cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plastic deformation of polypropylene. V. Annealing of drawn polypropylene

Isotactic polypropylene samples drawn at 20 and 100°C to a draw ratio 6 and 10 were annealed with free and fixed ends between 40 and 155°C for periods of time between 1 and 103 min. All the annealing effects proceeded farther with unclamped samples free to shrink than with clamped samples. The disorientation of crystal lattice and the shrinkage are extremely fast reaching saturation values characteristic for the temperature of annealing. At higher annealing temperature, one could observe merely the saturation values with the whole transition being completed in less than 1 min. The long period growth, the increase in density, and the intensity of small-angle X-ray scattering are linear functions of the logarithm of annealing time and hence persist with gradually decreasing rate long after the completion of disorientation and shrinkage. The observed effects can be well explained on the basis of the two-stage model of plastic deformation of crystalline polymers which assumes the formation of strong well-aligned microfibrils connected by interfibrillar tie molecules. Proben aus isotaktischem Polypropylen bei 20 und 100°C zu einem Dehnungsverhaltnis von 6 oder 10 verstreckt, wurden mit freien und festgehaltenen Enden zwischen 40 und 155°C fur verschieden lange Zeiten zwischen 1 und 103 Minuten getempert. Alle Tempereffekte sind ausgepragter fur Proben, die frei schrumpfen konnen, als fur Proben mit festgehaltenen Enden. Die Desorientierung des Kristallgitters und das Schrumpfen schreiten extrem rasch fort und erreichen in kurzer Zeit Sattigungswerte, die charakteristisch fur die Tempertemperatur sind. Bei hoheren Tempertemperaturen kann man nur noch die Sattigungswerte beobachten, da der ganze Vorgang in weniger als einer Minute beendet ist. Das Langperiodenwachstum, der Dichteanstieg und die Erhohung der Intensitat der Kleinwinkelstreuung sind dem Logarithmus der Temperzeit proportional. Deshalb dauern diese Effekte mit zwar stetig abfallender Steigung noch lange an, nachdem die Desorientierung und das Schrumpfen schon langst zu einem Stillstand gekommen sind. An Hand des Zweistufenmodells der plastischen Deformation von kristallinen Hochpolymeren, das die Bildung von zugfesten, gut orientierten und durch zwischenfibrillare Verbindungsmolekule verknupften Mikrofibrillen annimmt, konnen die Beobachtungen befriedigend gedeutet werden.
How well does file size predict wide-area transfer time?

In scheduling connections at busy Web servers, it is commonly assumed that transmission duration (or time in system) is directly proportional to the size of the file transferred. For example, a scheduling discipline such as SRPT (shortest remaining processing time) could use this assumption to order connections according to the residual size of the transfer. However, with a diverse client population, network effects such as packet loss, heterogeneous end-to-end bandwidths and latencies render this assumption invalid. In this measurement study, we explore this relationship and investigate the predictive value of file size in determining transfer time. We use the publicly available sanitized cache access logs which are collected on a daily basis as a part of IRCache, the NLANR Web caching project, to explore this relationship for HTTP traffic serviced by the NLANR caches over a weeklong interval. Over this dataset, we first confirm an earlier finding: that for small transfers of up to 30 KB, there is virtually no correlation between file size and transfer time; moreover, transfer times vary over 5 orders of magnitude. For larger files, we find that file size and transfer time are increasingly well correlated as file size increases but we still find that predictions of transfer time from file size alone are not highly accurate. Our findings motivate further investigation of incorporating network-awareness into end-system scheduling disciplines.
Neurofuzzy Motion Planners for Intelligent Robots

A neurofuzzy methodology is presented for motion planning in semi-autonomous mobile robots. The robotic automata considered are devices whose main feature is incremental learning from a human instructor. Fuzzy descriptions are used for the robot to acquire a repertoire of behaviors from an instructor which it may subsequently refine and recall using neural adaptive techniques. The robot is endowed with sensors providing local environmental input and a neurofuzzy internal state processing predictable aspects of its environment. Although it has no prior knowledge of the presence or the position of any obstructing objects, its motion planner allows it to make decisions in an unknown terrain. The methodology is demonstrated through a robot learning to travel from some start point to some target point without colliding with obstacles present in its path. The skills acquired are similar to those possessed by an automobile driver. The methodology has been successfully tested with a simulated robot performing a variety of navigation tasks.
Defining and Measuring Company Image

Some terms are so basic to a discipline that it is difficult to define them using only other terminology from within a discipline. The concept of corporate image is one such foundational term. The purpose of this paper is to review the various definitions of corporate image which have been proposed over the years and to attempt to develop a synthesis. A model is developed to differentiate among the concepts of corporate personality, corporate identity and company image. A special emphasis is placed on identifying the dimensions which underlie corporate image. Recommendations are made for measuring this important concept, depending upon the stakeholder group of interest to the researcher.
Interrelation between regulatory and socioemotional processes within collaborative groups characterized by facilitative and directive other-regulation

Group other-regulators largely set the socioemotional climate in the group.Other-regulatory moves are coordinated with how they foster group interactions.Directive other-regulator had highly critical and exclusionary interactions.Facilitative other-regulator was proactive in promoting mutual respect and inclusion.Analysis of evolving use of these processes showed differences in other-regulation. Research emphasizes cognitive processes as they occur in social contexts. In light of this focus, it is critical that we also consider the social interactions and interpersonal dynamics that contribute to group activity (Barron, 2003). Previous findings differentiate a guiding form of other-regulation conceptualized in the extant literature (i.e., facilitative other-regulation), from a directive form during which a group member manages and controls the regulatory processes for the group (Rogat & Adams-Wiggins, 2014; Volet & Mansfield, 2006). The current study aims to investigate whether the interrelations between regulatory processes and their socioemotional interactions, and how they unfold over the course of group activity, differ for groups characterized by facilitative or directive other-regulation. Two small groups of middle school students who varied in their form of other-regulation were observed during three collaborative tasks within an inquiry-based science curricular context. Results indicated that directive other-regulators used primarily negative socioemotional interactions in line with their control-oriented regulatory aims and initiated highly critical exchanges marked by socially comparative remarks, as well as provoked disrespectful reactions from group members. In contrast, facilitative other-regulators proactively fostered positive socioemotional interactions by being inclusive of everyone's ideas and advocating for the respect of alternative perspectives. Taken together, the other-regulator played a predominant role in setting the socioemotional tone and used socioemotional interactions as a means to fulfill regulatory aims.
Directional radiative properties of anisotropic rough silicon and gold surfaces

Recent studies have shown that the topography of some chemically etched microrough silicon surfaces is non-Gaussian and may be strongly anisotropic. However, the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of anisotropic surfaces has not been fully understood. The present study uses the Monte Carlo method to investigate the out-of-plane BRDF, multiple scattering, and the change of the polarization state upon reflection. Two ray-tracing algorithms are developed that incorporate the surface topography or slope distribution of the samples obtained by the use of an atomic force microscope. The predicted BRDFs for silicon surfaces with or without a gold coating are in reasonable agreement with the results measured using a laser scatterometer at a wavelength of 635 nm. The employment of surface topographic data is indispensable to the BRDF modeling of anisotropic surfaces. While first-order scattering makes the dominant contribution to reflections from the studied surfaces, it is critical to consider the polarization state change in order to correctly predict the out-of-plane BRDF. The versatile Monte Carlo modeling tools developed through the present study help gain a better understanding of the directional radiative properties of microrough surfaces and, furthermore, will have an impact on thermal metrology in the semiconductor industry.
Shape Sensing for Soft Robotic Manipulators

Soft robotic manipulators are continuum robots made of soft materials that undergo continuous elastic deformation and produce motion with a smooth backbone curve. These manipulators offer significant advantages over traditional manipulators due to their ability to conform to their surroundings, move with dexterity and manipulate objects of widely varying size using whole arm manipulation. Theoretically, soft robots have infinite degrees of freedom (dof), but the number of sensors and actuators are limited. Many dofs of soft robots are not directly observable and/or controllable, complicating shape sensing and controlling. In this paper, we present two methods of shape sensing for soft robotic manipulators based on a geometrically exact mechanical model. The first method use s load cells mounted at the base of the manipulator and the second method makes use of cable encoders running through the length of the manipulator. Simulation results show an endpoint localization error of less than 3% of manipulator length.© 2009 ASME
Mapping of QTLs for lateral root branching and length in maize (Zea mays L.) under differential phosphorus supply

Low phosphorus availability is a primary constraint for plant growth in terrestrial ecosystems. Lateral root initiation and elongation may play an important role in the uptake of immobile nutrients such as phosphorus by increasing soil exploration and phosphorus acquisition. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling lateral root length (LRL), number (LRN), and plasticity of the primary seedling root of maize under varying phosphorus availability. Using a cigar roll culture in a controlled environment, we evaluated primary root LRL and LRN at low and high phosphorus availability in 160 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between maize genotypes B73 and Mo17, which have contrasting adaptation to low phosphorus availability in the field. Low phosphorus availability increased LRL by 19% in Mo17, the phosphorus-efficient parent, but significantly decreased LRL in B73, the phosphorus-inefficient genotype. Substantial genetic variation and transgressive segregation for LRL and LRN existed in the population. The plasticity of LRL ranged from −100% to 146.3%, with a mean of 30.4%, and the plasticity of LRN ranged from −82.2% to 164.1%, with a mean of 18.5%. On the basis of composite interval mapping with a LOD threshold of 3.27, one QTL was associated with LRN plasticity, five QTLs were associated with LRL and one QTL was associated with LRN under high fertility. Under low fertility, six QTLs were associated with LRL and one QTL with LRN. No QTLs were detected for plasticity of LRL. A number of RILs exceeded Mo17, the phosphorus-efficient parent, for LRL, LRN, and plasticity. The detection of QTLs for these traits, in combination with the observation of transgressive segregants in our population, indicates that favorable alleles can be combined to increase seedling lateral root growth in maize.
The Enlightenment That Won't Go Away: Modernity's Crux

The Critical Process unleashed by the Enlightenment and endlessly resharpening itself to this day has mortally wounded the God of Deism, maybe also of theism, even of Christianity. A temptation of Christian theology is to retreat in denial into an updated version of Deism, seemingly granting full license to modern science but only so long as it does not impugn God's love. The alternative here proposed is to ride out The Critical Process, in fact to encourage it, all the way into modernity's crux: How can a design that is not benign still be divine? The Christian reply is: through a real death of God and of ourselves as well, and through resurrections beginning now, thus freeing The Critical Process from the illusion of insuring our survival and, instead, for the honest Enlightenment task of merely telling the truth.
Psoralen Photochemistry and Nucleic Acid Structure

Many new psoralen derivatives have been synthesized in an effort to enhance their water solubility and their binding to nucleic acids. Availability of the very soluble strongly binding compounds has improved our abilities to follow the optical changes associated with the photochemistry of psoralens with DNA. Changes in both absorbance and fluorescence are presented in this review. A kinetic model for the photochemistry concludes that the detailed kinetics is dominated by the equilibrium constant for intercalation of the psoralen in the DNA, the quantum yield for photoaddition to DNA once intercalated and the quantum yield for photodestruction of the drug in water. With these 3 parameters the kinetics of photochemistry is predictable. The values of these parameters for numerous derivatives of 8-methoxypsoralen and 4,5',8 trimethylpsoralen are presented. Application of this photochemistry to a study of nucleic acid secondary structure in chromatin, fd bacteriophage, and in ribosomes is reviewed.
Tests and contrasts for comparing change parameters for a multiple sample McNemar data model

The McNemar test of dichotomous change is extended to the case in which a researcher has two or more independent groups that are to be compared for identical change. Planned and post hoc comparison methods using contrasts for testing identity of change parameters are presented. The proposed procedures are illustrated for an attitude change study and are compared to other tests designed to examine no change across two or more groups. The methods illustrated permit a direct identification of significant pairwise differences, while the competing procedures are shown to terminate in an omnibus test of statistical significance.
Comparative larvipositional behaviours and cleptoparasitic frequencies of Nearctic species of Miltogrammini (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

Sixty-two species of pompilid and sphecid wasps were studied in order to assess their associated miltogrammine flies and frequencies of cleptoparasitism. A total of 1342 wasp cells from 852 nests were excavated during 1981–1987, contents analysed and information recorded. Nine species of Miltogrammini were reared from the cell contents, with the number of host wasp species in parentheses: Senotainia trilineata (19); Phrosinella aurifacies (17); Senotainia vigilans (9); Metopia luggeri (5); Macronychia confundens (2); Hilarella hilarella (1); Senotainia rubriventris (1); Sphenometopa tergata (1) and Taxigramma heteroneura (1). Detailed descriptions of the cleptoparasitic strategies of the flies, especially mode of finding the wasp, prey or wasp's nest and subsequent larviposition therein are presented for Hilarella hilarella, Metopia luggeri, Phrosinella aurifacies, Senotainia rubriventris, S. trilineata, S. vigilans, Sphenometopa tergata and Taxigramma heteroneura. Senotainia vigilans and Hilarella hilare...
Acetaldehyde Determination in Fermented Food Products by Direct 2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine Derivatization, Extraction and High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Data obtained for acetaldehyde analysis of yogurt and wine by direct 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) derivatization and extraction are compared to those obtained by distillation and DNPH derivatization. Separation and analysis of acetaldehyde 2,4dinitrophenylhydrazone (DNP) was by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Higher precision was obtained with the direct derivatization extraction technique than for the distillation derivatization technique. Data obtained by the direct derivatization extraction technique for acetaldehyde in commercial yogurt samples had less viriability than those for wine.
Rapid Identification and Differentiation of Baboon Alphaherpesvirus SA8 From Closely Related HSV-1 and HSV-2 in Xenograft Transplant Recipients.

Abstract Background: Rapid differential diagnosis of SA8 infection in humans following xenograft transplantation is an essential part of organ cell donor recipients. Methods and Results: We have developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test using synthetic oligonucleotide primers and probe to detect SA8 DNA in clinical samples. After assessing the specificity of the PCR for detection of laboratory SA8 isolates, the method was used in the investigation of human and baboon specimens and compared to virus culture techniques. Conclusions: The PCR appears to be more sensitive than conventional viral isolation and thus can be used for rapid identification of SA8 virus in cases when conventional virus cultures may not be useful. Further, the PCR can be used to unequivocally distinguish closely related human viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 from SA8. (Mol Diagn 1996 Sep;1(3):261-265)
Relative Motion and the Adjacency Principle

The perception of motion of physically moving points of light was investigated in terms of the distinction between absolute and relative motion cues and the change in the effectiveness of the latter as a function of the frontoparallel separation between the points. In situations in which two competing relative motion cues were available to determine the perceived path of motion of a point of light, it was found that the relative motion cue between more adjacent points was more effective than the relative motion cue between more separated points. In situations in which only one relative motion cue was available to determine the perceived motion of a point it was found that the effectiveness of this cue as compared with the absolute motion cue decreased with increased separation. These results are predictable from the adjacency principle which states that the effectiveness of cues between objects is an inverse function of object separation. Some consequences of the study for the theory of motion perception ...
The effect of crack blunting on the competition between dislocation nucleation and cleavage

Abstract To better understand the ductile versus brittle fracture behavior of crystalline materials, attention should be directed towards physically realistic crack geometries. Currently, continuum models of ductile versus brittle behavior are typically based on the analysis of a pre-existing sharp crack in order to use analytical solutions for the stress fields around the crack tip. This paper examines the effects of crack blunting on the competition between dislocation nucleation and atomic decohesion using continuum methods. We accomplish this by assuming that the crack geometry is elliptical, which has the primary advantage that the stress fields are available in closed form. These stress field solutions are then used to calculate the thresholds for dislocation nucleation and atomic decohesion. A Peierls-type framework is used to obtain the thresholds for dislocation nucleation, in which the region of the slip plane ahead of the crack develops a distribution of slip discontinuity prior to nucleation. This slip distribution increases as the applied load is increased until an instability is reached and the governing integral equation can no longer be solved. These calculations are carried out for various crack tip geometries to ascertain the effects of crack tip blunting. The thresholds for atomic decohesion are calculated using a cohesive zone model, in which the region of the crack front develops a distribution of opening displacement prior to atomic decohesion. Again, loading of the elliptical crack tip eventually results in an instability, which marks the onset of crack advance. These calculations are carried out for various crack tip geometries. The results of these separate calculations are presented as the critical energy release rates versus the crack tip radius of curvature for a given crack length. The two threshold curves are compared simultaneously to determine which failure mode is energetically more likely at various crack tip curvatures. From these comparisons, four possible types of material fracture behavior are identified: intrinsically brittle, quasi-brittle, intrinsically ductile, and quasi-ductile. Finally, real material examples are discussed.
Quantification of Degree of Steatosis in Extended Criteria Donor Grafts With Standardized Histologic Techniques: Implications for Graft Survival

Abstract The gap between the availability of livers from organ donors and the increased demand has led many centers to apply strategies to reduce this deficit. Splitting of cadaveric organs for use in 2 recipients; domino transplantation; and organs from living donors, non–heart-beating donors, and extended-criteria donors (ECDs) are all currently used in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Fatty changes in the donor liver are a risk factor for poor function after OLT; however, the presence of steatosis, frequently present in livers from ECDs, does not exclude the use of these organs. Since January 2000 at our institution, we observed 39 steatotic grafts that were stratified istologically as follows: low steatosis, 5% to 15%; mild steatosis, 16% to 30%; moderate steatosis, 31% to 60%; and severe steatosis (>60%). Histologic techniques can enable identification of the type of fatty change as macrovesicular and microvesicular. These alterations have different effects on primary nonfunction and primary dysfunction. Fifteen grafts, all with severe or moderate, macrovesicular changes were discarded. Twenty-four fatty grafts with low to moderate steatosis were utilized for transplant. Sections from 2 liver biopsies (1 wedge in the left lobe and 1 needle in the right lobe) were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome, Gomori reticulin, and oil red O. The OLT was performed only in patients with a MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score lower than 27. The rate of primary dysfunction was 12.5%, and of primary nonfunction 8.4%. The 6-month graft survival for all fatty livers was 80%. We encourage the careful use of grafts with low to moderate steatosis in recipients without additional risks.
Validation of a college problem-drinking scale

Abstract Validation material for a college problem-drinking scale was presented in two studies. The scale was used as a measure of problem drinking and as a potential means of identifying prealcoholics. Sociometric data, drinking behavior data, and nonbehavioral drinking data were used in validating the scale. Results supported current interpretation of the scale. It was concluded that the scale is an adequate measure of problem drinking, and that it may be interpreted as a measure of predisposition to alcoholism. This suggests the possibility that a substantial number of problem drinkers may become alcoholics as adults.
Riding a tsunami in ocean science education

Abstract An experiment began in late 1994 in which the WWW plays a critical role in the instruction of students in an oceanography course for non-majors. The format of the course consists of an equal blend of traditional lectures, tutorial-style exercises delivered from the course WWW site, classroom activities, such as poster presentations and group projects, and field excursions to local marine environments. The driving force behind the technology component of the course is to provide high-quality educational materials that can be accessed at the convenience of the student. These materials include course information and handouts, lecture notes, self-paced exercises, a virtual library of electronic resources, information on newsworthy marine events, and late-breaking oceanographic research that impacts the population of California. The course format was designed to partially meet the demands of today's students, involve students in the learning process, and prepare students for using technology in work following graduation. Students have reacted favorably to the use of the WWW and comments by peers have been equally supportive. Students are more focused in their efforts during the computer-based exercises than while listening to lecture presentations. The implementation of this form of learning, however, has not, as yet, reduced the financial cost of the course or the amount of instructor effort in providing a high quality education. Interactions between the instructor and students have increased significantly as the informality of a computer laboratory promotes individual discussions and electronic communication provides students with easy (and frequent) access to the instructor outside of class.
Administrative Freedom for Interorganizational Action

This article speculates that the applicability of specific models of interorganizational relations for public agencies may be linked to the stage of the organizational life cycle in which a particular agency is located. Five classes of models are examined, each of which implies different types of interorganizational problems and different amounts of freedom for public administrators to handle these problems. It is suggested that administrative freedom of action in interorganizational relations is at the maximum near the "midlife" of public organizations, at the minimum near their "birth " and "death. "
Disparities in diabetes management practice between racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between race/ethnicity and self-management practices of people with diabetes. Methods Analyses were based on data from the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Contingency tables and multiple logistic regression were used to assess the data. Results Frequency distributions of selected diabetes management variables significantly varied across levels of race/ethnicity. These differences persisted after adjusting for current age, age at diagnosis, gender, marital status, income, and education. Analyses revealed that Hispanics, compared with whites, were more likely to take oral agents to control their blood glucose, less likely to monitor their blood glucose daily, and less likely to check their feet for sores or irritation. There was no difference among the racial/ethnic groups use having participated in a diabetes education class. Conclusions Health literacy and cultural factors, including the influence of family, beliefs about diabetes, and access and utilization of health care, may influence Hispanic diabetes management behaviors. Understanding these influences is essential to the development of programs, policies, and other strategies that are culturally appropriate and relevant.
Objective literary standards in interpretation

(1936). Objective literary standards in interpretation. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 368-379.
Kinetics of the extraction of chromium(III) into chloroform containing acetylacetone

Abstract The extraction of chromium(III) from perchlorate and chloride media into chloroform containing acetylacetone has been investigated from the kinetic viewpoint. The effects of pH, reagent concentrations, and several other variables are reported.
Estradiol Modulation of the Speed of an Internal Clock

Estradiol significantly influences dopamine (DA) activity in the striatum (e.g., J. B. Becker, 1990b), and researchers have strongly implicated striatal DA in the regulation of temporal integration in the seconds-to-minutes range (e.g., W. H. Meek, 1996). In the current experiment, the author examines the effect of acute estradiol administered prior to testing on a peak-interval (PI) timing task. The administration of 5 p- g of estradiol 30 min prior to testing resulted in an immediate and proportional leftward shift in the timing functions relative to the PI functions obtained following the administration of the oil vehicle. The precision of the response functions was increased in a manner commensurate with the scalar property of interval timing without significant alteration of peak response rates. When timing behavior was assessed 3 days following estradiol or oil administration, no differences were found in the peak time of responding or in the precision of responding between estradiol- and oil-treated rats, indicating that the effects of estradiol on these measures of interval timing are short lived. Together, these findings indicate that estradiol selectively increases the speed of an internal clock, perhaps through facilitating striatal DA activity.
Process design for operability: A styrene polymerization application

Abstract Steady-state multiplicity analysis is used to study the operability of a jacketed exothermic styrene polymerization CSTR. Low and high temperature infeasibility regions are shown to occur under certain design conditions. The approach developed is based on using a combination of analytical and numerical techniques to guide the analysis, rather than using a purely numerical approach. A reactor design used by previous researchers to show poor closed-loop performance from a single input-single output control strategy is studied in this paper. It is shown how this poor performance could have been predicted, and eliminated, at the process design stage using our bifurcation-based approach.
Correlation of total sound power and peak sideline OASPL from jet exhausts.

An empirical analysis of jet noise is made for convergent exhaust nozzles. An engineering approach to the correlation of total sound power and miximum sideline overall sound pressure level (OASPL), at 200 ft, is presented for both subsonic and supersonic jets based on available data. Data correlation for subsonic jets shows no dependency of total sound power and maximum sideline OASPL on jet density. The analysis for supersonic jets results in a correlation parameter for jet total sound power consisting of the conventional Lighthill parameter modified by considerations of jet Mach number and jet acoustic velocity. Similar parameters also correlate the maximum sideline OASPL for supersonic jets.
Observable effects of the quantum adiabatic phase for noncyclic evolution.

It is pointed out that, contrary to naive expectation, the gauge structure or Berry connection recently found in slowly varying quantum systems gives rise to observable effects even for noncyclic evolutions corresponding to open paths in parameter space. We propose to test such effects in muon spin resonance and in level-crossing resonance in muon-spin-rotation spectroscopy. In our proposals either the probe or the system itself has a lifetime much shorter than the period of one adiabatic cycle.
Effects of antihypertensive agents on coronary artery disease risk factors

Abstract The adverse effects of certain antihypertensive medications, most notably diuretics and β blockers, on serum lipids, glucose, and potassium may explain why control of hypertension has not been accompanied by declines in coronary artery disease. Evidence indicates that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, including quinapril, the newest member of this class of drugs, have no deleterious effects on these coronary risk factors. In addition to differences in chemical structure, the unique activity of quinapril at the local tissue level might to some degree explain its comparatively favorable clinical profile. Consequently, ACE inhibiting agents may be better choices for the management of patients with mild-to-moderately elevated blood pressure. However, controlled clinical trials with these drugs are needed to determine their impact on events related to coronary artery disease.
Multi-objective optimization in learning to rank

Supervised learning to rank algorithms typically optimize for high relevance and ignore other facets of search quality, such as freshness and diversity. Prior work on multi-objective ranking trained rankers focused on using hybrid labels that combine overall quality of documents, and implicitly incorporate multiple criteria into quantifying ranking risks. However, these hybrid scores are usually generated based on heuristics without considering potential correlations between individual facets (e.g., freshness versus relevance). In this poster, we empirically demonstrate that the correlation between objective facets in multi-criteria ranking optimization may significantly influence the effectiveness of trained rankers with respect to each objective.
Sarcopenia and Frailty in Elderly Trauma Patients

Sarcopenia describes a loss of muscle mass and resultant decrease in strength, mobility, and function that can be quantified by CT. We hypothesized that sarcopenia and related frailty characteristics are related to discharge disposition after blunt traumatic injury in the elderly. We reviewed charts of 252 elderly blunt trauma patients who underwent abdominal CT prior to hospital admission. Data for thirteen frailty characteristics were abstracted. Sarcopenia was measured by obtaining skeletal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) from each patient’s psoas major muscle using Slice-O-Matic® software. Dispositions were grouped as dependent and independent based on discharge location. χ 2, Fisher’s exact, and logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with discharge dependence. Mean age 76 years, 49 % male, median ISS 9.0 (IQR = 8.0–17.0). Discharge destination was independent in 61.5 %, dependent in 29 %, and 9.5 % of patients died. Each 1 cm2 increase in psoas muscle CSA was associated with a 20 % decrease in dependent living (p < 0.0001). Gender, weakness, hospital complication, and cognitive impairment were also associated with disposition; ISS was not (p = 0.4754). Lower psoas major muscle CSA is related to discharge destination in elderly trauma patients and can be obtained from the admission CT. Lower psoas muscle CSA is related to loss of independence upon discharge in the elderly. The early availability of this variable during the hospitalization of elderly trauma patients may aid in discharge planning and the transition to dependent living.
Detection of antigen-specific T cell cytokine expression in whole blood by flow cytometry

We have recently described a highly sensitive flow cytometric technique, based on the ability to detect single cell expression of cytokines, to simultaneously quantitate and phenotypically characterize antigen-specific memory/effector T cells in PBMC cultures. In this report, we describe a simplified procedural modification which enables the rapid detection of low frequency memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing cytokines in response to soluble antigen in whole blood. When compared with T cell responses in PBMC cultures, whole blood cultures demonstrated similar but slightly higher percentages of T cells responsive to specific antigen. In addition, T cell responses to cytomegalovirus in whole blood were observed only in sensitized (seropositive) individuals, and CD4+ T cell responses could be blocked by anti-class II MHC antibodies. This procedure may provide a means to examine direct effects of pharmacological drug concentrations on T cell immunity in clinical samples.
Comment on “Mechanism of eukaryotic RNA polymerase III transcription termination”

Nielsen et al. (Reports, 28 June 2013, p. 1577) characterized their RNA polymerase III (Pol III) preparation and concluded that it requires an RNA hairpin/duplex structure for terminating transcription. We could not corroborate their findings using bona fide Pol III from two laboratory sources. We show that Pol III efficiently terminates transcription in the absence of a hairpin/duplex in vitro and in vivo.
Effects of pressure on electron transport and atomic structure of manganites: Low to high pressure regimes

The pressure dependence of the resistivity and structure of ${\mathrm{La}}_{0.60}{\mathrm{Y}}_{0.07}{\mathrm{Ca}}_{0.33}{\mathrm{MnO}}_{3}$ has been explored in the pressure range from 1 atm to \ensuremath{\sim}7 GPa. The metal to insulator transition temperature ${(T}_{\mathrm{MI}})$ was found to reach a maximum and the resistivity achieves a minimum at \ensuremath{\sim}3.8 GPa. Beyond this pressure, ${T}_{\mathrm{MI}}$ is reduced with a concomitant increase in the resistivity. Structural measurements at room temperature show that at low pressure (below 2 GPa) the Mn-O bond lengths are compressed. Between \ensuremath{\sim}2 and \ensuremath{\sim}4 GPa, a pressure-induced enhancement of the Jahn-Teller (JT) distortion occurs in parallel with an increase in Mn-O1-Mn bond angle to \ensuremath{\sim}180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. Above \ensuremath{\sim}4 GPa, the Mn-O1-Mn bond angle is reduced, while the JT distortion appears to remain unchanged. The resistivity above ${T}_{\mathrm{MI}}$ is well modeled by variable range hopping. The pressure dependence of the localization length follows the behavior of ${T}_{\mathrm{MI}}.$
Combination chemotherapy for metastatic breast carcinoma. Prospective comparison of multiple drug therapy with L-phenylalanine mustard

A prospective randomized clinical trial was undertaken in 184 patients with metastatic breast carcinoma to compare single drug chemotherapy with L-phenylalanine mustard (L-PAM) and intermittent combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluourouracil (CMF). All patients had not been previously treated with cytotoxic drugs and all had objectively measurable visceral or soft tissue disease. Of the 93 patients who received CMF, 49 (53%) achieved a complete (14 patients) or partial (35 patients) regression of measurable tumor, for a median duration of 25 weeks. Eighteen of the 91 patients (20%) treated with L-PAM responded, for a median duration of 13 weeks. The toxicity was primarily hematologic, and greater in the CMF group, which also received more cycles of therapy because of the higher rate and duration of response. The overall survival of CMF-treated patients was superior to that of the single drug group. The differences were even greater when the patients were subclassified according to the presence of liver involvement or nonambulatory performance status. The superior antitumor effect of CMF over L-PAM suggests that it may be a more effective drug regimen to be used as an adjuvant to primary therapy.
Environmental tobacco smoke exposure among smokers and non-smokers receiving outpatient substance abuse treatment.

Abstract Introduction Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) has been linked to numerous health problems. While research has demonstrated high prevalence of tobacco use among individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs), no studies have examined ETS among individuals receiving treatment for SUDs, paying specific attention to non-smokers who may be at risk for high exposure to ETS. Methods Participants (N = 261) enrolled in outpatient substance abuse treatment completed a survey, in which 14 items were used to quantify ETS exposure and smoking policies across several environments. Results Among smokers, 85% reported that their significant others also smoked as compared to 15% among non-smokers (χ 2 = 6.624, p 2 = 36.046, p Conclusions Smokers and non-smokers enrolled in outpatient substance abuse treatment are frequently exposed to ETS at home, work, and in social settings. The dangers of ETS should be addressed among this population through education, smoke-free policies, and cessation resources, with help from their treatment facility.
Protein phosphorylation in response to PDGF stimulation in cultured neurons and astrocytes

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is an important growth factor for a variety of cells, including neurons and glial cells. PDGF signal transduction pathways have been studied primarily in mesenchyme-derived cells (such as fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells). However, little is known about these pathways in the central nervous system (CNS). It is believed that phosphorylation is a critical aspect of several steps in the signal transduction pathway. In this study, neurons and type 1 astrocytes in vitro were radiolabeled with 32P-orthophosphate (32P-Pi). The cells were lysed, and labeled proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Autoradiograms of PDGF-stimulated and control samples were compared. We found that in neurons and type 1 astrocytes in vitro, PDGF-BB greatly enhances protein phosphorylation while PDGF-AA has less of an effect on protein phosphorylation. Furthermore, because PDGF signal transduction pathways are likely to affect the cytoskeleton, we studied changes in actin-binding proteins induced by PDGF-BB. We found that PDGF-BB alters the expression, migration pattern and/or avidity of some actin-binding proteins in neurons. In conclusion, protein phosphorylation is up-regulated by PDGF in mouse cortical neurons and type 1 astrocytes in vitro. PDGF's effects on phosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins might be a important mechanism by which PDGF affects the development and normal functions of central nervous system cells.
Bone Regeneration Using rhBMP-2 Induction in Hemimandibulectomy Type Defects of Elderly Sub-Human Primates

Our previous work has shown that total osseous reconstruction of large discontinuity hemimandibulectomy, critical-sized defects can be achieved easily in 8-year-old Macaca fascicularis monkeys (Boyne 1996). However the literature has indicated that animal aging decreases the BMP induction of stem cells in rats and in other rodent species. It was necessarily important that the rhBMP-2 be demonstrated in non-human primates to determine if this reduction in effectiveness also existed in the higher animals phylogenetically. The purpose of this study was to operate aged non-human primates duplicating the model used in middle-aged animals to demonstrate regeneration of hemimandibulectomy defects. This age group could be extrapolated to the 80-year-old clinic patient. Six non-human primates aged 20 years were rendered edentulous posteriorly and the mandibles allowed to heal. Three months postoperatively bilateral hemimandibulectomies were performed. The defects received BMP in a collagen sponge (Helistat) using a dose level of 0.75 mg of rhBMP-2. After the manner previously reported by Boyne (1996, 1999), at the end of four months the surgical sites were exposed by mucoperiosteal flap demonstrating complete regeneration of the critical-sized defects. The animals received two dental implants in restored areas. The implants were brought into function approximately four months later, and were allowed to function for eight months in all cases. The results indicate that the regeneration of mandibular critical-sized defects by the use of rhBMP-2 in aged animals is comparable to that of the middle-aged group. This study indicates that aged non-human primates, chronologically comparable to 80-year-old humans, respond as favorably to rhBMP-2 as do the middle-aged animals. Extrapolating the results to the clinical level, one would expect that rhBMP-2 would produce a comparable result in the regeneration of large hemimandibulectomy-type defects in clinical human patients.
Electrical Resistivity of Gallium-Bismuth Solidified in Free Fall

Conclusion The behavior of liquid-filled projectiles over long flight paths is well determined by the use of solar aspect sensing and FM/FM telemetry. Transient eigenfrequencies have been experimentally demonstrated to exist for appropriate cavity geometry and fill. A slow angular momentum interchange between the liquid and casing increases the probability of projectile undamping by allowing the casing nutational frequency to hover in the vicinity of the primary eigenfrequency mode.
The design and operating characteristics of an advanced 30-kW ammonia arcjet engine

Experimental investigations were conducted to evaluate the effects of a contoured nozzle and modified cathode shape on ammonia arcjet engine performance. The contoured nozzle performance data were compared to the performance data of an arcjet which had a 38-deg included-angle, conical nozzle. Thrust improvements of up to 10 percent were demonstrated which corresponded to 3 percent improvements in specific impulse and 10 percent improvements in thrust efficiency. Performance characterizations for the modified cathode tip were conducted with the contoured nozzle arcjet. A uniform 15 percent decrease in arc voltage was demonstrated over a mass flow range of 0.175 to 0.350 g/s. A 4 percent improvement in thrust efficiency was noted at 22.0 kW.
Single quadrupole mass spectrometry for pre-clinical pharmacokinetic analysis : Quantitation of carvedilol in dog plasma

The pharmaceutical industry standard for bioanalysis is LC/MS/MS. There are, however, many instances where a single quadrupole detector could successfully be used to provide adequate sensitivity and selectivity for quantitation of drug substances in biological matrices. This paper presents one example of how a single quadrupole detector can be employed in a sensitive and selective analytical method for quantitation of carvedilol. A Synergi Hydro-RP (50 mm x 2 mm i.d.; 4 microm) column was used with acetonitile:water:formic acid mobile phase (32:68:0.01, v/v) at a flow rate of 200 microL/min into a single quadrupole mass spectrometer with an electrospray interface in the positive SIM mode. Using a 300 microL plasma aliquot and a liquid-liquid extraction procedure the limit of quantitation for the assay was 1 ng/mL. The assay utility was demonstrated in the analysis of carvedilol pharmacokinetic profiles in beagle dogs following oral carvedilol administration.
Defect thermodynamics and electrical properties of nanocrystalline oxides: pure and doped CeO2

Abstract Electrical characterization of fully-dense, nanocrystalline CeO2 (10 nm grain diameter) of undoped and Gd-doped compositions illustrates the influence of size scale on defect formation thermodynamics and transport properties. In undoped n-CeO2, the heat of reduction is less than one-half the value for conventional polycrystals and single crystals, and the electronic conductivity is correspondingly enhanced. Preferential oxygen vacancy formation at grain boundary sites is indicated. Ionically conducting n-Ce0.74Gd0.26O1.87 exhibits no conductivity enhancement, indicating that oxygen vacancy conductivity is not significantly increased along grain boundaries. Lightly-doped Ce0.9846Gd0.0154O2-x, which is normally an ionic conductor, becomes electronically conducting at nanocrystalline grain size. In all compositions, reduction of grain size also results in a lower resistance per grain boundary, which is attributed to size-dependent grain boundary segregation. The results show that size reduction to the nanometer scale provides a new way to control stoichiometry and electronic conductivity in semiconducting oxides.