cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coating Thickness Measurement—and what to do with the Results

Modern industry and domestic users continue to demand increasing quantities of coated products. Since price, performance and appearance are all dependent upon the thickness of these coatings, it is mandatory to measure thicknesses as fast, as accurately and as economically as possible. Modern technology has largely solved the mechanics, or more correctly the electronics, of the actual measuring process, but now most ordinary users find problems in how best to use the results for the greatest overall benefit. The Beta Backscatter method of measurement applied to the production and use of printed circuits is taken as an example of what can be done with a little more knowledge, perhaps a little beyond that of simple coating thickness measurement.
An application of qualitative analysis of ordinary differential equations to azeotropic batch distillation

Abstract Recently, a new approach to automate the qualitative analysis of dynamic systems has emerged in the AI literature. This approach has been successful in automatically constructing the phase portraits of explicitly specified second-order nonlinear dynamic systems, using the mathematics of nonlinear dynamics. In this paper, we extend the capability of the existing techniques to implicitly defined equations and apply it to the batch distillation of ternary azeotropic systems. Rigorous models for the batch distillation of azeotropic systems are computationally complex, and the derivation of properties such as feasible regions of operation does not seem possible. In this paper, we develop abstract models (short-cut models) for ternary azeotropic batch distillation based on simplifying assumptions to rigorous models. These abstract models are computationally simpler to analyze without compromising fidelity and would allow the derivation of a feasible region of operation. A knowledge of distillation boundaries and azeotropic points is essential for the proposed process of abstraction. The derivation of the distillation boundaries requires a qualitative analysis of ordinary differential equations describing the simple distillation operation.
The effect of vagus nerve stimulation on migraines

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) inhibits nociceptive behavior in animals. VNS might reduce pain in patients with VNS device implanted for intractable seizures. One case report described possible benefits on migraines. We contacted all patients who received VNS therapy for intractable epilepsy between 1993 and 1999 at Southern Illinois University, Springfield, Illinois. Patients who had concomitant chronic pain were subsequently interviewed. Pain intensity before and after VNS implantation was rated by the patient as average, worst, and least and on numeric rating scale from 1 to 10. Current pain measurements were compared to preimplantation by using Global Pain Relief Rating Scale. Of 62 patients who received VNS, 27 patients were interviewed; 4 patients had common migraine, and no other chronic pain syndromes were identified. All patients with migraine reported reductions in headache frequency and numeric rating scale score for average and least headache intensity. One patient reported complete relief of headaches. Improvement was reported to start 1 to 3 months after initiation of therapy. On Global Pain Relief Rating Scale, 1 patient reported complete pain relief, 2 reported a lot of pain relief, and 1 reported slight pain relief. Concomitant antiepileptic drugs were decreased in 3 patients and slightly increased in 1. VNS might be beneficial for prophylactic therapy of migraine.
Hyperfine structure in the electronic spectrum of TaS

Abstract The [16.8]2.5 − X12Δ3/2 (0,0) band at 596 nm and the [19.6]2.5 − X22Δ5/2 (0,0) band at 617 nm of tantalum sulfide (TaS) were studied by laser excitation spectroscopy. The gas-phase molecules were prepared in a hollow cathode discharge source by the reaction of the sputtered tantalum metal with SF6. In order to resolve the hyperfine structure arising from the 181Ta nucleus, we recorded sub-Doppler spectra using the method of intermodulated fluorescence spectroscopy. An appropriate Hamiltonian was used to undertake a least-squares fit of the rotational and hyperfine structure, resulting in an accurate set of molecular constants. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed on the electronic ground state in order to obtain calculated values for the magnetic hyperfine parameters, which agree with the spectroscopically determined values within the experimental error limits.
Approaches to case analyses in synchronous and asynchronous environments

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) tools can be used to integrate time-intensive tasks, such as case study analyses, more easily into formal learning environments. How students talk together online in CMC environments is an area that has not yet been thoroughly investigated. This paper extends findings from a previous study by comparing two groups of preservice teachers analyzing cases in a synchronous and asynchronous environment. A case study and computer-mediated discourse analysis approach was taken to make sense of the discussion transcripts and student reflections. Booth and Hulten’s (2003) taxonomy of learning contributions is used as an analysis framework. Students made more participatory moves to establish presence in asynchronous environments and more interactive moves in synchronous environments. Reflective contributions were made in both environments, with few learning moves made in either. Students participated asymmetrically in both modes. The interplay between types of contributions, affordances of each mode, student preferences and student epistemological beliefs is explored, with implications for the design and analysis of case discussion tasks in CMC environments.
Luminescence Resonance Energy Transfer in Heterodinuclear LnIII Complexes for Sensing Biologically Relevant Anions

Dinuclear lanthanide(III) complexes of the macrocycles 1,4-bis[1-4,7,10- tris(carbamoylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane]-m-xylene (1) and 1,3-bis[1-4,7,10-tris(carbamoylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane]-p-xylene (2) with Ln III = Eu III , Tb III were prepared. Studies using direct excitation ( 7 F 0 → 5 D 0 ) europium(III) luminescence spectroscopy show that several anions including phosphate, methylphosphate, double-stranded DNA, a DNA hairpin loop, and fluoride bind to both Eu III centers in Eu 2 (1) in solutions at pH 7.0, 0.100 M NaO 3 . Recovered luminescence lifetime data is consistent with replacement of water ligands by these anions. There are distinct changes in the relative intensities of Eu III emission peaks for complexes of Eu 2 (1) and Eu 2 (2) with phosphate, fluoride, carbonate, and phosphate ester ligands. This suggests that the Eu III dinuclear complexes show promise as ratiometric sensors for these anions. In contrast, the emission peak ratios for the Tb 2 (1) and Tb 2 (2) complex show a lower response upon binding of each anionic ligand. Luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) studies with mixed E u III /Nd III complexes show that the phosphate complexes of Ln 2 (1) or Ln 2 (2) both have Ln III -Ln III internuclear distances of 7.7 ± 0.9 A and the methylphosphate complexes of Ln 2 (1) and Ln 2 (2) have internuclear distances of 7.8±0.6 and 8.0 ± 0.7 A, respectively. LRET experiments also show the two lanthanide ion centers in Ln 2 (2) are 8.4 ± 0.5 A apart when bound to GC rich duplex DNA. None of the other anions (carbonate, fluoride, DNA hairpins) form complexes that show measurable energy transfer between the lanthanide ions, which is consistent with intranuclear distances >8 A.
The McLean Study of Adult Development (MSAD): Overview and implications of the first six years of prospective follow-up

The McLean Study of Adult Development (MSAD) began 12 years ago. It is the first NIMH-funded prospective study of the course and outcome of borderline personality disorder (BPD). After careful analysis of the first six years of follow-up, 5 main findings concerning the symptomatic and psychosocial course of BPD have emerged from this study. The first finding is that remissions are far more common than previously recognized (about 74%). The second is that these remissions are quite stable and thus, recurrences are quite rare (about 6%). The third finding is that completed suicides are far more rare than anticipated (about 4% vs. 10%). The fourth finding is that a "complex" model of borderline psychopathology best describes BPD. In this model, some symptoms resolve relatively quickly, are the best markers for the disorder, and are often the immediate reason for needing costly forms of treatment, such as psychiatric hospitalizations. We termed these symptoms (e.g., self-mutilation, help-seeking suicide threats or attempts) acute symptoms. Other symptoms resolve more slowly, are not specific to BPD, and are closely associated with ongoing psychosocial impairment. We termed such symptoms (e.g., chronic feelings of intense anger, profound abandonment concerns) temperamental symptoms. Fifth, it was also found that borderline patients were improving psychosocially over time, particularly remitted borderline patients; psychosocial functioning of remitted patients continued to improve as time progressed, suggesting that they were somewhat belatedly achieving the milestones of young adulthood and not simply returning to a prodromal level of functioning. Taken together, these results suggest that the prognosis for BPD is better than previously recognized.
Content creation in virtual worlds to support adolescent identity development

Virtual worlds are online graphical environments that are becoming an increasingly large part of the online experience of young people. Virtual worlds have the potential to become one additional environment, like school, home, and the playground, where youth can learn, play, and grow. The physical world is becoming interconnected with virtual worlds, and it is important for researchers to understand how this will affect children's development. Virtual worlds technologies provide a unique opportunity to allow youth to explore many types of content creation, including customizable avatars, media galleries, and virtual representations of personal spaces. This ability for youth to create content can be an important means by which to support and encourage adolescent identity development.
Bayesian Estimation Supersedes the t Test

Bayesian estimation for 2 groups provides complete distributions of credible values for the effect size, group means and their difference, standard deviations and their difference, and the normality of the data. The method handles outliers. The decision rule can accept the null value (unlike traditional t tests) when certainty in the estimate is high (unlike Bayesian model comparison using Bayes factors). The method also yields precise estimates of statistical power for various research goals. The software and programs are free and run on Macintosh, Windows, and Linux platforms.
Fully distributed fiber-optic sensing based on acoustically induced long-period grating

This paper gives a review of a proposed fully-distributed fiber-optic sensing technique based on a traveling long-period grating (LPG) in a single-mode optical fiber. The LPG is generated by pulsed acoustic waves that propagate along the fiber. Based on this platform, first we demonstrated the fully-distributed temperature measurement in a 2.5m fiber. Then by coating the fiber with functional coatings, we demonstrated fully-distributed biological and chemical sensing. In the biological sensing experiment, immunoglobulin G (IgG) was immobilized onto the fiber surface, and we showed that only specific antigen-antibody binding can introduce a measurable shift in the transmission optical spectrum of the traveling LPG when it passes through the pretreated fiber segment. In the hydrogen sensing experiment, the fiber was coated with a platinum (Pt) catalyst layer, which is heated by the thermal energy released from Pt-assisted combustion of H 2 and O 2 , and the resulted temperature change gives rise to a measurable LPG wavelength shift when the traveling LPG passes through. Hydrogen concentration from 1% to 3.8% was detected in the experiment. This technique may also permit measurement of other quantities by changing the functional coating on the fiber; therefore it is expected to be capable of other fully-distributed sensing applications.
Protection Against β‐Amyloid Toxicity in Primary Neurons by Paclitaxel (Taxol)

Neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease contain aggregates of abnormally phosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau, indicating that microtubule breakdown is a primary event in the neurodegenerative cascade. Recent studies have shown that addition to neuronal cultures of amyloid peptides found in Alzheimer's leads to abnormal phosphorylation of tau and neurofibrillary pathology. We tested the possibility that the microtubule-stabilizing drug paclitaxel (Taxol) might protect primary neurons against amyloid-induced toxicity. Neurons exposed to aggregated amyloid peptides 25-35 and 1-42 became pyknotic with degenerating neurites within 24 h. Treatment of cultures with paclitaxel either 2 h before or 2 h after addition of the peptide prevented these morphological alterations. When numbers of viable cells were determined in cultures exposed to amyloid peptide with or without paclitaxel for 24 or 96 h, the percentage of surviving cells was significantly higher in paclitaxel-treated cultures, and activation of the apoptosis-associated protease CPP32 was significantly reduced. These observations indicate that microtubule-stabilizing drugs may help slow development of the neurofibrillary pathology that leads to the loss of neuronal integrity in Alzheimer's disease.
Inclusion tuning of nonlinear optical materials: KTP isomorphs

Abstract KTiOPO 4 (KTP) has shown itself to be a premier material for optical second harmonic generation, or SHG. Guest cations ranging in size from Ag + to Cs + can be partially or completely exchanged for K + , altering the structure and changing the reactivity and SHG coefficient of the material. In particular, partial deammoniation of NH 4 TiOPO 4 results in changes in the Ti-O bond lengths and a dramatic reduction in SHG. Many isomorphic derivatives of KTP have been made with 3- and 4-valent transition and main group metals are substituted for Ti, balancing charge by substituting F - and OH - for oxide in the Ti-O chain. Guest and host modification can be used to define nonlinear optic properties over a wide range.
Pediatric case of the day. Ectopic cervical thymus

496 U Special Exhibit Volume 15 Number 2 Figure 1. (a) Anteroposterior radiograph shows a large mass ill a small right hemithorax, absence of the cardiac silhouette, and decreased right pulmonary vascularity. (b) Lateral radiograph shows that the mass is located posteriorly and causes loss of visualization of the posterior right hemidiaphragm. Two retrosternal areas of increased opacity are present: The posterior area of increased opacity (arrowheads) is the heart, and the anterior area of even greater opacity (arrows) represents mediastinal soft tissue abutting the anterior aspect of the right lung. This appearance is consistent with right lung hypoplasia causing dextroposition of the heart and ipsilateral sllift of the mediastinuni.
Stability of Three Cephalosporin Antibiotics in AutoDose Infusion System Bags

Objective To evaluate the physical and chemical stability of three commonly used cephalosporin antibiotic solutions packaged in AutoDose Infusion System bags stored and evaluated at appropriate intervals for up to 7 days at 23°C and up to 30 days at 4°C. Setting Laboratory. Interventions The test samples were prepared by adding the required amount of the cephalosporin antibiotic to the AutoDose Infusion System bags and diluting to the target concentration with 0.9% sodium chloride injection. Main Outcome Measures Physical stability and chemical stability based on drug concentrations initially and at appropriate intervals over periods of up to 7 days at 23 C and up to 30 days at 4 C. Results All of the cephalosporin admixtures were clear when viewed in normal fluorescent room light and with a Tyndall beam. Measured turbidity and particulate content were low and exhibited little change. The cefazolin sodium-containing samples were colorless throughout the study. The admixtures with ceftazidime and ceftriaxone sodium had a slight yellow tinge initially, and the room temperature samples turned a frank yellow color after 5 days. The refrigerated samples did not change color. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that cefazolin sodium and ceftriaxone sodium remained stable for 30 days and ceftazidime remained stable for 7 days at 4 C. At room temperature, losses were much more rapid. Cefazolin sodium and ceftriaxone sodium retained at least 90% of their initial concentrations through 7 days and 5 days, respectively, when stored at 23 C. Ceftazidime remained stable for only 1 day at 23 C. Conclusion Cefazolin sodium, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone sodium exhibited physical and chemical stabilities consistent with those found in previous studies of these drugs. The AutoDose Infusion System bags did not adversely affect the physical and chemical stabilities of these three cephalosporin antibiotics.
Lower extremity strength and power asymmetry assessment in healthy and mobility-limited populations: reliability and association with physical functioning.

Background and aims: This study assessed the reliability of evaluating asymmetrical strength and power deficits in the lower limbs of healthy middle-aged, healthy older and mobility-limited elders. We also explored the relationship between limb asymmetry and physical functioning. Methods: We evaluated baseline knee extension strength and power asymmetry data from a cohort of older adults (n=57; 74.2±0.9 yrs, 26 male) who participated in a lower body strength training study (TS) and from a cross-sectional study of community dwelling volunteers. Cross-sectional participants were recruited into: healthy middle-aged (MH) (n=31; 47.4±4.8 yrs, 14 male), healthy older (OH) (n=28; 74.0±3.6 yrs, 16 male) and mobility-limited older (OML) (n=34; 77.8±4.5 yrs, 16 male) groups. Knee extensor strength (1RM) and power asymmetry at 40% and 70% of 1RM were evaluated for test-retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results: Knee extension 1RM, and peak power at 40% and 70% asymmetry ICCs exhibited excellent to good reliability in the TS and OML groups (TS=0.8, 0.7 and 0.7, respectively; OML=0.7, 0.7, and 0.9, respectively) but not in the MH and OH groups. No consistent association between lower limb asymmetry and measures of physical functioning was observed. Conclusions: Assessment of lower limb strength and power asymmetry is more reliable in mobility-limited elders when compared to healthy middle-aged and older subjects. The relationship of lower limb asymmetry to physical functioning is poor, in contrast to associations between the absolute strength and power of the individual limbs and physical functioning.
490 ASPIRIN AND ACETAMINOPHEN LEVELS IN CHILDREN WITH REYES SYNDROME

The records of 61 pts. with Reyes Syndrome (RS) seen at the Upstate Medical Center during the past 8 years were reviewed. Measurements of serum salicylate and acetaminophen (APAP) concentrations were made at the time of admission in 37 and 21 pts. respectively. Measurable levels of salicylate were found in 28 pts. (76%) with a mean value of 5.5 mg/dl (range 0.2 mg/dl to 36 mg/dl). Salicylate levels are summarized in the following table according to presenting stage. The mean levels in this table are not significantly different. Salicylate and APAP levels did not correlate with the degree of liver enzyme elevations, blood ammonia levels or phenobarbital half-life. Nine of 22 pts. who expired or had serious sequelae had admission salicylate levels measured. The mean level was 8.8 mg/dl. In 19 of 39 survivors without sequelae in whom the salicylate level was measured the mean level was 4.0 mg/dl (p<.1). In the 21 pts. in whom admission APAP values were determined, measurable levels were noted in 7 pts. (mean 11.4 μg/ml, range 2.2-40 μg/ml). The high prevalence of measurable salicylate levels suggests a possible relationship between salicylate ingestion and RS. These data also indicate a correlation between salicylate level and outcome.
On the unsteady flow of a compressible liquid through a porous medium

The unsteady flow of a compressible liquid in a porous medium can be described in terms of a non-linear partial differential equation for the liquid pressure or a linear differential equation for the density if gravitational effects are negligible. In gravitational flow fields the formulation yields non-linear equations for both density and pressure. A transformation is given which shows that in the absence of gravitational effects, the solution of the non-linear boundary value problem in terms of the pressure involves no more labour than the solution of the linear problem in terms of the density, contrary to a misconception in the petroleum literature. Furthermore this transformation offers in addition the solution to a heretofore unsolved problem in gravity flow.
Spin chemical control of photoinduced electron-transfer processes in ruthenium(II)-trisbipyridine-based supramolecular triads

Nanosecond time-resolved absorption studies in a magnetic field ranging from zero to 3.0 T have been performed on a series of covalently linked donor-Ru(bipyridine)3-acceptor complexes (D-C 2+ -A 2+ ). In these complexes the electron donor is a phenothiazine moiety linked to a bipyridine by a (-CH2-)p (p ) 1, 4, 5, 7) chain, and the electron acceptor is an N,N'-diquaternary-2,2'-bipyridinium moiety, linked to a bipyridine by a( -CH2-)2‚ chain. On the nanosecond time scale the first detectable photoinduced electron-transfer product after exciting the complex C 2+ is the charge-separated (CS) state, D + -C 2+ -A + , where an electron of the phenothiazine moiety, D, has been transferred to the diquat moiety, A 2+ . In zero field the lifetime of the CS state is about 150 ns. At low fields (B0 0.5 T) the total amplitude of the CS absorption signal decreases and the relative contribution of the fast decaying component increases. The magnetic field effects can be consistently interpreted and quantitatively modeled by taking into account the mechanisms and kinetics of the spin multiplicity changes in the CS state and its precursor, a short-lived CT state (D-C 3+ -A + ) formed upon primary electron transfer from the triplet excited complex to the diquat moiety. Exploiting the magnetic field dependent kinetics, the rate constants of the triplet -singlet transitions in the two types of linked radical pairs and of all the electron-transfer processes following the primary one can be assessed. Magnetic-field-dependent investigations thus can be essential for the understanding of the complex kinetics in supramolecular systems with sequential cyclic electron transfer.
An aspirin a day: are we barking up the wrong willow tree?

Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, is derived from a substance that accumulates in willow trees. Extracts from the bark and leaves contain salicylic acid, used since the time of the Egyptians for the relief of pain. Over the years, the expression, “an aspirin a day keeps the doctor away” has become embedded in our collective psyche, leading to countless individuals consuming this over-the-counter preparation on a daily basis without an adequate understanding of its risk-benefit profile. The public has received the message for decades from numerous guidelines and the manufacturers of aspirin that aspirin should be taken by all adults at risk for cardiovascular disease events.
An electrothermally-aware full-chip substrate temperature gradient evaluation methodology for leakage dominant technologies with implications for power estimation and hot-spot management

As CMOS technology scales into the nanometer regime, power dissipation and associated thermal concerns in high-performance ICs due to on-chip hot-spots and thermal gradients are beginning to impact VLSI design. Moreover, elevated substrate (junction or die) temperature strongly influences IC performance, reliability, and packaging/cooling cost. Hence, accurate estimation of substrate thermal profiles is critical. This paper presents an accurate chip-level electrothermally-aware methodology for spatial silicon substrate temperature estimation. The methodology self-consistently incorporates various electrothermal couplings arising mainly due to the strong dependence of subthreshold leakage on temperature and also employs an accurate package thermal model, to account for inhomogeneous layers and non-cubic structure, which are not considered in traditional methods. The proposed methodology becomes increasingly effective as technology scales due to increasing leakage. Furthermore, it is shown that considering realistic package thermal models not only improves the accuracy of estimating temperature distribution but also has significant implications for power estimation and hot-spot management.
In vitro rumen fermentation and gas production: influence of yellow grease, tallow, corn oil and their potassium soaps

The effect of addition of fat on in vitro gas production, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, in vitro true digestibility (IVTD), and ammonia-N concentration was assessed by incubation of a simulated total mixed ration in buffered rumen fluid using an in vitro gas technique. Fat sources were corn oil (CO), tallow (TL), yellow grease (YG), and potassium soaps (K-soaps) of CO, YG, and TL. Addition of YG increased (P<0.001) in vitro gas production while TL had no effect. Neither YG nor TL affected IVTD and total VFA production. Addition of either YG or TL decreased acetate production and increased propionate production. Addition of CO increased in vitro gas production, but had no effect on IVTD and total VFA production. However, CO decreased acetate and increased propionate production with a concomitant decrease in the acetate to propionate ratio. Addition of K-soaps of CO, TL and YG depressed in vitro gas production, IVTD, VFA and ammonia-N concentrations. K-soaps also caused a marked decrease in acetate and increase in propionate production. The absence of negative effects on rumen fermentation parameters in response to the inclusion of fat in the form of triglycerides to an in vitro system at up to 25% DM suggests that triglycerides have much less effect on rumen fermentation parameters than corresponding free fatty acids. In contrast, the K-soaps of each respective fat had detrimental effects on in vitro rumen fermentations.
Intelligence tests with higher g-loadings show higher correlations with body symmetry: Evidence for a general fitness factor mediated by developmental stability

Just as body symmetry reveals developmental stability at the morphological level, general intelligence may reveal developmental stability at the level of brain development and cognitive functioning. These two forms of developmental stability may overlap by tapping into a bgeneral fitness factor.Q If so, then intellectual tests with higher g-loadings should show higher correlations with a composite measure of body symmetry. We tested this prediction in 78 young males by measuring their left–right symmetry at 10 body points, and by administering five cognitive tests with diverse g-loadings. As predicted, we found a significant (z=3.64, pb0.003) relationship between each test’s rank order g-loading and its body symmetry association. We also found a substantial correlation (r=0.39, pb0.01) between body symmetry and our most highly g-loaded test (Ravens Advanced Progressive Matrices). General intelligence is apparently a valid indicator of general developmental stability and heritable fitness, which may partly explain its social and sexual attractiveness. D 2004 Published by Elsevier Inc.
Bone biology, signaling pathways, and therapeutic targets for osteoporosis

Major advances have occurred recently in the treatment of osteoporosis in recent years. Most patients are currently treated with bisphosphonates, denosumab, raloxifene, or teriparatide, and in some countries, strontium ranelate. Strontium ranelate and calcitonin have recently had their use restricted due to cardiovascular concerns and malignancy, respectively. The available agents have generally provided excellent options that effectively reduce fracture risk. New targets are being sought based on appreciation of the bone biology and signaling pathways involved in bone formation and resorption. These agents will directly target these signaling pathways, and further expand the options available for treatment of osteoporosis.
Observers for multivariable systems

Often in control design it is necessary to construct estimates of state variables which are not available by direct measurement. If a system is linear, its state vector can be approximately reconstructed by building an observer which is itself a linear system driven by the available outputs and inputs of the original system. The state vector of an n th order system with m independent outputs can be reconstructed with an observer of order n-m . In this paper it is shown that the design of an observer for a system with M outputs can be reduced to the design of m separate observers for single-output subsystems. This result is a consequence of a special canonical form developed in the paper for multiple-output systems. In the special case of reconstruction of a single linear functional of the unknown state vector, it is shown that a great reduction in observer complexity is often possible. Finally, the application of observers to control design is investigated. It is shown that an observer's estimate of the system state vector can be used in place of the actual state vector in linear or nonlinear feedback designs without loss of stability.
Chronic pancreatitis presenting as superior mesenteric artery syndrome

A 58-year-old woman was referred for surgical evaluation of chronic pancreatitis. Her pain started 6 months earlier along with anorexia and she lost 50 pounds. Two months earlier, she had started vomiting; the vomiting progressively got worse. She was vomiting three to four times a day after meals. She was able to eat only small portions of food and mostly preferred a liquid diet. She was also taking large quantities of narcotics for pain control. She had a history of alcoholism, diabetes and depression. She did not have any signs or symptoms of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency such as diarrhoea or steatorrhoea. She was seen by a local gastroenterologist and, based on her history, physical examination and imaging, she was diagnosed with chronic …
Using the World Wide Web to Educate and Inform the Public About Risk and Agricultural Biotechnology

The University of Nebraska and AgBios, Inc. launched the AgBiosafety website (http://agbiosafety.unl.edu) with the purpose of educating the public about agricultural biotechnology risk and safety issues through science-based content. This article discusses the creation of the website, its components, and data gathered from usage statistics and a web-delivered survey. Also included is a discussion of the results of data gathered and recommendations for future web-based educational efforts in biotechnology safety and risk assessment.
Embodied Emotion Perception Amplifying and Dampening Facial Feedback Modulates Emotion Perception Accuracy

How do we recognize the emotions other people are feeling? One source of information may be facial feedback signals generated when we automatically mimic the expressions displayed on others' faces. Supporting this “embodied emotion perception,” dampening (Experiment 1) and amplifying (Experiment 2) facial feedback signals, respectively, impaired and improved people’s ability to read others' facial emotions. In Experiment 1, emotion perception was significantly impaired in people who had received a cosmetic procedure that reduces muscular feedback from the face (Botox) compared to a procedure that does not reduce feedback (a dermal filler). Experiment 2 capitalized on the fact that feedback signals are enhanced when muscle contractions meet resistance. Accordingly, when the skin was made resistant to underlying muscle contractions via a restricting gel, emotion perception improved, and did so only for emotion judgments that theoretically could benefit from facial feedback.
Reflectance measurements and optical constants in the extreme ultraviolet for thin films of ion-beam-deposited SiC, Mo, Mg 2 Si, and InSb and of evaporated Cr

Reflectance measurements and optical constants of thin films of ion-beam-deposited SiC, Mo, Mg2Si, and InSb and of evaporated Cr have been measured in the extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) spectral region from 49.0 to 200.0 nm. In this spectral region no optical constant data were available for materials deposited by ion-beam deposition. We compared our data with those for bulk samples and for thin films prepared by different techniques. The goal of this research has been to study candidate materials for multilayer coatings in the EUV.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy of the Bright Kuiper Belt Object 2000 EB173

We have obtained a near-infrared spectrum of the bright Kuiper Belt object 2000 EB173; the spectrum appears featureless. The spectrum has a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio to rule out the 1.5 and 2.0 μm absorption from water ice even at the low level seen in the Centaur Chariklo. In addition, we can rule out a 2.3 μm absorption at the level seen in the Centaur Pholus.
The Exercise of Information Influence in Legal Advocacy1

The information search and transmission behavior of information-supplying agents was studied using an experimental analog of a legal situation. An experiment was conducted to test the predictions of social psychological theories concerning the use of information influence and to test several assumptions of proponents of the American adversary system in law. In a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial design, first-year law students acted as attorneys under conditions of high correspondence of outcomes with the judge versus high correspondence of outcomes with an involved party; perception that the outcomes of another attorney in the situation were correspondent with the judge versus correspondent with an involved party; and the discovery that the information environment was favorable, ambiguous, or unfavorable. Significantly greater information search was observed for party-oriented subjects relative to judge-oriented subjects only when the information environment was unfavorable. Party-oriented subjects showed greater attempted use of information influence than did judge-oriented subjects. Analyses of the amount and distribution of the information transmitted by pairs of subjects assessed the characteristics of several legal “systems”. The theoretical and applied implications of the study were discussed.
YZβ discontinuity capturing for advection-dominated processes with application to arterial drug delivery

The YZβ discontinuity-capturing operator, recently introduced in (Encyclopedia of Computational Mechanics, Vol. 3, Fluids. Wiley: New York, 2004) in the context of compressible flows, is applied to a time-dependent, scalar advection-diffusion equation with the purpose of modelling drug delivery processes in blood vessels. The formulation is recast in a residual-based form, which reduces to the previously proposed formulation in the limit of zero diffusion and source term. The NURBS-based isogeometric analysis method, proposed by Hughes et al. (Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng. 2005; 194:4135-4195), was used for the numerical tests. Effects of various parameters in the definition of the FZβ operator are examined on a model problem and the better performer is singled out. While for low-order B-spline functions discontinuity capturing is necessary to improve solution quality, we find that high-order, high-continuity B-spline discretizations produce sharp, nearly monotone layers without the aid of discontinuity capturing. Finally, we successfully apply the YZβ approach to the simulation of drug delivery in patient-specific coronary arteries.
Evaluation of distributed soil moisture simulations through field observations during the North American monsoon in Redondo Creek, New Mexico

Soil moisture is a key ecohydrological variable connecting ecosystem functions with hydrological processes in forested mountain basins. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated the spatiotemporal variations of soil moisture in mountainous settings or attempted to understand these through a modelling framework. In this study, we evaluate distributed soil moisture simulations in the Redondo Creek, New Mexico, using a set of field observations consisting of hourly data at a weather station and daily samples of soil moisture obtained during an intensive field campaign. Results indicate that simulated soil moisture patterns during the North American monsoon (NAM) are in reasonable agreement with observations across a range of ecosystems (wetland, grassland and forest). Using a set of temporal and spatial statistics, we quantify the distributed model performance at the point, ecosystem and basin scales. We find improved performance at the grassland and forest sites as compared to the near-stream wetlands. As a strong test of the model, we also compare the observed and simulated soil moisture probability density functions across the different ecosystems, finding that the overall match for grassland and forest was superior to the wetland areas. On the basis of the model simulations, we quantify, through visual inspection and geostatistical analysis, the controlling factors (rainfall, topography, vegetation and soils) on the soil moisture spatial patterns at different stages during the summer monsoon. Confidence in the distributed model gained through this analysis can open avenues for process studies and basin-scale predictions of mountain ecohydrology. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Evaluation of the “Balance of Power” Simulation

This article reviews “Balance of Power,” a microcomputer simulation of the struggle for global domination between the United States and the Soviet Union. Published by Mindscape, Inc., in the fall of 1985, the game encompasses a broad range of military, diplomatic, and economic strategies for superpower interaction in a tight bipolar system. This study analyzes the simulation from the vantage point of its value as a serious dynamic model of the international system. After providing an overview of the game and placing it in the context of other international relations simulations, the article examines its purposes and uses and evaluates it according to a series of traditional simulation benchmarks.
OPTIMAL CONTROL OF A CONVECTIVE-DIFFUSIVE FLUID PROBLEM

We consider optimal control of a parabolic differential equation, modeling one-dimensional fluid flow through a soil-packed tube in which a contaminant is initially distributed. A fluid is pumped through the tube to remove the contaminant. The convective velocity due to the fluid pumping is the nonlinear control action. The goal is to minimize a performance criterion which is a combination of the total contaminant at the final time and the cost of the control. The optimal control is characterized by an optimality system.
An Approach to Integrated Product/Process Design via Virtual Prototyping

With the introduction of virtual prototyping into the product development process, simultaneous product/process design is enabled. The research reported in this paper illustrates an integration of product and disassembly process design via virtual prototyping. In this context, a virtual prototype is an information model consisting of a product model and one or more process models. Virtual prototype generation is a hybrid process consisting of both automated and interactive tasks. Simultaneous product/process design is accomplished by formulating the integrated product/process design problem as a multiobjective optimization problem in which product/process requirements are evaluated via virtual prototyping. Solution of the integrated product/process design problems is achieved through the application of the MORPS algorithm. Application of the use of virtual prototypes is presented in the simultaneous product/process design of an automotive center console.
Oncotripsy: Targeting cancer cells selectively via resonant harmonic excitation

We investigate a method of selectively targeting cancer cells by means of ultrasound harmonic excitation at their resonance frequency, which we refer to as oncotripsy. The geometric model of the cells takes into account the cytoplasm, nucleus and nucleolus, as well as the plasma membrane and nuclear envelope. Material properties are varied within a pathophysiologically-relevant range. A first modal analysis reveals the existence of a spectral gap between the natural frequencies and, most importantly, resonant growth rates of healthy and cancerous cells. The results of the modal analysis are verified by simulating the fully-nonlinear transient response of healthy and cancerous cells at resonance. The fully nonlinear analysis confirms that cancerous cells can be selectively taken to lysis by the application of carefully tuned ultrasound harmonic excitation while simultaneously leaving healthy cells intact.
Testicular hemangioma mimicking a malignant neoplasm

A 34-year-old man who presented with right scrotal pain, and who on subsequent ultrasound examination, was found to have an intratesticular hypoechoic mass. Based on the ultrasound appearance of this mass, a malignant germ cell tumor was thought to be the most likely diagnosis. Preoperative serum tumor markers, including lactate dehydrogenase, alpha-1-fetoprotein, and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, were negative. Computed tomography imaging of the chest, the abdomen, and the pelvis revealed no evidence of metastasis. The patient underwent right orchiectomy, and final pathology demonstrated a benign hemangioma.
Modal Analysis of Countercurrent Shear Flows

Momentum driven countercurrent flow in confined geometry has been simulated using large eddy simulation. Instantaneous flow features are investigated and three instability mechanisms are identified as (i) Kelvin-Helmholtz, (ii) Jet Oscillation and (iii) Elliptic Instability. Modal analysis is performed using (i) Dynamic Decomposition Method (DMD) and (ii) Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) technique on the 3 dimensional data in domain of interest for control parameter (U1-U2)/(U1+U2) = -1.6 (ms/mp = 0.36). DMD and POD modes are compared and dynamically significant flow structures are identified and related to instability mechanisms.
Serum lipoprotein levels fail to predict postangioplasty recurrent coronary artery stenosis.

A prospective study to explore the role of serum lipoproteins in the development of recurrent stenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was conducted on serum samples from 103 patients. Serum was collected at the time of angioplasty and evaluated for total cholesterol, total triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoproteins A1 and B. In addition, LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratios and apolipoprotein B/Al ratios were calculated for each sample. Information was then gathered from four years of follow-up after angioplasty, which was sufficient to establish the presence or absence of recurrent stenosis in 87 patients (68 males and 19 females). Stenosis recurred in 31 of the 87 patients (36%); the rate was similar for males (35%) and females (37%). Univariate analysis of the total patient population revealed no statistically significant difference in values for any of these lipoprotein parameters between success and recurrence groups. Likewise, multivariate analysis revealed no combination of lipoprotein values to be associated with success or recurrence. Findings were similar for the males alone and the total group of males and females. The female group was too small for separate statistical analysis. The power of this study to detect meaningful differences in each of these parameters except T G was at least 80%. These results do not support the hypothesis that lipoprotein factors influence the development of recurrent stenosis in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty.
THE ROBOSPHERE: THE CONCEPTUAL EXPANSION OF THE HUMAN FACTORS

A technology of self-sustaining robotic ecologies (called "robosphere" by the co-author) is likely to emerge in order to prepare for and serve longduration space missions of humans on Mars or in other extraterrestrial environments. The emergence of this would necessarily expand the concept of the human factors. The human-human, humantechnology, and human-environment human factors interfaces would be joined by the technologytechnology, or machine-machine, interface, in the sense that machines would need to interact and cooperate for types of activities that, until now, would invariably involve humans.
The Ramifications of Whitehead's Theory of Experience

Whitehead's philosophy is thought by many to be a modern-day ra tionalism, yet the rationalistic criteria of logical consistency and coherence are balanced by the empirical criteria of applicability and adequacy. He understands metaphysics to be "the endeavour to frame a . . . necessary system of general ideas in terms of which every element of our experience can be interpreted. . . . Here 'applicable' means that some items of ex perience are thus interpretable, and 'adequate' means that there are no items incapable of such interpretation" (PR 4).1 Experience is fundamental. Without the appeal to experience we could not determine whether our metaphysical proposals pertained to the actual world or merely to its possi ble alternatives.2 Although there is a wealth of phenomenological insight describing the salient features of human experience in Whitehead's writings, such as in Symbolism (1927), part II of Process and Reality (1929), and Modes of Thought (1938), which bear considerable affinity with William James's radical empiricism, I shall not examine them here, preferring to focus on the more fundamental question as to the nature of experience. The phenomenological method makes two assumptions at odds with Whitehead's approach. It assumes that experience presupposes con sciousness, and not vice versa, and that there is much to be gained by the recovery of "pure" experience unencumbered by philosophical interpreta tion. Whitehead conceives of experience as including a depth of un conscious feeling. Consciousness pertains to mere surface phenomena made possible by the fortunate mating of causal influences ultimately derived from the external world with relevant contrasting conceptions. Thus in every conscious feeling some conceptual element is ineluctably present. There can be no hope of achieving a completely neutral account of ex perience, for interpretation must be present in some sense for us to be aware of its contents. On the level of metaphysical generality we cannot eliminate this conceptual dimension, which makes it all the more imperative that we replace faulty presuppositions with sounder ones. Whitehead fully endorses the Cartesian turn in philosophy, which he understands as the systematic replacing of objective statements by experien tial reports as that which is most fundamental. Thus for the statement, "This desk is brown," a more basic account is given by the report, "I ex perience this desk as brown." Here experience is given the primary role it
Progesterone concentration in milk and blood during pregnancy in cows.

SummaryThe concentration of progesterone in milk and blood plasma was determined by radioimmunoassay in 56 pregnant cows. Samples were from eight cows on each of the following days of pregnancy: 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 210. Validity of the assay was indicated by parallelism among unknowns, whether milk or plasma, and between unknowns and the standard. Progesterone was higher (P < 0.005) in milk (21.2 ng/ml) than in blood plasma (5.3 ng/ml) averaged over all days of pregnancy. The difference among days and the interaction of day and type of fluid (milk vs plasma) were not significant.