cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Determination of the Entrapment Efficiency for a Molecular Dispersion System

AbstractThe entrapment of d-propoxyphene in ethyl cellulose pseudolatex systems was studied. Heat of fusion measurements were used to determine the extent of molecular scale entrapment. When δHf = 0, the drug was assumed to he entrapped on a molecular level while δHfvalues greater than zero indicated the presence of crystal structure. Zeta potential measurements were also used to indicate the point of maximum entrapment efficiency. A good correlation was obtained between zeta potential and heat of fusion measurements.
Validation of PROMIS ® Physical Function Computerized Adaptive Tests for Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Outcome Research

Background In 2012, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society® established a national network for collecting and sharing data on treatment outcomes and improving patient care. One of the network’s initiatives is to explore the use of computerized adaptive tests (CATs) for patient-level outcome reporting.
Prediction of Thermally Induced Time-Variant Machine Tool Error Maps Using a Fuzzy Artmap Neural Network

A novel approach to on-line learning and prediction of time-variant machine tool error maps is proposed. These error maps are measured using a fast calibration device called the laser ball-bar (LBB) that directly measures the total positioning errors at the cutting tool using trilateration. The learning and prediction of these error maps is achieved using a Fuzzy ARTMAP neural network by treating the problem as an incremental approximation of a functional mapping between thermal sensor readings and the associated positional errors at each location of the cutting tool. Experimental measurements of the positional errors for a two axis turning center were performed using the LBB over two separate thermal duty cycles. The Fuzzy ARTMAP was trained on-line using the data collected over the first thermal duty cycle, which simulated machining of large workpieces with several hours of machining, inspection and set-up time. The network was made to predict the error map of the machine for a new thermal duty cycle that simulated machining of a range of short and long workpieces with shorter machining and set-up times. Results of these predictions show that the LBB and Fuzzy ARTMAP combination is a fast and accurate method for real-time error compensation in machine tools. This method overcomes drawbacks in currently methodologies including high cost and excessive downtime to calibrate machine tools. Application of the Fuzzy ARTMAP to continuous process improvement is discussed.
Conformal absorbing boundary conditions for the vector wave equation

An absorbing boundary condition of second order is derived for mesh terminations conformal to the shape of the radiator or scatterer. The boundary condition is expressed entirely in terms of the principal curvatures of the termination surface and results in a symmetric system of equations when incorporated into the finite-element functional.
Theoretical investigation of the lift and drag characteristics of flexible parawings at subsonic speeds

A theoretical analysis supplemented with an experimental program has been conducted to determine the lift and drag characteristics of NASA-type parawings. The results of the experimental program showed that the flowfield at a given spanwise station is nearly two-dimensional and that the aerodynamic characteristics of a parawing are similar to those of a conventional wing. As a consequence, it was concluded that the lifting-line theory for conventional wings should yield a suitable prediction for parawing aerodynamics even though the parawings have low aspect ratios. Thus, lifting-line theory was applied to several parawing configurations to determine the lift, induced drag, center of pressure, etc. The skin-friction drag was estimated so that the total drag as well as the lift-to-drag ratios could be calculated. Comparison of theory and experiment indicates that the lifting line theory provides an adequate estimate of parawing aerodynamics within the linear range of the lift curve. In addition, a technique based on the center of pressure results has been devised to predict the angle-of-attack at which trailing edge nutter begins.
Gender differences in self-consistency: Evidence from an investigation of self-concept structure.

This study investigates the relationship between two primary motivational components of the self-concept: self-esteem and self-consistency. Past research has shown that high self-esteem is associated with greater consistency. Developed from theories of the self-concept, a structural model relating these two constructs was posited such that (1) self-esteem is causally prior to self-consistency, and (2) the effect of self-esteem is (at least partially) mediated by other components of the self-concept (self-consciousness, the tendency to fantasize, and the tendency to present a false front by hiding one's feelings). Utilizing a structural equation model with unobserved variables, an analysis of covariance structures was applied simultaneously but separately to data from a sample of boys and girls (ages 8–19). Results showed that the direct effect of self-esteem on self-consistency was stronger for boys than for girls. Further, the mediational properties of the other self-concept components also varied across gender. These differences are interpreted in light of theories of gender socialization.
A protocol to effectively create single cell suspensions of adherent cells for multiparameter high-throughput flow cytometry.

High-throughput flow cytometry of adherent cells is difficult because the creation of single cell suspensions can damage cells and yield artificial results. We describe a protocol to increase the single cell suspension yield of adherent human cells without injury. Doxorubicin, a cytotoxic agent, was administered to adherent human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines (Panc-1 and AsPC-1) to produce alterations in the cell cycle and intracellular protein expression. The cells in 96-well plates were disassociated using a collagenase and trypsin mixture. Fluorescence-activated high-throughput flow cytometry evaluated cellular viability as well as surface and intracellular protein expression. Cell cycle analysis was performed using 7-aminoactinomycin D and intracellular protein characterization was performed using a fluorescein-labeled monoclonal antibody against activated caspase-3. The collagenase–trypsin-based protocol increased single cell events from 31.9 ± 0.5% using trypsin alone (standard) to a range of 62.1% to 85.5% without adversely affecting viability. High-throughput flow cytometry demonstrated that the addition of collagenase to the disassociation solution not only permitted significantly higher rates of single cell creation, but it did not negatively affect the doxorubicin-induced protein expression. This protocol allows for expedient and effective disassociation of adherent human cells in order to investigate alterations in specific cellular enzymes and pathways.
Resonant scattering or absorption followed by emission

Several papers have appeared recently indicating theoretical and experimental differences between resonant scattering and absorption followed by emission. We show that they are the same phenomenon and demonstrate that a widely used analytical treatment of radiative processes does not describe this phenomenon accurately.
Deactivation mechanisms of rod phototransduction: the Cogan lecture.

Vision begins when a photon of light is absorbed in the retinal photoreceptor cells and activates a series of biochemical reactions known as the phototransduction cascade. Photon absorption occurs within the photoreceptor outer segments, cylindrical subcellular compartments containing a stack of intracellular membranes called discs, that house the molecular machinery of phototransduction. The most abundant protein of the disc membranes is the light receptor itself, the G protein-coupled receptor, rhodopsin. A photon of sufficient energy photoisomerizes rhodopsin's covalently attached chromophore, 11-cis retinal, to its all-trans form, causing the protein to undergo a conformational change to an active state, metarhodopsin II (R*).1 R* binds and activates the heterotrimeric G protein, transducin (Gt) by catalyzing GDP-GTP exchange on the α subunit at a rate of several hundred per second.2 Each of the activated transducin α subunits (Gtα*) binds the γ-subunit of the phosphodiesterase3 (PDE6), relieving PDEγ's inhibition of PDEαβ catalytic subunits,4 producing an active effector complex (Gtα-PDE*) with a greatly increased rate of hydrolysis of cyclic GMP. The decrease in cGMP concentration due to Gtα-PDE* activity rapidly leads to closure of cGMP-gated cation channels in the plasma membrane.5 The consequent decrease in inward cation current hyperpolarizes the cell, thereby reducing the rate of glutamate released from the photoreceptor terminal. The light-evoked decrease in outer segment current, or photoresponse, persists until R* and Gtα-PDE* have deactivated and the cGMP levels have been restored. This review will discuss the molecular events that are essential for the recovery of the light-evoked changes in membrane current.
(Trans)national language ideologies and family language practices: a life history inquiry of Judeo-Spanish in Turkey

This article explores the diminished use of Judeo-Spanish among Jews living in Turkey and asks the following research question: What factors, ideologies, and practices contribute to the demise of Judeo-Spanish? To address this question, we employed life history inquiry based on two oral history archives documenting elderly Turkish-Jewish community members’ lived experiences in Turkey. We argue that the endangerment of Judeo-Spanish is caused by the reciprocal interaction between broader, societal language ideologies and family-internal language practices. In particular, the opening of the Alliance schools among the Turkish Jewry in the second half of the nineteenth century relegated Judeo-Spanish to a lower social standing and promoted French as the language of Western enlightenment while Turkish nationalism and the ‘Turkish-only’ language policies of the newly formed Turkish Republic aimed to create a monolingual public space in Turkey. To further explain how monolingual language ideologies influenced the use of Judeo-Spanish in the family, we discuss the negative language attitudes towards Judeo-Spanish that are reproduced in the family and specific language practices (e.g., code-meshing) that relegate Judeo-Spanish to linguistic periphery, yet keep this language as a marker of ethnic identity.
The validation of the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 (TSC-40) in a sample of inpatients

This study examined the construct validity of the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 (TSC-40; Elliot & Briere, 1992) in a sample of 130 female psychiatric inpatients. Consistent with other findings, the TSC-40 displayed criterion-related validity in relation to childhood sexual abuse. Survivors of sexual abuse obtained significantly higher scores than those without such a history on the overall TSC-40 and on each of the six subscales, except the Depression subscale. Convergent validity of three subscales was demonstrated, and divergent validity on the total TSC-40 and each of its subscales was established. Further, among a range of abuse-effects measures, the Sexual Abuse Trauma Index (SATI) subscale was the most powerful predictor of sexual abuse. The SATI and Dissociation subscales were the subscales most sensitive to the specific features of the sexual abuse.
The effects of interleukin-10 in hemorrhagic shock.

Abstract Background. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) counteracts the effects of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Experimental data suggest that inhibition of these proinflammatory cytokines improves outcome in sepsis, endotoxemia, necrotizing pancreatitis, and other severe inflammatory states. We hypothesized that the administration of IL-10 would attenuate the release of proinflammatory cytokines after severe hemorrhagic shock. Methods. To test our hypothesis, male Sprague–Dawley rats ( N = 20) were divided into control and experimental groups. We induced hemorrhagic shock by removing a sufficient quantity of blood to maintain a mean arterial pressure of 50 mm Hg or less for 120 min. The animals were then resuscitated with shed blood and an equal volume of 0.9% saline. The experimental group received 10,000 units of IL-10 at the initiation of shock. Serum IL-1, IL-6, TNF, and lactate were measured at baseline, after 120 min of shock, and 60 min after resuscitation. The rats were followed for 72 h to calculate survival. Results. Similar levels of hypoperfusion were obtained in both groups as demonstrated by lactate levels and amount of shed blood. The survival rate (70%) was the same in both groups. Serum levels of IL-1 and IL-6 were not significantly different between the two groups, although there was a trend toward IL-6 suppression. TNF, however, was significantly lower in the IL-10-treated group at the end of shock (Wilcoxon test, P Conclusion. Administration of IL-10 suppresses the TNF surge observed after severe hemorrhagic shock.
Reliability and factor structure of the sport anxiety questionnaire in fifth- and sixth-grade children.

In a sample of 178 children, the Sport Anxiety Questionnaire showed acceptable internal consistency and homogeneity.
Statistical inference on patch-specific survival and movement rates from marked animals

Empirical estimates of patch-specific survival and movement rates are needed to parametrize spatially explicit population models, and for inference on the effects of habitat quality and fragmentation on populations. Data from radio-marked animals, in which both the fates and habitat locations of animals are known over time, can be used in conjunction with continuous-time proportional hazards models to obtain inferences on survival rates. Discrete-time conditional logistic models may provide inference on both survival and movement rates. We use Monte Carlo simulation to investigate accuracy of estimates of survival from both approaches, and movement rates from conditional logistic regression, for two habitats. Bias was low (relative bias < 0.04) and interval coverage accurate (close to the nominal 0.95) for estimates of habitat effect on survival based on proportional hazards. Bias was high ( $$\bar x$$ relative bias 0.60) and interval coverage poor ( $$\bar x$$ = 0.26 vs. nominal 0.95) for estimates of habitat effect based on conditional logistic regression; bias was especially influenced by heterogeneity in survival and the shape of the hazard function, whereas both bias and coverage were affected by ‘memory’ effects in movement patterns. Bias estimates of movement rate was low ( $$\bar x$$ relative bias < 0.05), but interval coverage was poor ( $$\bar x$$ = 0.48–0.80), possibly as a result of poor performance of a Taylor series estimate of variance. An example is provided from a radio-telemetry study of 47 wintering American woodcock (Scolopax minor), illustrating practical difficulties in field studies to parametrize these models. We also discuss extensions of continuous-time models to explicitly include a movement process, and further examine tradeoffs between continuous and discrete models.
Relating chromatographic data to measurements of wheat quality: Case studies in dimension reduction

Abstract Fractionating wheat proteins by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography yields extremely complex chromatograms. The data they contain may relate to many characteristics of milled wheat such as the volume of a loaf of bread or the texture of the dough produced, but such relationships are not readily apparent from the raw data. We report our experiences with two dimension-reduction techniques that are widely cited in the chemometrics literature: principal component analysis and partial least squares (PLS). Each of these methods replaces the original observation vectors by weighted averages of their components, where the weights are selected according to a data-dependent criterion. The analysis proceeds by operating on these weighted averages rather than the original, high-dimensional data. In order to elucidate properties of significance tests and other inferences, we focus on the special case where only one factor is selected. We show how to use simulation to compute the appropriate significance level of the regression on the PLS scores. The common technique of using the F distribution to compute significance levels for PLS regression can be an extremely liberal procedure. The interpretation of PLS weights requires considerable care.
Solubility of Alkyl Benzoates I: Effect of Some Alkyl p-Hydroxybenzoates (Parabens) on the Solubility of Benzyl p-Hydroxybenzoate

The solubility features of a homologous series of alkyl p-hydroxybenzoates (parabens) with alkyl groups, in an ascending order from methyl to n-butyl, were investigated together with benzyl paraben and methyl p-methoxybenzoate. A phenomenon of mutual solubilizing potential was observed to exist when the solubility of a mixture of an alkyl paraben and benzyl paraben in 60% polyethylene glycol 400-water was examined. The analysis was carried out by means of UV spectrophotometry and NMR spectroscopy. The scope of application of these esters for their antimicrobial properties, for which they are primarily employed in pharmaceutical sciences, is envisaged to be augmented by considering factors influencing solubility.
Discrepancies Between Blood Glucose and Glycosylated Hemoglobin in Intensively Treated Diabetic Patients

Self blood glucose monitoring (SBGM) results in nine insulin- dependent diabetic patients who had elevated levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1 9.8% ±0.4%) despite intensive treatment were compared with those of 11 patients who were able to achieve strict diabetes control (HbA1 8.1% ± 0.2% ; normal 5.6%-8.0%). Surprisingly, both groups reported similar SBGM values and testing frequency, and both groups measured glucose levels accurately when values were checked in the laboratory. On the other hand, laboratory glucose values were lower and correlated with HbA 1 levels only in the group that achieved near normal HbA1 values. These data suggest that problems with SBGM may impede achievement of strict glycemic control during intensive treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes.
On a Conjecture of Furstenberg

The Hausdorff dimension of the set of numbers which can be written using digits 0, 1,t in base 3 is estimated. For everyt irrational a lower bound 0.767 … is found.
Petrogenesis of Franciscan glaucophane schists and associated metamorphic rocks, California

Rocks of the glaucophane-schist facies are widely though irregularly developed in the Franciscan formation of California. Minerals critical of the facies are lawsonite, aragonite, jadeite and omphacitic pyroxenes associated with quartz; amphiboles of the glaucophane-crossite series are almost ubiquitous. The most widely distributed rock, occurring over areas of many square kilometers, is jadeite-lawsonite metagraywacke, commonly veined with aragonite. More spectacular, but occurring mainly in isolated blocks are coarse-grained glaucophane-lawsonite Schists of many kinds. Commonly, but by no means invariably, they are closely associated with bodies of serpentinite. Also common in the vicinity of serpentinite masses are blocks of amphibolite and eclogite. All the metamorphic rocks are considered to be Franciscan sediments and basic volcanics metamorphosed and metasomatized in the deep levels of a folded geosynclinal prism. Experimental data on the stability fields of jadeite-quartz, aragonite, and lawsonite show that the glaucophane-schist facies represents metamorphism at pressures of between 5 and 10 kb and temperatures of 150–300° C. Such conditions could develop at depths greater than 15 km provided a very low geothermal gradient (10°/km) were maintained. The metagray-wackes are considered to represent a regional response to such conditions. The role of serpentinites in glaucophane-schist metamorphism is discussed in terms of a tentatively proposed model: — In very deep levels — perhaps at depths as great as 30 km, bodies of hot ultramafic magma develop restricted aureoles' in which temperatures of 400–600° C are maintained fer perhaps 100–1000 years. The products of metamorphism, which also involves desilication under the influence of the ultramafic magma, are eclogite and amphibolite. Later, and perhaps at higher levels serpentinization of the now solid ultramafic masses (near 400° C), causes renewed metamorphism at lower grades. Marginal development of glaucophane Schists and prehnite and hydrogarnet rocks, and retrogressive alteration of eclogite and amphibolite to glaucophane-schist assemblages is attributed to this period.
Synthesis of double-crank (drag-link) driven mechanisms with adjustable motion and dwell time ratios

Abstract The double-crank mechanism is a versatile nonuniform input source for other mechanism loops generating nonuniform and intermittent motions. This article offers a minimum-maximum velocity ratio chart for the determination of the positions of the double-crank mechanisms for minimum velocity ratios. A set of input-output displacement charts are given for the selection of dynamically efficient double-crank driving loops of multiloop mechanisms, in which the order of the instantaneous dwells can be increased, advance-to-return time ratios and dwell-to-motion time ratios can be generated as specified or be made changeable when desired. These design charts broaden the design opportunities with the double-crank mechanism. Design applications showing the use of these design charts are included in several design examples. It is also shown that these design charts become invaluable for the synthesis of indexing mechanisms free of infinite jerk. Double-crank mechanism is an approximate-constant-velocity coupling mechanism for parallel shafts permitting adjustable offset. Some of these charts are also for the selection of such double-crank mechanisms.
Processing of a wheat light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b protein precursor by a soluble enzyme from higher plant chloroplasts.

A processing activity has been identified in higher plant chloroplasts that cleaves the precursor of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding protein (LHCP). A wheat LHCP gene previously characterized (Lamppa, G.K., G. Morelli, and N.-H. Chua, 1985. Mol. Cell Biol. 5:1370-1378) was used to synthesize RNA and subsequently the labeled precursor polypeptide in vitro. Incubation of the LHCP precursors with a soluble extract from lysed chloroplasts, after removal of the thylakoids and membrane vesicles, resulted in the release of a single 25-kD peptide. In contrast, when the LHCP precursors were used in an import reaction with intact pea or wheat chloroplasts, two forms (25 and 26 kD) of mature LHCP were found. The peptide released by the processing activity in the organelle-free assay comigrated with the lower molecular mass form of mature LHCP produced during import. Properties of the processing activity suggest that it is an endopeptidase. Chloroplasts from both pea and wheat, two divergent higher plants, contain the processing enzyme, suggesting its physiological importance in LHCP assembly into the thylakoids. We discuss the implications of LHCP precursor processing by a soluble enzyme that may be in the stromal compartment.
The ineffectiveness of within-document term frequency in text classification

For the purposes of classification it is common to represent a document as a bag of words. Such a representation consists of the individual terms making up the document together with the number of times each term appears in the document. All classification methods make use of the terms. It is common to also make use of the local term frequencies at the price of some added complication in the model. Examples are the naive Bayes multinomial model (MM), the Dirichlet compound multinomial model (DCM) and the exponential-family approximation of the DCM (EDCM), as well as support vector machines (SVM). Although it is usually claimed that incorporating local word frequency in a document improves text classification performance, we here test whether such claims are true or not. In this paper we show experimentally that simplified forms of the MM, EDCM, and SVM models which ignore the frequency of each word in a document perform about at the same level as MM, DCM, EDCM and SVM models which incorporate local term frequency. We also present a new form of the naive Bayes multivariate Bernoulli model (MBM) which is able to make use of local term frequency and show again that it offers no significant advantage over the plain MBM. We conclude that word burstiness is so strong that additional occurrences of a word essentially add no useful information to a classifier.
Tunable infrared filter based on elastic polymer springs

This paper describes the design, fabrication and testing of tunable Fabry-Perot filters. The goal of this research is to develop novel tunable filter with an area of 5x5 mm2 that will be used in infrared gas sensors. This exploits the fact that most gases have unique infrared absorption signatures in the 2-14 ´m wavelength region. The filter consists of two thin silicon wafers coated with quarter wave dielectric layers to form wavelength dependent high reflection mirrors and separated by air gaps with an average height of 8, 5.1 and 3.5 μm. The mirrors are supported by four elastic polymer posts (springs) each with an area of 100×100 μm2 made by using photo definable polydimethylsilxane (PDMS). An electrostatic voltage is used to compress the springs, change the airgap height and hence shift the transmission peaks to a shorter wavelength. A finesse of 12 with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 70 nm, and a peak transmission of 63% were achieved by applying 100 volts on a device with 8 ´m post height and wafer thickness of 125 ´m. In addition, the measured tunability before and after hard baking of the device was 210 nm and 130 nm respectively. The tunability stayed constant after hard baking the devices and did not show any changes with time. The tunability was also measured on a thinner silicon mirror with 3.5 ´m post height. In this case, the filter was tuned 180 nm by applying 10 volts. However, the filter finesse was 3, transmission peak was 40% and FWHM over 200 nm. An antireflection coating was deposited on one side of silicon wafers and a Fabry-Perot filter to study transmission enhancement and satisfactory results were achieved.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Differential effects of pentobarbital, ethyl alcohol, and chlorpromazine in modifying reticular facilitation of visually evoked responses in the cat.

Abstract Cortical visually evoked responses (VER) elicited by electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral optic tract were dramatically facilitated by stimulation of the midbrain reticular formation. This facilitation depended on the experimental conditions used, such as the intensity and time course of reticular (RFs) and optic tract stimulation (OTs). Reticular facilitation of the VER was most intense at 8 times the EEG activating threshold with a 50 msec interval between the RFs and OTs. The effects of increasing accumulative doses of pentobarbital, ethyl alcohol, and chlorpromazine given i.v. on reticular facilitation of the VER were observed. In general. these agents did not alter the presynaptic component of the VER except for 32 mg/kg of pentobarbital which increased it. On the other hand, pentobarbital had a marked depressant effect on both the cortical postsynaptic components and relicular influences on them. However. pentobarbital did not depress reticular facilitation of the VER as much as the non-facilitated VER. This data would suggest that pentobarbital has a neocortical depressant effect which is somewhat greater than its effect on the midbrain reticular formation. Ethyl alcohol had a similar cortical depressant effect but produced no significant depression of reticular facilitation of the VER. In fact, RFs restored the VER almost to control. Chlorpromazine (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) reduced slightly the cortical postsynaptic components of the VER but had no effect on its facilitation by RFs. These results suggest that reticular facilitation of the VER is more resistant to depression by pentobarbital and ethyl alcohol than the VER alone. The postsynaptic components of the VER are quite sensitive to the effects of these drugs in contrast to its presynaptic component. In marked contrast to the actions of pentobarbital and ethyl alcohol, chlorpromazine showed much less of a postsynaptic neocortical depressant effect even when massive doses (up to 16 mg/kg) were used.
Numerical Simulation Results and Laws of Transmission Lines Ice-melting

Abstract Based on the numerical simulation model of icing, the impact on icing of the current was further investigated. The critical current value with the meteorological conditions of foreign objects, as well as the physical parameters of the aerial cable itself change the law. The calculation results showed that the critical current value depends on the external weather conditions and the aerial cable itself, the physical parameters, and the critical current and the ambient temperature, wind speed, relatively good linear relationship.
Kinetics of sulfidization of malachite in hydrosulfide and tetrasulfide solutions

Abstract The kinetics of sulfidization of malachite in sodium hydrosulfide and tetrasulfide as the sulfidizing agents was investigated in this study. The sulfidization reaction occurred in two stages. The first stage involved the formation of a primary sulfidized layer and the second involved two types of secondary reactions. One was the precipitation of copper ions which diffused through the primary layer, and the other was the oxidation of the sulfidizing agent to oxysulfide species. The influence of the type and concentration of the sulfidizing reagent and solution pH was determined. A significant difference in the surface morphology was observed for malachite treated with these two reagents. With sodium tetrasulfide, a uniform sulfidized layer formed on the particle surface, whereas for sodium hydrosulfide, the malachite surface was coated with loosely adherent precipitates, which might peel-off upon agitation. The results indicate that the extent of the reaction in the second stage was smaller in sodium tetrasulfide than in sodium sulfide.
Underlying risk factors incrementally add to the standard risk estimate in detecting subclinical atherosclerosis in low- and intermediate-risk middle-aged asymptomatic individuals

Abstract Background Traditional risk factors predict the 10-year risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD). Underlying risk factors like physical inactivity, obesity (BMI >30 kg/m 2 ), and family history of premature CHD are independently associated with CHD. High burden of coronary artery calcification (CAC) on electron beam tomography (EBT) is a CHD risk equivalent. Goals To determine the association between CAC and traditional risk assessment and whether the presence of added underlying risk factors is associated with advanced CAC in low- and intermediate-risk individuals. Methods After excluding patients with CHD, we studied 8549 asymptomatic individuals referred for EBT for cardiac risk assessment. Traditional myocardial infarction risk score was estimated according to Framingham criteria, and individuals were divided into 3 groups: low-risk (≤9% MI risk over the next 10 years), intermediate-risk (10%–20% risk), and high-risk (>20 % risk). Advanced CAC was defined as a calcium score ≥75th percentile based on sex and age. Results The prevalence of advanced CAC was 20% in low-risk, 27% in intermediate-risk, and 31% in high-risk individuals ( P P P Conclusion A substantial proportion of low- and intermediate-risk individuals have advanced CAC. Adding family history, obesity, and physical inactivity to traditional risk assessment improves prediction of advanced CAC, which may lead these individuals to be treated more aggressively at an earlier age.
Combating Long-Term Global Poverty: A Thought Piece

This paper presents a new account of how to reduce global poverty, and of the moral basis for doing so. I argue that if humans have a right not to be severely poor, as Pogge has helped to establish in philosophical literature, the world's severely poor should be relocated to nearby societies with existing infrastructure which can be expanded, and affluent nations should finance this as much as they can. To defend this position, I present an analogy, according to which the world's severely poor should be seen as economic refugees and thus assisted in relocating to societies that will respect their right not to be severely poor.
Tissue characterization using a phantom to validate four-dimensional tissue deformation

Purpose: This project proposes using a real tissue phantom for 4D tissue deformation reconstruction (4DTDR) and 4D deformable image registration (DIR) validation, which allows for the complete verification of the motion path rather than limited end-point to end-point of motion. Methods: Three electro-magnetic-tracking (EMT) fiducials were implanted into fresh porcine liver that was subsequently animated in a clinically realistic phantom. The animation was previously shown to be similar to organ motion, including hysteresis, when driven using a real patientˈs breathing pattern. For this experiment, 4DCTs and EMT traces were acquired when the phantom was animated using both sinusoidal and recorded patient-breathing traces. Fiducial were masked prior to 4DTDR for reconstruction. The original 4DCT data (with fiducials) were sampled into 20 CT phase sets and fiducials’ coordinates were recorded, resulting in time-resolved fiducial motion paths. Measured values of fiducial location were compared to EMT measured traces and the result calculated by 4DTDR. Results: For the sinusoidal breathing trace, 95% of EMT measured locations were within 1.2 mm of the measured 4DCT motion path, allowing for repeatable accurate motion characterization. The 4DTDR traces matched 95% of the EMT trace within 1.6 mm. Using the more irregular (in amplitude and frequency) patient trace, 95% of the EMT trace points fitted both 4DCT and 4DTDR motion path within 4.5 mm. The average match of the 4DTDR estimation of the tissue hysteresis over all CT phases was 0.9 mm using a sinusoidal signal for animation and 1.0 mm using the patient trace. Conclusions: The real tissue phantom is a tool which can be used to accurately characterize tissue deformation, helping to validate or evaluate a DIR or 4DTDR algorithm over a complete motion path. The phantom is capable of validating, evaluating, and quantifying tissue hysteresis, thereby allowing for full motion path validation.
Linear Equations and Nonlinear Estimation: A Lesson from a Nonrecursive example.

When a linear structural equation model results in nonlinear procedures for solution, multiple (but finite) sets of solutions may be possible, even with population data. An example of a three-variable feedback system is given in which two sets of solutions may be generated, and each may be obtained by algebraic analysis or by numerical analysis. Issues of model specification and equilibrium must be considered to differentiate the sets of solutions and choose between them. In the absence of strong information concerning these issues, data at more than one point in time is a minimal requirement to solve for model parameters and evaluate the system of variable relations. Statistical estimation of model parameters is also considered in this context.
A generalization of the optimal models of arterial branching

Optimal models of arterial branching angles are usually based on the assumption that the equation relating flow and radius is given by f = kr3, as proposed by Murray, 1926a , Murray, 1926b . An exception is the model of Uylings (1977) , in which he allowed the exponent of r to vary from 2.33 to 3.0. Theoretical considerations coupled with empirical evidence suggest that the cubic flow equation may not be appropriate to describe the branching pattern of the arterial tree. The optimal models are modified to accommodate a more general flow equation f = krx. Models that minimize a geometric feature such as surface or volume are sensitive to variations in x in a different way from those which minimize flow-related parameters, such as power loss due to friction and shear stress.
Selectivity and Sensitivity of Fluorescence Lifetime-Based Metal Ion Biosensing Using a Carbonic Anhydrase Transducer☆

A key performance criterion for metal ion determinations in complex media like serum, cytoplasm of the cell, and sea water is selectivity: the ability to determine the analyte(s) of interest, in the presence of relatively high concentrations of interferents. Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) may be determined by changes they induce in the fluorescence lifetime and intensity of site-specifically labeled fluorescent variants of apocarbonic anhydrase II. Free metal ion concentrations in the picomolar range (for Cu(II) and Zn(II)) and the nanomolar range (for Cd(II), Co(II), and Ni(II)) were determined, based on the affinity of the apoenzyme for these ions. Mg(II) at 50 mM and Ca(II) at 10 mM produced no effect. By the use of different fluorescent labels, transducers were made which responded well to Cu(II), Co(II), and Ni(II), but not to Zn(II) and Cd(II), and vice versa.
Trauma and PTSD Among Youths in Outpatient Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorders

This article examines the relationships among trauma histories and diagnoses of partial or full posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among 106 youths in outpatient treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUD). Subjects were 13 to 18 years old and were recruited from treatment facilities, schools, and juvenile corrections programs. Chi-square (χ2) tests and one-way analyses of variance examined prevalence estimates of exposure to traumatic stressors, PTSD status, and related characteristics. Pearson's correlation coefficients, K-Cluster procedure, and logistic regression examined correlates of PTSD status. Almost 90% reported a trauma history, and 13% met criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. Logistic regression analyses indicated that sexual abuse history, comorbid psychiatric symptom severity, and suicide ideation were associated with PTSD. These findings underscore the importance of addressing trauma with youths in AUD treatment.
Patents as a source of scientific and technical information in developing nations

Abstract Characteristics of patent documents, recent changes in them, and recent external developments designed to facilitate the use of patent documents are detailed to support the suggestion that patents are potentially a primary source of scientific and technical information available to developing nations. Comparison to the journal literature is made.
Nonperturbative weak-coupling analysis of the quantum Liouville field theory

Abstract Two independent weak-coupling expansions are developed for the Liouville quantum field theory on a circle. In the first, the coupling of the nonzero modes is treated as a perturbation on the exact solution to the zero-mode problem (quantum mechanics with an exponential potential). The second approach is a weak-coupling approximation to an explicit operator solution which expresses various Liouville operators as functions of a free massless field using a Backlund transformation. It is shown that the free state space associated with the latter solution must be restricted to the sector which is odd with respect to a type of “parity.” Various matrix elements are computed to order g10 using both approaches, yielding identical results.
Desarguesian Property in Visual Space

The Luneburg theory states that the visual space can be represented by one of the Riemannian spaces of constant curvature. This implies that the visual space is Desarguesian. The Desarguesian property may be stated as follows: If two vertices of a triangle are jointed by segments to the opposite sides, these segments intersect. This proposition was tested by having observers move small lights so as to construct apparent segments on a given triangle. Six such experiments were performed using two triangles and five observers. In all cases the minimum physical distance between the two curves determined by the average settings of the lights was between 20 and 220 sec. In two of the six cases this distance was not significantly different from zero. Four determinations of the threshold for discriminating the nonintersection of two segments yielded values in the range of 59 to 92 sec. It was concluded that the visual spaces of a significant proportion of the observers are Desarguesian; those of others may be non-Desarguesian.
Exactly returning boomerangs

Differential equations of motion of a boomerang can be integrated numerically given its aerodynamic and inertial properties and initial conditions. We use the dynamic model and experimental aerodynamic data of a typical boomerang in still air studied by Hess (Boomerangs, aerodynamics and motion. PhD thesis, University of Groningen, 1975). The trajectory size and shape are well-defined functions of five initial conditions. Beginning with a nominal guessed set, an iterative search finds release conditions that result in exact return. The distance to the point on the trajectory closest to the desired return point and its gradient with respect to the release conditions are calculated. Release conditions are then modified iteratively using Newton’s method to decrease the miss distance. Exact return conditions are presented for constant values of initial angle of attack and advance ratio. A variant of the algorithm calculates release conditions that ensure return at “turnaround” where the speed is lowest and thus catching is easiest. Although in general the set of exact return release conditions is five dimensional, it is thin in the sense that certain variables must lie in a fairly narrow range. Some initial conditions are more easily modified than others, accounting for the not-inconsiderable skill required to achieve exact return in practice. A discussion is also included of the stable asymptotic helical attractor approached by the boomerang after turnaround.
Effect of Off-Axis Cell Orientation in Smooth Muscle Tissue

The cell alignment in a smooth muscle tissue plays a significant role in determining its mechanical properties. In addition to shortening strain, the off-axis cell orientation θ also modify the shear stress relationship significantly. A simulation model based on finite element analysis is developed to study the effect of stresses of tracheal smooth muscle tissue when its cells are orientated off-axially. Results obtained indicate that the maximum shear stress values of tracheal smooth muscle tissue at 45% strain are 2.5 times the values at 20% strain for all three off-axis orientation values θ = 15°, 30° and 45°.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Shunt detection with the short-lived radioactive gases

Conventional radionuclide techniques are limited by their inability to deliver noninvasively a compact bolus of radionuclide indicator into the left heart. This can be accomplished by the inhalation of oxygen-15-labeled carbon dioxide. The inhaled carbon dioxide passes freely across the alveolar membrane and enters the carbonate cycle, which, under the accelerating influence of carbonic anhydrase, transfers the oxygen-15 tracer onto water in the pulmonary venous blood. The result is an abrupt tracer delivery to the pulmonary venous system with subsequent tracer input to the left heart at a rate limited only by the plumonary blood flow. These properties of oxygen-15-labeled carbon dioxide have been used to develop a specialized indicator-dilution method for quantitation of left-to-right cardiac shunt flow. The results agree well with those obtained by oxymetry at cardiac catheterization. In clinical application, the ease and reliability of this technique are remarkable. Its use is presently limited to clinical facilities with the capability for on-line production of the short-lived gases. The techniques provide a good example of the utilization of biologically active radiopharmaceuticals and are a potentially useful source of information about the hemodynamic properties of the central circulatory system.
Temperature characterization of dielectric-resonator materials

Abstract Dielectric resonators are widely used as components of microwave resonant cavities with extremely high Q factors. To design a temperature-compensated resonator it is necessary to know accurately the value of τe, the temperature coefficient of the dielectric constant. A simple and accurate procedure is described to measure this quantity. Furthermore, the paper discusses uncertainties involved in the use of another quantity, τf, which is nowadays supplied by the manufacturers of dielectric resonators to characterize the temperature variation of dielectric resonators.
Aerodynamic Characteristics of an Aerospace Vehicle During a Subsonic Pitch-Over Maneuver

Time-dependent CFD has been used to predict aerospace vehicle aerodynamics during a subsonic rotation maneuver. The inviscid 3D3U code is employed to solve the 3-D unsteady flowfield using an unstructured grid of tetrahedra. As this application represents a challenge to time-dependent CFD, observations concerning spatial and temporal resolution are included. It is shown that even for a benign rotation rate, unsteady aerodynamic effects are significant during the maneuver. Possibly more significant, however, the rotation maneuver creates flow asymmetries leading to yawing moment, rolling moment, and side force which are not present in the quasi-steady case. A series of steady solutions at discrete points in the maneuver are also computed for comparison with wind tunnel measurements and as a means of quantifying unsteady effects.
Generalized series dynamic imaging

Many imaging applications require the acquisition of a time series of images. In conventional Fourier transform-based imaging methods, each of these images is acquired independently. As a result, the temporal resolution possible is limited by the number of data points collected for each data set, or one often was to sacrifice spatial resolution for temporal resolution. To overcome this problem, several "data-sharing" methods have been proposed which acquire one or more high-resolution reference images and a sequence of reduced dynamic data sets. This paper is devoted to the discussion of a generalized series-based dynamic imaging method, which is an optimal implementation of the data-sharing principle. Several application examples are also presented to illustrate its effectiveness for high-resolution dynamic imaging.
Labored Relations: Corporate Citizenship, Labor Unions, and Freedom of Association

Globalization has brought increased attention to the notion that labor rights such as freedom of association—the right of workers to organize a union—are fundamental human rights. However, the vigorous opposition to freedom of association by US firms is largely ignored in the business ethics literature and exacerbated by compensatory corporate citizenship rating mechanisms that tend to mask labor rights deficiencies. I argue that because freedom of association is a hypernorm, instrumental to fully realizing basic human rights, labor rights and human rights are largely inseparable. Thus, respect for labor rights is a non-substitutable requisite of corporate citizenship. I conclude by providing examples of corporate labor relations strategies that respect freedom of association and business firms that are leading the way.