cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The relationship between alcohol consumption and menstrual cycle: a review of the literature

Alcohol use affects men and women differently, with women being more affected by the health effects of alcohol use (NIAAA, 2011). Yet, a dearth of information investigating the alcohol use in women exists (SAMSHA, 2011). In particular, one dispositional factor hypothesized to contribute to alcohol consumption in women is the menstrual cycle. However, only 13 empirical papers have considered the menstrual cycle as related to alcohol consumption in women. These studies fall out with somewhat mixed findings suggesting that the premenstrual week is associated with increased, decreased, or no change in alcohol consumption, likely due to methodological differences in menstrual cycle determination and measures of alcohol consumption. These methodological differences and possible other contributing factors are discussed here with recommendations for future research in this area. Understanding the contribution of the menstrual cycle to alcohol consumption is one step in addressing an important women’s health concern.
Association Between Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and Longitudinal Decline in Tau in Mild Cognitive Impairment

We have previously shown that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) use is associated with improved cognitive function in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and with lower amyloid and Tau content on autopsy studies.1,2 The impact of ARBs on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid and tau biomarkers is unknown. We analyzed data from the longitudinal Alzheimer’s disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) to assess the impact of ARB use on CSF amyloid and Tau markers.
Chapter 12 – Nanoelectronics: Where Are You?

This chapter reviews the progress of use of nano-scale physics in devices. This progress can be achieved by those working in metal oxide silicon field effect transistor (MOSFET), step-by-step, and slowly. In an ultra-small MOSFET, there are far more than a few thousand electrons flowing between the source and drain contacts so that a few defects can be overwhelmed. It is on an entirely different scale with nano-electronic devices with only a few electrons. This difference allows researchers in MOSFET to continue their slow but sure progress. However, the stability issues are very real in quantum nano-devices. Switching and hysteresis, apart from nonlinear effects, are all caused by strong coupling between the intended active parts with the unintended defects forming deep traps. This is particularly prominent in structures in a few nanometer regimes where the structure and defects have similar wave-functions allowing them to couple strongly.
Pulmonary artery blood flow patterns in fetuses with pulmonary outflow tract obstruction.

Objectives Fetuses with pulmonary outflow tract obstruction (POTO) have altered blood flow to the pulmonary vasculature. We sought to determine whether pulmonary vascular impedance, as assessed via the pulsatility index (PI), is different in fetuses with POTO compared to normal controls.
Citation for Scott Doney

“A man of genius makes no mistakes. His errors are volitional and are the portals of discovery. James Joyce, Ulysses (1922). ”After collaborating with Scott Doney for the past 14 years I know what Joyce meant. When working with someone as bright as Scott it inevitably happens that you just don't understand. And because we're trained skeptics the question immediately arises, ”has our friend and colleague made a mistake?“ But we're wrong; we just didn't see the portal through which people like Scott had already proceeded. Certainly this is what we reserve these awards of ‘outstandingness’ for; those whose insight lead through the portals of discovery”.
Effects of metals on methanogenesis, sulfate reduction, carbon dioxide evolution, and microbial biomass in anoxic salt marsh sediments

The effects of several metals on microbial methane, carbon dioxide, and sulfide production and microbial ATP were examined in sediments from Spartina alterniflora communities. Anaerobically homogenized sediments were amended with 1,000 ppm (ratio of weight of metal to dry weight of sediment) of various metals. Time courses in controls were similar for CH(4), H(2)S, and CO(2), with short initial lags (0 to 4 h) followed by periods of constant gas production (1 to 2 days) and declining rates thereafter. Comparisons were made between control and experimental assays with respect to initial rates of production (after lag) and overall production. Methane evolution was inhibited both initially and overall by CH(3)HgCl, HgS, and NaAsO(2). A period of initial inhibition was followed by a period of overall stimulation with Hg, Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cu, all as chlorides, and with ZnSO(4), K(2)CrO(4), and K(2)Cr(2)O(7). Production of CO(2) was generally less affected by the addition of metals. Inhibition was noted with NaAsO(2), CH(3)HgCl, and Na(2)MoO(4). Minor stimulation of CO(2) production occurred over the long term with chlorides of Hg, Pb, and Fe. Sulfate reduction was inhibited in the short term by all metals tested and over the long term by all but FeCl(2) and NiCl(2). Microbial biomass was decreased by FeCl(2), K(2)Cr(2)O(7), ZnSO(4), CdCl(2), and CuCl(2) but remained generally unaffected by PbCl(2), HgCl(2), and NiCl(2). Although the majority of metals produced an immediate inhibition of methanogenesis, for several metals this was only a transient phenomenon followed by an overall stimulation. The initial suppression of methanogenesis may be relieved by precipitation, complexation, or transformation of the metal (possibly by methylation), with the subsequent stimulation resulting from a sustained inhibition of competing organisms (e.g., sulfate-reducing bacteria). For several environmentally significant metals, severe metal pollution may substantially alter the flow of carbon in sediments.
Person re-identification using geometry constrained human trajectory modeling

Person re-identification (re-ID) is the ability to associate the identity of a person observed at one time and location with the same subject when acquired at a different time and location. Trajectory forecasting is the task of predicting the likely path that a person might take to reach a destination. Contextual trajectory forecasting (CTF) leverages the 3D geometric information of the environment along with observed behavioral norms for human path prediction. Re-ID involves feature matching to find an identity in the database with similar features. The features encompass information regarding appearance of the person like color and texture, or context of the scenario like the time and location of the human subject. CTF provides a future estimate of the likely time and spatial location of previously observed subjects. Embedding this information into traditional re-ID algorithm significantly boost their performance. In this paper, re-ID is performed across non-overlapping cameras with real world human subjects. CTF is embedded into a re-identification algorithm that uses symmetry driven accumulation of local features (SDALF) [1] to evaluate the performance. Experiments suggest a significant improvement in re-identification by embedding CTF.
Novel Insights into the Development and Function of Cilia Using the Advantages of the Paramecium Cell and Its Many Cilia

Paramecium species, especially P. tetraurelia and caudatum, are model organisms for modern research into the form and function of cilia. In this review, we focus on the ciliary ion channels and other transmembrane proteins that control the beat frequency and wave form of the cilium by controlling the signaling within the cilium. We put these discussions in the context of the advantages that Paramecium brings to the understanding of ciliary motility: mutants for genetic dissections of swimming behavior, electrophysiology, structural analysis, abundant cilia for biochemistry and modern proteomics, genomics and molecular biology. We review the connection between behavior and physiology, which allows the cells to broadcast the function of their ciliary channels in real time. We build a case for the important insights and advantages that this model organism continues to bring to the study of cilia.
A theoretically based determination of bowen-ratio fetch requirements

Determination of fetch requirements for accurateBowen-ratio measurements of latent- and sensible-heatfluxes is more involved than for eddy-correlationmeasurements because Bowen-ratio sensors are locatedat two heights, rather than just one. A simplesolution to the diffusion equation is used to derivean expression for Bowen-ratio fetch requirements,downwind of a step change in surface fluxes. Theserequirements are then compared to eddy-correlationfetch requirements based on the same diffusionequation solution. When the eddy-correlation andupper Bowen-ratio sensor heights are equal, and theavailable energy upwind and downwind of the stepchange is constant, the Bowen-ratio method requiresless fetch than does eddy correlation. Differences infetch requirements between the two methods aregreatest over relatively smooth surfaces. Bowen-ratiofetch can be reduced significantly by lowering thelower sensor, as well as the upper sensor. The Bowen-ratio fetchmodel was tested using data from a fieldexperiment where multiple Bowen-ratio systems weredeployed simultaneously at various fetches and heightsabove a field of bermudagrass. Initial comparisonswere poor, but improved greatly when the model wasmodified (and operated numerically) to account for thelarge roughness of the upwind cotton field.
Exploring Posttraumatic Growth in Children Impacted by Hurricane Katrina: Correlates of the Phenomenon and Developmental Considerations

This study explored posttraumatic growth (PTG), positive change resulting from struggling with trauma, among 7- to 10-year-olds impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Analyses focused on child self-system functioning and cognitive processes, and the caregiving context, in predicting PTG at 2 time points (Time 1 n = 66, Time 2 n = 51). Findings suggest that rumination, both negative, distressing thoughts and constructive, repetitive thinking, plays an important role in PTG. Hypotheses regarding future expectations and perceived competence were not fully supported, and, unexpectedly, coping competency beliefs, realistic control attributions, and perceived caregiver warmth did not contribute to PTG models. With 1 exception (positive reframing coping advice), caregiver-reported variables did not relate to PTG; no caregiver variable reached significance in final models. Relevant theory, developmental considerations, and future directions are discussed.
Development and implementation of neural network observers to estimate the state vector of a synchronous generator from on-line operating data

This paper presents a novel technique for developing and implementing artificial neural network (ANN) observers for estimating unmeasurable rotor body currents of a synchronous generator from time-domain online disturbance data. Data for training the observers are generated through off-line simulations of a 7.5 kVA machine model whose parameters are varied in accordance with previously determined online parameter estimates of the generator under consideration. Studies show that observer robustness towards noise can be improved by enhancing the size of the observer input vector. In order to increase observer robustness towards variations in the field-resistance, simulated variations representative of changes in field-resistance were introduced in the training sets. After training, the observers are tested with experimentally obtained online measurements to provide estimates of unmeasurable rotor body currents. The estimated rotor body currents are then used along with experimental measurements to estimate synchronous generator parameters.
Plasma dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in familial and sporadic paranoid schizophrenia

This study was designed to check the hypothesis of low DBH activities in paranoid schizophrenia (PS), controlling for the influence of positive family history
Kinetic study of the gas‐phase reaction c‐C5H10 + I2 ⇄ c‐C5H8 + 2HI the heat of formation of cyclopentyl radical

The kinetics of the gas-phase dehydrogenation of cyclopentane to cyclopentene is found to be consistent with a slow attack by an I atom (step 4, text) on cyclopentane in the range 282–382°C. The measured rate constants fit the Arrhenius equation, log k4 = 11.95 ± 0.08 – (24.9 ± 0.23)/θ 1 mole−1 sec−1, where θ = 2.303RT in kcal/mole. This leads to a value of ΔH = 24.3 ± 1 kcal/mole and a bond dissociation energy DH = 94.9 ± 1 kcal/mole. The latter value is identical with DH0(i-Pr-H) = 95 ± 1 kcal/mole and signifies that cyclopentane and the cyclopentyl radical have the same strain energy. Arrhenius parameters are deduced for all six steps in the reaction mechanism. Surface reactions are shown to be unimportant. Cyclopentyl iodide is an unstable intermediate in the reaction and the rate constant for its bimolecular formation from HI + cyclopentene is found to be log k6 = 8.40 ± 0.29 - (26.9 ± 0.8)/θ 1 mole−1 sec−1. Together with the equilibrium constant, this yields for the unimolecular elimination of HI from cyclopentyl iodide, the rate constant, log k5 = 13.3 ± 0.3 – (42.8 ± 1.2)/θ sec−1.
Liposome-bound cyclosporine: Clearance after intravitreal injection

The concentration of cyclosporine in the vitreous after intravitreal injection of 100 micrograms of either free or liposome-bound cyclosporine was studied in albino rabbits. We found that the half-life of free cyclosporine was about 6 hours and that of liposome-bound cyclosporine was about 3 days. The finding indicates that liposome-bound cyclosporine prolongs the availability of the drug.
Patterns and functions of nonverbal communication: An introduction

This introduction is designed to orient readers to “Patterns and Functions of Nonverbal Communication,” a Special Issue of The Southern Communication Journal. Both theoretical and empirical papers explore how nonverbal cues operate to affect communication outcomes. A brief discussion of nonverbal patterns preceeds an overview of the contributors’ studies.
Development of a dissolved oxygen sensor using tris(bipyridyl) ruthenium (II) complexes entrapped in highly siliceous zeolites

Abstract Defect-free highly siliceous zeolites were prepared by dealumination of zeolite Y using silicon tetrachloride. Tris(bipyridyl) ruthenium (II) complex, [Ru(bpy) 3 ] 2+ , was synthesized inside the supercages of the highly siliceous faujasitic zeolites using neutral Ru(bpy)Cl 3 as the starting material. The conventional procedure using ion-exchange of hexammine ruthenium could not be used because of the lack of ion-exchange sites in the siliceous zeolites. The emission quenching of intrazeolitic Ru(bpy) 3 2+ by oxygen dissolved in water was studied. Dealumination of the zeolitic framework leads to a hydrophobic environment that promotes oxygen transfer from water to the zeolite. Transparent zeolite-dispersed siloxane films were prepared and examined as sensors for dissolved oxygen.
Rock magnetism of remagnetized carbonate rocks: another look

Authigenic formation of fine-grained magnetite is responsible for widespread chemical remagnetization of many carbonate rocks. Authigenic magnetite grains, dominantly in the super- paramagnetic and stable single-domain size range, also give rise to distinctiverock-magnetic prop- erties, now commonly used as a 'fingerprint' of remagnetization. We re-examine the basis of this association in terms of magnetic mineralogy and particle-size distribution in remagnetized carbon- ates having these characteristic rock-magnetic properties, including 'wasp-waisted' hysteresis loops, high ratios of anhysteretic remanence to saturation remanence and frequency-dependent susceptibility. New measurements on samples from the Helderberg Group allow us to quantify the proportions of superparamagnetic, stable single-domain and larger grains, and to evaluate the mineralogical composition of the remanence carriers. The dominant magnetic phase is magnetite-like, with sufficient impurity to completely suppress the Verwey transition. Particle sizes are extremely fine: approximately 75% of the total magnetite content is superparamagnetic at room temperature and almost all of the rest is stable single-domain. Although it has been pro- posed that the single-domain magnetite in these remagnetized carbonates lacks shape anisotropy (and is therefore controlled by cubic magnetocrystalline anisotropy), we have found strong exper- imental evidence that cubic anisotropy is not an important underlying factor in the rock-magnetic signature of chemical remagnetization. The usefulness of a palaeomagnetic remanence is directly related to the accuracy with which its age is known (e.g. Van der Voo 1990). Primary remanence, acquiredduringorverysoonafterrockformation,pro- videsdirectinformationonpalaeofieldorientationand strengthatthattime.Thepossibilityofpartialorcom- plete remagnetization at a later time complicates palaeomagneticinterpretation,ashaslongbeenrecog- nized (e.g. Graham 1949). Every robust palaeomag- netic study must therefore include some effort to constrain the ages of identified components of the natural remanent magnetization (NRM). Relative dating with respect to sedimentary processes, struc- tural tilting or cross-cutting relationships is the basis of the classical geometric palaeomagnetic tests (fold test and conglomerate test, Graham 1949; baked contact test, Everitt & Clegg 1962; unconformity test, Kirschvink 1978). The special circumstances required for application of these tests are often not available however, or positive test results may providerelativelylooseconstraintsallowingmagneti- zation ages that significantly post-date the age of the rock formation. As a result, other evidence (although generally more indirect) becomes essential in evaluating the age, origin and significance of NRM components. Such evidence commonly includes petrographic observations,isotopic andgeo- chemical data and rock magnetic characterization. By their very existence, magnetic overprints provide evidence of some process or event of
Note on a maximum principle and a uniqueness theorem for an elliptic-hyperbolic equation

A maximum principle is proved for the function ψ = J [ — 2u x u y dx + (Ku 2 x — u 2 y ) dy], where u is a solution of the equation of mixed type K(y)u xx + u yy = 0 with K(y) ≷ 0 for y ≷ 0. The proof rests in showing that iff satisfies an elliptic equation for y > 0 and that it is a non-decreasing function of y for y ⩽ 0. This maximum principle leads to a uniqueness theorem for the appropriate analogue to the Dirichlet problem for mixed equations under some conditions on the shape of the boundary curve. Very weak restrictions are imposed on K(y).
Water status response of corn and cotton to altered irrigation

Water is a primary limiting factor to crop production and thus crop water status is essential information for management decisions. Corn and cotton were grown in the field under two constant water regimes. The low water level (WL) was 0.66×PET (potential evapotranspiration) in corn and rainfall for cotton. The high water level (WH) was 1.0×PET for both crops. Two transient water treatments in each crop began as the two constant water level treatments but then the water inputs were reversed and the change in water status was monitored. When the transient water treatments were initiated, corn was at the V14 and V16 growth stages in the WL and WH treatments, respectively, and cotton was 2 weeks past first bloom for both water levels. The purpose of the experiment was to compare the sensitivity of leaf water potential (LWP) and crop canopy temperature to changes in irrigation rate. The transient water treatment of each crop that relieved water stress (TLH) changed from WL to WH and the treatment which induced water stress changed from WH to WL (THL). The LWP values of the transient water treatments reversed 5 and 8 days after reversing water input rates to corn in 1998 and 1999, respectively, and after 3 days in both years for cotton. A reversal in canopy temperatures, expressed as the amount of daily time that the temperature was above 28°C (DST), was not detected between the TLH and THL treatments of corn after 25 days in 1998 or after 13 days in 1999. The DST values of the cotton transient water treatments reversed after 4 days in 1998 and 5 days in 1999, when the values of THL became greater than for TLH. Corn tassels, which apparently transpire less than leaves, were forming at the beginning of the transient water treatments and their presence in the view of the infrared thermocouples may have reduced the apparent radiometric temperature difference between the transient water treatments. During the water status adjustment period following the initiation of the transient water treatments, there were significant linear relationships between LWP and DST in cotton in both years but only in 1998 in corn. Cotton canopy temperature could be used to rapidly monitor an entire field in contrast to LWP which accurately measures plant water status but cannot provide automated measurements across a large area.
Transcriptional modulation of micro-RNA in human cells differing in radiation sensitivity.

Purpose: The molecular basis of gene regulation in cells exposed to ionising radiation is not fully understood. Gene regulation occurs at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Recent studies have suggested that micro-RNA (miRNA) plays a significant role at the post-transcriptional gene regulation. miRNA are a recently identified class of RNA molecules 18–24 nucleotides in length that have been shown to negatively regulate the stability or translation of target messenger RNA. We hypothesised that ionising radiation induced stress response is controlled in part by miRNA and that a difference in tumour protein 53 (p53) status corresponds with altered expression in miRNA responses to ionising radiation.Materials and methods: To test this hypothesis, we investigated the relative expression of several miRNA by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) in human cell lines TK6 and WTK1 that differ in p53 status and radiosensitivity after exposure to high and low doses of X-radiation.R...
Basement massifs in the Appalachians: their role in deformation during the Appalachian Orogenies

Basement is constituted of rocks which belong to a previous orogenic cycle which have been reactivated and incorporated into a younger cycle. Basement massifs may be classified according to their relative position in an orogen as external or internal massifs. They may also be categorized according to their role in deformation, as thrust-related, fold-related and composite massifs. All Appalachian external massifs were transported following their removal from the overridden edge of the ancient North American continental margin. Most of the internal massifs are also probably transported, but several (Pine Mountain and Sauratown Mountains) may be present as windows exposing parautochthonous basement beneath the main thrust sheet. The latter reside immediately west of the low (west) to high (east) gravity gradient which probably outlines the old edge of Grenvillian crust. Reactivated crustal material generated during early Palaeozoic orogeny plays the same mechanical role in reactivation as basement from the previous Grenville cycle. The domes of the Bronson Hill anticlinorium cored with Ordovician or older gneisses illustrate this behaviour. Basement (Grenville) massifs are distributed throughout the Appalachians as a belt of external massifs (Blue Ridge, Reading Prong, Hudson and Berkshire Highlands, Green Mountains, and Long Range Mountains) along the western edge of the crystalline metamorphic core. Additionally, internal massifs are also present (Pine Mountain belt, Tallulah Falls and Toxaway domes, Sauratown Mountains anticlinorium, State Farm gneiss dome, Baltimore Gneiss domes, Mine Ridge anticline, and Chain Lakes massif). Basement internal massifs probably served to localize thrusts by causing them to ramp over and around the massifs. Their antiformal shape may in part be as much related to thrust mechanics as to folding.
The effect of white noise on the somatosensory evoked response in sleeping newborn infants

Abstract The effects of continuous white noise on the somatosensory evoked response of normal newborn infants was examined both in non-REM and REM sleep. White noise enhanced the amplitude and increased the latency of the late components of the SER in both sleep states. The results are discussed in terms of the interaction between the continuous monotonous stimulus and a discrete repetitive stimulus, as well as in terms of the sleep inducing effects of monotonous stimulation.
Trends in Michigan Supreme Court Elections 2000–2012

ABSTRACT This article explores various trends in Michigan Supreme Court elections from 2000 through 2012. Within the backdrop of the structure of Court elections, dimensions such as incumbency, ele...
Humanitarian and civic assistance health care training and cultural awareness promoting health care pluralism.

ABSTRACTIntegration between traditional and contemporary health care in a host nation can be beneficial to nation- and capacity-building and, subsequently, to the overall health of the society. “Traditional” health care in this sense refers to the indigenous health care system in the host nation, which includes characteristic religious or cultural practices, whereas “contemporary” health care is also known as “conventional” or “Westernized”; integration is a synchronization of these two health care forms. However, the choice of integration depends on the political and cultural situation of the nation in which the Department of Defense health care personnel are intervening. Thus, cultural awareness training is essential to ensure the success of missions related to global health and in promoting a health care system that is most beneficial to the society. The present study attempts to show the benefits of both cultural training and health care integration, and how adequately evaluating their efficacy has be...
The effect of oxygen on the metabolism of postparasites of the facultative anaerobe Romanomermis culicivorax (Nematoda: mermithidae)☆

1. 1. The metabolism of the major chemical fractions of Romanomermis culicivorax postparasites was studied under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. 2. 2. Postparasites contained approximately 42% protein, 35% lipid, and 14% carbohydrate on a dry weight basis. 3. Essentially, all of the carbohydrate storage was glycogen, but small quantities of glucose and trehalose were found. 4. 4. Lipid, primarily triacylglycerol, was catabolized and glycogen synthesized under aerobic conditions, but in the absence of oxygen only glycogen was catabolized. 5. 5. The relative proportions of fatty acids from total lipids extracted from postparasites developing under aerobic and anaerobic conditions were the same indicating nonpreferential degradation. 6. 6. The results suggested that lipid was converted to glycogen via a glyoxylate pathway and that glycogen was utilized for energy production only in the absence of oxygen.
Factors That Affect Consultation and Screening for Fecal Incontinence

Background & Aims Fecal incontinence (FI) affects 15% of people age 70 years and older, but only 10% to 30% discuss FI with their physicians. We aimed to identify barriers that prevent people from consulting with their physicians, and that prevent physicians from screening for FI. Methods We performed structured interviews of 124 individuals with FI (mean age, 56 y; 87.9% women) recruited from 6 medical offices at the University of North Carolina Hospitals from June 2012 through March 2013. The subjects completed the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale questionnaires. Interview questions aimed to determine which patients had consulted physicians for FI. Eleven of the 56 physicians with patients included in the study responded to the survey. Results Eighty-eight of the 124 participants consulted with their physicians about FI (consulters). These individuals had a higher incidence of depression than the 36 subjects who did not consult with their physicians about FI (nonconsulters; P = .04), but similar Fecal Incontinence Severity Index scores. A smaller proportion of nonconsulters were aware of available treatments than consulters ( P Conclusions Based on surveys of physicians and patients, many patients have insufficient knowledge about the availability and effectiveness of treatments for FI. Some people with FI do not discuss it with their physician because their symptoms are mild, and most prefer physicians to ask them directly about FI. Educating patients and physicians about the prevalence of FI and management strategies may improve consultation rates.
When IT capabilities are not scale-free in merger and acquisition integrations: how do capital markets react to IT capability asymmetries between acquirer and target?

AbstractIn mergers and acquisitions (M&A), a primary objective of acquirer is to integrate IT resources of the target with its own. IT M&A integration is assumed to create synergies, which in turn increase shareholder wealth by making the value of the merged firm greater than the sum of the standalone values of the two firms. In this study, we challenge this assumption and argue that IT M&A integration does not always lead to greater value creation. Prior research on IT M&A integrations indicates that IT resources are often not scale-free in M&A: that is, they do not transfer easily and costlessly from an acquirer to its target or vice versa. In fact, IT M&A integration can destroy value rather than create it when IT resources are not scale-free. We theorize about the contingencies under which IT M&A integration can create value for shareholders of acquirers. We test our hypotheses in a sample of 549 M&A transactions between 1998 and 2007. We find that, on average, capital markets react negatively with M&...
Estimation theoretic methods for cubesat data interpolation in the presence of geolocation errors

With their greatly reduced sizes, low development cost and rapid construction times, CubeSats have emerged as a platform of intense interest for a wide range of applications, including remote sensing. However, due to their compact form factor, performance tradeoffs relative to larger existing platforms have been encountered. Of specific interest in this paper are data processing challenges associated with the Micro-MAS platform. In meteorological applications, the radiometer samples are preferred on a regularly spaced grid for generating subsequent scientific products such as vertical temperature and water vapor profiles, or fusing with other gridded datasets. However, in reality, MicroMAS radiometer samples are not regularly spaced, and are expected to have geolocation errors comparable in magnitude to the beam-width [10]. In this work, we present a joint maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation approach to determine both sample locations as well as brightness temperature on a regular spatial grid given irregularly sampled data corrupted by noise and uncertainty in sample locations. The performance of this approach is tested on Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) data which demonstrates significant improvement both qualitatively and quantitatively compared with traditional estimation methods.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Characterization of Di- and Tetrasubstituted C60 Derivatives

The synthesis and electrochemical and spectroscopic characterization of fullerene derivatives of the type R2C60 where R = C6H5CH2, 2-BrC6H4CH2, 3-BrC6H4CH2, or 4-BrC6H4CH2 and R4C60 where R = C6H5CH2 are reported. The first step in the synthesis involves an electron transfer between C602- and RBr, and a similar initial electron-transfer step occurs between [(C6H5CH2)2C60]2- and C6H5CH2Br during the synthesis of (C6H5CH2)4C60. On the basis of NMR and UV−visible data, the investigated R2C60 derivatives are identified as 1,4-adducts of C60,whereas the isolated isomer of (C6H5CH2)4C60 is characterized as possessing C1 symmetry with the four benzyl groups being close to each other. The electrochemistry of each synthesized compound was determined in benzonitrile containing 0.1 M tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate and each mono- and dianion of R2C60 and R4C60 were characterized by near-infrared spectroscopy. The near-infrared spectra of each species show two major “marker bands” which can be considered to be diag...
FEV1 is associated with risk of asthma attacks in a pediatric population

Abstract Background: FEV 1 is endorsed by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program as a means for grading asthma severity. However, few data exist on the relationship between FEV 1 and asthma outcomes during long-term follow-up. Objective: We explored the relationship between the percent predicted FEV 1 (FEV 1 %) and subsequent asthma attacks in a longitudinal study of pediatric lung health. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 13,842 children (100,292 observations) seen annually over a 15-year interval was analyzed for measurement of pulmonary function, and a respiratory questionnaire was completed. Up to grade 9, a standard questionnaire was completed by a parent or guardian; thereafter it was completed by the patient. For each observation, the report of an attack during the past year was paired with FEV 1 recorded at the field survey 1 year earlier. Results: A progressive decrease in the proportion of individuals reporting an attack was associated with increasing decile of FEV 1 %. Two categorization schemes for FEV 1 % were examined: a scheme based on the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program recommendations ( 80%), and an alternative scheme ( 100%). In multivariate models, FEV 1 % was an independent predictor of attacks: among the parental report group, the odds ratios were 2.1 (95% CI, 1.3-3.4) and 1.4 (95% CI, 1.2-1.6) for FEV 1 % 1 % of 60% to 80% compared with FEV 1 % > 80%, respectively; and among the self-report group, odds ratios were 5.3 (95% CI, 2.2-12.9) and 1.4 (95% CI, 1.2-1.7) for FEV 1 % 1 % of 60% to 80% compared with FEV 1 % > 80%, respectively. With the alternative classification scheme, the relationship was similar, but the difference in risk between categories of FEV 1 % decreased. Conclusion: The strong association between FEV 1 % and risk of asthma attack over the subsequent year supports an emphasis on objective measures of lung function in assessment of risk for adverse asthma outcomes. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001;107:61-7.)
Model matching for signal enhancement

In many advanced signal processing applications including acoustic signal enhancement, signals are not known a priori, except for some general statistical properties. These properties are typically encapsulated in statistical models. It is then intuitively expected that by matching these models, target signals can be recovered. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to propose a new model-matching-based signal enhancement approach, which employs the Kullback-Leibler divergence to design new signal enhancement filters. We particularly focus on the single-channel case where the desired and undesired signals have Laplacian and Gaussian distributions, respectively.
Design Considerations for High Performance RF Cores Based on Process Variation Study

RF circuits play a vital role in high data rate communication systems. Although at the design stage several considerations are made to ensure that the designed circuit functions as per desired specifications, the effect of process variations on the circuit's performance is less understood. The parametric variations arising from the various stages of fabrication play a significant role in determining the device characteristics. In this paper, in order to analyze the effect of process variations, we consider a bottom---up approach beginning at the component level for active and passive elements and then move to the circuit level in an RF circuit consisting of both analog and digital components. We take Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) and a Phase Frequency Detector (PFD) which is one of the important building blocks of a Phase Locked Loop (PLL) as case studies for circuit level analysis. In the case of LNA, the performance is analyzed in terms of the S-parameters, gain and Noise Factor on different topologies and for a PFD, an analytical model is developed and the analysis is carried out using the Monte Carlo method to verify the robustness of the circuit elements towards phase noise. Our hierarchical multi-phase analysis technique is shown to provide valuable insights into designing robust RF circuits.
A 244X190 Element PtSi Imager Built With Mature CCD Production Technology

A 244X190-element monolithic interline transfer CCD infrared imager (the 2441) has been developed which combines PtSi Schottky barrier photodiode technology with proven CCD imager technology that has been used successfully for years in the production of visible imagers. The unit cell of this device is 36um high and 60um wide. The diagonal of the television format array is 14.4mm. Each Schottky barrier photodiode (SBPD) has an active area of 430um2. Assuming quantum efficiency of 1% at 4um and given f/2.5 optics, this device should passively image a 300°K scene with a noise equivalent blackbody temperature difference of approximately 0.08°C. This sensitivity makes this television sensor useful for such applications as general passive night viewing at moderate to high scene temperatures (50°F) and dynamic thermal data acquisition from scenes. The pixel count provides approximately half the resolution of standard television in both vertical and horizontal direc-tions. The 14.4mm diagonal is relatively small for IR imagers, allowing use of smaller and light-weight lenses than those required by imagers with larger pixels. The wafer fab process and the design rules used to make this device are almost entirely the same as those used to manufacture the Fairchild-Weston 488X380-element visible imager. The primary differences are the addition of the PtSi steps and low-temperature processes for subsequent processing. The processing employs 3-level poly-Si, buried channels and an ultra-high-vacuum process for forming a thin PtSi layer. The design employs 4-phase vertical registers, a 2-phase output register and a resettable-gate preamplifier. The evaluation camera incorporates a 12-bit video digitizer, a 16-frame-averaging reference frame memory and a real-time reference frame subtractor. It functions as a one-point offset uniformity correction. Performance tests to date, using an f/1.8 lens, have given MRTs as low as approximately 0.1°C and NEDTs as low as approximately 0.2°C or better. In general the imagers tested to date show excellent uniformity and few cosmetic defects.
Example-based composite sketching of human portraits

Creating a portrait in the style of a particular artistic tradition or a particular artist is a difficult problem. Elusive to codify algorithmically, the nebulous qualities which combine to form artwork are often well captured using example-based approaches. These methods place the artist in the process, often during system training, in the hope that their talents may be tapped.Example based methods do not make this problem easy, however. Examples are precious, so training sets are small, reducing the number of techniques which may be employed. We propose a system which combines two separate but similar subsystems, one for the face and another for the hair, each of which employs a global and a local model. Facial exaggeration to achieve the desired stylistic look is handled during the global face phase. Each subsystem uses a divide-and-conquer approach, but while the face subsystem decomposes into separable subproblems for the eyes, mouth, nose, etc., the hair needs to be subdivided in a relatively arbitrary way, making the hair subproblem decomposition an important step which must be handled carefully with a structured model and a detailed model.
Improving TCP performance over wired-wireless networks

Today there is a growing demand for Internet services over WLAN hotspots. Majority of the Internet services today are based on TCP. However, TCP is not well-suited for heterogeneous networks consisting of wired and wireless networks. Losses in wireless network, which are quite frequent, are often misinterpreted by the TCP sender as loss due to congestion, which leads to poor performance of TCP. Hence, it is important to shield the TCP sender from wireless error. In this paper, we propose an improved method for identifying cases of wireless losses and tackling the loss at the local link level through MAC layer retransmissions. We then evaluate the effect of MAC layer retransmissions on the performance of TCP both analytically and empirically. Our empirical results show that significant improvement in TCP performance is possible through MAC layer retransmission.
Optochin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae induced by frozen storage in glycerol

Susceptibility to optochin is frequently the only test used to differentiate Streptococcus pneumoniae from other alpha-hemolytic streptococci isolated from clinical specimens. The current study shows that storage of S. pneumoniae isolates in tryptic soy broth containing 15% glycerol at -70 degrees C can lead to optochin resistance. This optochin resistance was sometimes reversible by growing the bacteria in broth. Optochin-susceptible and optochin-resistant variants of individual S. pneumoniae isolates have similar pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern. However, optochin-resistant S. pneumoniae isolates exhibit differences in ultrastructure compared with optochin-susceptible variants. This study demonstrates that the frozen storages of S. pneumoniae in glycerol may affect the optochin phenotype. Thus, this characteristic should not be the only one used for identification of S. pneumoniae after frozen storage of isolates.
The vulnerable transition: puberty and the development of eating pathology and negative mood.

Abstract The experience of girls at puberty places some at risk for poor adjustment, eating problems, and more serious disorders during adolescence.
Fine structural basis of the cutaneous water barrier in nestling Zebra Finches Poephila guttata

Transepidermal water loss was studied in nestlings, fledglings and adults of the xerophylic Zebra Finch Poephila guttata. Nestlings lose little water (2–4 ppm/0–5 cm2/h) through the skin as compared to adults (60–70 ppm/0–5 cm2/h). Light and electron microscopic examination of the skin sections of both age classes revealed an abundance of lipids in the form of vacuoles and large multigranular bodies in the epidermis of nestlings, but few such lipid bodies in the epidermis of adults. Some of the disc-like contents of granular bodies appear to be extruded into the intercellular spaces. Based on earlier studies with mammals and reptiles, it is concluded that epidermal lipids are the basis of the integumentary permeability barrier in nestlings.
New brominated diphenyl ether from an unidentified species of Dysidea sponge. 13C NMR data for some brominated diphenyl ethers

The structure of a new brominated diphenyl ether, 1, isolated from an unidentified species of Dysidea sponge, has been solved by spectroscopic analysis. 13C NMR data of related diphenyl ethers were also assigned by analysis of their HMQC and HMBC spectra.
Creating augmented and immersive television experiences using a semantic framework

This paper proposes a design framework for creating successful iTV products based on the experience obtained from the development and implementation of several interactive television projects. The concept of semantic connection is introduced as a way to measure the relationship between the broadcast and paired interactive applications. This concept is related to the maintenance of the immersion of the television experience through applications that focus on augmenting the main content: the television broadcast.
Analytical Dynamics of a Piecewise Linear Friction Oscillator Under a Periodic Excitation

This paper presented a methodology to determine the analytical dynamics of the periodically forced friction oscillator. The friction force is modeled by a piecewise linear, kinetic friction model with the static force. The input and output force concepts in the vicinity of the discontinuous friction force boundary are introduced. The force criteria for the onset and vanishing of stick and non-stick motions are presented through the input and output forces. The periodic motion of such an oscillator is determined through the corresponding mapping structure. The local stability of the periodic motions is presented. Illustrations of the periodic motions in such a piecewise friction model are given for better understanding the stick motion with static friction. The force responses are presented, which agreed very well with the force criteria.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Reason, the life-world, and health care delivery.

Summary Reason is illustrated to be conceived traditionally in an abstract manner. The attempt has been made to make rationality appear value-neutral and universal. In the end, however, this version of reason is ineffective, because the human element is overlooked. Contemporary philosophy is shown to have abandoned this ethereal view of knowledge and reason. Furthermore, interventions that are based on this shift in theory are more socially sensitive and appropriate.
Association among intracardiac T-wave alternans, ischemia, and spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias after coronary artery occlusion in a canine model

T-wave alternans (TWA) has been investigated as a marker for susceptibility to lethal ventricular arrhythmia. In this article, we studied intracardiac TWA and ischemia as predictors of spontaneous ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) in a canine model of coronary artery occlusion (CAO). Anesthetized, open-chest dogs were studied. Electrograms from intracardiac bipolar electrodes (IBEs) were assessed for TWA and spontaneous VT or VF. TWA was defined on IBE as T wave voltage change on every other complex. In each heart, we examined 62 electrograms measured in the risk zone and surrounding normal sites, filtered from 3 to 1300 Hz. Ischemia was measured as percent of all IBE recorded that had QRS voltage drop >45%. Mapping localized the three-dimensional origin of spontaneous VT or VF. The data from dogs with VF (n = 5), VT (n = 8), or controls (no VT or VF, n = 8) were analyzed before left CAO, at the 20th min after CAO and times immediately preceding VT and VF. We found a correlation between intracardiac TWA and ischemia. More importantly, increases in intracardiac TWA peaked immediately preceding spontaneous VF and VT and were significantly higher compared to controls at comparable times. At VT/VF origins and adjacent sites, the mean TWA magnitude and discordance of TWA distinguished between VT/VF and controls at comparable times but not between VT and VF or between reentry and focal mechanisms. TWA was more common than ischemia at VT/VF origins. In summary, changes in intracardiac TWA and ischemia correlate with impending spontaneous VT/VF in a clinically applicable canine model of CAO.