cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design, analysis, and performance verification of the interface region imaging spectrograph (IRIS) telescope primary mirror assembly

We discuss the details of the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) telescope primary mirror assembly designcompared to its predecessor used in the Solar Dynamics Observatory Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (SDO-AIA) telescopes. Also included are details of the structural modeling and analysis, mirror optical surface modeling, vibration analysis, and a detailed description of the optical performance verification test program and results.The primary mirror assembly of the IRIS telescope was adapted from an existing design used on the SDO-AIA telescopes. The IRIS telescope was optimized for performance at 1369A and 2810A with a required 0.4 arc-second-resolution calling for a significant improvement to the mounted mirror optical surface quality over the existing SDOAIA design.To improve the optical performance, the proven bonded flexure heritage design was augmented with a novel “kinematic” mount used to secure the assembly to the telescope tube. The 200mm diameter concave mirror was fabricated from Corning ULE/RE Code 7973 EUV Premium Grade, Ultra Low Expansion Glass material and polished to better than 12ARMS surface roughness. The mirror is supported by three bonded titanium flexures fastened to a rigid titanium cell plate.A 25A RMS figure error was allocated in the error budget for the mounted, coated primary mirror. The first moderesonance for the mirror was specified to be <100 Hz while surviving an expected launch load of 30G’s. The mirrorassembly was designed to operate from +14°C to +26°C with survival limits specified at -20°C to +35°C.
Government spending and economic growth

This study reviewed recent empirical studies providing fresh evidence of the impact of government spending on economic growth. It is followed by a new theoretical synthesis and this as well as the other models, are in turn subjected to empirical validation. The empirical validation is conducted for both developed and less-developed economies based on simultaneous equations as well as single equation models, with or without adjusting for differences in th total factor productivity growth. Government size is estimated to have positive impact on economic growth in the short-run but not in the intermediate-run (25 years in this study).
Organizational climate, services, and outcomes in child welfare systems

Abstract Objective This study examines the association of organizational climate, casework services, and youth outcomes in child welfare systems. Building on preliminary findings linking organizational climate to youth outcomes over a 3-year follow-up period, the current study extends the follow-up period to 7 years and tests main, moderating and mediating effects of organizational climate and casework services on outcomes. Methods The study applies hierarchical linear models (HLMs) analyses to all 5 waves of the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being (NSCAW) with a US nationwide sample of 1,678 maltreated youth aged 4–16 years and 1,696 caseworkers from 88 child welfare systems. Organizational climate is assessed on 2 dimensions, Engagement and Stress, with scales from the well established measure, Organizational Social Context (OSC); youth outcomes are measured as problems in psychosocial functioning with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL); and casework services are assessed with original scales developed for the study and completed by the maltreated youths’ primary caregivers and caseworkers. Results Maltreated youth served by child welfare systems with more engaged organizational climates have significantly better outcomes. Moreover, the quantity and quality of casework services neither mediate nor interact with the effects of organizational climate on youth outcomes. Conclusions Organizational climate is associated with youth outcomes in child welfare systems, but a better understanding is needed of the mechanisms that link organizational climate to outcomes. In addition, there is a need for evidence-based organizational interventions that can improve the organizational climates and effectiveness of child welfare systems.
A clinical evaluation of acetyl-digitoxin.

Abstract 1. 1. Acetyl-digitoxin by mouth was used in the therapy of 166 patients in congestive heart failure in the past eighteen months, and was demonstrated to be a well-tolerated and effective new digitalis glycoside. 2. 2. The initial digitalizing dose can be given as a single dose or over a period of several days. The amount required must be adjusted for the patient, and usually varied from 1.6 to 2.0 mg., averaging 1.84 mg. In the single dose method, 1.6 to 1.8 mg. was well tolerated, but occasionally supplementary amounts were necessary for full digitalization. 3. 3. Maintenance was also effective, and most patients could be maintained on 0.1 to 0.2 mg., the average being 0.15 mg. per day. 4. 4. The excretion is slow, but appears somewhat more rapid than that of digitoxin. Toxic effects disappeared generally in one to three days, but the total elimination of drug effect from patients in atrial fibrillation required thirteen to seventeen days. 5. 5. Toxic effects were generally deliberately attained, and consisted of gastrointestinal symptoms in the majority of patients. There were no serious arrhythmias and no fatalities which could be ascribed to the drug. 6. 6. The therapeutic range was similar to that of the other glycosides. 7. 7. It appears that acetyl-digitoxin will attain merit as a long-acting glycoside which is well tolerated even in single digitalizing dosage by mouth and which is effective therapeutically. It has the advantage over digitoxin of some-what more rapid dissipation, and toxic effects are usually gastrointestinal symptoms instead of potentially dangerous arrhythmias.
The 16-kilodalton N-terminal fragment of human prolactin is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis

The formation of a new blood supply, angiogenesis, is an essential component of carcinogenesis and unrestricted tumor growth. A substance capable of inhibiting angiogenesis would be of considerable therapeutic potential in the treatment of cancer. We previously reported that the 16-kilodalton N-terminal fragment of rat PRL (16K rPRL) was a potent inhibitor of capillary endothelial cell proliferation via a novel receptor. We now report that the nanomolar concentrations of recombinant human 16K PRL inhibit basal and basic fibroblast growth factor- or vascular endothelial growth factor-stimulated growth of bovine brain capillary endothelial cells. 16K human (h) PRL also inhibits stimulation of human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation by basic fibroblast growth factor. The organization of endothelial cells into capillary-like structures in type I collagen gels is also prevented by 16K hPRL. Furthermore, in an in vivo assay, the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay, 16K hPRL as well as 16K rP...
E-textile equiangular spiral antenna and microstrip balun exposed to physical mistreatment

Since its inception, the durable, conformal, and low profile equiangular spiral antenna has enticed private enterprise and public entities to expand and enhance applications for biotechnology, communications, military, and space implementation. The spiral antenna's ultra-wideband (UWB), high efficiency, and circular polarized features attract implementation where physical and electromagnetic environment conditions fluctuate such as intelligence gathering, astronaut extra vehicular activities, satellite communications, navigation, and disaster communications. Impedance matching the spiral is critical. Common solutions utilize a balun or an impedance transformer. These solutions preserve the antenna's efficiency and radiation profile. Some examples of balun and impedance transformers applied to spiral antennas include integrating planar microstrip baluns with vias, complex coplanar strip designs, multi-layer substrates with strip lines, coaxial cables, perpendicular feed lines, etc. Balun designs have a limited impedance bandwidth or add manufacturing complexity impeding spiral antenna implementations. NASA has developed a conformal S-band equiangular spiral antenna constructed from commercially available e-textiles made from polyester cloth plated by a mixture of silver, copper, and nickel. The e-textile fabrication made the antenna malleable to clothing, spacesuits, flags, etc.; however, the inflexible coaxial cable balun leaves the structure vulnerable to damage. Unforgiving environments, such as outer space, necessitate design and fabrication considerations for resiliency and robustness.
Promoting gains in reading fluency: a comparison of three approaches

On the ground that reading fluency entails appropriate phrasing or prosody as well as facile word recognition, we investigated the effectiveness of text-based and word-based repeated readings procedures for promoting fluency of reading aloud and comprehension in second-grade children. Repeated readings of text printed with spaces between phrases and ends of lines at clause boundaries (phrase-cued text), repeated readings of text printed with conventional layout (standard text), and repeated readings of lists of difficult words from text were compared. Computer-based, guided repeated reading training intervened between a pretest and post-test reading of text. Each training condition led to significant benefits on one or more of the experimental measures obtained from reading aloud. Repeated readings with text resulted in greater gains in fluency than repeated readings with word lists. Reading with natural prosody was most strongly facilitated by repeated readings of phrase-cued text, which provided visible support for sentence structure.
Synthesis of Open-Ended, Cylindrical Au−Ag Alloy Nanostructures on a Si/SiOx Surface

Dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) in conjunction with wet chemical etching was used to synthesize a new class of open-ended, cylindrical Au−Ag alloy nanostructures on a Si/SiOx surface. Ag nanostructures were prepared by depositing dot MHA features on Ag-coated Si/SiOx, followed by etching with ferri/ferrocyanide solution. When these Ag nanostructures are reacted with HAuCl4, electroless plating of Au occurs on the sidewalls of the silver features along with concomitant oxidation of the Ag. This results in the formation of novel open-ended, cylindrical Au−Ag alloy nanostructures. Insight into the mechanism for this process is provided.
Cancer and myositis: new insights into an old association.

Purpose of review The association between the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and the development of malignancy has been appreciated for nearly a century, but its meaning and significance have remained unclear. Significant advances in our understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of this association have recently been made. This review will describe the major epidemiological evidence linking inflammatory myopathies with cancer, and will use this evidence to highlight a recently proposed model for the development of cancer-associated myositis. Recent findings The temporal relationship between the development of cancer and myositis is reminiscent of that seen in neurological paraneoplastic disorders, in which antigens targeted for an immune response are expressed at high levels in the inciting tumor and the affected neuronal tissue. It has also recently been observed that regenerating cells in myositis muscle, but not its normal counterpart, express high levels of myositis-specific autoantigens. These same antigens are expressed at high levels in several cancers known to be associated with the development of myositis, but not in corresponding normal tissue. Summary These observations suggest a model of paraneoplasia focusing on common autoantigen expression and immune targeting between cancer tissues and muscle tissue in myositis.
The Preparation and Use of Colloidal Sulfur as a cControl for Red Spider

Two types of colloidal sulfur have been prepared, (1) by running hydrogen sulfide into a solution of sulfur dioxid; (2) by precipitating lime-sulfur solution with acid. The former (hydrophilic colloidal sulfur solution) shows the finest stage of division of sulfur particles. The latter (hydrophobic colloidal sulfur or precipitated sulfur) has a coarser sulfur grain which precipitates in a few days. The sulfur particles in both of the colloid forms are smaller than those of high grade dusting sulfur and hence oxidize more quickly, making them more active in the control of red spider than other forms of sulfur. Comparison of the toxic properties of the colloidal solutions with a two per cent lime sulfur solution containing 0.6 per cent sulfur showed that the former were more effective especially at low temperatures. The addition of five pounds of ground or flowers of sulfur will probably prolong the length of time which such solutions would remain effective both as acaricides and fungicides.
Sex Differences in Stroke Evaluations in the Ischemic Stroke Genetics Study

Background: Epidemiologic studies suggest sex differences in evaluation of patients presenting with ischemic stroke. Sex differences in stroke evaluation could lead to sex differences in the validity of diagnosing ischemic stroke subtypes. This study assessed sex differences in the Ischemic Stroke Genetics Study (ISGS). Methods: The ISGS is a prospective case-control genetic association study of patients with first-ever ischemic stroke at 5 US tertiary stroke centers. The diagnostic tests performed as part of medical care were recorded for each enrolled patient. Results: A total of 505 patients were enrolled; 45% (229 of 505) were women and 55% (276 of 505) were men. Mean age at time of stroke was greater for women (66.6 v 61.9 years; P = .001). Frequency of brain computed tomography was 92% (254 of 276) for men and 90% (206 of 229) for women ( P = .42). Magnetic resonance imaging was completed in 84% (232 of 276) of men and 83% (191 of 229) of women ( P = .91). Frequency of electrocardiography was 91% (252 of 276) for men and 90% (206 of 229) for women ( P = .60). Echocardiography was done in 74% (203 of 276) of men and 79% (180 of 229) of women ( P = .19). Cervical arterial imaging occurred in 91% (208 of 229) of women and 86% (237 of 276) of men ( P = .09). Intracranial vascular imaging was performed in 75% (207 of 276) of men and 79% (181 of 229) of women ( P = .28). Conclusions: Our findings suggest no significant sex differences in the extent to which major diagnostic tests were performed in patients in ISGS. Dedicated tertiary stroke centers may reduce the sex bias in stroke evaluation that has been identified by previous studies.
Cardiac resuscitability with cardiopulmonary bypass after increasing ventricular fibrillation times in dogs

Previous studies in dogs have shown resuscitation from prolonged cardiac arrest to conscious survival to be more effective with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) than with standard advanced cardiac life support. This study compared cardiovascular resuscitability with CPB only after varying periods of cardiac arrest without artificial circulatory support in a canine model. Group 1 (ten) was subjected to ventricular fibrillation for 15 minutes; group 2 (ten) for 20 minutes; and group 3 (ten) for 30 minutes. All received total CPB after ventricular fibrillation without advanced cardiac life support to defibrillation at two to five minutes and partial CPB to four hours. In all three groups CPB with epinephrine generated normal coronary perfusion pressure and increased ventricular fibrillation amplitude significantly. In groups 1 and 2, CPB reperfusion allowed for successful defibrillation in less than five minutes, weaning from CPB in all dogs at four hours, and stable spontaneous circulation thereafter. In group 3, only five of ten dogs could be weaned from bypass at four hours, and all died early with myocardial necroses. It was concluded that CPB may be of value in the setting of prolonged cardiac arrest when advanced cardiac life support has not been provided or is unable to restore spontaneous heartbeat.
Central sympathetic control of spinal endothelin release in the rat

Endothelin and its receptors have been identified in the spinal cord. Intrathecal administration of endothelin-3 produces hypotension in anesthetized rats. The present study was designed to identify whether endothelin-3 is released upon changes in sympathetic nervous activity. Endothelin-3-like immunoreactivity in spinal superfusates was directly correlated with resting arterial pressure. Endothelin-3 levels were enhanced by hypothalamic stimulation and by hemorrhage-induced hypotension and reduced by nitroprusside-induced hypotension. These findings suggest that sympathetic activation enhances endothelin-3 release but that nitroprusside may act directly to suppress release. We propose that endothelin-3 plays a role in spinal regulation of sympathetic outflow.
Plastic wound protectors do not affect wound infection rates following laparoscopic-assisted colectomy.

Background: Wound protectors are plastic sheaths that can be used to line a wound during surgery. Wound protectors can facilitate retraction of an incision without the need for other mechanical retractors and have been proposed as deterrents to wound infection. The purpose of this study was to define the ability of wound protectors to reduce the rate of infection when used in laparoscopic-assisted colectomy. Methods: We completed a retrospective review of the medical records of patients undergoing nonemergent laparoscopic-assisted colectomy between February 1999 and November 2002. All completely laparoscopic cases were excluded. The wound protector, when used, was applied to the extraction incision during the externalized portion of the procedure (colon and mesentery transection, anastomosis). Outcomes for patients with and without the use of a wound protector were compared. Results: A total of 141 patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (98 for benign/malignant tumors, 35 for diverticular disease, and eight for Crohn’s disease). There were no differences between the wound protector group (n = 84) and the no wound protector group (n = 57) with respect to mean age (55 vs 58 years), average body mass index (27 vs 29 kg/m2), gender, indication for surgery, comorbidities, antibiotics used, or mean operative time (185 vs 173 min). Nine patients in the wound protector group and eight in the no wound protector group developed a wound infection at the colon extraction site (p = 0.42). Patients undergoing resection for Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis had a higher infection rate (18.6%) than patients undergoing resection for polyps or cancer (9.2%; p < 0.05). No wound recurrence of cancer was observed in either group at a mean follow-up of 23 months (range, 3–48). Conclusions: The wound protector, although useful for mechanical retraction of small wounds, does not significantly diminish the rate of wound infection at the bowel resection/anastomotic site. Patients undergoing elective resection for inflammatory processes have higher infection rates than patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted colectomy for polyps or cancer.
Brandon/Hill selected list of print nursing books and journals

N ursing Outlook readers who are interested in developing collections of nursing books and journals need no introduction to the list of 355 books and 84 journals that follows the Brandon/ Hill list. More than 18 years have elapsed since Alfred N. Brandon and I published the first "Selected List of Nursing Books and Journals" in Nursing Outlook in 1979.1 The positive response over the years by both nurses and librarians has been overwhe lming . We have been genu ine ly pleased that our work has been accepted by so many colleagues as a reliable source for developing print nursing collections. In fact, the 1998 update is being published in the January/February issue of Nursing Outlook rather than the March/April issue because many people have to spend their book money early in the calendar year, and they believe that having early access to the nursing list would make it more useful to them. The goal of this list has not changed since its first publication. Then and now, it is intended to be a selection guide for individuals, sometimes with little background knowledge, who are charged with the responsibility of choosing nursing publications for a library or a departmental collection. It is not presented as a "standard" or the "one-and-only" nursing collection. Hypothetically, if I were charged with the task of developing a current nursing book and journal collection, these are the books and journals I would have chosen at the time the manuscript was submitted for publication.
Abstract B81: Vitamin D and prostate cancer aggressiveness among African and European Americans in the North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP) case study cohort

25(OH) vitamin D3 [25D3] serum levels have been associated with increased risk and unfavorable outcomes in several types of cancer, including breast, bladder, lung, and colon cancer. The relationship between vitamin D and prostate cancer prognosis and outcome is less well-studied. This pilot study utilized 200 samples from the North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP) cohort to investigate the association between circulating 25D3 levels and an aggressive phenotype of prostate cancer in 100 African American (AA) and 100 European American (EA) men. Plasma vitamin D levels were categorized as deficient ≤20 ng/ml, insufficient ≤30 and >20 ng/ml, and sufficient >30ng/ml. The mean value of plasma vitamin D levels in the 200 research subjects was 24.7 ng/ml (STD 11.0, minimum value 6.3, and maximum value 62), which indicated vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in a large portion of patients. AA men were more likely than EA men to present with vitamin D deficiency, which may be due to differences in skin pigmentation. As expected, significant (P Prostate tumor aggressiveness was categorized by PCaP as high, low, and intermediate, using clinical grade, clinical stage, and serum PSA at diagnosis [High aggressive: clinical stage ≥ T3 and Gleason grade ≥ 7 or Gleason sum ≥ 8 or PSA > 20; Low: Gleason sum This pilot study will be extended to the entire PCaP cohort of 2256 men in order to confirm these observations. In addition, we will continue to investigate the role of diet and dietary supplements on vitamin D levels in the PCaP cohort. Further analyses will add racial admixture estimates into our models in order to correct for population stratification. This is necessary since self-identified race may or may not reflect ancestral origins accurately. Acknowledgments: The authors thank the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry, the Louisiana Tumor Registry, and the PCaP staff, advisory committees and participants for their important contributions. The Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP) is carried out as a collaborative study supported by the Department of Defense contract DAMD 17-03-2-0052. AWR is supported by the Department of Defense grant W81WH11-1-0308 and R25CA113951-01 grant from the National Cancer Institute. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):B81.
Moral and religious influences on the amniocentesis decision

Abstract As early as 1973 Fletcher documented moral problems families encountered as they struggled with the decision of whether or not to have amniocentesis. In this study we asked 202 women accepting and 50 women rejecting amniocentesis extensive questions about religious beliefs, behaviors, and beliefs about abortion. Members of small Protestant denominations were the most conservative. Catholics and other Protestants were intermediate with smaller differences between these middle groups. Those respondents claiming no religion or one of a non‐Christian denomination were the most liberal. Net predictors of acceptance of amniocentesis included respondents’ support for laws permitting abortion for medical reasons, negative responses about belief in the sanctity of life, having insurance, and the respondents’ political affiliation. Education and religious attendance were the most consistent net predictorsof moral attitudes. We concluded that the amniocentesis decision is influenced by many religious belief...
Predictors of the incident metabolic syndrome in adults: the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study.

OBJECTIVE—To prospectively investigate predictors of the incident metabolic syndrome in nondiabetic adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This analysis included 714 white, black, and Hispanic participants in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS) who were free of the metabolic syndrome at baseline; 139 of these developed the metabolic syndrome in the subsequent 5 years. We examined measures of glucose (fasting and 2 h), insulin (fasting and 2 h, acute insulin response, insulin sensitivity [Si], and proinsulin), lipids (HDL and triglycerides), blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), waist circumference, and baseline physical activity (total energy expenditure) as predictors of the metabolic syndrome. Logistic regression models were adjusted for age, sex, study site, ethnicity, and impaired glucose tolerance. Signal detection analysis was used to identify the characteristics of the highest risk group. RESULTS—The best predictors of incident metabolic syndrome were waist circumference (odds ratio [OR] 1.7 [1.3–2.0] per 11 cm), HDL cholesterol (0.6 [0.4–0.7] per 15 mg/dl), and proinsulin (1.7 [1.4–2.0] per 3.3 pmol/l). Signal detection analysis identified waist circumference (>89 cm in women, >102 cm in men) as the optimal predictor. CONCLUSIONS—These findings suggest that obesity may precede the development of other metabolic syndrome components. Interventions that address obesity and reduce waist circumference may reduce the incidence of the metabolic syndrome in nondiabetic adults.
The association of education level on outcome after distal radius fracture

Background Socioeconomic factors have been found to be predictors of outcome for other ailments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of patient education level on pain and disability after distal radius fracture.
Produit en Couronne de Groupes Linéaires

We provide a description of unipotent characters of a wreath product of general linear groups over a finite field as linear combination of generalized Deligne-Lusztig characters.
Dynamical simulations of superionicity in alkaline-earth halides

Abstract Superionicity in alkaline-earth halides CaF2, SrF2 and BaF2 has been studied by molecular dynamical simulations using Gordon-Kim potentials. These dynamical simulations employ a novel technique to monitor the motion of ions which clearly demonstrates the nature of the superionic phases in these crystals. While in the superionic phase, the Ca2+, Ba2+, and Sr2+ ions maintain ideal lattice positions, the F− ions flow between them in a correlated linear manner closely related to that proposed previously by Boyer.
Second-Harmonic Generation and the Ordering Reaction in NH4Cl

The order-disorder transformation in ammonium chloride is taken to be a first-order phase change. The asymptotic behavior of the second-harmonic intensity is determined on the assumption that the growth of the ordered domains is controlled by the stress field around crystal defects. By a suitable choice of the characteristic temperature T0 the data can be reconciled with nucleation along edge dislocations. The location of T0 relative to the hysteresis region suggests that the irreversibility of the transition is associated with the formation of vacancies. On presume que la transformation ordre-desordre dans le chlorure d'ammonium est un changement de phase de premiere espece. On determine le comportement asymptotique de l'intensite du second harmonique en supposant que la croissance des domaines ordonnes est dirigee par le champ d'efforts autour des defauts cristallins. Par un convenable choix de la temperature caracteristique T0 on peut rendre les donnees compatibles avec germination le long de dislocations coin. L'emplacement de T0 relatif a la region d'hysteresis suggere que l'irreversibilite de la transition est associee a la formation de lacunes.
38.2: Direct Display Interaction via Simultaneous Pen + Multi‐touch Input

Current developments hint at a rapidly approaching future where simultaneous pen + multi-touch input becomes the gold standard for direct interaction on displays. We are motivated by a desire to extend pen and multi-touch input modalities, including their use in concert, to enable users to take better advantage of each.
Biosocial Perspectives on the Family

New theoretical models conceptualize families as systems affected by, and effecting change in, reciprocal influences among social, behavioral, and biological processes. Technological breakthroughs make noninvasive assessment of many biological processes available to family researchers. These theoretical and measurement advances have resulted in significant increases in research on family processes and relationships that integrate knowledge from the fields of behavioral endocrinology, behavior genetics, and, to a lesser degree, evolutionary psychology. This review covers a broad spectrum, including the topics of parenthood, early child development, adolescent and middle child development, parent-child relations, courtship and mate selection, and the quality and stability of marital and intimate relations. Our intention is to introduce, by example, the relevance of the biosocial approach, encourage family researchers to consider the application of these ideas to their interests, and increase the participation offamily researchers in the next generation of studies.
Inverse approach to Einstein's equations for fluids with vanishing anisotropic stress tensor

We expand previous work on an inverse approach to Einstein field equations where we include fluids with energy flux and consider the vanishing of the anisotropic stress tensor. We consider the approach using warped product spacetimes of class B{sub 1}. Although restricted, these spacetimes include many exact solutions of interest to compact object studies and to cosmological models studies. The question explored here is as follows: given a spacetime metric, what fluid flow (timelike congruence), if any, could generate the spacetime via Einstein's equations? We calculate the flow from the condition of a vanishing anisotropic stress tensor and give results in terms of the metric functions in the three canonical types of coordinates. A condition for perfect fluid sources is also provided. The framework developed is algorithmic and suited for the study and validation of exact solutions using computer algebra systems. The framework can be applied to solutions in comoving and noncomoving frames of reference, and examples in different types of coordinates are worked out.
Ownership structure and firm profitability in the Japanese keiretsu

Abstract Financial institutions within Japan's corporate groups, called keiretsu, are both lenders and shareholders of member firms. Current literature has failed to produce unanimity about how ownership of firms by financial institutions affects firm profitability. Competing theories propose that banks use this position as shareholder either to promote firm profitability, or to increase lending to generate interest revenue. This paper uses panel data to show that bank ownership results in profit non-maximization if the bank simultaneously holds debt in the firm. It is also shown that, despite continuing financial deregulation, the significance of ownership integration within the keiretsu has remained unchanged.
Ethnicity and disease prevention

Ethnic variations in health present a useful paradigm for the study of disease etiology. The knowledge base in this area has expanded dramatically in recent years, both as a result of research across cultures and studies within multiethnic societies. The growth in descriptive information, however, has not always been paralleled by an increase in causal explanations. At both the theoretical and practical levels confounding remains an unsolved problem. Because of the frequent correlation between ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and risk exposures it is often difficult to isolate the relative impact of genetics and external risk factors. The importance of variation in allele frequencies in determining ethnic diesease patterns is further complicated by the difficulty in providing precise ethnic group designations. Inference regarding causal relationships becomes particularly challenging for polygenic disorders like hypertension and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, where good candidate genes are not available. At the same time, exposures are often known before the genetic basis of susceptibility has been identified and provide a practical basis for prevention. Prevention campaigns should be merged with etiologic research whenever possible and close collaboration among scientists working in public health and epidemiology and those based in genetics and biology would facilitate development of an appropriately balanced strategy. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Precise determination of Moessbauer lineshape parameters including interference

Using 100 Ci183Ta and 5 Ci182Ta sources, with LiF and NaCl crystal monochromating filters, we have measured the lineshape parameters for the 46.5 keV and 99.1 keV Mossbauer effect (ME) transitions of183W and the 100.1 keV transition of182W. Using an analytic representation of the convolution integral and utilizing asymptotic analyses of the lineshape, we find, for both transmission and microfoil internal conversion (MICE) experiments, accurate values of all ME parameters including width, position, cross section, and interference. This new approach allows deconvolution of source and absorber spectra and gives a simple analytic expression for both as well as their Fourier transforms. The line widths for the 46.5, 99.1, and 100.1 keV transitions are 3.10(10), 0.369(18), and 0.195(12) cm/s, respectively. The interference parameters are −0.00257(9), −0.0093(12), and −0.0107(12) in the same respective order. The agreement between transmission and MICE /1,2/ measurements for the above lineshape parameters is within the experimental errors. We believe these measurements are the first having sufficient precision to allow a quantitative comparison with dispersion theory /3,4/ and they indicate interference parameters 10 to 20% smaller than predicted. Our measured line widths are less than earlier reported values. This is because our analysis of the true lineshape and the study of line asymptotics permits a quantitative determination of the isomer lifetimes rather than the usual lower bound found in earlier ME experiments.
Evaluation of a Three Compartment In Vitro Gastrointestinal Simulator Dissolution Apparatus to Predict In Vivo Dissolution

In vitro dissolution tests are performed for new formulations to evaluate in vivo performance, which is affected by the change of gastrointestinal (GI) physiology, in the GI tract. Thus, those environmental changes should be introduced to an in vitro dissolution test. Many studies have successfully shown the improvement of in vitro–in vivo correlations (IVIVC) by introducing those physiological changes into dissolution tests. The gastrointestinal simulator (GIS), a multicompartment in vitro dissolution apparatus, was developed to evaluate in vivo drug dissolution. A gastric-emptying rate along with transit rate are key factors to evaluate in vivo drug dissolution and, hence, drug absorption. Dissolution tests with the GIS were performed with Biopharmaceutical Classification System class I drugs at five different gastric-emptying rates in the fasted state. Computational models were used to determine in vivo gastric-emptying time for propranolol and metoprolol based on the GIS dissolution results. Those were compared with published clinical data to determine the gastric half-emptying time. In conclusion, the GIS is a practical tool to assess dissolution properties and can improve IVIVC. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 103:3416–3422, 2014
Mechanisms by which endothelin-1 stimulates increased cytosolic free calcium ion concentrations in single rat Sertoli cells

The regulation by endothelin-1 (ET-1) of cytosolic free calcium ion concentrations ([Ca2+]i) was investigated in single immature rat (testicular) Sertoli cells. [Ca2+]i was estimated in individual gonadal cells by digital imaging videomicroscopy using the calcium indicator dye fura-2/AM. Two concentration-dependent types of ET-1-induced [Ca2+]i signals were observed. Responses to high ET-1 concentrations (1.0-1000 nM) were characterized by a biphasic, rapid, and transient [Ca2+]i rise (spike) within 10 sec, followed by an exponential decrease toward a new steady state level (plateau phase) in 98% of responsive cells. At low concentrations of ET-1 (0.001 or 0.1 nM), the [Ca2+]i increase was slower, reaching peak values 40-100 sec after stimulation and remaining elevated for 2-3 min of observation. There was cell-cell heterogeneity in the amplitude and kinetics of the [Ca2+]i response to the same concentration of ET-1. However, there was a significant ET-1 concentration-dependent increase in the total percentage of cells responding to ET-1. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ or use of Ca2+ channel blockers (verapamil or cobalt) did not affect the ET-1-induced [Ca2+]i spike phase, but abolished the plateau phase, suggesting that ET-1 induces the mobilization of Ca2+ from internal stores, followed by calcium influx from extracellular sources. In cell population experiments, ET-1 attenuated FSH-stimulated cAMP and estradiol accumulation by Sertoli cells. These inhibitory effects were mimicked by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase-C, suggesting that ET-1 action on Sertoli cells might be linked to the protein kinase-C pathway. In conclusion, the present investigations demonstrate that ET-1 activates an intracellular signaling pathway involving [Ca2+]i in single rat Sertoli cells. The sources of the biphasic [Ca2+]i response include mobilization of Ca2+ from internal stores, followed by Ca2+ influx via verapamil- and cobalt-sensitive Ca2+ channels. Increasing ET-1 concentrations recruit an increasing number of individual Sertoli cells responding with a spike-plateau [Ca2+]i signal, thus offering a mechanism at the single cell level for the ET dose-response curve.
A Gaussian beam analysis of the Radon transform

Dynamic ray tracing allows one to track the changing shape and size of a propagating waveform. This strategy is at the heart of Gaussian beam migration algorithms, but is not often used for other seismic data processing steps. As a prototype for other steps, we analyze how the center, shape, and size of input Gaussian beams are mapped by the Radon transform. We recognize Gaussian beams, points, and lines as special cases of parabolas where curvature is allowed to be complex-valued. This yields an uncertainty principle associated with the classical Radon transform with interesting implications for efficient seismic data processing strategies.
Creating Widely Accessible Spatial Interfaces: Mobile VR for Managing Persistent Pain

Using widely accessible VR technologies, researchers have implemented a series of multimodal spatial interfaces and virtual environments. The results demonstrate the degree to which we can now use low-cost (for example, mobile-phone based) VR environments to create rich virtual experiences involving motion sensing, physiological inputs, stereoscopic imagery, sound, and haptic feedback. Adapting spatial interfaces to these new platforms can open up exciting application areas for VR. In this case, the application area was in-home VR therapy for patients suffering from persistent pain (for example, arthritis and cancer pain). For such therapy to be successful, a rich spatial interface and rich visual aesthetic are particularly important. So, an interdisciplinary team with expertise in technology, design, meditation, and the psychology of pain collaborated to iteratively develop and evaluate several prototype systems. The video at http://youtu.be/mMPE7itReds demonstrates how the sine wave fitting responds to walking motions, for a walking-in-place application.
Rural Housing Adequacy and Civic Structure

One persistent problem that many small rural towns face is housing adequacy, which encompasses interior and exterior structural conditions; assessments of heating, cooling, and sanitation systems; and residence size relative to space needs. The creation and reproduction of vibrant rural communities is grounded in the capacity of citizens to solve local housing problems. We posit that towns with strong norms of mutuality, high information flows, and inclusive behaviors have a civic structure that produces the capacity to frame and resolve housing concerns. We find that perceptions of civic structure are a significant factor in explaining the variation in rural housing adequacy, net of income, age, and tenure. This implies that the social and political environment is an important influence on the quality of housing stock found in rural places.
The space of super light rays for complex conformal spacetimes

Abstract After defining a superconformal structure on a 4|4N supermanifold, its space of super light rays is constructed and shown to have a natural supercontact structure. We next construct, for a 5|2N dimensional supercontact manifold, its space of normal quadrics. This is shown to be a 4|4N superconformal manifold. Every four dimensional conformal manifold is then proved to have an extension to a superconformal manifold of dimension 4|4N for N
Persistent human rhinovirus type C infection of the lower respiratory tract in a pediatric cord blood transplant recipient

Persistent human rhinovirus type C infection of the lower respiratory tract in a pediatric cord blood transplant recipient
Biomimetic approaches to protein and gene delivery for tissue regeneration

Novel therapeutic strategies that promote wound healing seek to mimic the response of the body to wounding, to regenerate rather than repair injured tissues. Many synthetic or natural biomaterials have been developed for this purpose and are used to deliver wound therapeutics in a controlled manner that prevents unwanted and potentially harmful side-effects. Here, we review the natural and synthetic biomaterials that have been developed for protein and gene delivery to enhance tissue regeneration. Particular emphasis is placed on novel biomimetic materials that respond to environmental stimuli or release their cargo according to cellular demand. Engineering biomaterials to release therapeutic agents in response to physiologic signals mimics the natural healing process and can promote faster tissue regeneration and reduce scarring in severe acute or chronic wounds.
A constitutive equation for a concentrated suspension of bendable rods in an elastic matrix

This article is concerned with the theoretical problem of predicting the effective properties of a dense suspension of stiff elastic rods in an elastic matrix. The rods have large bending stiffness so that if they are straight in the stress-free configuration they will remain straight in the deformed configuration. Furthermore, in the limit of high volume fraction of the fibers one can equate the transversal mobility of the fiber to zero relative to its longitudinal mobility. A constitutive relation for the suspension can thus be derived, giving useful information on the effective mechanical properties of the composite material.
Explaining Congressional Grants of Jurisdiction to the Federal District Courts

This article examines the conditions under which Congress passes jurisdiction-granting legislation, which expands the discretion of the federal district courts by designating them as policy venues. This project extends existing research that has demonstrated that Congress manipulates the parameters of jurisdiction by examining how Congress routinely engages in this activity. I construct and evaluate a comprehensive data set of laws in which Congress grants jurisdiction to the district courts for the period between 1949-2006 (81st–109th Congress). I consider the effect of separation-of-powers and ideological distance on the decision to grant jurisdiction. The results demonstrate that both separation-of-powers and ideological concerns influence such decisions
Assembly language through the Java virtual machine

Student understanding of choices and design decisions about instruction formats, addressing, instruction types, and flow of control is developed through the assembly level. We propose the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) as the architecture for teaching assembly language. The paper describes how to use the JVM as a teaching tool for a sophomore level Assembly Language and Computer Architecture course.
Scanning pupil tolerancing

The method proposed in this paper focuses on tolerancing to meet system performance, not the fight against the surface fingerprint of a particular fabrication process.
Experimental Investigation of Boundary Layer Instabilities on the Free Surface of Non-Turbulent Jet

Shear instabilities induced by the relaxation of laminar boundary layer at the free surface of a high speed liquid jet are investigated experimentally. Physical insights into these instabilities and the resulting capillary wave growth are gained by performing non-intrusive measurements of flow structure in the direct vicinity of the surface. The experimental results are a combination of surface visualization, planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF), particle image velocimetry (PIV), and particle tracking velocimetry (PTV). They suggest that 2D spanwise vortices in the shear layer play a major role in these instabilities by triggering 2D waves on the free surface as predicted by linear stability analysis. These vortices, however, are found to travel at a different speed than the capillary waves they initially created resulting in interference with the waves and wave growth. A new experimental facility was built; it consists of a 20.3 × 146.mm rectangular water wall jet with Reynolds number based on channel depth between 3.13 × 104 to 1.65 × 105 and 115. to 264. based on boundary layer momentum thickness.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Multicomponent vaporization modeling of bio-oil and its mixtures with other fuels

Abstract Numerical simulation of bio-oil drop vaporization was performed in this study using a multicomponent approach based on its 10 dominant components, including water, levoglucosan, acetic acid, hydroxyacetaldehyde, hydroxypropanone. Bio-oil, also called pyrolysis oil, is derived from non-food biomass via the fast pyrolysis process and is a potential substitute for petroleum fuels. The bio-oil composition considered was obtained from experimental analysis of wood-derived bio-oil using GC/MS. Vaporization of a single bio-oil drop at 800 K was simulated, and results show continuous variations of the volume fractions of individual components in the drop. At the end of the vaporization process, only levoglucosan is left in the drop. The vaporization model for bio-oil was implemented into an engine simulation code to simulate a bio-oil spray in a constant-volume combustion chamber. Predicted vapor distributions of individual components indicate that at the early stage most of the vapor is acetic acid, hydroxyacetaldehyde, and hydroxypropanone. The present model was also extended to simulate the vaporization of mixtures of bio-oil and other practical fuels including diesel fuel, biodiesel, and ethanol. In particular, for the mixture of bio-oil and diesel fuel, a hybrid multicomponent modeling strategy was employed in which a continuous thermodynamics approach was used to model the diesel fuel present in the fuel mixture. Results show that bio-oil drops have longer lifetime than other fuels and the presence of bio-oil in the fuel mixtures extends the drop lifetime. The amount of bio-oil in the drop during vaporization evolves in a way determined by the relative volatilities between individual bio-oil components and the other fuel in the mixture.