cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A water-extractable toxic compound in vinyl upholstery fabric

A compound, highly toxic to goldfish, was found to be released from a vinyl (polyvinyl chloride) automotive upholstery fabric when the material was immersed in their water. The compound, a flame retardant used in such material, was identified by specific detector gas chromatography and mass spectrometry as triphenyl phosphate. Fish exposed to the immersed fabric or pure triphenyl phosphate showed neurologic intoxication and extensive histopathologic lesions.
Maximizing power and minimizing treatment failures in clinical trials.

Background Response-adaptive randomization procedures have a long history in the theoretical statistics literature over the past four decades. The main idea historically was to develop randomizatio...
Lung transplantation for childhood diffuse lung disease.

Background Pediatric diffuse lung diseases comprise a heterogeneous group of rare lung disorders which may lead to end stage lung disease and referral for lung transplantation. Previous studies are limited by small numbers of patients with specific forms of diffuse lung disease. Children with all forms of diffuse lung disease who underwent lung transplantation at two pediatric centers were evaluated in terms of several pre- and post-transplant factors and compared to children with other end stage lung disorders. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients transplanted between October 1, 2002 and June 15, 2007 at Texas Children's Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital. Multiple pre-transplant characteristics and post-transplant morbidities and mortality were compared between diffuse lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary vascular disease groups. Results There were 31 diffuse lung disease (DLD), 57 cystic fibrosis (CF), and 16 pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) patients included in our analysis. Patients with DLD had significantly higher pre-transplant morbidity including lower percent predicted of forced expiratory volume in first second (P = 0.013) and more patients with pulmonary hypertension (P = 0.001) and hypercapnia (P = 0.031). Compared to CF patients, more DLD and PVD patients required invasive ventilation (P = 0.001) and care in the pediatric intensive care unit (P = 0.001). After transplant, there was a difference among the three groups with regards to number of acute allograft rejections but statistical limitations preclude knowing between which group the difference lies. A difference in time to bronchiolitis obliterans was found between the PVD and CF groups but not when compared to the DLD patients. The three groups had similar time to post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, rate of infections, and survival. Conclusion Lung transplantation is as successful for patients with end stage diffuse lung disease as compared to other lung transplant candidates. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:490–496. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Whole‐cell hollow‐fiber reactor: Transient substrate concentration profiles

The immobilization of whole cells and isolated enzymes within hollow-fiber cartridges for exportation of this catalytic activity is common, but such systems are often prone to diffusional limitations on their operating performance. The performance of a diffusion-reaction system can often be assessed quantitatively in terms of an effectiveness factor analysis, but the transient response of such systems has not been explored. The purpose of this report is to determine how rapidly steady state is achieved and present an analytical solution for the diffusion equation in the catalytic cell suspension region for first-order reactions.
Cognitive Neuroscience: Navigating Human Verbal Memory

Summary A recent study in humans shows that the same neurons that represent location during spatial navigation also code elements of verbal recall. This study thus provides a critical missing link between two previously unconnected functions of the hippocampus.
Differential expression and biological activity of retinoic acid–induced TGFβ isoforms in embryonic palate mesenchymal cells

The effect of retinoic acid (RA) on TGF-beta mRNA expression and protein production in murine embryonic palate mesenchymal (MEPM) cells was examined by Northern blotting and TGF-beta bioassay in association with TGF-beta isoform-specific neutralizing antibodies. Heat or acid activation was used to distinguish between latent and active TGF-beta protein released into the culture medium. RA had little or no effect on TGF-beta1 mRNA expression and protein production. In contrast, RA increased TGF-beta2 and beta3 protein released into the culture medium, the protein being mostly in an inactive or latent form. The amount of active TGF-beta released was increased relative to the total increase in TGF-beta released, suggesting that RA treatment stimulated activation of latent TGF-beta. RA also increased TGF-beta2 mRNA expression; we have previously shown that RA upregulates TGF-beta3 mRNA in these cells. RA and TGF-beta individually inhibited 3H-thymidine incorporation into MEPM cell DNA, while, when administered simultaneously, they inhibited proliferative activity to a greater extent. Heat- or acid-activated conditioned medium (CM) from MEPM cells treated with RA was able to inhibit 3H-thymidine incorporation into MEPM cell DNA to an extent greater than seen with RA treatment alone. Coincubation of heat-activated CM from RA-treated MEPM cells with pan-specific or TGF-beta2 or beta3-specific neutralizing antibodies partially relieved the inhibitory effect on 3H-thymidine incorporation, suggesting that this proliferative response was due to RA-induced TGF-beta. Simultaneous treatment with RA and TGF-beta also stimulated gycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis to an extent greater than that seen with TGF-beta treatment alone, this despite the ability of RA to inhibit GAG synthesis. These data demonstrate a role for RA and RA-induced TGF-beta in the regulation of palate cell proliferation and GAG synthesis and suggest a role for TGF-beta in retinoid-induced cleft palate.
SHADOW CHANNELS IN POTENTIAL THEORY.

The effect of coupling a shadow channel to a real channel is studied in the framework of nonrelativistic potential-scattering theory. For simplicity, $s$-wave scattering with energy-independent $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function potentials is considered. This model has the virtue of being exactly solvable in configuration space. The main features of the solution which are analogous to those expected in a relativistic field theory whose divergences have been removed using Sudarshan's shadow states, are as follows. The coupled problem reduces in the real channel to scattering by an effective energy-dependent pseudopotential. The physical scattering amplitude still satisfies elastic unitarity at all energies, but is piecewise analytic, with a point of nonanalyticity occurring at the threshold for the shadow channel.
A light-weight text image processing method for handheld embedded cameras

In the past few years we have witnessed the migration of cheap imaging devices into portable and mobile computing appliances such as PDAs and mobile phones. As these devices become ever more powerful in terms of processor speed and memory, new exciting applications and uses are being developed. A particularly useful one is the casual capture of text images for faxing, note taking, OCR, etcetera. This paper describes the image processing pipeline used to enhance images of text captured by a hand-held low-resolution camera, and a fast text extraction method. The main advantages of the approach are its inherent lightweight structure, speed and relative robustness under poor lighting and focus conditions. The computational efficiency (and a careful implementation) of the approach has allowed its deployment in an interactive-time text capture and foreign-text translation demo on a PDA with a VGA camera attachment.
Complete Genome Sequencing of Four Geographically Diverse Strains of Batai Virus

Batai virus (BATV) is a widely distributed but poorly studied member of the Orthobunyavirus genus in the family Bunyaviridae and is of particular interest as a known participant in natural reassortment events. Both research and surveillance efforts on this and other related viruses have been hampered by the lack of available full-length sequence data covering all three genomic segments. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of four BATV strains (MM2222, Chittoor/IG-20217, UgMP-6830, and MS50) isolated from various geographical locations. Based on these data, we have determined that strain MS50 is in fact unrelated to BATV and likely represents as a novel genotype in the genus Orthobunyavirus.
An integrative and strategic approach to developing a graduate programme in Technology Management

This paper reports on the development of a graduate programme in Technology Management – a part-time, distance education programme developed for professionals with technical education and expertise. The paper focuses on a vision-driven approach used to develop the programme purpose and objectives. Analysing the core values and competencies of the educational institution ('Marist College') – benchmarked against institutions currently offering such programmes – and defining specific industry needs through direct input from a technology industry advisory board, degree completion students and consultants allowed an integrative, interdisciplinary and strategic approach to develop knowledge, skill and abilities objectives. These objectives were taken as the base for the actual curriculum development. This approach fostered the development of a programme aligned with industry needs and the competitive environment of the educational institution. Hence, it serves as a methodology for programme and curriculum development for graduate Technology Management education appropriate for public and private sector organisations.
The concept of desert and its influence on simulated decision makers' sentencing decisions

The concept of desert (the principle that punishment should be made proportional to the severity of the crime committed) is introduced against its philosophical and legal background. Discussion focuses on the role of desert in contemporary sentencing reform proposals and the relationship between desert and other goals of legal punishment. Previous empirical research has addressed a between-offense conception of desert and suggests proportionality does control individuals' responses to crimes differing in severity. Our research focuses on the operation of desert within offenses (or the balance of harm done and punishment deserved for the individual offender) within the context of crimes of increasing severity. Six experimental simulations varied the relativity of victim/offender suffering prior to sentencing. Results show that for a minor crime punishment is an inverse monotonic function of offender suffering, but for crimes of moderate and high severity only excessive offender suffering successfully mitigated punishment. The source of offender suffering made no difference, supporting earlier work by Kalven and Zeisel; suffering exerted no effect on conviction decisions. Overall results are viewed as demonstrating the influence of both within-and between-offense conceptions of desert and the importance of the symbolic and moral blame components of legal punishment.
A FOUR-EQUATION MODEL FOR PREDICTION OF GAS-SOLID TURBULENT FLOWS

A four-equation model is proposed for prediction of dilute turbulent gas-solid flows where the ratio of the particle and the gas densities is large. The model is based on explicit algebraic relations for Reynolds stresses and turbulent fluxes of the void fraction, which were derived in an earlier work within the context of Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) methodology. These relations are manipulated here to derive nonlinear eddy-viscosity-type models for thin-shear flows. Further, new models are proposed for third-order correlations which are also simplified for thin-shear flows. These models are used to propose four transport equations for the turbulence kinetic energy of the carrier phase and its rate of dissipation, the turbulence kinetic energy of the dispersed phase, and the velocity covariance of the two phases. The final four-equation model is implemented for prediction of a particle-laden turbulent jet, and encouraging agreements with available laboratory data are observed.
Network Complexity Pyramid with five levels

A network complexity pyramid with five levels is suggest and summarised. From the top level-5 to the bottom level-1 complexity and diversity are increasing but universality and simplicity are decreasing. They can be described in an unification form by four hybrid ratios.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Trinuclear Copper Complexes.

Abstract This report describes our approach towards modeling the copper cluster active sites of nitrous oxide reductase and the multicopper oxidases/oxygenases. We have synthesized two mesitylene-based trinucleating ligands, MesPY1 and MesPY2, which employ bis(2-picolyl)amine (PY1) and bis(2-pyridylethyl)amine (PY2) tridentate copper chelates, respectively. Addition of cuprous salts to these ligands leads to the isolation of tricopper(I) complexes [(Mes-PY1)CuI3(CH3CN)3](ClO4)3·0.25Et2O (1) and [(Mes-PY2)CuI3](PF6)3 (3). Each of the three copper centers in 1 is most likely four-coordinate, with ligated acetonitrile as the fourth ligand; by contrast, the copper centers in 3 are three-coordinate, as determined by X-ray crystallography. The synthesis of [(Mes-PY1)CuII3(CH3CN)2(CH3OH)2](ClO4)6·(CH3OH) (2) was accomplished by addition of three equivalents of the copper(II) salt, Cu(ClO4)2·6H2O, to the ligand. The structure of 2 shows that two of the copper centers are tetracoordinate (with MeCN solvent ligation), but have additional weak axial (fifth ligand) interactions with the perchlorate anions; the third copper is unique in that it is coordinated by two MeOH solvent molecules, making it overall five-coordinate. For complexes 2 and 3, one copper ion center is located on the opposite side of the mesitylene plane as the other two. These observations, although in the solid state, must be taken into account for future studies where intramolecular tricopper(I)/O2 (or other small molecules of interest) interactions in solution are desirable.
945-120 Effects of Beta-Blockade on Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography

Dobutamine is an effective pharmacologic stress because of its beta-agonist properties. Concurrent beta blockade (BB) might alter this effectiveness as a diagnostic tool, however DSE protocols often are not modified for patients on BBs nor are there consistent recommendations for withholding BB prior to a DSE. To determine if BB alters the ability of a DSE to detect a significant coronary stenosis and to quantitate the effect of BB on the timing and magnitude of change in the physiologic responses to dobutamine, paired DSEs were performed in 8 instrumented dogs before and after BB (esmolol). A standard DSE with and without a fixed coronary stenosis and with and without BB was performed (n = 32 DSEs). Heart rate (HR). aortic and left ventricular pressure (SBP) and proximal LAD coronary flow (CF) were monitored. Wall thickening (WT) was determined by sonomicrometers. From mid-ventricular short axis echo images, % area change (%AC) was calculated at each stage. DSE endpoints were wall motion abnormality (WMA), cavity obliteration or maximum dobutamine dose (40 mcg/kg/min). Results With BB, the HR, CF, WT and %AC at each dobutamine dose and at peak infusion were lower (p l 0.01) despite achieving a higher maximal dobutamine dose (17.9 ± 6.2 vs 34.3 ± 3.7 mc/kg/min p = 0.001). At the low dose (5 mcgfkg/min), the increased CF, WT, and %AG noted without BB was eliminated by BB (p l 0.05). Most importantly, BB prevented (n = 2) or delayed (n = 6) the onset of aWMA in all dogs. Conclusions BB attenuates the magnitude and delays the timing of the physiologic response to dobutamine and consequently decreases the ability of a DSE to detect a coronary stenosis. By decreasing the cardiac workload and inotropic response at each dose, the ability of a DSE to detect inducible ischemia with concurrent BB is influenced in this canine model. Therefore, the sensitivity and specificity of DSE to diagnose coronary artery disease in patients on BB requires clarification. Modifications of the standard DSE protocol (time of infusion/stages, maximum dose) or withdrawal of BB maybe necessary prior to a DSE to preserve accuracy. Although the accuracy of the test as a diagnostic tool may be adversely effected, these data support its strength in assessing therapeutic effectiveness.
Restoration of sensibility to anesthetic scarred digits with free vascularized nerve grafts from the dorsum of the foot

Five cases of segmental vascularized nerve grafts that bridge scarred beds for digital sensory nerve reconstruction where previous nonvascularized nerve grafts have failed are reported. Average follow-up in this study was 27 4/5 months. Three patients were men and two were women. Average age was 35 1/2 years. The thumb was the recipient digit in one patient; the index finger in two patients; and the long finger in two patients (primary opposing digit). Three digits had suffered amputation and two had crush lacerations. Average graft length was 6.6 mm. Pin prick, touch, and vibratory sensation were restored in all patients (slightly impaired in one). Average moving two-point discrimination was 7.2 mm; average static two-point discrimination was 9.5 mm. Von Frey monofilament cutaneous pressure averaged 4.03 gm. Donor morbidity was negligible except for a neuroma in one patient and slight superficial skin loss in another.
Structure–function relationships in 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases: a comparison of the rat and human isoforms ☆

Abstract 3α-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3α-HSDs) inactivate steroid hormones in the liver, regulate 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) levels in the prostate, and form the neurosteroid, allopregnanolone in the CNS. Four human 3α-HSD isoforms exist and correspond to AKR1C1–AKR1C4 of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily. Unlike the related rat 3α-HSD (AKR1C9) which is positional and stereospecific, the human enzymes display varying ratios of 3-, 17-, and 20-ketosteroid reductase activity as well as 3α-, 17β-, and 20α-hydroxysteroid oxidase activity. Their kcat values are 50–100-fold lower than that observed for AKR1C9. Based on their product profiles and discrete tissue localization, the human enzymes may regulate the levels of active androgens, estrogens, and progestins in target tissues. The X-ray crystal structures of AKR1C9 and AKR1C2 (human type 3 3α-HSD, bile acid binding protein and peripheral 3α-HSD) reveal that the AKR1C2 structure can bind steroids backwards (D-ring in the A-ring position) and upside down (β-face inverted) relative to the position of a 3-ketosteroid in AKR1C9 and this may account for its functional plasticity. Stopped-flow studies on both enzymes indicate that the conformational changes associated with binding cofactor (the first ligand) are slow; they are similar in both enzymes but are not rate-determining. Instead the low kcat seen in AKR1C2 (50-fold less than AKR1C9) may be due to substrate “wobble” at the plastic active site.
Prediction of environmental exposures from sources near the ground, based on Hanford experimental data

Abstract Values of peak exposure and standard deviations of exposure distributions downwind from a continuous point source are presented for 46 Hanford ground source diffusion experiments. Exposure data are found to order in terms of atmospheric stability when plotted as a function of the travel time. The crosswind variances of the exposure distributions are expressed in terms of the travel time and the product of the standard deviation of the wind direction distribution and the mean wind speed, σθū, in an equation resulting from G. I. Taylor's work in 1921. Prediction methods developed from these concepts permit extrapolation of the results obtained from short releases to much longer release periods. Good agreement between predicted and observed exposure distributions is obtained from these models, using independent data.
Comparison of shear wave speed estimates in Ex vivo non-pregnant vs. In vivo pregnant cervix

The cervix is primarily composed of layers of aligned collagen that reorganize through out pregnancy resulting in softening, shortening, and dilation at term. Premature changes during the softening process may be associated with preterm birth. The purpose of this study is to compare shear wave speed (SWS) estimates in the ex vivo non-pregnant and in vivo third trimester pregnant cervix and to discuss confounding factors that may influence comparisons of SWS estimates. Ex vivo hysterectomy samples (n = 22) were collected and a subset were ripened (softened) (n = 13). Multiple SWS measurements were made longitudinally along the cervical canal at 4–5 locations on both anterior and posterior halves of the bivalved cervix. For the in vivo study, patients (n = 10) undergoing cervical ripening for induction of labor were recruited. SWS measurements were made on the same patient with the probe placed on the anterior half of the cervix at mid-length between the internal and external os. Ten replicate SWS measurements were made before and 4 hours after a cervical ripening agent (misoprostol) was administered. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significance of differences in SWS as a result of ripening. The SWS estimates for the mid-length anterior position for the ex vivo study were 3.42±0.92 m/s and 2.06±0.39 m/s for unripened and ripened, respectively. Similarly, the SWS estimates for the in vivo third trimester pregnant cervix were 2.40±0.75 m/s and 1.54±0.31 m/s pre- and post-ripening. Factors such as bivalving the ex vivo specimens, differences in tissue temperature, and tissue perfusion likely affect SWS estimates, but similar similar trends were found.
Handcuffing the hegemon: The paradox of state power under unipolarity

The exercise of state power in global politics often involves a vexing paradox: strategies intended to create or project power may end up reducing it. Under unipolarity, the lack of structural constraints in the international system do as much to undermine hegemonic power as to magnify it. Through an examination of the structure and process of unipolar politics, the three works reviewed in this article investigate the unintended consequences of preponderant power, especially as it relates to American grand strategy. As such, the paradox of state power has direct implications for the durability and relative peacefulness of the unipolar politics.
The Long-term Effect of Early Telephone Intervention on Hearing Aid Success

The purpose of the study was to determine if subjects who were contacted by telephone periodically during the first 3 months following hearing-aid dispensing would report greater satisfaction, more frequent hearing aid use, and fewer complaints at one year postdispensing than subjects who were not contacted frequently. Subjects were 55 hearing-impaired adults who purchased aids, 27 of whom were contacted periodically by phone. Results revealed that frequent telephone contact in the period soon after dispensing does not appear to be an effective mass management tool in this population, although its value cannot be ruled out for some types of clients.
The Language of the REI-Why It's Hard To Put Into Words A Response to Durkin and Miller

The content of the articles in this topical issue reflects the best thinking of our invited authors. They have indicated an open willingness for others to begin dialogue by responding to their articles via commentary. They have also indicated a willingness to provide reactions to the commentaries. RASE readers are especially encouraged to respond with their own reactions to these articles; such reactions could be published in RASE Commentary. Of course, none of the opinions within any of the published articles and commentaries necessarily reflect the opinions of the RASE editorial staff. We are excited to provide this issue and look forward to individual responses from readers, including those who serve on the Editorial Board. To begin this dialogue, our Guest Editors, Russell Gersten and John Woodward, have invited several prominent educators to react to this topical issue. Their responses follow.-LI
Economic evaluation of prenatal carrier screening for fragile X syndrome.

Objective: The objective of this study was to conduct an economic evaluation of routine prenatal carrier testing for fragile X syndrome.Methods: This economic analysis was conducted from the societal perspective. A cost-benefit equation was developed based on the premise that the cost of routinely offering prenatal carrier testing for fragile X syndrome should be at least equal to, or less than, the cost of the current practice of not offering such testing. Sensitivity analyses included key assumptions regarding therapeutic abortion rates (50–100%) and patient screening acceptance rates (50–80%).Results: A policy of routinely offering prenatal carrier testing for fragile X syndrome may be beneficial only if the cost per screening test is less than $120 during the first year of the screening program, or less than $240 when the program reaches its full maturity. Given the current cost per screening test of $250, prenatal screening for carrier status for fragile X syndrome carries the potential for annual lo...
Terrain-based robot navigation using multi-scale traversability indices

The concepts of local, regional, and global traversability indices have been introduced by the author (1999, 2000, 2001). These indices represent the suitability of a terrain for traversal by a mobile robot at different scales of resolution. This paper utilizes these indices to develop a navigation strategy for a mobile robot traversing a challenging terrain. The traversability indices form the basis of three navigational behaviors; namely, traverse-local, traverse-regional, and traverse-global behaviors. These behaviors are blended with the seek-goal behavior to ensure that the mobile robot reaches the goal safety while avoiding obstacles and impassable terrain segments. The paper is concluded by an illustrative graphical simulation study.
Crustal structure across the central Alaska Range: Anatomy of a Mesozoic collisional zone

A first-order process in the growth of continents is the collision and accretion of terranes against continental margins. Collision leads to the formation of a suture zone between the accreted terrane and the former continental margin. New insights on the suturing process are observed from two receiver function transects across the Mesozoic Alaska Range suture zone. Three distinct crustal sections are identified from observations of crustal thickness, intracrustal discontinuities, and Vp/Vs: a northern section with ∼27 km thick crust of felsic to intermediate composition, a central section that is ∼37 km thick that exhibits intracrustal discontinuities and has felsic to intermediate composition, and a southern section that is ∼30 km thick and has a more mafic composition. We interpret these sections to correspond with the former continental margin (Yukon composite terrane), the suture zone proper, and the allochthonous oceanic terrane (Wrangellia composite terrane). The boundary between the Yukon composite terrane and the suture zone appears to be a subhorizontal discontinuity that accommodated underthrusting of crust from the suture zone beneath the former continental margin. The boundary between the suture zone and the Wrangellia composite terrane, in contrast, appears to be a relatively discrete, vertical boundary. The observed variability in the crust across the Alaska Range suture zone is likely controlled by the differing compositions of the terranes involved, which influences how each section responds to precollisional, syncollisional, and postcollisional deformation.
On the Temporal and Spatial Properties of Elementary Bursts

“Elementary bursts” refer to fine time structures on scales of tens of milli-second to a few seconds in flare radiations. In this paper, we investigate temporal and spatial properties of elementary bursts by exploiting high-cadence Hα (100 ms) and hard X-ray (125 – 500 ms) observations of an impulsive flare on March 16, 2000. We find that the time scale of 2 – 3 s is likely an upper limit of the elementary bursts in this event, at which hard X-ray emissions observed by different instruments correlate, low energy (≤30 keV) hard X-rays and Hα flux correlate, and Hα emissions at conjugate flare kernels correlate. From our methods, and also largely limited by instrument resolutions, there is a weak indication of existence of sub-second structures. With the high-resolution Hα data, we also attempt to explore the spatial structure of “elementary bursts” by determining the average spatial displacement of Hα peak emission between successive “elementary bursts” defined from hard X-ray light curves. We find that, at the time scale of 3 s, the smallest spatial scale, as limited by the imaging resolution, is about 0.4″. We discuss these results with respect to mechanisms of fragmented magnetic energy release.
Rotor-Wake Influence on Axial-Compressor-Stator Boundary Layers

The boundary-layer development on blades in an axial-flow compressor is an important design consideration. The influence of upstream-blade wake segments on downstream-blade boundary layers is not yet satisfactorily modeled for design purposes. To clarify the effects of wake segments on boundary layers, we used surface hot-film gages to sense the influence of rotor-wake segments on stator-surfac e boundary layers at midspan in a low-speed, axial-flow compressor stage. It was clear that rotor-wake segments moved along the stator-blade pressure and suction surfaces much like a turbulent spot would; the region of influence of each wake segment became larger further downstream. Boundary-layer transition was not expected on the low-speed, stator-blade surface until about midchord. Nevertheless, the laminar boundary-layer flow on the forward portion of the stator blade appeared to be turbulent when a rotor-wake segment was present. This periodic alternating of the stator boundary-layer flow was observed further aft on the blade also.
Seismic radiation from the sudden creation of a spherical cavity in an arbitrarily prestressed elastic medium

Summary. We solve the general problem of seismic radiation from the sudden creation of a spherical cavity in an arbitrarily prestressed elastic medium. This problem has direct application to tectonic release due to the creation of a shatter zone by large underground explosions. In addition, however, the problem has essential features in common with the more general earthquake source. Specifically, it can provide an understanding of how an inhomogeneous prestress can affect radiated seismic energy from a tectonic source. The problem is solved through the use of a Green’s tensor integral equation in which all quantities are expressed in terms of vector spherical harmonics. We obtain an exact solution and an approximate solution to this problem. The approximate solution may be useful for the study of other failure geometries. The results agree with previous solutions for the case of pure shear. The case of localized inhomogeneous prestress is examined in detail. The primary result of the inhomogeneous prestress is the addition of considerable energy at frequencies above the usual corner frequency. This causes an increase in the corner frequency, a change in the slope of the spectrum near the corner frequency and in some cases a strong, low frequency, far field spectral peak. Peaked spectra always exist, however, near the usual quadrupole nodes. Further, the angular distribution of radiation in general will not be pure quadrupole in nature. As an example of a strongly inhomogeneous prestress case, stress concentrations near the source due to a point dislocation and a point centre of compression are considered. The radiated waveforms and spectra then vary greatly with angle with the spectra peaked strongly at all azimuths in some cases. For these cases the angular distribution of first motions is still relatively simple, but can be deceptive if used lo determine a focal mechanism. Because of the canonical relation of this problem to the more general earthquake failure problem, it is to be expected that similar stress concentration effects will occur for earthquakes. Thus, similar changes in corner frequency due to stress concentration effects could lead to errors in earthquake source dimension estimates and the related existence of spectral peaks could lead to errors in seismic moment measurements.
Clinical Utility of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 for Cardiovascular Disease Prediction in a Multiethnic Cohort of Women

BACKGROUND: Findings regarding the association of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity and mass with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been inconsistent, and their role in risk prediction is uncertain. METHODS: A case–cohort sample from the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI-OS) comprised 1821 CVD cases and a subcohort of 1992 controls. We used Cox regression models with inverse sampling weights to assess the association of Lp-PLA2 mass and activity with CVD (myocardial infarction, stroke, and CVD mortality). RESULTS: Subcohort means were 184.3 mmol/min/mL for Lp-PLA2 activity and 499.2 μg/L for Lp-PLA2 mass, with 99% having mass above 200 μg/L, the clinically recommended cut point. Both activity and mass were positively associated with incident CVD in age- and race/ethnicity-adjusted analyses. Following adjustment according to CVD risk factors, the association with activity became null (hazard ratio = 1.02 for top vs bottom quartile, 95% CI = 0.79–1.33, P for trend = 0.65), but the association with mass remained (hazard ratio = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.45–2.34, P for trend < 0.0001). In contrast to blood pressure, HDL, and hsCRP, reclassification statistics for Lp-PLA2 mass did not suggest improvement for overall CVD after full adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: In the WHI-OS Lp-PLA2 mass, but not activity, was independently associated with CVD. However, model fit did not significantly improve with Lp-PLA2 mass, and assay calibration remains a clinical concern.
A dual-beam microstrip array antenna

The dual-beam antenna concept is presented, along with theoretical and measured results. To meet the requirements given by the radar system, an array composed of 76 microstrip patches has been designed and fabricated at 5.29 GHz. It is a long rectangular array with elements arranged in two rows of 38 each. By using the conventional array theory, the far-field pattern cut along the long dimension of the array is calculated and presented. It is concluded that a relatively simple technique to generate two symmetrically squinted beams from a single array has been demonstrated. >
Component effects in phase separation of polymer-polymer-solvent systems

The nature of phase separation in polymer-polymer-solvent systems was investigated. Threshold concentrations necessary for the separation of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) in a variety of solvents were determined. Only a rough correlation between cohesive energy densities and solvent compatibilizing powers was found. Separation data for combinations of a number of substituted polystyrenes were determined in reference solvents. The general occurrence of phase separation in these systems is thought to stem from the unique array of functional groups presented by a polymer molecule to its environment. Phase separation in conjunction with available heats of mixing indicate the exothermic heat of mixing chlorobenzene and toluene is due to interaction of the chloro group with an aromatic ring. Changes in chain extension and solvation as a function of temperature were detected by means of phase separation.
Design of a Programmable Gain, Temperature Compensated Current-Input Current-Output CMOS Logarithmic Amplifier

This paper presents the design of a programmable gain, temperature compensated, current-mode CMOS logarithmic amplifier that can be used for biomedical signal processing. Unlike conventional logarithmic amplifiers that use a transimpedance technique to generate a voltage signal as a logarithmic function of the input current, the proposed approach directly produces a current output as a logarithmic function of the input current. Also, unlike a conventional transimpedance amplifier the gain of the proposed logarithmic amplifier can be programmed using floating-gate trimming circuits. The synthesis of the proposed circuit is based on the Hart's extended translinear principle which involves embedding a floating-voltage source and a linear resistive element within a translinear loop. Temperature compensation is then achieved using a translinear-based resistive cancelation technique. Measured results from prototypes fabricated in a 0.5 $\,\mu$ m CMOS process show that the amplifier has an input dynamic range of 120 dB and a temperature sensitivity of 230 ppm/ $^{\circ}$ C (27 $^{\circ}$ C– $57^{\circ}$ C), while consuming less than 100 nW of power.
Uptake, Hydrolysis, and Metabolism of Pyridoxine-5′-β-d-Glucoside in Caco-2 Cells

An important dietary source of vitamin B-6, pyridoxine-5'-beta-D-glucoside (PNG), exhibits only partial bioavailability, which is limited by the extent of enzymatic cleavage of the beta-glucosidic bond to release metabolically available pyridoxine (PN). This laboratory showed that the intestinal hydrolysis of PNG is catalyzed by cytosolic PNG hydrolase (PNGH) and brush border lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (LPH). LPH-catalyzed PNG hydrolysis in vitro is competitively inhibited by lactose. In the present study, the uptake and hydrolysis of PNG were examined in Caco-2 human colon carcinoma cells, which express a functional LPH but exhibit no PNGH activity. PNG uptake at 37 degrees C was linear over 5-500 micromol/L PNG. Uptake was not significantly reduced when Na(+) was substituted with K(+), Li(+), or Tris in the medium. Increasing PNG concentration in the medium did not change intracellular concentrations of PN, pyridoxamine (PM), pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate (PMP), or pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP); however, intracellular pyridoxal (PL) concentration increased. Intracellular PNG concentration was not significantly reduced in the presence of lactose, but the concentration of PL declined in proportion to extracellular lactose (P = 0.01). These results indicate that PNG can be absorbed intact in a Na(+)-independent process and is taken up by passive diffusion. The presence of lactose in this in vitro model of intestinal uptake reduced the enzymatic hydrolysis of PNG by lactase.
Optical Cerenkov measurements of emittance growth in the Advanced Test Accelerator beam under laser ion-guiding

A new beam profile diagnostic using optical Cernekov radiation from a quartz foil has been deployed at the Advanced Test Accelerator (ATA). Quartz performs better than previously tested foils (titanium and Kapton) in terms of damage threshold. The emission intensity from quartz is over an order of magnitude brighter than that from graphite foil. Data were taken at the beginning, middle, and end of ATA, i.e. at 3.8 MeV (cell 15), 22.5 MeV (cell 90), and 43 MeV (11 m beyond the end). Profile measurements of the ion-focused beam showed emittance growth through the pulse. Double-Gaussian fits to the radial profile were often superior to single-Gaussian fits and showed that a large beam dominated the second half of the pulse. This was observed for currents of 1, 3, and 7 kA at the accelerator output and at cell 15 for the 3-kA case. The dependence of emittance growth on several parameters was studied. >
Regional Sales of Multinationals in the World Cosmetics Industry

This paper analyzes the regional characteristics and strategies of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in the world cosmetics and toiletries industry, based on the new work by Rugman on regional strategy. We test the proposition that MNEs may asymmetrically develop their upstream and downstream firm specific advantages (FSAs). We find that the downstream activities of the MNEs in cosmetics are home region based but that upstream activities are more so. Further, the asymmetry of FSAs in the world cosmetics industry is mainly due to the atypical Asian entry strategies of North American and West European cosmetics MNEs. Two case studies confirm how variations in FSAs can affect regional strategy.
Challenges for intelligent systems in biology

Biological processes have produced the ultimate intelligent system (humans), and now we are trying to understand biology (and ourselves) by building intelligent systems. Intelligent systems research in biology strives to understand how living systems perform difficult tasks routinely (ranging from molecular phenomena such as protein-folding to organism-level phenomena such as cognition). The definition of intelligent systems in biology can lead to hours of debate. Some say that all high-performance systems that do something difficult with (or to) biological data should be considered intelligent systems. Others insist that the term intelligent system should be reserved for systems using the methods typically associated with modem AI.
Anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorders: implications for treatment

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common psychiatric comorbidities among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). There has been a recent proliferation of research examining the prevalence, phenomenology, assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders among youth with ASD. While there is currently very limited support for the use of pharmacological agents to treat anxiety among youth with ASD and comorbid anxiety, there has been overwhelming support across numerous modestly sized controlled studies for the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy. This review discusses advances in the treatment literature for anxiety in youth with ASD, and discusses the current evidence base for whether standard treatment needs to be adapted for this population.
Reactive broadcasting protocol for video on demand

Broadcasting can reduce the cost of video on demand services by distributing in a more efficient fashion videos that are simultaneously watched by many viewers. Rather than waiting for individual requests, broadcasting schedules repeated broadcasts of the various segments of a video ahead of time. Hence it performs best when it is used to distribute videos that are watched concurrently by hundreds or thousands of viewers. We propose a reactive broadcasting protocol that addresses the problem of distributing moderately popular videos in a more efficient fashion. Like all efficient broadcasting protocols, reactive broadcasting assumes that the customer set-top box has enough local storage to store at least one half of each video being watched. Unlike other broadcasting protocols, reactive broadcasting only broadcasts the later portions of each video. The initial segment of each video is distributed on demand using a stream tapping protocol. Our simulations show that reactive broadcasting outperforms both conventional broadcasting protocols and pure stream tapping for a wide range of video request rates.
Can Propagation of Gas Bubbles Lead to Detached Solidification? Experiments on Freezing of Water

A vertical Bridgman-Stockbarger apparatus was used to directionally solidify water upward, in the hope that detached solidification would evolve from gas bubbles forming on the wall. A large contact angle of the water on the ampoule wall and a high solubility of the dissolved gas caused gas bubbles or tubes to form only at the ampoule wall, and not in the interior. Gas tubes were often nearly periodically spaced around the ampoule wall, with a spacing that increased with ampoule diameter and decreased with freezing rate. The width of the gas tubes was nearly independent of the ampoule diameter and freezing rate. A high degree of detachment was obtained with a rough, nonwetting coating on the ampoule wall, but full detachment was not achieved. This indicates that detachment does not occur by propagation of a single gas bubble around the periphery of the freezing interface. The convection near the freezing interface influenced gas bubble formation, and was outward for a concave freezing interface and inward for a convex interface.
Psychoanalytic peregrinations. II: Psychoanalysis as science and art.

The foundations of psychoanalytic clinical practice involve the role of fan- tasy, creativity, and imagination as well as the natural science aspects of psychoanaly- sis. There is a common ground for psychoanalytic technique and we should not in a " politically correct" manner, as is so popular today, abandon the philosophical or Pla- tonic foundationalism that lies at the basis of Freud' s psychoanalytic practices. Although it is a " politically incorrect" view, a reasonable degree of objectivity and scientific va- lidity is attainable by the relatively neutral psychoanalyst, using both natural science observations as well as introspection and hermeneutics. Furthermore, since psycho- analysis is fundamentally a creative activity, the roots of creativity require exploration and careful study. Subjective and first person methodologies such as Freud' s psycho- analysis and phenomenology cannot be ignored in our search for the core of the self of each of our patients. In this article I will delve into certain fundamentals that underlie the practice and theory of classical psychoanalysis. These involve the role of fantasy, creativity, and imagination as well as the natural science aspect of psychoanalysis. The questions of whether there exists com- mon grounds for psychoanalytic technique, and of what constitutes the philosophical underpinnings of foundationalism (the position that as- sumes the discoverable existence of core truths which persist over cul- tural and temporal change) and classical psychoanalytic technique will be addressed. Postmodern objections to all this will be briefly reviewed but in a " politically incorrect" view I will come down firmly on the side of foundationalism, phenomenology (to be discussed in a later article), and classical psychoanalysis. Finally I will turn to creativity in art and psychoanalysis and indicate as evidence for my position how great art offers us a glimpse of foundationalist truth and beauty. I (1999) have discussed this role of creativity at length in a previous publication.
High-Reynolds-number turbulent-boundary-layer surface pressure fluctuations with bubble or polymer additives

This paper reports multi-point dynamic pressure fluctuation measurements made beneath a high-Reynoldsnumber turbulent boundary layer (TBL) with wall-injection of air or polymer additives for the purpose of skin-friction drag reduction. Two independent experiments were conducted in the U.S. Navy’s Large Cavitation Channel (LCC) on a 12.9 m long, 3.05 m wide hydro-dynamically smooth (k + < 1) flat plate at free-stream speeds from 6.5 to 20.0 m/s. The first, a bubble drag reduction experiment (BDR), involved injecting gas at flow rates ranging from 100 to 800 CFM (17.8 to 142.5 liter/s per meter of injector span) from one of two injectors located 1.32 and 9.78 m from the model leading edge. The second, a polymer drag reduction experiment (PDR), involved injecting polymer from a single slot injector, 1.32 m from the leading edge, at flow-rates ranging from 6 to 30 GPM (0.14 to 0.71 liter/s per meter of injector span). Dynamic pressure measurements were made with 16 flush-mounted transducers in “L”-shaped arrays located 10.7 and 9.8 m (70 x 10 6 < ReX < 210 x 10 6 ) from the leading edge for the BDR and PDR experiments, respectively. Measurements show modifications in the spectra, stream-wise coherence, and convection velocity of the pressure fluctuations due to the presence of gas or polymer in the near-wall region of the TBL. At the dynamic pressure measurement locations the maximum skin-friction drag reduction approached 100% for the BDR experiment and 63% for the PDR experiment.