cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen solubility in coal liquid (SRC-II)

Abstract Experimental results are presented for hydrogen solubility in hydrogenated coal liquid (SRC-II) and coal-liquid partial pressure in the hydrogen-coal-liquid system, over temperature and pressure ranges of 420–680 K and 4–11 MPa. Two in situ hydrogen probes were used to determine the hydrogen partial pressure in the system. No coking was observed at these temperature levels. The results are in good agreement with hydrogen solubility data for similar hydrogen-bearing systems reported in the literature. The hydrogen solubility exhibits an inversion with increasing temperature at constant total pressure, which can be interpreted in terms of the strong dependence of the coal-liquid partial pressure on temperature.
Current Immunotherapeutic Strategies in Malignant Melanoma

The basis of immunotherapy for melanoma is the existence of melanoma-associated antigens that can be targeted by the immune system. Identification of many of these antigens has enabled investigators to develop a wide array of immunotherapy strategies for the treatment of melanoma. Although several of these strategies have been shown to induce antitumor immune responses in some patients, robust clinical responses have been observed less frequently. With exciting recent advancements in this field, however, there is promise of generating potent immunologic responses and translating them more consistently into durable clinical responses. This article reviews several current approaches to immunotherapy for melanoma and describes the key role that surgeons play in advancing this area of oncology.
Effect of dose-rate on induction of neoplastic transformation in vitro by low doses of 232 MeV protons

Purpose: To determine the effect of dose-rate on induction of neoplastic transformation in vitro by low doses of 232 MeV protons.Materials and methods: The experimental system used was the human hybrid cell assay. The dose-rates examined were 50 cGy/min and 20 cGy/h. The dose-rate 20 cGy/h was chosen as this is in the range of the maximum dose-rate that can be experienced in an unshielded space environment following a solar flare. At low dose-rate (LDR), doses from 0.5–100 cGy were studied. At high dose rate (HDR), the dose range was 0.5–200 cGy.Results: The data indicated no significant differences between the two dose-rates at doses up to 100 cGy.Conclusion: For the endpoint of neoplastic transformation in vitro, high dose-rate data may be sufficient to estimate low dose-rate effects (20 cGy/h) in the dose range up to 100 cGy from 232 MeV protons. The data are of relevance to risk estimation for space travel.
Direct numerical simulations of exhaust gas recirculation effect on multistage autoignition in the negative temperature combustion regime for stratified HCCI flow conditions by using H2O2 addition

Direct numerical simulations (DNSs) of a stratified flow in a homogeneous compression charge ignition (HCCI) engine are performed to investigate the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and temperature/mixture stratification effects on the autoignition of synthetic dimethyl ether (DME) in the negative temperature combustion region. Detailed chemistry for a DME/air mixture is employed and solved by a hybrid multi-time scale (HMTS) algorithm to reduce the computational cost. The effect of to mimic the EGR effect on autoignition are studied. The results show that adding enhances autoignition by rapid OH radical pool formation (34–46% reduction in ignition delay time) and changes the ignition heat release rates at different ignition stages. Sensitivity analysis is performed and the important reactions pathways affecting the autoignition are specified. The DNS results show that the scales introduced by thermal and mixture stratifications have a strong effect after the low temperature chemistry (LTC) ignition especi...
Crohn's disease of the larynx

Extraintestinal involvement of Crohn's disease is becoming more readily identified. Laryngeal involvement by Crohn's disease, however, has been reported in only five cases in the medical literature. We present the sixth case as well as an analysis of the prior reports.
Parental predetermination of the sex of offspring: II. The attitudes of young married couples with high school and with college education

In a previous pilot project (Rosenzweig & Adelman, 1976) the sex choice attitudes of married couples with university (graduate school) education were explored. The present study extends this work by investigating the sex-choice attitudes of high school and partially college-educated subjects. Once again, the basic decision-making unit of husband and wife was sampled. Differences in sex preferences and sex-choice attitudes, based on the size of the marital family (no child, one child), were systematically explored. A greater effort was made to determine the effect of additional information regarding new methods of fetal sex determination, contraception, and related topics on sex-choice attitudes. Questionnaires were completed before and after information had been provided. Discussion was encouraged between husband and wife but discouraged with others. Results indicated that the exercise of sex choice is favoured by the majority of subjects across all three educational groups. Most individuals would employ sex control to ensure a balance of the sexes in a limited, two-child family. Little desire was shown to choose first child sex but active choice of a second child of opposite sex from the first appears a strong probability. Male preference, while pronounced, was a much weaker influence on the desire to make choices than the balance principle. Selective intercourse and a sex-choice pill were acceptable methods of sex control, but both artificial insemination and fetal sex determination combined with selective early abortion were rejected. Added information had a measurable but only slight effect on attitudes. Public education as to the possibilities of sex choice and control will be gradual and sex control will probably be selectively employed in the near future. But general use of such procedures is not imminent. Once put into practice, however, sex choice will create new marital problems that may require professional counselling.
Observations of Flame Behavior in a Laboratory-Scale Pre-Mixed Natural Gas/Air Gas Turbine Combustor From PLIF Measurements of OH

The objective of this study was to obtain instantaneous planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) images of OH in a laboratory-scale, gas-turbine combustor (LSGTC) with a pre-mixed, swirl-stabilized, natural gas flame. Instantaneous PLIF images of OH were obtained at each of four operating conditions (high swirl and medium swirl at fuel equivalence ratios of 0.80 and 0.65). Comparison of the instantaneous images illustrates the stochastic nature of the flame structure. Pixel by pixel statistical analysis of each collection of images allowed both mean and standard deviation images to be generated, and analysis at selected locations has allowed probability density functions to be obtained in various regions of the flame structure. PLIF images of OH, along with visual photographs and video recordings, showed a wide variation in flame structure for the different operating conditions. The variations in flame shapes are primarily a result of the effect of the swirl intensity and fuel equivalence ratio. Changes in the airflow rate over an order of magnitude do not seem to affect the visual flame structure in this experiment. Operation at φ = 0.80 produced the most stable flames with both injectors. The flame with the high swirl injector was more coalesced and closer to the injector than with the medium swirl injector. At φ = 0.65, the flame was quite unstable for both swirl injectors. With the medium swirl injector, the flame would oscillate between two different flame structures, one that was more or less attached to the vortex funnel, and one that was lifted well above the vortex funnel. The MS case at φ = 0.65 was at the very edge of the lean flammability limit, and would on occasion extinguish.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Time-Frequency Analysis of Classical Trajectories of Polyatomic Molecules

We present a new method of frequency analysis for Hamiltonian Systems of 3 degrees of freedom and more. The method is based on the concept of instantaneous frequency extracted numerically from the continuous wavelet transform of the trajectories. Knowing the time-evolution of the frequencies of a given trajectory, we can define a frequency map, resonances, and diffusion in frequency space as an indication of chaos. The time-frequency analysis method is applied to the Baggott Hamiltonian to characterize the global dynamics and the structure of the phase space in terms of resonance channels. This 3-degree-of-freedom system results from the classical version of the quantum Hamiltonian for the water molecule given by Baggott [1988]. Since another first integral of the motion exists, the so-called Polyad number, the system can be reduced to 2 degrees of freedom. The dynamics is therefore simplified and we give a complete characterization of the phase space, and at the same time we could validate the results of the time-frequency analysis.
Life and Death and the Automobile

Excerpt For the 50,000 persons who will have died in traffic accidents by the end of 1966, any discussion of a better life will be useless. The problem of death and injury is of such magnitude as t...
Analysis of physical optics far field inverse scattering for the limited data case using radon theory and polarization information

Abstract In the inverse scattering problem for perfectly conducting objects, the reconstruction of the shape and size of a convex body from its cross-sectional areas has been formulated as a Radon problem of shape reconstruction from projections. It is shown here that the Physical Optics Inverse Scattering time-domain and frequency-domain identities form a Radon-Fourier transform pair, and the problem of target reconstruction from incomplete data is common to both. The mathematical aspects of reconstruction from projections are examined using concepts of Radon's theory, and the sparse data problemis analyzed. The limited aperture problem is solved via the Radon transform approach utilizing properties of Ludwig's theorems on support. In order to obtain more accurate cross-sectional areas for reconstruction, polarization utilization is investigated to correct the polarization-independent deficiency in the Physical Optics approximation. The technique is applied to the case of a sphere-capped cylinder and the results show substantial improvement over previous scalar approaches.
Improving reliability through architecture partitioning in telecommunication networks

The paper presents a new switching architecture to improve telecommunications reliability. The architecture is partitioned depending on the type of network used, reliability requirements, and expected traffic in the network. The partition size depends on the network reliability, bandwidth, and traffic. A reliability model for a telecommunication architecture is used to partition the network and to improve end-to-end reliability. The model defines critical components in the networking architecture and their connections. The component connections permit the propagation of faults from the component in which the fault originates to the other components. This propagation can cause failures in the chain (or in the tree) of components. The partitioned architecture limits the propagation of faults, simplifies fault detection, and preserves reliability of the remaining partitions. Examples of different networks are used to show the applications of the model. >
The vascular contribution in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.

the two major forms of human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), represent classic chronic inflammatory disorders, characterized by progressive destructive inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Although the majority of research into IBD
Minocycline gel gives adjunctive improvement to scale and polish

Objective To establish the efficacy and safety of 25% minocycline slow-release ointment when used intermittently as an adjunct to subgingival debridement in non-surgical treatment of routine chronic adult periodontitis over a prolonged period. Design Multicentre double-blind randomised controlled trial at six university centres from 1993–1999. Intervention Adults (104 in number) of 35–64 years of age, with at least one pocket ⩾5 mm with attachment loss ⩾3 mm, radiographic evidence of alveolar bone loss in at least one site per quadrant, gingival index ⩾1 and plaque index ⩾2, were randomised to treatment with minocycline or a vehicle control. Patients using anti-inflammatory drugs or mouthwash and receiving antibiotics in the previous 3 months were excluded. Outcome measures Probing depth, probing attachment level, sulcus bleeding index, gingival index, plaque index, % of sites improving >2 mm and microbial evaluation. Results Eleven cases were excluded. Results showed significant reductions in micro-organisms measured, mean probing depth, bleeding index and gains in attachment. No hypersensitivity was reported, and 15% of the minocycline group and 27% of control group reported minor adverse symptoms. Conclusion Repeated administration of minocycline ointment as an adjunct to scaling and polishing resulted in statistically significant improvements (over 15 months) in periodontal clinical status, and significant reductions in periodonto-pathogens for both therapies
On candidate fault sets for fault diagnosis and dominance graphs of equivalence classes

The goal of fault diagnosis is to identify a set of candidate faults, or fault locations, that explain an observed faulty output response of a chip. In fault diagnosis procedures that are based on specific fault models, a scoring algorithm can be used for defining sets of candidate faults that include the faults with the highest scores. This paper shows that it is possible to capture the underlying concepts that make fault scoring effective through a graph, which is referred to as the dominance graph. With a test set T used for fault diagnosis, the graph represents the dominance relations between the equivalence classes obtained with respect to T. The observed response R obs of a chip-under-diagnosis is associated with an equivalence class C obs , and C obs is added to the dominance graph. A candidate fault set is defined based on the dominance relations that are added to the graph due to the addition of C obs . Certain properties of these dominance relations point to the type of the defect present in the chip, and the most appropriate algorithm for defining a set of candidate faults based on it.
Seasonal trends in the abundance, composition and bioavailability of particulate and dissolved organic matter in the Chukchi/Beaufort Seas and western Canada Basin

Abstract The objectives of this study were to investigate the seasonality, abundance, sources and bioreactivity of organic matter in the water column of the western Arctic Ocean. The concentrations of particulate and dissolved amino acids and amino sugars, as well as bulk properties of particulate and dissolved organic matter (DOM), were measured in shelf, slope and basin waters collected during the spring and summer of 2002. Particulate organic matter concentrations in shelf waters increased by a factor of 10 between spring and summer. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON) concentrations exhibited only minor seasonal variations, whereas dissolved amino acid concentrations doubled between spring and summer, and dissolved amino sugars increased by 31% in shelf waters of the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. Concentrations of DOC did not exhibit a significant seasonal change in surface waters of the Canada Basin, but dissolved amino acid concentrations increased by 45% between spring and summer. No significant seasonal differences were detected in the concentration or composition of DOM in waters below 100 m in depth. Concentrations of particulate and dissolved amino acids and amino sugars were strongly correlated with chlorophyll-a, indicating a plankton source of freshly produced organic matter. The amino acid and amino sugar compositions of freshly produced DOM indicated that a large portion of this material is bioavailable. While freshly produced DOM was found to be relatively bioreactive, preformed DOM in the Arctic appears to be less bioreactive but similar in degradation state to average DOM in the Atlantic and Pacific. These data demonstrate substantial summer production of POM and DOM on the Chukchi and Beaufort shelves that is available for utilization in shelf waters and export to the Canada Basin.
How to measure drug transport across the blood-brain barrier

The extent to which a substance in the circulation gains access to the CNS needs to be determined for potential neuropharmaceuticals as well as for drug candidates with primary targets in the periphery. Characteristics of thein vivo methods, ranging from classical pharmacokinetic techniques (intravenous administration and tissue sampling) over brain perfusions to microdialysis and imaging techniques, are highlighted.In vivo measurements remain unmatched with respect to sensitivity and for the characterization of carrier-mediated uptake, receptor-mediated transport, and active efflux. Isolated microvessels are valuable tools for molecular characterization of transporters. Endothelial cell culture models of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are pursued asin vitro systems suitable for screening procedures. Recent applications of conditionally immortalized cell lines indicate that a particular weakness of culture models because of downregulation of BBB-specific transporter systems can be overcome.In silico approaches are being developed with the goal of predicting brain uptake from molecular structure at early stages of drug development. Currently, the predictive capability is limited to passive, diffusional uptake and predominantly relies on few molecular descriptors related to lipophilicity, hydrogen bonding capacity, charge, and molecular weight. A caveat with most present strategies is their reliance on surrogates of BBB transport, like CNS activity/inactivity or brain-to-blood partitioning rather than actual BBB permeability data.
Chronic hepatitis C and chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has long been underdetected. The benefits of early detection include earlier treatment and patient education, so that co-morbidities associated with CKD can be prevented, and progression to end-state kidney disease can be slowed down. This is particularly relevant to chronic disease states that are known to be associated with CKD, such as chronic hepatitis C. In the manuscript titled ‘‘Increased prevalence of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate in chronic hepatitis C’’ by Petre et al. [1], the authors analyzed a cohort of 831 consecutive patients in the outpatient clinic with chronic hepatitis C to assess the prevalence of reduced estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR). The authors reported that more than half of patients had depressed eGFR, with a predominance of patients (36.4%) in the GFR range of stage 2 CKD (60‐89 ml/min/1.73 m 2 ). In contrast, only one-third of patients had estimated creatinine clearance \90 ml/min/1.73 m 2 if the Cockcroft‐Gault method were applied, with 18% classified as CKD stage 2. The authors conclude that, in patients with chronic hepatitis C, a serum creatinine concentration in the normal range (B1.4 mg/dl as reported in their clinical laboratory) does not assure normal kidney function, at least as determined by eGFR. However, a hyperbolic, inverse relationship between true GFR and serum creatinine concentrations limits accuracy of eGFR when the latter concentration is in the normal or near-normal range, leading substantial underestimation by eGFR of the actual GFR [2]. Thus, it is likely that the percent of patients with chronic hepatitis C in the Petre study who have true glomerular hypofiltration is an over-estimation.
Novel Thyroidectomy Difficulty Scale Correlates with Operative Times

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate a new thyroidectomy difficulty scale (TDS) for its inter-rater agreement, correspondence with operative times, and correlation with complications.
Geologic implications and potential hazards of scour depressions on bering shelf, Alaska

Flat-bottomed depression 50–150 m in diameter and 60–80 cm deep occur in the floor of Norton Sound, Bering Sea. These large erosional bedforms and associated current ripples are found in areas where sediment grain size is 0.063–0.044 mm (4–4.5 φ), speeds of bottom currents are greatest (20–30 cm/s mean speeds under nonstorm conditions, 70 cm/s during typical storms), circulation of water is constricted by major topographic shoals (kilometers in scale), and small-scale topographic disruptions, such as ice gouges, occur locally on slopes of shoals. These local obstructions on shoals appear to disrupt currents, causing separation of flow and generating eddies that produce large-scale scour. Offshore artificial structures also may disrupt bottom currents in these same areas and have the potential to generate turbulence and induce extensive scour in the area of disrupted flow. The size and character of natural scour depressions in areas of ice gouging suggest that large-scale regions of scour may develop from enlargement of local scour sites around pilings, platforms, or pipelines. Consequently, loss of substrate support for pipelines and gravity structures is possible during frequent autumn storms.
Experimental investigations of crack trapping in brittle heterogeneous solids

Abstract Over the past two decades many mechanisms of toughening have been considered for brittle solids. Some of the most prominent ones, applicable to either monolithic materials or fiber-reinforced composites, include deformation-induced local transformations, microcracking, crack trapping, crack bridging, and fiber pull-out. Few, if any, of these have been studied in the past in a manner which permitted evaluation of the effects of individual mechanisms in the absence of other interacting mechanisms. Here, we present an experimental study of toughening by the process of crack trapping by second-phase particles (spheres and fibers) of such toughness that make them impenetrable by probing cracks, forcing the cracks to bow around the obstacles with increasing applied load. The model fracture specimens employed here were wedge-loaded double cantilever beams, cast of a brittle epoxy, containing macroscopic (3 mm diameter) inclusions of Nylon or polycarbonate, having elastic properties similar to the matrix. The tests were performed at −60°C to achieve controlled, stable crack propagation. Images of the crack fronts, advancing at velocities of about 10−4m/s, were recorded with good resolution, providing a continuous record of crack-front shapes during the evolution of the crack-trapping process — from the initial pinning configuration through the transition to crack-flank bridging. Remarkable agreement between these images and crack-front shapes predicted by the numerical simulation of Bower and Ortiz is demonstrated. A parametric approach was adopted to study the influence of obstacle spacing, surface adhesion, and thermally induced residual stresses upon the observed crack-front behavior and enhanced stress intensity required to propagate the cracks past these obstacles. Analysis of the quantitative data has demonstrated that in brittle matrices containing particle volume fractions of approximately 0.2, toughness enhancement by over a factor of 2, relative to neat matrix values, may be achieved through the crack-trapping mechanism alone, provided that a high level of adhesion can be maintained between the matrix and the tough reinforcing particles.
Choices in Space Broadcasting

This paper discusses a number of the "degrees of freedom" which are available for policy decisions in space broadcasting. In the paper the emphasis has been placed on the range of possibilities allowed and the limits imposed by technological factors. Within this range of limits, policy decisions are needed. In addition, the paper includes, in some cases, comments and observations based on the results of several years intensive study of the possibilities and problems of space broadcasting.
Age dating of shallow groundwater with chlorofluorocarbons, tritium/helium 3, and flow path analysis, southern New Jersey coastal plain

Groundwater age dating through the combination of transient tracer methods (chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and tritium/helium 3 (3H/3He)) and groundwater flow path analysis is useful for investigating groundwater travel times, flow patterns, and recharge rates, as demonstrated by this study of the homogeneous shallow, unconfined Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system in the southern New Jersey coastal plain. Water samples for age dating were collected from three sets of nested observation wells (10 wells) with 1.5-m-long screens located near groundwater divides. Three steady state finite difference groundwater flow models were calibrated by adjusting horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivities to match measured heads and head differences (range, 0.002–0.23 m) among the nested wells, with a uniform recharge rate of 0.46 m per year and porosities of 0.35 (sand) and 0.45 (silt) that were assumed constant for all model simulations and travel time calculations. The simulated groundwater travel times increase with depth in the aquifer, ranging from about 1.5 to 6.5 years for the shallow wells (screen bottoms 3–4 m below the water table), from about 10 to 25 years for the medium-depth wells (screen bottoms 8–19 m below the water table), and from about 30 to more than 40 years for the deep wells (screen bottoms 24–26 m below the water table). Apparent groundwater ages based on CFC- and 3H/3He-dating techniques and model-based travel times could not be statistically differentiated, and all were strongly correlated with depth. Confinement of 3He was high because of the rapid vertical flow velocity (of the order of 1 m/yr), resulting in clear delineation of groundwater travel times based on the 3H/3He-dating technique. The correspondence between the 3H/3He and CFC ages indicates that dispersion has had a minimal effect on the tracer-based ages of water in this aquifer. Differences between the tracer-based apparent ages for seven of the 10 samples were smaller than the error values. A slight bias toward older apparent ages, found not to be statistically significant, was noted for the 3H/3He-dating technique relative to the CFC-dating technique. This result may be caused by enrichment of local air in CFC-Il and CFC-12 from urban and industrial sources in the northeastern United States and minor contamination from sampling equipment. The demonstrated validity of the combined tracer-dating techniques to determine the age of water in the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system indicates that groundwater flow models can be refined when apparent ages based on 3H/3He- and CFC- dating are used as calibration targets.
Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of pegylated-liposomal doxorubicin in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma

Objective To characterize the population pharmacokinetics of pegylated-liposomal doxorubicin in patients with acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS)-related Kaposi's sarcoma and to explore the relationship between response of the cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma lesions to treatment and measures of drug exposure. Methods Forty-three male patients (median age, 40 years; age range, 28 to 50 years), body surface area, 1.89 m2; range, 1.5 to 2.3 m2) with AIDS and at least five biopsy-proven cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma lesions were randomized to receive either a 10 or 20 mg/m2 dose of study drug for their first cycle and the alternate dose 3 weeks later. Patients continued to receive the study drug at a dose of 20 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Serial blood samples were obtained after the first two doses and analyzed by HPLC for determination of total plasma doxorubicin concentration. Kaposi's sarcoma lesion response was categorized as either progressive disease, stable disease, partial response, or complete response. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used to determine the relationship between drug exposure and categorical lesion response. Iterative two-stage analysis was used to characterize both the pharmacokinetics of pegylated-liposomal doxorubicin and to model the probabilities of achieving a specific lesion response. Results The pharmacokinetics of pegylated-liposomal doxorubicin were best described by a two-compartment linear structural model. Lesion response was significantly related to both the average daily maximum doxorubicin concentration (Cmax,avg) and dose intensity. Conclusions The pharmacokinetics of pegylated-liposomal doxorubicin are strikingly different from conventional doxorubicin. Identification of both Cmax,avg and dose intensity as predictors of lesion response will provide guidelines for future dosing regimen designs. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1997) 61, 301–311; doi:
Excretion balance, metabolic fate and tissue residues following treatment of rats with amitraz and N‘‐ (2,4‐dimethylphenyl)‐N‐methylformamidine

Amitraz and its metabolite N'-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-N-methyl-formamidine (BTS-27271) were administered orally to white rats. Both compounds were rapidly metabolized and eliminated primarily via the urine. The cumulative percentage of the dose eliminated in the urine was 77.6 for amitraz and 88.7 for BTS-27271 by 96 hr posttreatment. Amitraz degradation products present in urine included BTS-27271, 2,4-dimethylformanilide, 2,4-dimethylaniline, 4-formamido-3-methylbenzoic acid, 4-amino-3-methylbenzoic acid, and several unknowns. BTS-27271 degradation products in rat urine were similar to those found with amitraz. Tissue residues generally were low (less than 25 ppb) with the exception of those in liver.
Creating conversational interfaces for interactive software agents

While much research and design has been presented on designing interactive agents and on speech interfaces, little has been said about combining these areas. This tutorial presents recommended guidelines for creating conversational interfaces with agents presented as interactive characters.
Create a Sense of Place for the Mobile Learner

“Sense of place” no longer applies only to the physical library. All students are distance learners to one extent or another, and all distance services must be considered as a single virtual learning commons. Librarians at Bucks County (PA) Community College implement and integrate current teaching, learning, virtual reference, and mobile access technologies at reasonable cost and create online learning spaces that bring students to the library no matter where they are.
Lyapunov exponents of stochastic dynamical systems

It is shown that stochastic equations can have stable solutions. In particular, there exists stochastic dynamics for which the motion is both ergodic and stable, so that all trajectories merge with time. We discuss this in the context of Monte Carlo-type dynamics, and study the convergence of nearby trajectories as the number of degrees of freedom goes to infinity and as a critical point is approached. A connection with critical slowdown is suggested.
Metabolite imaging using matrix-enhanced surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (ME-SALDI-MS)

We describe here the use of a hybrid ionization approach, matrix-enhanced surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (ME-SALDI-MS) in bioimaging. ME-SALDI combines the strengths of traditional matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and SALDI and enables successful MS imaging of low-mass species with improved detection sensitivity. Using 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) as the MS standard, MS performances of MALDI, SALDI, and ME-SALDI are systematically compared. The analyte desorption and ionization mechanism in ME-SALDI is qualitatively speculated based on the observation of significantly reduced matrix background and improved survival yields of molecular ions. Improvements in detection sensitivity of low-mass species using ME-SALDI over MALDI in imaging are demonstrated with mouse heart and brain tissues.
Grain Roundness--A Valuable Geologic Tool

The roundness of heavy minerals can be a valuable tool in oil and gas exploration and other geologic work. In the Appalachian Basin roundness has been used to differentiate producing zones, outline petrographic provinces, and help to interpret geologic history. Examples are presented.
CT enterography vs. capsule endoscopy

Small bowel imaging has been revolutionized by CT enterography and capsule endoscopy. We present an overview of both imaging modalities, discuss advantages and disadvantages of each, and compare findings in Crohn’s disease, occult gastrointestinal bleeding, and small bowel tumors. Both methods complement each other often providing information that the other one cannot.
In vitro methemoglobin formation in human blood exposed to NO2

The in vitro formation of methemoglobin in human blood was determined for various NO2 concentrations and exposure times. Blood was exposed either to measured amounts of NO2 in air or to a continuous flow of known concentrations of NO2 in air. CO2 was added to the gas phase to maintain pH and PCO2 in a normal range. Exposure to 45 ppm NO2 oxidized 95% of the total hemoglobin (THb) in 5 hr. Six ppm NO2 oxidized 17% of THb in 3 hr. Differences between in vitro and in vivo NO2 results are discussed.
Determination of the partial molar volume of SiO2 in silicate liquids at elevated pressures and temperatures: a new experimental approach

This study presents a new approach for determining the partial molar volume and its pressure derivative for a silicate liquid component through an experimental determination of the isothermal pressure dependence of the solubility in the liquid of a crystalline phase having the composition of the component. Because this approach allows the determination of partial molar volumes of liquid components at elevated pressure, it has the potential to detect pressure-induced structural changes associated with particular components in silicate liquid through their influence on partial molar volumes. To illustrate the approach, an experimental determination of the solubility of quartz in a rhyolitic liquid was used to determine the partial molar volume of SiO_2 at pressures up to 35 kbar and a temperature of 1350°C. The 1 bar partial molar volume for SiO_2 determined in this way, 2.635 ± 0.009 J/bar, is slightly smaller than the 2.690 ± 0.006 J/bar determined by Lange and Carmichael (1987) (all uncertainties are 1σ). The isothermal pressure dependence of the partial molar volume of SiO_2 at 10 to 35 kbar (−8.69 × 10^(−6) ± 6.1 × 10^(−7) J/bar^2) is approximately one-half of the value determined by Kress and Carmichael (1991) at 1 bar (−1.96 × 10^(−5) ± 0.2 × 10^(−6) J/bar^2). Our high pressure determination can be reconciled with the existing 1 bar volume and compressibility data if the isothermal pressure dependence of the partial molar volume of SiO_2 in silicate liquids decreases rapidly between 1 bar and 10 kbar, then remains approximately constant to at least 35 kbar.
The effect of background noise on cardiac auscultation

Abstract It is axiomatic that to hear a faint cardiac murmur one should listen in a quiet environment. In the average busy hospital, clinic, or office environment there is a more or less constant level of background noise which, though we become acclimated and somewhat oblivious to it, does interfere with auscultatory examination. Particularly, faint heart murmurs, those which often are of the greatest importance in early diagnosis of heart disease and which reach the ear in intensities far lower than those of ordinary conversation and the other sounds to which the ear is more accustomed, are readily masked by extraneous room noises. This masking effect is well known to clinicians. Perhaps less well known is the degree to which the background noise levels actually present in hospital wards and examining rooms can impair one's ability to hear heart murmurs through the stethoscope. The purpose of this study was to measure the degree of this impairment under conditions simulating those of ordinary cardiac auscultation. We have been unable to find in the medical literature references to any study of this aspect of auscultation.
Internet Privacy Concerns versus Behavior: A Protection Motivation Approach

This study examines the possible disconnect between student concerns about privacy when using the Internet and their behavior. The literature indicates that Internet users are concerned about privacy but their web-browsing habits consistently put their privacy at risk. Browsing habits were examined using five factors: 1 privacy concerns, 2 self-efficacy, 3 risk assessment, 4 threat assessment, and 5 privacy involvement. These factors were analyzed for their relationship to privacy behavior. A survey questionnaire was developed and administered to a sample drawn from university students.
Magic boxes and boots: security in hardware

Computer users tend to think of computation - even the globally distributed computation that constitutes the Internet - in terms of what we see: the browser user interface, the text editor, the Gnome or OS X or Windows desktop. Similarly, we tend to think of computer security problems solely in terms of what users see: the application software, perhaps the OS underneath it, or perhaps even the "end to end" environment from one application installation to another. We discuss how hardware can be used to change the security game. From a security perspective, the first idea that comes to mind is to add a "magic box" to the computer - one that can hide secrets and computation even from an adversary with direct physical access.
Correlates of high vaccination exemption rates among kindergartens.

Abstract Objectives The present study was designed to characterize Arizona schools with high rates of permanent PBE among kindergartners, and to determine the degree to which they aggregate across the state. Methods Data for permanent personal belief exemptions (PBE) were accessed through the 2010–2011 kindergarten Immunization Data Report (IDR) from the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS), and were linked to the 2009–2010 data from the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES). Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated using negative binomial regression, and hotspots were identified using Getis-Ord Gi*. Results Schools with highest proportion of white students compared to the lowest had the highest exemption rates (IRR = 14.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.47–21.03); furthermore charter schools and those with low prevalence of free and reduced lunches had significantly higher rates of PBE. Statewide analyses of PBE identified higher rates of permanent PBE in northern vs. southern Arizona, while a more focused examination of the central Arizona region demonstrated a pattern of increased PBE from west to east. Conclusion In Arizona, the profile of a high PBE school is that of a charter school attended by predominantly white, higher-income students. The local and statewide hotspots serve as a challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach that calls upon all healthcare professionals. It is important that both local and statewide pockets be targeted by local and state officials either to improve vaccination uptake or to employ careful monitoring to identify outbreaks at their onset.
An empirical bayes solution for the problem considered by Williford and Murdock

In their paper, Williford and Murdock propose several methods for estimating the individual driver's accident liability for a population of many drivers. The setting they describe is ideally suited for an empirical Bayes approach. In this paper we propose an empirical Bayes procedure and evaluate it. As expected it does quite well.
Experimental atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia in rats and rabbits: influence of some alimentary fats.

Summary 700 rats and 48 rabbits were fed atherogenic diets containing various fats in two dosages; a total amount of 474 rats was autopsied after 2, 4 and 6 months of treatment; 44 rabbits were autopsied after 2 months. A sample of blood was taken from each animal at autopsy for lipid determinations and the aorta was examined morphologically and histologically. The following points emerge from the data: In the rat , after a short period in which peanut oil increased the induced hyperlipidemia more than did the other fats, a reversal of this effect was observed; after 4 months, peanut oil was less hyperlipidemic than were the other fats, and especially than was corn oil. It was never possible, at any time of the experiment, to show a significant difference of the atherogenic activity of the diets containing different fats. Peanut oil gave rise to an evolution of aortic atheromatosis with time very similar to the curves shown by the animals fed corn oil. All the plant oils used gave a maximum aortic atheromatosis within four months; lard and margarine showed a continuous increase in the severity of the lesions. A very close statistical relationship was shown between the presence of sudanophilic lesions in aorta and cholesterolemia. In the rabbit , atheromatosis and hypercholesterolemia induced by feeding cholesterol were both significantly increased by the presence of corn oil in the diet and not by peanut oil.
Rules, Rhetoric, and Genre: Procedural Rhetoric in Persona 3

Released in 2008 for the Playstation 2, Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 is a roleplaying game with a diverse genre pedigree. It is a combination of dungeon-crawling RPG and social interaction ‘‘datesim,’’ all wrapped up in the thematic trappings of occult mystery and Japanese popular culture. Using Ian Bogost’s (2007) concept of procedural rhetoric, this article examines how Persona 3’s use of genre conventions and gameplay-based rhetorical frames construct the game’s message, as well as how those structures can inform our understanding of genre for the digital game form.
Designing k-coverage schedules in wireless sensor networks

Some sensor network applications require k-coverage to ensure the quality of surveillance. Meanwhile, energy is another primary concern for sensor networks. In this paper, we investigate the Sensor Scheduling for k-Coverage (SSC) problem which requires to efficiently schedule the sensors, such that the monitored area can be k-covered throughout the whole network lifetime with the purpose of maximizing network lifetime. The SSC problem is NP-hard and we propose two heuristic algorithms under different scenarios. In addition, we develop a guideline for users to better design a sensor deployment plan to save energy by employing a density control scheme. Simulation results are presented to evaluate our proposed algorithms.
Bahama carbonate platforms — The deep and the past

Abstract Carbonate deposition prevailed for 150 Ma in the Bahama—Florida segment of the West Atlantic margin and provides an interesting test for actualism. Present-day facies patterns on the banks are controlled by the backward decrease of waves and tides and the concomitant increase of temperature and salinity variation. In the troughs, influx of sand and rubble from gravity flows varies with topography and distance from shallow-water sources and allows one to define facies belts: a rhythmic sequence of ooze and graded beds on the basin floors, subdivided into a basin-margin belt of coarse, thick turbidites and basin interior with fine turbidites; slope facies change with increase in height and declivity from accretionary to by-pass to erosional regimes. Stratigraphic history of the Bahamas is not simply a projection of the “Holo-Scene” back in time. Both long-term natural evolution (decrease in subsidence, upbuilding of the banks, submarine erosion) and outside factors (climate, eustacy) have caused significant changes. Since the Jurassic, the Bahamas seem to have evolved from a clastics-evaporite province to a single carbonate-evaporite platform and finally to an array of platforms and troughs. During the platform-trough stage, the rate of upbuilding of the platforms decreased, submarine canyon erosion increased. Platform flanks steepened as they grew higher and changed from accretionary to by-pass to erosional slopes. A change imposed by extraneous factors occurred in the Pliocene, when the Great Bahama Bank changed from a giant reef-rimmed atoll to a flat platform covered by oolites and peloid sands. The Bahamas share both long-term trends as well as random changes by extraneous factors with other platforms in the geologic record. Compared to ancient platforms, however, they are unusually long-lived and at a more advanced stage of growth, they are deeply dissected by erosion, their flanks are unusually high and steep and the troughs very narrow. The Neogene platform sequence is strongly controlled by eustatic sea-level fluctuations.
Common Sense About an Uncommon Rejection

For Ethan Bronner, the nomination and rejection of Judge Robert Bork as a Justice of the Supreme Court is the story of the Reagan era's climactic political moment: the vast majority of the American people rose up to defend the Modern Court' and its protection of the individual and the politically weak from President Reagan's challenge of majority rule under the New Right's morality.2 In Battle for Justice, Bronner concludes,
Faceless-Oriented Policing: Traditional Policing Theories are Not Adequate in a Cyber World

This article examines traditional policing theories in a cyber world and defines ‘Faceless-Oriented Policing’ (FOP). FOP policing theory is centred on cyber-world crimes. Many traditional policing ...
Reassessing Data Quality for Information Products

The quality profile of information retrieved from a database using a query is quite important in the context of managerial decision making. Parssian et al. (Parssian, A., S. Sarkar, V. S. Jacob. 2004. Assessing data quality for information products: Impact of selection, projection, and Cartesian product. Management Sci.50(7) 967--982) propose a methodology to determine the quality profile of the result of a query from the quality profile of the source data. Although they consider an important problem, and the proposed methodology is quite useful in practice, some of their results for the selection operation are not correct in general. Here, we identify these errors and present appropriate corrections.
Combining optimal defense theory and the evolutionary dilemma model to refine predictions regarding plant invasion

Optimal defense theory posits that plants with limited resources deploy chemical defenses based on the fitness value of different tissues and their probability of attack. However, what constitutes optimal defense depends on the identity of the herbivores involved in the interaction. Generalists, which are not tightly coevolved with their many host plants, are typically deterred by chemical defenses, while coevolved specialists are often attracted to these same chemicals. This imposes an “evolutionary dilemma” in which generalists and specialists exert opposing selection on plant investment in defense, thereby stabilizing defenses at intermediate levels. We used the natural shift in herbivore community composition that typifies many plant invasions to test a novel, combined prediction of optimal defense theory and the evolutionary dilemma model: that the within-plant distribution of defenses reflects both the value of different tissues (i.e., young vs. old leaves) and the relative importance of specialist ...