cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of solvent strength and operating pressure on the formation of submicrometer polymer particles in supercritical microjets

Abstract A supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process is described which utilizes a mixture of thermodynamically good and poor polymer solvents and micronozzles. Experiments were conducted on polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solutions in a mixture of dichloromethane (DCM) (a good solvent) and acetone (a poor solvent). Decreasing the nozzle diameter and the fluid velocity were shown to favor the disintegration of supercritical jets into drops. Mass transport of CO2 into, and solvents out of, the falling supercritical drops, rather than mass transport during jet breakup, are found to control the particle formation. Varying the acetone content of the solvent, the nozzle diameter and the jet velocity are demonstrated to provide an efficient method to decrease the particle diameter to several tens of nanometers and smooth their surface irregularities. The proposed method is expected to be applicable to a wide variety of polymers.
Black business transformation, black well-being, and public policy

This article examines public policy and social welfare issues related to a recent trend in black business ownership: the decline of black-owned businesses in ‘traditional’ personal services serving a predominantly black clientele, and the corresponding increase of black-owned businesses in ‘emerging’ capital- and knowledge-intensive fields. It is argued that, while the growth of black business ownership in emerging fields is a sign of black economic progress, overall trends in black business ownership are not entirely positive. For one thing, the divergent trends in traditional and emerging black-owned firms reflect widening socioeconomic disparities within black communities. Moreover, the decline of traditional black-owned firms bodes ill for disadvantaged blacks in inner-cities. After reviewing the development of black business enterprise in the United States, trends in black business ownership since the 1970s are examined. Patterns of change in traditional personal services and emerging business services are then linked to social and economic transformations that have enabled many blacks to participate in the larger national economy. The article concludes by discussing the implications of declines in traditional black businesses for black well-being and for public policy.
Understanding the Relationships Among White and African American Women’s Sexual Objectification Experiences, Physical Safety Anxiety, and Psychological Distress

Fredrickson and Roberts (1997) asserted that sexual objectification experiences are likely related to women’s physical safety anxiety; however, to date, very few studies have examined this relationship. Using a sample of 228 U.S. undergraduate women (n = 133 Black/African American; n = 95 White) from a Southeastern university, this study explored the relationships among sexual objectification experiences, physical safety concerns (i.e., perceived risk of crime, fear of crime, and fear of rape), and overall psychological distress. Findings revealed that Black/African American women reported more sexual objectification experiences and fear of crime than White women. Results of a measured variable path analysis suggested that perceived risk of crime fully mediated the relationships between sexual objectification experiences and fear of crime for both groups of women. Moreover, perceived risk of crime fully mediated the relationship between sexual objectification experiences and psychological distress for Black/African American women, but not White women. For White women only, fear of rape partially mediated the relationship between perceived risk of crime and fear of crime, and perceived risk of crime fully mediated the relationship between sexual objectification experiences and fear of rape. Taken together, the results suggest that a sociocultural context that objectifies women and their bodies is related to their sense of safety and security in the world.
Geophysical Setting of the 2000 ML 5.2 Yountville, California, Earthquake: Implications for Seismic Hazard in Napa Valley, California

The epicenter of the 2000 M L 5.2 Yountville earthquake was located 5 km west of the surface trace of the West Napa fault, as defined by Helley and Herd (1977). On the basis of the re-examination of geologic data and the analysis of potential field data, the earthquake occurred on a strand of the West Napa fault, the main basin-bounding fault along the west side of Napa Valley. Linear aeromagnetic anomalies and a prominent gravity gradient extend the length of the fault to the latitude of Calistoga, suggesting that this fault may be capable of larger-magnitude earthquakes. Gravity data indicate an ∼2-km-deep basin centered on the town of Napa, where damage was concentrated during the Yountville earthquake. It most likely played a minor role in enhancing shaking during this event but may lead to enhanced shaking caused by wave trapping during a larger-magnitude earthquake.
Why do sugars taste good

The preference humans and animals show for sweet solutions has been the subject of hundreds of publications. Nevertheless, the evolutionary origin of sweet preference remains enigmatic because of the relatively low nutritional value of sugars and the absence of specific tastes for other, more essential, nutrients. Moderate concentrations of sugars are found in most plant foods because sugars play an important role in plant physiology. Widespread occurrence of sugars in plants is paralleled by widespread preference for sugar solutions in mammals. These observations suggest that preference for sugars evolved because they are common in plants and easy to detect rather than because of any special nutritional merits they offer. Perception of sweetness cannot be used to accurately meter the metabolizable energy or nutritive value of a food.
Asperity-asperity friction as measured by a two-ball collision apparatus

Wear of materials is controlled by the contact mechanics and the response of material to stresses as influenced by the interfacial temperatures. The contact mechanics describes the geometry and the way that asperity-to-asperity collision takes place. It also describes the stresses imposed by the asperities under sliding motion. Since the asperities are of uneven height, the stresses imposed by different pairs of asperities necessarily are unequal. When two surfaces come together, there is a distribution of the contact stresses. Therefore, in a wear experiment, the authors measure friction by measuring the cumulative average of the factional force at a particular moment, and the authors measure wear by measuring the cumulative sum of all the material removed by the collision process over the duration of the experiment. The individual asperity pair contact mechanics is important in the authors' understanding of the wear process. Critical data such as asperity friction when a single wear event takes place is...
Calcium sulfate–carboxymethylcellulose bone graft binder: Histologic and morphometric evaluation in a critical size defect

Calcium sulfate (CS) is widely used as a bone graft binder and expander. Recent reports indicate that carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) can improve the clinical properties of CS when used as binder for particulate bone grafts; however, limited information is available on the effects of CMC on bone regeneration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histologic and morphometric characteristics of bone formation in calvarial defects grafted with a CS-based putty containing 10% CMC in combination with allogeneic demineralized bone matrix (DBM). Bone formation and graft/binder resorption were compared with a surgical grade CS and DBM in paired critical-sized calvarial defects in 25 Wistar rats (350-450 g). Six animals each provided paired defects at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days postsurgery for nondecalcified processing and microscopic analysis. Defects grafted with CS or CS-CMC putty as the DBM binder exhibited similar patterns and proportions of bone formation, fibrous tissue/marrow, and residual DBM particles. Comparable mean +/- SD proportions of new bone formation (31.7 +/- 9.5 and 33.7 +/- 12.9), fibrous tissue/marrow (54.2 +/- 8.3 and 53.0 +/- 10.8), residual DBM particles (8.3 +/- 6.8 and 10.1 +/- 6.3), and residual binder material (5.5 +/- 4.6 and 3.7 +/- 3.5) were found at 28 days for defects grafted with CS and CS-CMC putty, respectively. Thus, CMC was found to improve the handling characteristics of CS and, when used in conjunction with DBM, supported comparable levels bone formation and patterns of binder/scaffold resorption as CS and DBM in a calvarial defect model.
High efficiency FEL using muwave reacceleration

Abstract A 10 μm infrared FEL is being assembled to provide high efficiency operation by means of combining a linear accelerator and magnetic wiggler into a single structure. As energy is removed from the electron beam to amplify the infrared radiation, an equal amount of energy is injected into the beam from a muwave source. Thus, synchronism is maintained, and the electrons act as a catalyst for the conversion of muwave to infrared power. Comparisons will be made between the performance of an accelerator/wiggler and a tapered structure. One distinction is that the muwave power will be delayed in time so that there is maximum gain at low infrared signal levels. Another feature is that the device can be lengthened almost indefinitely to obtain more power, whereas the taper is limited to the initial value of the wiggler parameter. The system parameters will be discussed relative to the expected performance. Additional topics to be considered include beam breakup modes in the accelerator, wakefield effects, and wavelength scaling.
Experimental pain sensitivity and reports of negative thoughts in adults with sickle cell disease

Studies have found that reports of negative thoughts are significant predictors of pain report, health care use, and psychosocial adjustment in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD); however, the mechanisms of the relationship are not clear. In this study, 58 adults with SCD completed an experimental pain induction task (finger pressure). Sensory decision analyses determined sensory discrimination (the ability to discriminate lower and higher intensities) and response bias (the tendency to readily report pain during noxious stimulation). Hierarchical regression analyses controlling for subject gender and acute disease status indicated that individuals who reported more negative thoughts had a greater tendency to report pain during noxious stimulation even to stimuli of relatively low intensity. Reports of negative thoughts were unrelated to sensory discrimination, suggesting that motivational and attitudinal factors, rather than sensory factors, were involved. Clinical implications for health care providers who treat patients with severe SCD pain are discussed.
The aplastic anemia‐paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria syndrome

Occasionally it is difficult to differentiate paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) from idiopathic aplastic anemia in patients who present with pancytopenia and an aplastic bone marrow. Patients with PNH may not have an abnormal acid hemolysis test, and patients with aplastic anemia may present with evidence of abnormal sucrose lysis, acid hemolysis, and antibody-mediated complement hemolysis. Demonstration of a population of red blood cells which are highly susceptible to antibody-mediated complement lysis makes a diagnosis of PNH probable. Donor red blood cell survival studies, which distinguish intracorpuscular from extracorpuscular hemolytic disorders, permit differentiation of the two disorders.
Tharsis province of Mars: Geologic sequence, geometry, and a deformation mechanism

Tharsis development apparently involved two stages: (1) an initial rapid topographic rise accompanied by the development of a vast radial fault system and (2) an extremely long-lived volcanic stage apparently continuing to the geological present. A deformation model is proposed in which a first-order mantle convection cell caused early subcrustal erosion and foundering of the low third of the planet. Underplating and deep intrusion by the eroded materials beneath Tharsis caused isostatic doming. Minor radial gravity motions of surficial layers off the dome produced the radial fault system. The hot underplate eventually affected the surface to cause the very long-lived volcanic second stage.
Laser velocimeter measurement of Reynolds stress and turbulence in dilute polymer solutions

Measurements of Reynolds stress and axial and transverse turbulence intensities have been made in drag-reducing turbulent pipe flow of a dilute solution of high molecular weight polymer and compared to measurements made with pure water. A newly developed laser velocimeter capable of measuring these turbulence parameters has been utilized and is described in detail. Axial turbulence intensities measured in polymer solution are consistent with previous polymer results and viscous sublayer thickening is observed. New results include demonstration that the turbulent shearing stress is reduced in the turbulent core by an amount proportional to the observed decrease in pressure gradient at the wall, and extrapolates to a wall value in agreement with calculated local wall shear. Near the wall polymer solution Reynolds stress is reduced below that measured for water consistent with observed velocity profiles. Polymer radial turbulence intensities are comparable with those for water in the turbulent core, but exhibit similar dramatic suppression near the wall. These and other recent results strongly suggest that dilute polymer solution drag reduction is primarily a wall phenomenon. Polymers appear to have little or no effect on turbulent flow away from a solid boundary where turbulent velocities scale with u_τ, the shear velocity based on the observed wall shear.
Analog intersatellite communication with frequency-modulated light. Part 1. Noise theory

A detailed analysis of the noise properties of wideband optical FM systems is presented. The equations, which are extensions of the results derived by Middleton [Q. Appl. Math. 7, 129 (1949)] and Rice [Bell Syst. Tech. J. 27, 109 (1948)] over 50 years ago, can be used to determine the final noise spectral density for all degrees of limiting, with and without sinusoidal frequency modulation. These results are perfectly general and can be used for any FM system (radio, microwave, or optical) having the particular type of limiter described herein.
The predictive value of head ultrasound in the ECMO candidate

Cranial ultrasound (US) examination is the screening technique of choice for assessing preexisting neurological damage in potential neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) candidates. Currently, US evidence of intracranial hemorrhage greater than grade I in severity is a contraindication to ECMO at this ECMO center. In the current study, radiological findings were reviewed in 129 consecutive neonatal ECMO cases in an attempt to identify which pre-ECMO US findings were associated with the development of subsequent intracranial complications while on ECMO. Pre-ECMO head US, post-ECMO head US, and head computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed retrospectively by one radiology team. Ventricular, parenchymal, and extraaxial fluid abnormalities were recorded for each case. Pre-ECMO US findings were then correlated with the subsequent development of significant intracranial radiological abnormalities noted on post-ECMO studies as well as with clinical data regarding ECMO course and outcome. Results showed that infants with evidence of severe edema or periventricular leukomalacia on pre-ECMO imaging had a 63% incidence of subsequent major intracranial complications. This represents a significantly higher risk than in candidates with a normal examination or evidence of grade I intracranial hemorrhage, subependymal cysts, or mild edema. These results suggest that infants with sonographic evidence of ischemic or anoxic damage on pre-ECMO US are at high risk for the development of significant intracranial complications if ECMO therapy is instituted.
A Phylogenetic Analysis of Modern Pochards (Anatidae: Aythyini)

A phylogenetic analysis of modern pochards (Aythyini) was performed using 99 characters of the skeleton, trachea, natal plumage, and definitive integument. Three short- est trees were found (length = 148; consistency index for informative characters = 0.68) which: (1) placed Marmaronetta as the sister group to other members; (2) defined a basal clade comprising as sister groups Rhodonessa caryophyllacea + Netta rufina and N. peposaca + N. erythrophthalma; and (3) defined as the sister group to the preceding clade all other pochards, in which the three redheads (Aythya valisineria, and the sister species A. ferina and A. americana) are the sister group to the mutually monophyletic white-eyes (A. australis, A. innotata, and the sister species A. nyroca and A. baeri) and scaup (in order of increasingly close relationship, A. novaeseelandiae, A. collaris, A. fuligula, A. marila, and A. affinis). The three shortest trees differed only in the topology among the white-eyes. These nodes, and that supporting the sister relationship between N. peposaca and N. erythrophthalma, were the only nodes not conserved in a majority of bootstrapped replicates; Bremer (decay) indices provided similar assessments of empirical support. Evolutionary trends in body mass, clutch size, preferred nest site, diel activity pattern, and biogeographic patterns are evaluated in the context of this phylogenetic hypothesis. Quantitative comparisons with previously proposed phylogenetic hypotheses, particularly that of Johnsgard, are made using constrained searches based on these data, and a revised classification of the Aythyini is proposed. Received 16 June 1995, accepted 6 September 1995.
Compression of Characteristics of Trajectories in Rotating Frames vs. Nonuniform Magnetic Fields

The equation of motion of an object moving in a frictionless horizontal rotating frame is somewhat comparable to the one describing the motion of a point-like charged particle projected in a magnetic field. We show that the impact of angular velocity in the former is equivalent to the impact of the magnetic field in the latter. We consider scenarios conducive to comparable trajectories for these two distinct areas of physics. We extend the analysis considering two separate routes. For the rotating frame we investigate the impact of friction and for the magnetic field the effect of field in-homogeneities. We utilize Mathematica [1] throughout, most notably for solving coupled partial differential equations.
Deep Leg Vein Reconstruction for an Isolated Mycotic Common Iliac Artery Aneurysm in an HIV-Positive Patient

Isolated mycotic common iliac artery aneurysms are rare, and as such, there is no consensus opinion on management. Traditional surgical options include resection with extra-anatomic bypass, placement of allograft or antibiotic treated synthetic graft, or autogenous vein reconstruction. We report the case of a 46-year-old, human immunodeficiency virus-positive male who presented with a recurrent pneumonia and new onset of right lower quadrant abdominal pain associated with right lower extremity swelling. computed tomographic scan revealed an isolated 9.5 cm right common iliac artery aneurysm with no evidence of rupture. Preoperative blood cultures grew out Streptococcus pneumoniae. Operative repair included aneurysm resection and reconstruction using an autogenous femoropopliteal vein interposition graft from the ipsilateral thigh. The patient had an uneventful recovery with resolution of his lower extremity swelling and a normal duplex exam at follow-up. Large mycotic common iliac artery aneurysms can be ...
The effect of Rician fading and partial-band interference on noise-normalized, fast frequency-hopped MFSK receivers

The performance of an M-ary orthogonal frequency-shift keying (MFSK) communication system using fast frequency-hopped spread spectrum waveforms transmitted over a frequency-nonselective, slowly fading channel with partial-band interference is analyzed. A procedure referred to as noise-normalization combining is used by the system receiver to minimize partial-band interference effects. Each hop is assumed to fade independently. The partial-band interference is modeled as a Gaussian process. Both the signal and the partial-band interference are assumed to be affected by the fading channel which is modeled as Rician. The effect of fading of the partial-band interference on worst-case receiver performance is relatively minor. When there is no signal fading or when the signal facing is Rician, the counter-intuitive result of poorer receiver performance when the partial-band interference experiences fading is obtained. This effect is most pronounced when the signal does not fade and the partial-band interference experiences Rayleigh fading. >
Serological Response over Time to Recombinant Neospora caninum Antigens in Cattle after a Neosporosis-Induced Abortion

Recombinant Neospora caninum tachyzoite antigens were evaluated in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for recognition by serum antibodies (Ab) from Neospora-infected cattle. Serum samples were obtained every 2 to 3 weeks for 8 to 15 months from 10 cows with histories of Neospora-associated abortion. Serum samples were also obtained from offspring of these animals and from a large number of cows that had aborted a fetus, due to infection by Neospora or other organisms, at various times during gestation. All 10 cows had positive ELISA Ab titers to both recombinant N. caninum tachyzoite antigens after abortion, during subsequent gestation, and after parturition. In three cows, there was a noticeable peak in Ab titers early in gestation. Calves born to Neospora-infected cows also had positive titers of Ab to the recombinant tachyzoite antigens, and these titers remained elevated for at least 4 months after birth. A portion of the serum immunoglobulin in calves may have been derived from colostrum of infected cows. A calf born from a seronegative mother had a positive ELISA titer only after being fed colostrum from a seropositive cow. However, precolostral titers in calves born from Neospora-infected cows were high at birth, suggesting that the parasite was transmitted to the fetus via the placenta and induced a humoral immune response therein. The recombinant tachyzoite antigens were also useful for corroborating clinical diagnoses of Neospora-induced abortion. A significant difference (P < 0.05) between anti-recombinant antigen Ab titers in cows that aborted due to Neospora and those in cows that aborted from other causes was found.
Not Seeing Clearly With Cleary: What Test Bias Analyses Do and Do Not Tell Us

In recent decades, the Cleary (1968) approach for testing for differences in regression lines among demographic groups has been codified as a central approach to evaluate a test for bias. However, this approach is fraught with numerous shortcomings, a preponderance of implicit assumptions, and outcomes that are not sufficient to conclude that there is a problem with a test. We believe these shortcomings are poorly understood by many industrial–organizational (I–O) psychologists, that this method for evaluating test bias is overrelied on by our profession, and that it is interpreted improperly by those wishing to evaluate tests for bias in applied settings. Moreover, eliminating differential prediction may be impossible in some cases, undesirable in others, and places an undue burden on organizational researchers.
TEM Studies of High-Efficiency CdTe Solar Cells on Commercial SnO2/Soda-Lime Glass

The microstructure of high-efficiency CdTe solar cells on commercial SnO2/soda-lime glass was investigated by scanning transmission electron microscopy. The CdTe solar cells have a structure of soda-lime glass/SnO2/ZTO/CdS:O/CdTe. We found no interdiffusion between the SnO2 layer and ZTO layer. Weak diffusion of Zn from the ZTO layer into the CdS:O layer was observed; however, the diffusion was not uniform. Interdiffusion also occurred at the CdTe/CdS:O interface. In the back-side of the CdTe, a thin layer of Te was found, which formed during the nitric-phosphoric etching. In addition, a very thin layer of CdHgTe was observed at the CdTe/Te interface.
Impact of patient age at treatment on outcome following radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostate cancer

Purpose: Historically young patients with prostate cancer have been found to have poorer outcomes. Recent studies suggest favorable pathological findings and improved survival in younger patients undergoing RRP. We assessed age at treatment as a predictor of post-RRP survival.Materials and Methods: We identified 5,509 patients treated with RRP for prostate cancer at our institution between 1987 and 1995. Age at treatment was classified into categories of younger than 55, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69 and 70 years or older. CSS, sPFS and biochemical PFS were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models.Results: Younger patients had lower preoperative prostate specific antigen, and tumor grade and stage. CSS, sPFS and biochemical PFS were similar across age groups but overall survival decreased with older age at treatment. After multivariate adjustment the risk of cancer death was lower in patients 70 years or older (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.90), while the risk of p...
Comparison of resuscitation with diaspirin crosslinked hemoglobin (DCLHb) vs fresh blood in a rat burn shock model.

Diaspirin crosslinked hemoglobin (DCLHb; Baxter Healthcare Corp, Deerfield, IL) is hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier which, in our laboratory, improved hemodynamic parameters in a rat burn shock model. Our objective was to compare the effects on hemodynamic parameters and metabolic acidosis of resuscitation with different doses of fresh blood (FB) vs DCLHb. Male Wistar rats (200 to 250g), surgically prepared for an acute study, were randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups.(n=8):I. SHAM (not burned, not resuscitated),II. DCLHb 2 ml/kg/% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) burn and 2 ml/kg/% TBSA burn of Lactated Ringers (LR),III. DCLHb 1 ml/kg/% TBSA burn and 1 ml/kg/% TBSA burn of LRIV. FB 2 ml/kg/% TBSA burn and 2 ml/kg/% TBSA burn of LRV. FB 1 ml/kg/% TBSA burn and 1 ml/kg/% TBSA burn of LRAfter placement of indwelling catheters, the following baseline hemodynamic values were obtained mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and base ex...
Balloon-assisted osteoplasty of periacetabular tumors following percutaneous cryoablation.

Abstract Purpose To describe the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a technique using vertebral augmentation balloons to promote delivery of cement into periacetabular tumors after cryoablation for fracture prevention. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was performed of seven consecutive patients (six men and one woman; mean age, 64 y ± 8) with unilateral periacetabular tumors (mean size, 4.2 cm ± 1.4) treated with cryoablation and balloon-assisted osteoplasty for fracture prevention. Cortical defects were seen in six (86%) tumors, and additional pathologic fractures occurred in five (71%) tumors before treatment. The cohort included six (86%) Harrington class I defects and one (14%) class II defect. Procedures were performed with computed tomography fluoroscopic guidance and general anesthesia. Vertebral augmentation balloons (mean, 2; range, 1–4) were inflated within the ablation cavity immediately before or during cement injection. Results All procedures were technically successful. Median percentage tumor fill was 63% (range, 17%–96%). Minor cement leakage occurred in two (29%) patients with no symptomatic or intraarticular extravasation. A new nondisplaced fracture occurred in one patient and was conservatively managed. No major complications occurred. Local tumor progression occurred in one (20%) of five patients with imaging follow-up. Conclusions Balloon-assisted osteoplasty after cryoablation of periacetabular tumors appears feasible, safe, and effective for fracture prevention. This technique directs cement instillation into ablation defects with a high degree of filling and minimal leakage.
Efficacy and safety of azelaic acid and glycolic acid combination therapy compared with tretinoin therapy for acne

We conducted a 12-week, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, parallel-group study of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of azelaic acid 20% cream and glycolic acid lotion compared with tretinoin 0.025% cream and a vehicle lotion to treat mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris. Patients treated with azelaic/glycolic acid experienced a significantly greater reduction in the number of papules, as well as a greater reduction in the number of inflammatory lesions, than those treated with tretinoin. Overall global improvement was approximately 25% in both groups. In the physician evaluations, treatment with azelaic/glycolic acid was found to cause significantly less dryness, scaling, and erythema than tretinoin. Patients also reported significantly less dryness, redness, and peeling with azelaic/glycolic acid. Significantly more patients in the azelaic/glycolic acid group than the tretinoin group reported that they felt attractive. The combination of azelaic acid and glycolic acid is a useful alternative to tretinoin, being at least as efficacious as the latter, while offering a superior tolerability and patient approval profile.
Ion-irradiation-induced densification of zirconia sol-gel thin films

We have investigated the densification behavior of sol-gel zirconia films resulting from ion irradiation. Three sets of films were implanted with neon, krypton, or xenon. The ion energies were chosen to yield approximately constant energy loss through the film and the doses were chosen to yield similar nuclear energy deposition. Ion irradiation of the sol-gel films resulted in carbon and hydrogen loss as indicated by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and forward recoil energy spectroscopy. Although the densification was hypothesized to result from target atom displacement, the observed densification exhibits a stronger dependence on electronic energy deposition.
Design of an innovative 2-by-2 hybrid electric vehicle

An innovative vehicle powertrain architecture is proposed to decrease overall well-to-wheels emissions and increase fuel economy. The vehicle provides 4-wheel drive through the use of an electric motor driving the rear wheels in conjunction with an IC engine driving the front wheels. The engine is powered by hydrogen and E85 mixture fuels and a fuel cell is used to charge the battery pack. To verify the design, vehicle models and control strategy were developed in Matlab/Simulink environment. Simulation results prove that this design can increase fuel efficiency by 50%.
A Formal Approach to Frequent Energy Adaptations for Multimedia Applications

Much research has recently been done on adapting architecturalresources of general-purpose processors to saveenergy at the cost of increased execution time. This workexamines adaptation control algorithms for such processorsrunning real-time multimedia applications. The best previousalgorithms are mostly heuristics-based and ad hoc, requiringan impractically large amount of application- andresource-specific tuning.We take a more formal approach that does not require thelarge tuning effort of previous approaches, and yet obtainsaverage energy savings comparable to the best previous approach.We pose control algorithm design as a constrainedoptimization problem: what configuration should be used ateach point in the program to minimize energy for a targetedperformance given that each configuration has a differentenergy-performance tradeoff at each point? We solve thiswith the method of Lagrange multipliers, which assumesknowledge of the energy-performance tradeoffs. We developa technique to estimate these tradeoffs using properties ofmultimedia applications. Our technique is likely extendibleto other application domains.We compare our algorithm to the best previous algorithmfor real-time multimedia applications, which is heuristics-based.We demonstrate the practical difficulty of the tuningprocess for the previous algorithm. Compared to apainstakingly hand-tuned version of that algorithm, ournew algorithm provides similar energy savings through amore formal approach that does not need such heroic tuning,making it practical to implement.
Intraspecific variation in tracheal volume in the American locust, Schistocerca americana, measured by a new inert gas method

The volume of a tracheal system influences breath-holding capacity and provides an index of an insect's investment in its respiratory system. Here, we describe a new, generally applicable method to measure tracheal volume that enables repeatable determinations on live animals. Animals are isolated in a closed chamber of a known volume and equilibrated with a helium:oxygen gas mixture. The chamber is then rapidly flushed with a nitrogen:oxygen gas mixture to eliminate the helium surrounding the animal, and sealed. After a period of time sufficient to allow equilibration of helium between tracheal system and chamber air, a gas sample is taken from the chamber, and tracheal volumes are calculated from the helium content of the sample, using a gas chromatograph. We show that relative investment in the tracheal system increases with age/size in the grasshopper; tracheal volume scales with mass to the power 1.3. This increased proportional investment in the tracheal system provides a mechanistic basis for the enhanced respiratory capacity of older grasshoppers. Tracheal volumes decrease strongly as grasshoppers grow within an instar stage, explaining reduced safety margins for oxygen delivery. Finally, tracheal volumes are smaller in gravid females than males, probably due to compression of air sacs by eggs.
Controlling proton movement: electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrogen by a nickel(II) complex containing proton relays in the second and outer coordination spheres

A nickel bis(diphosphine) complex containing proton relays in the second and outer coordination spheres, Ni(PCy2N(CH2)2OMe)2, (PCy2N(CH2)2OMe = 1,5-di(methoxyethyl)-3,7-dicyclohexyl-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane), is an electrocatalyst for hydrogen oxidation. The addition of hydrogen to the Ni(II) complex results in rapid formation of three isomers of the doubly protonated Ni(0) complex, [Ni(PCy2N(CH2)2OMe2H)2]2+. The three isomers show fast interconversion at 40 °C, unique to this complex in this class of catalysts. Under conditions of 1.0 atm H2 using H2O as a base, catalytic oxidation proceeds at a turnover frequency of 5 s−1 and an overpotential of 720 mV, as determined from the potential at half of the catalytic current. Compared to the previously reported Ni(PCy2NBn)2 complex, the new complex operates at a faster rate and at a lower overpotential.
Application of Health Promotion Theories and Models for Environmental Health

The field of environmental health promotion gained new prominence in recent years as awareness of physical environmental stressors and exposures increased in communities across the country and the world. Although many theories and conceptual models are used routinely to guide health promotion and health education interventions, they are rarely applied to environmental health issues. This article examine show health promotion theories and models can be applied in designing interventions to reduce exposure to environmental health hazards. Using the Community Action Against Asthma (CAAA) project as an example, this article describes the application of these theories and models to an intervention aimed at reducing environmental triggers for childhood asthma. Drawing on the multiple theories and models described, a composite ecological stress process model is presented, and its implications for environmental health promotion discussed.
Is a dilated pancreatic duct at ERCP associated with a lower incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP)? An analysis of 3298 patients

Is a dilated pancreatic duct at ERCP associated with a lower incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP)? An analysis of 3298 patients
Multivariate AR Model based Support Vector Machine for Multispectral Remote Sensing Image Classification

Time series statistical models such as autoregressive moving average (ARMA) were considered useful in describing the texture and contextual information of an remote sensing image. To simplify the computation, we use a two-dimensional (2-D) autoregressive (AR) model instead. In our previous research, the 2-D univariate time series based imaging model was derived mathematically to extract the features for further terrain segmentations. The effectiveness of the model was demonstrated in region segmentation of a multispectral image of the Lake Mulargias region in Italy. Due to the nature of remote sensing images such as SAR (synthetic aperture radar) and TM (Thermal Mapper) which are mostly in multi-spectral image stack format, a 2-D Multivariate Vector AR (ARV) time series model with pixel vectors of multiple elements (i.e. 15 elements in the case of TM+SAR remote sensing) are examined. The 2-D system parameter matrix and white noise error covariance matrix are estimated for further classifications. To compute the time series ARV system parameter matrix and estimate the error covariance matrix efficiently, a new method based on modern numerical analysis is developed by introducing the Schur complement matrix, the QR (orthogonal, upper triangular) matrix and the Cholesky factorizations in the ARV model formulation. As for pixel classification, the powerful Support Vector Machine (SVM) kernel based learning machine is applied in conjunction with the 2-D time series ARV model. The SVM is particularly suitable for the high dimensional vector measurement as the "curse of dimensionality" problem is avoided.
Excitation of accelerating wakefields in inhomogeneous plasmas

The excitation of the wakefields in an inhomogeneous plasma by a short laser pulse is investigated theoretically. A general equation for the wake excitation in transversely nonuniform plasma is derived. This equation is applied to the step-function density profile model of hollow channel laser wakefield accelerator. A more realistic model, in which the transition between the evacuated channel and the homogeneous surrounding plasma occurs over a finite radial extent, is then analyzed. It is shown that the excited channel made can interact resonantly with the plasma electrons inside the channel wall, leading to secular growth of the electric field. This eventually results in wavebreaking and the dissipation of the accelerating mode. We introduce an effective quality factor Q for the hollow channel laser wakefield geometry. This resonance limits the number of electron bunches that can be accelerated in the wake of single laser pulse.
Viral and immunological factors associated with breast milk transmission of SIV in rhesus macaques

The viral and host factors involved in transmission of HIV through breastfeeding are largely unknown, and intervention strategies are urgently needed to protect at-risk populations. To evaluate the viral and immunological factors directly related to milk transmission of virus, we have evaluated the disease course of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) in lactating rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) as a model of natural breast milk transmission of HIV. Fourteen lactating macaques were infected intravenously with SIV/DeltaB670, a pathogenic isolate of SIV and were pair-housed with their suckling infants throughout the disease course. Transmission was observed in 10 mother-infant pairs over a one-year period. Two mothers transmitted virus during the period of initial viremia 14–21 days post inoculation (p.i.) and were classified as early transmitters. Peak viral loads in milk and plasma of early transmitters were similar to other animals, however the early transmitters subsequently displayed a rapid progressor phenotype and failed to control virus expression as well as other animals at 56 days p.i. Eight mothers were classified as late transmitters, with infant infection detected at time points in the chronic stage of the maternal SIV disease course (81 to 360 days). Plasma viral loads, CD4+ T cell counts and SIV-specific antibody titers were similar in late transmitters and non-transmitters. Late breast milk transmission, however, was correlated with higher average milk viral loads and more persistent viral expression in milk 12 to 46 weeks p.i. as compared to non-transmitters. Four mothers failed to transmit virus, despite disease progression and continuous lactation. These studies validate the SIV-infected rhesus macaque as a model for breast milk transmission of HIV. As observed in studies of HIV-infected women, transmission occurred at time points throughout the period of lactation. Transmission during the chronic stage of SIV-infection correlated with a threshold level of virus expression as well as more persistent shedding in milk. This model will be a valuable resource for deciphering viral and host factors responsible for transmission of HIV through breastfeeding.
Utility of electronystagmography in the prediction of post-operative outcome following cochlear implantation

Objective:To examine the relationship between pre-operative electronystagmography and videonystagmography test results and post-operative outcomes in dizziness, auditory sensitivity and speech recognition.Methods:A retrospective chart review was performed. Auditory sensitivity and speech perception ability were tested pre- and post-operatively in 37 adult cochlear implant recipients. Auditory sensitivity was evaluated using either pure tones (for testing with earphones) or frequency-modulated warble tones (for sound-field testing). Speech perception ability was evaluated using Northwestern University Auditory Test Number 6.Results:No correlation was found between pre-operative electronystagmography test results and post-operative subjective dizziness. However, pre-operative electronystagmography testing and post-operative hearing sensitivity as measured by warble tone average (dB HL) correlated significantly at six months or later after cochlear implant activation (r ≥ −0.34, n = 34, p < 0.05).Conclusion:This study, which has a level of evidence 4, demonstrates that pre-operative electronystagmography testing has a potential use in predicting post-operative outcomes in hearing sensitivity following cochlear implantation. However, larger studies are needed to confirm this novel finding.
Analysis of the Semileptonic Decay $D^0 \to \overline{K}^0 \pi^- \mu^+ \nu$

Using data collected by the fixed target Fermilab experiment FOCUS, we present several first measurements for the semileptonic decay . Using a model that includes a S-wave component, we measure the form factor ratios to be rv = 1.706 ± 0.677 ± 0.342 and r2 = 0.912 ± 0.370 ± 0.104 and the S-wave amplitude to be A = 0.347 ± 0.222 ± 0.053 GeV-1. Finally, we measure the vector semileptonic branching ratio .
The Oceanic Nitrogen Cycle: A Double-Edged Agent of Environmental Change?

This chapter is based on a lecture delivered at a International Year of the Ocean meeting held at Simon Fraser University during November 1998. This meeting had a strong element of environmental concern and action and thus was a departure from the “pure” science meetings that I normally attend. The meeting reminded me of my younger days in the Pacific Northwest when I was active in the local Sierra Club Chapter. Overall, I was most impressed with the meeting, and I hope that I can do justice to the confidence that the meeting organizers placed in me by convincing you that the oceanic nitrogen cycle cannot be neglected when we consider environmental change. As is generally the case, wise use of our knowledge vis-a-vis this cycle could be helpful whereas misuse or neglect could be harmful.
Phonology Of The Patois Of Cachy Somme

The differences which exist in the spoken language of France in different districts have been caused by two sets of influences, the one arising from a condition already existing before the Latin language was spread over the Gallic territory by the conquering Romans, and the other due to events which occurred after that language had gained a firm footing there. From the variety which exists to-day in the language of any speech district, we are justified in assuming that a like variety existed in the Celtic language of France before the Romans arrived there. The Latin language, coming in contact with a language thus variegated, was necessarily influenced in one part, in a different way from the influence it felt in another part. In this way the Neo-Latin language was broken up into dialects.
Participation in APSA Annual Meetings, 1964–1969 *

This is a study of participation in six annual meetings (1964-1969) of the American Political Science Association. Participation was defined to include not only membership on panels' but also membership on the Program Committee (i.e., program chairman and chairman of the panel categorieshere called subject area chairman). Data on participation were gathered from the programs of the meetings2 and background data on participation were obtained from the APSA Biographical Directory (Fifth Edition, 1968 and Fourth Edition, 1961) and from other sources.3
Adverse Reversible Effects of Chronic Ethanol Intake on Carbohydrate Metabolism

SummaryThe influence of chronic ethanol intake on carbohydrate metabolism was studied in mice. The results showed that daily ingestion of 10% or 30% ethanol for 30 or 60 days induced glucose intolerance, decreased and delayed glucose-mediated insulin response, as well as decreased peripheral insulin sensitivity. However, these metabolic derangements were not permanent as withdrawal of ethanol improved or restored these parameters to normal.The authors wish to thank Mrs. Ruth M. Bonovich for preparation of this manuscript.
Color and Chemical Stability of a Variety of Anthocyanins and Ascorbic Acid in Solution and Powder Forms

The color and chemical stabilities of six anthocyanins, including cyanidin 3-glucoside, highly purified and present in semipurified extracts (also containing other anthocyanins) from grape pomace, purple corn, and black rice, were determined in combination with ascorbic acid in solutions at differing pH values (3.0 and 4.0) and temperatures (6–40 °C) and lyophilized powders at different relative humidities (43–98% RH). Color and chemical changes were analyzed using CIELAB measurements and HPLC, respectively. In liquids, stability was inversely related to increasing pH and temperature; for powders, stability was inversely related to RH. The mutual destruction of anthocyanins and ascorbic acid in solution was confirmed, with unexpected new findings showing no significant stabilizing/destabilizing effect based upon anthocyanin structure, including differing flavylium core (three types) and type of acylation (two aliphatic, one cinnamic acid), or final extract purity.
Methyl Bromide Fumigation Followed by Cold Storage as a Treatment for Anastrepha suspense (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Grapefruit

The combination of fumigation-cold storage treatments found to be most effective for controlling infestations of Anastrepha suspensa (Loew) in grapefruit were 40 g of methyl bromide (MB) per m3, followed by storage at 15.6°C for 3 weeks, and 32 g of MB per m3 at 10°C for 3 weeks, 24 g of MB per m3 and 7.2°C for 3 weeks, and 32 g of MB per m3 and 7.2°C for 17 days. Insertion of a regimen of 15.6°C for 1 week (conditioning of fruit to avoid chilling injury) between fumigation and the cold storage period did not reduce the effectiveness of the two treatments involving storage at 7.2°C.