration of an intraspinal schwannoma documented by intraoperative ultrasound: case report

Abstract BACKGROUND Tumors of the cauda equina may shift with positioning on the operating table. Accurate localization at surgery is important to facilitate appropriate laminectomy and durotomy. Case Description We report a case of a 28-year-old man with a schwannoma of the cauda equina at L4 on preoperative MRI. Intraoperative ultrasound revealed that the tumor had migrated cephalad, and was now located at L3. CONCLUSION Intraoperative ultrasound is a valuable technique in localization of tumors of the cauda equina.
The effect of high vitamin a intake on fatty acid composition of rat liver retinyl esters and total liver fatty acids

Abstract Female Fischer 344 rats fed AIN-76 diet plus 7 μmoles (2.3 mg) retinyl acetate in corn oil daily for 17 d (vitamin A-supplemented) showed markedly enhanced liver vitamin A levels compared with control animals fed AIN-76 diet plus corn oil (6.6 μmol/g liver vs. 0.21 μmole/g, p
α-Naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced hepatotoxicity and disposition in various species☆☆☆

Abstract Species difference to ANIT-induced hepatotoxicity was confirmed by measurement of plasma bilirubin, BSP retention, and bile flow in rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits following ANIT administration. Rats and mice showed significant hyperbilirubinemia, BSP retention, and bile stasis following ANIT treatment. Contrary to previous reports, the guinea pig developed significant elevation of plasma bilirubin, BSP retention, and bile stasis following acute ANIT treatment. The hamster, not previously studied, was comparatively insensitive to ANIT-induced hyperbilirubinemia, BSP retention or bile stasis. The rabbit failed to develop hyperbilirubinemia, BSP retention, or bile stasis even with toxic doses of ANIT. Evaluation of urinary 14 C metabolites from the various species by thin-layer chromatography showed definite qualitative and quantitative differences in the hamster and rabbit compared with the remaining species. ANIT- 14 C was not found to be present in any of the species urine. The results of these experiments suggest that ANIT hepatotoxicity is related to its metabolism. The metabolism may involve either specific enzymatic biotransformation pathways which are variable among the different species or may be related to the binding of ANIT to specific substances such as a protein which are variable among the various species in their composition and/or contribution to normal biliary excretion.
PARAMETER DOMAINS FOR GENERATING SPATIAL PATTERN: A COMPARISON OF REACTION–DIFFUSION AND CELL-CHEMOTAXIS MODELS

Reaction–diffusion and cell-chemotaxis mechanisms have been widely used as models for biological pattern formation. Applications require the formation of specific patterns. Both mechanisms involve local reaction dynamics and diffusion. In addition, the cell-chemotaxis mechanism involves chemotactic movement in response to an external gradient. It has been considered that chemotaxis is like negative diffusion which has a destabilizing effect. In this paper, we use a general weakly nonlinear analysis and numerical simulations to divide the parameter space into different domains giving rise to specific classes of spatial patterns, namely, spots and stripes, compare the robustness and sensitivity of the different models, and discuss spatial patterns intermediate between stripes and spots. We show that chemotaxis is not always a destabilizing factor — it can also have positive diffusion effect.
Mechanism of Long Slender (LS) to Short Stumpy (SS) Transformation in the African Trypanosomes

The transformation of the long slender to the short stumpy stages of the African trypanosomes is an essential part of the trypanosome life cycle. Four possible mechanisms which could control this event have been investigated. It has been shown that (a) the dividing long slender to non-dividing short stumpy transition is not a programmed event in the trypanosome life cycle; nor (b) would it appear to be initiated by some form of cell to cell contact inhibition of growth. In addition, evidence is presented which would suggest that (c) the transition is not started by the depletion of a critical growth nutrient from the environment during the growth of the trypanosomes. The last possibility (d) considered is that during trypanosome growth, a growth inhibitor-short stumpy inducer accumulates in the trypanosomes' environment. Evidence is presented which shows that plasma from infected animals can inhibit the incorporation of thymidine by the trypanosomes. These data are consistent with the suggestion of an exogenous growth inhibitor accumulating during the infection.
Why Good Guys Wear White Automatic Inferences About Stimulus Valence Based on Brightness

Affect is a somewhat abstract concept that is frequently linked to physical metaphor. For example, good is often depicted as light (rather than dark), up (rather than down), and moving forward (rather than backward). The purpose of our studies was to examine whether the association between stimulus brightness and affect is optional or obligatory. In a series of three studies, participants categorized words as negative or positive. The valence of the words and the brightness of the letters were varied orthogonally. In Studies 1, 2, and 3, we found that categorization was inhibited when there was a mismatch between stimulus brightness (e.g., light) and word valence (e.g., negative). Studies 4 and 5 reveal boundary conditions for the effect. The studies suggest that, when making evaluations, people automatically assume that bright objects are good, whereas dark objects are bad.
Heuristically optimal path scanning for high-speed multiphoton circuit imaging

Population dynamics of patterned neuronal firing are fundamental to information processing in the brain. Multiphoton microscopy in combination with calcium indicator dyes allows circuit dynamics to be imaged with single-neuron resolution. However, the temporal resolution of fluorescent measures is constrained by the imaging frequency imposed by standard raster scanning techniques. As a result, traditional raster scans limit the ability to detect the relative timing of action potentials in the imaged neuronal population. To maximize the speed of fluorescence measures from large populations of neurons using a standard multiphoton laser scanning microscope (MPLSM) setup, we have developed heuristically optimal path scanning (HOPS). HOPS optimizes the laser travel path length, and thus the temporal resolution of neuronal fluorescent measures, using standard galvanometer scan mirrors. Minimizing the scan path alone is insufficient for prolonged high-speed imaging of neuronal populations. Path stability and the signal-to-noise ratio become increasingly important factors as scan rates increase. HOPS addresses this by characterizing the scan mirror galvanometers to achieve prolonged path stability. In addition, the neuronal dwell time is optimized to sharpen the detection of action potentials while maximizing scan rate. The combination of shortest path calculation and minimization of mirror positioning time allows us to optically monitor a population of neurons in a field of view at high rates with single-spike resolution, ∼125 Hz for 50 neurons and ∼8.5 Hz for 1,000 neurons. Our approach introduces an accessible method for rapid imaging of large neuronal populations using traditional MPLSMs, facilitating new insights into neuronal circuit dynamics.
Direct Sums of Quotient Divisible Groups

Abstract An abelian group G is quotient divisible (qd) if it is of finite torsion-free rank and there exists a free subgroup F ⊂ G with G/F a divisible torsion group. We study the category ∑&#x1d49f; with objects arbitrary direct sums of qd groups and maps quasi-homomorphisms. First we identify the qd-indecomposable groups, that is the indecomposables in the category ∑&#x1d49f;. These turn out to be the qd groups G such that, if G ⊃ A ⊕ B ⊃ tG for t > 0, then A or B is finite. The major tool for studying ∑&#x1d49f; is the notion of an admissable quasi-decomposition G ≈ ⊕ G k of a group G ∈ ∑&#x1d4a2; into a direct sum of qd-indecomposable subgroups. (See Definition 6 below.) For any qd-indecomposable group A and any admissable quasi-decomposition G ≈ ⊕ G k , the number of G k quasi-isomorphic to A is an invariant of G, denoted σ A (G). The cardinal numbers σ A (G), together with the finite Ulm invariants (G), form a complete set of isomorphism invariants for groups G = ⊕G i ∈ ∑&#x1d4a2; with p-rank[G i /T(G i )] ≤ 1 for all p, i. Let G ∈ ∑&#x1d49f; wi...
Oxidation-reduction kinetics of pyridine nucleotide: A microfluorimetric study in insect spermatids and ascites cells

Abstract A blue fluorescence with characteristics similar to those of reduced pyridine nucleotide of isolated mitochondria has been demonstrated to be localized in the nebenkerns of cricket, cockroach, and gerris spermatids, and in the mitochondria of intact ascites cells. Further evidence for the association of fluorescence with pyridine nucleotide is its response to oxygen tension. It is possible to oxygenate cells which have already reached anaerobiosis by illumination of photosynthetic algae which are included in the same preparation. The nebenkern of spermatids and the mitochondria of ascites cells show cyclic increase and decrease of fluorescence in response to alternation of darkness (consumption of oxygen by respiratory activity) and light (oxygen evolution by photosynthesis). Repeated microfluorimetric determinations in the same cell, through successive cycles of oxidation-reduction are made possible by suitable improvements in the suspension media.
In situ measurements of oxide particles in boron-containing diffusion flames

Abstract Particulate matter in axisymmetric laminar diffusion flames produced by burning mixtures of either CO and trimethylborate (TMB) or CH4 and TMB with air were investigated using laser light-scattering techniques. Boron oxide particle sizes and number densities were determined at various heights in the flames using polarization ratio and relative intensity measurements, respectively. In the CO/TMB flames, two distinct particle-laden regions were found. The first region was located on the rich side of the luminous flame zone and initially appeared as a narrow annulus, which grew in width downstream until the particles filled the core. A second thin annular zone appeared on the air side of the flame zone, starting approximately at the height of the luminous green flame tip and continuing to grow downstream. Particle sizes did not vary significantly with location in the flames, with diameters of approximately 0.09 and 0.15 μm in the 95% CO/5% TMB and 90% CO/10% TMB flames, respectively. Corresponding peak number densities were approximately 1.5 × 1010 and 6 × 109 cm−3. The CH4/TMB flames were considerably different than the CO/TMB flames. The presence of significant quantities of water vapor presumably contributed to the formation of HBO2(g) in favor of condensed-phase B2O3. At locations where oxide particles did form, they were closer to the flame centerline than the soot-containing regions. Computations of equilibrium yields of condensed-phase oxide were in qualitative agreement with the experimental results.
Commentary on ''Measurements of ice supersaturations exceeding 100% at the cold tropical tropopause'' by E. Jensen et al.

Abstract. The paper by Jensen et al. (2005) provides an excellent use of a microphysical model to examine the logical consequences of high saturation ratios indicated by measurements during a high altitude flight of the NASA WB-57F. I would like to comment on a turn made by the aircraft that makes this particular event harder to interpret.
Performance of fusion algorithms for computer-aided detection and classification of mines in very shallow water obtained from testing in navy Fleet Battle Exercise-Hotel 2000

The performance of Computer Aided Detection/Computer Aided Classification (CAD/CAC) Fusion algorithms on side-scan sonar images was evaluated using data taken at the Navy's's Fleet Battle Exercise-Hotel held in Panama City, Florida, in August 2000. A 2-of-3 binary fusion algorithm is shown to provide robust performance. The algorithm accepts the classification decisions and associated contact locations form three different CAD/CAC algorithms, clusters the contacts based on Euclidian distance, and then declares a valid target when a clustered contact is declared by at least 2 of the 3 individual algorithms. This simple binary fusion provided a 96 percent probability of correct classification at a false alarm rate of 0.14 false alarms per image per side. The performance represented a 3.8:1 reduction in false alarms over the best performing single CAD/CAC algorithm, with no loss in probability of correct classification.
Role of "relatedness" in donation discussions with next of kin: an empirical study of the common wisdom.

Context—Demographic similarities between support personnel and next of kin are of increasing interest. Studies examining like-race requestors have not produced clear and consistent outcomes. No studies have examined demographic relatedness factors for family support personnel who are not requestors.Objectives—To examine the degree of "relatedness" between family communication coordinator chaplains and next of kin in cases that resulted in consent for donation. To examine "relatedness" in terms of demographic characteristics between primary hospital family support individuals and next of kin.Design—Retrospective nonexperimental descriptive design spanning 1997 to 2004.Main Outcome Measures—Demographic characteristics including gender, race and ethnicity, age, religion, and contact time.Results—The results fail to support the hypothesis that the degree of "relatedness" between the family communicator and next of kin is associated with positive consent decisions. The findings show that gender is a shared qua...
“The Guilt Thing”: Balancing Domestic and Professional Roles

Women’s representation in the workforce has increased dramatically over the past 30 years; yet, women “take a greater responsibility for the care of children” (Equal Opportunities Commission, 2006). Research has suggested working mothers may experience guilt resulting from the social constrictions of a traditional model of intensive mothering (B. Holcomb, 1998). Forty-two audiotaped conversations of female teachers (n = 8) were collected in a British high school. Qualitative analyses of 3 conversations, in which 5 of the teachers discussed their professional and domestic responsibilities, demonstrated that the participants discursively aligned to 3 dominant interactional positions, accessibility, happiness, and separate spheres (Y. Elvin-Novak & H. Thomsson, 2001). The analyses also revealed the use of supportive conversational strategies such as co-complaining and matching accounts.
Interval analysis for robot precision evaluation

The success of assembly and manipulation tasks is highly dependent on the precision of robotic positioners employed. In turn, precision metrics for robots depend on the kinematic design, choice of actuators, sensors, and control system. In this paper, we investigate the effect of parametric uncertainties on the robot precision using interval analysis. The advantage of interval analysis is that it provides rigorous bounds on the effects of errors in terms of interval numbers. Two types of errors are considered: geometric errors due to link and joint parameter uncertainties, and sensing errors due to inaccurate measurement of joint positions. We show that modeling and simulation of these uncertainties using intervals can provide useful insight into the evaluation of manipulator precision for a given task. In particular, simulation results are offered to predict the required tolerances in a peg-in-hole microassembly operation. It is illustrated that the presented approach can replace computationally more expensive Monte-Carlo simulations to estimate the effect of uncertainties.
Emerging Patterns of Global Constitutionalization: Toward a Conceptual Framework

Global constitutionalization is a recent phenomenon that is decisively changing the character of the international order. This argument was put forward recently by scholars of international law and has gained significance in the institutional school of thought. However, the notion of "global constitutionalization" is often used imprecisely and has so far been largely neglected in the field of international relations. It still lacks a consistent and operational definition, which would enable political scientists and international relations scholars to conduct empirical research. This article explores a preliminary framework for the concept of global constitutionalization.
Using Pareto Trace to determine system passive value robustness

An important role of system designers is to effectively explore the tradespace of alternatives when making design decisions during concept phase. As systems become more complex, formal methods to enable good design decisions are essential; this can be empowered through a tradespace exploration paradigm. This paper demonstrates the use of the Pareto Trace and associated metrics to identify system alternatives across tradespaces with high degrees of passive value robustness—alternatives that continue to deliver value to stakeholders in spite of changes in needs (attributes) or context. A value-driven tradespace approach is used to represent the baseline performance versus cost of a large number of system alternatives. The classical notion of Pareto Set is extended to identify alternatives and their characteristics that lead to their inclusion in Pareto Sets across changing contexts. Using a low-earth orbiting satellite case example, five types of context changes are used to demonstrate this method: 1) addition or subtraction of attributes; 2) change in the priorities of attributes; 3) change in single attribute utility function shapes; 4) change in multi-attribute utility aggregation function; and 5) addition of new decision maker. This approach demonstrates the ability for system designers to pose questions about assessment of alternatives during early conceptual design. Suggestions for application of Pareto Trace beyond the case example are discussed and presented, including application of a “fuzziness” factor and statistical measures. In particular, distinctions from traditional sensitivity analysis are made, as well as linkages to dynamic analysis for discovery of generalized value robust alternatives.
Andragogy and Teaching English as a Foreign Language in China

This study investigated the possibility of whether Western andragogy could be practiced in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in China. A well-accepted instrument was modified and utilized for this study. Chinese teachers of English used andragogy to some extent such as personalizing instruction, relating to experience, assessing student needs, and climate building. The findings showed these teachers taught the lower levels of taxonomy, which are characterized by rote learning, memorization, knowledge transmitting, lecture, and focusing on exams. These teaching methods run contrary to Western democratic approaches characterized by negotiating curricular priorities with students, giving out learning contracts instead of exams, and involving students when planning lessons. The Western style of teaching is believed to contribute to the communicative movement (or collaborative learning process) when it comes to learning a foreign language such as English.
Population Growth and Investment Opportunity

Revival of interest in the question of long-run investment opportunity, 64. — Doubts concerning population growth as an "offsetting factor," 65. — Ways in which it might influence investment opportunity: (1) the propensity to consume, 66; (2) the composition of aggregate consumer demand, 66; (3) the supply of labor, 70; influence of competitive conditions, 72; effect of wage reductions, 73; the expanding economy, 74; labor supply a limiting rather than an initiating factor, 75; (4) broader phenomena affecting investment, 77.
The role of complement in danger sensing and transmission.

Self-non-self discrimination has long been considered the main function of the immune system. Increasing evidence supports the view of the immune system as a network of complex danger sensors and transmitters in which self-non-self discrimination is only one facet. To meet the challenge of danger sensing, the immune system carries a large stock of germline-encoded, highly conserved molecules that can recognize microbial as well as modified host structures. Among those are the Toll-like receptors (TLR), which comprise a dozen membrane-bound pattern-recognition receptors that directly link danger recognition to danger transmission through activation of several distinct cellular signaling pathways. Here, I discuss the function and biology of a complex, evolutionary ancient system, the complement system, which has long been considered critical to host defense. In contrast to TLRs, the complement system senses danger by a panel of soluble molecules that can directly bind to specific complement receptors and/or initiate a complex cascade of proteolytic events that lead to the generation of soluble complement fragments able to bind to another, distinct set of specific complement receptors. As I will outline in this review, complement-mediated danger sensing and the complex transition of this information into distinct cellular activation profiles is critical for tissue homeostasis under steady-state conditions and in response to infection and cell injury. Furthermore, I will discuss recent findings that support a concept of intense cross-talk between the complement system and TLRs, which defines the quality and the magnitude of immune responses in vivo.
GO for gene documents

Annotating genes and their products with Gene Ontology codes is an important area of research. One approach is to use the information available about these genes in the biomedical literature. The goal in this paper, based on this approach, is to develop automatic annotation methods that can supplement the expensive manual annotation processes currently in place. Using a set of Support Vector Machines (SVM) classifiers we were able to achieve Fscores of 0.49, 0.41 and 0.33 for codes of the molecular function, cellular component and biological process GO hierarchies respectively. We find that alternative term weighting strategies are not different from each other in performance and feature selection strategies reduce performance. The best thresholding strategy is one where a single threshold is picked for each hierarchy. Hierarchy level is important especially for molecular function and biological process. The cellular component hierarchy stands apart from the other two in many respects. This may be due to fundamental differences in link semantics. This research shows that it is possible to beneficially exploit the hierarchical structures by defining and testing a relaxed criteria for classification correctness. Finally it is possible to build classifiers for codes with very few associated documents but as expected a huge penalty is paid in performance. The GO annotation problem is complex. Several key observations have been made as for example about topic drift that may be important to consider in annotation strategies.
Modelling of tandem cell temperature coefficients

This paper discusses the temperature dependence of the basic solar-cell operating parameters for a GaInP/GaAs series-connected two-terminal tandem cell. The effects of series resistance and of different incident solar spectra are also discussed.
Illinois trauma centers and community violence resources.

Background: Elder abuse and neglect (EAN), intimate partner violence (IPV), and street-based community violence (SBCV) are significant public health problems, which frequently lead to traumatic injury. Trauma centers can provide an effective setting for intervention and referral, potentially interrupting the cycle of violence. Aims: To assess existing institutional resources for the identification and treatment of violence victims among patients presenting with acute injury to statewide trauma centers. Settings and Design: We used a prospective, web-based survey of trauma medical directors at 62 Illinois trauma centers. Nonresponders were contacted via telephone to complete the survey. Materials and Methods: This survey was based on a survey conducted in 2004 assessing trauma centers and IPV resources. We modified this survey to collect data on IPV, EAN, and SBCV. Statistical Analysis: Univariate and bivariate statistics were performed using STATA statistical software. Results: We found that 100% of trauma centers now screen for IPV, an improvement from 2004 (P = 0.007). Screening for EAN (70%) and SBCV (61%) was less common (P < 0.001), and hospitals thought that resources for SBCV in particular were inadequate (P < 0.001) and fewer resources were available for these patients (P = 0.02). However, there was lack of uniformity of screening, tracking, and referral practices for victims of violence throughout the state. Conclusion: The multiplicity of strategies for tracking and referring victims of violence in Illinois makes it difficult to assess screening and tracking or form generalized policy recommendations. This presents an opportunity to improve care delivered to victims of violence by standardizing care and referral protocols.
Neuron: A Tool for Neuroscientists

NEURON is a simulation environment for models of individual neurons and networks of neurons that are closely linked to experimental data. NEURON provides tools for conveniently constructing, exercising, and managing models, so that special expertise in numerical methods or programming is not required for its productive use. This article describes two tools that address the problem of how to achieve computational efficiency and accuracy.
A network analysis program 'NETNAP'

A description is given of the program NETNAP, which can be used to simulate analog electrical and electronic circuits in micro- and minicomputers. It is intended for instructional purposes and it has been designed for use in the classroom environment by both faculty and students. NETNAP, unlike many classroom versions of SPICE-like simulators, is not device-oriented. >
Left ventricular dysfunction induced by chronic alcohol ingestion in rats.

To determine whether moderate ingestion of alcohol for protracted periods of time affects normal cardiac performance and produces myocyte damage, male Fischer 344 rats at 4 mo of age were given 30%...
Levator Plate Upward Lift on Dynamic Sonography and Levator Muscle Strength.

OBJECTIVES To compare digital palpation with levator plate lift measured by endovaginal and transperineal dynamic sonography. METHODS Dynamic transperineal and endovaginal sonographic examinations were performed as part of multicompartmental pelvic floor functional assessment. Patients were instructed to perform Kegel contractions while a probe captured a video clip of levator plate movement at rest and during contraction in a 2-dimensional midsagittal posterior view. We measured the distance between the levator plate and the probe on endovaginal sonography as well as the distance between the levator plate and the gothic arch of the pubis on transperineal sonography. The change in diameter (lift) and levator plate lift ratio (lift/rest × 100) were calculated. Pelvic floor muscle strength was assessed by digital palpation and divided into functional and nonfunctional groups according to the Modified Oxford Scale. Mean differences in levator plate upward lift were compared by Modified Oxford Scale scores using Student t tests and analysis of variance. RESULTS Seventy-four women were available for analysis. The mean age was 55 (SD, 11.9) years. When measured by vaginal dynamic sonography, mean lift and lift/rest ratio values increased with increasing Modified Oxford Scale score (analysis of variance, P= .09 and .04, respectively). When scores were categorized to represent nonfunctional (0-1) and functional (2-5) muscle strength groups, the mean lift (3.2 versus 4.6 mm; P = .03) and lift/rest ratio (13% versus 20%; P = .01) values were significantly higher in women with functional muscle strength. All patients with lift of 30% or greater detected by vaginal sonography had functional muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS A greater levator plate lift ratio detected by dynamic endovaginal sonography was associated with higher muscle strength as determined by the Modified Oxford Scale. This novel measurement can be incorporated into sonographic evaluation of levator ani function.