cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convection-Radiation Interaction in Buoyancy-Induced Channel Flow

The interaction of convection with radiation in buoyancy-induced flow in a channel is re-examined in order to better understand the effects of each flow configuration parameter. The analysis differs from that of Carpenter et al. 4 primarily in the definition of the dimehsionless temperature. In this study, 0 is based on the local temperature itself rather than the difference of the local and inlet temperature.4 The present definition avoids the unnecessary complications introduced via the linearization of the radiative terms4 that make the interpretation of the presented results rather awkward. The present analysis concentrates in demonstrating individually the effects of the rate of heat transfer, channel length, channel width, air inlet temperature, and surface emissivities on the temperature of the heated and adiabatic walls.
Safety and efficacy of the combination of erlotinib and sirolimus for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma after failure of sunitinib or sorafenib.

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an important therapeutic target in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Pre-clinical data indicate that the combined inhibition of both the epidermal growth factor receptor and mTOR results in enhanced anticancer activity. All patients had metastatic RCC with progression after treatment with sunitinib and/or sorafenib. Treatment consisted of erlotinib 150 mg orally once a day starting on day 1 and sirolimus 6 mg orally on day 8 followed by 2 mg daily, adjusted according to blood levels. A total of 25 patients were enrolled between July 2006 and March 2008. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12 weeks (95% CI 5.9–18.1) and median overall survival (OS) 40 weeks (95% CI 0–85.7). No confirmed complete or partial responses were observed, but stable disease >6 months was noted in 21.8% (95% CI 4.9–38.6) of patients. The most common adverse events were rash and diarrhoea. There was no correlation between erlotinib, OSI-420 (days 8 and 15) or sirolimus (days 15 and 29) blood levels and PFS or OS. The combination of sirolimus and erlotinib for RCC failed to demonstrate an advantage over available single-agent therapy in the second-line setting.
Field Observations of the Union City Tornado in Oklahoma

(1974). Field Observations of the Union City Tornado in Oklahoma. Weatherwise: Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 68-79.
Determination of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine enantiomers in whole blood.

Abstract A method for the determination of the enantiomeric content of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in microsamples (200 μl) of whole blood is described. The method involves liquid—liquid extraction of MDA and MDMA from blood and derivatization with the chiral reagent N-trifluoroacetyl- l -prolyl chloride. Separation, identification and quantitation of diastereomeric derivatives is by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry. The analytical range of the assay is from 0.12 ng to 48 ng injected on-column. Details for the synthesis of the enantiomers of MDMA are also provided.
Endocrine induction of intermale aggression in mice: A comparison of hormonal regimens and their relationship to naturally occurring behavior☆

Abstract The level of intermale-like fighting behavior induced in female mice by various regimens of gonadal hormones known to establish aggression was compared. Regardless of whether the animals were exposed to testosterone propionate on the day of birth, the highest aggression scores were observed following chronic testosterone exposure in adult life. Females so treated also exhibited significantly more aggression than intact males. The least effective regiment was neonatal exposure to estradiol benzoate followed by long-term exposure of the adult to testosterone. Lastly, while castrated adult males were less likely to display aggressive behavior, those that fought did so at a level comparable to that of intact males.
Allogenic bone marrow transplantation in severe Gaucher disease.

ABSTRACT: Gaucher disease is the most prevalent lyso-somal storage disease. This autosomal recessive disease is caused by the defective activity of the enzyme acid β-glucosidase and the resultant accumulation of glucosylcer-amide primarily within cells of the reticuloendothelial system. Because the primary manifestations of Gaucher disease are due to involvement of monocvte/macrophage-derived cells, this disease is thought to be an excellent candidate for curative intervention via bone marrow transplantation (BMT). A Hispanic female with subacute neu-ronopathic Gaucher disease and rapidly progressing visceral manifestations underwent BMT at 23 mo of age using her histocompatible normal brother as the donor. Cytoge-netic analyses demonstrated complete, stable engraftment by 1 mo post-BMT. During the subsequent 24 mo, clinical, biochemical, enzymatic, and histologic studies demonstrated nearly complete correction in the viscera. Her neuropathic manifestations did not progress. Complete re-constitution of enzymatic activity in peripheral blood leukocytes was achieved by 1 mo. Cytogenetic analyses demonstrated complete engraftment by d 79 and nearly complete loss of bone marrow Gaucher cells was observed by 8 mo. Plasma glucosylceramide levels normalized by 8–12 mo. Nearly coincident improvements in hepatic size, enzyme levels, and histology were found by 12–24 mo post-BMT. Fatal sepsis occurred at 24 mo post-BMT. Autopsy revealed sparse Gaucher cells in clusters in the liver, lymph nodes, and hugs as well as the lack of periadventitial Gaucher cells surrounding brain vessels. The findings provide the time coarse aid rationale for studies directed to gene therapy via BMT for this disease after introduction of acid β-glncosidase gene constructs into autologous plu-ripotent stem cells of selected Gaucher disease patients.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is safe and efficacious for pretransplant candidates.

Abstract Background Morbid obesity is a relative contraindication for organ transplant because it is associated with higher postoperative morbidity and mortality. The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a weight loss method for patients awaiting transplant has not been examined. Methods A retrospective review was performed on morbidly obese patients awaiting liver or kidney transplant who underwent LSG from 2006 to 2012. Data included patient demographic characteristics, operative details, 30-day complications, percentage of excess weight loss, postoperative laboratory data, and status of transplant candidacy. Results Twenty-six pretransplant patients underwent LSG. The mean age was 57 years, and 17 (65%) were women. Six patients had end-stage renal disease, and 20 patients had end-stage liver disease. The preoperative mean body mass index was 48.3kg/m 2 (range 38–60.4kg/m 2 ). There were no deaths, and there were 6 postoperative complications: 2 superficial wound infections, 1 staple line leak, 1 postoperative bleed requiring blood transfusion, 1 transient encephalopathy, and 1 temporary renal insufficiency. The mean percentage of excess weight loss at 1, 3, and 12 months was 17% (n = 24/26), 26% (n = 23/26), and 50% (n = 18/20), respectively. All patients met our institution's body mass index cutoffs for transplantation by 12 months after the procedure. One patient's renal function stabilized, and he was taken off the transplant list. Eight patients eventually underwent solid organ transplant. Six received liver transplants, 1 patient received a combined liver and kidney transplant, and 1 received a kidney transplant. The mean time between LSG and transplant was 16.6 months. Conclusions This is the largest case series involving LSG in patients awaiting solid organ transplantation. LSG is well tolerated, is technically feasible, and improves candidacy for transplantation.
Kinetics and anisotropic fluctuations in weakly ordered block copolymers

In weakly ordered block copolymer nanostructures, fluctuations in the order parameter are important. Because of the periodic order of the structures, these fluctuations are anisotropic. The anisotropic fluctuations are crucial for determining the stability limit of an ordered structure, the pathways of order-order and order-disorder transitions, as well as for. consistently interpreting small angle neutron or X-ray scattering data. Some recent advances include the understanding of the nature of the anisotropic fluctuations and the kinetics of order-order and order-disorder transitions in block copolymers.
Revisiting customer participation in service encounters: does culture matter?

Abstract Service customers expend significant effort through a variety of behaviors, before, during, and after encounters, to increase the likelihood of satisfactory service experience or to salvage failing service encounters. Service customers’ satisfaction-seeking behaviors are both proactive and reactive in terms of both intent and execution. These behaviors include preparation, relationship building, information exchange, and intervention. This extension of the original research was presented by Youngdahl and Kellogg [Journal of Operations Management 15 (1997) 19]. It provides an examination of how robust the satisfaction-seeking behaviors are across cultures. The overall question is whether people in different cultures would use similar participative behaviors. We also examined whether or not culture is related to service customers’ effort and satisfaction. The counter-intuitive findings indicate that service customers’ satisfaction-seeking behaviors are not related to their cultural orientations. Additionally, culture is not related to effort or satisfaction level. The implication is that prescriptions derived from earlier research on these forms of service participation can be applied both across cultures and to any culturally diverse customer base.
A LabVIEW program for determining confidence intervals of Abel-inverted radial emission profiles

Abstract A LabVIEW-based program for the determination of confidence intervals in Abel inversion is described in detail. Confidence intervals are determined from the noise level in the input lateral-emission profile. It is first assumed that the noise-free lateral profile is a smooth and continuous function which can be satisfactorily approximated by a polynomial fit. Random noise is then added to produce a profile that is statistically identical to the experimental lateral profile. Because the number of generated lateral profiles can be as large as desired, the corresponding Abel-inverted radial profiles provide a basis for determination of the confidence intervals. The program is capable of determining the optimal order of the fitting polynomial for the input lateral profile. Two methods for computing the Abel inversion calculation, the Nestor–Olsen and the Hankel–Fourier algorithms, are built into the program. If necessary, the input lateral profile can be smoothed by a built-in moving-average function. A detailed description of the program and its associated functions is presented, followed by a characterization of its performance in the determination of Abel-inversion confidence intervals for several test emission profiles.
Pretrial publicity and juror age affect mock-juror decision making

Abstract We explored the effects of pretrial publicity (PTP) and juror age on decision making and source memory. Mock jurors read news articles containing negative PTP, positive PTP, or unrelated stories. One week later they viewed a murder trial, made decisions about guilt, and completed a source memory test. We found that only positive PTP had a significant effect on older jurors' verdicts and impressions (positivity effect); while only negative PTP had a significant effect on younger jurors' verdicts (negativity effect). PTP and juror age had significant effects on accurate source memory judgments (accurately attributing trial information to the trial) with older jurors and those exposed to PTP being less accurate. Only PTP had a significant effect on jurors' critical source memory errors (misattributing information in the PTP to the trial or both the trial and the PTP) with those exposed to negative PTP making more of these errors than jurors in the other PTP conditions.
Semantic (verbal) and figural memory impairment in alcoholics.

Abstract In two separate studies, episodic semantic (verbal) and figural-memory abilities as measured by the Wechsler Memory Scale (Russell Method) are compared in middle-aged detoxified male alcoholics and controls. Both studies gave rise to similar findings. Alcoholics recalled significantly less verbal and figural material at both immediate recall and 30-min delayed recall than did the controls. Contrary to expectation, compared to controls, alcoholics did not have a greater differential deficit for the figural material as compared with the verbal or a greater differential deficit on delayed than on immediate memory. The percentage of material recalled at the delayed testing, when taken as a function of the amount of material recalled immediately, did not differ for the two groups on the semantic or figural tasks in either study. Thus, rates of forgetting were equivalent in alcoholics and controls suggesting that the alcoholics' deficit lies in the initial acquisition process. Whether that deficit is i...
A service-dominant logic for management education: It's time

Even though services dominate the U.S economy and figure prominently in other developed economies, principles for the effective provision of service experiences receive little attention in conventi...
Broadway productions and the value of a Tony Award

This article investigates the effect of a Tony nomination or win on the demand facing a Broadway production using a panel of weekly revenues for Broadway productions from 1996 to 2007. Our results indicate that the effect of a nomination or win is positive in the week of the announcement and gradually increases in successive weeks, presumably due to publicity and word-of-mouth. Winners experience an increase in demand as late as 1 year later when awards are publicized for the following season. Moreover, nominees that do not win the award are penalized heavily in the weeks following the Award announcements. We find that winning a Tony Award increases a production’s revenues by 12% in the week immediately following the Awards.
Evidence for active Wnt signaling during postresection intestinal adaptation.

Abstract Background In the intestine, Wnt proteins are powerful regulators of cell proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion. Mutations of the adenomatous polyposis coli ( APC ) gene elevate nuclear β -catenin and provoke intestinal tumor formation. We sought to determine whether Wnt signaling is involved in adaptive response to massive small bowel resection (SBR). Methods Male Min mice with a mutation of the APC gene and wild-type controls underwent a 50% proximal SBR or sham operation. After 3 days, villus height, crypt depth, and rates of proliferation and apoptosis were recorded in the remnant ileum. Results After SBR, villus height and enterocyte proliferation were significantly greater in the Min mice. Western blotting demonstrated resection-induced increases in β -catenin, c-Myc, and E-cadherin after SBR, which was more pronounced in Min mice. Conclusions Mutation of the APC gene and augmented Wnt signaling in the intestine results in an enhanced adaptive response to massive SBR. These data, for the first time, implicate an important role for Wnt signaling during the pathogenesis of resection-induced intestinal adaptation.
Propagating magnetic waves in thick films A complementary technology to surface wave acoustics

Abstract A new form of microwave integrated circuit seems realizable utilizing propagating magnetic waves in epitaxial films of yttrium iron garnet (YIG). The technology is complementary to that of surface acoustic waves with the advantage of operation up to 10 GHz. Both dispersive and non-diapersive properties may be realized with the magnetic waves by using suitably coded, spatially periodic, transducers. The confinement of energy to thin magnetic films permits the fabrication of tapped delay lines. A matrix array of transducers, in conjunction with the anisotropic nature of magnetic wave propagation, has permitted the fabrication of electronically steerable delay lines. The spatial profiles of these magnetic beams have been measured by surface probing techniques. Selective etching of the YIG samples allows magnetic waveguides and directional couplers to be integrated with the other devices for signal processing purposes.
Examining the impact of negative, user-generated content on stakeholders

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to (n=472) examine how negative, user-generated content on Facebook impacts stakeholders’ perceptions of the organization. Design/methodology/approach – At Phase 1, stakeholders’ perceptions about the organization – public relationship, corporate social responsibility, attitude toward the organization, and reputation of the organization were assessed. A week later, at Phase 2, participants were exposed to negative Facebook comments. This study employed the theory of inoculation as a way to bolster stakeholders’ attitudes to protect against attitude shift following exposure to negative, user-generated comments. Findings – Paired sample t-tests indicate stakeholders’ perceptions of the organization – public relationship and corporate social responsibility significantly decrease after stakeholders read negative, user-generated content. The pattern of means supports the idea inoculation can prevent against attitude shift. Practical implications – Strategic communication ...
Conducting research in respondents' homes: benefits, problems, and strategies

Summary In summary, homes are valuable yet underused sites for data collection. Although homes are more frequently used for qualitative research because of the nature of qualitative inquiry requiring few distractions and more reflection, homes also can be used for quantitative studies. One major benefit of collecting data in home is that of obtaining health-related information when a person is at baseline versus in a crisis situation. With adequate funding, attention to safety, and a mechanism for making and confirming appointments, homes serve as valuable sites for obtaining data.
Distinguishing between measurements and interpretations in public accounting reports

When compared to the other modern professions such as medicine, law, and science, the accounting profession is young and, perhaps, yet emerging. Medicine, law, and science clearly distinguish between information collected on concrete systems and various interpretations of that information. The distinction is less clear in accounting. Living systems theory (LST) may be used to distinguish between measurements and interpretations in accounting information. The following specific questions are answered: (1) Why analyze concrete system processes? (2) Do accounting information systems measure concrete system processes? (3) How would LST change accounting information-gathering and reporting procedures? (4) Does the double-entry bookkeeping measurement method converge on an aggregate measurement that is unbiased with reference to the measurement method itself, i.e., unbiased by any interpretive manipulations by the economic actors? (5) Is there a practical means of using measurements of the concrete elements of organizations to monitor organizational processes and, at the same time, is there a practical means of monitoring the degree of interpretive content of financial statements?. In LST terms, accounting information systems are components of internal transducers of higher-level living systems. Therefore, this study concerns living systems at the levels of organizations, communities, societies, and supranational systems.
Perceptions of the security and attractiveness of urban parking lots

This study concerns design features of urban parking lots which can increase the perception of such areas as both safe and attractive. College students evaluated the attractiveness and perceived security associated with 180 scenes of parking lots adjacent to commercial and multi-family residential structures in Atlanta and Athens, Georgia, U.S.A. High intergroup correlations (r > 0·90) indicated the reliability of evaluations of both perceived features. Regressions of physical features on perceived security ratings and attractiveness ratings yielded highly predictive models (R2 = 0·76 and 0·80, respectively). For both sets of ratings a Maintenance and Design factor accounted for the most variance. Although attractiveness ratings were higher as the total amount of vegetation increased in a scene, security was in general rated higher only when vegetation was well maintained and appeared to be installed as part of a landscape design. Attractiveness was generally higher for multi-family residential scenes than for commercial scenes. Perceived security was higher for frontal views of structures, especially when entrances were proximate to the viewer. Research implications are discussed in terms of the impact of natural features in urban areas for increasing attractiveness and reducing fear of crime.
Sociobiology of the great apes and the hominid ancestor

Abstract This review of recent field studies of the great apes summarizes and weighs socioecological and sociobiological evidence concerning the ultimate causes of social structure. The behavioral ecology and social structures of mountain gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos are reviewed and contrasted between species. Social dynamics and molecular studies indicate that, among the extant Hominoidea, the evolutionary clade of chimpanzees, bonobos, and humans probably evolved from the most recent common ancestor in the ape-human stem. The most probable phylogenetic referential model for the suite of social behaviors of the hominid ancestor consists of the behavioral traits common to all three species: female exogamy, male retention, female associations due to attraction to the same male(s), weak bonds between females, a closed, stable social group made up of a kin-group of males and containing multiple females, fusion-fission sociality in which individuals of either sex sometimes travel alone, a polygynous mating system, communal territoriality with cooperative defense by kin-related males who exhibit strong solidarity among themselves but who may kill other males in territorial disputes, low mating competition between males within communities, and moderate sexual dimorphism. It is postulated that this phylogenetic model is a useful tool for comparing goodness of fit of other referential models seeking to explain hominid evolution. It is also suggested that to construct a “strategic” or conceptual model to explain hominid evolution, the putative evolutionary processes responsible for this male-retentive system require further testing in the field by measuring individual reproductive success among the great apes and man.
Enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of omeprazole in human plasma

Abstract A new stereoselective HPLC assay was developed to isolate omeprazole enantiomers from human plasma using C2 solid-phase extraction cartridges and an analogue was used as internal standard. Recoveries of the (+)-isomer were 83.4 and 89.7% at 100 and 250 ng/ml, respectively. Recoveries of the (−)-isomer were 78.4 and 82.8%, respectively. Recovery of the internal standard averaged 77.2%. Direct chiral separation of the enantiomers is achieved on a Resolvosil BSA-7 chiral column (15 cm × 4 min I.D.) and a matching guard column. The mobile phase is a variable amount of n-propanol (0.05–1.0%) in 0.05 M ammonium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) and the flow-rate is 1.5 ml/min. Drug absorbance is monitored at 302 nm. Standard curves are linear from 15 to 250 ng/ml for each enantiomer. The coefficients of variation for intra-day precision at each concentration over the range of the standard curve were between 0.98 and 10.87%. The coefficients of variation for inter-day precision for the analyses of omeprazole enantiomers in plasma (30 and 175 ng/ml) were less than 10% over a four month interval.
High-damping, high-Reynolds VIV tests for energy harnessing using the VIVACE converter

Abstract The VIVACE converter enhances VIV to harness horizontal hydrokinetic energy of water flows. High-Reynolds and high-damping are required to operate VIVACE in ocean/river currents. Scarce VIV data exist in that parametric subspace. Tests are performed for Reynolds number 40,000
Patterns of nitrogen utilization in the soybean.

The patterns of nitrate uptake, nitrate reductase activity in the leaves, and nitrogen fixation by the nodules were investigated in field-grown soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) over the growing season. The level of nitrate-reductase activity generally paralleled the concentration of nitrate in the leaf tissue over the entire growing season. A precipitous drop in both parameters was noted within 2–3 weeks after flowering. These parameters decreased by 80–95% at mid-pod fill, a stage where ovule (seed) development was in the logarithmic growth phase, placing a heavy demand on the plant for both energy and fixed nitrogen. The activity of nitrogen fixation of soybean root nodules bore a reciprocal relationship to that of nitrate reductase. The maximum levels of nitrogen fixation were reached at early pod fill when nitrate reductase activity had dropped to 25% of maximum activity. A rapid loss of nitrogen fixation activity occurred shortly after bean fill was initiated, again at a time when the ovules were developing at maximal rates. The total protein content of soybean leaves increased over the season to a maximum level at mid-pod fill. This was followed by a 50% drop over the next 3-week period when the plants approached senescence. This drop corresponded to that found for nitrogen fixation. A similar pattern was noted for watersoluble proteins in the leaf. These studies suggest that there is a close and competitive relationship between the processes of nitrate reduction and nitrogen fixation, with the latter process dominating as the major source of fixed nitrogen after the plants have flowered and initiated pods. At this transitional stage, both soil and environmental effects could cause pertrubation in these processes that could lead to a nitrogen stress causing flower and pod abscission. The rapid decay of nitrogen fixation at the time of midpod fill also suggests a competition between roots (nodules) and pods for available photosynthate. This competition appears to lead to the breakdown of foliar proteins and senescence.
Electrophoretic mobility of a colloidal cylinder between two parallel walls

Electrophoresis of a cylindrical particle placed between two parallel walls is considered for arbitrary eccentricity. The electric field is perpendicular to the particle axis, and both the particle and walls are non-conducting. The electrical double layers adjacent to the solid surfaces are assumed to be thin with respect to the particle radius and to the particle–wall gap. A boundary-element method is used to solve the governing equations. It is found that the viscous effect becomes comparable to the electrophoresis when the ratio between the channel width and cylinder diameter approaches unity. In addition, the eccentricity has a significant effect on the particle's rotation.
Investigating the prediction capabilities of the simple recurrent neural network on real temporal sequences

Abstract The goal of this paper is to evaluate the prediction capabilities of the simple recurrent neural network (SRNN). The main focus is on the prediction of non-orthogonal vector components of real temporal sequences. A prediction problem is formulated in which the input is a component of a real sequence and the output is a prediction of the next component of the sequence. A method is developed to train a single SRNN to predict the components of sequences belonging to multiple classes. The selection of a distinguishing initial context vector for each class is proposed to improve the prediction performance of the SRNN. A systematic method to re-train the SRNN with noisy exemplars is developed to improve the prediction generalization of the network. Through the methods developed in the paper, it is demonstrated that: (a) a single SRNN can be trained to predict, contextually, the components of real temporal sequences belonging to different classes, (b) the prediction error of the SRNN can be decreased by using a distinguishing initial context vector for each class, and (c) the prediction generalization of the SRNN can be increased significantly by re-training the network with noisy exemplars.
Geographic and voltinism differentiation among North American Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer) mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase haplotypes

DNA sequence of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1) and II (cox2) genes were characterized and used for population genetic analysis. Twenty-six point mutations were identified from a 2,156 bp DNA sequence alignment. The frequency of polymorphic cox1DdeI and HaeIII, and cox2 Sau3AI and MspI restriction sites were determined from 1,414 individuals by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. Ten haplotypes were observed. A single haplotype was present among 90% of individuals examined, and a HaeIII haplotype was not present in samples from the Atlantic coast. Significant genetic differentiation existed between Atlantic coast and midwestern United States samples, and between sympatric uni- and bivoltine ecotypes. These genetic markers identify regional and ecotype differences in the North American O. nubilalis population.
Fluorescent nanodiamonds for ultrasensitive detection

Fluorescent nanodiamonds (NDs) are new and emerging nanomaterials that have potential to be used as fluorescence imaging agents and also as a highly versatile platform for the controlled functionalization and delivery of a wide spectrum of therapeutic agents. We will utilize two experimental methods, TIRF, a relatively simple method based on total internal reflection fluorescence and SPRF, fluorescence enhanced by resonance coupling with surface plasmons. We estimate that the SPRF method will be 100 times sensitive than currently available similar detectors based on detectors. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop microarray platforms that could be used for sensitive, fast and inexpensive gene sequencing and protein detection.
Estimation of low-temperature cracking threshold for asphalt binders using an acoustic emmission approach

An acoustic emission (AE) approach to evaluate low temperature cracking susceptibility of asphalt binders is presented. Thin films of asphalt binders were bonded to granite substrates and exposed to temperatures ranging from 15°C to - 50°C. Differential thermal contraction between granite substrates and asphalt binders induces progressively higher thermal stress in the binders resulting in thermal crack formation, which is accompanied by a release of elastic energy in the form of transient waves. Using piezoelectric sensors (Digital Wave, Model B-1025), a four-channel acoustic emission system was used to record the acoustic emission activity during the binder/granite cooling process. Assuming the cracking temperature (Tcr) to be the temperature at which the AE signal energy exceeds a pre-selected threshold energy level, this AE testing approach was found to be sensitive and repeatable for predicting cracking temperatures (Tcr) in four SUPERPAVE core asphalt binders. These AE-based Tcr predictions showed strong correlation (R2 = 0.9) with predictions based on either AASHTO TP1 or MP1A protocols. Unlike TP1 and MP1A protocols, the presented AE approach does not require the use of sophisticated software for predicting thermal stresses, and no assumption is required regarding the testing cooling rate and the binder coefficient of thermal contraction.
The status of the HIV epidemic in Lebanon-systematic review and synthesis

Background The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) continues to be perceived as a region with limited HIV epidemiological data. The objective of this work was to review and synthesise for the first time all available data related to HIV in Lebanon, in order to assess the status of the epidemic in this country and provide the basis for future interventions, prevention, and research needs. Methods A comprehensive systematic review of HIV and risk behaviour studies in Lebanon was undertaken. Sources of data included (1) PubMed using a strategy with both free text and MeSH headings, (2) country-level reports and databases including governmental and non-governmental organisations publications, and (3) international organisations reports and databases. Results Available data indicate that HIV prevalence among the high risk groups ranged between 0 and 3.6% among men who have sex with men (MSM), 0 and 3.9% among injecting drug users (IDUs), and 0%–0.3% among female sex workers (FSWs). HIV prevalence in the general population was very limited (∼0%). Analysis of HIV notified cases indicated a substantial recent increase in the contribution of male same-sex sex, whereby 52% of notified cases in 2008 were due to MSM transmission compared to 13% in the cumulative period until 2008. Substantial levels of risk behaviour were reported by the three high-risk groups. MSM reported an average of 9.5 sexual partners in the last year and up to 36% engaged in male sex work. Seventeen to 65% of IDUs shared needles/syringes, 33%–47% had sex with FSWs, 17%–33% engaged in sex work, and 24.7% reported male same-sex sex. FSWs reported an average of 11.7 sexual partners per week. Despite relatively high levels of risk behaviour, condom use in Lebanon was high and among the highest in the MENA region, so were the levels of knowledge of HIV/AIDS and of its modes of transmission. Molecular epidemiology evidence indicated a diverse HIV subtype distribution suggesting multiple exogenous introductions of the virus. Conclusions The evidence gathered in this review indicates that HIV endemic transmission appears to be still limited in Lebanon with most diagnosed cases representing exogenous exposures. There are however few indications suggesting an emerging epidemic among MSM. HIV surveillance of high-risk groups needs to be actively expanded in Lebanon to track such potential emerging epidemics and prevent further HIV transmission among population groups at high risk of HIV infection.
Analysis of Voice Change During Cellular Phone Use: A Blinded Controlled Study

Summary It is a growing belief that cellular phone use may be hazardous to the voice. This study aims to assess voice production in different conversational scenarios to identify any changes in vocal production that may be specific to cellular phone use. Twenty healthy participants were randomized to seven conversational scenarios: quiet conditions face to face; quiet conditions over a landline; quiet conditions using a cellular phone (QCP); quiet conditions using cellular phone with earpiece (QCPE); noisy conditions face to face (NFF); noisy conditions using cellular phone (NCP); and noisy conditions using cellular phone with earpiece (NCPE). In each condition, participants performed spontaneous speech, a standardized reading passage, and sustained voicing. Sound pressure levels (dB SPL) and fundamental frequencies ( F 0 [Hz]) were measured. Subjects completed a 100-mm visual analog scale measuring vocal effort after each speaking scenario. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). There was a significant difference in dB SPL and F 0 between all quiet conditions relative to all noisy conditions ( P
The impact of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome on patients

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common condition, affecting men of all ages. Since mortality and serious complications are extremely uncommon, CP/CPPS is primarily a quality-of-life disease, and, therefore, the patient's perspective is of paramount importance. As with other non-life threatening diseases, the goal of treatment is to maximize quality not quantity of life. Scientifically validated methods to measure patients' health related quality of life have been applied in other urological diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and interstitial cystitis; the same process is now underway in the study of CP/CPPS. Recent studies have shown that CP/CPPS takes a substantial toll on physical and mental health. In addition to examining the health related quality of life of patients with CP/CPPS, future studies should address additional patient-centered outcomes, such as satisfaction with care and the economic burden of the illness, in order to allow a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of this condition on patients.
An experimental study of isotermal spinning of a newtonian and viscoelastic liquid

Abstract An experimental study of continuous isothermal drawing (spinning) of a Newtonian and a viscoelastic liquid has been carried out, and the results compared with viscoelastic spinning theory. The viscoelastic liquid has a nearly constant viscosity that is close to that of the Newtonian liquid. Spinning forces in the viscoelastic liquid were one to two orders of magnitude larger than those in the Newtonian liquid. Filament breakup in the viscoelastic liquid occurred at a constant stress; this stress was an order of magnitude larger than the breakup stress in the Newtonian liquid and three orders of magnitude larger than the shear modulus. Draw resonance instability occurred in accordance with predictions from stability theory for the Newtonian liquid and for the viscoelastic liquid at slow throughputs, but a delay in the onset of draw resonance at higher throughputs of the viscoelastic liquid cannot be explained in the context of existing theory.
Effects of oil on marine organisms: A critical assessment of published data

Abstract Effects of oil on marine organisms are categorized as:(1) direct lethal toxicity; (2) sub-lethal disruption of physiological behavioral activities: (3) effects of direct coating: (4) incorporation of hydrocarbons: and (5) alteration of habitat, especially substrate character. Occurrence of one or more of these effects depends on the composition of oil to which organisms are exposed. Weathering processes significantly alter the composition of spilled oil, resulting in wide variations in biological effects. A set of oil fractions, distinguished by boiling point range and hydrocarbon type, provide a convenient basis for including the important chemical aspects of the impact problem. Adult marine organisms may exhibit lethal toxic effects from exposures to 1–100 ppm soluble aromatic derivative hydrocarbons (SAD). Sub-lethal effects may be caused by SAD concentrations in the range 10–100 ppb. Oil exposed to the atmosphere for 1–2 days loses soluble fractions and non-toxic effects, habitat alteration and coating, become important effects. Effects of several spills are reviewed in light of the above considerations.
Neuro-fuzzy models in pattern recognition

Research in the last decade emphasized the potential of designing adaptive pattern recognition classifiers based on algorithms using multi-layered artificial neural nets. The greatest potential in such endeavors was anticipated to be not only in the adaptivity but also in the high-speed processing through massively parallel VLSI implementation and optical computing. Computational advantages of such algorithms have been demonstrated in a number of papers. Neural networks particularly the self-organizing types have been found quite suitable crisp pattern for clustering of unlabeled datasets. The generalization of Kohonen-type learning vector quantization (LVQ) clustering algorithm to fuzzy LVQ clustering algorithm and its equivalence to fuzzy c-means has been clearly demonstrated recently. On the other hand, Carpenter/Grossberg's ART-type self organizing neural networks have been modified to perform fuzzy clustering by a number of researches in the past few years. The performance of such neuro-fuzzy models in clustering unlabeled data patterns is addressed in this paper. A recent development of a new similarity measure and a new learning rule for updating the centroid of the winning cluster in a fuzzy ART-type neural network is also described. The capability of the above neuro-fuzzy model in better partitioning of datasets into clusters of any shape is demonstrated.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The molecular structure of human tissue type XV presents a unique conformation among the collagens

Establishing the structure of the non-fibrillar collagens has provided a unique perspective to understanding their specialized functions in the extracellular matrix. These proteins exhibit very diverse conformations and supramolecular assemblies. Type XV collagen is a large macromolecule distinguished by a highly interrupted collagenous domain and many utilized sites of attachment for CS (chondroitin sulfate) and HS (heparan sulfate) glycosaminoglycan chains. It is present in most basement membrane zones of human tissues, where it is found closely associated with large collagen fibrils. To determine the molecular shape and organization of type XV, the protein was purified from human umbilical cords by salt extraction, and by ion-exchange and antibody-affinity chromatography. The representation of type XV in one of its most abundant tissue sources is estimated at only (1-2)x10(-4)% of dry weight. The molecules examined by transmission electron microscopy after rotary shadowing were visualized in multiple forms. Relatively few type XV monomers appeared elongated and kinked; most molecules were found in a knot/figure-of-eight/pretzel configuration not previously described for a collagen. Collective measurements of these populations revealed an average length of 193+/-16 nm. At the N-terminal end, identified by C-terminal antibody binding, were three 7.7 nm-diameter spheres, corresponding to TSPN-1 (N-terminal module of thrombospondin-1) modules, and attached to the collagen backbone by a short linker. The type XV monomers show the ability to self-assemble into higher-order structures. Some were arranged in complex clusters, but simpler oligomers, which may represent intermediates, were observed in a cruciform pattern with intermolecular binding sites that probably originate in the interruption sequences. The morphology of type XV is thus the antithesis of the fibrillar collagens, and the shape attains the required flexibility to form the spectrum of interconnecting links between banded fibrils at the basement membrane/interstitial border. These type XV structures may act as a biological 'spring' to stabilize and enhance resilience to compressive and expansive forces, and the multimers, in particular, with selective complements of many localized CS and HS chains, may be instrumental in spatial and temporal recruitment of modulators in growth, development and pathological processes.
Pancreatitis, polyarthritis and panniculitis syndrome.

Joint Bone Spine - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since vendredi 27 septembre 2013
Digital control of a heat recovery and storage system

Abstract The implementation of optimal control trajectories using digital feedback controllers is explored. The system considered is a heat recovery and storage system used in space heating. Since the optimal trajectories considered here are based on forecasted ambient temperatures, a single method of implementing the optimal trajectories using the sensed zone air temperature as feedback signal is presented. Also, an adaptive controller which controls the storage tank temperature is shown to maintain the zone air temperature very close to the set-point.
A Measure of Perceived Argument Strength: Reliability and Validity.

Studies of the content of persuasive messages in which the central arguments of the message are scrutinized have traditionally relied on the technique of thought-listing to assess argument strength. Although the validity of the thought-listing procedure is well documented, its utility can be limited in situations involving nonadult populations and sensitive topics. In this paper, we present a self-reported scale that can be used to assess perceived argument strength in contexts where thought-listing may be less appropriate. This scale taps into perceived argument strength from multiple points of view, including but also extending beyond the potential of the argument to elicit positive and negative thoughts. Reliability and validity of this scale were assessed in health communication contexts involving anti-drug public service announcements (PSAs) directed at adolescents and anti-smoking PSAs targeting adults. Evidence of convergence between this scale and the thought-listing technique was also obtained us...
Separation of variables solution for non-linear radiative cooling

A separation of variables solution has been obtained for transient radiative cooling of an absorbing-scattering plane layer. The solution applies after an initial transient period required for adjustment of the temperature and scattering source function distributions. The layer emittance, equal to the instantaneous heat loss divided by the fourth power of the instantaneous mean temperature, becomes constant. This emittance is a function of only the optical thickness of the layer and the scattering albedo; its behavior as a function of these quantities is considerably different than for a layer at constant temperature.
Population health and status of epidemiology in Western European, Balkan and Baltic countries

BACKGROUND This article is part of a series commissioned by the International Epidemiological Association, aimed at describing population health and epidemiological resources in the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions. It covers 32 of the 53 WHO European countries, namely the Western European countries, the Balkan countries and the Baltic countries. METHODS The burdens of mortality and morbidity and the patterns of risk factors and inequalities have been reviewed in order to identify health priorities and challenges. Literature and internet searches were conducted to stock-take epidemiological teaching, research activities, funding and scientific productivity. FINDINGS These countries have among the highest life expectancies worldwide. However, within- and between-country inequalities persist, which are largely due to inequalities in distribution of main health determinants. There is a long tradition of epidemiological research and teaching in most countries, in particular in the Western European countries. Cross-national networks and collaborations are increasing through the support of the European Union which fosters procedures to standardize educational systems across Europe and provides funding for epidemiological research through framework programmes. The number of Medline-indexed epidemiological research publications per year led by Western European countries has been increasing. The countries accounts for nearly a third of the global epidemiological publication. CONCLUSIONS Although population health has improved considerably overall, persistent within- and between-country inequalities continue to challenge national and European health institutions. More research, policy and action on the social determinants of health are required in the region. Epidemiological training, research and workforce in the Baltic and Balkan countries should be strengthened. European epidemiologists can play pivotal roles and must influence legislation concerning production and access to high-quality data.