cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pseudoscalar glueball mass: QCD versus lattice gauge theory prediction

We study whether the pseudoscalar glueball mass in full QCD can differ from the prediction of quenched lattice calculations. Using properties of the correlator of the vacuum topological susceptibility we derive an expression for the upper bound on the QCD glueball mass. We show that the QCD pseudoscalar glueball is lighter than the pure Yang-Mills theory glueball studied in quenched lattice calculations. The mass difference between those two states is of order of $1/N_c$. The value calculated for the $0^{-+}$ QCD glueball mass can not be reconciled with any physical state observed so far in the corresponding channel. The glueball decay constant and its production rate in $J/\psi$ radiative decays are calculated. The production rate is large enough to be studied experimentally.
Synchronous Colorectal Liver Metastases: Is It Time to Reconsider Traditional Paradigms of Management?

Background Patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CLM) are typically treated with initial colorectal resection followed by arbitrary and prolonged courses of chemotherapy. Partial hepatectomy is considered only for patients without interval disease progression. This review describes the rationale for this treatment approach and the recent developments suggesting that this management paradigm should be reconsidered.
An estrogen-stimulated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor in rat uterus

Abstract Sucrose density gradient analysis was utilized to determine whether 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors are present in the rat uterus. A distinct 3.6S [3H]1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 binding component was observed in chromatin extracts of estrogen-primed, ovariectomized rat uteri. Binding to this putative 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor was inhibited by excess 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, but not by 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, estradiol-17β, promegestone, or cortisol. Low levels of the receptor seemed to be present in the unprimed uterus. Estrogen injection significantly increased the number of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors and progesterone co-administration reduced, but did not abolish, this effect.
Spacecraft attitude control for a solar electric geosynchronous transfer mission

A study of the Attitude Control System (ACS) is made for a solar electric propulsion geosynchronous transfer mission. The basic mission considered is spacecraft injection into a low altitude, inclined orbit followed by low thrust orbit changing to achieve geosynchronous orbit. Because of the extended thrusting time, the mission performance is a strong function of the attitude control system. Two attitude control system design options for an example mission evolve from consideration of the spacecraft configuration, the environmental disturbances, and the probable ACS modes of operation. The impact of these design options on other spacecraft subsystems is discussed. The factors which must be considered in determining the ACS actuation and sensing subsystems are discussed. The effects of the actuation and sensing subsystems on the mission performance are also considered.
Mechanical Test Methods for Assessing Porcine Carotid and Uterine Artery Burst Pressure Following Ex Vivo Ultrasonic Ligature Seal and Transection

A test method was developed to identify those variables important for assessing the performance of ultrasonic surgical devices in ex vivo ligature sealing of porcine carotid and uterine arteries. Ruggedness testing using a small sample size in pilot experiments was conducted using a newly developed test method in an effort to assess the usefulness of this methodology and to identify test variables that might warrant further testing. The development of this test method included the use of a custom-designed prototypic tension device for load-controlled ex vivo vessel stretching during saline perfusion and subsequent seal and transection of porcine arteries with an advanced energy surgical device. The quality of the seal was evaluated as a burst pressure (mmHg). The experimental set-up allowed for either monitoring or controlling specific test conditions, including blood vessel tension during cutting and sealing, saline infusion rate, cutting time, pressure generated in the vessel during cutting, and burst pressure. Both muscular-type uterine and elastic-type carotid arteries were investigated, since energy based devices are most frequently used on muscular-type arteries but are developed and tested using elastic-type arteries. Although confounded with the age of the animal, in the ruggedness test pilot, it was observed that porcine carotid arteries yielded a comparatively lower burst strength seal as compared to porcine uterine arteries. The data generated during ruggedness testing suggests that the artery type and saline infusion rate during transection may be important variables in ex vivo vessel seal testing.
Bayesian statistical modeling of spatially correlated error structure in atmospheric tracer inverse analysis

Abstract. We present and discuss the use of Bayesian modeling and computational methods for atmospheric chemistry inverse analyses that incorporate evaluation of spatial structure in model-data residuals. Motivated by problems of refining bottom-up estimates of source/sink fluxes of trace gas and aerosols based on satellite retrievals of atmospheric chemical concentrations, we address the need for formal modeling of spatial residual error structure in global scale inversion models. We do this using analytically and computationally tractable conditional autoregressive (CAR) spatial models as components of a global inversion framework. We develop Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to explore and fit these spatial structures in an overall statistical framework that simultaneously estimates source fluxes. Additional aspects of the study extend the statistical framework to utilize priors on source fluxes in a physically realistic manner, and to formally address and deal with missing data in satellite retrievals. We demonstrate the analysis in the context of inferring carbon monoxide (CO) sources constrained by satellite retrievals of column CO from the Measurement of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) instrument on the TERRA satellite, paying special attention to evaluating performance of the inverse approach using various statistical diagnostic metrics. This is developed using synthetic data generated to resemble MOPITT data to define a proof-of-concept and model assessment, and then in analysis of real MOPITT data. These studies demonstrate the ability of these simple spatial models to substantially improve over standard non-spatial models in terms of statistical fit, ability to recover sources in synthetic examples, and predictive match with real data.
The interaction of strategy and context in children's oral reading performance

An experiment was designed to test the interactive reading theory prediction that children's reading strategies vary with the availability of higher-level information. Third- and fourthgrade children (aged 8 and 9 years, respectively) were assigned to one of three context conditions and one of three experimental instructions conditions. Results supported the hypothesis the children adopt different oral reading speed strategies, depending on the amount of contextual information available, in order to maximize reading accuracy and, where appropriate, ongoing comprehension. When reading meaningful materials, children adopt a fluent, top-down reading strategy that is relatively resistant to modification. Although a slower, bottom-up strategy is preferred in the reading of words in isolation, children are able to modify this strategy in accordance with experimental instructions. These results are consistent with an interactive theory of reading.
Applying the Tripartite Model of Anxiety and Depression to Cigarette Smoking: An Integrative Review

Introduction: Research on the relationship between emotional disorders and smoking often characterizes anxiety and depression at the broad syndrome level. Because of the complex concordance and discordance across and within anxiety and depressive symptoms, research using this approach may be limited. Watson and Clark developed the tripartite model of anxiety and depression, which identifies negative affect (NA), anhedonia and low positive affect (PA), and anxious arousal (AA) as traits that characterize the underlying heterogeneity in emotional symptoms. An emerging literature has examined the relation between the affective constructs in the tripartite model and smoking; however, these findings have not been summarized and integrated. The aim of this report reviews the literature on the association between tripartite affective dimensions (anhedonia and low PA, NA, and AA) and smoking variables (smoking status, heaviness, chronicity, dependence, cessation, craving/urge). Methods: Qualitative summarization and integration of findings. Results: All three dimensions were consistently associated with smoking status but demonstrated mixed or no relationship with smoking heaviness, chronicity, and dependence. Low PA and anhedonia consistently associated with craving and relapse, even in studies that controlled for other dimensions. Emotional disturbance on multiple dimensions (e.g., low PA + high NA) was associated with disproportionate increases in smoking risk in several studies. Conclusions: Tripartite dimensions may each have differential effects on smoking. Anhedonic and low PA individuals (especially those with concurrent NA or AA) may be a high-risk group worthy of targeting for interventions. Continued research of the affective dimensions linked with smoking could inform the etiology of tobacco dependence and lead to more effective smoking interventions that target affect.
A fluoroscopic grid in supine total hip arthroplasty: improving cup position, limb length, and hip offset

We hypothesized that use of a novel fluoroscopic grid would decrease operative time and component positioning variability during anterior supine total hip arthroplasty (THA). We reviewed 99 anterior supine THAs: 39 using a fluoroscopic grid, and 60 using fluoroscopy alone. Goals were cup abduction of 40° ± 10° and limb length and hip offset within 10 mm of the contralateral side. Surgical time was decreased in the study group (79 vs 94 minutes, P = .002). In the study group, more components met the goal for cup abduction (97% vs 83%, P = .046), limb length (100% vs 88%, P = .04), hip offset (85% vs 67%, P = .047), and all 3 combined (82% vs 52%, P = .002). We demonstrated decreased component positioning variability during anterior supine THA with assistance of a fluoroscopic grid.
Investigation of adsorption–dissociation mechanism of organic molecules at solid–liquid interface using nonlinear optical molecular probing method

Abstract The great potential of nonlinear optical molecular probing method in accessing molecular level information about adsorption and reaction mechanism at solid–liquid interfaces, under real chemical condition, is demonstrated using the results of our experiments on the adsorption behavior of thionin + cations at the silica/CH 3 CN interface. The study has revealed that thionin + cations are deprotonated due to their strong interactions with the SiO − groups at the interface, thus generating more surface silanol groups (SiOH) and a neutral species thionin 0 , which stays in the liquid phase due to the lack of strong interaction with the silica substrate.
Collagenolytic enzymes from the starfish, Pycnopodia helianthoides

Abstract 1. 1. Two collagenolytic proteinases have been isolated from the starfish, Pycnopodia helianthoides and partially characterized. 2. 2. The larger of these two enzymes, with a molecular weight of approx 60,000, resembles the vertebrate collagenases in that it is inhibited by ethylenediamine tetraacetate and is able to cleave the collagen triple-helix. 3. 3. The smaller enzyme, with a mol. wt of approximately 16,500, resembles the vertebrate chymotrypsins in its ability to hydrolyse acetyl-tyrosine-ethylester and its cleavage of collagen in the telopeptide region. 4. 4. Other properties of the enzymes, including alkaline pH optima, acidic isoelectric point and heat stability are similar for both proteinases.
Increased Plasma Reactive Oxidant Levels and Their Relationship to Blood Cells, Total IgE, and Allergen-specific IgE Levels in Asthmatic Children

Asthma is a disorder characterized by inflammation of the airways. Oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of several diseases including asthma. Characterizing biomarkers of oxidative stress in the context of other systemic measures of immune function or inflammation could provide insight regarding underlying mechanisms inducing asthma. We evaluated whether oxidative stress in the form of plasma reactive oxidants differs between asthmatic and non-asthmatic children and elucidate relationships between plasma reactive oxidants and other asthma-related immunological markers. Plasma reactive oxidants, white blood cell counts, total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), and a multi-allergen-specific IgE screen were measured in 74 asthmatic and 74 non-asthmatic children (9 to 13 years of age) from the Detroit, Michigan area. Plasma reactive oxidants were measured using a lucigenin-based chemiluminescence assay. Plasma reactive oxidants, eosinophils, and neutrophils (absolute counts and percent of total white blood cell counts), total IgE, and allergen-specific IgE levels were elevated in asthmatics after adjusting for age, gender, and ethnicity. IgE (total or allergen-specific), eosinophils and neutrophils were not significantly associated with plasma reactive oxidant levels. The association between plasma reactive oxidants and asthma status was similar when eosinophils, neutrophils, total IgE, or allergen-specific IgE were included as possible confounders in multivariate logistic regression models. In conclusion, plasma reactive oxidants are elevated in asthmatics and appear to be an independent predictor of asthma status. Measurement of plasma reactive oxidants may be a useful adjunct diagnostic tool and potential mechanistic indicator relevant to the study of asthma and asthma exacerbation.
Quasi-energy distributions in the kicked Harper model

Abstract We study a one-dimensional kicked quantum system characterized by a single classical parameter γ and a quantum parameter N ∝ħ −1 . An ensemble of time evolution operators is obtained by varying the phase-space boundary conditions, and the spectral correlations are studied within this ensemble. As γ tends to infinity, rendering the classical ( N →∞) limit strongly chaotic, the quasi-energy pair correlation function g γ (ω) tends toward a limit, which for large N is well described by the level statistics of circular random matrix ensembles.
Term structure estimation in the presence of autocorrelation

Abstract This paper assesses the effects of autocorrelation on parameter estimates of affine term structure models (ATSM) when principal components analysis is used to extract factors. In contrast to recent studies, we design and run a Monte Carlo experiment that relies on the construction of a simulation design that is consistent with the data, rather than theory or observation, and find that parameter estimation from ATSM is precise in the presence of serial correlation in the measurement error term. Our findings show that parameter estimation of ATSM with principal component based factors is robust to autocorrelation misspecification.
Parent perceptions of neighborhood: Relationships with US youth physical activity and weight status

Context is important for understanding and making change to improve health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between parent perceptions of neighborhood and youth aerobic physical activity and weight. This study is a secondary data analysis of 64,076 parents and guardians of children and adolescents (6-17 years) participating in the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between neighborhood characteristics, including constructs for social capital, physical condition, resource availability, and safety, and youth likelihood of meeting healthy standards for physical activity and weight. Neighborhood characteristics, including social capital, resource availability, and safety were significantly associated with increased likelihood of youth achieving healthy physical activity and normal weight parameters even with adjustment for individual and family-level demographic and behavioral characteristics. Findings support neighborhood assessment during behavioral counseling and continued exploration of neighborhood context as a means to positively impact youth physical activity and weight outcomes.
Improving fluoroscopic image quality with continuously variable zoom magnification

Coning down is commonly used during fluoroscopy to increase image contrast by reducing scatter. However, the resulting image fills only part of a video display whose resolution is limited by line rate and bandwidth. Optical or electron-optical zooming can be used to magnify the collimated image so that it fills a larger fraction of the viewable area of the video frame to make more effective use of the available video-display capacity. Modulation-transfer functions (MTFs) were measured for various zoom factors achieved using a zoom lens and the image-intensifier (II) electronic magnification mode. Significant and continuing improvement in total system MTF was observed up to zoom magnifications of greater than 3.3. For larger zoom factors, the resolution limit becomes dominated by the intrinsic resolving power of the II and by geometric unsharpness rather than by the line rate of the video system. When the MTF at infinite zoom factor, obtained by extrapolation, was divided into the measured MTFs, the resultant MTFz's were shown to scale predictably with zoom factor. Only a slight improvement in MTF was obtained using the II's electronic magnification mode compared to the same magnification using a zoom lens. It is concluded that, if improved image quality is the motivation for the use of coning down in fluoroscopy, then zooming to use fully the available video frame is warranted.
Use of molecular orbital theory potential energy surfaces in determining polymer conformations. I. Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Abstract Quantum-mechanically derived potential energy surfaces, employing reasonable monomeric models, are used to explore both the phenylene/carboxylate and ethylenic linkage conformations in poly(ethylene terephthalate). The predictions are consistent with what is found experimentally and help in understanding the conformational changes which occur on commercial orientation.
Engage students in education reform.

![Figure][1] CREDIT: JAMES WOODSON/THINKSTOCK As a senior undergraduate student at a large public research university, I agree with W. A. Anderson et al. that excellent teaching and research are not mutually exclusive pursuits (“Changing the culture of science education at research universities,” Education Forum, 14 January, p. [152][2]). However, engagement with the students themselves is nowhere to be found in the authors' seven initiatives. Students—the largest stakeholders in the current landscape of science education reform—should be added to the list of chairs, deans, and presidents as parties to engage in the policy debate (initiative 7). Such an addition would add a fresh perspective on the issue, open valuable communication pipelines between students and policy-makers, and provide opportunities for students interested in educational policy to gain experience in the field. Restructuring the culture of education at research universities will require a new paradigm: Students should be considered not as passive consumers but as active participants in their education. [1]: pending:yes [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1198280
Ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy study of flocculation in protein stabilized emulsions

Abstract The extent and kinetics of droplet flocculation in emulsions was studied using ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy. Flocculation in 10 wt.% soybean oil-in-water emulsions, stabilized by whey protein isolate (0.75 wt.%), was controlled by adjusting the pH (between 3 and 7) to alter the electrostatic interactions between the droplets. Droplet flocculation was then monitored by measuring the ultrasonic attenuation spectra (1–150 MHz) and by using laser light scattering. Extensive droplet flocculation was observed in the emulsions around the isoelectric point of the proteins (pH 3.5–5.5). Flocculation caused an appreciable change in the ultrasonic attenuation spectra, which was in good qualitative agreement with a theory recently developed to describe the ultrasonic properties of flocculated emulsions. Our results indicate that ultrasonic spectroscopy is a powerful tool for monitoring both the extent and kinetics of flocculation in concentrated emulsions in situ.
MODELING THE PERFORMANCE OF DIRECT NUMERICAL SIMULATION ON PARALLEL SYSTEMS

Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) is an important application area that is expected to use large fractions of future large-scale simulations. In this work we develop, validate and use a performance model of the combustion code, DNS3D, to explore achieved performance on current parallel systems. The performance model is developed from a thorough analysis of the application. Its key computation characteristics are coupled with the performance characteristics of the system using an parameterized analytical model. The model is validated on three parallel systems: a muti-core AMD Opteron based system with an Infiniband fat-tree network, an IBM Power5+ system with an HPS fat-tree network, and an IBM Power7 system with a direct connect network. The performance model is shown to achieve high prediction accuracy on all three systems. We illustrate how the model can be used to explore impact of changes in either the system or the application. It is used to both analyze the achieved performance on these systems as well as to explore the possible benefits of further optimizing DNS3D's main computational kernel of one-dimensional FFTs, or in possibly overlapping communication with computation.
THE IMPORTANCE OF OEDEMA IN ACUTE RADIATION INJURY TO THE CEREBRAL CORTEX OF RATS: AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDY.

The oedematous changes in the cerebral cortex of rats after acute irradiation are described. The importance of these changes in the over-all injury is discussed. Swelling and rupture of clear glial cells without expansion of the extracellular space are seen during the early phases of injury. Not all of the clear glia become swollen, but those that do eventually undergo complete dissolution, initiating small foci of severe damage. The necrosis that ultimately encompasses the entire irradiated field may spread from these initial sites of injury. Clear glial cells that do not undergo swelling show an unusual type of reaction before they become necrotic.
Over-the-Counter Histamine H2-Receptor Antagonists

Physicians may have tired of discussions about the relative advantages of different histamine H2receptor antagonists, but these drugs will face in­ creasing scrutiny and comparison as they are poised to become available as over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Expiration of patents on cur­ rently available H2-receptor antagonists has moti­ vated pharmaceutical companies to develop exten­ sive research and development programmes to evaluate the safety and efficacy of H2-receptor an­ tagonists for the treatment of dyspepsia, in support of an OTe switch for these drugs. The results of many of the OTe H2-receptor an­ tagonists studies performed by pharmaceutical companies have not been disclosed in the medical literature. The objective of this commentary is to discuss a number of contemporary concerns that exist with the potential conversion of H2-receptor antagonists to OTe status, and to anticipate what the effects of the widespread availability of H2receptor antagonists may be on the overall manage­ ment or natural history of acid-related disease.
The Role of Speech in Self-Development, Self-Concept, and Decentration.

Speech holds an essential role in self development, self‐concept, and decentering through Dance's linking function. The paper incorporates research from several fields which shows the primacy of the spoken word in linking an individual to society, thus enabling one to move from egocentrism to selflessness, approaching self‐actualization.
Properties of rat 6-N-trimethyl-L-lysine hydroxylases: similarities among the kidney, liver, heart, and skeletal muscle activities.

Abstract Hydroxylation of 6-N-trimethyl- l -lysine(lys(Me3)) to 3-hydroxy-6-N-trimethyl- l -lysine(3-HO-lys(Me3)) by several rat tissues has been examined and compared. The kidney enzyme, which previously was shown to require molecular oxygen and α-ketoglutarate as cosubstrates, ferrous iron and ascorbate as cofactors, and to be stimulated by catalase, has a broad pH optimum ranging between 6.5 to 7.5 at 37 °C. As determined with crude tissue extracts from kidney, liver, heart, and skeletal muscle, similar apparent Km values were obtained for substrate, cosubstrates, and cofactors. In view of similar kinetic parameters among the several lys(Me3) hydroxylases examined in rat tissues, and the fact that the level of skeletal muscle lys(Me3) hydroxylase activity is comparable to that of heart, liver, and kidney, because of its large total mass, skeletal muscle may contribute significantly to the biosynthesis of l -carnitine from lys(Me3). The most effective inhibitors found, competitive with lys(Me3), were 2-N-acetyl-6-N-trimethyl- l -lysine, 6-N-monomethyl- l -lysine, and 6-N-dimethyl- l -lysine. l -2-Amino-6-N-trimethylammonium-4-hexynoate, d -2-amino-6-N-trimethylammonium-4-hexynoate, and dl 2-amino-6-N-trimethylammonium-cis-4-hexenoate, also inhibited hydroxylase activity but by a yet undetermined mechanism. Oxalacetate, succinate, and citrate inhibited the hydroxylation reaction by competing with α-ketoglutarate. The binding of ferrous iron to the enzyme was competitively inhibited by ions of “soft metals” (e.g., Cd2+, Zn2+) but not by those of “hard metals” (e.g., Ca2+, Mg2+). Preincubation of the crude kidney enzyme for 15 min at 37 °C with mercuriphenylsulfonate, N-ethylmaleimide, iodoacetate, or iodoacetamide resulted in considerable inhibition of 3-HO-lys(Me3) formation. The degree of inhibition by N-ethylmaleimide could be reduced by including Zn (II) during preincubation of the enzyme. The effects of “soft” metals and sulfhydryl reagents on the enzyme suggest that sulfhydryl groups are required for ferrous iron binding in the active site.
Unpacking Corruption: The Effect of Veto Players on State Capture and Bureaucratic Corruption

Unpacking corruption has advantages over using aggregate measures of corruption when theory generates different predictions about the effects of political institutions on different kinds of corrupt...
Solubilization and solid-state characterization of a poorly soluble 5-α reductase inhibitor

GI197111X is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Equilibrium solubilities of GI197111X were determined in multiple solvents or cosolvents. A polymorph screen was conducted using suspension equilibration and solution recrystallization methods. Single crystals were grown from pyridine/water and crystal structure was determined using a Bruker SMART diffractometer. Crystal structure data were imported into Cerius2 to provide visualization of the crystal structure and calculation of the simulated X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) pattern. The solubility of GI19711IX was low at 25 degrees C in all vehicles suitable for animal and human dosing. The solubility of 6.4 mg/mL in Capmul MCM made it the only choice for a soft gel dosage form for phase I/II. Solution recrystallization and suspension equilibration of GI197111X have produced only one crystal form. Crystal structure data: orthorhombic P2(1) 2(1) 2(1); a= 10.8960(6) A, b=11.5683(6) A, c=20.9019(11) A; unit cell volume 2634.65(24) A3; Z=4; calculated density= 1.248 g/cc. The molecule has seven chiral centers, and single-crystal analysis eliminated all possible stereo-isomers except the expected conformation or its enantiomer. Hydrogen bonds occur from both carbonyl oxygens to an H-N group. Simulated vacuum-based crystal morphology (habit) calculated using the Bravais-Friedel-Donnay-Harker, Growth Morphology, and Hartman-Perdok modules in Cerius2 was a close match to the morphology observed by light microscopy.
Acute inflammatory responses of nanoparticles in an intra-tracheal instillation rat model.

Exposure to hard metal tungsten carbide cobalt (WC-Co) “dusts” in enclosed industrial environments is known to contribute to the development of hard metal lung disease and an increased risk for lung cancer. Currently, the influence of local and systemic inflammation on disease progression following WC-Co exposure remains unclear. To better understand the relationship between WC-Co nanoparticle (NP) exposure and its resultant effects, the acute local pulmonary and systemic inflammatory responses caused by WC-Co NPs were explored using an intra-tracheal instillation (IT) model and compared to those of CeO2 (another occupational hazard) NP exposure. Sprague-Dawley rats were given an IT dose (0-500 μg per rat) of WC-Co or CeO2 NPs. Following 24-hr exposure, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid and whole blood were collected and analyzed. A consistent lack of acute local pulmonary inflammation was observed in terms of the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid parameters examined (i.e. LDH, albumin, and macrophage activation) in animals exposed to WC-Co NP; however, significant acute pulmonary inflammation was observed in the CeO2 NP group. The lack of acute inflammation following WC-Co NP exposure contrasts with earlier in vivo reports regarding WC-Co toxicity in rats, illuminating the critical role of NP dose and exposure time and bringing into question the potential role of impurities in particle samples. Further, we demonstrated that WC-Co NP exposure does not induce acute systemic effects since no significant increase in circulating inflammatory cytokines were observed. Taken together, the results of this in vivo study illustrate the distinct differences in acute local pulmonary and systemic inflammatory responses to NPs composed of WC-Co and CeO2; therefore, it is important that the outcomes of pulmonary exposure to one type of NPs may not be implicitly extrapolated to other types of NPs.
The Relationship of Selected Supply- and Demand-Side Factors to Forms of Perceived Discrimination among Adults with Multiple Sclerosis.

Single-predictor and stepwise multinomial logistic regression analyses and an external validation were completed on 3,082 allegations of employment discrimination by adults with multiple sclerosis. Women filed two thirds of the allegations, and individuals between 31 and 50 made the vast majority of discrimination charges (73%). Allegations occurred most frequently in industries with the largest number of employees (501 or more). Results of the single-predictor multinomial logistic regression analyses identified gender and company size as the two predictors, findings that were mirrored in the main effects model developed through the stepwise multinomial logistic regression analyses. Women were more likely than men to allege discrimination related to harassment and intimidation rather than to discharge. Workers in the smallest companies were less likely than workers in the largest companies to allege discrimination regarding reasonable accommodation, working conditions, or employment benefits and more like...
Effect of Crystallographic Texture on the Field-Induced-Phase Transformation Behavior of Bi 0.5Na 0.5TiO 3−7BaTiO 3−2K 0.5 Na 0.5NbO 3

The electric-field-induced phase transformation of {001}pc oriented Bi0.5Na 0.5TiO 3−7BaTiO 3−2K 0.5Na 0.5NbO 3 bulk ceramics with a 8.3 multiples of a random distribution fiber texture was investigated using in situ diffraction. Field-dependent diffraction suggests that the high strain is a result of an electric-field-induced pseudo-cubic to tetragonal phase transformation, where the induced tetragonal phase has a strong domain texture. The effect of electric field direction was investigated by applying the electric field parallel and perpendicular to the fiber texture axis. Applied field direction affected the lattice spacing of the induced phase, domain texture, and increased poling field to induce the phase transformation.
Agonistic behavior in preschool children: A comparison of same-sex versus opposite-sex interactions

Patterns of agonistic behavior in preschool children were examined in order to compare samesex and opposite-sex interactions. Observational reports were supplemented with videotape analysis to provide details concerning three separate measures of agonistic behavior: threats, attacks, and displacements. Significant differences were found in attacks, displacements, and in combined scores for the three measures. Two different explanations are offered: One explanation concerns the socialization of “sex-appropriate” behavior, and the other focuses on the development of dominance relationships in young children.
The generalized quasi-variational inequality problem with applications

A new problem called the generalized quasi-variational inequality problem is introduced. This new problem extends all the existing variational inequality problems in finite dimensional spaces and enlarges the class of problems that can be approached by the variational inequality theory. Some existence results without convexity assumptions are presented. Applications to mathematical and equilibrium programming are given.
Country-of-Origin Effects on Consumer Product Evaluation and Purchase Intention: The Role of Objective Versus Subjective Knowledge

ABSTRACT This study examines the effects of country-of-origin (COO) cues on product evaluation and purchase intention by considering the role of product knowledge. This research also examines how and to what extent objective and subjective knowledge affect consumers’ information processing when COO cues are present. It was found that consumers with high product knowledge were less likely to be influenced by COO cues in their product evaluation than those with low product knowledge. Also, consumers with high objective knowledge would be less likely to rely on COO cues in their product evaluation. However, there was no significant relationship between COO cues and consumers’ subjective knowledge. Implications and suggestions for future research in this area are provided.
Energy conservation via heat transfer enhancement

Abstract This paper describes work on a program directed toward assessing the prospects for development of more efficient heat-exchange equipment. Improved equipment leads to more efficient thermal systems and more effective waste-heat recovery. Heat-transfer enhancement is a vital part of this development effort. Sources of information on heat-transfer enhancement are briefly reviewed. Applications are discussed, with emphasis on those techniques which have made the transition from the laboratory to full-scale industrial equipment. Typical reports of the benefits of enhancement are cited. Factors affecting commercial development and use are also discussed.
Limitations of diffusion-weighted imaging in distinguishing between a brain tumor and a central nervous system histoplasmoma

A 46-year-old African-American male presented to the hospital with a four-month history of progressive headache, left-sided weakness, and double vision. His past medical history was otherwise unremarkable, and he denied any recent history of fever, chills, respiratory symptoms, or systemic illness. He reported a history of intravenous drug use and having snorted cocaine within the past 12 months. On examination he had dysarthric speech, a partial right cranial nerve III palsy, and mild left hemiparesis (arm and leg). The remainder of his neurological examination was unremarkable. MRI of the head revealed a 2-cm ring-enhancing mass in the right pons (Figure 1). The mass had very low signal on T2-weighted images, and there was no evidence of reduced diffusion on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) (1.5 Tesla clinical scanner, single-shot echo-planar, diffusion gradient 0 and 1000 s/mm, acquired in three orthogonal directions). The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the mass ranged from 1.2 10 mm/s to 1.7 10 mm/s. Moderate T2 prolongation was noted in the pons, extending into the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres and superiorly into the right midbrain. The mass was presumed to be neoplastic based on the imaging findings, and workup for a systemic primary neoplasm was initiated. An open biopsy of the pontine mass was obtained through a right frontotemporal craniotomy with zygomatic osteotomy with image guidance. The lesion was extremely firm, and specimens sent for KOH preparation and frozen section demonstrated yeast. Additional specimens were sent for permanent section and culture. Having obtained a diagnosis, the wound was closed, and the patient was returned to the intensive care unit in stable condition. Amphotericin B therapy was initiated. Results of HIV testing, completed in the postoperative period, were positive, and his CD4 count was 10/ll. Permanent section pathology showed chronic inflammation with associated necrosis and fungal organisms (Figure 2). Biopsy culture grew Histoplasma capsulatum and was confirmed using a DNA probe. He was treated with a two-week course of amphotericin B, followed by a 10week course of IV itraconazole. He was then started on lifetime maintenance oral itraconazole. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was initiated after four weeks of itraconazole therapy. DWI is an MRI-based technique that measures the random translational mobility of water molecules, also known as Brownian motion. The more the movement of water is restricted in a tissue, the higher the DWI signal intensity and the lower the ADC. DWI has been applied to multiple disease processes, including ring-enhancing intraparenchymal brain masses. Two of the main differential considerations in the setting of a ring-enhancing intraparenchymal brain lesion are abscess and necrotic tumor. Distinguishing these two lesions on conventional imaging is often
Explorations of creative visual synthesis in mental imagery

The mental synthesis of visual patterns has been previously studied by instructing subjects to imagine assembling the component parts in specific ways. We report two experiments that show that subjects can often discover recognizable patterns in imagery when the component parts are randomly chosen and are provided without instructions for how they might be assembled. On each trial, the subjects were given a set of three parts, consisting of geometric forms, lines, or alphanumeric characters, and were instructed to close their eyes and imagine combining the parts to make some type of recognizable pattern. They were successful in doing so on about 40 % of the trials. Many of these mentally synthesized patterns were strikingly creative, and few of them could be predicted, either by the experimenter or by the subjects themselves, simply by knowing what the parts were. On the contrary, most of the subjects reported that they had performed the task by imagining various combinations of the parts until a recognizable pattern “emerged.” These findings show that visual discoveries in imagery can be reliably induced under appropriate laboratory conditions.
Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression: indications and surgical technique.

Background Although entrapment of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) is an infrequent presentation of shoulder pain, proper diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent chronic supraspinatus and infraspinatus atrophy. Materials and methods We present a technique that allows SSN decompression at the spinoglenoid notch or suprascapular notch through the subacromial space. Results and conclusions This method allows for facile decompression of the SSN after repair of concomitant shoulder pathology and allows direct visualization of the medial neck of the glenoid to avoid complications of iatrogenic SSN nerve injury from aggressive medial capsule dissection. The purpose of this article is to provide surgeons with a safe, reliable method to decompress the SSN at the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch
Landsat time series and lidar as predictors of live and dead basal area across five bark beetle-affected forests

Bark beetle-caused tree mortality affects important forest ecosystem processes. Remote sensing methodologies that quantify live and dead basal area (BA) in bark beetle-affected forests can provide valuable information to forest managers and researchers. We compared the utility of light detection and ranging (lidar) and the Landsat-based detection of trends in disturbance and recovery (LandTrendr) algorithm to predict total, live, dead, and percent dead BA in five bark beetle-affected forests in Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, and Oregon, USA. The BA response variables were predicted from lidar and LandTrendr predictor variables using the random forest (RF) algorithm. RF models explained 28%-61% of the variation in BA responses. Lidar variables were better predictors of total and live BA, whereas LandTrendr variables were better predictors of dead and percent dead BA. RF models predicting percent dead BA were applied to lidar and LandTrendr grids to produce maps, which were then compared to a gridded dataset of tree mortality area derived from aerial detection survey (ADS) data. Spearman correlations of beetle-caused tree mortality metrics between lidar, LandTrendr, and ADS were low to moderate; low correlations may be due to plot sampling characteristics, RF model error, ADS data subjectivity, and confusion caused by the detection of other types of forest disturbance by LandTrendr. Provided these sources of error are not too large, our results show that lidar and LandTrendr can be used to predict and map live and dead BA in bark beetle-affected forests with moderate levels of accuracy.
Reproductive performance of ewes exposed to vasectomized rams before breeding and forced exercise before lambing

Abstract Twenty days before a regular fall breeding season, 93 mature Rambouillet ewes were randomly allotted to one of two groups to examine the response of cycling females exposed to sterile rams. Six vasectomized rams were joined with 46 ewes during the 20-day period while 47 ewes remained separate from the rams. All ewes were judged to have been cycling either by paint marks from rams on treated animals or by the cyclic nature of progesterone (sampled at four-day intervals) profiles in control ewes. After removal of sterile males, fertile Debouillet rams remained with the ewes during a 34-day breeding season. Approximately six weeks before beginning the lambing season, one-half the females in each sterile ram treatment group were forced to walk 0.8 km per day to examine the influence of exercise on subsequent reproductive performance. Presence of sterile males did not alter (P>0.10) lambing rate, average lambing date or percentage of ewes lambing during thirds of the lambing season suggesting that prebreeding exposure of cycling ewes to vasectomized rams does not enhance lambing rate or shorten the lambing season. Forced exercise resulted in increased daily feed consumption which was reflected in heavier (P 0.20) in exercised and unexercised animals. Moderate exercise during late gestation may increase lamb birth weight without increasing lambing difficulty.
Minimal access extrapleural esophagoesophagostomy.

Abstract Background/purpose Minimal access repair of esophageal atresia is gaining acceptance but usually requires a transpleural approach. An extrapleural approach using a 2-cm incision has been described. The purpose of this study was to develop a less-invasive approach to extrapleural esophagoesophagostomy. Methods A 5–8 kg nonsurvivor piglet model was used to develop this technique. The extrapleural dissection was performed under direct vision utilizing transpleural thoracoscopy. A 16-gauge needle and a spatula were used to create an extrapleural space that allowed insertion of a 3-mm trocar. An 8F catheter with a 3-mL balloon was inserted through the trocar and inflated to create enough space to exchange it for a 5-mm trocar. A 12F catheter with a 5-mL balloon was inserted through the 5-mm trocar and inflated to enlarge the space. These steps were repeated at each of the 3 extrapleural port sites until one confluent extrapleural space was created that did not communicate with the transpleural port site. Esophagoesophagostomy was then completed within the extrapleural space. Results Thoracoscopic guidance and balloon dissection facilitated creation of an adequate extrapleural working space. Conclusions This new minimal access extrapleural approach offers an attractive alternative to the currently described minimal access approaches to esophagoesophagostomy.
Within-plant distribution of the Melaleuca quinquenervia biological control agent Lophodiplosis trifida

The gall-producing midge Lophodiplosis trifida Gagne (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is an established biological control agent of the exotic tree Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) Blake, which invades wetland systems of Florida (USA). Host use patterns within the tree canopy were investigated. Plant height affected within-plant distribution of galls as L. trifida attack rates were greater in lower versus higher portions of the M. quinquenervia canopy. Nonetheless, galls occurred even at tree-top levels of 13 m.
On the Classification of Orbits of Symmetric Subgroups Acting on Flag Varieties of SL(2, k)

Symmetric k-varieties are a generalization of symmetric spaces to general fields. Orbits of a minimal parabolic k-subgroup acting on a symmetric k-variety are essential in the study of symmetric k-varieties and their representations. In this article, we present the classification of these orbits for the group SL(2,k) for a number of base fields k, including finite fields and the &#x1d52d;-adic numbers. We use the characterization in Helminck and Wang (1993), which requires one to first classify the orbits of the θ-stable maximal k-split tori under the action of the k-points of the fixed point group.
Electrolyte additive to improve performance of MCMB/LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 Li-ion cell

Abstract The electrolyte additive, 3,9-divinyl-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5,5] undecane (TOS), was investigated as a means to improve the life of mesocarbon microbead (MCMB)/Li 1.1 [Ni 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 ] 0.9 O 2 (NCM) cells for high-power applications. With the addition of an appropriate amount of TOS (no more than 1 wt%) to MCMB/NCM cells, the capacity retention was significantly improved at 55 °C compared with cells containing pristine electrolyte. Aging tests at 55 °C indicated that the capacity retention of the negative electrode had benefited as a result of the formation of a stable passivation film at the surface of the carbon electrode due to TOS reduction. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that a TOS addition of more than 0.5 wt% increased the cell interfacial impedance. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the thermal stability of lithiated MCMB was also improved with the TOS addition.
On Measuring Counterarguing.

The discussion outlines a number of complex problems in both measuring counterarguing and establishing its causal role in the persuasion process. The authors emphasize that given these limitations, data from reasures cannot at this point clearly establish the validity of theoretical positions that emphasize counterarguing as an intervening conceot. When responses on the measure correspond to various other elements in the nomological net in a prediction fashion, however, there will be more confidence in the theory and in the measure than if the predicted relationship fails to occur. The authors further found that the utility of counterargument measures inheres not so much in settings where the predicted outcome is obtained but rather in the opposite. The authors conclude that although measuring counterarguing presents comolex problems that resist solution, research should continue. Attitude change theorists should note the fallibility of such measures and remain cautious when using data from them to substantiate a theoretical position. cm ON MEASURING COUNTERARGUING