cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bremsstrahlung Radiation from the Interaction of Short Laser Pulses with Dielectrics

An intense, short laser pulse incident on a dielectric can excite electrons from valence to the conduction band. As these electrons undergo scattering, from both ion centers and acoustic phonons, they emit Bremsstrahlung radiation. Here we present 1D model that describes the laser pulse dielectric interaction and the resulting Bremsstrahlung emission. Characteristics of the radiation (power, energy and spectra) are computed for arbitrary ratios of electron collision frequency to radiation frequency [1]. The conversion efficiency of laser pulse energy into bremsstrahlung radiation depends strongly on both the fluence and duration of the pulse, saturating at values of about $10 ^{-5}$. Depending on whether the fluence is above or below the damage threshold of the material, the emission can originate either from the surface or the bulk of the dielectric. The radiation may provide a broadband light source for diagnostics.
A high-speed, high-performance, microfabricated comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatograph

A small, consumable-free, low-power, ultra-high-speed comprehensive GC×GC system consisting of microfabricated columns, nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) cantilever resonators for detection, and a valve-based stop-flow modulator is demonstrated. The separation of a highly polar 29-component mixture covering a boiling point range of 46 to 253 °C on a pair of microfabricated columns using a Staiger valve manifold in less than 7 seconds, and just over 4 seconds after the ensemble holdup time is demonstrated with a downstream FID. The analysis time of the second dimension was 160 ms, and peak widths in the second dimension range from 10–60 ms. A peak capacity of just over 300 was calculated for a separation of just over 6 s. Data from a continuous operation testing over 40 days and 20 000 runs of the GC×GC columns with the NEMS resonators using a 4-component test set is presented. The GC×GC-NEMS resonator system generated second-dimension peak widths as narrow as 8 ms with no discernable peak distortion due to under-sampling from the detector.
DeepRoof: A Data-driven Approach For Solar Potential Estimation Using Rooftop Imagery

Rooftop solar deployments are an excellent source for generating clean energy. As a result, their popularity among homeowners has grown significantly over the years. Unfortunately, estimating the solar potential of a roof requires homeowners to consult solar consultants, who manually evaluate the site. Recently there have been efforts to automatically estimate the solar potential for any roof within a city. However, current methods work only for places where LIDAR data is available, thereby limiting their reach to just a few places in the world. In this paper, we propose DeepRoof, a data-driven approach that uses widely available satellite images to assess the solar potential of a roof. Using satellite images, DeepRoof determines the roof's geometry and leverages publicly available real-estate and solar irradiance data to provide a pixel-level estimate of the solar potential for each planar roof segment. Such estimates can be used to identify ideal locations on the roof for installing solar panels. Further, we evaluate our approach on an annotated roof dataset, validate the results with solar experts and compare it to a LIDAR-based approach. Our results show that DeepRoof can accurately extract the roof geometry such as the planar roof segments and their orientation, achieving a true positive rate of 91.1% in identifying roofs and a low mean orientation error of 9.3 degree. We also show that DeepRoof's median estimate of the available solar installation area is within 11% of a LIDAR-based approach.
The magnetic fabric of the Wolfcamp shale, Midland Basin, west Texas: Understanding petrofabric variability, hydrocarbon associations, and iron enrichment

Rock fabrics have long been recognized as a key variable influencing unconventional reservoir properties, and yet, petrofabric analysis is rarely incorporated in reservoir characterization in a quantitative and scalable manner. This work introduces anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) coupled with handheld x-ray fluorescence to define the origin of petrofabrics in the Wolfcamp shale and examine their relationship with total organic carbon (TOC) and oil saturation indices (OSI). Standard paleomagnetic plugs were drilled from three vertical cores spanning the entire Wolfcamp shale in the Midland Basin, west Texas. Low-temperature magnetic experiments suggest paramagnetic minerals contribute between 93.4% and 98.6% to the low-field bulk magnetic susceptibility (klf) across all lithotypes. Scanning electron microscopy revealed frequent occurrences of paramagnetic minerals such as chlorite, illite, ferroan dolomite, marcasite, and pyrite. The Fe-rich clays such as chlorite carry the AMS signal in mudrocks with a minor contribution from ferroan dolomite. Conversely, ferroan dolomite carries the AMS signal in most carbonate facies with a minor influence from Fe-rich clays. The degree of magnetic anisotropy (Pj) and shape factor (T) in mudrocks are compositionally dependent and respond to changes in both clay and framework grain concentration. For carbonate facies, Pj and T vary widely because of changes in depositional facies and the concentration of ferroan dolomite. The TOC correlates well with Pj and strongly oblate magnetic fabrics. This relationship likely stems from the adsorption of organic matter (OM) to clays during deposition and may indicate that organoclay composites were responsible for delivering OM to the Midland Basin. Elevated OSI are fabric selective, favoring low Pj and T fabrics, suggesting that such fabrics facilitate hydrocarbon migration more so than high Pj and T fabrics. Fuzzy c-means clustering provides a framework to describe AMS and geochemical transitions at the core scale and could serve as a tool to map barriers and pathways to hydrocarbon migration. Finally, Ti–Nb and klf data point to a mafic provenance lithotype and suggest layered intrusive complexes in the Central Basin uplift were exposed and eroded during deposition of the Wolfcamp shale. Mafic source rocks probably increased supply of micronutrients such as dissolved iron and may have enhanced productivity in the Midland Basin.
Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Procedures

Guidance for percutaneous vascular procedures at the bedside fits well within the paradigm for point-of-care ultrasound. The safety and efficacy of these procedures are enhanced by the use of dynamic ultrasound guidance. Substantial evidence from the literature supports the use of ultrasound guidance for vascular access and other bedside percutaneous vascular procedures. Multiple published reports have documented the advantages of ultrasound guidance in terms of procedural success and minimizing complications. Modern advances in transducer and image-forming technology allow the real-time acquisition of high-resolution images of regional vascular anatomy. Clear visualization of the access needle entering the target vessel is achievable with appropriate training. A set of learned skills in manipulating the probe and acquiring optimal needle visualization form a standard protocol which can be applied to multiple anatomic sites. In this chapter, we review ultrasound guidance for the injection of pseudoaneurysm, arterial access, midline catheter, and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line placement.
Admission serum phosphate levels and the risk of respiratory failure.

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between admission serum phosphate and in-hospital respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation in hospitalised patients. Methods We analysed a cohort of all adult patients admitted at a tertiary referral hospital between the year 2009 and 2013. We included patients who had available serum phosphate and were not on mechanical ventilation within 24 hours of hospital admission. We stratified admission serum phosphate based on its distribution into 6 groups: ≤2.4, 2.5-3.0, 3.1-3.6, 3.7-4.2, 4.3-4.8 and ≥4.9 mg/dL. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess the odds ratio of in-hospital respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation based on admission serum phosphate, using phosphate level of 3.1-3.6 as the reference group. Results This study enrolled a total of 37 728 hospitalised patients, with a mean admission serum phosphate of 3.8 ± 1.1 mg/dL. Of these patients, 2792 (7.4%) developed respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation during hospitalisation. Increased incidence of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation was observed in both decreased and increased admission serum phosphate, assuming the J-shaped curve. In adjusted analysis, admission serum phosphate of ≤2.4 and 2.5-3.0 mg/dL was significantly associated with increased risk of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation with odds ratio (OR) of 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.40) and 1.19 (95% CI 1.04-1.35), respectively. Similarly, admission serum phosphate of 4.3 to 4.8 and ≥4.9 mg/dL was significantly associated with increased risk of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation with OR of 1.19 (95% CI 1.05-1.36) and 1.58 (95% CI 1.37-1.82), respectively. Conclusion Our study revealed the J-shaped association between serum phosphate level at admission and risk of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation in unselected hospitalised patients.
An Evaluation of Working on What Works (WOWW): A Solution‐Focused Intervention for Schools

Working on What Works (WOWW) is a manualized, 10-week classroom intervention based on solution-focused brief therapy. This study evaluates WOWW using a randomized experimental, posttest-only design. The study included 30 fourth and fifth grade classrooms, containing 30 teachers and 413 students. Results indicate no significant differences between WOWW and control groups for student internalizing and externalizing behaviors, student-teacher relationships, student academic performance, or teacher sense of efficacy. However, students in the WOWW group had significantly fewer days absent from school compared with the control group. Additionally, teachers' ratings on WOWW classrooms' performance improved significantly more than teachers' ratings on the control classrooms. Results from this study show that WOWW is a feasible intervention for therapists to use in schools and can be implemented across classrooms in both public and private schools. WOWW has potential to improve student attendance and classroom performance, both of which are important areas of concern for schools.
Stress, immunity, and cervical cancer: Psychoneuroimmunologic (PNI) results of a randomized telephone counseling intervention

8585 Background: The association between counseling benefit and improved cancer patient survival is controversial. If such an association exists, it requires biological control of tumor growth, wit...
A Comparative Analysis of Social Networking Site Use in Two Distinct Cultures: Evaluating the IT-Culture Conflict

The popularity of social networking sites (SNSs) continues to grow worldwide, however, with varying acceptance in different regions. This study examines the effects of both culture and gender on the intention to use an SNS. The study compares users from Saudi Arabia, a culture known to be driven by conservative religious values known to influence acceptance and use of new technologies to students from the United States (US), a culture which has been recognized as being more individualistic in behavior. An online survey was used to collect data from both Saudi and US Facebook users. The interaction of gender and culture was found to have an impact on the determinants of intention to use. The strongest effect was found with Saudi females and the beliefs regarding self-presentation through the use of personal images.
Chapter 14 – Measuring Quality and Maturity

Quality is defined by the buyer. Maturity of a fruit or vegetable at harvest affects quality within the handling system. The ultimate goal of any handling system is consumer satisfaction. Quality characteristics are specific to specific commodities. Careful attention must be given to sample collection and preparation to accurately determine quality and acceptability and monitor characteristics within the system. Quality characteristics include those important in purchase acceptability (color and firmness-to-the-touch), consumption acceptability (flavor and mouthfeel). Hidden characteristics include nutrients and safety. It is important to choose the proper technique for evaluating quality and maturity, which can be measured by instrumental, physico-chemical or sensory means. Sensory-evaluation techniques must follow clear guidelines to be meaningful measures of quality and acceptability. An understanding of the interaction of production systems and subsequent handling steps to affect quality represents the greatest potential application of a systems approach to postharvest handling.
A phase Ib study of ribociclib in combination with doxorubicin in advanced soft tissue sarcomas (aSTS).

11548Background: aSTS are typically treated with single agent doxorubicin (dox). CDK4 inhibitors such as ribociclib (ribo) may have a role in treating STS, which frequently rely on hyperphosphoryla...
Long-Term Radiologic Evaluation of Microaspirations among Patients after Esophagectomy

Objectives Aspirations are common after esophagectomy. Data are lacking regarding its long-term radiological manifestations. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and radiological patterns of aspirations among long-term survivors and evaluate their clinical significance. Methods The records of all patients who underwent esophagectomy between October 2003 and December 2011 and survived more than 3 years were reviewed. Preoperative, first routine postoperative, and latest chest computed tomography (CT)scans were reviewed. Imaging studies were reviewed for radiological signs suspicious of aspirations, conduit location, anastomotic site, and maximal intrathoracic diameter. Data regarding patients' complaints during clinic visits were also collected. Results A total of 578 patients underwent esophagectomy during the study period. One-hundred twenty patients met the inclusion criteria. Median follow-up was 83.5 months. Cervical and intrathoracic anastomoses were performed in 103 and 17 patients, respectively. A higher rate of CT findings was found in postoperative imaging (n = 51 [42.5%] vs. n = 13 [10.8%] respectively, p Conclusions A significantly higher rate of new CT findings was found in postoperative imaging of this post-esophagectomy cohort, suggesting a high incidence of aspirations. The locations of the conduit, rather than anastomosis site, seem to play a role in the development of these findings. Further research is needed to evaluate the clinical significance of these findings.
The Modern Athlete, Hip-Hop, and Popular Perceptions of Black Masculinity

The essay explores how black masculinity is situated in modern popular culture) as violent and hyper-masculine, American nightmares. It also examines the racial and power dynamics at play that allow such reifications of the notion that black men as “dangerous” in arenas of mass/popular cultural consumption in American society—namely sport culture and hip hop.
Direct Electric-Field Induced Phase Transformation in Paraelectric Zirconia via Electrical Susceptibility Mismatch

Electric field driven phase transformations require two phases with a mismatch in their electric polarization, as seen in antiferroelectric-to-ferroelectric transformations, where the ferroelectric phase has a permanent polarization that is favored under field. Many other nonferroelectric dielectric materials can become electrically polarized according to their electrical susceptibility, yet such induced polarizations are not generally considered capable of enabling a phase transformation. Here we explore a susceptibility-mismatch phase transformation in a paraelectric ceramic, yttria-doped zirconia. Using in situ x-ray diffraction at $550\text{ }\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C}$ we show that the monoclinic-to-tetragonal transformation can be driven directly by an electric field, providing experimental evidence of a paraelectric-to-paraelectric phase transformation. Considering the $\ensuremath{\sim}1%$ mechanical strain of this transformation, the resulting electromechanical coupling may have potential for solid-state electrical actuators.
Extensive Evaluation via Blinded Testing of an UHPLC-MS/MS Method for Quantitation of Ten Ergot Alkaloids in Rye and Wheat Grains.

BACKGROUND Ergot alkaloids are mycotoxins produced by the fungus Claviceps, which can contaminate grains and pose a health risk to humans and animals. Validation of an ergot alkaloid method in collaborative projects can be challenging due to instability of analytes, a lack of reliable reference materials, and a fully validated reference method. OBJECTIVE To extensively evaluate performance of a quantitative UHPLC-MS/MS method to detect ten ergot alkaloids at concentrations between 16 and 500 ng/g in grains. METHOD The method performance was evaluated in the Blinded Method Test (BMT) exercise, which allowed organizers to successfully address the challenges. Forty completely blinded test samples were prepared in an independent laboratory and shipped to a participating laboratory to analyze on two separate days. RESULTS Precision, accuracy, and HorRatr values met or exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommendations. The design of the BMT exercise provided a high degree of confidence in data and conclusions drawn. CONCLUSIONS The method performed in a manner as expected, and the method can be used by the laboratory for routine testing of wheat and rye grains. HIGHLIGHTS BMT of laboratory methods facilitate validation of tests by evaluating performance in an unbiased manner.
Gastrostomy Tubes Placed in Children With Neurologic Impairment: Associated Morbidity and Mortality.

Background:Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) placement for children with neurologic impairment with dysphagia has been suggested for pneumonia prevention. However, prior studies demonstrated an association...
Database of ab initio L-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure

The L-edge X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) is widely used in the characterization of transition metal compounds. Here, we report the development of a database of computed L-edge XANES using the multiple scattering theory-based FEFF9 code. The initial release of the database contains more than 140,000 L-edge spectra for more than 22,000 structures generated using a high-throughput computational workflow. The data is disseminated through the Materials Project and addresses a critical need for L-edge XANES spectra among the research community.
Design criteria to fabricate plasmonic gold nanomaterials for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based biosensing

The discovery of noble metal plasmonic nanoparticles (PNPs) has introduced surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) as a highly sensitive and specific bioanalytical technique with greater potential in point-of-need disease diagnosis. This Tutorial provides an overview of the principles governing a gold PNP-based biosensor design for sensitive and reliable SERS-based detection of disease biomarkers. First, we will highlight the optical transducer properties of PNPs, the principles of SERS, the benefits of SERS detection, and the modes of SERS for biomarker detection. The analytical performance (sensitivity and specificity) and the reliability (accuracy and reproducibility) of a SERS biosensor are mainly dictated by (i) the chemical and optical transducer properties of PNPs, (ii) the functional nano interface, where the interaction(s) between PNPs and target biomolecules take place, and (iii) SERS data acquisition and evaluation metrics. Maintaining a balance between SERS signal enhancement and reproducibility is critical for advancing the field deployment of SERS technologies. However, the reproducibility of SERS biosensors is often overlooked in lieu of the assay sensitivity. Consequently, next, we will discuss the systematic optimization strategies for fabricating gold PNPs as SERS substrates and designing their functional interface to design SERS biosensors with sufficient sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility. We will highlight the choice of PNPs and their integration into biosensing platforms depending on the mode of SERS detection. Last, we will discuss the SERS data acquisition and performance evaluation as an integral part of the SERS biosensors development workflow.
Medulloblastoma uses GABA transaminase to survive in the cerebrospinal fluid microenvironment and promote leptomeningeal dissemination

Medulloblastoma (MB) is a malignant pediatric brain tumor arising in the cerebellum. Although abnormal GABAergic receptor activation has been described in MB, studies have not yet elucidated the contribution of receptor-independent GABA metabolism to MB pathogenesis. We find primary MB tumors globally display decreased expression of GABA transaminase (ABAT), the protein responsible for GABA metabolism, compared with normal cerebellum. However, less aggressive WNT and SHH subtypes express higher ABAT levels compared with metastatic G3 and G4 tumors. We show that elevated ABAT expression results in increased GABA catabolism, decreased tumor cell proliferation, and induction of metabolic and histone characteristics mirroring GABAergic neurons. Our studies suggest ABAT expression fluctuates depending on metabolite changes in the tumor microenvironment, with nutrient-poor conditions upregulating ABAT expression. We find metastatic MB cells require ABAT to maintain viability in the metabolite-scarce cerebrospinal fluid by using GABA as an energy source substitute, thereby facilitating leptomeningeal metastasis formation.
Rome's World: The Peutinger Map Reconsidered

Introduction 1. The surviving copy: history, publication, scholarship 2. The surviving copy: the material object and its palaeography 3. Design and character of the map 4. Recovery of the original map from the surviving copy 5. The original map Conclusion: the map's place in classical and medieval cartography.
Meta-analysis of Autonomy at the DARPA Robotics Challenge Trials

The DARPA Robotics Challenge trials offer insights into how the robotics community approaches the design of intelligent systems and the role of supervision and simulation. A survey of the teams suggests that the design process may be hampered by the lack of a recognized canon of intelligent design principles and references and by the underrepresentation of artificial intelligence experts on the teams. The teams generally approached supervision and simulation as a fine-grained execution approval activity rather than as task rehearsal for the entire action sequence.
Surface Jet Model for Heated Discharges

A system of equations is developed which, when solved numerically, predicts the jet trajectory, width, velocity, and temperature decrease for the case of a two-dimensional surface jet. The results of field and laboratory equipment indicate that entrainment is reduced as the discharge angle is reduced from 90° to 60° and 45°; thus, the drag coefficient decreases as the velocity ratio is increased. The results of five surveys indicate that the entrainment coefficient was reasonably constant for three surveys at one field site even when the velocity ratio was changed. The results also indicate that entrainment is a function of the ratio of the ambient width to the discharge width, which was different at each of the field sites studied. The observed field values of the drag coefficient appear to be a function of the velocity ratio and agreed well with the values observed in the laboratory.
Patient research on the slapstick lots: From trick men to special effects artists in silent Hollywood

In special effects scholarship, the transformation of the “trick man” to “special effects artist” is a commonplace cliche. However, examining professional and journalistic discourse of the 1910s and 1920s reveals that these terms and several others were actively debated in effects circles, in order to raise their professional standing and attract more specialized work.
High Chest Accelerations in the Hybrid III Dummy Due to Interference in the Hip Joint

The design of the Hybrid III dummy's hip joint limits the allowable relative rotation between the dummy's lower torso and femur assembly. This limited motion is thought to cause abnormally high chest accelerations in some front barrier crash tests. This paper describes static testing and computer modeling to quantify the hip joint range of motion and its effect on dummy chest accelerations. To verify model results, a series of HYGE sled tests were completed using modified hip joints. Language: en
Conversion of Mevalonic Acid to γ,γ-Dimethylallyl Pyrophosphate by Mycoplasma

Henrikson, Carl V. (University of South Dakota, Vermillion), and Paul F. Smith. Conversion of mevalonic acid to gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl pyrophosphate by Mycoplasma. J. Bacteriol. 92:701-706. 1966.-Three representative strains of Mycoplasma, M. laidlawii strain B, Mycoplasma sp. avian strain J, and M. hominis type 2 strain O7, were examined for the presence or absence of enzymes associated with the biosynthetic pathway from mevalonic acid to gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl pyrophosphate. M. laidlawii served as a control organism, since it is capable of de novo biosynthesis of carotenoids. All four enzymes, namely, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-mevalonate 5-phosphotransferase (EC 2.7.1.36), ATP-5-phosphomevalonate phosphotransferase (EC 2.7.4.2), ATP-5-pyrophosphomevalonate carboxy-lyase (EC 4.1.1.33), and isopentenylpyrophosphate Delta(3),Delta(2)-isomerase (EC 5.3.3.2), were demonstrated in this organism. Mycoplasma sp. avian strain J, which contains all enzymes necessary for the biosynthesis of mevalonic acid, lacks the first three of the above enzymes but contains isopentenyl pyrophosphate Delta(3),Delta(2)-isomerase. M. hominis, which lacks the enzymes necessary for the biosynthesis of mevalonic acid, also is deficient in the enzymes involved in its conversion to gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl pyrophosphate.
Yalta: The Price of Peace – By S. M. Plokhy

The author of this study deploys Soviet archives to attack the myth of Yalta as a “synonym for betrayal of freedom and the appeasement of world communism” (xxiv). He achieves notable successes. Sov...
The Influence of Latent Viral Infection on Rate of Cognitive Decline over 4 Years

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) are associated with cognitive decline over a 4-year period and to assess whether C-reactive protein (CRP) modifies these relationships. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study over a 4-year period. SETTING: Community-dwelling elderly population. PARTICIPANTS: The sample was a subset (1,204/1,789) of participants in the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (SALSA) aged 60 to 100. MEASUREMENTS: Participants were screened annually over a 4-year period for cognitive function and episodic memory. Cognitive function was assessed using the modified Mini-Mental State Examination, and episodic memory was assessed using a word list-learning test of delayed recall. Baseline serum samples were assayed for levels of immunoglobulin G antibodies to CMV and HSV-1 and for levels of CRP. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher rate of cognitive decline over the 4-year period in subjects with the highest CMVantibody levels at baseline than in individuals with the lowest levels (b 5 � 0.053, standard error 5 0.018; P 5.003), after controlling for age, sex, education, income, and chronic health conditions. There was no association between HSV-1 antibody levels and cognitive decline. CRP did not modify the relationship between viral antibody levels and cognitive decline. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show that individuals with higher levels of antibody to CMVexperience a more-rapid rate of cognitive decline than those with lower levels. Understanding the mechanisms by which CMV influences cognition may aid development of intervention strategies targeting infection, viral reactivation, and immune response over the life course. J Am Geriatr Soc 54:1046‐1054, 2006.
Molecular dynamics simulations of a winter flounder “antifreeze” polypeptide in aqueous solution

A winter flounder antifreeze polypeptide (HPLC-6) has been studied in vacuo and in aqueous solution using molecular dynamics computer simulation techniques. The helical conformation of this polypeptide was found to be stable both in vacuum and in solution. The major stabilizing interactions were found to be the main-chain hydrogen bonds, a salt-bridge interaction, and solute-solvent hydrogen bonds. A significant bending in the middle of the polypeptide chain was observed both in vacuo and in solvent at 300 K. Possible causes of the bending are discussed. From simulations of mutant polypeptide molecules in vacuo, it is concluded that the bend in the native polypeptide was caused by side chain to backbone hydrogen bond competition involving the Thr 24 side chain and facilitated by strains on the helix resulting from the Lys 18-Glu 22 salt bridge.
Observations of Fiber Fracture and Interfacial Debonding Phenomena Using the Fragmentation Test in Single Fiber Composites

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are being studied for many applications because of their potential for outstanding mechanical properties. To be used in new applications, composites have to be m...
The reliability of police employee counts: Comparing FBI and ICMA data, 1954-2008☆

Abstract Researchers commonly use secondary data counts of police employees from police agencies. There has been some concern with using such data, yet there have been no published systematic assessments of their reliability. Purpose This paper compares the reliability of annual counts of police officers and civilians from the FBI's Police Employees data to those in the International City/County Management Association's (ICMA) Municipal Year Book reported for 38 large city police agencies between 1954 and 2008. Methods We use bivariate correlations and visual analyses of line charts to demonstrate the reliability of these two datasets, examining in particular situations in which inaccuracies emerged. Results Overall, both data sets record accurate counts of police employees, but there is some evidence of reporting irregularities. These irregularities manifest themselves as either city/agency-specific or temporally-bounded reporting errors. Conclusions Although reporting errors are rare in these data, future researchers should consider the potential impact of reporting errors for certain years and agencies.
Equivalence of an R+R 2 theory of gravity to Einstein-Cartan-Sciama-Kibble theory in the presence of matter

The gravitational theory with Lagrangian L/sub G/ = ..sqrt..-g(-lambdaR+..gamma..R/sup 2/) and nonzero torsion is shown to be equivalent to the Einstein-Cartan-Sciama-Kibble theory in the presence of an energy distribution described by a traceless energy-momentum tensor and an otherwise arbitrary spin-angular-momentum tensor.
Contexts of uninhibited online behavior: flaming in social newsgroups on Usenet

Recent research on uninhibited behavior in computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems have suggested that flaming is social-context dependent and not a media characteristic of CMC. This study takes a closer look at the social context in which flaming occurs, which need not necessarily be developed online but, as well, can be the social, religious, and political background and affiliations of the participants. The study analyzed messages posted during 1 week to 4 Usenet social newsgroups that represent different national and cultural groups. The levels of flaming in these groups were found to be higher than any reported in other studies. The findings show that the frequency of flaming differed between the newsgroups, and differed within newsgroups according to the general topic under discussion, confirming that social context and not the medium is the primary determinant of online uninhibited behavior. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Time series models with asymmetric Laplace innovations

We propose autoregressive moving average (ARMA) and generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (GARCH) models driven by asymmetric Laplace (AL) noise. The AL distribution plays, in the geometric-stable class, the analogous role played by the normal in the alpha-stable class, and has shown promise in the modelling of certain types of financial and engineering data. In the case of an ARMA model we derive the marginal distribution of the process, as well as its bivariate distribution when separated by a finite number of lags. The calculation of exact confidence bands for minimum mean-squared error linear predictors is shown to be straightforward. Conditional maximum likelihood-based inference is advocated, and corresponding asymptotic results are discussed. The models are particularly suited for processes that are skewed, peaked, and leptokurtic, but which appear to have some higher order moments. A case study of a fund of real estate returns reveals that AL noise models tend to deliver a superio...
Microdontia with severe microcephaly and short stature in two brothers: osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism with dental findings

Two brothers from a black family had microcephaly, short stature, and generalized microdontia. Endocrine and chromosome studies were normal, and mild skeletal manifestations were present. The patients may represent a distinct dental-skeletal dysplasia, possibly osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II. Attention to dental manifestations in similar cases may be useful for classification.
Toward mobile entertainment: A paradigm for narrative-based audio only games

The widespread use of sophisticated mobile computing devices has set the stage for a renaissance in audio only entertainment. Traditional visual games are already used widely in cellular phones and similar devices. A significant limitation is the small display size. In contrast, audio only games on suitable mobile hardware need not degrade due to the smaller form factor. This makes audio only games an attractive alternative to visual games. We describe a framework for authoring interactive narrative-based audio only games set in 3D virtual environments. Despite the novelty in audio only gaming, our approach builds on a foundation of several years of research into audio only applications for sight impaired users, augmented reality systems and human-computer interaction studies. In comparison to attempts to provide a realistic user interface, we argue a simple interface enhances both immersion and entertainment value, serendipitously making audio only games practical for mobile computing. Novel features of our system include real-time gameplay and multi-player support. We also describe our software architecture, the current implementation of which uses low-cost existing PC-based hardware and software. In addition, we describe our first game, Dragon's Roar.
A novel feature-based tracking approach to the detection, localization, and 3-D reconstruction of internal defects in hardwood logs using computer tomography

A novel feature-based tracking approach based on the Kalman filter is proposed for the detection, localization, and 3-D reconstruction of internal defects in hardwood logs from cross-sectional computer tomography (CT) images. The defects are simultaneously detected, classified, localized, and reconstructed in 3-D space, making the proposed scheme computationally much more efficient than existing methods where the defects are detected and localized independently in individual CT image slices and the 3-D reconstruction of the defects accomplished via correspondence analysis across the various CT image slices. Robust techniques for defect detection and classification are proposed. Defect class-specific tracking schemes based on the Kalman filter, B-spline contour approximation, and Snakes contour fitting are designed which use the geometric parameters of the defect contours as the tracking variables. Experimental results on cross-sectional CT images of hardwood logs from select species such as white ash, hard maple, and red oak are presented.
Metallo‐ and metalloido‐micellane™derivatives: Incorporation of metals and nonmetals within unimolecular superstructures

Cascade polymeric architecture possessing internal functionalities was employed for the preparation of metallo- and nonmetallo-MicellaneTM derivatives. Specifically, tetra- and dodeca-o-carborane superclusters, were obtained via treatment of the corresponding 1st and 2nd generation tetra- and dodeca-alkyne, hydrocarbon cascade (MicellaneTM) derivatives with decaborane. Reaction of the same polyalkyne dendritic precursors with Co2(CO)8 afforded the benzyl protected, CobaltomicellanesTM possessing 12 and 24 internal metal centers, respectively. Control of amide-based, carboxylic acid terminated macromolecular hydrodynamic radius via changes in solution pH was demonstrated. Heterocascade syntheses employing amide and metalligand monomer connectivity were accomplished. The relation of interior cascade reactivity to macromolecular “void volume” was examined.
Thallium-201 for assessment of myocardial viability: Quantitative comparison of 24-hour redistribution imaging with imaging after reinjection at rest

Redistribution thallium-201 imaging 2 to 4 h after exercise may be incomplete and therefore may be inadequate to fully assess myocardial variability. Late redistribution imaging 24 h after exercise has been proposed to overcome this limitation of thallium stress imaging. However, because of poor count density the image quality on these studies is often suboptimal. In the present study the diagnostic information on 24-h planar thallium redistribution images was compared with that on images obtained after a reinjection of thallium at rest. Eighty-four patients with a stress thallium-201 defect had delayed redistribution imaging after 2 to 4 h and 24 h later, and again after an injection of thallium at rest. Defect reversibility on 24-h redistribution images was compared quantitatively with that on images after injection of thallium at rest. The quality of thallium images at rest was consistently better than that of 24-h redistribution images. Poor quality studies occurred in 13% of 24-h redistribution images compared with 0.4% of the studies at rest. Significantly more defect reversibility was detected on images after the reinjection at rest. Of 41 patients who appeared to have a fixed defect at 2- to 4-h redistribution imaging, 11 (27%) had a reversible defect by 24-h redistribution imaging compared with 29 (71%) after thallium-201 reinjection. No clinical variables at the time of stress testing were predictive of late defect reversibility. It is concluded that in patients with fixed a thallium defect at 2 to 4 h after exercise, reimaging after a reinjection at rest provides better diagnostic information than does 24-h late redistribution imaging.
Increased susceptibility of hepatic mitochondria to the toxicity of acetaldehyde after chronic ethanol consumption

Abstract Acetaldehyde at concentrations known to occur in vivo significantly depresses respiration with NAD-dependent substrates and oxidation of fatty acids to CO 2 in mitochondria of rats fed ethanol chronically. This toxic effect of acetaldehyde may explain, in part, the mechanism of progressive liver injury in the alcoholic.
War President: The Approval Ratings of George W. Bush

The authors estimate a model of the job approval ratings of President George W. Bush that includes five sets of variables: a “honeymoon” effect, an autoregressive function that tracks a decline in ...
Evidence for long-lived ion-molecule collision complexes from numerical studies

Abstract Collision lifetimes τ c have been calculated numerically for ion-molecule collision. Dipoles cause multiple reflections leading to τ c values much longer than specular reflection periods. Langevin collisions yield simple specular reflections. The interaction has been studied via a computer-plotter system.
Simultaneous Monitoring of Ionophore- and Inhibitor-mediated Plasma and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Changes in Cultured Neurons

Although natural and synthetic ionophores are widely exploited in cell studies, for example, to influence cytoplasmic free calcium concentrations and to depolarize in situ mitochondria, their inherent lack of membrane selectivity means that they affect the ion permeability of both plasma and mitochondrial membranes. A similar ambiguity affects the interpretation of signals from fluorescent membrane-permeant cations (usually termed "mitochondrial membrane potential indicators"), because the accumulation of these probes is influenced by both plasma and mitochondrial membrane potentials. To resolve some of these problems a technique is developed to allow simultaneous monitoring of plasma and mitochondrial membrane potentials at single-cell resolution using a cationic and anionic fluorescent probe. A computer program is described that transforms the fluorescence changes into dynamic estimates of changes in plasma and mitochondrial potentials. Exploiting this technique, primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule neurons display a concentration-dependent response to ionomycin: low concentrations mimic nigericin by hyperpolarizing the mitochondria while slowly depolarizing the plasma membrane and maintaining a stable elevated cytoplasmic calcium. Higher ionomycin concentrations induce a stochastic failure of calcium homeostasis that precedes both mitochondrial depolarization and an enhanced rate of plasma membrane depolarization. In addition, the protonophore carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone only selectively depolarizes mitochondria at submicromolar concentrations. ATP synthase reversal following respiratory chain inhibition depolarizes the mitochondria by 26 mV.
Effects of metallic silver particles on resonance energy transfer in labeled bovine serum albumin.

Resonance energy transfer (RET) is widely used to detect proximity between biomolecules. In transparent solution the maximum donor-to-acceptor distance for RET is about 70 A. We measured the effects of metallic silver island films on RET from the intrinsic tryptophan of a protein to a bound probe as the acceptor. These preliminary experiments revealed a dramatic increase in the apparent Forster distance increasing from 28.6 to 63 A. These results suggest the use of silver island films for detecting long range proximity between biomolecules and for biotechnology applications based on RET.
Respiratory rate predicts cardiopulmonary arrest for internal medicine inpatients.

Objective: To assess whether vital sign measurements could identify internal medicine patients at risk for cardiopulmonary arrest.
Analysis inEscherichia coliof the Effects ofin VivoCpG Methylation Catalyzed by the Cloned Murine Maintenance Methyltransferase

Abstract Due in part to the complexity of mammalian systems, some of the proposed biological influences of mammalian DNA methylation have not been fully established.Escherichia colicells, which normally contain negligible CpG methylation, exhibited progressive slowing of replication and lengthened generation times when expressing the murine DNA maintenance methyltransferase. Genomic analysis indicated significant amounts of CpG methylation in expressing cells which was absent from control cells. Expressing cells exposed to the cytosine demethylating agent, 5-azacytidine, rapidly reverted to propagation levels of controls. Substitution of cysteine with alanine in the carboxyl-terminal region proline-cysteine dipeptide of the methyltransferase completely inactivated methylating activity and cells expressing the inactive enzyme replicated as well as controls. These findings strongly implicate a role of epigeneticde novoCpG methylation in modulating cellular propagation, demonstrate that the maintenance methyltransferase cande novomethylatein vivo,and show that the methyltransferase requires an active site cysteine for activity.
Pointed-end capping by tropomodulin3 negatively regulates endothelial cell motility

Actin filament pointed-end dynamics are thought to play a critical role in cell motility, yet regulation of this process remains poorly understood. We describe here a previously uncharacterized tropomodulin (Tmod) isoform, Tmod3, which is widely expressed in human tissues and is present in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Tmod3 is present in sufficient quantity to cap pointed ends of actin filaments, localizes to actin filament structures in HMEC-1 cells, and appears enriched in leading edge ruffles and lamellipodia. Transient overexpression of GFP–Tmod3 leads to a depolarized cell morphology and decreased cell motility. A fivefold increase in Tmod3 results in an equivalent decrease in free pointed ends in the cells. Unexpectedly, a decrease in the relative amounts of F-actin, free barbed ends, and actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) complex in lamellipodia are also observed. Conversely, decreased expression of Tmod3 by RNA interference leads to faster average cell migration, along with increases in free pointed and barbed ends in lamellipodial actin filaments. These data collectively demonstrate that capping of actin filament pointed ends by Tmod3 inhibits cell migration and reveal a novel control mechanism for regulation of actin filaments in lamellipodia.
Usefulness of harmonic imaging for left ventricular opacification and endocardial border delineation by optison

Harmonic and fundamental imaging techniques were directly compared in 20 patients undergoing intravenous contrast echocardiography for enhancement of left ventricular endocardial border definition. Harmonic imaging demonstrated significantly enhanced left ventricular endocardial border detection and improved the duration and intensity of a contrast effect despite a reduced dosing requirement.
Evaluating, Comparing, and Interpreting Protein Domain Hierarchies

Arranging protein domain sequences hierarchically into evolutionarily divergent subgroups is important for investigating evolutionary history, for speeding up web-based similarity searches, for identifying sequence determinants of protein function, and for genome annotation. However, whether or not a particular hierarchy is optimal is often unclear, and independently constructed hierarchies for the same domain can often differ significantly. This article describes methods for statistically evaluating specific aspects of a hierarchy, for probing the criteria underlying its construction and for direct comparisons between hierarchies. Information theoretical notions are used to quantify the contributions of specific hierarchical features to the underlying statistical model. Such features include subhierarchies, sequence subgroups, individual sequences, and subgroup-associated signature patterns. Underlying properties are graphically displayed in plots of each specific feature's contributions, in heat maps of pattern residue conservation, in “contrast alignments,” and through cross-mapping of subgroups between hierarchies. Together, these approaches provide a deeper understanding of protein domain functional divergence, reveal uncertainties caused by inconsistent patterns of sequence conservation, and help resolve conflicts between competing hierarchies.