cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SOME ASPECTS OF THE MINERALOGY OF THE NORTHERN ATLANTIC COASTAL PLAIN

ABSTRACT Studies of the mineralogy of the northern part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain indicate that the heavy mineral content of the Cretaceous and Cenozoic sediments consists basically of two suites, a restricted mineral suite characterized by very stable minerals, and a full suite consisting of a great variety of igneous and metamorphic minerals. The restricted suite occurs in the nonmarine sediments and the full suite in the marine deposits. The nonmarine Cretaceous deposits consist of kaolinite, with variable amounts of illite and its alteration products. Transition sediments like those of the Magothy formation contain kaolinite, illite, chloritic material and, occasionally, some montmorillonite. The marine sediments are characterized primarily by illite and montmorillonite. Thus, a limited heavy mineral suite and kaolinite are associated in nonmarine deposits, and a full suite and montmorillonite are found in marine sediments. On the basis of available data the conclusion is reached that the different heavy mineral and clay mineral suites are a result of different source areas for the marine and nonmarine sediments. The suggestion is made that the formational concept cannot be employed with regard to the nonmarine sediments of the northern Coastal Plain but that, instead, a new concept be adopted based on depositional conditions within the framework of the control of the heavy and clay mineral assemblages.
Study of cathodoluminescence spectroscopy of aluminum nitride

The cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements of carbon doped and undoped aluminum nitride (AlN) thin films near the band- edge region were performed at temperatures of 300, 77 and 4.2 K. These films were grown on three different substrates sapphire, 6H-SiC and 4H-SiC. The typical thickness of these films was in the range of 0.35 - 0.4 micrometer. Two distinct peaks 'A' and 'B' were observed in undoped samples around 6.1 and 5.9 eV, respectively. Also, there is an expected peak within the low energy side of peak 'B.' The absorption spectra of different carbon doped AlN on sapphire substrate were carried out to study the Urbach tail's parameters which play an important role near the band-edge transitions.
Schedule-induced and water-deprivation-induced drinking in rats: Effects of hypertonic saline challenges to homeostatic thirst mechanisms

Previous studies have produced conflicting results regarding whether or not schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) drinking is sensitive to homeostatic thirst mechanisms. Prior to SIP test sessions, 10 rats were given hypertonic saline (8.0% NaCl), isotonic saline, or sham intraperitoneal preloads. Rats preloaded with hypertonic saline drank significantly more water during SIP test sessions than those given isotonic saline or sham preloads. A second group of 9 rats on a 23.5-h water-deprivation schedule was given the same three injection test conditions prior to 30-min water-access periods. Water-deprived rats given preloads of hypertonic saline drank significantly more water than they did when given preloads of isotonic saline, but not significantly more than when given sham preloads. The present results support the contention that schedule-induced polydipsia is a nonhomeostatic form of drinking that nevertheless may be sensitive to the state of homeostatic thirst mechanisms (i.e., cellular dehydration).
Compensatory Stream and Wetland Mitigation in North Carolina: An Evaluation of Regulatory Success

Data from a probability sample were used to estimate wetland and stream mitigation success from 2007 to 2009 across North Carolina (NC). “Success” was defined as whether the mitigation site met regulatory requirements in place at the time of construction. Analytical results were weighted by both component counts and mitigation size. Overall mitigation success (including preservation) was estimated at 74 % (SE = 3 %) for wetlands and 75 % (SE = 4 %) for streams in NC. Compared to the results of previous studies, wetland mitigation success rates had increased since the mid-1990s. Differences between mitigation providers (mitigation banks, NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program’s design-bid-build and full-delivery programs, NC Department of Transportation and private permittee-responsible mitigation) were generally not significant although permittee-responsible mitigation yielded higher success rates in certain circumstances. Both wetland and stream preservation showed high rates of success and the stream enhancement success rate was significantly higher than that of stream restoration. Additional statistically significant differences when mitigation size was considered included: (1) the Piedmont yielded a lower stream mitigation success rate than other areas of the state, and (2) recently constructed wetland mitigation projects demonstrated a lower success rate than those built prior to 2002. Opportunities for improvement exist in the areas of regulatory record-keeping, understanding the relationship between post-construction establishment and long-term ecological trajectories of stream and wetland restoration projects, incorporation of numeric ecological metrics into mitigation monitoring and success criteria, and adaptation of stream mitigation designs to achieve greater success in the Piedmont.
Rejuvenation of the Periorbital Complex With Autologous Fat Transfer: Current Therapy

Purpose This article examines the pathophysiology of periorbital aging and details a technique, autologous fat transfer, to restore a youthful appearance to the periorbital complex. The use of photographs taken of patients in their late teens or early 20s shows that the main changes of periorbital aging are consistent with volume loss more so than gravitational changes. This article reflects on the shortcomings of currently accepted surgical approaches to the rejuvenation of the periorbital region. Patients and Methods After a detailed clinical evaluation of the periorbital region including overall facial aging, brow position, and eyelid laxity, patients underwent autologous fat transfer to the periorbital region. The technique consists of autologous fat harvesting using the senior author's modification of the Coleman technique to the upper brow and lower eyelid region. Results Detailed clinical evaluations of each subject, and comparisons to a preoperative youthful photograph of each, were made at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 6 months postoperatively. These evaluations included subjective clinical estimations of overall brow fullness, brow position, and upper and lower eyelid laxity; a judgment of the appearance of the supraorbital and infraorbital rim; appearance of a short lower eyelid length, and an assessment of the subject's convex facial profile. While maintaining a natural, “nonsurgical” appearance with this approach and this technique, the patient achieved a more youthful look after autologous fat transfer. Conclusions Although there are still indications for brow lift and blepharoplasty in certain patients, neither procedure restores a youthful, rejuvenated appearance to the periorbital complex as well as autologous fat transfer.
Development of parabiosis intoxication in rat parabionts.

The development of parabiosis intoxication, primary symptoms of which are anemia of one animal and concomitant hyperemia of the other, was sequentially followed in Holtzman (Sprague-Dawley) — Charles River (Sprague-Dawley) parabionts. Hemoglobin and hematocrit determinations, RBC, reticulocyte and WBC counts were done on blood removed from pairs by cardiac puncture. In addition bone marrow total nucleated cell counts were done, systolic blood pressure measurements were taken and cross circulation rates were studied with Cr51 tagged erythrocytes. Intoxication developed rapidly in these distantly related pairs about 10 days after union and terminated in death or breakdown of the union by 21 days. The anemia, which was not limited to one or the other partner, was accompanied by reticulocytosis and normal nucleated bone marrow cell counts indicating no suppression of marrow function. The anemic partner also showed total white cell counts elevated over those in the hyperemic partner at 13 days after union. The partner destined to become hyperemic showed elevated systolic blood pressure concomitant to the change in erythrocyte values suggesting that no causal relation exists between blood pressure and the development of intoxication. Cross circulation rates tested with Cr51 tagged erythrocytes showed slowing of circulation evident as early as nine days after parabiosis. Some pairs maintained circulation rates similar to controls for as long as 15 days, but in the majority cross circulation had virtually ceased by this time.
Copy Number Variants and the Genetic Enigma of Congenital Heart Disease

For years, many reasoned, perhaps not so naively, that genetics of congenital heart diseases (CHD) would be the last frontier in efforts to elucidate the genetic causes of cardiovascular disease. This impression was based on 2 main reasons. First, CHD seldom exhibits a clear familial inheritance pattern, as opposed to many single gene disorders. This is despite the strong evidence for familial aggregation of CHD and a higher risk of recurrence in the offspring, which denote a clear genetic cause.1,2 CHD are often sporadic or part of the aneuploidy syndromes with pleomorphic noncardiac phenotypes.1,3 Thus, an approach distinct from the genetic linkage analysis in large families, which was commonly applied to delineate the genetic basis of hereditary cardiovascular diseases such as cardiomyopathies and arrhythmia syndromes,4–8 was needed to define the genetic cause of CHD. Second, the extreme phenotypic assortment of CHD,3,9–11 which is far beyond phenotypic variability of single gene disorders, as well as the diversity of common complex diseases, such as coronary artery disease and systemic arterial hypertension. Consequently, it was difficult envisioning how apparently the simple phenotype of atrial septal defects and the complex phenotype of tetralogy of Fallot, which share no anatomic and physiological similarities, would causally share a common class of genetic networks, let alone arise from mutations in a single gene. Article, see p 884 Recent discoveries are transforming the landscape of molecular genetics of CHD and diluting the aforementioned antediluvian impression. The pioneering work of Basson et al12 and Schott et al13 in late 1990s led to the identification of loss-of-function mutations in TBX5 and NKX2-5 as causes of Holt–Oran syndrome and atrial septal defect, respectively. An intriguing finding was the assortment of clinical phenotypes in the mutation …
Determination of Concentrations of Solutes in Gaseous, Liquid, and Supercritical Co2 by Means of UV Raman Spectroscopy

We measured compositions of high-pressure CO2 solutions in vapor, liquid, and supercritical phases by means of UV-Raman spectra. Our goal was to investigate whether excimer-based Raman could quantitatively determine compositions of such solutions under high-pressure conditions. Some potential problems include (a) species that can absorb much, or all, of the UV-laser light, (b) fluorescence that might overwhelm the Raman signal, and (c) density gradients that would bend the laser beam. We studied two binary systems that were chosen to avoid such problems and that yielded quantitative composition analyses. These were (a) two-phase mixtures of CO2 and n-pentane and (b) solutions of 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane in CO2. We suggest some changes that could increase the usefulness of the method for future applications.
Neuro-oncology: Therapeutic benefits of reirradiation for recurrent brain tumors.

Malignant gliomas are aggressive tumors that often progress despite multimodality therapy. At recurrence, treatment approaches must balance the potential morbidity of a given therapy against the survival benefit that might be achieved. A new study reports that irradiation in this setting is well tolerated and could prolong survival.
Linking SOX10 to a slow-growth resistance phenotype

Slow-cycling BRAFV600E melanoma cells are notoriously resistant to standard chemotherapy or targeted therapy but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Now a new study unlocks this mystery and offers novel insights into developing more effective therapeutic interventions.
Fluorescence contribution to reflectance spectra for a variety of coastal waters

Improved remote sensing retrievals of the chlorophyll fluorescence component in coastal water reflectance can significantly help environmental impact assessments. While retrieval of chlorophyll fluorescence from satellite observations of open ocean reflectance using Fluorescence Line Height (FLH) algorithms is now routine, it is much more complicated in coastal waters where the fluorescence overlaps with a NIR elastic scattering peak arising from the combination of photosynthetic pigment and particulate scattering and absorption, and rapidly increasing water absorption. To examine retrieval accuracies attainable in coastal waters by MODIS and other FLH algorithms, we compared the results of extensive numerical simulations with those of our field measurements in the Chesapeake Bay. The relationship between the contribution of fluorescence in the reflectance spectra and [Chl] and other water constituents was analyzed by simulations of more than 1000 reflectances using the HYDROLIGHT radiative transfer program. For these, IOP were related to parameterized microphysical models, following the same procedures used to generate the IOCCG dataset, but with higher (1 nm) spectral resolution, and wider range of parameters including chlorophyll specific absorption more typical of coastal waters. Results of simulations and field measurements show that the variability of retrieved fluorescence can be attributed largely to its attenuation in the water by algae, CDOM and mineral particles, and much less to the variation of the fluorescence quantum yield. Our systematic parametric study of fluorescence as a function of the other water components is then used to define the range of water parameters where fluorescence contributes significantly to the NIR peak reflectance, and where it is almost undetectable.
III. Determining “cases” of mental health-related dysfunction from continuous scales of everyday functioning

Abstract The Colorado Social Health Survey (CSHS) was designed to generate need prevalence rates for alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health (ADM) services using three different measures of need—diagnosable disorders, dysfunction in everyday living, and demoralization. Only the first of these measures was dichotomous, allowing clear specification of which survey respondents qualified as “cases” of need. For the CES-D scale-based measure of demoralization, a widely accepted cutting score established by other researchers was used to determine “caseness.” For everyday dysfunction scales, three different methods of designating cases among respondents were studied—a clinical judgment approach, a statistical deviation approach, and a patient criterion groups approach. The clinical judgment approach used the respondent's endorsement of at least two “critical” dysfunction items previously judged by research clinicians to indicate reasonably clear need for ADM services. The statistical deviation approach involved a respondent scoring in the highest 10% of the general population sample on two or more scales assessing dysfunction in different domains of everyday functioning. The criterion groups approach was based on a respondent scoring at or above the median score for CSHS outpatient and inpatient comparison groups on at least two domain dysfunction scales. Results for all procedures were examined for validity, using criteria ranging from agreement with the epidemiological literature to comparisons with dysfunction ratings for samples of Colorado public mental health system outpatients and inpatients. On the basis of best performance against these criteria, the clinical judgment caseness-determination procedure was chosen as the primary method for designating respondents as dysfunctional in everyday living for all phases of this needs-assessment study. The statistical deviation criterion was used as a “backup” caseness-determining procedure.
Stability and Change in Korean Values

Dramatic changes have taken place in socio-political value orientations in Korea throughout the post-World War II period, primarily as a function of intergenerational change and rising levels of education. This article, by using the three waves of the World Values Surveys conducted between 1982–1996, investigates the changing patterns of basic social values, and analyzes the relationship between these values and their effects on mass political orientations in Korea. The findings indicate that social values have played an important, if not crucial, role in shifting mass political attitudes, and in enhancing the propensity to engage in political action between 1982–1996. What we learned is that Authoritarian-Libertarian (A-L) values have sharply partitioned Korean society largely along the lines of age and education, the latter becoming more important in the later period. It was also shown that the differences in the A-L values are strongly related to contrasting protest potential.
Antiarrhythmic drugs: a reorientation in light of recent developments in the control of disorders of rhythm.

Numerous developments in our knowledge of arrhythmias during the past decade or so have had a major influence on antiarrhythmic drug therapy. It has become increasingly evident that arrhythmias merit treatment not only for the relief of symptoms, with improvement in quality of life, but also for the prolongation of survival by decreasing arrhythmic deaths. No longer can mere suppression of arrhythmias, symptomatic or asymptomatic, be equated with prolonged survival. We now know that antiarrhythmic drugs that act by blocking sodium channels can increase mortality and that the most important determinants of arrhythmia mortality are the degree and nature of ventricular dysfunction. To these considerations must be added the advances in nonpharmacologic approaches to controlling cardiac arrhythmias. There has been a shift to the use of implantable devices and of drugs with alternative modes of action, such as beta blockers and class III drugs (e.g., sotalol, amiodarone). However, the side-effect profiles of these 2 classes of compounds have led to the synthesis and characterization of agents that act simply by blocking > or = 1 membrane ion channels. The isolated block of the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr) has been associated with potent antifibrillatory activity in the atria, with a neutral (e.g., with dofetilide) or deleterious (with d-sotalol) effect on mortality in postinfarct survivors. Therefore, the focus now is on compounds that can block > 1 ion channel (e.g., tedisamil and azimilide). Azimilide is the first of the class III agents that blocks both components of the delayed rectifier potassium current. The drug's overall action is associated with a spectrum of electrophysiologic properties that hold promise in the control of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, with potential for improving survival in patients at risk for cardiac arrest.
Effect of Interparticle Electrostatic Double Layer Interactions on Permeate Flux Decline in Crossflow Membrane Filtration of Colloidal Suspensions: An Experimental Investigation

A systematic study on the effect of electrostatic double layer interaction on permeate flux decline and deposit cake formation in crossflow membrane filtration of colloidal suspensions is reported. Three monodisperse silica suspensions with diameters of 47, 110, and 310 nm were used as model colloids, and a tubular zirconia membrane with an average pore diameter of 20 nm was used as a model membrane. The magnitude and range of the electrostatic double layer interactions were controlled via changes in solution ionic strength and pH. The coupling between colloidal interactions and hydrodynamic forces was investigated by changing the transmembrane pressure and particle size. The results indicate that the rate of flux decline is strongly dependent on solution ionic strength and, to a much lesser degree, on solution pH (for the investigated pH range 6.1-10.0). Variations in flux decline rate with solution ionic strength are especially significant as the particle size decreases. Particle cake thickness, permeability, and porosity generally increased with a decrease in solution ionic strength for a given particle size. For given physical and chemical conditions, the cake layer porosity increased with decreasing particle size, while cake permeability decreased with decreasing particle size. These trends are consistent with the increased importance of double layer repulsive forces in controlling the cake layer structure as the solution ionic strength and particle size decrease. Pressure relaxation experiments indicated that the particle cake layer is reversible, implying no irreversible deposition (attachment) of silica colloids onto the zirconia membrane surface. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.
Focus groups on cardiovascular health in rural women: implications for practice.

Abstract Objective To determine rural women's perceptions about cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and behavior change for cardiovascular health. Design A trained moderator and nutritionist (observer) led the groups. The discussion guide was developed from the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory. The data were analyzed inductively looking at patterns and themes that emerged from the data and deductively looking at relationships from the theoretical models. Subjects Thirty-four white women participated in six groups: three younger (20-40 years; n = 18) and three older (40-55 years; n = 16) groups. Women with no more than 13 years of education were recruited by social service providers, Extension agents, and church groups. Results Rural women were unaware of their personal CVD risks. Common themes included the overriding influence of family preferences and cultural food patterns on women's food choices and the lack of support for adoption of a heart-healthy diet. Self-efficacy for dietary change spanned the continuum from no confidence (younger women) to complete empowerment (older women). Conclusions Efforts need to be directed toward providing education and skill building for CVD prevention based on a better understanding of women's cultural beliefs and life situations. All women believed that dietary choices were important for cardiovascular health; however, they lacked the skills for food selection and preparation. Family preference and support are key to the adoption and maintenance of a heart-healthy eating plan. For interventions, women preferred active learning (hands-on experiences) coupled with group classes for learning and support. Rural women lacked these resources or access to a nutritionist.
The Holocene history of the White Sands dune field and influences on eolian deflation and playa lakes

Abstract White Sands National Monument is the world's largest gypsum dune field. The dunes are downwind of a 20-m-deep, 19-km-wide deflation basin containing large playa lakes. Today, the gypsum sand is derived from the edge of the deflation basin, next to the dune field, rather than the alkali flat and playa lakes, where gypsum crystals are forming. Three erosional shorelines mark wetter episodes, when playa lakes formed in the deflation basin. Successively, younger shorelines formed within older ones as the basin deepened, but was not widened by deflation. The modern shoreline is forming around Lake Lucero Playa. The oldest shoreline, termed L1, is degraded and formed near the Pleistocene–Holocene transition. Deflation from the L1 to the L2 shoreline cut through Pleistocene bedded evaporites and probably marks initiation of the dune field. This event was before 5840 yr BP , based on radiocarbon dates. This reinforces an evolving consensus that episodes of deflation have characterized desert basins in the southwestern United States. Regional deflation events have been dated at 7000 and 4000 yr BP . The shorelines imply the White Sands dune field was created in short episodes and the modern dune field may not represent conditions during expansion of the dune sea.
RAT: RC Amenability Test for Rapid Performance Prediction

While the promise of achieving speedup and additional benefits such as high performance per watt with FPGAs continues to expand, chief among the challenges with the emerging paradigm of reconfigurable computing is the complexity in application design and implementation. Before a lengthy development effort is undertaken to map a given application to hardware, it is important that a high-level parallel algorithm crafted for that application first be analyzed relative to the target platform, so as to ascertain the likelihood of success in terms of potential speedup. This article presents the RC Amenability Test, or RAT, a methodology and model developed for this purpose, supporting rapid exploration and prediction of strategic design tradeoffs during the formulation stage of application development.
Evaluation of a point-of-care testing product for drugs of abuse; testing site is a key variable

We evaluated the EZ-SCREEN Test Kit (Editek, Inc., Burlington, NC), a point-of-care screening test for the presence of cocaine metabolite (benzoylecgonine; BE), cannabinoids (tetrahydrocannabinol; THC) and opiates in urine. Patient specimens (n = 34) were tested in the laboratory using both Abbott Laboratories ADx (ADx) and EZ-SCREEN (EZS-LAB), and by the nursing staff of an inpatient substance abuse treatment program using the EZ-SCREEN (EZS-RN). We found comparable analytical efficiency between methods used in the laboratory (> 95% for all three analytes with EZS-LAB and ADx) but lower efficiency for THC and BE with point-of-care testing (approximately 82% for EZS-RN). Efficiency for EZS-RN opiates was 100%. We conclude that the EZ-SCREEN Test Kit may not be suitable for use in a busy clinical setting, unless specific measures are taken to insure the accuracy of point-of-care testing (e.g., minimal interruption or distraction, careful training). We recommend that prior to routine use of point-of-care testing products they be evaluated under normal working conditions with personnel who will eventually be required to perform routine testing.
Phytic acid interactions in food systems

Phytic acid is present in many plant systems, constituting about 1 to 5% by weight of many cereals and legumes. Concern about its presence in food arises from evidence that it decreases the bioavailability of many essential minerals by interacting with multivalent cations and/or proteins to form complexes that may be insoluble or otherwise unavailable under physiologic conditions. The precise structure of phytic acid and its salts is still a matter of controversy and lack of a good method of analysis is also a problem. It forms fairly stable chelates with almost all multivalent cations which are insoluble above pH 6 to 7, although pH, type, and concentration of cation have a tremendous influence on their solubility characteristics. In addition, at low pH and low cation concentration, phytate‐protein complexes are formed due to direct electrostatic interaction, while at pH >6 to 7, a ternary phytic acid‐mineral‐protein complex is formed which dissociates at high Na concentrations. These complexes appear to...
Unnatural pattern recognition on control charts using correlation analysis techniques

Abstract This paper presents analysis and development of a pattern recognition system for identifying unnatural patterns on quality control charts. The system is based on correlation analysis, where a set of optimal matched filters are generated. To illustrate the design methodology and operation of the system, a set of commonly encountered patterns is utilized, such as the trend, the systematic, and the cyclic patterns. A training algorithm that minimizes the probabilities of Type I and Type II errors is presented. To evaluate the system performance, a testing algorithm as well as a set of newly-defined performance measures are introduced. The obtained results have shown the effectiveness of correlation analysis for control chart pattern recognition.
Analysis of Concentrated Colloidal Dispersions

A long-standing area of research in colloid science concerns the determination of electrostatic, magnetic, and elastostatic fields in dispersions comprising densely packed particles whose material properties differ markedly from that of the background. As new materials with complex microstructures are being developed, there is a corresponding need for analytic and numerical methods to predict and understand their properties. Dense systems with large numbers of close-to-touching particles require very fine discretization which causes the linear system of equations that arise to be highly ill-conditioned. A framework for solving the many-body interface problems is provided by a mathematical transformation of the boundary value integral equation. The transformation avoids the use of asymptotics and involves no uncontrolled approximations which distinguishes this work from previous methods. Pointwise analysis of local charge densities in the bulk and at interfaces is now possible.
Differences in uptake of cadmium in selected organs of normal and alloxan-diabetic rats.

The uptake of 109Cd in normal and alloxan-diabetic tissues (blood, liver, kidney, pancreas, and spleen) was studied. Cadmium concentration in normal tissues, except pancreas, reached a steady state after 8 hr, whereas in alloxan-diabetic tissues, the concentration was significantly dependent on the time interval. Cadmium concentration was higher in alloxan-diabetic blood than in the blood of nondiabetic controls. Spleen uptake was higher in alloxan-diabetic tissues during the first 24 hr but not significantly different after 240 hr. Cadmium concentration was higher in alloxan-diabetic livers during the first 24 hr but was lower after 240 hr. Cadmium accumulation in kidneys was the reverse of that in liver. Pancreas uptake was lower in alloxan-diabetic tissues during the first 24 hr but not statistically different after 240 hr. It is postulated that the differences in the distribution of cadmium in control versus alloxan-diabetic rats are due mainly to diabetes, which develops due to insulin deficiency and which introduces changes in the amount of biomolecules that bind cadmium as well as in the bond strength of cadmium to the different binding sites.
Climate change, water rights, and agriculture: A case study in Idaho

Water supply is important to agriculture and other consumptive uses in the arid and semiarid climate zones, but it has become increasingly uncertain under a changing climate. More important, how agricultural output will be affected may depend on how water resources are allocated based on the dominant sharing rule, according to Xu et al., who conducted a case study in Idaho.
Some Considerations on Fatigue Crack Closure at Near-Threshold Stress Intensities Due to Fracture Surface Morphology

It is noted that at near-threshold levels, in addition to the role of plasticity-and oxide-induced crackclosure, fracture surface roughness or morphology may promote significant closure effects in plane strain, as similarly noted by Minakawa and McEvily.This is considered to result from the fact that, where maximum plastic zones sizes are small compared to the grain size, fatigue crack growth proceeds by a single shear decohesion mechanism (Stage I) with associated Mode II+I displacements. The resulting serrated or faceted fracture surfaces (“microstructurally-sensitive growth”) coupled with Mode II crack tip displacements thus induce high closure loads (i.e., K cl/K max ~0.5) by wedging the crack open at discrete contact points. At higher growth rates where the plastic zone encompasses many grains, striation growthvia alternating or simultaneous shear mechanisms (Stage II) produces a more planar fracture surface, with pure Mode I displacements, and a corresponding reduction in closure loads. Such concepts of roughness-induced closure are shown to be consistent with observations of the role of coarse grain sizes in reducing near-threshold crack growth rates at low load ratios and of the absence of this effect at high load ratios.
Ruggedness measures of medical time series using fuzzy-rough sets and fractals

This paper attempts to characterize a medical time series by quantifying the ruggedness of the time series. The presence of two close data points on the time axis implies that these points are similar along the time axis. It creates fuzzy similarity. Following the principle ''similar causes create similar effects'', we expect that the magnitudes corresponding to those two data points should also be similar. Frequently, it is not observed in a time series. One of the reasons is as follows: if other features have been considered along with the time information, then those two close data points would have looked different. Consequently, the magnitudes corresponding to those two apparently similar points become different. Therefore, if we consider the closeness along the time axis as a cause, then the effect, i.e., the corresponding magnitudes could be either same or similar or completely dissimilar. This phenomenon makes cause-effect relationship, i.e., time versus magnitude relationship, one-to-many. Specifically, the closeness creates fuzziness, the one-to-many relationship creates roughness, and together they form fuzzy-roughness. If the ruggedness is expressed as the fuzzy-roughness, then in some time series it is observed that the fuzzy-roughness of a part of the time series is similar to that of the whole time series. Specifically, the scaling up of the fuzzy-roughness follows the power law of fractal theory. Experiments on ICU data sets show that the ruggedness measure using the fuzzy-rough set based fractal dimension is more robust than some popular measures of ruggedness like Hurst exponent.
Transdermal drug delivery enhanced by low voltage electropulsation (LVE).

The efficiency of low voltage electropulsation (LVE) technique for delivery of drugs and macromolecules across the skin was investigated. The in vitro studies were carried out across the porcine epidermis in Franz diffusion cells using salicylic acid and fluorescein labeled Dextran of molecular weight 10,000 Da (FD10K). LVE enhanced the transport of salicylic acid and FD10K by ~ 4-fold and ~ 2-fold, respectively over the control. The potential application of LVE in transdermal drug delivery was studied in the case of lidocaine hydrochloride. The transport of lidocaine hydrochloride was enhanced by ~ 8-fold over the control. The transport enhancement by LVE was compared with that of 1 min and 20 min constant DC iontophoresis at 0.5 mA/cm2. Iontophoresis applied for 1 min delivers equivalent electrical dose as that of LVE (50 ms pulses for 20 min at 1 Hz) in the current set up. The transport by application of iontophoresis for 1 min was significantly less than the control (passive diffusion for 20 min). How...
The electron electric dipole moment for a CP-violating neutral Higgs sector

Abstract We consider the two-loop graphs for the electron's electric dipole moment that arise in an SU(2) × U(1) gauge theory with CP -violating two-doublet (neutral) Higgs sector. We identify and compute the additional graphs, beyond the top-loop and W-loop-related contributions considered by Barr and Zee, that yield non-zero contributions. These have the same sign as the t-loop graphs, whereas the W-loop-related graphs have the opposite sign. Combining all graphs at large tan β yields a relatively small electron electric dipole moment, even when CP violation is maximal, unless one of the neutral Higgs boson masses is of order m w or lighter and all other neutral Higgs bosons are much heavier.
Vibrational predissociation spectra of I−·(H2O): isotopic labels and weakly bound complexes with Ar and N2

Abstract Vibrational predissociation spectra in the region of the OH stretch are reported for I−·(H2O), I−·HDO and the weakly bound complexes I−·H2O·Ar and I−·H2O·N2. The I−·HDO system consists of two isomers in Cs geometry, each displaying a similar frequency to one of the two bands observed for I−·(H2O), indicating that the motions of the two hydrogens are weakly coupled. Rotational structure is partially resolved in the 3700 cm−1 band and assigned to Q-heads of a B-type transition. Two members of the previously observed quartet [Johnson et al., Chem. Phys. Lett. 260 (1996) 551] in I−·(H2O) around 3400 cm−1 (corresponding to the hydrogen-bonded OH) persist upon complexation with either Ar or N2.
Additivity models for suprathreshold distortion in quantized wavelet-coded images

The additivity of wavelet subband quantization distortions was investigated in an unmasked detection task and in masked detection and discrimination tasks. Contrast thresholds were measured for both simple targets (artifacts induced by uniform quantization of individual discrete wavelet transform subbands) and compound targets (artifacts induced by uniform quantization of pairs of discrete wavelet transform subbands) in the presence of no mask and eight different natural image maskers. The results were used to assess summation between wavelet subband quantization distortions on orientation and spatial-frequency dimensions. In the unmasked detection experiment, subthreshold quantization distortions pooled in a non-linear fashion and the amount of summation agreed with those of previous summation-at-threshold experiments ((beta) equals 2.43; relative sensitivity equals 1.33). In the masked detection and discrimination experiments, suprathreshold quantization distortions pooled in a linear fashion. Summation increased as the distortions became increasingly suprathreshold but quickly settled to near-linear values. Summation on the spatial-frequency dimension was greater than summation on the orientation dimension for all suprathreshold contrasts. A high degree of uncertainty imposed by the natural image maskers precludes quantifying an absolute measure of summation.
Characterisation of stilbenes in California almonds (Prunus dulcis) by UHPLC-MS.

Abstract Stilbene polyphenols are present in some fruits and nuts, but their abundance in many foods, such as almonds, is unknown. Therefore, we characterised stilbenes from Nonpareil, Butte and Carmel almond (Prunus dulcis) varieties from California. UHPLC–MS conditions were optimised to resolve cis- and trans-resveratrol, d4-resveratrol, dienestrol, hexestrol, oxyresveratrol, piceatannol, pterostilbene, and resveratrol-3-β-glucoside (polydatin). Stilbenes were isolated from ethanolic almond extracts by solid-phase extraction and identified with UHPLC–MS by comparison of retention times, mass spectra, in-source CID spectra, and enzymatic hydrolysis to authentic standards. Polydatin was identified in almond extracts, with 7.19–8.52 μg/100 g almond. Piceatannol + oxyresveratrol was tentatively identified in almond blanch water, at 0.19–2.55 μg/100 g almond. Polydatin was concentrated in almond skins, which contained 95.6–97.5% of the total almond content. Therefore, almonds contain the stilbene class of polyphenols in addition to the previously identified proanthocyanidin, hydrolysable tannin, flavonoid, and phenolic acid classes.
GCA radars: Their history and state of development

The evolution and state of development of the radars used in the Ground-Controlled Approach (GCA) systems of the U.S. Air Force is described. Emphasis is placed on the radar requirements of this application and the evolution made possible by the advances in component technology. We first review the concept of GCA operation and show how this leads to the requirements of the two radars in the system. Next we discuss the early history of GCA and the AN/MPN-1, the first operational system. The evolution of the GCA radars since the AN/MPN-1 is then summarized. Finally, we describe in more detail the AN/TPN-19. This is the most recent GCA system to be developed, and it makes effective use of array technology, frequency diversity, monopulse, pulse compression, and computer control.
The voice of the people: a system for enriching Olympic experiences

During a 14-week student design project, we developed a concept for a three-component system that allows audience members to voice their opinions at Olympic events. Aside from completing CHI's primary goal of creating a voting device, we found that audience members need a knowledge base and a feeling of empowerment in order to feel secure with their vote. Based on fieldwork with past and potential Olympic attendees, we focused on wearable technology that senses pre-existing methods of showing appreciation and translates audience enthusiasm into an opportunity for learning and empowerment. Building from previous research, we implemented a unique method of creating a system for audience participation that requires no training or learning curve on behalf of its user. These methods were then tested and refined until they were well received by a large majority of users regardless of age, gender and nationality. In our paper we describe our process through an explanation of our immersion in the project, its early ideation, testing and refinement, and our final solution.
Evaluating and improving the quality of time-dependent, diffuse reflectance spectroscopic signals measured from in vivo brain during craniotomy

Abstract Background Optical spectroscopy can be used to assess the pathophysiological characteristics of diseased and injured biological tissue in vivo in a non-destructive way. It is often used in conjunction with a contact optical probe for the purposes of operating and sensing in a sterile field. Since the probe is often held by the hand of an investigator during data acquisition, any hand instability can affect the quality of acquired data and, hence, degrade the accuracy of diagnosis. This study was designed to quantitatively characterize these artifacts, and then propose an effective engineering solution to remove them. Methods Time-dependent diffuse reflectance spectra ( Rd ( λ , t )) were acquired from the normal cortex region of pediatric patients undergoing epilepsy surgery. They were acquired at a rate of 33Hz, and their range was 400 and 900nm. Two distinct ways of collecting data were tested: one with the fiber optical probe held by the surgeon's hand during data acquisition, and the other with the probe held by a specially designed probe holder. The probe holder was designed and constructed to minimize the variations in probe contact pressure and contact point for the full duration of any given investigation. Spectral data acquired using versus not using the probe holder were characterized and compared in the time, wavelength, and frequency domains, using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Hand motion manifested as strong random variations in Rd ( λ , t ) which impacted temporal and frequency characteristics of Rd ( λ , t ). The percentage standard deviation %STD of Rd ( λ , t ) acquired without probe holder could be as high as 60%, and they are significantly higher than those with probe holder at all wavelengths. This difference is especially prominent between 400 and 600nm. Rd ( λ , t ) acquired without the probe holder also processed a higher spectral power energy in the frequency domain than those with the probe holder. The correlation analysis revealed that the hand motions induced synchronistic variations in Rd ( λ , t ) between 600 and 800nm, but this synchronicity is not obvious between 400 and 600nm. Conclusion The results of this investigation demonstrate the nature and the magnitude of hand motion induced artifacts in in vivo diffuse reflectance spectra and propose one potential solution ( i.e. , a probe holder) to remove them. These findings allow us to improve the quality of time-dependent, diffuse reflectance signals acquired to study the dynamic characteristics of biological tissues, like brain, in vivo .
Identification of particle-particle interactions in suspension polymerization reactors

Suspension polymerization is commonly used to produce micron-sized (10-1000 /spl mu/m) polymer beads, in which the final particle size distribution is an important end-use property. This paper presents an integrated approach for the modeling, simulation, and parameter estimation of particle-particle dynamics during suspension polymerization. This approach integrates in situ particle size measurement with a high resolution finite volume algorithm to estimate the kinetics of particle-particle interactions while accounting for polymerization kinetics and viscoelastic effects. The resulting simulation model is sufficiently computationally efficient to enable the numerical solution of optimal control problems based on first-principles models of suspension polymerization.
Spaces of Finite Element Differential Forms

We discuss the construction of finite element spaces of differential forms which satisfy the crucial assumptions of the finite element exterior calculus, namely that they can be assembled into subcomplexes of the de Rham complex which admit commuting projections. We present two families of spaces in the case of simplicial meshes, and two other families in the case of cubical meshes. We make use of the exterior calculus and the Koszul complex to define and understand the spaces. These tools allow us to treat a wide variety of situations, which are often treated separately, in a unified fashion.
The Racial Ghetto as a Race-making Situation: The Effects of Residential Segregation on Racial Inequalities and Racial Identity

W. E. B. Du Bois declared in 1903 that "The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color-line,-the relation of the darker to the lighter races of men in Asia and Africa, in America and the islands of the sea."1 Race problems persist in the United States and in other nations around the world but usually in different forms from those that confronted Du Bois. At the beginning of this century, racial privileges and disadvantages were routinely imposed and enforced as state policy in the United States and other countries and colonial regimes. Today, state-enforced racial discrimination is almost universally condemned by nations and international organizations.2 States seldom impose racially discriminatory policies
The Politics of the Program: MS WORD as the Invisible Grammarian.

Because of its widespread availability to writing students, the grammar and style checker in ms word deserves a thorough critique. Although recent scholarship has addressed general issues surrounding grammar and style checkers, we investigate this particular program in depth, focusing on its theoretical underpinnings. We contrast the approaches to grammar and style embodied in the software with those found in current composition pedagogy and conclude with suggestions that go beyond customizing the Grammar Checker to advocating more thorough discussions of the very notions of stylistic and grammatical correctness. © 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
In vivo detection of free radical metabolites

In the last two decades since the introduction of the ESR spin trapping technique the ESR study of free radical formation in vitro due to xenobiotic metabolism has been significantly enhanced. Although this ESR technique has proven useful in vitro, it has only recently been applied to drug metabolism in vivo. Spin trapping has successfully been employed to study the metabolism of halocarbons and hydrazines in perfused organs and in whole animals. The results of these current studies are detailed herein. In addition, the merits and pitfalls associated with the in vivo application of spin trapping are discussed.