cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The investigation of the action of fillers by XPS studies of the transfer films of PEEK and its composites containing CuS and CuF2

Abstract The wear behavior of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and CuS-PEEK composite rubbing at 1 m s− 1 speed and 19.6 N load against both the steel and glass disks is examined. While CuS filler decreased considerably the wear rate of PEEK in rubbing against the steel disk, the wear rate of both the filled and unfilled materials in rubbing against the glass disk was almost the same. The wear rate of CuF2-PEEK composite sliding against a steel surface was also considerably lower than that of PEEK. The transfer films of the polymer and its composites containing CuS and CuF2 formed against the steel disk surfaces were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The analysis of the XPS spectra revealed that both CuS and CuF2 decomposed under the rubbing conditions, because reduced Cu, S, FeF2 and FeSO4 were found in the transfer film. The analysis at two different depths in the transfer film of CuF2-PEEK revealed that the concentrations of Cu and FeF2 were greater close to the transfer film-counterface interface. However, there was no chemical change detected when unfilled PEEK rubbed against the steel disk surface. These results have been used to hypothesize the mechanism for the action of fillers in reducing wear.
Ordered Hypothesis Machines

Stack Filters are a class of non-linear filter typically used for noise suppression. Advantages of Stack Filters are their generality and the existence of efficient optimization algorithms under mean absolute error (Wendt et al. in IEEE Trans. Acoust. Speech Signal Process. 34:898---910, 1986). In this paper we describe our recent efforts to use the class of Stack Filters for classification problems. This leads to a novel class of continuous domain classifiers which we call Ordered Hypothesis Machines (OHM). We develop convex optimization based learning algorithms for Ordered Hypothesis Machines and highlight their relationship to Support Vector Machines and Nearest Neighbor classifiers. We report on the performance on synthetic and real-world datasets including an application to change detection in remote sensing imagery. We conclude that OHM provides a novel way to reduce the number of exemplars used in Nearest Neighbor classifiers and achieves competitive performance to the more computationally expensive K-Nearest Neighbor method.
Clinicians' perceptions about use of computerized protocols: a multicenter study.

Abstract Purpose Implementation of evidence-based techniques, such as explicit computerized protocols, has achieved limited success among clinicians. In this study, we describe the development and validation of an instrument for assessing clinicians’ perceptions about use of explicit computerized protocols. Methods Qualitative assessment of semi-structured interviews with clinicians gave rise to a cognitive model evaluating the factors that motivate clinicians to use explicit computerized protocols. Using these constructs we developed a 35-item instrument which was administered to 240 clinicians (132 nurses, 53 physicians and 55 respiratory therapists), in three health-care institutions. Results Factor analysis identified nine factors that accounted for 66% of the total variance cumulatively. Factors identified were: Beliefs regarding Self-Efficacy, Environmental Support, Role Relevance, Work Importance, Beliefs regarding Control, Attitude towards Information Quality, Social Pressure, Culture, and Behavioral Intention. The strongest predictor was Beliefs regarding Self-Efficacy, which accounted for 26% of the total variance of intention to use explicit computerized protocols. Results supported the reliability and construct validity of the instrument. Conclusions Clinicians’ perceptions play a critical role in determining their intention to use explicit computerized protocols in routine clinical practice. Behavioral theories will help us understand factors predicting clinicians’ intention to use explicit computerized protocols and recognize the implications of these factors in the design and implementation of these protocols.
Induction Chemotherapy: To Use or Not to Use? That Is the Question

The intensification of radiation, induction chemotherapy, and concomitant chemoradiotherapy has been extensively investigated over the past 2 decades for the nonsurgical management of locally advanced, nonmetastatic squamous cell head and neck cancer (HNC). Concurrent chemoradiation has emerged as the standard of care, with the majority of its benefit resulting from improvements in locoregional disease control. Distant failure has become a more prominent problem in conjunction with these improvements. Concurrent chemotherapy provides suboptimal adjuvant treatment for distant disease. Multiagent induction chemotherapy holds more promise especially with the use of taxane-based regimens. Induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation (sequential chemoradiation) is now under investigation. The rationale and evidence supporting the choice to use or not to use a sequential program are discussed.
Selection of Probability Distributions in Characterizing Risk of Extreme Events

Use of probability distributions by regulatory agencies often focuses on the extreme events and scenarios that correspond to the tail of probability distributions. This paper makes the case that assessment of the tail of the distribution can and often should be performed separately from assessment of the central values. Factors to consider when developing distributions that account for tail behavior include (a) the availability of data, (b) characteristics of the tail of the distribution, and (c) the value of additional information in assessment. The integration of these elements will improve the modeling of extreme events by the tail of distributions, thereby providing policy makers with critical information on the risk of extreme events. Two examples provide insight into the theme of the paper. The first demonstrates the need for a parallel analysis that separates the extreme events from the central values. The second shows a link between the selection of the tail distribution and a decision criterion. In addition, the phenomenon of breaking records in time-series data gives insight to the information that characterizes extreme values. One methodology for treating risk of extreme events explicitly adopts the conditional expected value as a measure of risk. Theoretical results concerning this measure are given to clarify some of the concepts of the risk of extreme events.
Adolescent Criminal Behavior, Population Heterogeneity, and Cumulative Disadvantage Untangling the Relationship Between Adolescent Delinquency and Negative Outcomes in Emerging Adulthood

Developmentalists suggest that adolescent criminal involvement encourages later life failure in the social domains of education, welfare, and risky sexual activities. Although prior research supports a link between crime and later life failure, relatively little research has sought to explain why this relationship exists. This research attempts to understand why crime leads to negative social outcomes by testing hypotheses derived from the perspectives of population heterogeneity and cumulative disadvantage. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, the results reveal that net of control variables and measures of population heterogeneity, adolescent criminal behavior consistently predicts school failure, being on welfare, and risky sexual activities. The findings also suggest that after controlling for delinquency, adolescent arrest negatively affects these factors. Furthermore, stable criminal traits and adolescent delinquency interact when predicting measures of poor social adjustm...
Decentralized control of linear interconnected multivariable systems

This paper presents a continuations approach to eigenvalue assignment using dynamic decentralized output feedback. The underlying system model is the component connection model, CCM. This is a decoupled large scale systems model in which dynamics and interconnections have separate defining equations. In such a context it is possible to parameterize the connection information and derive a differential equation whose solution trajectory characterizes appropriate decentralized feedback gains. The trajectory end point serves as that decentralized feedback matrix which assigns a desired set of system eigenvalues.
Flexibility of ideal zeolite frameworks

We explore the flexibility windows of the 194 presently-known zeolite frameworks. The flexibility window represents a range of densities within which an ideal zeolite framework is stress-free. Here, we consider the ideal zeolite to be an assembly of rigid corner-sharing perfect tetrahedra. The corner linkages between tetrahedra are hard-sphere oxygen atoms, which are presumed to act as freely-rotating, force-free, spherical joints. All other inter-tetrahedral forces, such as coulomb interactions, are ignored. Thus, the flexibility window represents the null-space of the kinematic matrix that governs the allowable internal motions of the ideal zeolite framework. We show that almost all of the known aluminosilicate or aluminophosphate zeolites exhibit a flexibility window. Consequently, the presence of flexibility in a hypothetical framework topology promises to be a valuable indicator of synthetic feasibility. We describe computational methods for exploring the flexibility window, and discuss some of the exceptions to this flexibility rule.
Mixed-signal micro-systems in emerging SOI technologies

Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technologies have recently attracted interest in the development of next-generation high-performance micro-systems. The absence of latch-up, the reduced parasitic capacitance, the circuit isolation and multi-threshold devices are just a few of the advantages of this technology. This article introduces a flavor of SOI called silicon-on-sapphire (SOS), describing the fabrication process, the advantages for innovative low-power, low-voltage, high-speed microsystem design. We present the design and development of several advanced SOS micro-systems, such as: analog-to-digital converters, monolithic digital isolation buffers, image sensor arrays, low-voltage and low-current detectors, and communication systems.
Social Role Identities Among Older Adults in a Continuing Care Retirement Community

Social role identities are key components of self-concept, perceptions locating individuals in the larger matrix of social relationships. These identities reflect the system of social positions held by an individual. But it is unclear as to whether identities reflect currently held roles, past roles, or roles expected to be taken on in the future. Moreover, this system of social role identities may well change during the life course,
A Spectral Line-Based Weighted-Sum-of-Gray-Gases Model for Arbitrary RTE Solvers

This paper presents an approach for generating weighted-sum-of-gray gases (WSGG) models directly from the line-by-line spectra of H[sub 2]O. Emphasis is placed on obtaining detailed spectral division among the gray gases. Thus, for a given model spectrum, the gray gas weights are determined as blackbody fractional functions for specific subline spectral regions at all temperatures. The model allows the absorption coefficient to be the basic radiative property rather than a transmissivity or band absorptance, etc., and can be used with any arbitrary solution method for the Radiative Transfer Equation (RTE). A single absorption cross section spectrum is assumed over the entire spatial domain in order to fix the subline spectral regions associated with a single spectral calculation. The error associated with this assumption is evaluated by comparison with line-by-line benchmarks for problems of nonisothermal and nonhomogeneous media. 28 refs., 7 figs.
Lacunar infarct of the tegmentum of the lower lateral pons.

• A stroke with a somewhat unusual neurologic formula was correlated with a small linear high-intensity T 2 focus in the lateral tegmentum of the lower third of the pons. The clinical features included dysarthria, staggering gait, incoordination of handwriting, right facial weakness, nystagmus, ocular overshoot, right appendicular ataxia, and left-sided dissociated sensory loss for pain and temperature. Lacunar lesions of the tegmentum in the region of the pontomedullary junction, while not uncommon, have not been studied pathologically and have not been reported in the magnetic resonance imaging literature, to my knowledge.
Effects of vitamin D3 on proliferation of cancer cells in vitro

Abstract The principal cause of death from most forms of cancer is metastatic disease. Cancer cells appear to grow quickly out of the control of the normal host regulatory mechanisms. Many factors contribute to this unrestrained proliferation, including increased metalloproteinase activity causing degradation of the extracellular matrix surrounding cancer cells, angiogenesis permitting easy access of the cells to the bloodstream and decrease or loss of programmed cell death, or apoptosis, an important mechanism for removal of abnormal or senescent cells. Treatment modalities targeted towards arresting cancer cell proliferation and spread are needed to improve the survival of patients with cancer. Vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol D3, has been shown to induce apoptosis in the human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. We have studied the effects of three concentrations of vitamin D3 on the human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-435, the human prostate cancer cell line, LNCaP, and a human osteosarcoma cell line, U2OS. We report here that vitamin D3 strikingly inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in all three cell lines.
Sustenance Differentiation and Population Redistribution

This paper examines the extent to which sustenance differentiationan important dimension of the division of labor-influences the redistribution of the population through net migration in the nonmetropolitan counties of the United States during the 1960s. An ecological explanation of this type is shown to be most viable, even when controls for a number of competing explanations are introduced. The evidence provided in this paper supports the longstanding contention of human ecologists about the influence of sustenance organization on population redistribution. For many years, human ecologists have contended that sustenance organization plays an important part in demographic change (Gibbs and Martin, b; Hawley). A population will adjust its numbers to achieve a balance or equilibrium between its overall size and life chances. One of the important mechanisms for adjustment is the process of migration. The general relationship between sustenance organization and population change is an important one if only because "demographic structure [in this particular case, population size] contains the possibilities and sets the limits of organized group life" (Hawley, 78). Recently, human ecologists have subjected this relationship to empirical test. In an analysis of black migration from 253 southern cottonbelt counties, Sly has found that migration may be viewed as a direct "demographic response to differences in sustenance organization" (615). Other investigators have found evidence of a clear, though complex, relationship between various constellations of sustenance activities and population change in the nonmetropolitan counties of the United States (Frisbie and Poston, a, b). This paper will examine yet another aspect of sustenance organization, its degree of differentiation, and will ascertain the extent to which it influences the redistribution of the population through net migration. Since sustenance differentiation is one dimension of the broader ecological concept of the division of labor, this paper may also be seen as contributing to a further understanding of the effects of the division of labor.
A Context Free TAG Variant

We propose a new variant of TreeAdjoining Grammar that allows adjunction of full wrapping trees but still bears only context-free expressivity. We provide a transformation to context-free form, and a further reduction in probabilistic model size through factorization and pooling of parameters. This collapsed context-free form is used to implement efficient grammar estimation and parsing algorithms. We perform parsing experiments the Penn Treebank and draw comparisons to TreeSubstitution Grammars and between different variations in probabilistic model design. Examination of the most probable derivations reveals examples of the linguistically relevant structure that our variant makes possible.
Synergistic interactions among QSAR descriptors

Quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs) and quantitative structure–property relationships (QSPRs) rely on regression equations containing numerical descriptors of molecular structure. In constructing these models, highly correlated descriptors are sometimes excluded from the regression equations. Although this exclusion seems reasonable, in fact it can lead investigators to overlook significant descriptor combinations, because the small differences between highly correlated descriptors sometimes encode important structural information. Furthermore, the multicollinearity that results from employing correlated descriptors is not as serious a problem as is often assumed. Described are several examples of cases in which pairs of highly correlated, poorly performing single-parameter descriptors yield highly significant structure–property regression equations. In effect, the descriptors act synergistically and yield regression equations that model the systems examined better than the sum of the individual components. A discussion of practical approaches to this problem is given. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Understanding the Influence of Learners’ Forethought on Their Use of Science Study Strategies in Postsecondary Science Learning

Understanding self-regulation in science learning is important for theorists and practitioners alike. However, very little has been done to explore and understand students’ self-regulatory processes in postsecondary science courses. In this study, the influence of science efficacy, learning value, and goal orientation on the perceived use of science study strategies was explored using structural equation modeling. In addition, the study served to validate the first two stages of Zimmerman's cyclical model of self-regulation and to address the common methodological weakness in self-regulation research in which data are all collected at one point after the learning cycle is complete. Thus, data were collected across the learning cycle rather than asking students to reflect upon each construct after the learning cycle was complete. The findings supported the hypothesized model in which it was predicted that self-efficacy would significantly and positively influence students’ perceived science strategy use, a...
Decadal Thermocline Variability in the North Pacific Ocean: Two Pathways around the Subtropical Gyre

Abstract Yearly in situ temperature anomaly data in the North Pacific Ocean for 1961–90 have been analyzed along constant-density surfaces (isopycnals) in order to better describe and understand decadal thermocline variability in the region. Various empirical orthogonal function analyses are performed on isopycnals to depict the dominant three-dimensional patterns. The major finding is of two preferential pathways associated with decadal temperature variability around the subtropical gyre. A subduction pathway, with a large signal in the upper thermocline, originates from the North Pacific central–eastern outcrop regions (about 40°N, 150°W) and then basically follows the mean gyre circulation southwestward along isopycnals toward the western Tropics. A subtropical pathway extends from the eastern subtropical–tropical and boundary regions and appears to continue predominantly westward across the southern part of the gyre (between 15° and 30°N) and then along the Kuroshio path toward the midlatitudes. Along...
Grasslands of the North American Great Plains

The study of appearances of growth, development, and senescence in grassland communities is not an enterprise commonly pursued. Phenology of mid-latitude grasslands is, nevertheless, too large and diverse a collection of phenomena to cover within a single chapter, as it ought to embrace at once the vast Kazakh steppe, the chalk grasslands of southern England, and myriad other grassy landscapes. Thus, the view here shall be on the grasslands of the North American Great Plains, with particular reference to the tallgrass prairie as a type model.
Heat Shock Proteins and Neuroprotection

In response to many metabolic disturbances and injuries including stroke, neurodegenerative disease, epilepsy and trauma, the cell mounts a stress response with induction of a variety of proteins, most notably the 70 kD heat shock protein (Hsp70). The possibility that stress proteins might be neuroprotective was suspected because Hsp70, in particular, was induced to high levels in brain regions that were relatively resistant to injury. Hsp70 expression was also correlated with the phenomenon of induced tolerance. With the availability of transgenic animals and gene transfer, has it become increasingly clear that such heat shock proteins do indeed protect cells from injury. Several reports have now shown that selective overexpression of Hsp70 leads to protection in several different models of nervous system injury. This review will cover these studies, along with potential mechanisms by which Hsp70 might mediate cellular protection.
Toward Abstract Models for Islamic History

Latest developments in the digital sphere offered new opportunities and challenges to the humanists. Equipped with new digital methods of text analysis, scholars in various fields of humanities are now trying to make sense of huge corpora of literary and historical texts. Perhaps the most prominent of such attempts is the work of Franco Moretti and his abstract models for literary history that trace long-term patterns in English fiction. Inspired by Moretti’s approach, I seek to develop abstract models for the analysis of pre-modern Arabic historical literature, relying mainly on various textmining techniques that are being developed at the intersection of statistics, linguistics and computer science. At the moment, I concentrate primarily on biographical collections, a genre that includes several hundred multi-volume titles (The largest collection — al-Dhahabī’s “History of Islam” — covers 700 years and contains about 30,000 biographies). Working with the corpus of 10 biographical collections (about 125 printed volumes; 45,000 biographical accounts), I am developing an analytical tool that can be later used to study other biographical collections — ideally, all of them together. In the long run I hope that the results of my work will pave the way to the development of analytical tools for other genres of pre-modern Arabic literature such as chronicles, ḥadīth collections, interpretations of the Qur’ān, compendia of legal decisions, etc. Working with my biographical collections I look primarily into such kinds of biographical data as “descriptive names” (nisbas), dates, toponyms, and, since recently, rather loosely defined linguistic formulae and wording patterns. The analysis of different combinations of these data allows one to trace various social, religious and cultural patterns in time and space. I am particularly interested in how the Islamic world changed over the period of 640-1300 CE: how cultural centers were shifting; how different social, professional and religious groups were replacing and displacing each other; how different regions were connected with each other and how these connections changed over time. The results of my analysis will be presented in the form of graphs and geographical maps.
The Role of CaCO3 Reactions in the Contemporary Oceanic CO2 Cycle

The present analysis adjusts previous estimates of global ocean CaCO3 production rates substantially upward, to 133 × 1012 mol yr−1 plankton production and 42 × 1012 mol yr−1 shelf benthos production. The plankton adjustment is consistent with recent satellite-based estimates; the benthos adjustment includes primarily an upward adjustment of CaCO3 production on so-called carbonate-poor sedimentary shelves and secondarily pays greater attention to high CaCO3 mass (calcimass) and turnover of shelf communities on temperate and polar shelves. Estimated CaCO3 sediment accumulation rates remain about the same as they have been for some years: ~20 × 1012 mol yr−1 on shelves and 11 × 1012 mol yr−1 in the deep ocean. The differences between production and accumulation of calcareous materials call for dissolution of ~22 × 1012 mol yr−1 (~50 %) of shelf benthonic carbonate production and 122 × 1012 mol yr−1 (>90 %) of planktonic production. Most CaCO3 production, whether planktonic or benthonic, is assumed to take place in water depths of <100 m, while most dissolution is assumed to occur below this depth. The molar ratio of CO2 release to CaCO3 precipitation (CO2↑/CaCO3↓) is <1.0 and varies with depth. This ratio, Ψ, is presently about 0.66 in surface seawater and 0.85 in ocean waters deeper than about 1000 m. The net flux of CO2 associated with CaCO3 reactions in the global ocean in late preindustrial time is estimated to be an apparent influx from the atmosphere to the ocean, of +7 × 1012 mol C yr−1, at a time scale of 102–103 years. The CaCO3-mediated influx of CO2 is approximately offset by CO2 release from organic C oxidation in the water column. Continuing ocean acidification will have effects on CaCO3 and organic C metabolic responses to the oceanic inorganic C cycle, although those responses remain poorly quantified.
Working with Family, Friends, and Allies of LBGT Youth

As a historically marginalized population, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth are at risk for myriad negative outcomes and as a result, seek counseling services at disproportionate rates. Although the role of family, friends, and allies (FFA) has been supported as a resiliency factor with LGBT youth, minimal attention has been given to the inclusion of FFA in counseling interventions. Building on the developmental, preventative, and wellness foundation, this manuscript utilizes an ecological approach to identify points of entry for systemic interventions with FFA across the micro, meso, exo, and macro levels (Bronfenbrenner, 2005) of LGBT youth experience.
Integration of Life-Stage Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Models with Adverse Outcome Pathways and Environmental Exposure Models to Screen for Environmental Hazards

A computational framework was developed to assist in screening and prioritizing chemicals based on their dosimetry, toxicity, and potential exposures. The overall strategy started with contextualizing chemical activity observed in high-throughput toxicity screening (HTS) by mapping these assays to biological events described in Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs). Next, in vitro to in vivo (IVIVE) extrapolation was used to convert an in vitro dose to an external exposure level, which was compared with potential exposure levels to derive an AOP-based margins of exposure (MOE). In this study, the framework was applied to estimate MOEs for chemicals that can potentially cause developmental toxicity following a putative AOP for fetal vasculogenesis/angiogenesis. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed to describe chemical disposition during pregnancy, fetal, neonatal, and infant to adulthood stages. Using this life-stage PBPK model, maternal exposures were estimated that would yield fetal blood levels equivalent to the chemical concentration that altered in vitro activity of selected HTS assays related to the most sensitive vasculogenesis/angiogenesis putative AOP. The resulting maternal exposure estimates were then compared with potential exposure levels using literature data or exposure models to derive AOP-based MOEs.
Final Results of a Randomized Phase 2 Trial Investigating the Addition of Cetuximab to Induction Chemotherapy and Accelerated or Hyperfractionated Chemoradiation for Locoregionally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

Purpose The role of cetuximab in the treatment of locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer (LA-HNSCC) remains poorly defined. In this phase 2 randomized study, we investigated the addition of cetuximab to both induction chemotherapy (IC) and hyperfractionated or accelerated chemoradiation. Methods and Materials Patients with LA-HNSCC were randomized to receive 2 cycles of weekly IC (cetuximab, paclitaxel, carboplatin) and either Cetux-FHX (concurrent cetuximab, 5-fluorouracil, hydroxyurea, and 1.5 Gy twice-daily radiation therapy every other week to 75 Gy) or Cetux-PX (cetuximab, cisplatin, and accelerated radiation therapy with delayed concomitant boost to 72 Gy in 42 fractions). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), with superiority compared with historical control achieved if either arm had 2-year PFS ≥70%. Results 110 patients were randomly assigned to either Cetux-FHX (n=57) or Cetux-PX (n=53). The overall response rate to IC was 91%. Severe toxicity on IC was limited to rash (23% grade ≥3) and myelosuppression (38% grade ≥3 neutropenia). The 2-year rates of PFS for both Cetux-FHX (82.5%) and Cetux-PX (84.9%) were significantly higher than for historical control ( P P =.35) or OS ( P =.15) between the treatment arms. The late outcomes for the entire cohort included 5-year PFS, OS, locoregional failure, and distant metastasis rates of 74.1%, 80.3%, 15.7%, and 7.4%, respectively. The 5-year PFS and OS were 84.4% and 91.3%, respectively, among human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive patients and 65.9% and 72.5%, respectively, among HPV-negative patients. Conclusions The addition of cetuximab to IC and chemoradiation was tolerable and produced long-term control of LA-HNSCC, particularly among poor-prognosis HPV-negative patients. Further investigation of cetuximab may be warranted in the neoadjuvant setting and with non–platinum-based chemoradiation.
Extended Storage of Platelets in a Novel Organ Preservation Solution, Somah

Background: Extended storage of platelet in lesion free state is of critical importance and is tenuous at best in currently available additive solutions thus requiring innovations in storage modalities. We have recently demonstrated that donor hearts obtained for transplant can be stored at ambient temperature in Somah solution of our design. Unlike other clinically used solutions, rationally designed Somah maintains cellular homeostasis and high-energy state of the heart during extended storage, circumventing hypothermic injury and thus facilitating optimal functional recovery of heart upon reperfusion. This study was designed to evaluate the ability of Somah to preserve platelets in lesion free state during extended storage by modulation of analogous biochemical pathways as in the heart. Study Design and Methods: Blood was collected in ACD and the platelets (PRP) were isolated using standard protocol (n=3). Platelets were stored in Somah, PAS III and PAS III-M solutions at concentration of 65% at ambient temperature (22 oC) for 12 days under asepsis. The storage solutions were periodically assessed for pO2, pCO2, HCO-3, pH, Glucose and lactic acid using Abaxis iStat. Platelet morphology was evaluated with confocal microscopy; platelet activation and apoptosis was measure by quantitating and localizing phosphtidylserine (PS) exposure using Alexa 488-lactoadherin binding, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy over the storage period. Results: Platelets demonstrated active metabolism in Somah. Glucose concentration decreased in Somah from 225 mg/dL to 110 mg/dL while the lactate concentration increased from 1.45 mMol/L to 9.0 mMol/L during the 12 day storage. Strong buffering capacity of Somah maintained the pH near neutrality. pO2 and pCO2remained at 165 mmHg and 30 mmHg respectively. In contrast, glucose decreased from 134 mg/dL to 102 mg/dL and lactate increased from 0.97 mMol/L to 15.6 mMol/L in the PAS group. PS exposure increased from 0.2% to 12.8 % at 12 days in platelets stored in Somah, in contrast, PS exposure increased from 0.2% to 30.7% during the same period in platelets stored in PAS solutions, respectively. Morphology of platelets was well maintained in Somah but not in the PAS solutions. There was no significance difference in measured values between PAS III and PAS III-M. Conclusion: Unique composition of Somah facilitates modulation of anaerobic and aerobic metabolism by diverting lactate into oxidative phosphorylation pathways, thus maintaining the energy state and cellular homeostasis. Intact morphology, active metabolism and minimal exposure of PS indicate that platelets were well preserved in Somah during extended storage. Work is under way to extend the storage further, evaluate high-energy stores, CD 62p, vWF expression and functional in vitro activation of platelets stored in Somah. These preliminary studies indicate Somah can be a viable alternative for storage of platelets in lesion free state during extended storage. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Aircraft Data Networks and Performance Enhancement Proxies

With the increased deployment of data networks within the aircrafts, it is important to find ways to provide better service to user traffic. In order to provide internet services within the aircraft, it is important to use the services of satellite networks. Satellite networks introduce high amount of delay in the data transfer process. Internet traffic based on Transport Control Protocol (TCP) suffers due to the high delay introduced by the satellite network. Performance Enhancement Proxies have proved to be beneficial in the satellite network environment when Internet traffic was transported over the satellite network. In this paper, the authors investigate the advantages of using performance enhancement proxies in the aircraft data network environment.
Mothers' satisfaction with youth out-of-school-time programs

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors related to mothers’ satisfaction with youth out-of-school-time (OST) programs. The relationship to demographic characteristics and the effects of mother’s perception of youth OST program opportunities on mothers’ satisfaction with OST programs are discussed in this paper. Ordered logistic regression revealed the positive effects of partner’s working hours, mother’s education, and mother’s perception on mother satisfaction. Generalized ordered logit models further revealed that the effects of the variables and the effects of child sex, income, and race differed by the level of mother satisfaction. These findings have important implications for youth workers and policy makers.
Analysis of the effects of copper nanoparticles on in-situ combustion of extra heavy-crude oil

Abstract Catalyzed in-situ combustion of extra heavy crude-oil was studied. The effects of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NP) on combustion were quantified by measuring crude-oil oxidation kinetics and elucidated by capturing front and fuel deposition behavior. Ramped temperature oxidation experiments, coupled with isoconversional analysis, helped measure reaction kinetics. Improvement in the rate of combustion was seen when the nanoparticles were present at a concentration of 1000 ppm in the aqueous phase. Chiefly, the apparent activation energy of the high-temperature oxidation region decreased. Cu-NP also serve as a reaction inhibitor of low-temperature oxidation (LTO), which is of interest because LTO reactions increase the viscosity of the virgin oil downstream of the combustion front. As a result of this, the alteration of LTO reactions, and the change in fuel formation, the presence of Cu-NP help maintain a greater front temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the oxidation behavior of the nanoparticles, namely the change of surface and bulk oxidation state, determines the rate and temperature that low-temperature oxidation and high-temperature oxidation occur for the median particle size distribution. Finally, potentiometric titration of the produced fluids shows that Cu-NP change the type of oil produced and decrease the amount of water created during the process.
Increased prevalence of HCV and hepatic decompensation in adults with psoriasis: a population-based study in the United Kingdom.

Background The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of global morbidity and mortality, with conflicting evidence regarding a possible association with psoriasis. Objective To determine the prevalence of HCV in psoriasis patients, compared to controls, and determine the incidence of hepatic decompensation in HCV+ psoriasis patients compared to HCV+ controls. Methods Cross-sectional and cohort studies were conducted in The Health Improvement Network (THIN). Results In fully adjusted models, a statistically significant increase in prevalence was seen in the adults with psoriasis (OR: 1.24, 95% CI 1.10 - 1.40). A “dose-response” of HCV prevalence with increasing psoriasis severity was not observed. HCV+ patients with psoriasis had a non-statistically significant increased incidence of hepatic decompensation compared to HCV+ individuals without psoriasis (aHR: 1.58, 95% CI: 0.90- 2.77). The risk was highest, and statistically significant, in those with moderate to severe psoriasis (aHR: 21.51, 95% CI: 7.58-61.03). Conclusions These results demonstrate a higher prevalence of HCV in adults with psoriasis and a higher rate of hepatic decompensation in HCV+ individuals with moderate-severe psoriasis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Validation of Antibiotic Residue Tests for Dairy Goats

The SNAP test, LacTek test (B-L and CEF), Charm Bacillus sterothermophilus var. calidolactis disk assay (BsDA), and Charm II Tablet Beta-lactam sequential test were validated using antibiotic-fortified and -incurred goat milk following the protocol for test kit validations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine. SNAP, Charm BsDA, and Charm II Tablet Sequential tests were sensitive and reliable in detecting antibiotic residues in goat milk. All three assays showed greater than 90% sensitivity and specificity at tolerance and detection levels. However, caution should be taken in interpreting test results at detection levels. Because of the high sensitivity of these three tests, false-violative results could be obtained in goat milk containing antibiotic residues below the tolerance level. Goat milk testing positive by these tests must be confirmed using a more sophisticated methodology, such as high-performance liquid chromatography, before the milk is condemned. LacTek B-L test did not detect several antibiotics, including penicillin G, in goat milk at tolerance levels. However, LacTek CEF was excellent in detecting ceftiofur residue in goat milk.
What Are the Chances of Your Students Knowing Probability

mathematics curriculum identify probabil ity as a critical basic skill area (National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics 1978; National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 1980). The results of the sec ond mathematics assessment of the Na tional Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) suggest that this area has been ne glected in mathematics instruction. In an effort to summarize the findings, we will discuss the probability exercises within three key concepts: probability of an event, probability of independent events, and probability of compound events. There were seven, three, and five exercises, re spectively, within these key concepts, but only results from a few of them will be mentioned. These results reflect the per formance of 13and 17-year-olds. The sampling procedures included between
The Theory of Cosmic Inflation

The horizon and flatness problems had been recognized since the 1960s, but were rarely discussed—simply because no one had any idea as to what to do about them.
Interdisciplinary study of reflectance transformation imaging processes for the creation of normal map libraries from high-resolution scan data

We present an interdisciplinary collaborative study done at the Rochester Institute of Technology, which investigated the feasibility of capturing the texture of physical 3D objects using a homemade device designed to perform Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI). RTI is a computational photographic technique that uses multiple captures to recreate light-interactive texture maps; this is accomplished by multiple images where the camera is stationary, and a point light source is moved around the object. The technique of RTI itself is not new; it was invented by Malzbender and Gelb, two research scientists at Hewlett Packard labs, and described in a paper titled "Polynomial Texture Mapping (PTM)," published in 2001 [Malzbender et al. 2001]. Our project brought together students from RIT's School of Photographic Arts and Sciences, and the 3D Digital Design department in the School of Design. Under the guidance of faculty from both departments, the students shared their own resources and expertise to create a functioning RTI device from inexpensive parts, which was then used to produce high-resolution normal maps for use in computer graphics applications. From a pedagogical standpoint, the project enabled two diverse groups of students to understand each other's approaches to technology by building a device that leveraged the expertise of both sets. From a technical standpoint, we demonstrated that a highly accurate system such as an RTI device could be constructed of essentially "found objects." Finally, the project itself was accomplished "under the bureaucratic radar," by virtue of an informal alliance based on shared interests.
Increasing the Open-Circuit Voltage of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells via Metal-Ion Coordination

Considerable efforts are dedicated to increasing the open-circuit voltage (Voc) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by slowing charge recombination dynamics using atomic layer deposition, alkyl-substituted dyes, coadsorbents, and other strategies. In this report, we introduce metal-ion coordination to a metal oxide bound dye as an alternative means of increasing Voc. Metal-ion coordination has minimal influence on the photophysical and electrochemical properties of the N3 dye, but presumably because of increased steric hindrance at the interface, it slows charge recombination kinetics and increases Voc by upwards of 130 mV relative to the parent N3 DSSC. With respect to the nature of the metal ion, the trend in decreasing short-circuit current (Jsc) and increasing Voc correlates with the charge of the coordinated metal ion (MIV → MIII → MII). We attribute this trend to electrostatic interactions between the metal cation and I– or I3–, with the more highly charged cations maintaining a higher concentrati...
Can We Prevent Inflation and Still Achieve Full Employment

Since every price in the marketplace is s reflection of someone’s income, any anti-inflation policy must be designed to constrain increases costs and therefore people’s money income. Controlling the money supply to prevent inflation is the classical solution. An incomes policy tht constrains inflationary demand of workers for higher money wages without any increase in labor productivity is a Keynes policy.
Cultural tailoring for an Afro-Caribbean community: a naturalistic approach.

The significance of culturally tailored interventions reflects an intrinsic principle surrounding health disparities for racial and ethnic groups. Indeed, research has enlightened modern inquiry that health services might need modification in order to gain the response that is crucial in minority and underserved communities. While nursing has made considerable effort to provide culturally sensitive health care (Lowe & Archibald, 2009), there is a woefully inadequate supply of urgently needed and culture-specific programs for diverse populations in the United States (U.S.), particularly for the Afro-Caribbean group. Florida is the third fastest growing immigrant-receiving state, being second only to California and New York (Camarota, 2007). Most Caribbean immigrants come to South Florida because of a) its proximity to the Caribbean, b) the climatic conditions resemble that of the Caribbean, and c) because of the Caribbean connection that is evident upon arrival. The socio-economic challenges of this region force people to leave “paradise” in pursuit of upward social and educational mobility and a few modest extras for themselves and their children. Many reside in poor and underserved communities (Nurse, 2004); these living arrangements often predispose such persons to health risks such as HIV/AIDS. Like many other cultural groups, Caribbean population has its unique values that are not present in conventional health care approaches. While the strategies to achieve cultural appropriateness might vary (Kreuter, Lukwago, Bucholtz, Clark, & Sanders-Thompson, 2002), Kreuter and Haughton (2006) agree that one way to help reduce health disparity is to incorporate the culture of the specific population in health programs instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach (p. 795). Since the American Nurses Association (ANA) views cultural diversity as priority in its strategic plan (ANA, 2001), and the transcultural movement has been successful in incorporating culture in nursing curricula, licensure, and certification exams, nurses are uniquely positioned to modify or tailor interventions appropriately in order to narrow health disparities. This awareness has provided initial impetus for this preliminary study.
Two-probe calibration integral equation method for nonlinear inverse heat conduction problem of surface heat flux estimation

Abstract In this paper, a new two-probe surface heat flux calibration integral equation method (CIEM) is proposed for resolving nonlinear inverse heat conduction problem possessing temperature-dependent thermophysical properties and an unknown time-varying back surface boundary condition. Compared to the one-probe CIEM, the two-probe CIEM can be applied to a more general class of one-dimensional inverse heat conduction problems that can be used for accurately predicting the front surface heat flux without any restrictions on the back surface boundary condition. Temperature-dependent thermophysical properties and probe locations are not specified a priori but are implicitly accounted through a calibration campaign. The final mathematical formulation involves resolving a Volterra integral equation of the first kind for the unknown surface heat flux. A first kind Chebyshev expansion possessing undetermined coefficients, is used for approximating the introduced property transform function. Next, three well-defined calibration tests are used for estimating the undetermined coefficients associated with the Chebyshev expansion. A time sequential study of the coefficients is shown to yield the optimal truncation of the series expansion. A future-time method is applied for stabilizing the ill-posed first kind Volterra integral equation. Phase plane and cross-correlation analyses are employed for estimating the optimal regularization parameter (i.e., the future-time parameter) from a spectrum of chosen values. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified by numerical simulation using stainless steel as the host material. The calibration-based or “parameter free” inverse approaches significantly reduce time and costs in the resolution of the surface condition as there is no need to experimentally determine the thermophysical properties, probe locations, and probe characteristics. These system properties are implicitly included in the proposed calibration procedure. Many applications, especially in aerospace sciences where exotic materials are often used, do not have replicable properties among samples. Conventional inverse methods rely on accurately specifying the input parameters for forming the predictions. These “parameter required” methods are solely based on numerical algorithms and thus their predictions are strongly relied on accurate input of parameters and measured probe data.