cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Criterion-Related Validity of the Degrees of Reading Power Test (Form CP-1A)

Two-hundred and twenty-five beginning college students completed the Degrees of Reading Power, Form CP-1A (DRP). The internal-consistency estimate of reliability (KR-20) was .82; the mean score was 52.9; and the scores ranged from a low of 26 to a high of 63 (100%). The DRP scores for a subset of 168 freshmen were correlated positively with Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT) scores (r = .67) and with ACT Composite scores (r = .64), but not with the students' high school grade point averages (r =.10, p < .09). However, the correlation between the DRP and the ND Comprehension test was only .27, and the DRP and the NDRT produced somewhat different predictions of student reading abilities.
Melting behavior of poly(ether ether ketone) in its blends with poly(ether imide)

The determination of the equilibrium melting point (T m 0 ) of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) is discussed by considering its inhomogeneous morphology. T m 0 is obtained by a long extrapolation of a Hoffman-Weeks plot to 384 o C. Hindrance of PEEK crystal reorganization induced by poly(ether imide) (PEI) during heating is observed over the blend composition investigated (20-75 wt % PEEK). This behavior is correlated with the incorporation of PEI in the interlamellar zones of PEEK crystals. The interaction parameter χ of PEEK/PEI blends is estimated to be -0.40 at 400°C by the equilibrium melting point depression
Global-coupling induced temperature patterns on top of packed-bed reactors

Abstract Infrared thermography was used to study the formation and dynamics of hot zones on top of a shallow packed bed reactor in which CO was oxidized by spherical Pd/Al 2 O 3 catalytic pellets. The impact of global coupling between the gas on top of the bed and the catalyst was studied by changing the residence time of the gas. The global coupling had a strong impact on the selection, dynamics and stability of the observed hot zone motions (breathing, anti-phase and rotation).
Short communication: Optimal two-stage genome-wide association designs based on false discovery rate

Genome-wide association studies are likely to be conducted in large scale in the near future. In such studies, searching over hundreds of thousands of markers for the few ones that are associated with disease brings out the multiple-hypothesis testing problem in its severe form. We explore, in a two-stage design, how the use of false discovery rate (FDR) can alleviate the burden of a prohibitively strict significance level for single marker tests and still control the number of false positive findings, when there is more than one causal variant. FDR is the expected proportion of false positives among all significant findings. It can be approximated by (1-p"0)@a/[(1-p"0)@a+p"0(1-@b)], where p"0 is the proportion of true causal markers, @a is the type I error rate and 1-@b the power of a two-stage study. When 500,000 SNPs are genotyped in the first stage with fixed SNP array and the most significant SNPs are genotyped in the second stage with standard but 20 times more expensive high-throughput techniques, up to 20% savings in the minimum genotyping cost is achieved for p"0 in the range of 10^-^5 to 5x10^-^4 and FDR in the range of 0.05 to 0.7, compared to when Bonferroni-corrected significance level is used. In terms of sample size, the saving is up to 60%. However, these savings come at a cost of more false positive findings.
Model for image sensing and digitization in machine vision

A mathematical model for a typical CCD camera system used in machine vision applications is presented. This model is useful in research and development of machine vision systems and in the computer simulation of camera systems. The model has been developed with the intention of using it to investigate algorithms for recovering depth from image blur. However the model is general and can be used to address other problems in machine vision. The model is based on a precise definition of input to the camera system. This definition decouple3 the photometric properties of a scene from the geometric properties of the scene in the input to the camera system. An ordered sequence of about 20 operations are defined which transform the camera system''s input to its output i. e. digital image data. Each operation in the sequence usually defines the effect of one component of the camera system on the input. This model underscores the complexity of the actual imaging process which is routinely underestimated and oversimplified in machine vision research.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Agreement and attraction in Russian

We assessed whether and under what conditions noncanonical agreement patterns occur in Russian, with the goal of understanding the factors involved in normal agreement. Russian is a morphosyntactically rich language in which agreement involves features for number, gender, and case. If consistent, overt specification of number and gender agreement features supports agreement processes in language production, agreement should be less vulnerable to number and gender attraction than in languages with sparse agreement morphology. A related question was the degree to which notional number influences agreement patterns in morphologically rich languages. We varied the grammatical and notional number properties of sentence subjects and examined the effects on the predicate in sentence completion tasks using native Russian speakers. Noncanonical agreement occurred, but at rates lower than those observed in English and other languages without rich number morphology. Noncanonically plural predicates occurred more oft...
Schwann Cells and Deleted in Colorectal Carcinoma Direct Regenerating Motor Axons Towards Their Original Path

After complete nerve transection, a major challenge for regenerating peripheral axons is to traverse the injury site and navigate toward their original trajectory. Denervated Schwann cells distal to the lesion site secrete factors promoting axonal growth and serve as an axonal substrate, yet whether Schwann cells also actively direct axons toward their original trajectory is unclear. Using live-cell imaging in zebrafish, we visualize for the first time how in response to nerve transection distal Schwann cells change morphology as axons fragment, and how Schwann cell morphology reverses once regenerating growth cones have crossed the injury site and have grown along distal Schwann cells outlining the original nerve path. In mutants lacking Schwann cells, regenerating growth cones extend at rates comparable with wild type yet frequently fail to cross the injury site and instead stray along aberrant trajectories. Providing growth-permissive yet Schwann cell-less scaffolds across the injury site was insufficient to direct regenerating growth cones toward the original path, providing compelling evidence that denervated Schwann cells actively direct regenerating axons across the injury site toward their original trajectory. To identify signals that guide regenerating axons in vivo, we examined mutants lacking the deleted in colorectal carcinoma (DCC) guidance receptor. In these dcc mutants, a significant fraction of regenerating motor axons extended along aberrant trajectories, similar to what we observe in mutants lacking Schwann cells. Thus, Schwann cell and dcc-mediated guidance are critical early during regeneration to direct growth cones across the transection gap and onto their original axonal trajectory.
NOTE ON GAS CHROMATOGRAPHIC INJECTION.

IN the course of investigations of the accurate determination of gas chromatographic retention times, several causes of errors in these measurements have been examined; this communication is concerned with the errors which may be due to the finite concentration of any one component observed, even when the isotherms are practically linear for that concentration.
PMDR studies of the radiative mechanism in 3ππ∗ aromatic carbonyls; vibronic band dependence of the radiative decay rates

Abstract The radiative decay rates of the 3 ππ ∗ states of coumarin, piperonal and 4-methoxybenzaldehyde were determined at the 0-0, and different vibronic bands involving both totally and non-totally symmetric vibrations. The emission from the z and x sublevels is primarily due to the mixing of the 3 n π ∗ state, but the main mixing mechanism depends strongly on the individual system. It is concluded that vibronic mixing is most important in coumarin, whereas direct mixing is more important in piperonal and 4-methoxybenzaldehyde. The emission from the y sublevel is the property of the 3 ππ ∗ state and is likely to be due to the coupling with the 1 σπ ∗ state.
Recognizing And Locating Objects Using Partial Object Description Generated By Feature Extraction By Demands

A method called Feature Extraction by Demands(FED) has been developed to generate object descriptions. Objects are described by surface adjacency graphs containing the surface class and the surface equation at each node. Due to occlusion and the use of 21D range images the generated object description is frequently partial. This paper describes a new method to generate object hypotheses and to recognize and locate viewed objects using partial descriptions of objects bounded by quadric surfaces. The method proceeds in two phases. In phase one, the object location is estimated from matched surface pairs(between an object description and an object model). Depending upon the surface type, each surface may provide partial or complete location information. As long as the location information calculated from matched surface pairs is consistent, that is passes matching feasibility tests, the object model is a candidate for the viewed object. The consistent partial location information is combined into a more complete object location estimation sequentially. The order of location information to be used in object location estimation is decided by whether a more complete object location can be calculated. If a complete location can be calculated or the object location estimation cannot be further refined the hypothesis is verified by phase two. In phase two, each remaining surface which was not used for object location estimation is searched for a matched model surface and the neighboring relations between surfaces are verified. If the hypothesis passes phase two the model is accepted as a matched model. If a complete object location can be calculated from the accepted hypothesis an optimal object location is calculated.
A prehabilitation program for the prevention of functional decline: effect on higher-level physical function

Abstract Gill TM, Baker DI, Gottschalk M, Peduzzi PN, Allore H, Van Ness PH. A prehabilitation program for the prevention of functional decline: effect on higher-level physical function. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:1043–9. Objective To determine whether a home-based physical therapy (PT) program prevented decline in several higher-level measures of physical function among physically frail, community-living older persons. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting General community. Participants Persons (N=188) who were physically frail and aged 75 years or older. Intervention A home-based PT program (ie, prehabilitation) that focused primarily on improving underlying impairments in physical capabilities. Main outcome measures Self-reported instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs); mobility, as determined by a modified version of the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment; timed rapid gait and timed chair stands; and integrated physical performance, as determined by a modified version of the Physical Performance Test, were assessed at baseline, 7 months, and 12 months. Results As compared with participants in the educational control group, participants in the intervention group had reductions in IADL disability of 17.7% at 7 months ( P =.036) and 12.0% at 12 months ( P =.143) and had gains, ranging from 7.2% to 15.6%, in mobility and integrated physical performance at 7 and 12 months. Conclusions Our home-based prehabilitation program offered modest but consistent benefits for the prevention of decline in several higher-level measures of physical function.
Cancer survivors information seeking behaviors: A comparison of survivors who do and do not seek information about cancer

Objective: To examine the cancer information seeking behaviors and preferences of cancer survivors. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the National Cancer Institute’s 2003 Health Information National Trends Survey data to evaluate 619 cancer survivors. Results: Two-thirds (67.5%, n = 418) of the survivors sought cancer information (InfoSeek) and 32.5% (n = 201) did not (NoInfoSeek). Significant predictors of cancer information seeking included age (less than 65), gender (female), income (>US$ 25,000/year), and having a regular health care provider (HCP).
Bargaining on Behalf of a Constituency

Abstract We study bargaining situations in which one side consists of a group of people, who elect a representative to bargain with another party on their behalf. A two-phase bargaining model is developed in which a principal-agent problem between the constituency and its representative is embedded. With a natural refinement of sequential equilibrium, we characterize the set of equilibria and examine its efficiency properties. We show that agency problems in the delegation relationship rather than asymmetric information between the two bargainers can cause severe bargaining inefficiency (i.e., delay in reaching agreements). Extensions of the model and applications to union-firm bargaining are then discussed briefly. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C78, D82, J52.
Reduction in index of oxygen saturation at margin of active duodenal ulcers may lead to slow healing.

This study tested the hypothesis that reduced perfusion of a duodenal ulcer margin (ie, the mucosa 1–2 mm from the edge of the ulcer base) is associated with slow healing. Reflectance spectrophotometric measurement of indices of mucosal hemoglobin concentration (IHB) and mucosal hemoglobin oxygen saturation (ISO2) were obtained endoscopically in 21 patients at the ulcer margin and the adjacent mucosa (ie, the mucosa 1–2 cm from the edge of the ulcer base). In 17 patients with adequate follow-up, stepwise multilinear regression analysis revealed a significantly negative correlation (r=s-0.69, P < 0.05) between ISO2 at the ulcer margin minus ISO2 at the adjacent mucosa (δISO)2 and ulcer healing time. In addition, smoking, being black, and early relapse since the last ulcer attack were found to be associated with increased duration required for healing. The results of this pilot study suggest factors, in addition to smoking, that may have to be considered in future studies concerned with duodenal ulcer healing.
Depth profile investigation of β-FeSi2 formed in Si(1 0 0) by high fluence implantation of 50 keV Fe ion and post-thermal vacuum annealing

Abstract A single phase polycrystalline β-FeSi2 layer has been synthesized at the near surface region by implantation in Si(1 0 0) of a high fluence (∼1017 atoms/cm2) of 50 keV Fe ions and subsequent thermal annealing in vacuum at 800 °C. The depth profile of the implanted Fe atoms in Si(1 0 0) were simulated by the widely used transportation of ions in matter (TRIM) computer code as well as by the dynamic transportation of ions in matter code (T-DYN). The simulated depth profile predictions for this heavy ion implantation process were experimentally verified using Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) in combination with Ar-ion etching. The formation of the β-FeSi2 phase was monitored by X-ray diffraction measurements. The T-DYN simulations show better agreement with the experimental Fe depth profile results than the static TRIM simulations. The experimental and T-DYN simulated results show an asymmetric distribution of Fe concentrated more toward the surface region of the Si substrate.
The Reactive Adventitia Fibroblast Oxidase in Vascular Function

The vascular adventitia is activated in a variety of cardiovascular disease states and has recently been shown to be a barrier to nitric oxide bioactivity. Vascular fibroblasts produce substantial amounts of NAD(P)H oxidase–derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) that appear to be involved in fibroblast proliferation, connective tissue deposition, and perhaps vascular tone. However, the physiological and pathophysiological roles of the adventitia have not been extensively studied, possibly because of its location in large blood vessels remote from the vascular endothelium. In recent years, substantial information has been gathered on pathways leading to oxidase activation in smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts and the downstream signaling pathways leading to hypertrophy and proliferation. A clearer understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved will likely lead to therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing vascular dysfunction in diseases such as atherosclerosis, in which these pathways are activated.
Image partition using an iterative multi-resolution smoothing algorithm

An iterative algorithm for computing a family of piecewise-constant approximations of images in scale space with variable resolution is presented. The algorithm is a modification of an iterative adaptive smoothing algorithm proposed by P. Saint-Marc et al. (1991). The modification improves the behavior of the algorithm when weak edges are present in the image. Edge information computed from the image is incorporated into the adaptive smoothing approach. The added iterative step does not introduce a significant amount of computation, and the employment of only local operators makes it well suited for a parallel hardware implementation. The edges extracted must be two pixels wide and exhibit high connectivity. A morphological edge operator is presented to fulfil these requirements. >
Limits to maize productivity in Western Corn-Belt: A simulation analysis for fully irrigated and rainfed conditions

Unlike the Central and Eastern U.S. Corn-Belt where maize is grown almost entirely under rainfed conditions, maize in the Western Corn-Belt is produced under both irrigated (3.2 million ha) and rainfed (4.1 million ha) conditions. Simulation modeling, regression, and boundary-function analysis were used to assess constraints to maize productivity in the Western Corn-Belt. Aboveground biomass, grain yield, and water balance were simulated for fully irrigated and rainfed crops, using 20-year weather records from 18 locations in combination with actual soil, planting date, plant population, and hybrid-maturity data. Mean values of meteorological variables were estimated for three growth periods (pre- and postsilking, and the entire growing season) and used to identify major geospatial gradients. Linear and stepwise multiple regressions were performed to evaluate variation of potential productivity in relation to meteorological factors. Boundary functions for water productivity and water-use efficiency were derived and compared against observed data reported in the literature. Geospatial gradients of seasonal radiation, temperature, rainfall, and evaporative demand along the Western Corn-Belt were identified. Yield potential with irrigation did not exhibit any geospatial pattern, depending instead on the specific radiation/temperature regime at each location and its interaction with crop phenology. A linear and parabolic response to post-silking cumulative solar radiation and mean temperature, respectively, explained variations on yield potential. Water-limited productivity followed the longitudinal gradient in seasonal rainfall and evaporative demand. Rainfed crops grown in the Western Corn-Belt are frequently subjected to episodes of transient and unavoidable water stress, especially around and after silking. Soil water at sowing ameliorates, but does not eliminate water stress episodes. Boundary functions for water productivity had slopes of 46 and 28 kg ha 1 mm 1 , for aboveground biomass and grain yield, respectively. At high seasonal water supply, productivity was weakly correlated with water supply because many crops did not fully utilize seasonally available water due to percolation below the root zone or water left in the ground at physiological maturity. Fitted boundary functions for water-use efficiency had slopes (seasonal transpiration-efficiency) of 54 and 37 kg ha 1 mm 1 for aboveground biomass and grain yield, respectively, and an x-intercept around 25–75 mm (seasonal soil evaporation). Data collected from experiments conducted in low-rainfall environments indicated that the boundary functions for water-use efficiency, derived from this study, are broadly applicable.
Directly characterizing cross core interference through contention synthesis

In this paper, we present a direct methodology and framework for the measurement and characterization of an application's cross-core interference sensitivity on multicore microarchitectures. While prior works use indirect indicators, such as last level cache miss rate, to infer an application's cross-core interference sensitivity, our approach is direct, in that it characterizes the application's cross-core interference sensitivity using the performance impact due to actual contention. Our methodology and framework, the Cross-core interference Profiling Environment, or CiPE, is composed of a lightweight runtime environment on which a host application runs, along with a carefully designed contention synthesis engine that executes on a neighboring core. CiPE manipulates the co-running contention synthesis engine, while monitoring and analyzing the resulting dynamic impact on the host application.CiPE is able to characterize the cross-core interference sensitivity of the entire application, its individual phases, or source level code regions. To demonstrate the effectiveness of CiPE, we use CiPE characterizations to address two pressing problems. First, we use CiPE characterizations to perform contention conscious batch scheduling that minimizes cross-core interference, resulting in a 12% performance improvment on average when applied to the SPEC2006 benchmark suite, and beyond 20% in the case of mcf and omnetpp. Second, we use CiPE to design a performance analysis tool that is capable identifying contentious bottlenecks in application code.
Facilitation of transmission at the frog neuromuscular junction at O degrees C is not maximal at time zero

Facilitation of quantal release has been thought to be maximal immediately after the first action potential in the presynaptic terminal. However, at the frog neuromuscular junction at 0 degrees C no facilitation was observed in response to direct nerve depolarization when the interval between stimulus pairs was less than 10 msec (Dudel, 1986), while at intervals of 20 msec and beyond, facilitation was increased (Molgo and Van der Kloot, 1991). In the present experiments, facilitation to pairs of nerve action potentials was measured both by the method of failures and by comparing the total inward postsynaptic current generated by the first and second action potentials. Facilitation was observed at intervals as short as 7 msec, but 20–30 msec was required for facilitation to reach a maximum. This suggests that facilitation requires a second messenger or the action of Ca2+ at a site other than that eliciting exocytosis.
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia with inherited thrombophilia.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by recurrent epistaxis, telangiectases, and visceral arteriovenous malformations. Hemorrhagic manifestations range from benign nose bleeds to life-threatening visceral hemorrhage. The management of thrombotic disorders requiring anticoagulation in these patients presents a challenge. A 43-year-old woman with a history of HHT who was taking birth control pills presented with complaints of acute abdominal pain and hematuria. Evaluation revealed left renal vein thrombosis. A CT scan and renal angiogram demonstrated a hypervascular mass in the left kidney. Renal cell carcinoma was suspected and the patient underwent a laparotomy. Multiple per-operative biopsies showed no evidence of malignancy. Inspection of the renal vein revealed a benign thrombus. Extensive evaluation for inherited and acquired thrombophilia was remarkable only for heterozygous prothrombin gene mutation (G20210A). Anticoagulation that was initiated immediately was discontinued 3 months later when the patient developed gastrointestinal bleeding. Re-evaluation at this point revealed no evidence of a thrombus. Currently, 8 years after the initial diagnosis, the patient has no evidence of thrombosis. We report what we believe is the first documented case of HHT with prothrombin gene mutation and renal vein
Constrained choices in alliance formations: Cupids and organizational marriages

This article develops a constrained choice model of strategic decision-making for `cupid' alliances. Unlike voluntary alliances, cupid alliances are forged between `target' organizations at the behest of a third `cupid' organization that stands to benefit from creation of the alliance. Three key alliance decisions — whether to partner, with whom, and governance — are substantially curtailed by the cupid's requirements, producing a severely constrained set of strategic decisions. The conceptual model is supplemented with a case study which relies on qualitative interviews, observations and communication network data collected from principals negotiating a cupid alliance. A finding which may be unique to cupid alliances was the decline in trust over the course of the negotiation between those representatives whose organizations had no past alliance relationships. This finding is especially interesting given the fact that despite the decreased propensity for representatives to trust, an agreement was still r...
Methane Hydrate Dissociation Rates at 0.1 MPa and Temperatures above 272 K

We performed rapid depressurization experiments on methane hydrate under isothermal conditions above 272 K to determine the amount and rate of methane evolution. Sample temperatures rapidly drop below 273 K and stabilize near 272.5 K during dissociation. This thermal anomaly and the persistence of methane hydrate are consistent with the reported recovery of partially dissociated methane hydrate from ocean drilling cores.
The effects of lower prices on perceptions of brand quality: a choice task perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the negative effect of lower prices on perceived brand quality that has been demonstrated in evaluation tasks arises in a brand choice context.Design/methodology/approach – The effects of lower prices on perceived quality are assessed via two laboratory experiments in which college students participated.Findings – A lower price is associated with lower perceived brand quality in Study 1's evaluation task environment. However, Study 2's results indicate a reversal of the negative effects of lower prices on perceived brand quality in an evaluation task to generally positive effects when the lower price is offered in the form of a discount in a choice task.Practical implications – In addition to providing evidence that fears of the detrimental effects of lower prices may be overblown, the results also provide insight to managers of brands of different levels of quality on how to manage discounts to build, or at least to insulate, perceptions of th...
Library optimization in EDXRF spectral deconvolution for multi‐element analysis of ambient aerosols

In multi-element analysis of atmospheric aerosols, attempts are made to fit overlapping elemental spectral lines for many elements that may be undetectable in samples due to low concentrations. Fitting with many library reference spectra has the unwanted effect of raising the analytical uncertainty of overlapping elements. By carefully choosing the order of elemental processing, library reference spectra can be omitted for non-analyte lines of undetected elements without loss of information, thus lowering the number of library spectra needed for the fit and thereby reducing the uncertainty. The magnitude of the reduction so achieved is shown for blanks and a sample for 64 elements. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graph embedded analysis for head pose estimation

Head pose is an important vision cue for scene interpretation and human computer interaction. To determine the head pose, one may consider the low-dimensional manifold structure of the face view points in image space. In this paper, we present an appearance-based strategy for head pose estimation using supervised graph embedding (GE) analysis. Thinking globally and fitting locally, we first construct the neighborhood weighted graph in the sense of supervised LLE. The unified projection is calculated in a closed-form solution based on the GE linearization. We then project new data (face view images) into the embedded low-dimensional subspace with the identical projection. The head pose is finally estimated by the K-nearest neighbor classification. We test the proposed method on 18,100 USF face view images. Experimental results show that, even using a very small training set (e.g. 10 subjects), GE achieves higher head pose estimation accuracy with more efficient dimensionality reduction than the existing methods.
Action recognition based on homography constraints

In this paper, we present a new approach for view-invariant action recognition using constraints derived from the eigenvalues of planar homographies associated with triplets of body points. Unlike existing methods that study an action as a whole, or break it down into individual poses, we represent an action as a sequence of pose transitions. Using the fact that the homography induced by the motion of a triplet of body points in two identical pose transitions reduces to the special case of a homology, we exploit the equality of two of its eigenvalues to impose constraints on the similarity of the pose transitions between two subjects, observed by different perspective cameras and from different viewpoints. Experimental results show that our method can accurately identify human pose transitions and actions even when they include dynamic timeline maps, and are obtained from totally different viewpoints with different camera parameters.
Technetium-99m radiopharmaceutical preparation problems: 12 years of experience.

Objective: Chemical reactions involved in preparing 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals occasionally result in products of substandard purity. A retrospective examination of preparation problems that occurred in the author’s institution was conducted to better define the incidence, recognize patterns and identify causes of substandard 99mTc radiopharmaceutical products. Methods: All 99mTc radiopharmaceutical preparation and quality control testing records for the years 1986-1997 were reviewed, and preparation factors associated with substandard products were identified and examined. Results: Fifty of 20,972 (0.2%) 99mTc products had substandard radiochemical purity; none were administered to patients. Twenty-eight of the 50 substandard products (56%) involved macroaggregated albumin with the remainder divided among in vitro red blood cells, exametazime, disofenin, sestamibi, mertiatide and sulfur colloid. Thirty-three of the 50 (66%) involved 99mTc-pertechnetate obtained as the first elution of a new generator and/or 99mTc-pertechnetate more than 12 hr old. Several of the substandard products involved other preparation factors and/or human error. Conclusion: The majority of substandard 99mTc radiopharmaceutical products involved the use of 99mTc-pertechnetate containing excessive amounts of 99Tc and/or oxidizing impurities to prepare products containing relatively small amounts of stannous. Although substandard products are an infrequent occurrence, radiochemical purity testing should be performed routinely on all 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals before patient administration.
‘Breathing’ of the terrestrial biosphere: lessons learned from a global network of carbon dioxide flux measurement systems

Published eddy covariance measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange between vegetation and the atmosphere from a global network are distilled, synthesised and reviewed according to time scale, climate and plant functional types, disturbance and land use. Other topics discussed include history of the network, errors and issues associated with the eddy covariance method, and a synopsis of how these data are being used by ecosystem and climate modellers and the remote-sensing community. Spatial and temporal differences in net annual exchange, FN, result from imbalances in canopy photosynthesis (FA) and ecosystem respiration (FR), which scale closely with one another on annual time scales. Key findings reported include the following: (1) ecosystems with the greatest net carbon uptake have the longest growing season, not the greatest FA; (2) ecosystems losing carbon were recently disturbed; (3) many old-growth forests act as carbon sinks; and (4) year-to-year decreases in FN are attributed to a suite of stresses that decrease FA and FR in tandem. Short-term flux measurements revealed emergent-scale processes including (1) the enhancement of light use efficiency by diffuse light, (2) dynamic pulses in FR following rain and (3) the acclimation FA and FR to temperature. They also quantify how FA and FR respond to droughts and heat spells.
Strength and Ductility of Bi‐Modal Cu

Engineering a microstructure with multiple length scales has been proposed as a strategy to enhance the plasticity of nanostructured materials which otherwise lack extensive dislocation activity, and therefore low ductility. To that effect, various research groups have implemented this concept by promoting the formation of so called bi-modal microstructures (e.g., consisting of a mixture of ultrafine and micro-grains) with balanced combinations of strength and ductility. Despite encouraging results, fundamental, information on important questions remained unanswered. For example, what is the relationship between the volume fraction of the coarse grained phase and the overall ductility? What is the influence of size of the coarse grained phase, and how does its distribution influence ductility? To provide insight into these, and other related questions, in this work, we prepared bimodal Cu with homogeneous distribution of different-volume-fraction micro-grains via isothermal recrystallization of an ultrafine grained Cu matrix at 200 °C. Analysis of the tensile results and microstructural characterization suggest that both strength and ductility of the bi-modal Cu follows the rule-of-mixtures, with interesting results related to volume fraction. Our work provides a pathway for optimizing the mechanical properties of multiscale materials.
The Supraclavicular Artery Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction

ImportanceThis study demonstrates the versatility of the supraclavicular artery (SCA) flap in head and neck reconstruction and offers technical highlights to improve the efficiency of flap harvest....
The impact of non-concordant self-report of substance use in clinical trials research.

Abstract Background Studies comparing self-report substance use data to biochemical verification generally demonstrate high rates of concordance. We argue that these rates are due to the relatively high true negative rate in the general population, and high degree of honestly in treatment seeking individuals. We hypothesized that high risk individuals not seeking treatment would demonstrate low concordance and a high false negative rate of self-reported substance use. Methods A sample of 500 individuals from a smoking cessation clinical trial was assessed over 1 year. Assessments included semi-structured interviews, questionnaires (e.g. Addiction Severity Index, etc.), and urine drug screen assays (UDS). Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to predict false negative reports for various substances across the study and determine the influence of substance use on the primary study outcome of smoking cessation. Results Participants demonstrated high false negative rates in reporting substances use, and the false negative rates increased as the study progressed. Established predictors of false negatives generalized to the current sample. High concordance and low false negative rates were found in self-report of nicotine use. A small but significant relationship was found in for effect of biochemically verified substance use on smoking cessation. Conclusions Biochemical verification of substance use is needed in high risk populations involved in studies not directly related to the treatment of substance use, especially in populations with high threat of stigmatization. Testing should continue through the time period of the study for maximal identification of substance use.
Ignacio Ellacuría: Un pensamiento y una opción

El ensayo busca una aproximacion al pensamiento y opcion de Ignacio Ellacuria, teologo jesuita, asesinado en 1989, en el campus de la Universidad Centroamericana de El Salvador. Entre otros conceptos analizados por el autor estan: La nocion de “pobre” como lugar teologico y la “civilizacion de la pobreza” como propuesta profetica y utopica. Para estudiar estos conceptos centrales en la obra de Ellacuria, el autor examina categorias como: Realidad historica, materialidad, circulo hermeneutico, teologia de la liberacion, utopia y profetismo, y mysterium liberationis. Con base en la obra estudiada termina el analisis reconociendo como alternativa unica la necesidad de globalizar la solidaridad.
The Six Patterns of Pharmacokinetic Drug–Drug Interactions

This chapter discusses the six patterns of cytochrome P450-mediated drug–drug interactions.
Reconsideration of the fatigue tests for asphalt mixtures and binders containing high percentage RAP

AbstractWhen applying reclaimed asphalt technology in a flexible pavement project, most performance concerns are related to low temperature and fatigue cracking since the stiffness of the HMA mixture could dramatically increase through adding a high percentage of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) material. The purpose of this study is to evaluate asphalt mixtures with high RAP contents, prepared using two RAP addition methods, for their performance based on fatigue-cracking resistance rather than relying on volumetric properties. Asphalt mixture samples were prepared with three RAP binder content replacement percentages (30, 40 and 50%) using two preparation methods: the as-is RAP gradation (traditional method) and the splitting of the RAP gradation into coarse and fine fractions (fractionated method). Asphalt mixture beam fatigue and binder fatigue time-sweep tests were performed. Beam fatigue samples also underwent freeze–thaw cycling for freeze–thaw damage evaluation. Rather than basing the performance ...
A simple heated-capillary modification improves the analysis of non-covalent complexes by Z-spray electrospray ionization.

RATIONALE The observation of intact non-covalent complexes by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) hinges on the ability to minimize in-source activation processes that take place during analyte desolvation. We explored the merits of replacing the sampling cone of a standard Z-spray source with a heated capillary that makes the desolvation process slower and more gradual. We employed well-characterized protein-RNA, RNA-RNA, and DNA-DNA assemblies to compare the alternative configurations. METHODS Mass analysis evaluated the integrity of the complexes, whereas traveling wave ion mobility experiments assessed the stability of biomolecular structure. Analyses were performed back-to-back on the same samples on a Synapt G2 HDMS equipped with either the standard sampling cone or the heated-capillary apparatus. In each configuration, the source/capillary temperature was varied in controlled fashion, while keeping all other desolvation parameters constant to monitor the in-source dissociation of selected DNA duplexes. Ion mobility data were obtained from the same precursor by using the alternative configurations under the same settings. RESULTS Monitoring the percentage of associated complex demonstrated that the heated capillary provided softer desolvation that was more conducive to the detection of intact non-covalent interactions. This configuration failed to produce complete dissociation of 14 bp and 24 bp duplexes, even when the source/capillary temperature was increased well above their solution melting points. Analyzed by IMS-MS, a selected construct displayed just one conformation with the heated capillary, but two with the standard sampling cone. CONCLUSIONS The heated capillary minimizes in-source activation processes that can lead to unintended dissociation of complexes and perturbation of biomolecular structure, which rely on the integrity of non-covalent interactions. This effect can be attributed to the attenuation of the supersonic expansion typical of the Z-spray geometry and the greater ability to control the energy imparted to the system. This hardware modification will be expected to benefit the analysis of biomolecular structure performed on this particular instrumental platform.
Stability of an Aqueous Solution of P,P-bis(1-aziridinyl)-N-methylphosphinothioic amide Used to Sterilize Pupae of Anopheles albimanus

Aqueous solutions of 1% P, P -bis(1-aziridinyl)- N -methylphosphinothioic amide effectively sterilized groups of pupae of Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann for 10 consecutive days. Gas chromatographic analysis of the solutions also showed that the concentration remained stable throughout the 10 days. Buffering (pH = 7.0) or refrigerating solutions between treatments did not enhance the stability. Uptake of the chemosterilant by diffent groups of pupae was variable (27–161 ng/mg) over the 10 days, and mortality also was variable.
The Hyperglycemic Action of Some Analogs of Epinephrine

ConclusionsOf the several compounds tested, only 1-arterenol has a hyperglycemic action of the same order as that of 1-epinephrine. Its activity can be placed at about 1/8 of that of epinephrine, while the d-isomer has about 1/20 of the activity of the l-isomer. Sahyun14 found that dl-arterenol, 1 mg/kg, produced an average rise iin blood sugar of 78 mg%percnt; 3 hrs after subcutaneous injection in 7 rabbits. This is considerably more activity than would be calculated from our observations on the separate isomers. However, if one of his rabbits (No. 8, Table II) is eliminated from consideration, the average rise becomes only 61 mg%percnt;, and the discrepancy is much less. Of the other compounds studied, Isuprel is clearly the least active. The approximate hyperglycemic activity of the whole series of compounds, taking l-epinephrine as 100, is as follows (all figures given have been calculated in terms in terms of the free base): l-arterenol, 12; Win 3046, 1.7; Butanefrine, 1.6; Win 515, 0.7; d-arterenol,...
Putting the Supplier in Housing Supply: An Overview of the Growth and Concentration of Large Homebuilders in the United States (1990–2007)

AbstractAs housing production was ramping up in the 1990s and 2000s, some of the industry’s largest firms experienced remarkable growth primarily through mergers and acquisitions and the issuance of debt; the market share of the 10 largest firms tripled between 1995 and 2005. This article describes the role of financial firms in encouraging that growth and some of its consequences. Drawing on financial filings, news reports, investor analyses, and other relevant data, this article offers an overview of the relationship between homebuilders and investment firms, as well as a new explanation of the oversupply of housing in the 2000s. In doing so, this article seeks to bring attention to homebuilders as a missing feature in analyses of housing supply and housing markets, and proposes directions for future research.
Tunable active acoustic metamaterials

We describe and demonstrate an architecture for active acoustic metamaterials whose effective material parameters can be tuned independently over a wide range of values, including negative material parameters. The approach is demonstrated experimentally through the design and measurement of two types of unit cells that generate metamaterials in which either the effective density or bulk modulus can be tuned. We show that these unit cells achieve negative refraction, negative effective mass density, significantly nonunity bulk modulus, and are suitable for the design of negative refraction media and media with tunable gain and absorption. In this architecture, a transducer senses the pressure wave incident on the metamaterial and an electronic circuit manipulates the electric signal produced and drives a second transducer that creates the acoustic response consistent with the desired effective material parameters. The electronics between the two transducers allows easy dynamic tuning of these parameters. We show that this approach can be applied to both broadband and narrow band designs.
Effect of ambient temperature on the risk of decompression sickness in surface decompression divers.

LEFFLER CT. Effect of ambient temperature on the risk of decompression sickness in surface decompression divers. Aviat Space Environ Med 2001; 72:477-83. Background: Several studies have noted an apparent increase in decompression sickness (DCS) risk with surface decompression diving in warm water or with hot water suits (Van Der Aue 1951, Shields 1986, Leffler 1997), but did not perform statistical tests to control for the pressure-time profile. Methods: The 1986 data, including 73 DCS cases out of 14,891 dives, were analyzed by Mantel-Haenszel analysis to control for depth and bottom time. Dive profiles from the 1951 U.S. Navy report, including 147 DCS cases from 1507 dives, were analyzed with logistic regression analysis to control for depth, bottom time, and aspects of the decompression profile, Results: In the 1986 data, hot water suits, as compared with passive thermal protection, were associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.81 (95% confidence interval, CI = 0.96 to 3.42) for DCS. In the 1951 data, each 10°C increase in water temperature yielded an OR for DCS of 1.96 (95% CI = 1.33 to 2.90). The interaction of temperature and bottom time suggested that the effect was more pronounced in shorter dives. Among DCS cases, the OR for type 2 symptoms with hot water suits was not significant in the 1986 data (p = 0.18). In the 1951 data, the probability of type 2 symptoms among DCS cases was better explained by the dive profile than by the temperature. Thermal effects on gas physics, metabolism, hemostasis, and nociception were reviewed. Conclusion: Surface decompression divers who are warm at depth face an increased risk of DCS. Vasodilatation in warm divers may result in more rapid on-gassing of tissues with short time constants. A full evaluation of DCS risk should consider physiological and physical effects of ambient temperature.
Mechanisms and Institutions

Economists have long been interested in policies, systems, and institutions. But although normative issues arise in all three contexts, only narrowly-defined policy issues were considered open to formalised analysis. The famous battles between ‘institutionalists’ and ‘classicists’ provide some of the evidence. Atkins et al. (1931), in their Economic Behavior, An Institutional Approach (p. iii), make a point of the fact that ‘no attention is given to hypothetical supply and demand curves …’ and ‘no treatment … given … to the factors of production — land, labor, capital, enterprise, as such — to subjective utility, to normal price, to marginal buyers and sellers ….’
Quantile regression for workforce analytics

Understanding the behavior of a constantly changing workforce is key to making business decisions in modern organizations. In this paper, we develop frameworks based on quantile regression to estimate the productivity and attrition profiles of employees from revenue, headcount, and incentive data. Results show the advantages of quantile-specific profiles compared to those obtained with other regression schemes.