cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase formation and phase separation in multiphase thin film hard coatings

Recent studies on thin films and coatings containing multiple phases have demonstrated their potential for improving hardness and tribological performance. Coatings for these applications are typically used in the as-deposited condition, so it therefore becomes important to understand the phase formation and separation processes that occur during deposition. In this work, we demonstrate that thermodynamic considerations, particularly free energy-composition diagrams, can help predict the phase separation process for a given film composition. The results of numerous experimental studies of phase formation in co-deposited thin films are reviewed with the goal of rationalizing the observed phases in terms of thermodynamic principles. Additional kinetic considerations are also discussed and a model is devised where phase separation takes place in a thin surface layer followed by crystallization of one or both phases. The fact that phase separation must precede crystallization has important implications for the microstructure that develops and the crystallinity of the phases formed.
Hydrostatic pressure and the mechanical properties of NaCl polycrystals

Abstract The influence of hydrostatic pressure on the mechanical properties of extrusion-recrystallized NaCl polycrystals is examined. Interrupted compression tests show no effect of pressurization alone on the flow stress of these polycrystals. Small decreases in the flow stress occur upon reloading the specimen, regardless of the pressurization treatments, and are attributed to recovery between tests. These results, which are in contrast with reported tests on melt-grown polycrystals, show that the decrease in strength observed for polycrystals deformed in situ at 10 kbar, relative to those deformed at 1 atm, is not due to an increased density of mobile dislocations caused by pressurization alone.
The Feasibility of Automated Voice Messaging as an Adjunct to Diabetes Outpatient Care

OBJECTIVE To determine whether automated voice messaging (AVM) systems could be used as an adjunct to primary care for diabetic patients, we examined whether patients were able to respond to AVM queries for clinical information, whether sufficient numbers of problems were identified to warrant the implementation of the service, and whether patients found the system helpful. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The AVM system we examined uses specialized computer technology to telephone patients, communicate messages, and collect information. Sixty-five diabetic patients participated. Based on a review of the literature and the input of diabetes clinician-researchers, we developed an AVM monitoring protocol to inquire about patients’ symptoms, glucose monitoring, foot care, diet, and medication adherence. Patients also were given the option to listen to health promotion messages and to report their satisfaction with the calls. Patients responded by using their touch-tone telephone keypads. RESULTS A total of 216 AVM calls were successfully completed, an average of 3.3 out of four calls per patient. Patients reported a variety of health problems that signaled the need for follow-up. Many patients reported not checking their blood glucose or their feet, and one in four reported problems with medication and diet adherence. Health and self-care problems varied across patient subgroups in ways suggesting that the AVM reports were reliable and valid. Overall, 98% of all patients reported that the calls were helpful, 98% reported that they had no difficulty responding to the calls, and 77% reported that receiving AVM calls would make them more satisfied with their health care. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that diabetic patients can respond to AVM queries and find the calls helpful. Such calls are a feasible strategy for identifying health and self-care problems that would otherwise go unnoticed by clinicians.
Pan paniscus 1973 to 1996: Twenty-three years of field research

Although the pygmy chimpanzee is not smaller than a chimpanzee, it has long intrigued anthropologists with its more gracile build and greater arboreality. The social organization of the pygmy chimpanzee is unique among primates in showing female-bonding among nonrelatives, little male bonding despite male residence, and relative inability of males to outrank females. The crucial ecological basis for this difference from the male-bonded system of chimpanzees is that pygmy chimpanzees do not go through an extended season of low food availability during which party sizes fall to low levels.
Administration of D, L-fenfluramine to rats produces learning deficits in the Cincinnati water maze but not the Morris water maze: relationship to adrenal cortical output

Fenfluramine (FEN) is an amphetamine derivative with anorectic properties similar to amphetamine, but without the stimulatory or abuse potential. Administration of FEN produces an immediate release of serotonin as well as inhibits reuptake; ultimately FEN produces a decrease in serotonin stores in the central nervous system. We have previously shown that the administration of FEN to rats results in increased adrenal cortical hormones under resting conditions, without simultaneous elevations in adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH). We hypothesized that the adrenal output would be altered following stress and that the altered adrenal output would affect learning and memory, since the adrenal hormones influence learning and memory capability. In this series of experiments, we administered D,L-FEN (15 mg/kg) four times every 2 h on a single day to rats and investigated the effect on hormonal output following forced swim and the effect on sequential learning in the Cincinnati water maze and spatial learning in the Morris maze beginning 3 days after FEN administration. Animals that received FEN had increased corticosterone and aldosterone titers following forced swim relative to control animals, although no differences in ACTH or testosterone were noted. Animals exposed to FEN had lasting deficits in the Cincinnati water maze but not in the Morris water maze, regardless of testing order. These deficits in the Cincinnati water maze appear to be mediated by the elevation in adrenal output since adrenalectomy abolished the effect of FEN. Corticosterone levels were shown to be elevated during the behavioral testing period in animals exposed to FEN.
Controlling a robot's position using neural networks

In order to fully utilise the power of robots in factories, robot process capability (RPC) must be considered and improved. To improve the RPC in on-line processing by applying robot learning, the counterpropagation network was modified in this research. With two layers, the counterpropagation network was modified to control a robot's gross and fine motions. For the first layer, the network serves as a sensor-signal generator to control the gross motion. For the second layer, the network serves as a fine motion adjuster. Also, each layer can be separated functionally. By controlling both the gross and the fine motions, the RPC can then be improved. The modified two-layer counterpropagation network control scheme was validated by computer simulation and physical implementation on a RS-2200 robot system.
Fundamental Concepts for “Corner” Forming Limit Diagrams and Closed-Form Formulas for Planar Tube Hydroforming Analysis

A family of closed-form formulas for calculating minimum corner-fill radii in planar sections of tube hydroformed products is introduced. Corner forming limit diagrams relating the limiting major strain to the minimum corner-fill radius are introduced. The theory accounts for friction effects and accommodates regular shaped polygon die sections. This effort represents an exploration into a method for design and analysis of tube hydroforming processes without employing the finite element method and while using a closed form approach for capturing friction effects. Good agreement with experimental results is observed.
The origin of predictable dynamic behavior

Abstract Nonlinear dynamic theory implies optimal decisions often behave like random ‘chaos’. Such random target motion is impossible for imperfect agents to follow without error. However, they can still gradually approach the optimal target if and only if they partially adjust toward its perceived location so as to induce their behavior to converge to an equilibrium. Reducing dynamic errors through partial adjustment thereby induces a stable regularity in behavior that otherwise may never evolve. This result agrees with the stability properties observed in experimental markets (including cobweb, auction, and asset markets), whose dynamics before reaching equilibrium exhibit “adaptive” rather than ‘rational’ expectations.
Azimuthally localized fluctuations in a levitated toroidal quadrupole

Abstract Long persistance, azimuthally localized, density fluctuations have been observed in both lithium and hydrogen plasmas injected into an electro-magnetically levitated toroidal quadrupole.
COARCTATION OF THE AORTA ASSOCIATED WITH AORTIC STENOSIS AND A PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS.

Abstract A 14 year old girl with congenital aortic stenosis, coarctation of the aorta and patent ductus arteriosus is presented. Serial catheterization data demonstrated the relief of severe pulmonary hypertension after division of the patent ductus and resection of the coarctation. Further x-ray and electrocardiographic improvement followed open heart repair of the aortic stenosis. The response of the patient to the staged surgical approach as outlined was gratifying. A possible explanation of her improvement following the initial surgery is given.
Local cellular sources of apolipoprotein E in the human retina and retinal pigmented epithelium: implications for the process of drusen formation.

Abstract PURPOSE: The inheritance of specific apolipoprotein E allelles has been linked to atherosclerosis, Alzheimer disease, and, most recently, to the incidence of age-related macular degeneration. Apolipoprotein E is a common component of the extracellular plaques and deposits characteristic of these disorders, including drusen, which are a hallmark of age-related macular degeneration. Accordingly, we assessed the potential biosynthetic contribution of local ocular cell types to the apolipoprotein E found in drusen. METHODS: We measured apolipoprotein E mRNA levels in human donor tissues using a quantitative assay of apolipoprotein E transcription, and we localized apolipoprotein E protein to specific cell types and compartments in the neural retina, retinal pigmented epithelium, and choroid using laser scanning confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Apolipoprotein E immunoreactivity is associated with photoreceptor outer segments, the retinal ganglion cell layer, the retinal pigmented epithelium basal cytoplasm and basal lamina, and with both collagenous layers of Bruch membrane. Apolipoprotein E appears to be a ubiquitous component of drusen, irrespective of clinical phenotype. It also accumulates in the cytoplasm of a subpopulation of retinal pigmented epithelial cells, many of which overlie or flank drusen. Mean levels of apolipoprotein E mRNA in the adult human retina are 45% and 150% of the levels measured in liver and adult brain, the two most abundant biosynthetic sources of apolipoprotein E. Apolipoprotein E mRNA levels are highest in the inner retina, and lowest in the outer retina where photoreceptors predominate. Significant levels of apolipoprotein E mRNA are also present in the retinal pigmented epithelium/choroid complex and in cultured human retinal pigmented epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: Apolipoprotein E protein is strategically located at the same anatomic locus where drusen are situated, and the retinal pigmented epithelium is the most likely local biosynthetic source of apolipoprotein E at that location. Age-related alteration of lipoprotein biosynthesis and/or processing at the level of the retinal pigmented epithelium and/or Bruch membrane may be a significant contributing factor in drusen formation and age-related macular degeneration pathogenesis.
Dual action effects of morphine on the electrical activity of the dorsal tegmentum.

Abstract The midbrain tegmentum has been identified as an important locus for development of negative reinforcement with electrical stimulation of the brain. It also plays a central role in the motivational-affective component of pain, and is a site of the analgesic action of morphine. The present study reports the effects of morphine on the electrical activity of areas of the dorsal tegmentum of rats that were also tested for the aversive effects of brain stimulation. The results of spectral analysis of the EEG indicated that IP injections of 16 mg/kg of morphine significantly depressed intensity of EEG, while 8 mg/kg of morphine tended to increase intensity. The results were interpreted in terms of the dual action hypothesis of morphine action and Winter's model of drug effects of electrical activity of the brain. It was concluded that morphine may produce complementary inhibitory and excitatory effects on the negative and positive reinforcement systems of the brain respectively.
The effect of direction of comparison on the selection of causal explanations

Abstract Subjects in three experiments were asked to provide a causal explanation for the difference or deviation between an undesirable occurrence (e.g., an individual's recent illness) and a contrasting desirable occurrence (e.g., another individual's concurrent state of good health). Experiments 1 and 2 were conducted to assess the effect of direction of comparison between occurrences on the selection of causal explanations (based on a distinctive feature of the undesirable occurrence versus a distinctive feature of the desirable occurrence). Direction of comparison was manipulated by changing the order in which information about occurrences was presented (undesirable occurrence first versus desirable occurrence first) and by varying whether subjects reviewed information on occurrences with the causel question in mind (Experiment 1) or the question was specified after the fact (Experiment 2). Results indicate that when the causal question was specified in advance, subjects were more likely to base their explanations on distinctive features of the occurrence presented first. By contrast, when the causal question was specified after the fact, subjects were more likely to base their explanations on distinctive features of the occurrence presented second. Results for Experiments 1 and 2 are consistent with findings by Agostinelli, Sherman, Fazio, and Hearst (1986) on the detection and identification of change in two sequentially presented stimuli. In addition, the results of Experiment 3 indicate that differences in subjects' explanations cannot be accounted for by the alternative hypothesis that subjects limited their search to features of one occurrence or the other depending on the position of the causal question. Data show that when subjects were forced to limit their search to just one occurrence, they were more likely to base their explanations on common features that were judged a priori to be highly relevant to the event rather than on distinctive features of lesser causal relevance.
Recombination and Ionization in a Molecular-Ion-Dominated Helium Afterglow

An intense source of free electrons has been observed to strongly influence the time history of the electron density in a high-pressure (g 15-Torr) helium afterglow. The electronic recombination coefficient $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ of molecular helium ions was measured by utilizing this source and was found to be over five times larger than the effective recombination coefficient obtained by equating the net loss rate of free electrons to the recombination loss rate in the usual manner. If $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is assumed to be of the form $\ensuremath{\alpha}={\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{0}+{k}_{p}p$, then ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{0}=1.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and ${k}_{p}=4.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ ${\mathrm{Torr}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ over the pressure range from 15 to 56 Torr. A model is presented which indicates that ionizing metastable-metastable collisions are responsible for the source of free electrons.
Low-Frequency Atmospheric Acoustic Energy Associated with Vortices Produced by Thunderstorms

An infrasonic observatory collocated with the Colorado State University CHILL radar during the summer of 1995 permitted unique comparisons between severe storm kinematics and detected acoustic energy at subaudible frequencies near 1 Hz. Radar observations of a velocity couplet aloft (evolving into a tornado) showed a circulation maximum descending for about 30 min while moving to the east. The detected infrasound followed the trend of these observations. A model of sound radiated from vortex systems predicts frequencies in the range observed. These data are interpreted in the context of past infrasonic observations. An ongoing study comparing regional tornado and funnel sightings with archived infrasonic data has identified over 100 cases to date where the infrasonic signals occurred at the time of, and from the direction of, the vortices. For some of these cases, the distances were greater than 100 km. The author and his associates continue to collect datasets to permit further evaluation of infrasonic detection methods.
HUSBAND-WIFE RESPONSE SIMILARITIES ON EVALUATIVE AND NON-EVALUATIVE SURVEY QUESTIONS

Survey research on family characteristics and practices frequently obtains information from either the husband or the wife (generally the wife), and responses from this single interview are treated as if they represented the consensus of both partners, even though studies in which more than one family member was interviewed indicate the shortcomings of such practices. Two general findings emerge from earlier studies: first, the accuracy of survey data is increased through interviewing other family members; and second, consensus varies according to the type of question posed.' Responses elicited in survey research can be classified along two broadly defined lines of "hard" and "soft" data. "Hard" data consist of information that can be assigned an exact numerical value, while "soft" data lack this numerical precision and require interpretation
Barrett's Esophagus and the Increasing Role of Endoluminal Therapy

Barrett's esophagus, or the presence of specialized intestinal mucosa in the esophagus that has a malignant potential, has experienced a rapid increase in diagnosis and prevalence over the past few decades. Once thought to progress to adenocarcinoma in an orderly sequence of increasing dysplasia, recent data suggest the process can be more random. In combination with targeted surveillance endoscopy, recent improvements in technology have aided endoluminal therapy in becoming a cost-effective adjunct to medication. When used in combination, in particular, these ablative therapies have become suitable, if not preferable, alternatives to surgery in many patients.
Symplectic geometry and (super-)Poincaré algebra in geometrical theories

Abstract Using symplectic geometry, we study realizations of Poincare symmetries in Yang-Mills theory, general relativity, and string field theory. We derive expressions for Poincare charges and, focusing on string field theory, show that they provide us with homomorphism from Poincare algebra into the algebra of continuous functions on the phase space.
The Impact of Animal Welfare and Animal Anti-Cruelty Laws on Veterinarians

This article discusses the ways in which a veterinarian may be legally involved when there are charges under a humane animal law or a cruelty-to-animals law. Included is a discussion of the elements to be considered when there is prosecution of the veterinarian, action by a veterinary licensing and disciplinary board, action against a client, the veterinarian's duty to warn or disclose, and involvement of the veterinarian as an expert witness.
Fatigue Behavior of High Temperature Inorganic Matrix Composites

A low temperature cure inorganic matrix, known as geopolymer or polysialate, is currently being investigated for use in high temperature applications. It provides an excellent opportunity for achieving the goal of producing low cost high temperature resistant composite. This paper deals with the fatigue performance of composites made using this matrix and carbon fabrics. Thirty five laminates were tested under cyclic flexural loading conditions. Both the strength and stiffness properties of coupons subjected to as many as ten million cycles of loading are reported. Failure surfaces were examined using an optical microscope and three degradation mechanisms were observed. Microcracks developed on the tension face of the sample during the first loading cycle. These transverse cracks did not grow during the following cycles. The fatigue cycles also created longitudinal cracks prior to failure. These longitudinal cracks developed at the end of a stable stage in which there was minimal loss of stiffness. When the density of longitudinal cracks became large, their interaction with the transverse microcracks induced the composite failure.
Diversified users’ satisfaction with advanced mobile phone features

Mobile phones are widely used all over the world, and with their increasing number of value-added features, they are becoming far more than a mere mobile voice communication device. Rather, they provide a powerful platform for accessing information universally. This paper reports a study which scrutinized users’ preference levels with five new mobile phone design features facilitating universal information access through mobile phones: camera, colour screen, voice-activated dialling, Internet browsing, and wireless connectivity (e.g. Bluetooth, infrared, etc.). The survey study involved college students and investigated the degree to which each of the above features impacts the users’ overall satisfaction and enhances the potential of mobile phones to contribute to different aspects of universal access. Our results show that colour screen, voice-activated dialling, and Internet browsing feature can strongly predict users’ satisfaction level, and their preference levels together account for 22.7% of the variance of the users’ overall satisfaction. Users’ satisfaction levels are significantly different between models with colour screen feature and those without, and models with Internet browsing features and those without. Since mobile phone design needs to accommodate the needs and preferences of diversified user groups, the performed study also investigated the difference in users’ preference levels of the five new features for different ethnic groups, and difference in mobile phone owned by different genders. The result indicates that Asian female users in the U.S. market have higher preference level on colour screen feature than Caucasian female users. Significantly higher percentage of male users own phones with camera, Internet browsing, and wireless connectivity features than female users. The empirical study reported in this paper provides a comprehensive picture of how new design features can enhance the mobile phone as a universal access device, and what impact they have brought about. It can also help manufacturers adopt a universal design perspective in view of the differences in preference levels of users with different ethnicity and genders.
Condition Assessment of Bill Emerson Memorial Cable-Stayed Bridge Under Postulated Design Earthquake

In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model of the Bill Emerson Memorial cable-stayed bridge was developed and validated with the acceleration data recorded during the M4.1 earthquake of May 1, 2005, in Manila, Arkansas. The model took into account the geometric nonlinear properties associated with cable sagging and soil-foundation-structure interaction. The validated model was used to evaluate the performance of a seismic protective system, the behavior of cable-stayed spans, and the accuracy of two simplified bridge models that have been extensively used by the structural control community. The calculated natural frequencies and mode shapes correlated well with the measured data. Except that the hollow columns of two H-shaped towers were near yielding immediately above their capbeams, the cable-stayed spans behaved elastically as expected under the design earthquake that was scaled up from the recorded rock motions at the bridge site. The minimum factor of safety of all cables is 2.78, which...
Isolation and characterization of human DNA in agarose block

Classic phenol-chloroform extraction of human DNA results in substantial shearing and low yield. Because DNA analysis in human genetic disorders needs relatively intact DNA, we modified the existing method and systematically analyzed the human DNA isolated from HeLa cells, leukocytes, amniocytes, and fibroblasts in agarose block and compared the results to those obtained by conventional phenol method. Our results showed that DNA isolated by the agarose method was higher in molecular weight, with minimal shearing as compared to the phenol method. Yield of DNA from the agarose method was substantially higher, almost twice that obtained by the phenol method. Restriction enzyme digestion of DNA from the agarose method indicated the usefulness of this DNA for restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis without further purification. DNA obtained by the agarose method was found to be more resistant to thermal degradation and more stable on long-term storage than that of phenol-extracted DNA.
The design of a location experiment

Abstract The search for the relationship between residential location and urban transportation systems has been conducted from the deterministic side, using the tools of microeconomic theory, and from the probabilistic side, using information theory. Until now, the purely probabilistic models were unable to effectively utilize the available data on the economic behavior of residential decision makers. The deterministic models, on the other hand, have met with difficulty in the aggregation of individual behavior. This paper combines what we consider to be the better points of both approaches. The synthesis makes available to the transportation planner a framework which enables him to use the potentially available data to predict the effects on residential location of a change in the transportation system.
14N NMR studies of free radicals: Application to α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)

Using NMR, we establish that the 14 N hyperfine coupling, A N , of the -NO 2 groups in DPPH is −0.42 ± 0.05 G. This must correspond to the smallest splitting observed in the high-resolution EPR spectra of DPPH. We find that for such small 14 N splittings in free radicals, the NMR method has distinct advantages over ELDOR, ENDOR, and tripleresonance techniques.
Purification and properties of a ribonuclease in human urine that hydrolyses polycytidylic acid.

Abstract Human urine RNase was purified about 2000-fold. The preparation is free from phosphatase, phosphodiesterase and DNase activities. On electrophoresis through polyacrylaraide gel at pH 8.3, it migrates toward the anode and stains with periodic acid-Schiff reagent, suggesting that it is aci c and glycoprotein in nature. Its isoelectric point is at pH 4.1. It has a molecular weight of about 21, 500. It is thermostable at pH 4.2 and thermolabile at pH 8.5. It has a pH optimum at 6.5. It exhibits highest preference for cytidine 3′-phosphate linkages. Its activity on poly (C) is endonucleolytic. It cleaves poly (C) via intramolecular transphosphorylation. It has no action on cytidine 2′: 3′-cyclic phosphate or uridine 2′:3′-cyclic phosphate. Its rate of hydrolysis of poly (U) is less than 2% of that of poly (C). Poly (A) and poly (G) are totally inert to its action. Its action on poly (C) is inhibited by poly (G), poly (A) and poly (U). It differs from bovine pancreatic RNase A in its physical, chemical...
Motivation to learn and language proficiency.

Marathi-speaking high school students were tested on English proficiency and the nature of their motivation for learning English. The results showed that they were instrumentally motivated to learn English and that instrumental motivation scores correlated significantly with English proficiency scores. They regarded the two communities, Marathi-speakers and English-speaking Indians, as their reference groups for different areas of their life, and saw themselves as based in their own cummunity but reaching out to modern ideas and life-styles.
High power 14xx pump lasers with wavelength locker for co-pumped Raman amplifiers

Distributed Raman amplification in the transmission fiber is an attractive technique to increase the transmission capacity and to extend the reach of long-haul WDM optical system [1]. The next generation WDM system is expected to offer transmission in the wide range of S, C, and L band. A single Raman pump wavelength provides flat gain in the limited wavelength range of approximately 15nm. However, multi-wavelength pumping at 12 different pump wavelengths allows to offer high gain and very good gain flatness over the wavelength range of up to 100nm [2].
Performance evaluation for line-drawing recognition systems

In this paper, we discuss a performance evaluator for line- drawing recognition systems on images that contain binary digital logic schematic diagrams, a restricted subclass of engineering line drawings. The evaluator accepts inputs of IGES files containing IGES primitives of straight lines, circles, partial arcs of circles, and IGES label block objects. Our evaluator takes two IGES files. One of these files is the recognition algorithm's output and the other IGES file is the corresponding ground truth. The first step of processing involves parsing each IGES file and extracting IGES entities and the parameter information according to the IGES file format specification. The evaluator performs the evaluation for each pair of entities within these two files based on their types and the matching protocols and matching criteria defined in this paper. The results of our evaluator is a table of numbers which when weighted by application specific weights can be summed to produce an overall score relevant to the application.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Peer assessment of professionalism: a five-year experience in medical clerkship.

Introduction Faculty assessment of students’ professionalism is often based upon sporadic exposure to students. Peers are in a unique position to provide valid judgments of these behaviors.
Decreased Staphylococcus epidermis adhesion and increased osteoblast functionality on antibiotic-loaded titania nanotubes.

Abstract Bacterial infection is one of the most common problems after orthopedic implant surgery. If not prevented, bacterial infection can result in serious and life threatening conditions such as osteomyelitis. Thus, in order to reduce chances of such serious complication, patients are often subjected to antibiotic drug therapy for 6–8 weeks after initial surgery. The antibiotics are systemically delivered either intravenously, intramuscularly or topically. Systemic antibiotic delivery entails certain drawbacks such as systemic toxicity and limited bioavailability. Further, in order for the drug to be effective at the site of implantation, high doses are required, which can result in undesired side effects in patients. Thus, local antibiotic therapy is the preferred way of administering drugs. To that end, we have developed titania nanotubular arrays for local delivery of antibiotics off-implant at the site of implantation. These nanotubes were fabricated on bulk titanium using anodization techniques. The fabrication strategies allow us to precisely control the nanotube length and diameter, thus enabling us to load different amounts of drugs and control the release rates. In this work we have fabricated titania nanotubes with 80 nm diameter and 400 nm length. We have loaded these tubes with 200, 400 and 600 μg of gentamicin. The gentamicin release kinetics from these nanotubes and its effect on Staphylococcus epidermis adhesion were investigated. Further, a preosteoblastic cell line called MC3T3-E1 was cultured on gentamicin-loaded nanotubes to evaluate the effect of nanoarchitecture on cell functionality. Our results indicate that we can effectively fill the nanotubes with the drug and the drug eluting nanotubes significantly reduce bacterial adhesion on the surface. Also, there is enhanced osteoblast differentiation on nanotubes filled with gentamicin.
Designing a Collective Approach to Peace: Interactive Design and Problem-Solving Workshops with Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot Communities in Cyprus

A series of problem-solving workshops, facilitated by the author utilizing the “interactive management” design process, was held in Cyprus over a nine-month period with a bi-communal group of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Participants addressed peacebuilding efforts in Cyprus during three phases of group work in which they (a) explored the current situation surrounding such efforts, (b) developed a collective vision for the future, and (c) created an integrated set of activities that they would lead over the next two to three years. The process and the products from the group work are described, and personal reflections are offered about the context for the training, cultural considerations, political and practical difficulties, the impact of the workshops, and an evaluation of the training.
The electrostriction of P(VDF-TrFE) copolymers embedded with textured dielectric particles

Abstract Electrostriction refers to the nonlinear electromechanical coupling in materials, where the strain depends on the electric field quadratically. In this paper we present a micromechanical analysis on the effective electrostriction of a polyvinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene [P(VDF-TrFE)] copolymer embedded with textured dielectric particles, where the effective constitutive equations are established using a nonlinear micromechanics model, and a numerical algorithm is developed to calculate the effective electrostrictive coefficients of the composite in terms of its microstructural features. The effects of particle shape and orientation distribution have been investigated, enhanced electrostriction in the composite has been demonstrated, and optimal microstructure for electrostriction enhancement has been identified. Our analysis provides a guideline for the design and optimization of electrostrictive composites for optimal electromechanical properties.
Motherhood and HIV Risk Among Female Sex Workers in Andhra Pradesh, India: The Need to Consider Women’s Life Contexts

This study examines whether the challenges of motherhood among female sex workers (FSW) are linked with vulnerability to sexual risk factors for HIV. FSW at least 18 years of age (n = 850) were recruited through respondent driven sampling for a survey on HIV risk in the Rajahmundry area of Andhra Pradesh, India. Logistic regression models adjusted for demographic characteristics were used to assess the relation between reported caretaking challenges and sexual risk indicators for HIV. In adjusted logistic regression models, FSW who reported three or more children in their household or current child health concerns were significantly less likely to report consistent condom use (adjusted odds ratios (AORs) range: 0.5–0.6) and more likely to take more money for sex without a condom (both AORs: 2.5). Women who reported current child health concerns were also more likely to report an STI symptom in the past 6 months (AOR = 1.6; 95 % confidence interval: 1.1–2.3). Findings suggest that challenging responsibilities related to caretaking of children are associated with heightened vulnerability to HIV risk among FSW. Such findings add to the cumulating evidence urging for the implementation of HIV prevention interventions that consider the multiple challenges across various domains of women’s lives.
The relationship between surface tension and energy of liquid metals and their heat of vaporization at the melting point

Abstract An empirical relationship between the surface tension and energy of liquid metals and their heat of vaporization at the melting point was presented recently. The relationship is a simple straight line between the logarithm of the surface tension at the melting point and the logarithm of the heat of vaporization per cubic centimeter of liquid metal at the melting point; the lower line relates to cubic or tetragonal metals while the higher line is for the hexagonal or rhombohedral metals. A rigorous demonstration of such relationships depends on the reliability and accuracy of all experimental data on which they are based. A critical review of all pertinent data on all metals available to date was made and is presented herewith. It is also demonstated that the free surface energy of metals at their melting point equals 15 per cent of their heat of vaporization at the melting point. The various relationships are used to estimate unknown surface tensions and the specific examples of beryllium, lanthanum and europium, at various temperatures (up to 3000°K), are discussed.
Structurally tuned superconductivity in heavy-fermion CeMIn5 (MCo, Ir, Rh)

Abstract We discuss systematic trends in the high-temperature physical properties of the heavy Fermion superconductors (HFS) CeCoIn5 (T c =2.3 K , γ=300 mJ / mol K 2 ), CeIrIn5 (T c =0.4 K , γ=750 mJ / mol K 2 ), and CeRhIn5 (P c =16 kbar , T c =2.1 K , γ=400 mJ / mol K 2 ) in terms of crystalline-electrical-field effects(CEF). We suggest the possibility that the interplay between the symmetry of the CEF ground-state (or low-T CEF scheme of levels) and the f–s hybridization could generate spin fluctuations relevant to the superconducting pairing mechanism in these materials. This hypothesis may provide insight into the fact that some crystal structures appear to favor superconductivity. Further, CeMIn5 (MCo, Ir, Rh) appear to be structural relatives of the cubic heavy Fermion superconductor CeIn3, but with much higher Tc's. We argue that structural layering inherent in the tetragonal CeMIn5 crystal structure determines the magnetic and electronic anisotropy responsible for the enhanced Tc's. We also describe similarities and differences between these compounds and the high-Tc cuprates.
Morphological consequences of bisacodyl on normal human rectal mucosa: effect of a prostaglandin E1 analog on mucosal injury

Bisacodyl causes acute injury to the human rectal mucosa. Our objectives were to test whether pretreating the human rectum with an enema of 400 μ g of a prostaglandin E, analog (misoprostol) would ameliorate the mucosal injury provoked by an enema of 10mg of bisacodyl, and to follow the evolution of the bisacodyl-induced injury in normal volunteers. Mucosal biopsies were taken 10cm from the anus with an endoscopic forceps through a straight sigmoidoscope. Histological sections were interpreted blindly. In a preliminary experiment without bisacodyl, biopsies obtained from six subjects after misoprostol administration were indistinguishable from those taken from another six subjects after enemas of saline. In a parallel treatment experiment involving 30 subjects, all subjects sustained injury to the superficial epithelium and upper third of the crypt within 30min after bisacodyl. Pretreatment with misoprostol also failed to prevent deeper injury to the lower third of colonic crypts. In a cross-over trial, a subset of four volunteers had biopsies at five different intervals after an enema of bisacodyl or saline. For up to 30 hours after bisacodyl, there was histological evidence of mild inflammation. Bisacodyl-induced colitis might confound the assessment of patients with suspected inflammatory bowel disease.
Spine and scapular pain: an unusual presentation of colon adenocarcinoma

We are presenting an elderly Caucasian woman who was admitted to our hospital for severe lower back pain and scapular pain for 8 days. She had a history of spinal stenosis and we believed this was the aetiology of her pain. However, her pain was not subsiding and hence an MRI spine was performed. It revealed spinal stenosis and abnormal signal in the lower thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Hence a bone biopsy was performed that came back as metastatic adenocarcinoma. She underwent a bone scan and revealed diffuse disease in thoracic, lumbar, sacral spine as well as third and 10th ribs. Her CT chest/abdomen/pelvis revealed no primary tumour. A mass was detected on her colonscopy, and pathology revealed adenocarcinoma. She underwent palliative radiation and one cycle of chemotherapy. She was discharged to home hospice care. It is very rare to have osseous metastases as the only manifestation of colon cancer.
Reconstructing and segmenting hyperspectral images from compressed measurements

A joint reconstruction and segmentation model for hyperspectral data obtained from a compressive measurement system is proposed, and some preliminary tests are described. Although hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology has incredible potential, its utility is currently limited because of the quantity and complexity of the data it gathers. Yet, often the scene to be reconstructed from the HSI data contains far less information, typically consisting of spectrally and spatially homogeneous segments that can be represented sparsely in an appropriate basis. Such vast informational redundancy thus implicitly contained in the HSI data warrants a compressed sensing (CS) strategy that acquires appropriately coded spectral-spatial data from which one can reconstruct the original image more efficiently, while still enabling target identification procedures. A coded-aperture snapshot spectral imager (CASSI) is considered here, and a joint reconstruction and segmentation model for data obtained from CASSI compressive measurements is proposed and preliminary numerical experiments are presented.
Adenosine analogs: potentiation of bradykinin-induced plasma exudation in rat skin and prevention by caffeine and theophylline.

Abstract Adenosine and various analogs potentiated plasma exudation elicited by bradykinin in rat skin using 125I-labelled bovine serum albumin (125I-BSA) as a tracer. L-N6-Phenylisopropyladenosine (L-PIA) was much more effective than D-PIA, adenosine, N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) and 2-chloroadenosine, all of which were comparable in activity. Adenosine 5′-cyclopropylcarboxamide was the least effective analog. Caffeine and theophylline had no effect on basal or bradykinin-elicited plasma exudation, while inhibiting plasma exudation elicited by L-PIA, CHA or a combination of bradykinin and L-PIA. 8-Phenyltheophylline was more potent than caffeine or theophylline versus the bradykinin and L-PIA combination. 2′,5′-Dideoxyadenosine, a P-site inhibitor of adenylate cyclase, had no effect on plasma exudation elicited by bradykinin, L-PIA or a combination of bradykinin and L-PIA, but did inhibit plasma exudation elicited by prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) or a bradykinin-PGE1-combination. The antihistamine cyproheptadine slightly reduced plasma exudation elicited by a bradykinin-PGE1 combination. The results suggest that adenosine potentiates bradykinin-induced plasma exudation via an adenosine receptor and that histamine may be involved to some extent in the phenomenon.
VEGF obstructs the lungs.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), known as a mediator of blood vessel formation and permeability, now gains an essential position in allergic lung responses ( pages 1095–1103 ).
A study of the green area effect in the Black Hills of South Dakota

Abstract Bimonthly sampling of Aitken and larger particles for a twelve-month period in the Black Hills of South Dakota has revealed several possible particle removal mechanisms. The measurements were made using a Gardner small particle counter at thirteen stations surrounding and within the Black Hills proper. The results indicate that the Black Hills area is a significant source of clean air and that observed low levels of particle concentrations are primarily the result of precipitation and in-cloud scavenging, elevation variation, and the particle removal mechanism of vegetation (greenarea effect). After correcting the data for elevation changes, precipitation scavenging, and local pollution sources, present analysis suggests the operation of a significant particulate filtering mechanism by the heavy vegetation of the Black Hills. The green area effect alone may serve to reduce ambient Aitken particle concentrations by as much as 50%.
Prepyriform seizure thresholds during the estrous cycle in female rats.

Abstract Changes in electrical excitability of the prepyriform cortex were studied by measuring localized seizure threshold in cycling female rats. Mean values for seizure threshold on each day of the estrous cycle showed a slight tendency towards cyclicity, the threshold being lowest during proestrus and highest during metestrus. Examination of the data, however, revealed that this was due to the fact that a minority of the animals showed a marked cyclicity in this direction while the remaining animals underwent random fluctuations in seizure threshold or hardly any fluctuations at all. The data suggest that the primary olfactory system is some female rats responds to circulating levels of sex hormones by undergoing cyclic variations in electrical excitability.
In Vitro Assessment of Rat Heart Force Generation: A Quantitative Approach for Predicting Outcomes From Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Therapy for Myocardial Infarction

Five million Americans currently suffer from heart failure, with 550,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The most common cause of heart failure is ischemic heart disease with an episode of acute myocardial infarction. Prognosis is poor with an annual mortality rate of 40% the first year, and 10% thereafter. Unfortunately, there is currently no medical therapy to stop or reverse the advancement of heart failure.© 2010 ASME
Future challenges for research on diagnostic tests: genetic tests and disease prevention

Evidence based assessments for new diagnostic strategies In his paper about possible ways to improve research on diagnostic testing,1 Dr Feinstein observed that “the methodological problems are particularly noteworthy in the new era of molecular biology and genetic testing.” Methodological issues surrounding research on genetic testing have been addressed in several recent articles and reports from expert advisory panels.2–5 Although some of these reports have focused on technological and quality assurance challenges in large scale genetic testing and screening, many of their recommendations and conclusions are applicable to genetic testing conducted in a clinical setting or as part of research. The National Institutes of Health-Department of Energy Working Group on Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Human Genome Research, Task Force on Genetic Testing, noted that the clinical use of a genetic test must be based on evidence that the gene being examined is associated with the disease in question, that the test results will be useful to the people being tested, and that the test itself has analytical and clinical validity.4 Whereas clinical validity refers to the accuracy with which a test predicts the presence or absence of a clinical condition or predisposition, analytical validity is an indicator of how well a test performs in the laboratory.5 …
Maternal meiosis II nondisjunction in a case of 47,XXY testicular feminization

An 11-year-old patient with incomplete testicular feminization and a 47,XXY karyotype is described. The patient had female external genitalia, clitoromegaly, and some features of Klinefelter's syndrome, including speech delay and delayed intellectual development. DNA analysis using X chromosomal DNA sequences suggests that the supernumerary X chromosome in the patient resulted from maternal nondisjunction during meiosis II. The M II error thereby provides the basis for homozygosity of a mutation in the androgen receptor locus.