cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic probing and diagnostics of the geometric structure of the alkoxy and alkyl peroxy radical intermediates

The recent spectroscopy of the small to moderate sized alkoxy and peroxy organic radicals is reviewed. Rotationally resolved laser induced fluorescence spectra of the alkoxy intermediates have been obtained in cold supersonic expansions. This rotational structure allows unambiguous assignment of observed spectral transitions to particular isomers and conformers of a given chemical species. Unfortunately the organic peroxy radicals have no excited electronic states that fluoresce. However there is an electronic transition in the near IR that gives rise to sharp absorption spectra, which can be detected using cavity ringdown spectroscopy. Since these experiments have been performed at room temperature, spectral congestion prevents the resolution of rotational structure. Nonetheless careful comparison between quantum chemistry calculations and the observed spectral origins and vibrational frequencies allow the probable assignment of many spectral bands to particular isomers and conformers. For both the alkox...
Correction of fetal anemia on the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of correction of fetal anemia on the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity values. METHODS: With Doppler ultrasonography, middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity was measured in 41 fetuses before and immediately after 54 intrauterine transfusions for severe red blood cell alloimmunization. The fetuses were divided into two groups: 17 fetuses studied at first transfusion (group A), and 24 fetuses enrolled to the study after the first transfusion (group B). Both fetal hemoglobin and middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity were plotted over the respective reference ranges as a function of gestational age. Both values were expressed as multiples of the median and analyzed with paired t test. RESULTS: The values of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity decreased in all but one fetus of group B (P < .05). The values of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity before transfusion were above the upper limit of the reference range in 60% of the fetuses of group A and in 38% of group B, respectively. After correction of anemia, only one value remained above the upper limit of the reference range. CONCLUSION: The correction of fetal anemia with intrauterine blood transfusion decreases significantly and normalizes the value of the fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity.
Decreasing hospitalization and in-hospital mortality related to cholangitis in the United States.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine trends in hospitalization rates and in-hospital mortality of cholangitis and also determine predictive factors of in-hospital mortality. METHODS The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was utilized for inpatient data analysis from 1988 to 2006. Patients with primary cholangitis International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) discharge diagnosis were included. Age-adjusted procedure rates for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with biliary stent placement and sphincterotomy were also analyzed. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate trends, and linear Poisson multivariate regression model was used to control for variations in age, sex, time of diagnosis, and ethnicity. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictive factors of in-hospital mortality. RESULTS The age-adjusted hospitalization rate of cholangitis decreased 24.8% from 2.34 per 100,000 in 1988 to 1.76 per 100,000 in 2006 (P < 0.01). The age-adjusted in-hospital mortality of cholangitis increased 9.2% from 165.0 to 181.6 per 100,000 from 1988 to 1998 (P < 0.01), and then declined 73% to 48.9 per 100,000 in 2006 (P < 0.01). The age-adjusted procedure rates for ERCP with biliary stenting increased from 0.55 to 15.23 per 100,000 from 1988 to 2006 (P < 0.01), as did the age-adjusted rates for ERCP with sphincterotomy from 1.06 to 35.64 per 100,000 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The hospitalization rate of cholangitis has been declining over the past 2 decades. The overall trend in mortality peaked in 1998 and has shown a subsequent decline that may in part be related to increased utilization of endoscopic biliary decompression.
A retrospective analysis of microbial contaminants in outdated random-donor platelets from multiple sites.

BACKGROUND: Platelet components contaminated with bacteria are an important source of transfusion-associated bacterial sepsis. Estimates of contamination rates vary widely (0–10%) and are highly controversial. The present study, designed with stringent testing regimens, retrospectively determined the prevalence of microbial contaminants in platelets from four collection regions. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: During a 9-month period, outdated platelet units were assayed by spreading aliquots from the unit, and from thioglycollate broth medium inoculated with part of the unit, onto 5-percent sheep blood agar media. Cultures were examined after 72-hour incubation at 37°C, and, if bacterial growth was present, the assay processes were repeated with fresh inocula. Units were considered contaminated only if repeatedly positive. RESULTS: Four (0.08%) of 4995 units sampled were contaminated, two with Corynebacterium sp. and one each with Propionibacterium acnes and Aspergillus terreus. Contaminants were present at low, subclinical levels and were detected only after amplification in thioglycollate. The contaminated units were cultured 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after expiration. CONCLUSION: Contamination rates were low and did not vary by region. The identification of A. terreus suggests the role that transfusion may play in transmitting fungal infections should be reassessed. The persistent detection of contaminated platelet units supports the need for a test to detect clinically relevant levels of microbial contaminants in blood components.
The Effect of Nitric Oxide and Statins on Thrombospondin-1-Induced Chemotaxis in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

at various concentrations and migration was measured. Results: Hypoxia inhibited EC migration (0.87 vs 0.78 mm, P .05) over 3 days. Coculture of ASC enhanced EC migration in both normoxic (0.87 to 0.93 mm) and hypoxic (0.78 to 1.02 mm; P .05) environments. Media from cocultures in hypoxia contained significantly more VEGF (708.3 pg/mL) than normoxic cocultures (311.2 pg/mL) and ECs alone (28.9 pg/mL). The addition of VEGF to wounded EC cultures improved migration, but not to the extent of ASC coculture. Finally, hypoxia markedly increased expression of VEGF and slightly increased expression of bFGF in ASC. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that (1) ASCs restore and enhance EC migratory function in a hypoxic environment, and (2) the effect is primarily due to secretion of VEGF by ASC in response to hypoxia, with other growth factors like bFGF likely playing a minor role. These results suggest that hypoxic preconditioning of ASC might be of value in enhancing their role in therapeutic angiogenesis to treat ischemic heart or limb conditions.
Effect of ultrasound‐induced hyperthermia and cis‐diamminedichloride platinum II on murine renal function

Murine renal function was evaluated after ultrasound-induced kidney hyperthermia (42.5 degrees C and 46.5 degrees C for 35 minutes) and the administration of cis-diamminedichloride platinum II (8 mg/kg). A quantitative immunonephelometric technique was employed to determine urinary total protein (TP) and albumin (Alb) 1-180 days post-treatment. Hyperthermia of 46.5 degrees C elevated urinary TP excretion significantly more than that of 42.5 degrees C cis-diamminedichloride platinum (Cis DDP) administration greatly increase urine TP with a peak mean TP concentration of 488 microgram/ml, four days after Cis DDP (normal range was 26-48 microgram/ml). This returned to normal by day 14. The TP excretion after 42.5 degrees C hyperthermia with concurrent Cis DDP was similar to Cis DDP alone, implying there was no potentiation of early or late Cis-DDP-induced renal damage by hyperthermia. Late mouse mortality was greater (P = 0.08) after Cis DDP alone, than Cis DDP with 42.5 degrees C hyperthermia. There was a statistically significant increase (P less than 0.05) in the Alb/TP excretion ratio after the addition of 42.5 degrees C hyperthermia to Cis DDP, implying an alteration in the site or nature of the Cis DDP renal lesion by hyperthermia.
The application of wavelet denoising in material discrimination system

Recently, the need for cargo inspection imaging systems to provide a material discrimination function has become desirable. This is done by scanning the cargo container with x-rays at two different energy levels. The ratio of attenuations of the two energy scans can provide information on the composition of the material. However, with the statistical error from noise, the accuracy of such systems can be low. Because the moving source emits two energies of x-rays alternately, images from the two scans will not be identical. That means edges of objects in the two images are not perfectly aligned. Moreover, digitization creates blurry-edge artifacts. Different energy x-rays produce different edge spread functions. Those combined effects contribute to a source of false classification namely, the "edge effect." Other types of false classification are caused by noise, mainly Poisson noise associated with photons. The Poisson noise in xray images can be dealt with using either a Wiener filter or a wavelet shrinkage denoising approach. In this paper, we propose a method that uses the wavelet shrinkage denoising approach to enhance the performance of the material identification system. Test results show that this wavelet-based approach has improved performance in object detection and eliminating false positives due to the edge effects.
A neural speaker model for speaker clustering

A speaker model using a neural network is proposed for reference speaker clustering on speaker independent speech recognition. Speaker individuality is embedded in not only a static short time spectrum and a pitch frequency, but also a dynamic spectral pattern and pitch pattern. In conventional modeling, speaker individuality is based on the former static features. The authors try to capture the latter dynamic features, of speaker by a neural speaker model. Two methods, neural prediction modeling by multilayer perceptron and learning matrix vector-quantization, are considered for the speaker modeling. Using the measures of speaker modeling, speaker clustering of the reference patterns based on mutual information is carried out for speaker independent speech recognition. >
ELECTRON TRANSFER REACTIONS COUPLED TO PROTON TRANSLOCATION: CYTOCHROME OXIDASE, PROTON PUMPS, AND BIOLOGICAL ENERGY TRANSDUCTION

Cytochrome oxidase (COX) is the terminal component of electron transport chain of the respiratory system in mitochondria, and one of the key enzymes responsible for energy generation in cells. COX functions as a proton pump that utilizes free energy of oxygen reduction for translocation of protons across the mitochondrion membrane. The proton gradient created in the process is later utilized to drive synthesis of ATP. Although the structure of COX has been recently resolved, the molecular mechanism of proton pumping remains unknown. In this paper, general principles and possible molecular mechanisms of energy transformations in this enzyme will be discussed. The main question is how exactly chemical energy of oxygen reduction and water formation is transformed into a proton gradient; or, how exactly electron transfer reactions are utilized to translocate protons across the mitochondrion membrane against the electrochemical gradient. A key to the solution of this problem is in understanding correlated transport of electrons and protons. Here, theoretical models are discussed for coupled electron and proton transfer reactions in which an electron is tunneling over long distance between two redox cofactors, and a coupled proton is moving along a proton conducting channel in a classical, diffusion-like random walk fashion. Such reactions are typical for COX and other enzymes involved in biological energy transformations.
Reflex and autorhythmicity: A formal model

Abstract A formal model for the nervous system is indicated by consideration of both the reflex and autorhythmicity. A space R A is presented for the nervous system based upon proposed definitions and axioms of the reflex and autorhythmicity. Experimental observations are described that illustrate and support the definitions and axioms of R A. A theorem suggested for R A is that it has a linear subspace.
SU-GG-T-344: Modifications of the MCNP Code to Facilitate Monte Carlo Dose Calculations with a CT Geometry

Purpose: MCNP is a powerful Monte Carlo code, which is capable of modeling three‐dimensional complex geometries and in the meanwhile provides high computational efficiency. However, as a general‐purpose code, not all the issues in the specific application of Monte Carlo dose calculation in a patient geometry were fully addressed. The purpose of this study is to develop a modified version of the MCNP code to facilitate Monte Carlo dose calculations involving a large number of CT voxels and geometry change. Method and Materials: A new type of BOX object is added to MCNP for being the container of a CT volume. Unlike the universe/fill structure in MCNP, this CT box is only filled with a single ordinary MCNP BOX object of the dimensions of a CT voxel. The location, dimensions, and material of the CT voxel box are allowed to change. Therefore, this voxel box is able to represent any CT voxel in the CT volume. Such a scheme has the advantage of saving computer memory. The material for CT voxels can be a Hounsfield unit (HU). The HU will be converted to a MCNP material on the fly. With the density effect ignored, the density of a material is allowed to change. Hence, each HU is associated with a unique mass density without defining a material for each HU. The geometry can also be changed in a simulation to enable simulations involving motions such as MLC leaf movement. Results and Conclusion: A modified MCNP code is currently under development and debugging. The new code will one hand takes advantage of the great features in MCNP, and on the other hand facilitate and speed up the procedure of CT based Monte Carlo simulations. It will especially simplify motion‐involved simulations such as those for IMRT.
Paddlesport Entanglement Safety Tools: Effectiveness and Efficiency in Knives and Shears

Paddlesports organizations stress the importance of having proper gear for optimum safety (ACA, 2009; BCU, 2009; Johnson, 2002; Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides and Instructors, 2009). Paddlers of all abilities refer to a â€œto bring/gear listâ€ when preparing for time on the water. Gear lists vary in their recommendations for tools concerning entanglement safety. Some indicate the need for a knife (ACA, 2009; Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides and Instructors, 2009). Others do not mention the need for such an implement (BCU, 2009; Johnson, 2002). A review of gear lists from nationally recognized organizations, paddlesport books, and paddlesport clubs found that the knife was the only tool recommended for entanglement safety. Folk knowledge suggests that other entanglement safety tools (trauma shears, multi-tool, hook type razor, etcâ€¦), though not as popular, are also being carried by paddlers. Folk knowledge is learned by word of mouth, watching others, and partaking in traditions (Bulger, 2000; Landers & Kretchmar, 2008). Literature on entanglement safety in paddlesports, both empirical and expert opinion, is sparse. There is a lack of inquiry about the efficacy of potential rope entanglement safety devices. One purpose of this study was to measure which tools, knives or shears, cut paddling related ropes more efficiently. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was chosen to compare efficiency of knives verses shears on cut throw and tow ropes by assessing muscle activation levels. Muscles emanate myoelectric signals. The sEMG sensory system used these signals to analyze the muscle during a cutting maneuver (Basmajian, & DeLuca, 1985; Konrad, 2005). Statement of Hypotheses: Shears will utilize less muscle activation, less time, and allow for more success than knives to cut a tow rope or throw rope.
CALLING: THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SCALE MEASURE

This study clarifies the definition of calling—a consuming, meaningful passion people experience toward a domain—and develops a 12-item scale measure of calling. Drawing on multiwave longitudinal, 2-wave longitudinal, and cross-sectional data from 1,500 participants (2,278 observations) in 4 separate domains, music, art, business, and management, we demonstrate the scale's reliability and unidimensional structure across contexts and over time. We establish the scale's convergent validity and discriminant validity. We determine criterion-related validity through the scale's relationship to satisfaction with the calling domain, career-related self-efficacy, clarity of professional identity, career insight, attending a calling-oriented college program, professional pursuit of the calling domain, and differences across the 4 domains. We discuss implications of this reliable, valid measure for theory and research on calling, meaning of work, and careers.
Information fusion in navigation systems via factor graph based incremental smoothing

Abstract This paper presents a new approach for high-rate information fusion in modern inertial navigation systems, that have a variety of sensors operating at different frequencies. Optimal information fusion corresponds to calculating the maximum a posteriori estimate over the joint probability distribution function (pdf) of all states, a computationally-expensive process in the general case. Our approach consists of two key components, which yields a flexible, high-rate, near-optimal inertial navigation system. First, the joint pdf is represented using a graphical model, the factor graph, that fully exploits the system sparsity and provides a plug and play capability that easily accommodates the addition and removal of measurement sources. Second, an efficient incremental inference algorithm over the factor graph is applied, whose performance approaches the solution that would be obtained by a computationally-expensive batch optimization at a fraction of the computational cost. To further aid high-rate performance, we introduce an equivalent IMU factor based on a recently developed technique for IMU pre-integration, drastically reducing the number of states that must be added to the system. The proposed approach is experimentally validated using real IMU and imagery data that was recorded by a ground vehicle, and a statistical performance study is conducted in a simulated aerial scenario. A comparison to conventional fixed-lag smoothing demonstrates that our method provides a considerably improved trade-off between computational complexity and performance.
Angiogenesis in the ischemic rat lung.

The adult lung is perfused by both the systemic bronchial artery and the entire venous return flowing through the pulmonary arteries. In most lung pathologies, it is the smaller systemic vasculature that responds to a need for enhanced lung perfusion and shows robust neovascularization. Pulmonary vascular ischemia induced by pulmonary artery obstruction has been shown to result in rapid systemic arterial angiogenesis in man as well as in several animal models. Although the histologic assessment of the time course of bronchial artery proliferation in rats was carefully described by Weibel 1, mechanisms responsible for this organized growth of new vessels are not clear. We provide surgical details of inducing left pulmonary artery ischemia in the rat that leads to bronchial neovascularization. Quantification of the extent of angiogenesis presents an additional challenge due to the presence of the two vascular beds within the lung. Methods to determine functional angiogenesis based on labeled microsphere injections are provided.
Coffee Cup Atomic Force Microscopy

In this activity, students use a model created from a coffee cup or cardstock cutout to explore the working principle of an atomic force microscope (AFM). Students manipulate a model of an AFM, using it to examine various objects to retrieve topographic data and then graph and interpret results. The students observe that movement of the AFM cantilever can be monitored by the deflection of a laser beam. Goals for the students are to examine macroscopic objects and relate their measurement technique to the atomic- and molecular-scale measurements of an actual AFM.
Electrostatic protein-protein interactions: Comparison of point-dipole and finite-length dipole potentials of mean force

Abstract Based on summation of Coulombic interactions, a model is developed for finite-length dipole potentials of mean force in a salt-free dielectric continuum. Point-dipole and finite-length dipole potentials of mean force are compared for protein–protein interactions using parameters for bovine α-chymotrypsin. The two approximations made in the commonly used analytical point-dipole potentials of mean force are not valid at distances near contact. Relative to the finite-length dipole model, the high-temperature approximation overpredicts, and the point-dipole approximation underpredicts charge–dipole and dipole–dipole attractions.
Optimization of System Availability for a Multi-State Preventive Maintenance Model from the Perspective of a System’s Components

This study aims at the multi-state degraded system with multi-state components to propose a novel approach of performance evaluation and a preventive maintenance model from the perspective of a system’s components. The general non-homogeneous continuous-time Markov model (NHCTMM) and its analogous Markov reward model (NHCTMRM) are used to quantify the intensity of state transitions during the degradation process. Accordingly, the bound approximation approach is applied to solve the established NHCTMMs and NHCTMRMs, thus evaluating system performance including system availability and total maintenance cost to overcome their inherent computational difficulties. Furthermore, this study adopts a genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize a proposed preventive maintenance model. A simulation illustrates the feasibility and practicability of the proposed approach.
Scale development for measuring stance as degree of accommodation

Abstract This study develops a multiple-item scale for measuring public relations stance, as the starting point for making strategies and tactics. Following the conceptualization and operationalization of stance as degree of accommodation, one judge panel and two PRSA member survey data sets are employed for scale development and testing. The scale's reliability, factorial structure and validity are further assessed. This systematic procedure provides a valid and reliable scale with two clusters of enactments of stance: action-based accommodation and qualified-rhetoric-mixed accommodation. This scale can be used by practitioners to measure the organization and its publics’ willingness to take accommodation in a given situation, as well as how these stances evolve and/or persist longitudinally.
Surface chemical reactions studied via ab initio‐derived molecular dynamics simulations: Fluorine etching of Si(100)

Previous isothermal dynamics simulations of the interaction of F with Si(100) failed to predict any reaction beyond saturation of the surface dangling bonds. We show that this lack of reactivity was due to the overly repulsive nature of the empirical potential employed. We used the method of simulated annealing to fit a new analytic interaction potential to data from ab initio configuration interaction calculations. This potential was then utilized in isothermal molecular dynamics simulations to explore the mechanism by which fluorine begins to etch silicon. Calculated adsorption and reaction probabilities, as a function of both fluorine coverage and structure, reveal that the buildup of the fluorosilyl layer occurs via several competing reactions and that it does not follow a well defined reaction sequence. This competition creates disorder in the adsorbed fluorosilyl layer, which is shown to be an important precursor to continued reaction. Idealized ordered surface structures are shown to be unstable re...
Preliminary characterization of a Chinese hamster ovary cell glycosylation mutant isolated by screening for low intracellular lysosomal enzyme activity.

A novel screening procedure was developed for isolating Chinese hamster ovary cell mutants altered in the early steps of the biosynthesis of asparagine-linked glycoproteins. This procedure identifies cells with low intracellular levels of two lysosomal hydrolases, beta-glucuronidase and alpha-iduronidase. One mutant cell line isolated in this way, CHB 11-1-3, has low intracellular levels of seven lysosomal enzymes as compared to wild-type cells. Although CHB 11-1-3 synthesizes mannosylphosphoryldolichol and [Man]5[NAcG1cNH2]2-P-P-lipid, it fails to utilize these lipid intermediates to make normal amounts of [Glc]3[Man]9[NAcG1cNH2]2P-P-lipid. As a consequence of this glycosylation defect, this mutant transfers oligosaccharides of a different structure than wild type to the lysosomal enzyme beta-hexosaminidase. In addition, it underglycosylates its proteins.
A system for real-time competitive market intelligence

A method is described for real-time market intelligence and competitive analysis. News stories are collected online for a designated group of companies. The goal is to detect critical differences in the text written about a company versus the text for its competitors. A solution is found by mapping the task into a non-stationary text categorization model. The overall design consists of the following components: (a) a real-time crawler that monitors newswires for stories about the competitors (b) a conditional document retriever that selects only those documents that meet the indicated conditions (c) text analysis techniques that convert the documents to a numerical format (d) rule induction methods for finding patterns in data (e) presentation techniques for displaying results. The method is extended to combine text with numerical measures, such as those based on stock prices and market capitalizations, that allow for more objective evaluations and projections.
Effects of concurrent hemisphere-specific activity on unimanual tapping rate.

Abstract In Experiment 1, concurrently reading paragraphs reduced unimanual tapping rate more for the right than for the left index finger. This effect was larger when subjects were reading aloud rather than silently and larger for subjects who expected a test of paragraph content than for subjects who did not. In Experiment 2, the opposite hand difference was obtained when the concurrent activity involved solving a Block Design problem. Together, the experiments indicate that lateral differences in interference with manual performance depend on the differential involvement of the two cerebral hemispheres in the concurrent activity and that such effects are influenced by both motor and cognitive aspects of the concurrent task.
Vortex Ring Model of Tip Vortex Aperiodicity in a Hovering Helicopter Rotor

The wandering motion of tip vortices trailed from a hovering helicopter rotor is described. This aperiodicity is known to cause errors in the determination of vortex properties that are crucial inputs for refined aerodynamic analyses of helicopter rotors. Measurements of blade tip vortices up to 260deg vortex age using stereo particle-image velocimetry (PIV) indicate that this aperiodicity is anisotropic. We describe an analytical model that captures this anisotropic behavior. The analysis approximates the helical wake as a series of vortex rings that are allowed to interact with each other. The vorticity in the rings is a function of the blade loading. Vortex core growth is modeled by accounting for vortex filament strain and by using an empirical model for viscous diffusion. The sensitivity of the analysis to the choice of initial vortex core radius, viscosity parameter, time step, and number of rings shed is explored. Analytical predictions of the orientation of anisotropy correlated with experimental measurements within 10%. The analysis can be used as a computationally inexpensive method to generate probability distribution functions for vortex core positions that can then be used to correct for aperiodicity in measurements. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4026859]
Violence restrained: Effects of self-regulation and its depletion on aggression

Aggressive impulses arise from many factors, but they are usually held in check by social norms for self-control. Thus, the proximal cause of aggression is often failure of self-restraint. In five studies, depleted capacity for self-regulation (caused by prior, even irrelevant acts of self-regulation) increased aggressive responding, especially after an insulting provocation. When participants were insulted and their self-regulatory strength was depleted (i.e., after completing previous tasks that required self-regulation), participants were more likely to aggress. When the urge to aggress was relatively weaker (i.e., when participants were not insulted), self-regulatory depletion did not increase aggressive behavior. This effect was moderated by trait self-control: Participants low in trait self-control were particularly likely to express intentions of behaving aggressively in response to provocation, whereas participants high in trait self-control did not express intentions of responding aggressively. Laboratory, autobiographical memory, and hypothetical responses confirmed the pattern.
Respondent-Driven Sampling: A New Method to Sample Businesses in Africa

Much of our understanding about contemporary African economies relies on survey data from small and medium enterprises. In this study, we apply a new method for sampling enterprises: respondent-driven sampling, or RDS. RDS is a modified method of chain-referral or network sampling, in which survey participants recruit other enterprises in their social network to the study. It incorporates a mathematical model to minimise biases inherent in network sampling. RDS has the potential to complement existing sampling methods, such as household listing, random walks and using existing frames. This study has three objectives: it evaluates the feasibility of using RDS to study enterprises, tests the statistical assumptions underlying the RDS approach and compares the sample characteristics with external data. We applied RDS in a survey of small and medium enterprises in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. To our knowledge, this is the first time RDS has been applied to enterprises. We find that RDS is a feasible, efficient method for obtaining a high-quality sample of enterprises: 608 enterprises were interviewed within 6 weeks and the statistical assumptions underlying RDS generally held. We also show that RDS captures less established businesses that are less likely to be in surveys based on government and commercial sampling frames. These findings lead to the conclusion that RDS is a viable complement to existing sampling methods.
Resonance Raman spectra of cytochrome oxidase. Evidence for photoreduction by laser photons in resonance with the Soret band.

Abstract Resonance Raman spectra of cytochrome oxidase solubilized in Tween 20 and sodium cholate, and excited at 413.1 nm have been recorded. Differences in the resonance Raman spectra of the two preparations are minimal indicating that the local environment of the hemes is similar in the two preparations. As in the work of Salmeen, et al. (1973) (Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 52, 1100) the strongest band appears at 1358 cm −1 . Some of the other bands differ slightly in their band shapes and frequencies when compared to their spectra; these differences can be accounted for by differences in resonance enhancement of the various bands when exciting at 441.6 and 413.1 nm. A study of the region from 1350 to 1380 cm −1 as a function of laser intensity (10–130 mW on sample) indicate that the doublet reported by Salmeen, et al. at 1358 and 1372 cm −1 is a result of photoreduction of the preparations. In samples to which potassium ferricyanide had been added, broad luminescence bands appear at 476 and 641 nm from which it is inferred that catalytic amounts of flavin in the preparations are photoreduced providing reducing equivalents to cytochrome oxidase.
Staining tissue with methacrylate casts for light microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of methyl methacrylate casts and light microscopy (LM) of tissue are well-established methods for studying the microcirculation. The two are complimentary, but methacrylate is transparent and thus its presence is often not appreciated by LM. Applying histologic stains to sections of tissue embedded in methyl methacrylate would allow the relationships of light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic views of cast vasculature to be better appreciated. We sought to test different stains on cast tissue to find one that would accent the cast. Surgically removed and autopsied human lungs were cast with methacrylate and processed by routine light microscopic methods. They were stained with the hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichome, elastic--van Gieson, Grocott methenamine silver, Brown-Brennan, and Ziehl-Neelsen methods. The Ziehl-Neelsen procedure stained the methacrylate best, giving it a red color. This procedure also worked well without heating. We conclude that (1) cast methacrylate lung can be processed for routine LM with excellent results; (2) methacrylate stains well with the Ziehl-Neelsen technique; (3) the acid--fast stained cast lung shows capillaries and cells in both normal and diseased lung better than the routine hematoxylin and eosin stain; (4) this technique can be used to assess filling and correlate findings on the same tissue with the two different microscopic methods.
Self-Diffusion in Cobalt

The self-diffusion of cobalt has been measured using radioactive ${\mathrm{Co}}^{60}$. The radioactive ${\mathrm{Co}}^{60}$ was evaporated onto the surface of pure cobalt samples. The absorption coefficient in cobalt of the complex spectrum of the radioactive isotope was required in the mathematical analysis used. This was determined under conditions similar to those present in the diffusion samples. The data at 1050\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, 1150\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, and 1250\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, indicate that the self-diffusion coefficient for cobalt is given approximately by $D=0.37{e}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{67000}{\mathrm{RT}}}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$-${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
The effects of the clinically tested NMDA receptor antagonist memantine on carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia in rats

Abstract This study tested the prophylactic and the therapeutic efficacy of memantine (1-amino-3,5-dimethyl-amandate), a clinically tested N- methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, in suppressing carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia in rats. Rats were injected with 0.1 ml of 1% carrageenan solution s.c. into the right hindpaw, and exhibited hyperalgesia in the injected paw as evidenced by a significant reduction of withdrawal latencies from baseline 1, 3, 5, and 24 h following carrageenan. Prophylactic injection of memantine, 10 and 15 mg/kg, significantly suppressed the hyperalgesia 1, 3, and 5 h post-carrageenan, with maximal effects of 70% (10 mg/kg) and 90% (15 mg/kg) at 1 h post-carragreebnan. Therapeutic injection of 10 mg/kg of memantine (2.5 h post-carrageenan) had no effect. The 15 mg/kg dose produced a small effect (peak of 44%) at 3.5 h but not at a statistically significant level, and had no effect 5 h post-carrageenan. This study provides evidence that memantine produces primarily a prophylactic effect (and has only a tendency to produce a therapeutic effect) on carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia at doses that do not significantly alter other motor behaviors.
Then and now: my 20 years on the firing line.

Abstract [Katz JE. Then and now: my 20 years on the firing line. Ann Emerg Med . January 2001;37:112-113.]
An experimental investigation of a jet issuing from a wing in crossflow.

The aerodynamic interference resulting from a jet issuing normal to the chordal plane of a twodimensional wing in a crossflow has been experimentally investigated. Measurements of the interference surface pressure distribution on the wing and of the wing interference force and moment coefficients have been made for a systematic variation of jet exit location, jet exit diameter, wing angle-of-attack, and the ratio of jet exit velocity to freestream velocity, A. A comparison of the contours of constant interference surface pressure on the wing lower surface with those for an infinite flat plate reveals that they are much the same for A > 6. The dissimilarity becomes greater as X is decreased, primarily through the growth of an extensive region of positive interference surface pressure forward of the jet on the wing. Interference lift losses of approximately the same magnitude for all geometries were observed for X > 6. However, a lift augmentation occurred for X < 6 which was attenuated by increases in angle-of-attack, forward movement of the jet exit location, and decreases in jet exit size. The data indicate that the character of the interference flow is distinctly different for high and low values of the velocity ratio.
Computational study of effects of tension imbalance on phonation in a three-dimensional tubular larynx model.

Summary Objectives The present study explores the use of a continuum-based computational model to investigate the effect of left-right tension imbalance on vocal fold (VF) vibrations and glottal aerodynamics, as well as its implication on phonation. The study allows us to gain new insights into the underlying physical mechanism of irregularities induced by VF tension imbalance associated with unilateral cricothyroid muscle paralysis. Methods A three-dimensional simulation of glottal flow and VF dynamics in a tubular laryngeal model with tension imbalance was conducted by using a coupled flow-structure interaction computational model. Tension imbalance was modeled by reducing by 20% the Young's modulus of one of the VFs, while holding VF length constant. Effects of tension imbalance on vibratory characteristic of the VFs and on the time-varying properties of glottal airflow as well as the aerodynamic energy transfer are comprehensively analyzed. Results and Conclusions The analysis demonstrates that the continuum-based biomechanical model can provide a good description of phonatory dynamics in tension imbalance conditions. It is found that although 20% tension imbalance does not have noticeable effects on the fundamental frequency, it does lead to a larger glottal flow leakage and asymmetric vibrations of the two VFs. A detailed analysis of the energy transfer suggests that the majority of the energy is consumed by the lateral motion of the VFs and the net energy transferred to the softer fold is less than the one transferred to the normal fold.
Stiffness tuning of FeGa structures manufactured by ultrasonic additive manufacturing

This paper investigates the use of Galfenol (FeGa) composite beams as solid-state, adaptive vibration absorbers that have an electrically-tunable sti ness. The study encompasses the manufacture of these structures by ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) and the formulation of a continuous model for the beams' bending vibrations. The beams' 1st and 3rd resonant frequencies are calculated as a function of base acceleration, Galfenol volume fraction, and DC magnetic eld. The e ects of an axial force, viscoelastic material damping, beam nonuniformity, and Galfenol's nonlinear behavior are incorporated. Autoresonant feedback control is used as a numerical technique to maintain the resonant state under changes in the inputs. The model is validated by comparing (1) calculated and analytical frequency responses and (2) calculated and measured resonant frequencies and modes shapes of a Galfenol/Al 6061 composite beam that was manufactured using UAM. The modeling results show that by varying the DC magnetic eld, the resonant frequency can be tuned between 3 % and 51 % for Galfenol/Al 6061 composites containing from 10 % to 100 % Galfenol by volume, respectively. The magnitude of this change will increase for composites that have a softer matrix. The axial force was found to have only a small e ect on the maximum resonant frequency tunability, but, for high Galfenol volume fractions, was also found to broaden the region over which tuning can occur.
Elastic behavior of magnetic oxides from acoustic and static compression studies

Acoustic and static compression data provide complementary data on the elastic properties of minerals; when both types of data are available, they can be combined to yield refined values of the bulk modulus Ko and its pressure derivative Ko′. Magnetoelastic interactions in the vicinity of second-order phase transitions in 3d transition element oxides have marked effects on their elastic behavior. For hematite, acoustic data indicate that Ko decreases by 10% across the Morin transition at P = 15 kbar and T = 298 K, producing a change in slope of the pressure-volume equation of state which is also reflected in the static compression data for multi-domained specimens. Such discontinuities in the bulk modulus are difficult to observe in static compression experiments, but are commonly associated with second-order phase transitions and help to explain anomalies in the data for other magnetic oxides.
A Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Management of Low-risk Non–muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer Using Office-based Fulguration

Objective To examine the cost-effectiveness of endoscopic treatment of low-risk non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) via office-based fulguration vs operating room–based transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB). Methods A Markov state-transition model was created to simulate and compare the economic burden of managing patients with office-based fulguration vs TURB. Direct procedural and hospitalization costs were queried from our institution. Patients were modeled as being followed up routinely with flexible cystoscopy, whereas tumor recurrences were treated with either fulguration or TURB. Results A strategy of office-based fulguration was more cost-effective than TURB ($1171 per quality-adjusted life year [QALY] vs $1208 per QALY) to treat recurrent NMIBC over a 5-year period. Fulguration was both more effective (14.94 vs 14.91 QALYs) as well as less expensive ($17,494 vs $18,005), thus dominating TURB. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was −$18,440 per QALY. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the relative costs of the procedures are more significant in determining cost-effectiveness than their respective utilities. Conclusion Office-based cystoscopy and fulguration was more cost-effective than TURB for treating recurrent low-risk NMIBC. Adherence to an office-based treatment plan can lead to significant cost savings with a decreased therapeutic burden over the lifetime of a patient with NMIBC.
Association of diabetes, homocysteine, and HDL with cognition and disability after stroke

Objective: To delineate factors associated with cognitive function following stroke and test the hypothesis that vascular risk factors associated with oxidative stress impair recovery. Method: We performed a post hoc analysis of the extensive longitudinal database from the 3,680 subjects (over 35 years old) entered between 1996 and 2003 into the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention trial using a linear mixed effects model. The primary outcome variables were scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results: MMSE and mRS gradually improved during the 2-year follow-up period. Increased age and nonwhite race, recurrent stroke, diabetes mellitus, left hemisphere cortical lesions, and values of high-density lipoprotein and homocysteine were independent predictors of less successful cognitive recovery. A strong interaction between homocysteine and age indicated a threshold effect beginning in the late 50s. No vitamin treatment effects were identified. Similar factors were identified for recovery of disability as assessed by the mRS, although there were qualitative and quantitative differences. Conclusions: The finding that diabetes, high-density lipoprotein, and homocysteine predict poorer cognitive function and greater disability after stroke is consistent with the hypothesis that metabolic stress plays a significant role in the poststroke period.
The ultimate limits of optical communication efficiency with photon-counting receivers

Coherent states achieve the Holevo capacity of a pure-loss channel when paired with an optimal measurement, but a physical realization of this measurement is unknown, and likely to be of high complexity. In this paper, we focus on the photon-counting measurement and study the photon and dimensional efficiencies attainable with modulations over classical- and nonclassical-state alphabets. We first review state-of-the-art coherent on-off-keying (OOK) and pulse-position modulation (PPM) with a photon-counting measurement, illustrating its asymptotic inefficiency relative to the Holevo limit. Then we analyze two architectures that improve upon the dimensional versus photon efficiency tradeoff achievable with conventional OOK or PPM. We show that at high photon efficiency these architectures achieve an efficiency tradeoff that differs from the best possible tradeoff by only a constant factor. The first architecture is a coherent-state transmitter that relies on feedback from the receiver to control the transmitted energy. The second architecture uses a single-photon number-state source.
A Technique For Automatic Motion Correction In Dsa

The motion of the contracting heart has made it impossible to study coronary arteries with venous injections of contrast using digital subtraction angiography (DSA), even with cardiac gating. Furthermore, for intravenous injections, the images are statistically very poor due to the small size of the vessels and dilution of the contrast media, rendering the images diagnostically useless. A technique based on polynomial transformations has been implemented and is being evaluated which permits removal of motion between a pair of images acquired during mask-mode DSA. This technique is capable of handling three-dimensional motion and is based on applications of techniques of fluid dynamics, statistical sampling theory, and artificial intelligence. A series of phantom images, exhibiting three dimensional motion, are shown which demonstrate the ability of the technique to remove motion.
Epitaxial crystallization of oligopeptides on alkali halide surfaces

Abstract Five oligopeptides—glycylglycine, glycyl- l -asparagine, glutathione, glycyl- l -prolyl- l -alanine, and glycyl- l -prolyl-glycyl-glycine—were crystallized epitaxially from solution on a variety of alkali halide (001) cleavage faces. Morphological observations, in conjunction with knowledge of the crystal structure of the first three compounds, have enabled some inferences to be drawn on molecular orientations upon the substrate surface. Comparisons have been made between the epitaxial crystallization of these oligopeptides and the oriented overgrowths formed by chain macromolecules on the same surfaces. From these studies it can be shown that some di-, tri-, and tetrapeptides, which are representative of important amino acid sequences in collagen, exhibit a specific and positive mode of association on a mineral surface.