cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Ice: Water Coolant Ratios upon Moisture Absorption and Rate of Chilling of Eviscerated Chicken Carcasses

Abstract THE PROBLEM of moisture absorption by poultry carcasses during the processing operation is a perplexing one to those concerned in the distribution of this product. An excessive weight gain due to moisture absorption enhances the economic value for the processor but diminishes it for the consumer. Many investigators have studied the moisture absorption phenomenon in poultry carcasses under various water and slush ice chilling conditions and have reported numerous influencing factors. Slush ice chilling was shown to increase moisture absorption by Orr (1953) and Tarver et al. (1956). Bailey et al. (1948), Lentz and Rooke (1958), and Thomson et al. (1961) reported that various chill times and/or temperatures had an influence on moisture absorption. Agitation of slush ice coolants by diverse means contributes in varying degrees to moisture absorption according to Jones (1950), Fromm (1957), Fromm and Monroe (1958), Kotula et al. (1960b), and Klose et al. (1960). Information concerning …
Music and the Revolution: Cultural Politics and Political Culture in France, 1968–1981

Eric Drott, Berkeley: University of California Press, 2011, ISBN: 978-0-5202-6897-5; 978-0-5202-6896-8, 386 pp, $29.50 (pb), $70.00 (hb) Artists are inevitably drawn to the creativity and energy of...
Nuclear Mass Relations and Equations

Relations among the masses of neighboring nuclei provide a convenient and reasonably accurate method for the estimation of unknown masses, A set of such relations is presented. Each member of this set gives a prediction of roughly equal statistical accuracy for the unknown mass of a given nuclide. The average and dispersion of the set give a “most probable” mass value and a measure of its uncertainty. The structure of these relations (considered as partial difference equations) lead to another set of difference equations the solutions of which can be ordered such that each successive member is expected to be a more nearly accurate representation of ground-state energies as functions of N and Z. The reliability of such solutions for extrapolation far from the region of known nuclei is discussed.
Modern Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Eosinophilia

The recent discovery of an eosinophilia-specific, imatinib-sensitive, karyotypically occult but fluorescence in situ hybridization-apparent molecular lesion in a subset of patients with blood eosinoph
SN79, a sigma receptor antagonist, attenuates methamphetamine-induced astrogliosis through a blockade of OSMR/gp130 signaling and STAT3 phosphorylation

Methamphetamine (METH) exposure results in dopaminergic neurotoxicity in striatal regions of the brain, an effect that has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. Various aspects of neuroinflammation, including astrogliosis, are believed to be contributory factors in METH neurotoxicity. METH interacts with sigma receptors at physiologically relevant concentrations and treatment with sigma receptor antagonists has been shown to mitigate METH-induced neurotoxicity in rodent models. Whether these compounds alter the responses of glial cells within the central nervous system to METH however has yet to be determined. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to determine whether the sigma receptor antagonist, SN79, mitigates METH-induced striatal reactive astrogliosis. Male, Swiss Webster mice treated with a neurotoxic regimen of METH exhibited time-dependent increases in striatal gfap mRNA and concomitant increases in GFAP protein, indicative of astrogliosis. This is the first report that similar to other neurotoxicants that induce astrogliosis through the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling by stimulating gp-130-linked cytokine signaling resulting from neuroinflammation, METH treatment also increases astrocytic oncostatin m receptor (OSMR) expression and the phosphorylation of STAT3 (Tyr-705) in vivo. Pretreatment with SN79 blocked METH-induced increases in OSMR, STAT3 phosphorylation and astrocyte activation within the striatum. Additionally, METH treatment resulted in striatal cellular degeneration as measured by Fluoro-Jade B, an effect that was mitigated by SN79. The current study provides evidence that sigma receptor antagonists attenuate METH-induced astrocyte activation through a pathway believed to be shared by various neurotoxicants.
Rotational step-cut osteotomy for treatment of metacarpal and phalangeal malunion

Metacarpal and phalangeal malunion after fracture or replantation frequently causes rotational deformities with scissoring during digital flexion. Transverse osteotomy at the metacarpal base has been advocated for derotation, but this only partially corrects scissoring resulting from phalangeal malunion. We describe the results of rotational step-cut osteotomies at the site of malunion. There were twenty-three osteotomies in eighteen patients; seven metacarpal and sixteen in the proximal phalanx. The value of the technique is supported by the results; speedy healing of bone, satisfactory alleviation of deformity, and a useful gain in range of motion in many patients.
The Great Whoosh: Connecting an Online Personal Health Narrative and Communication Privacy Management

This research study examined Bud Goodall’s online health narrative as a case study through the use of a thematic analysis to investigate the presence of communication privacy management (CPM) theory. Emergent themes of humor as a privacy management strategy, legitimization of co-owners, shifting privacy rules at end of life, and metaphors as privacy protection were used to recount Goodall’s cancer experience on his personal blog, connecting to the components of CPM. The themes the authors analyzed represent the push–pull dialectical tension experienced to reveal and conceal information, conceptualization of private information, shared boundaries, and boundary linkages.
MIRCAM: a portable mid-infrared camera for broadband imaging

We present a description of the mid-IR camera system (MIRCAM) currently under development at the University of California, Irvine. MIRCAM is a portable imaging system, specifically designed for diffraction-limited, broadband imaging in the 4.7 micrometers (M band), 10 micrometers (N band), and 20 micrometers (Q band) atmospheric windows. MIRCAM is designed for operation with the new generation of high-background 256 by 256 Si:As IBC arrays currently under development by both Rockwell International and Hughes Aircraft. However, initial operation will proceed with a 128 by 128 Si:As IBC array manufactured by Rockwell International. We have also designed a state-of-the-art control and data-acquisition system that is capable of reading out the 256 by 256 array at a rate of 500 frames per second, or 2000 frames per second for the 128 by 128 array. The fully-reflective optics are designed for Nyquist-sampling at the telescope diffraction limit, and exhibit spot sizes that are considerably smaller than the pixel size over the entire 256 by 256 array. Four interchangeable optical configurations permit use of MIRCAM on the Lick 1-m, IRTF 3-m, UKIRT 4-m, and Keck 10-m telescopes.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Intermediate-Band Photometry in the Open Cluster NGC 6664

Four-color and HP photometry is given for early-type stars in the open cluster NGC 6664. From these data the true distance modulus is found to be 10.7 and the reddening is found to range from E (b y) = 0.48 to 0.63 across the cluster. The distance modulus agrees well with some values from the literature, but the present color excesses are about 0.1 mag larger than published values. There are two or perhaps three blue stragglers in the cluster and its age is estimated to be 46 X lo6 yr.
Chapter 6 Materials selection

Abstract Cardiovascular devices have diverse requirements for the materials used in their construction. A range of physical and biological properties must be evaluated along with the materials' processability in order to fabricate an economical, safe, and effective device. The materials used in cardiovascular devices include a broad range of commercially available materials; however, these materials must meet stringent requirements to be acceptable for use in the body. Specifically, these biomaterials include synthetic polymers, biodegradable polymers, biologically derived materials, bioderived macromolecules, passive coatings, bioactive coatings, tissue adhesives, metal alloys, ceramics, and carbons. Applications for these blood-contacting materials include extracorporeal devices, catheters, and tubing devices, which are inserted into a blood vessel, or permanently implanted devices. In the most basic sense, the materials constituting the device, as fabricated and sterilized, must be nontoxic, noncarcinogenic, nonantigenic, and nonmutagenic. Implanted devices impose a new set of requirements, both biologically and from a materials viewpoint. The effect of a foreign body in the cardiovascular system essentially involves the study of thrombosis and wound healing in the presence of a sterile foreign material in flowing blood. The outcome of this healing process can have profound implications for the success of a device and can be dependent on material properties. The durability of the device will be determined by its fatigue resistance and its resistance to biodegradation. Designs will be increasingly scrutinized for durability by regulatory agencies. Each class of biomaterial for cardiovascular applications is categorized by the material properties. The biologic and physical criteria need to be evaluated in the context of the entire device, its application and duration of use, and how it interfaces with the body.
Successful treatment of established relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice with a monoclonal natural autoantibody

We postulated that humoral autoimmunity can play a beneficial role in CNS demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. We previously demonstrated that monoclonal natural autoantibody SCH94.03 suppresses CNS inflammation and promotes remyelination in a virus-induced model of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. To further investigate the relationship between natural autoimmunity and CNS demyelination, we examined the effect of SCH94.03 treatment on clinical relapses and pathological disease in SJL/J mice with established adoptive-transfer relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Treatment with SCH94.03 after recovery from the initial episode of clinical disease reduced relapse rates by half, prolonged relapse onset by 6 days and reduced spinal cord demyelination and meningeal inflammation by 40%. These results are consistent with the hypothesized immunomodulatory function of natural autoantibodies, and are the first direct demonstration that natural humoral autoimmunity can be beneficial in an autoimmune T-cell-mediated CNS demyelinating disease.
Professional Models for Policy Analysis

A number of proposals for improvement of public policy-making call for the development of a professional group which blends technological skills, humanistic goals, and a sense for practical politics. This article suggests that several very different professional roles may be appropriate to different public policy areas. These differing roles suggest varying degrees of professional power over policy-making, different professional ethical standards, and lead to questions of the feasibility of developing a single profession to encompass all of policy analysis.
Public option and private profits: what do markets expect?

The debate on US healthcare reform has largely focused on the introduction of a public health plan option. While supporters stress various beneficial effects that would arise from increased competition in the health insurance market, opponents often contend that a public plan would drive insurers out of the market and potentially lead to the ‘collapse’ of the private health insurance industry. To contribute to the US healthcare reform debate by inferring, from financial market data, the effect that the public option is likely to have on the private health insurance market. The study utilized daily data on the price of a security that was traded in a prediction market from June 2009 and whose pay-off was tied to the event that a federal government-run healthcare plan — the ‘public option’ - would be approved by 31 December 2009 (100 daily observations). These data were combined with data on stock returns of health insurance companies (1500 observations from 100 trading days and 15 companies) to evaluate the expected effect of the public option on private health insurers. The impact on hospital companies (1000 observations) was also estimated. The results suggested that daily stock returns of health insurance companies significantly responded to the changing probability regarding the public option. A 10% increase in the probability that the public option would pass, on average, reduced the stock returns of health insurance companies by 1.28% (p < 0.001). Hospital company stock returns were also affected (0.9% reduction; p < 0.001). The results reveal the market expectation of a negative effect of the public option on the value of health insurance companies. The magnitude of the effect suggests a downward adjustment in the expected profits of health insurers of around 13%, but it does not support more calamitous scenarios.
The asymptotic number of acyclic digraphs, II

Abstract Let A n , q be the number of labeled digraphs with n labeled vertices, q edges, and no directed cycles. Let C n , q be the corresponding number of weakly connected ones, and let a n , q and c n , q be the corresponding numbers of unlabeled ones. We show that A n , q ∼ C n , q ∼ n ! a n , q ∼ n ! c n , q when eN q e ) N , where N = ( 2 n ). An asymptotic formula for A n , q was obtained in an earlier paper.
Training in small-bowel capsule endoscopy: assessing and defining competency

Background Minimum training for capsule endoscopy (CE) is based on societal guidelines and expert opinion. Objective measures of competence are lacking. Objectives Our objectives were to (1) establish structured CE training curriculum during a gastroenterology fellowship, (2) develop a formalized assessment tool to evaluate CE competency, (3) prospectively analyze trainee CE competency, (4) define metrics for trainee CE competence by using comparative data from CE staff, and (5) determine the correlation between CE competence and previous endoscopy experience. Design Single-center, prospective analysis over 6 years. Setting Tertiary academic center. Subjects Gastroenterology fellows and CE staff. Interventions Structured CE training was implemented with supervised CE interpretation. Capsule Competency Test (CapCT) was developed and data were collected on the number of CEs, upper endoscopies, colonoscopies, and push enteroscopies performed. Main Outcome Measurements Trainee competence defined as CapCT score 90% or higher of the mean staff score. Results A total of 39 fellows completed CE training and CapCT. Fellows were grouped according to number of completed CE interpretations: 10 or fewer (n = 13), 11 to 20 (n = 19), and 21 to 35 (n = 7). Eight CE staff completed CapCT with a mean score of 91%. Mean scores for trainees with fewer than 10, 11 to 20, and 21 to 35 CE interpretations were 79%, 79%, and 85%, respectively. A significant difference was seen between staff and fellow scores with 10 or fewer and 11 to 20 interpretations ( P Limitations Single center. Conclusion Using a structured CE training curriculum, we defined competency in CE interpretation by using the CapCT. Based on these findings, trainees should complete more than 20 CE studies before assessing competence, regardless of previous endoscopy experience.
Management Patterns in Acute Low Back Pain: the Role of Physical Therapy

Study design Retrospective cohort study. Objective To evaluate the relationship between early physical therapy (PT) for acute low back pain and subsequent use of lumbosacral injections, lumbar surgery, and frequent physician office visits for low back pain. Summary of background data Wide practice variations exist in the treatment of acute low back pain. PT has been advocated as an effective treatment in this setting although disagreement exists regarding its purported benefits. Methods A national 20% sample of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services physician outpatient billing claims was analyzed. Patients were selected who received treatment for low back pain between 2003 and 2004 (n = 439,195). To exclude chronic low back conditions, patients were excluded if they had a prior visit for back pain, lumbosacral injection, or lumbar surgery within the previous year. Main outcome measures were rates of lumbar surgery, lumbosacral injections, and frequent physician office visits for low back pain during the following year. Results Based on logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio for undergoing surgery in the group of enrollees that received PT in the acute phase ( 3 months) was 0.38 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.360.41), adjusting for age, sex, diagnosis, treating physician specialty, and comorbidity. The adjusted odds ratio for receiving a lumbosacral injection in the group receiving PT in the acute phase was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.44-0.49), and the adjusted odds ratio for frequent physician office usage in the group receiving PT in the acute phase was 0.47 (95% CI, 0.44-0.50). Conclusion There was a lower risk of subsequent medical service usage among patients who received PT early after an episode of acute low back pain relative to those who received PT at later times. Medical specialty variations exist regarding early use of PT, with potential underutilization among generalist specialties.
An improved assay and some properties of phosphoglycolate phosphatase.

Abstract A method for the synthesis of [ 32 P]phosphoglycolate is described; this substrate is used to assay phosphoglycolate phosphatase activity. This enzyme activity was demonstrated in several rat tissues. In human red cells, activity of the enzyme was age dependent. A correlation was found between 2,3-diphosphoglycerate levels and phosphoglycolate phosphatase activity in various species, suggesting that activity of this enzyme may have played some role in the evolutionary development of various mechanisms of regulation of the oxygen dissociation curve.
The social, economic and political impact of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic

OBJECTIVES: This paper reviews the themes emerging from reports of the many social, economic and political effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on individuals, nations and the world. The impact of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic has been felt in every facet of society. APPROACH: The impact of the epidemic is described in five areas: (1) challenges and changes to traditional public health approaches to infectious diseases and sexually transmitted diseases; (2) adjustments to ‘standard’ clinical research and drug regulatory practices; (3) emphasis on the importance of personal behaviors and behavioral approaches in controlling the epidemic; (4) revealing the complexity of and recognizing the need to monitor the impacts of HIV/AIDS; and (5) highlighting the difficulties of, and need for, the international responsiveness to address HIV/AIDS. The oral health community's response to the epidemic is briefly described. CONCLUSIONS: Although in its second decade, the epidemic is still in its early stages of evolution. The challenges lie in the development and perpetual evolution of strategies to respond to the epidemic locally while thinking and acting globally. The international oral health community is one of many that has played and must continue to play an active role in a multi-disciplinary effort needed to curb this epidemic.
TU-C-213AB-01: ACR/ASTRO Accreditation, Program an Overview of Technical Components

American College of Radiology (ACR) started the radiation oncology accreditation program in 1986 as a logical extension of the patterns of care study (PCS) and collected data from institutions that participated on the patterns of patient care among institutions. It published technical standard for various components of radiation oncology practices and evaluated the performance of centers based on practice guidelines. American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) joined ACR and formed an alliance to provide radiation oncology practice accreditation (ROPA) in 2008. ROPA provides an independent evaluation of radiation oncology center performance for a nominal fee and provides guidelines. Some states have now mandated that ROPA should be prerequisite for reimbursement as it provides a measure of quality of patient care. Accreditation process has 2 components, technical and clinical. In this talk technical components will be discussed followed by clinical component by a clinician. The technical component covers every aspect of medical physics and dosimetry for a patient care in radiation oncology. Detailed information of both components will be provided in 2 segments by a physicists and a physician. Learning Objectives: 1. History of ACR 2. Why ROPA? 3. Components of technical parameters 4. Requirements 5. Surveyors role 6. Qualifications and requirements 7. Data collection 8. Process 9. Accreditation results 10. Benefit of accreditation to institution and surveyor 11. Beyond accreditation
Oligomerization and conformation change in solutions of calf lens gamma II-crystallin. Results from 1/T1 nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion profiles.

From analyses of the magnetic field dependence of 1/T1 (nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion [NMRD] profiles) of water protons in solutions of highly purified calf lens gamma II-crystallin, we find that monomers form oligomers at relatively low concentrations, which increase in size with increasing concentration and decreasing temperature. At approximately 16% by volume and -4 degrees C, the mean oligomeric molecular weight is approximately 120-fold greater than the monomeric value of 20 kD. Below this concentration, there is no indication of any substantive change in conformation of the monomeric subunits. At higher concentrations, the tertiary structure of the monomer appears to reconfigure rather abruptly, but reversibly, as evidenced by the appearance of spectra-like 14N peaks in the NMRD profiles. The magnitudes of these peaks, known to arise from cross-relaxation of water protons through access to amide (NH) moieties of the protein backbone, indicate that the high concentration conformation is not compact, but open and extended in a manner that allows enhanced interaction with solvent. The data are analogous to those found for homogenates of calf and chicken lens (Beaulieu, C. F., J. I. Clark, R. D. Brown III, M. Spiller, and S. H. Koenig. 1988. Magn. Reson. Med. 8:47–57; Beaulieu, C. F., R. D. Brown III, J. I. Clark, M. Spiller, and S. H. Koenig. 1989. Magn. Reson. Med. 10:62–72). This unusually large dependence of oligomeric size and conformation on concentration in the physiological range is suggested as the mechanism by which osmotic equilibrium is maintained, at minimal metabolic expense, in the presence of large gradients of protein concentration in the lens in vivo (cf Veretout and Tardieu, 1989. Eur. Biophys. J. 17:61–68). Finally, the results of the NMRD data provide a ready explanation of the low temperature phase transition, and "cold-cataract" separation of phases, observed in gamma II-crystallin solutions; we suggest that the phases that separate are the two major conformers detected by NMRD.
Psychometric note on the reliability of the sport competition anxiety test: form C.

Abstract Data collected from 736 fourth, fifth, and sixth grade children using Martens SCAT-C yielded moderately high values of split half reliability. Internal consistency coefficients were relatively high (.81 to .85) and similar to the values reported in the Martens test manual when calculated using the appropriate test, eliminating use of the KR-20. The SCAT-C was also found to be generalizable to fourth grade populations even though originally its use was not intended with this age group.
Project NOAH: Regulating modern sea-level rise. Phase II: Jerusalem Underground

Abstract This proposal builds a high-speed inter-urban express between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, generates 1500 megawatts of hydroelectric energy, curtails littoral erosion, builds a port along the Israeli Mediterranean coast and demands peaceful cooperation on both sides of the Jordan River. Phase II represents a pilot project demonstrating the feasibility of continuing to regulate world sea-level by a new series of water regulation schemes. Phase I previously described all those projects already completed or underway which have inadvertently and/or unintentionally served the purpose of sea-level regulation. These forms of Phase I sea-level regulation include large and small reservoirs, irrigation projects, water infiltration schemes, farm ponds, and swimming and reflecting pools. All these water storage projects have already exercised a very appreciable brake on 20th century sea-level rise. Phase II outlines a high-visibility proposal which will serve to illustrate the viability of “Project NOAH”.
Chronic focal epilepsy induced by microinjection of tetanus toxin into the cat motor cortex.

Abstract The tetanus toxin model of epilepsy, involving direct microinjection of toxin into the mammalian brain, has a number of advantages relative to other chronic models. However, chronicc seizure foci have been confined primarily to the hippocampus. In the present study, 5 cats received total doses of 7.5–22.5 ng of tetanus toxin applied to the left primary motor cortex through an epidural cannula. After 2–18 days, all 5 cats exhibited similar persistent epileptiform syndromes. Three distinct types of spontaneous seizures were noted: focal motor seizures of variable complexity, focal seizures with secondary generalization, and epilepsia partialis continua. All cats required anticonvulsant therapy. Simple focal motor seizures, whi.le predominated, were electrographically characterized by 3–5 Hz spike-sharp wave activity, originating in the left motor cortex, associated with contralateral shoulder and forepaw clonus and jacksonian spread. Electrographic activity quickly spread to ipsilateral neocortical structures, and in longer episodes to the cingulate gyri. Seizure foci were still active as long as 37 days after toxin injection. Light microscopic damage attributable to the toxin was absent. These experiments further generalized the tetanus toxin model and confirmed its advantages.
Predetermined Sequences and a Direct Measure of Memory in a Concept-Identification Task:

Predetermined sequences of stimuli and a direct measuring technique were used to estimate the specific hypotheses Ss used to solve concept-identification problems. Results indicate that Ss did not ...
INFLUENCE OF THE KINESIN NECK DOMAIN ON DIMERIZATION AND ATPASE KINETICS

Abstract Motor domains of kinesin were expressed that extend from the N terminus to positions 346, 357, 365, 381, and 405 (designated DKH346-DKH405) to determine if the kinetic differences observed between monomeric DKH340 and dimeric DKH392 (Hackney, D. D. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 91, 6865-6869) were specific to these constructs or due to their oligomeric state. Sedimentation analysis indicated that DKH346, DKH357, and DKH365 are predominantly monomeric and that DKH381 and DKH405 are predominantly dimeric at 0.01-0.03 μM, the concentrations used for ATPase assays. In buffer with 25 mM KCl, all have high kcat values of 38-96 s−1 at saturating microtubule (MT) levels. Monomeric DKH346, DKH357, and DKH365 have K0.5(MT) values of 17, 9, and 1.4 μM, respectively, but the K0.5(MT) values for the dimeric species are significantly lower, with 0.02 and 0.14 μM for DKH381 and DKH405, respectively. The three new monomers release all of their ADP on association with microtubules, whereas the two new dimers retain approximately half of their ADP, consistent with the half-site reactivity observed previously with dimeric DKH392. Both the kbi(ATPase) (=kcat/K0.5(MT)) values for stimulation of ATPase by MTs and the kbi(ADP) for stimulation of ADP release by MTs were determined in buffer containing 120 mM potassium acetate. The ratio of these rate constants (kbi(ratio) = kbi(ATPase)/kbi(ADP)) is 60-100 for the dimers, indicating hydrolysis of many ATP molecules per productive encounter with a MT as observed previously for DKH392 (Hackney, D. D. (1995) Nature 377, 448-450). For the monomers, kbi(ratio) values of ∼4 indicate that they also may hydrolyze more than one ATP molecule per encounter with a MT and that the mechanism of hydrolysis is therefore fundamentally different from that of actomyosin. DKH340 is an exception to this pattern and may undergo uncoupled ATP hydrolysis.
Implicit fitting of point cloud data using radial hermite basis functions

We describe a new technique for fitting noisy scattered point cloud data. The fitting surface is determined as zero level isosurface of a trivariate model which is an implicit least squares fit of the data based upon Radial Hermite Operators (RHO). We illustrate the value of these new techniques with several diverse applications.
From intermittent catheterisation to catheter freedom via urodynamics: a tribute to Sir Ludwig Guttmann.

From intermittent catheterisation to catheter freedom via urodynamics: a tribute to Sir Ludwig Guttmann
Synthesis of Nine-atom Deltahedral Zintl Ions of Germanium and their Functionalization with Organic Groups

Although the first studies of Zintl ions date between the late 1890's and early 1930's they were not structurally characterized until many years later. Their redox chemistry is even younger, just about ten years old, but despite this short history these deltahedral clusters ions E9(n-) (E = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb; n = 2, 3, 4) have already shown interesting and diverse reactivity and have been at the forefront of rapidly developing and exciting new chemistry. Notable milestones are the oxidative coupling of Ge9(4-) clusters to oligomers and infinite chains, their metallation, capping by transition-metal organometallic fragments, insertion of a transition-metal atom at the center of the cluster which is sometimes combined with capping and oligomerization, addition of main-group organometallic fragments as exo-bonded substituents, and functionalization with various organic residues by reactions with organic halides and alkynes. This latter development of attaching organic fragments directly to the clusters has opened up a new field, namely organo-Zintl chemistry, that is potentially fertile for further synthetic explorations, and it is the step-by-step procedure for the synthesis of germanium-divinyl clusters described herein. The initial steps outline the synthesis of an intermetallic precursor of K4Ge9 from which the Ge9(4-) clusters are extracted later in solution. This involves fused-silica glass blowing, arc-welding of niobium containers, and handling of highly air-sensitive materials in a glove box. The air-sensitive K4Ge9 is then dissolved in ethylenediamine in the box and then alkenylated by a reaction with Me3SiC≡CSiMe3. The reaction is followed by electrospray mass spectrometry while the resulting solution is used for obtaining single crystals containing the functionalized clusters [H2C=CH-Ge9-CH=CH2](2-). For this purpose the solution is centrifuged, filtered, and carefully layered with a toluene solution of 18-crown-6. Left undisturbed for a few days, the so-layered solutions produced orange crystalline blocks of [K(18-crown-6)]2[Ge9(HCCH2))2]•en which were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The process highlights standard reaction techniques, work-up, and analysis towards functionalized deltahedral Zintl clusters. It is hoped that it will help towards further development and understanding of these compounds in the community at large.
Neuro-Fuzzy Estimation in Spatial Statistics

Although spatial statistics was developed based on probability and classic statistics, the data usually handled by them are frequently very approximate and linguistic and certainly are not suited for the probability concept. Furthermore, the traditional spatial statistics is developed principally for mining situations. When the approach is applied to problems under other situations such as air and water pollution, certain basic assumptions need to be modified. In an earlier paper, fuzzy spatial statistics was proposed. In this paper, neural learning combined with fuzzy representation is suggested for handling the variogram, which is essentially a covariance correlation, and the kriging, which is an unbiased method to estimate the missing data. Based on the fuzzy adaptive network, various computational methods are proposed to solve the resulting spatially distributed problem.
Classical geometric illusion effects with nonclassical stimuli: Angular induction from decomposing lines into point arrays

Angular induction is the process by which one line segment can bias judgment of orientation and/or collinearity of another segment, and it has been established that the magnitude of error is a determinate function of the relative angle between the two. We examined how these known relationships are affected by decomposing the induction segment into an array of scattered points. The bias that was produced by such arrays was found to be consistent with a formal model of angular induction, with the strength of the effect decreasing as the scatter among the points was increased. This decline in strength was almost linear with a logarithmic transform of the dimensions of the stimulus array. We also evaluated the hypothesis that the induction stimulus is detected by one or more channels—for example, neurons—for which the sensitivity profiles are modeled as Gabor wavelets. The change in induction strength with increasing point scatter was not predicted by a single width of channel. However, the combined activity of an ensemble of channels that differed in width did match the perceptual effects if one also stipulated that each channel would respond maximally to a fine-line stimulus.
Experimental Investigation of Nonductile RC Corner Beam-Column Joints with Floor Slabs

AbstractThe paper presents the experimental investigation of full-scale RC corner beam-column joints without transverse reinforcement in the joint region leading to nonductile behavior in many exiting RC buildings. The experimental study considered two design parameters: joint aspect ratio and beam longitudinal reinforcement ratio. Four corner beam-column joint specimens were constructed with transverse beams and floor slabs and tested under quasi-static cyclic loading. The specimens experienced joint shear failure without beam hinging mechanism as a result of the absence of transverse reinforcement in the joint region. On the basis of the test results, the paper discusses the effects of these two design parameters and the floor slab on the behavior of corner beam-column joints. The joint shear strengths obtained from the test specimens are compared with the strength recommendations of the ASCE/SEI 41-06 provisions.
Mechanical expansion of steel tubing as a solution to leaky wellbores.

Wellbore cement, a procedural component of wellbore completion operations, primarily provides zonal isolation and mechanical support of the metal pipe (casing), and protects metal components from corrosive fluids. These are essential for uncompromised wellbore integrity. Cements can undergo multiple forms of failure, such as debonding at the cement/rock and cement/metal interfaces, fracturing, and defects within the cement matrix. Failures and defects within the cement will ultimately lead to fluid migration, resulting in inter-zonal fluid migration and premature well abandonment. Currently, there are over 1.8 million operating wells worldwide and over one third of these wells have leak related problems defined as Sustained Casing Pressure (SCP)1. The focus of this research was to develop an experimental setup at bench-scale to explore the effect of mechanical manipulation of wellbore casing-cement composite samples as a potential technology for the remediation of gas leaks. The experimental methodology utilized in this study enabled formation of an impermeable seal at the pipe/cement interface in a simulated wellbore system. Successful nitrogen gas flow-through measurements demonstrated that an existing microannulus was sealed at laboratory experimental conditions and fluid flow prevented by mechanical manipulation of the metal/cement composite sample. Furthermore, this methodology can be applied not only for the remediation of leaky wellbores, but also in plugging and abandonment procedures as well as wellbore completions technology, and potentially preventing negative impacts of wellbores on subsurface and surface environments.
Karyological Studies on four Species of Anopheles Subgenus Cellia

SUMMARYDetails of mitosis and meiosis are presented for four species of the genus Anopheles, subgenus Cellia; tessellatus, maculatus, annularis and subpictus. In each 2n = 6, one pair of dimorphic heterosomes and two pairs of autosomes, the latter differing slightly in arm length ratios. Mitotic stages are remarkably uniform. All species studied have small spermatogonia, filled with chromatin granules, and an eccentrically placed nucleolus. Long threads are evident during prophase; metaphase and anaphase are synchronous and uneventful. During meiosis, no leptotene or zygotene stages have been observed. Pachytene chromosomes are long, thick bivalents studded with dark granules. Sex bivalents are positively heteropycnotic during pachytene only. The nucleolus disappears during late pachytene or diplotene, at which time 1, to 6 (usually maximum of 4) chiasmata are evident; these terminalize during diakinesis. Metaphase and anaphase one appear normal. During meiosis two the two types of secondary gametocytes, ...
The HL-20 Personnel Launch System

A lifting-body approach to the design of a personnel launch system spacecraft for Space Station crew rotation missions is presented. Recent study findings in the areas of wind tunnel tests, landing dynamics, handling qualities, and abort are summarized. HL-20, which is designed for safe and reliable operations, has improved operability, maintainability, and affordability as compared to current manned transportation operations. The high lift-to-drag ratio of the HL-20 provides significant advantages in reduced g-loads during entry, high crossrange capability, ability to fly to landing sites over an extensive part of the earth, and multiple landing opportunities per day at specific landing sites. Pilot ratings of the flying qualities are at level 1 on the Cooper-Harper scale. Attention is also given to a streamlined management approach to HL-20 PLS development and operations which are presently under study.
The relationship between drinking games and intentions to continue drinking, intentions to drive after drinking, and adverse consequences: Results of a field study

UNLABELLED: Abstract Background: Drinking games have become a nearly universal aspect of excessive drinking on university campuses with 50-62% of college students reporting playing drinking games in the past month. Participation in drinking games has been correlated with numerous negative consequences and increased consumption of alcohol. OBJECTIVES: The present study addresses the influence of drinking games on three drinking-related outcomes: problems experienced the night of the drinking event, the intent to keep drinking, and the intent to drive after drinking. METHODS: The data collected for the present study were part of a study testing environmental influences of drinking behaviors of young adults. A total of 226 randomly selected parties (representing 1725 partygoers) were selected for study inclusion. Three multilevel logistic regression models tested the relationship between drinking games and the three drinking-related outcomes. RESULTS: Participants who reported playing drinking games were 1.58 times more likely to report continued drinking intentions than participants who did not play drinking games. If drinking games were observed at a party, participants were 2.38 times more likely to plan to drive while intoxicated. Additionally, participants who reported playing drinking games were 1.59 times more likely to report experiencing a drinking-related problem than participants who did not play drinking games. CONCLUSION: Drinking games have consequences beyond increasing the level of intoxication; they contribute to problematic behavior at individual and environmental levels. Preventing drinking games is warranted. Language: en
Radiation risks potentially associated with low-dose CT screening of adult smokers for lung cancer.

PURPOSE: To estimate the radiation-related lung cancer risks associated with annual low-dose computed tomographic (CT) lung screening in adult smokers and former smokers, and to establish a baseline risk that the potential benefits of such screening should exceed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The estimated lung radiation dose from low-dose CT lung examinations corresponds to a dose range for which there is direct evidence of increased cancer risk in atomic bomb survivors. Estimated dose-, sex-, and smoking status–dependent excess relative risks of lung cancer were derived from cancer incidence data for atomic bomb survivors and used to calculate the excess lung cancer risks associated with a single CT lung examination at a given age in a U.S. population. From these, the overall radiation risks associated with annual CT lung screening were estimated. RESULTS: A 50-year-old female smoker who undergoes annual CT lung screening until age 75 would incur an estimated radiation-related lung cancer risk of 0.85%, in ad...
Anatomy of a successful K-12 educational outreach program in the health sciences: eleven years experience at one medical sciences campus.

The Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is the administrative home of a nationally recognized educational outreach program in the health sciences for K–12 teachers (includes school nurses, counselors, etc.) and students. This program is called the Partners in Health Sciences (PIHS) program. It began in the summer of 1991 and is based on an annual needs assessment of the state's teachers. PIHS is a program available to all teachers and students in the state. It has several different components: (1) a cafeteria of 21 days of mini-courses offered in the summer to meet the professional development needs of K–12 biology/health teachers and other school personnel; (2) weekly, interactive telecommunication broadcasts for students during the academic year; (3) intensive, 5-day workshops that train five selected teachers at a time (10 per year) to use an authoring software program to develop grade-appropriate interactive, computer-assisted, instructional (CAI) modules for Internet (http://k14education.uams.edu) use by teachers and students; (4) a monthly science night for students and their parents at a local science magnet high school; (5) field trips to the UAMS campus for teachers and their students; (6) community-requested presentations by program faculty; and (7) availability of earning undergraduate and graduate credit for science education majors in the College of Education, University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The data presented in this report span the period from 1991 through 2001. For all program activities, 14,084 different participants have consumed a total of 50,029 hours of education. Anat Rec (New Anat) 269:181–193, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Capacity limits and matching properties of lateral flux integrated capacitors

Theoretical limits for the capacitance density of lateral flux and quasi-fractal capacitors are calculated. These limits are used to investigate the efficiency of various capacitive structures such as lateral flux and quasi-fractal structures. This study leads to two new capacitor structures with high lateral field efficiency. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate higher capacity and superior matching properties compared to the standard horizontal parallel plate and previously reported lateral-field capacitors.
Validity of segmental multiple-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis to estimate body composition of adults across a range of body mass indexes.

Abstract Objective We compared body composition estimates using an eight-electrode, segmental, multiple-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (segmental MF-BIA) and dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a group of healthy adults with a range of body mass indexes (BMIs). Methods Percentage of body fat (%BF), fat-free mass, and fat mass assessed by DXA and segmental MF-BIA in 132 healthy adults were classified by normal (N; 18.5–24.9 kg/m 2 ), overweight (OW; 25–29.9 kg/m 2 ), and obese (OB; 30–39.9 kg/m 2 ) BMI. Results Compared with DXA, segmental MF-BIA overestimated %BF in the OB BMI group (3.4%; P P P P r = 0.42, P r = 0.60, P Conclusion Eight-electrode, segmental MF-BIA is a valid method to estimate %BF in adults with BMI classified as N and OW, but not as OB. Estimation of trunk resistance with current segmental MF-BIA devices may explain the underestimation of %BF in the adults with OB BMI. Further examination of the effect of waist circumference and body fat distribution on the accuracy of BIA measurements is warranted.
Sleep apnea diagnostic device

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which people are unable to breathe while they are sleeping. The goal of this project is to design a medical device that can be used as a diagnostic tool for preliminary diagnosis of sleep apnea. The signals measured will be the respiratory rate measurement, the oxygen concentration in blood and chest oscillations. The system architecture will be divided into 5 parts, the microcontroller, the external communications, data storage, power management, and signal conditioning part. The data stored will be transmitted wirelessly to a clinic's office. The physician can interpret the data received from the medical device the next morning and conclude what the patient's condition is. There will be sensors designed to measure airflow, temperature and oxygen level. The design for the airflow and temperature measurements will be made through a Wheatstone Bridge circuit using thermistors. To measure the saturation of oxygen in the blood, a pulse oximetry technique will be used. Also, to measure chest oscillations, an accelerometer will be used. The sleep apnea diagnostic device will be available at a low cost and can be administered at home, so patients can afford to purchase it. The device will also reduce costs for the patient because the patient does not have to pay for an overnight stay at the clinic to determine if he or she has sleep apnea. High costs may occur if the doctor decides the patient needs further tests, but for patients who do not have sleep apnea, however think they are inflicted with the disorder, will not have to pay for an expensive one night stay at the clinic.