cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Estimation of NMR Spectral Parameters Under Low Signal-to-Noise Conditions

Abstract The Bayesian statistical method of spectral estimation is applied to NMR free induction decay signals at various values of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The frequency and amplitude estimates from the Bayesian calculations are more accurate than those from the commonly used fast Fourier transformation (FFT) of the same data sets. Both real and synthetic data sets are examined with the Bayesian results being superior in all cases. In addition to the superior performance at low SNR the Bayesian derived amplitudes and frequency estimates were not as affected by signal decay as in Fourier Transformed spectra. Finally, the amplitudes obtained are equal to the FFT integrated intensities resulting in an apparent frequency domain signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) greater than the FFT SNR by a factor proportional to the FFT frequency domain linewidth. For typical high resolution spectra this improvement was approximately a factor of 2.5. Even greater improvement is obtained when rapidly decaying signals are analy...
Hematometra of the rudimentary horn of a unicornuate uterus resulting from cesarean section.

A 30-year-old woman complained of increasing dysmenorrhea and progressive right lower-quadrant pain after cesarean section. A pelvic mass was observed and subsequently a congenital mullerian anomaly was diagnosed upon serial examination. We report the first apparent case of hematometra of the rudimentary horn of a unicornuate uterus resulting from cesarean section.
Progress in Physiological Optics

A survey is made of the current state of physiological optics, broadly defined as equated with visual science. After a survey of some historical and definitional matters, recent progress in a number of areas is critically reviewed. Finally, seven examples of important recent discoveries in physiological optics are given.
Cost-effectiveness of a primary care intervention for depressed females.

Abstract Background: To date, there is little information about the differential impact of primary care interventions by gender. We conducted an exploratory cost–effectiveness analysis by gender of an intervention to improve recognition and guideline-concordant treatment of depression in primary care. Methods: Primary care practices that did not employ an onsite mental healthcare specialist were randomized to enhanced (intervention) versus usual care. All subjects met study criteria for current major depression. Medical Outcomes Study SF-36 scores were converted into quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) to compare the 1-year effectiveness of enhanced versus usual care by gender. Based on results of previous studies, antidepressant acceptors beginning a new depression treatment episode were the focus of the analysis. Statistical analyses included multivariate regression models controlling for sociodemographic and clinical covariates. Results: In the main analysis, enhanced care for females was more expensive and more effective than usual care, at an additional cost of $5244 per QALY. For males, enhanced care was essentially cost and outcome neutral compared to usual care. The cost–effectiveness ratio estimates were robust to sensitivity analyses. Psychological side effects to the intervention may partially explain the limited effect of the intervention on outcomes for males. Limitations: We consider these results exploratory because the SF-36 to quality-adjusted life year conversion formula is preliminary and because of the relatively small sample size. Conclusions: The estimated cost–effectiveness ratio of this depression intervention is within the acceptable range for females, but not males. If replicated, these exploratory findings suggest that interventions to improve primary care depression treatment may need to be modified to improve their effectiveness in males while maintaining their effectiveness in females.
Online Shopper Motivations, and e-Store Attributes: An Examination of Online Patronage Behavior and Shopper Typologies

Abstract e-Stores and online shopping have become important aspects of a retailer's strategy. Previous research suggests that online shoppers are fundamentally different from traditional offline shoppers. However, based on the Big Middle Theory ( Levy et al. 2005 ), the authors believe that there are segments of online shoppers that are very similar to regular shopper groups. To determine this, online shopping motivations and e-store attribute importance measures are separately used as the basis to develop online shopper typologies. Results reveal that there are more similarities than differences among traditional and online store shoppers. However, there are a few unique shopper types present at online stores, attracted by the distinctive characteristics and attributes of the online retail environment. The findings offer interesting implications for online retail strategy.
Total hip arthroplasty: differences in outcome measures between men and women.

Introduction Patient-related factors impact the long-term survival of hip arthroplasty. This study evaluated whether there were differences in outcome measures between men and women undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Methods A retrospective study of prospectively collected data on 75 primary total hip arthroplasties in 72 patients was conducted. Medical history, physical examination, Harris Hip scores, and Quality of Life forms (SF-36) were obtained for each patient preoperatively and postoperatively. Preoperative radiographs were assessed using the Kellgren and Lawrence scoring system. Only patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were included. Results Preoperatively, women and men had comparable Kellgren and Lawrence scores and Harris Hip scores. Of the 8 subscores for the SF-36, only the Physical Functioning subscore was significantly different preoperatively. Similar results were noted postoperatively; again, only the Physical Functioning subscores were significantly different between men and women. Conclusions Physician assessments were not significantly different preoperatively and postoperatively for men or women. The results for the SF-36 were similar except for a significant difference in the Physical Functioning subscore preoperatively and postoperatively. According to the Medical Outcomes Trust, the SF-36 Physical Functioning score has been shown to be the best all-around measure of physical health.
Effect of Loxosceles reclusa Gertsch and Mulaik venom against hemocytes of Acheta domesticus (Linnaeus).

Abstract Effect of the venom from the brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa Gertsch and Mulaik, against the hemocytes of Acheta domesticus (Linnaeus) was studied. Hemolysis was determined by exact total hemocyte counts of each cricket and by preparing air-dried smears of the hemolymph of several normal and treated crickets. Evidence for a hemolytic effect of venom from L. reclusa was demonstrated. Severe necrosis was noted in many of the venom treated crickets.
HNPCC: an uncommon but important diagnosis.

Background & Aims: Estimates of the frequency of hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) based on clinical criteria have varied widely. Recent studies of germline mismatch repair gene mutations have suggested that HNPCC accounts for close to 3% of all colon cancer, but this estimate may have been inflated by inclusion of founder effects peculiar to Finland. We therefore determined by genetic criteria the colon cancer burden associated with HNPCC in a population-based study of 1066 individuals from Utah and California. Methods: The coding regions of mismatch repair genes hMSH2 and hMLH1 were sequenced from the germline of those individuals whose tumors exhibited microsatellite instability. Results: Microsatellite instability was present in 16% (171/1066) of tumors. Pathogenic germline mismatch repair gene mutations were identified in 7 individuals, and missense amino acid changes of uncertain significance were identified in another 6 individuals. After adjusting for the availability of sufficient germline DNA for sequencing, the 7 clearly pathogenic mutations accounted for 0.86% of colon cancer at the population level. Individuals with these mutations were significantly younger, more likely to have a family history of colon and endometrial cancer, and more likely to have first-degree relatives with a young-age onset of colon cancer than individuals with unstable tumors but without germline mutations (P < 0.01). Conclusions: We conclude that genetically defined HNPCC accounts for a very small percentage of colon cancer at the population level, a percentage less than that estimated by most previous clinical studies.
Modeling, synthesis, and testing of materials and devices for organic semiconductor solar cells

In our work with the phthalocyanines and perylenes, we have formulated a hierarchy of placement of dyes in p-n heterojunction devices to optimize the short circuit current density. Computer modeling of Schottky barrier cells, with parameters fit to experimental results and incorporating field-dependent carrier generation, were used to optimize the power efficiency. The model predicts an optimum carrier concentration density and suggests different hierarchies for utilization of Foerster radiationless energy transfer. Synthesis and purification of materials is also discussed. In terms of purity, most materials used in the literature are shown to have been quite below solar grade. A newly devised purification technique is introduced. A hydration mechanism is shown to exist for chloroaluminum phthalocyanine, previously thought immune to hydration. The latter mechanism had been mistaken before for a simple phase transformation and can be induced by various different treatments with organic solvents in which chloroaluminum phthalocyanine is not soluble. Testing of p-n and Schottky barrier cells is also discussed. The different capacitance vs. voltage (C-V) spectroscopies are compared, and the case for the small signal method is argued over the triangular voltage sweep. Several cautions on the interpretation of the C-V curves are noted.
4D Magnetic resonance velocimetry for mean velocity measurements in complex turbulent flows

An adaptation of a medical magnetic resonance imaging system to the noninvasive measurement of three-component mean velocity fields in complex turbulent engineering flows is described. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the capabilities of the technique with respect to its accuracy, time efficiency and applicability as a design tool for complex turbulent internal geometries. The technique, called 4D magnetic resonance velocimetry (4D-MRV), is used to measure the mean flow in fully developed low-Reynolds number turbulent pipe flow, Re=6400 based on bulk mean velocity and diameter, and in a model of a gas turbine blade internal cooling geometry with four serpentine passages, Re=10,000 and 15,000 based on bulk mean velocity and hydraulic diameter. 4D-MRV is capable of completing full-field measurements in three-dimensional volumes with sizes on the order of the magnet bore diameter in less than one hour. Such measurements can include over 2 million independent mean velocity vectors. Velocities measured in round pipe flow agreed with previous experimental results to within 10%. In the turbulent cooling passage flow, the average flow rates calculated from the 4D-MRV velocity profiles agreed with ultrasonic flowmeter measurements to within 7%. The measurements lend excellent qualitative insight into flow structures even in the highly complex 180° bends. Accurate quantitative measurements were obtained throughout the Re=10,000 flow and in the Re=15,000 flow except in the most complex regions, areas just downstream of high-speed bends, where velocities and velocity fluctuations exceeded MRV capabilities for the chosen set of scan parameters. General guidelines for choosing scanning parameters and suggestions for future development are presented.
Real-time observations with electron microscopy

Dynamic transmission electron microscopy allows observation of changes in both the structure and properties of materials at resolutions from the nanometer to the Angstrom. Here I review four significant developments in instrumentation and technique that are pushing the boundaries of these experiments, including new optics, new experimental geometries, new ways of imaging solids in liquid and gaseous environments, and developments in ultrafast imaging. These advances will significantly improve our understanding in many areas of materials science, nanoscience, and biological function.
Hydrogen bond migration between molecular sites observed with ultrafast 2D IR chemical exchange spectroscopy.

Hydrogen-bonded complexes between phenol and phenylacetylene are studied using ultrafast two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) chemical exchange spectroscopy. Phenylacetylene has two possible π hydrogen bonding acceptor sites (phenyl or acetylene) that compete for hydrogen bond donors in solution at room temperature. The OD stretch frequency of deuterated phenol is sensitive to which acceptor site it is bound. The appearance of off-diagonal peaks between the two vibrational frequencies in the 2D IR spectrum reports on the exchange process between the two competitive hydrogen-bonding sites of phenol−phenylacetylene complexes in the neat phenylacetylene solvent. The chemical exchange process occurs in ∼5 ps and is assigned to direct hydrogen bond migration along the phenylacetylene molecule. Other nonmigration mechanisms are ruled out by performing 2D IR experiments on phenol dissolved in the phenylacetylene/carbon tetrachloride mixed solvent. The observation of direct hydrogen bond migration can have implicatio...
Self-doped Ti3+@TiO2 visible light photocatalyst: Influence of synthetic parameters on the H2 production activity

Abstract Self-doped TiO2 shows visible light photocatalytic activity, while pristine TiO2 is only UV responsive. Ti3+ has been demonstrated to be responsible for this improvement. We systematically studied various experimental parameters, such as the amount of reducing agent imidazole, types of imidazoles and Ti sources, and determined effects of these parameters on the combustion process and final materials. The phase composition, Ti3+ concentration, light absorption, surface area, and crystallinity of the product are significantly affected by the amount of imidazoles. Through comparing different imidazoles, we found that only flammable/combustible imidazoles are able to convert Ti4+ into Ti3+. This result is very helpful in understanding the mechanism and reactions in combustion process. Titanium precursors also have a great influence in production of Ti3+ doped TiO2 materials. Titanium alkoxides allow the successful synthesis of blue partially reduced TiO2, while TiCl4 only lead to white pristine TiO2.
Rapid deposition of subcutaneous areolar tissue in response to sexual stimulation in mice

Many of the reproductive processes of house mice are regulated exteroceptively by social cues1. Puberty in a female mouse, for example, is a labile event that can be accelerated markedly if the young female is housed with an adult male2. The relevant male stimuli in this case are a combination of pheromonal and tactile cues3–5. The female's responses to these cues include an immediate, sequential release of gonadotropic and ovarian hormones6, which in turn evoke a series of predictable changes in most of the female's reproductive tissues and culminate in the pubertal ovulation. I report here an unexpected consequence of exposing a young female mouse to a male, namely an intense response of a non-reproductive tissue. Specifically, young female mice experience a rapid thickening of their subcutaneous areolar tissue when they are exposed to males. The proximal cause of this response seems to be largely, but not exclusively, an enhanced secretion of ovarian oestrogen.
Corn Hybrids for Late Planting in the Southeast

Delayed planting dates in the U.S. Southeast often result in insect and disease problems on corn (Zea mays L.). The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of corn hybrid (type) and planting date on yields and the extent of injury resulting from insects and pathogens. Tropical, Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki Berliner), and non-Bt corn hybrids were evaluated for grain and silage yields and insect damage at planting dates from March to August from 1998 to 2001. Averaged across years, corn silage yields were greatest at March and April planting dates (16.1 Mg ha -1 ) and least from July (6.1 Mg ha -1 ) and August (4.5 Mg ha -1 ) planting dates. Silage yields of tropical corn were 26 and 17% higher than non-Bt and Bt hybrids, respectively, because of less yield reduction at later planting dates. Corn grain yields were greatest at the March planting date (9.6 Mg ha -1 ) and least at July and August planting dates (0.9 and 0.4 Mg ha -1 , respectively). Grain yields of tropical corn were 15 and 10% higher than those of Bt and non-Bt, respectively. Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith), corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie), and southern corn rust disease (Puccinia polysora Underw.) ratings had negative correlations with corn yields. Insect damage was below 6% for Bt hybrids and above 11% for non-Bt hybrids. Tropical corn had higher silage and grain yields and better silage quality and disease resistance than either Bt or non-Bt hybrids.
High Power, Low Power, and Equality: Culture Beyond Individualism and Collectivism

Models of culture are operationalized as individualism and collectivism and have not given sufficient attention to other organizing axes—especially how a society handles power, dependence, and equality. Shavitt, Lalwani, Zhang, and Torelli (2006) make a significant contribution by first reminding the field of power distance (Hofstede, 1980) and then moving beyond a single factor to highlight benefits of Triandis’ (1995) horizontal (valuing equality) individualism–collectivism and vertical (emphasizing hierarchy) individualism–collectivism model. But this approach makes it difficult to disentangle the effects of power and individualism or collectivism; priming procedures and experimental variations of power can counter this limitation. Moreover, current horizontal/vertical approaches do not distinguish between having and not having power, although social cognition research documented differential effects of high and low power on content of self-concept, relationality, and cognition, which suggest previously neglected cultural differences.
Influence of Dietary Nonfiber Carbohydrate Concentration and Supplementation of Sucrose on Lactation Performance of Cows Fed Fescue Silage

Abstract There is interest in knowing if the source of nonfibrous carbohydrates (NFC) influences milk production and composition. Our objective was to determine the effects of source (starch or sugar) and level of NFC in the diet on these parameters. A 4×4 Latin square replicated five times using early-lactation (56±9 DIM) Holstein cows was used; cows were offered one of two levels of NFC and either no added sucrose or sucrose substituting for 10% of the corn. Diets were balanced to meet National Research Council requirements for total protein, energy, and minerals. Tall fescue silage was included at one of two levels (0.95 or 1.25% of BW as forage NDF), resulting in diets with 40 and 30% NFC. The remaining ingredients consisted of high-moisture corn, soybean meal, SoyPlus, minerals, and vitamins. Megalac (0.45kg) was used in the low NFC diets. High NFC diets were lower ( P P P P P P P P P >0.05). Milk lactose (4.79%) and MUN (16.0 mg/dl) concentrations were higher ( P
AGGREGATING EXPERT OPINION IN DECISION‐MAKING

In using nominal groups for decision making, it is necessary to use some mechanical procedure for combining the evaluations. A simulation model is used to compare procedures for the case where a nominal group of m evaluators must select the best of n alternatives and where the evaluations are subject to random errors. Criteria are the probability of making a correct selection and the relative quality of the choice.
Tabletop coherent diffractive imaging of extended objects in transmission and reflection geometry

Recent breakthroughs in high harmonic generation have extended the reach of bright tabletop coherent light sources from a previous limit of ≈100 eV in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) all the way beyond 1 keV in the soft X-ray region. Due to its intrinsically short pulse duration and spatial coherence, this light source can be used to probe the fastest physical processes at the femtosecond timescale, with nanometer-scale spatial resolution using a technique called coherent diffractive imaging (CDI). CDI is an aberration-free technique that replaces image-forming optics with a computer phase retrieval algorithm, which recovers the phase of a measured diffraction amplitude. This technique typically requires the sample of interest to be isolated; however, it is possible to loosen this constraint by imposing isolation on the illumination. Here we extend previous tabletop results, in which we demonstrated the ability to image a test object with 22 nm resolution using 13 nm light [3], to imaging of more complex samples using the keyhole CDI technique adapted to our source. We have recently demonstrated the ability to image extended objects in a transmission geometry with ≈100 nm resolution. Finally, we have taken preliminary CDI measurements of extended nanosystems in reflection geometry. We expect that this capability will soon allow us to image dynamic processes in nanosystems at the femtosecond and nanometer scale.
A 15-year experience of complex scalp reconstruction using free tissue transfer-analysis of risk factors for complications.

Purpose Large, complex scalp defects represent a significant reconstructive challenge, thus a variety of free tissue transfer techniques have been employed to optimally provide soft tissue coverage. The aim of this study is to determine factors associated with complications. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients undergoing free tissue transfer for scalp defects from 1997 to 2011. Patients were compared with respect to demographics, defect characteristics, intraoperative factors, flap choice, and postoperative complications. Results Forty-three flaps were performed in 37 patients with a success rate of 97.7%. Multivariate regression demonstrated that defect characteristics (size of defect) and patient-related factors (age and smoking) were associated with wound complications in scalp reconstruction. Outcomes were similar between the latissimus dorsi (LD) and anterolateral thigh (ALT) groups and the immediate cranioplasty patients with respect to all forms of complications Conclusions We report a 98% success rate using free tissue transfer for complex scalp defects and identify defect size, patient age, and smoking as factors associated with wound complications. Patient comorbidities were associated with major complications. We report equal efficacy in using the ALT and LD, as well as immediate cranioplasty. Level of Evidence Prognostic/risk, level III
A mathematical analysis for a model arising from public goods games

Abstract We study the effects of altruistic behaviors in a public goods game model which describes the competition between the farmers and the exploiters. Corresponding to different parametric regions, we analyze in detail the stability of the equilibrium states and obtain attraction regions for stable equilibria. Then using the upper–lower solution method and monotone iterations, we further show that for a family of wave speeds, there exist traveling wave solutions connecting one of the unstable states to the stable state. This answers a conjecture made by Wakano in [J.Y. Wakano, A mathematical analysis on public goods games in the continuous space, Math. Biosci. 201 (2006) 72–89]. The results indicate that when the penalty for the altruistic behavior is small, the growth rate of the population determines its survival or extinction states in the long run. Furthermore, if the two populations have the same total growth rate, altruism in the competition leads to a wide range of co-existent states. Numerical simulations are also presented to illustrate the theoretical results.
Comparing consumer responses to advertising and non‐advertising mobile communications

With a variety of mobile content, such as weather, sports, and commercial ads, available for consumers to access on wireless devices, it is important to explore the effect of presentation modalities on consumers' ability to retain the information and on consumers' perception of the content. Three messages were presented on a mobile device to 116 respondents via six presentation modalities that combined text, audio, static pictures, and/or video. Strong content effects were found, such that weather information was perceived as most important, most involving, and most likely to influence future mobile usage. Modality effects influenced recall, with complementary modes (visual and audio) facilitating recall of the commercial ad, but hindered recall of weather information. Implications for marketers, content designers, and mobile service providers are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hit-and-run planetary collisions

Terrestrial planet formation is believed to have concluded in our Solar System with about 10 million to 100 million years of giant impacts, where hundreds of Moon- to Mars-sized planetary embryos acquired random velocities through gravitational encounters and resonances with one another and with Jupiter. This led to planet-crossing orbits and collisions that produced the four terrestrial planets, the Moon and asteroids. But here we show that colliding planets do not simply merge, as is commonly assumed. In many cases, the smaller planet escapes from the collision highly deformed, spun up, depressurized from equilibrium, stripped of its outer layers, and sometimes pulled apart into a chain of diverse objects. Remnants of these 'hit-and-run' collisions are predicted to be common among remnant planet-forming populations, and thus to be relevant to asteroid formation and meteorite petrogenesis.
Control fusion for safe multi-robot coordination

Future smart manufacturing systems will include more complex coordination of mobile manipulators (i.e., robot arms mounted on mobile bases). The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducts research on the safety and performance of multiple collaborating robots using a mobile platform, an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with an onboard manipulator. Safety standards for robots and industrial vehicles each mandate their failsafe control, but there is little overlap between the standards that can be relied on when the two systems are combined and their independent controllers make collaborative decisions for safe movement. This paper briefly discusses previously uncovered gaps between AGV and manipulator standards and details decision sharing for when manipulators and AGVs are combined into a collaborative, mobile manipulator system. Tests using the NIST mobile manipulator with various control methods were performed and are described along with test results and plans for further, more complex tests of implicit and explicit coordination control of the mobile manipulator.
Block Scheduling the High School: The Effects on Achievement, Behavior, And Student-Teacher Relationships:

As high schools across the nation seek to improve delivery of instruc tion, increasing numbers are turning to block scheduling. Many ques tions face school communities that are trying to decide whether or not to move to block scheduling. This article seeks to answer questions about block scheduling by discussing current knowledge and by report ing the results of a study conducted at a small rural high school.
A rapid spectrophotometric method for analyzing lycopene content in tomato and tomato products

Abstract Lycopene is a carotenoid that has antioxidant properties and imparts the red pigment in some fruits and vegetables. Tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the predominant lycopene sources in a typical North American diet. Current methods to assay lycopene content in fruit are time consuming, expensive, and use hazardous organic solvents. Here, we report a method by which light absorbance measured with a scanning xenon flash colorimeter/spectrophotometer is used to quantify lycopene content in pureed translucent fruit samples. We evaluated 13 tomatoes (four different cultivars) and 38 tomato products. Our puree absorbance method (PAM) had linear correlation coefficients with lycopene content determined by hexane extraction/spectrophotometry of R 2 =0.97 for fresh tomato, and 0.88 for tomato products. These linear correlations between methods show that this rapid method will likely work for quantitating lycopene content in purees of fresh tomatoes and some prepared foods. Since pureeing is the only processing required and no chemicals are needed, the method is rapid, inexpensive and requires no hazardous chemicals. Since lycopene has health benefits and food colorant potential, lycopene content in fruits is of interest to the food industry. This simple method for measuring lycopene content in a wide variety of foods and food products promises widespread use for lycopene quantitation.
Incidental aneurysms in temporal lobe epilepsy surgery: report of three cases and a review of the literature.

AbstractObjective and importance. In rare instances, patients who are undergoing evaluation for temporal lobe epilepsy surgery will also be found to have an incidental aneurysm adjacent to the temporal lobe. Although busy epilepsy centers will eventually come across cases like this, to our knowledge there are currently no publications regarding such cases or the complex management decisions that follow in caring for these patients. Factors affecting decision making in these cases are discussed in detail. Clinical presentation. Three cases where an incidental aneurysm was discovered during the evaluation and treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy are discussed. Two cases of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm, one ipsilateral to the planned temporal lobectomy and one contralateral aneurysm unsuitable for coiling, were discovered preoperatively. In one case, an incidental posterior cerebral artery (PCA) aneurysm was noted during an amygdalohippocampectomy. Intervention. In the ipsilateral MCA aneurysm case, ...
Concentration of volatile organics in aqueous solutions on uncoated capillary columns and their thermal desorption

A novel technique for the analysis of volatile trace organics in aqueous solutions has been developed. Concentration of organics is performed by passage of the solution being analysed through uncoated hydrophobic capillaries as previously reported. The concentrated organics are then thermally desorbed into a cold trap and subsequently analysed by gas chromatography. The water vapor being coeluted during desorption is selectively removed by the use of a membrane dryer. Quantitative analysis of trace organics in aqueous samples has been successfully carried out in this manner.
Roles of platelet-activating factor and thromboxane in group B Streptococcus-induced pulmonary hypertension in piglets.

ABSTRACT: Platelet-activating factor causes pulmonary hypertension, shock, hypoxemia, neutropenia, and increased pulmonary vascular permeability; some of its effects are due to thromboxane A2 release. Evidence for possible role of these mediators in the genesis of group B Streptococcus (GBS)-induced pulmonary hypertension was sought using specific receptor antagonists for PAF and thromboxane A2 (TxA2) in anesthetized, ventilated piglets (≤ 12 d of age; n = 22). Infusion of 1 × 108 GBS/kg/min for one hour resulted in a sustained and significant increase in pulmonary artery pressure (PPA) from 17 ± 1 to 35 ± 3 torr. Pretreatment with the TxA2 antagonist SQ 29548 (0.75 mg/kg intravenous), completely inhibited the effect of GBS on PPA. Pretreatment with either platelet-activating factor antagonists SRI 63072 (3 mg/kg intravenous) or SRI 63441 (1 mg/kg) did not affect the pulmonary hypertension due to GBS infusion. GBS-induced pulmonary hypertension could be reversed by SQ 29548; SRI 63072 did not affect PPA when administered to pigs with GBS-induced elevation in PPA. Inasmuch as prevention and reversal of GBS-induced pulmonary hypertension are accomplished with the TxA2 antagonist but not with PAF antagonists, these data suggest that TxA2, rather than PAF, is responsible for the early pulmonary hypertension in this model of neonatal GBS sepsis. Therefore, TxA2 antagonists may be clinically useful in treating pulmonary hypertension related to GBS sepsis.
Some research needs for improved seismic qualifications tests of electrical and mechanical equipment

Abstract There is currently a wide variety of methods of seismic simulation for qualifications tests for components to be used in nuclear power plants. This paper poses some questions with regard to the relationships among these methods of seismic simulation, the influence of laboratory seismic simulators required to produce the test seismic environment, and the way one demonstrates component functionality during a qualifications test. In particular, evidence obtained through experience in the laboratory indicates the need for research to improve currently accepted seismic qualifications tests and to show the relationship between previous and present test methods.
Miniature vibration isolation system for space applications

In recent years, there has been a significant interest in, and move towards using highly sensitive, precision payloads on space vehicles. In order to perform tasks such as communicating at extremely high data rates between satellites using laser cross-links, or searching for new planets in distant solar systems using sparse aperture optical elements, a satellite bus and its payload must remain relatively motionless. The ability to hold a precision payload steady is complicated by disturbances from reaction wheels, control moment gyroscopes, solar array drives, stepper motors, and other devices. Because every satellite is essentially unique in its construction, isolating or damping unwanted vibrations usually requires a robust system over a wide bandwidth. The disadvantage of these systems is that they typically are not retrofittable and not tunable to changes in payload size or inertias. Previous work, funded by AFRL, DARPA, BMDO and others, developed technology building blocks that provide new methods to control vibrations of spacecraft. The technology of smart materials enables an unprecedented level of integration of sensors, actuators, and structures; this integration provides the opportunity for new structural designs that can adaptively influence their surrounding environment. To date, several demonstrations have been conducted to mature these technologies. Making use of recent advances in smart materials, microelectronics, Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors, and Multi-Functional Structures (MFS), the Air Force Research Laboratory along with its partner DARPA, have initiated an aggressive program to develop a Miniature Vibration Isolation System (MVIS) (patent pending) for space applications. The MVIS program is a systems-level demonstration of the application of advanced smart materials and structures technology that will enable programmable and retrofittable vibration control of spacecraft precision payloads. The current effort has been awarded to Honeywell Space Systems Operation. AFRL is providing in-house research and testing in support of the program as well. The MVIS program will culminate in a flight demonstration that shows the benefits of applying smart materials for vibration isolation in space and precision payload control.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Stereotactic breast biopsy is accurate, minimally invasive, and cost effective.

Background We reviewed our experience with stereotactic core needle breast biopsy (SCNBB) for accuracy, complication rate, and staging profile of malignancies diagnosed. Methods Since March 1993, 530 stereotactic biopsies were performed. Of these, 25 cases underwent stereotactic core needle biopsy with subsequent wire-guided biopsy. Results In 25 patients with stereotactic and open biopsy, there was an accuracy for SCNBB of 96%. The number of biopsies rose from 100 to 250 biopsies annually, with an equivalent pre-test positive predictive value for mammography (17% to 19% historical versus 20% with SCNBB). The total number of de novo cancer diagnoses have increased from a mean of 57 to a mean of 71 annually. The percentage of tumors in situ, stage I or stage II, has increased from 60% to 69%. Conclusions Stereotactic core needle biopsy combines a high accuracy with a low complication rate. Its aggressive application for tissue diagnosis in suspicious nonpalpable mammographic lesions has increased the proportion of early (in situ and T1 or T2) tumors discovered, and increased the total number of breast cancers diagnosed.
Understanding the Role of Worker Interdependence in Team Selection

In this paper, we evaluate the effectiveness of policies for assigning interdependent workers to teams. Using a computational simulation, we contrast distributing workers equitably across teams based on prior individual performance with policies that distribute workers based on how well people work together. First, we test a policy that clusters workers into teams by finding natural breakpoints among them where their mutual support is weak. Then we test two other policies that both protect the strongest interdependent core of high performers but differ in that one policy separates workers who give little support to interdependent partners and the other separates workers who receive little support from their partners. All three policies outperform the equitable-distribution approach in some circumstances. We make recommendations to managers for harnessing interdependence when forming teams, whether the managers are familiar or unfamiliar with how well their people work together.
Fast modeling of borehole neutron measurements with a new transport-diffusion approximation

Summary The quantitative integration of nuclear measurements into the in-situ petrophysical and geophysical interpretation of rock formation has been difficult because of the lack of efficient algorithms to simulate them. We introduce and successfully implement a new method for rapid simulation of borehole neutron measurements using Monte Carloderived spatial flux sensitivity functions (FSFs) and diffusion flux-difference (DFD) approximations. The method calculates spatial sensitivity flux perturbations using flux-difference approximations of one-group neutron diffusion models. With appropriate boundary conditions, we implement the one-group, time-independent neutron diffusion solution for non-multiplying systems in cylindrical coordinates. The solution is differentiated with respect to neutron cross-section, thereby yielding an expression for flux-difference due to cross-section perturbations. Constant transport-correction factors for cross-section parameters in the diffusion model are calculated with a flux-fitting method. Thereafter, spatial responses are rapidly and accurately calculated using a first-order Rytov diffusion flux-difference (DFD) approximation. Examples of application indicate that neutron porosity logs can be efficiently simulated with the new method even in complex geometrical and physical conditions, with errors lower than 2.5 porosity units (p.u.) in highly-deviated wells.
Economic and Environmental Assessment of Automotive Remanufacturing: Alternator Case Study

Remanufacturing is a process that restores old products to perform like new, while saving energy, reducing consumption of natural resources, and lowering environmental emissions. By extending the product life cycle, remanufacturing approaches enable closed loop material cycles that are ultimately necessary for a sustainable society. This paper provides some description of the current automotive remanufacturing enterprise, with a particular emphasis on key vehicle components that are currently remanufactured. The analysis yields two major conclusions. First, market price of a remanufactured component in the automotive sector is surprisingly uncorrelated with the number of companies engaged in remanufacturing that component — at least for companies registered with the Automotive Parts Remanufacturing Association (ARPA). Second, and less surprisingly, we find that remanufacturing reduces environmental burden significantly over new production. This improvement, for the case of the alternator used as a case study, can easily exceed one order of magnitude in the categories of material use, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are considered here.© 2008 ASME
The nomenclature of safety and quality of care for patients with congenital cardiac disease: a report of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Database Taskforce Subcommittee on Patient Safety.

A large body of literature devoted to “patient safety” and error prevention exists and utilizes a nomenclature that can be applied specifically to the field of congenital cardiac disease and aid in the goals of increasing the safety of patients, decreasing medical error, minimizing mortality and morbidity, and evaluating quality of care. The purpose of this manuscript is to suggest and document a quality of health care taxonomy and the appropriate application of this nomenclature of “patient safety” to the specialty of congenital cardiac disease, with special emphasis on the following ten terms: morbidity, complication, medical error, adverse event, harm, near miss, iatrogenesis, iatrogenic complication, medical injury, and sentinel event. Each of these terms is commonly utilized in the medical literature without universal agreement on their meaning and relationship. It is our hope that the standardization of the definitions of these terms, as they are applied to the analysis of outcomes of the treatments applied to patients with congenital and paediatric cardiac disease, will facilitate improved methodologies to assess and improve quality of care in our profession.
The role of platelet-activating factor-dependent transacetylase in the biosynthesis of 1-acyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine by stimulated endothelial cells.

Abstract Acyl analogs of platelet-activating factor (PAF) (1-acyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, acylacetyl -GPC) are the predominant products synthesized during thrombin or ionophore A23187-mediated activation of endothelial cells. However, the biosynthetic pathway responsible for the production of acylacetyl-GPC is not well understood. In the present investigation, we have demonstrated that the acyl analogs of PAF are also the major products from calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells in response to a time-dependent stimulation of ATP (10−3 m), bradykinin (10−8 m), or ionophore A23187 (2 μm). In addition, we have found that the CoA-independent PAF:acyllyso-GPC transacetylase recently identified by us is concurrently and transiently induced with maximal 4-fold enhancement at 5 min and returned to near basal level by 10 min treatment of endothelial cells with ATP. Acid phosphatase reduces the increased PAF:acyllyso-GPC transacetylase activity from the homogenates of ATP-activated endothelial cells. Reduced PAF:acyllyso-GPC transacetylase activity can be restored by incubating the acid phosphatase-treated homogenates with ATP (5 mm) and Mg2+ (10 mm). Furthermore, okadaic acid, a protein phosphatase 1 and 2A inhibitor, incubated with endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner (1–100 nm) for 10-min potentiates and sustained the stimulation of PAF:acyllyso-GPC transacetylase activity by ATP. On the other hand, genistein, tyrphostin-25 (inhibitors of tyrosine-specific protein kinase), and calphostin C (an inhibitor of protein kinase C) block the activation of PAF:acyllyso-GPC transacetylase by ATP. These results are consistent with the notion that ATP regulates the transacetylase activity by reversible activation and inactivation via the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation cycle. ATP also augments the activities of alkyllyso-GPC/acyllyso-GPC:acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase. However, the activation of the acetyltransferases precedes that of the transacetylase with peak activation occurring at 1–2 min of the ATP treatment. In addition, sodium vanadate, also an inhibitor of protein phosphatase, stimulates the increase in the incorporation of [3H]acetate into acyl[3H]acetyl-GPC of the ATP-treated endothelial cells. Collectively, our data show that both acetyltransferases and transacetylase participate in and contribute to the biosynthesis of acyl analogs of PAF in a coordinate fashion in endothelial cells.
Oxy-fuel combustion of pulverized coal: Characterization, fundamentals, stabilization and CFD modeling

Oxy-fuel combustion has generated significant interest since it was proposed as a carbon capture technology for newly built and retrofitted coal-fired power plants. Research, development and demonstration of oxy-fuel combustion technologies has been advancing in recent years; however, there are still fundamental issues and technological challenges that must be addressed before this technology can reach its full potential, especially in the areas of combustion in oxygen-carbon dioxide environments and potentially at elevated pressures. This paper presents a technical review of oxy-coal combustion covering the most recent experimental and simulation studies, and numerical models for sub-processes are also used to examine the differences between combustion in an oxidizing stream diluted by nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The evolution of this technology from its original inception for high temperature processes to its current form for carbon capture is introduced, followed by a discussion of various oxy-fuel systems proposed for carbon capture. Of all these oxy-fuel systems, recent research has primarily focused on atmospheric air-like oxy-fuel combustion in a CO2-rich environment. Distinct heat and mass transfer, as well as reaction kinetics, have been reported in this environment because of the difference between the physical and chemical properties of CO2 and N2, which in turn changes the flame characteristics. By tracing the physical and chemical processes that coal particles experience during combustion, the characteristics of oxy-fuel combustion are reviewed in the context of heat and mass transfer, fuel delivery and injection, coal particle heating and moisture evaporation, devolatilization and ignition, char oxidation and gasification, as well as pollutants formation. Operation under elevated pressures has also been proposed for oxy-coal combustion systems in order to improve the overall energy efficiency. The potential impact of elevated pressures on oxy-fuel combustion is discussed when applicable. Narrower flammable regimes and lower laminar burning velocity under oxy-fuel combustion conditions may lead to new stability challenges in operating oxy-coal burners. Recent research on stabilization of oxy-fuel combustion is reviewed, and some guiding principles for retrofit are summarized. Distinct characteristics in oxy-coal combustion necessitate modifications of CFD sub-models because the approximations and assumptions for air-fuel combustion may no longer be valid. Advances in sub-models for turbulent flow, heat transfer and reactions in oxy-coal combustion simulations, and the results obtained using CFD are reviewed. Based on the review, research needs in this combustion technology are suggested.
The Picture Frustration Study as a predictor of overt aggression.

(1950). The Picture Frustration Study as a Predictor of Overt Aggression. Journal of Projective Techniques: Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 303-308.