cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flow injection reagent introduction by supported liquid and nafion membranes: Determination of phosphate

The use of membrane tubing for the introduction of reagents for the determination of phosphate in waters by flow injection analysis was studied. The use of membranes eliminates the need for confluence points in the design of flow injection manifolds. This increases the sensitivity of the manifold by providing a sufficient reagent excess for the reaction without diluting the sample. Methods for the introduction of acid, molybdate and hydrazine were devised for the determination of phosphate by the Molybdenum Blue method. Several membranes were examined and Nafion and Accurel (microporous polypropylene) were found to be most useful. Molybdate introduction was achieved using a supported liquid membrane (SLM). Calibration was linear and a detection limit of 12 ppb phosphate (4 ppb phosphorus) was obtained.
ROOSEVELT AND PRESCOTT COME TO AN AGREEMENT

Edward C. Prescott has argued that mandatory saving is socially desirable because it solves the problem of people intentionally free riding and becoming a welfare burden. Inspired by Prescott's argument, we develop a model in which rational individuals choose between saving and free riding. We find that free riding is a robust outcome for a significant share of the population and that everyone, including the free riders, benefits from the elimination of free riding through mandatory saving. Our results strengthen Prescott's position that free riding is a serious problem and that mandatory saving is socially desirable.
Epidemiology of bulimia and bulimic behaviors

A number of studies in recent years have attempted to establish prevalence rates for bulimia as defined by the DSM-III criteria and for bulimic behaviors such as binge eating, purging, and restrictive dieting. The literature has reported widely differing estimates of these behaviors. A critique of these studies suggests that a variety of methodological issues probably accounts for the lack of consistency across reports. A review of the literature indicates that some behaviors which could be considered bulimic are extremely widespread. Some recent work highlights the importance of using both behavioral and attitudinal variables in an assessment of clinically significant bulimia associated with life impairment, which is much less prevalent.
THE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF EMBRYONIC AND ADULT STEM CELLS FOR SKELETAL MUSCLE REGENERATION

Muscular dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of more than 30 genetically and clinically heterogeneous disorders, characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement. To date, MD is still incurable but increasing evidence suggests that stem cells might represent a therapeutic option in the future. This review will outline recent progress in this field involving the use of adult and embryonic stem cells. We will discuss in further detail the nature of these cells and their distinct biological properties which lead to their unique advantages and disadvantages in regard to therapeutic application.
Is a Theory of Names Possible

AbstractA theory is needed in any systematic study to guide those working in the field. Theories are of two types: strong or scientific, which contain an experimental procedure for potentially disproving the theory, and weak or general, which are incapable of disproof but are still useful guidelines for study. Onomastics, like linguistics generally, is capable of only a weak theory. Seven desiderata for a theory of names are suggested.
Maximum likelihood identifier refinements for F-8C adaptive control

This paper presents design refinement for the baseline F-8C adaptive flight test control laws described in Reference [1]. The baseline laws consist of simplified quadratic-optimal model-following control structures in the pitch and lateral-directional axes. Both axes have variable gains which are adjusted adaptively by an explicit on-line maximum likelihood parameter identifier. The identifier operates in pitch only, using pitch rate, normal acceleration, and elevator position measurements. It consists of five parallel computing channels which evaluate the likelihood function at discrete points in parameter space. The best of these points (the "min-L" channel) is selected and a single (modified) Newton-Raphson step is taken from there to estimate the aircraft's surface effectiveness ( M? ), pitching moment due to angle-of-attack ( M?), and air speed (V). Control gains are then adjusted as a function of M?. A simplified diagram of this identifier is shown in Figure 1, where the baseline design includes all elements above the dotted line.
Health-related fitness as preventive medicine.

The decline of health-related fitness among children in the United States has brought about an interest in the topic by both professionals and the general public. The problem is pervasive and has seemed refractory to change. In a recent survey, fewer than half the children taking the fitness test of the President9s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports passed. In 1984, only 2% of all children taking the "President9s Challenge" could qualify for the award that required them to uniformly do well in performing chin-ups, sit-ups, a 1 mi run/walk, and a shuttle run. Only 60% of boys aged 6 to 12 years and only 30% of girls aged 6 to 12 years and only 30% of girls aged 6 to 17 years could do more than one chin-up. Similarly, only 64% of boys aged 6 to 12 years and only 50% of girls aged 6 to 12 years could run/walk 1 mi in less than ten minutes. Declining fitness can result in an increase in cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, elevated serum cholesterol level, and physical inactivity. In a recent Centers for Disease Control epidemiologic study, physical inactivity was shown to be as strong a risk factor for coronary heart disease as the traditional risk factors of smoking, hypertension, and a high serum cholesterol level, and physical inactivity was three to six times more prevalent than the other risk factors.
The Radon transform inversion using moments

Abstract The problem of recovering the multivariate probability density function f from the moments of its Radon transform R f is studied. The approximation of the Radon transform R f itself is obtained from the moments of f . Under the mild conditions on f the uniform rates of convergence for the proposed constructions are established.
Adsorption of a Protein Monolayer via Hydrophobic Interactions Prevents Nanoparticle Aggregation under Harsh Environmental Conditions

We find that citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles aggregate and precipitate in saline solutions below the NaCl concentration of many bodily fluids and blood plasma. Our experiments indicate that this is due to complexation of the citrate anions with Na+ cations in solution. A dramatically enhanced colloidal stability is achieved when bovine serum albumin is adsorbed to the gold nanoparticle surface, completely preventing nanoparticle aggregation under harsh environmental conditions where the NaCl concentration is well beyond the isotonic point. Furthermore, we explore the mechanism of the formation of this albumin “corona” and find that monolayer protein adsorption is most likely ruled by hydrophobic interactions. As for many nanotechnology-based biomedical and environmental applications, particle aggregation and sedimentation are undesirable and could substantially increase the risk of toxicological side effects; the formation of the BSA corona presented here provides a low-cost biocompatible strategy f...
FULLY DEUTERATED EUGLENA GRACILIS.

Euglena gracilis has been grown in 99.4 percent D2O on fully deuterated substrates. It is the first organism with distinct animal characteristics in which at least 99 percent of the hydrogen normally present has been replaced by deuterium.
The effects of female out-migration on Alaska villages

Abstract This research explores the consequences of out-migration for sending communities in rural Alaska. In particular, it describes the relationship between female out-migration and community viability, by comparing the age–sex structures of Alaska Native villages that are growing with villages in decline. The paper discusses out-migration and its connection to school closure. It provides a detailed description of out-migration from villages in northern Alaska, using data from several household surveys to better understand migrants. Villages that are decreasing in size show a loss of adult women over time. Many leave and few return or replaced by in-migrants. Also notable is the loss of children from villages in decline. In some very small places the departure of women and children leads to school closure and eventually the village disappears.
Endothelial Adhesion Molecules Are Associated with Inflammation in Subjects with HIV Disease

Background The presence of the adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Subjects with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease have multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including elevated serum lipid levels, insulin resistance, and elevated levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. This study assessed the variables associated with elevated adhesion molecule levels in this patient population. Methods Serum levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were assessed in 31 subjects without HIV disease and 52 subjects with HIV disease. Pearson correlation indicated a significant relationship between ICAM concentration and other variables, including CD4+ cell count, HIV viral burden, insulin sensitivity, and serum lipid level. Multiple regression modeling was used to determine the strengths of association among the variables. Results Subjects with HIV disease had elevated levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant associations between ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 level and insulin sensitivity, plasma lipid level, and presence of type 2 soluble receptor for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (sTNFR2). With multiple regression modeling to control for interdependence, only sTNFR2, a marker of inflammation, was an independent predictor of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels. Conclusions The study suggests that many of the variables associated with ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels can be related to their impact on inflammation.
The Influences of the Built Environment and Residential Self-Selection on Pedestrian Behavior: Evidence from Austin, TX

Pedestrian travel offers a wide range of benefits to both individuals and society. Planners and public health officials alike have been promoting policies that improve the quality of the built environment for pedestrians: mixed land uses, interconnected street networks, sidewalks and other facilities. Whether such policies will prove effective remains open to debate. Two issues in particular need further attention. First, the impact of the built environment on pedestrian behavior may depend on the purpose of the trip, whether for utilitarian or recreational purposes. Second, the connection between the built environment and pedestrian behavior may be more a matter of residential location choice than of travel choice. This study aims to provide new evidence on both questions. Using 1368 respondents to a 1995 survey conducted in six neighborhoods in Austin, TX, two separate negative binomial models were estimated for the frequencies of strolling trips and pedestrian shopping trips within neighborhoods. We found that although residential self-selection impacts both types of trips, it is the most important factor explaining walking to a destination (i.e. for shopping). After accounting for self-selection, neighborhood characteristics (especially perceptions of these characteristics) impact strolling frequency, while characteristics of local commercial areas are important in facilitating shopping trips.
The use of the picture-word interference paradigm to examine naming abilities in aphasic individuals.

Background: Although naming deficits are well documented in aphasia, on‐line measures of naming processes have been little investigated. The use of on‐line measures may offer further insight into the nature of aphasic naming deficits that would otherwise be difficult to interpret when using off‐line measures. Aims: The temporal activation of semantic and phonological processes was tracked in older normal control and aphasic individuals using a picture–word interference paradigm. The purpose of the study was to examine how word interference results can augment and/or corroborate standard language testing in the aphasic group, as well as to examine temporal patterns of activation in the aphasic group when compared to a normal control group. Methods & Procedures: A total of 20 older normal individuals and 11 aphasic individuals participated. Detailed measures of each aphasic individual's language and naming skills were obtained. A visual picture–word interference paradigm was used in which the words bore eit...
IBM copier scanning system

The quality of the copy to be produced by the IBM Copier was of utmost importance in the machine development. This dictated that the amplitude of the vibrations of the document scanning system during scan be limited to a very low level. The design considerations, analysis, simulation, and instrumentation used to assure adequate performance of the system are described.
A simplified approach to diagnostic rectal biopsy in infants and children

Ninety-four patients underwent rectal biopsy with a suction capsule during a two year period. This painless procedure was performed in seventy-one patients for diagnosis of aganglionosis (Hirschsprung's disease). In nine patients, no ganglion cells were encountered, and subsequent surgery confirmed the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease in each of these patients. In twenty-three patients, biopsies were taken to search for neuronal storage disease. Six specimens contained abnormal material in the cytoplasm of the ganglion cells.
Owls and early learning.

In her Reaserch News article “Owl study sheds light on how young brains learn” (6 Mar., [p. 1451][1]), Marcia Barinaga extrapolates from the results of an animal study to human de velopment. Although the research that Barinaga discusses (E. Knudsen, “Capacity for plasticity in the adult owl
Covariant amplitudes in polyakov string theory

Abstract A manifestly Lorentz-covariant and reparametrization-invariant procedure for computing string amplitudes using Polyakov's formulation is described. Both bosonic and superstring theories are dealt with. The computation of string amplitudes is greatly facilitated by this formalism.
The Submillimeter Spectrum of CrH and CrD (X 6 Σ

The N = 0 → 1 rotational transition of CrH and the N = 1 → 2 transition of CrD have been recorded in their X 6Σ+ ground electronic states using submillimeter direct absorption spectroscopy. Both species were created in a DC discharge by the reaction of chromium metal, vaporized in a Broida-type oven, with H2 or D2. Because of the presence of five unpaired electrons, as well as the proton or deuterium nuclear spin, these transitions exhibit complicated fine structure and hyperfine splittings. The five strongest hyperfine transitions were measured for CrH and are split over a 60 GHz region because of spin-spin and spin-rotation interactions. Seven lines have also been recorded for CrD arising from four spin components. The data have been analyzed with a Hund's case b Hamiltonian, resulting in improved constants for both species. These data are crucial for submillimeter searches for CrH toward interstellar and circumstellar gas. Electronic transitions of CrH have been routinely observed in L dwarf and brown dwarf atmospheres, suggesting its presence in other astronomical regions.
Structural vibrations and fourier series

Abstract A method is introduced for vibration analysis of a wide class of beam, plate and shell problems including the effects of variable geometry and material properties. The method is based on the discrete technique of component mode analysis. For each of these components the mode shapes are written in terms of Rayleigh-Ritz expansions involving simple Fourier sine or cosine series. Due to the nature of these series, special attention must be given to end point behavior in the modal expansions and in the derivatives of these modal expansions. This is done via the mechanisms of Stokes' transformation. Continuity between components is enforced with Lagrange multipliers. The resulting frequency equation is exact and the associated eigenvector contains a combination of force and displacement types terms. Numerical solutions are found by truncating the series and monitoring the frequency determinant on a computer.
Laser Photoablation of Pathological Endocardium: In Vitro Findings Suggesting a New Approach to the Surgical Treatment of Refractory Arrhythmias and Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

In selected patients, malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias have been successfully abolished by excision of subendocardial arrhythmogenic foci. Likewise, in certain patients in whom restrictive cardiomyopathy is due to endocardial thickening, endocardial resection has resulted in hemodynamic improvement. The present study was designed to explore the utility, in vitro, of laser photoablation of pathologically thickened endocardium. Endocardial photoablation was easily accomplished regardless of etiological or anatomical variations using either the focused beam of a carbon dioxide laser or argon laser light delivered through a 200-microns optical fiber. Photoablation of areas as large as 3.9 X 1.3 cm was performed within 40 seconds. The extent or depth of endocardial photoablation could be limited to 2 mm2 in area or 1 mm in depth using either form of laser therapy. These in vitro results suggest that either carbon dioxide or argon laser phototherapy can be successfully applied to the surgical treatment of refractory arrhythmias and restrictive cardiomyopathy. Advantages of laser photoablation include speed and precision. Furthermore, laser photoablation obviates the difficulty associated with conventional techniques in establishing tissue planes.
Quantification of Blood-Brain Barrier Solute Permeability and Brain Transport by Multiphoton Microscopy

Development of an optimal systemic drug delivery strategy to the brain will require noninvasive or minimally invasive methods to quantify the permeability of the cerebral microvessel wall or blood-brain barrier (BBB) to various therapeutic agents and to measure their transport in the brain tissue. To address this problem, we used laser-scanning multiphoton microscopy to determine BBB permeability to solutes (P) and effective solute diffusion coefficients (Deff) in rat brain tissue 100‐250lm below the pia mater. The cerebral microcirculation was observed through a section of frontoparietal bone thinned with a microgrinder. Sodium fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextrans, or Alexa Fluor 488-immunoglobulin G (IgG) in 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA) mammalian Ringer’s solution was injected into the cerebral circulation via the ipsilateral carotid artery by a syringe pump at a constant rate of � 3ml/min. P and Deff were determined from the rate of tissue solute accumulation and the radial concentration gradient around individual microvessels in the brain tissue. The mean apparent permeability P values for sodium fluorescein (molecular weight (MW) 376 Da), dextran-4k, -20k, -40k, -70k, and IgG (MW � 160kDa) were 14.6, 6.2, 1.8, 1.4, 1.3, and 0.54 � 10 � 7 cm/s, respectively. These P values were not significantly different from those of rat pial microvessels for the samesized solutes (Yuan et al., 2009, “Non-Invasive Measurement of Solute Permeability in Cerebral Microvessels of the Rat,” Microvasc. Res., 77(2), pp. 166‐73), except for the small solute sodium fluorescein, suggesting that pial microvessels can be a good model for studying BBB transport of relatively large solutes. The mean Deff values were 33.2, 4.4, 1.3, 0.89, 0.59, and 0.47 � 10 � 7 cm 2 /s, respectively, for sodium fluorescein, dextran4k, -20k, -40k, -70k, and IgG. The corresponding mean ratio of Deff to the free diffusion coefficient Dfree ,D eff/Dfree, were 0.46, 0.19, 0.12, 0.12, 0.11, and 0.11 for these solutes. While there is a significant difference in Deff/Dfree between small (e.g., sodium fluorescein) and larger solutes, there is no significant difference in Deff/Dfree between solutes with molecular weights from 20,000 to 160,000 Da, suggesting that the relative resistance of the brain tissue to macromolecular solutes is similar over a wide size range. The quantitative transport parameters measured from this study can be used to develop better strategies for brain drug delivery. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4025892]
1210 ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE (AChE) ASSAY FOR PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS (NTDs)

Amniotic fluid (AF) alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) assay has for some years been the most reliable test for the prenatal diagnosis of NTDs. Recently AChE assay has been proposed as either an alternative or adjunctive diagnostic tool. The non-specificity of AFP and the spurious results that occur with fetal blood contamination have spurred the search for a better diagnostic tool. We have assayed for AF AChE in 196 mostly retrospective cases using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and compared the data with our AFP results from a background experience of > 27,000 cases. High AFP and an AChE band was present in all 61 NTDs. No AChE was observed in clear (19) or bloody (21) normal AFs. Uninterpretable results from AFs (49) with fetal blood + high AFP were resolved in 80% when no AChE band was found. The remaining 10 had fetal death (2), Meckel synd.(1), normal outcome(4) and pending(3). An AChE band was seen in only 7 (15%) of 46 AFs with high AFP and “no” fetal blood. These 7 had AChE in association with omphalocele(1), Turner synd.(2), open abdominal defect(1) and normal fetuses(3). Neither total cholinesterase nor AChE bands were seen in l fluid probably of cystic hygroma origin. AChE was found to be stable after multiple (10) freeze-thawing and assays after 5 days at room temperature. AF AChE assay is a valuable adjunct (to AFP) for prenatal diagnosis of NTDs, and requires more study.
Development Of Contamination Requirements For Spaceborne Optical Instrumentation

High performance satellites and critical surfaces aboard advanced long-life spacecraft require effective contamination control measures to maintain performance stability and to ensure data accuracy. Contamination is said to exist and be of concern if a spacecraft or launch vehicle produced material interferes with the intended performance of a surface or sensor. This paper will discuss the development of contamination requirements for spaceborne optical instrumentation. In addition, a comparison of instrument contamination requirements to measured instrument degradation levels for mission activities will be presented. If maintained, these requirements ensure against undesirable instrument degradation due to the contamination environment created by fabrication, launch, mission activities, ambient atmosphere and the instruments themselves.
Intermediate Structure and the Photodisintegration of O 16

A theory of photonuclear reactions is formulated using a projection-operator formalism. We obtain a $T$ matrix describing a direct photoeffect and a resonance reaction. By introducing doorway and secondary-doorway states, we can conveniently study the structure and energy dependence of the $T$ matrix.The formalism is applied to the analysis of the photonuclear cross sections of ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$. The ($\ensuremath{\gamma},n$) and ($\ensuremath{\gamma},p$) cross sections are calculated. We consider those channels in which the residual nucleus is left in the ground state (${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={\frac{1}{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) or the third excited state (${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={\frac{3}{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$). In the shell-model formulation, the doorways are taken to be mixtures of 1p-1h states, which are constructed in the Tamm-Dancoff approximation. The secondary doorways are assumed to be 3p-3h states, which are constructed in the interacting-boson approximation of Iachello and Feshbach. By mixing the doorways and the secondary doorways, we obtain a microscopic description of the compound states formed in the reactions. The doorways are shown to be responsible for the gross structure of the giant dipole resonances, while their couplings to the secondary doorways give rise to intermediate structure. A particular model of the 3p-3h states, together with certain simplifications in the description of the reaction, reproduces some of the experimental data (the photodisintegration to the ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={\frac{1}{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ground state) to a surprising degree of accuracy.The calculation evidently shows the importance of the 3p-3h admixture in the low-lying odd-parity states of ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$. Our results also give strong support to assigning $E1$ nature to the resonances at 21.0, 22.3, 23.1, 24.2, 25.2, and 25.6 MeV.
Acceptance mediates the relationship between tinnitus-related cognitions and anxiety sensitivity

Purpose Negative cognitions related to tinnitus sensation have been previously shown to affect the level of emotional distress. Anxiety sensitivity is another psychological factor that influences individuals to more closely monitor their own bodily sensations, resulting in increased negative cognitions and negative emotional responses among tinnitus patients. However, increasing acceptance of tinnitus sensation may attenuate emotional distress. The goal of this research was to investigate the relationship between negative tinnitus-related cognitions, acceptance, and anxiety sensitivity. Method Two hundred sixty-seven participants completed online measures of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (Newman, Jacobson, & Spitzer, 1996), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (Hayes, Follette, & Linehan, 2004), and the Anxiety Sensitivity Index–3 (Taylor et al., 2007). Results Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that acceptance fully mediated the relationship between negative tinnitus-related cognitions and anxie...
A note on special thue systems with a single defining relation

It is shown that a Thue system of the formT 1 = {(w,e)} is Church-Rosser if and only if there is a Thue systemT 2 that is Church-Rosser and is equivalent toT 1.
Landscape pattern metrics and regional assessment

The combination of remote imagery data, geographic information systems software, and landscape ecology theory provides a unique basis for monitoring and assessing large-scale ecological systems. The unique feature of the work has been the need to develop and interpret quantitative measures of spatial pattern—the landscape indices. This article reviews what is known about the statistical properties of these pattern metrics and suggests some additional metrics based on island biogeography, percolation theory, hierarchy theory, and economic geography. Assessment applications of this approach have required interpreting the pattern metrics in terms of specific environmental endpoints, such as wildlife and water quality, and research into how to represent synergystic effects of many overlapping sources of stress.
Deposition Strategies and Resulting Part Stiffnesses in Fused Deposition Modeling

In the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process, the choice of deposition strategy plays an important role. In this paper, the effects of different deposition paths on this deposition based LM process are investigated. Some variations on the current deposition strategie are also proposed. The stiffness of parts manufactured by the different strategies is experimentally determined. It is then compared with an analytical model developed using laminate analysis. A good conformance of the laminate model to the experimental results suggests that the laminate model can be used as a design aide to help the designer tailor the deposition strategy to the stiffness requirements.
A hardware pipeline for accelerating ray traversal algorithms on streaming processors

Ray Tracing is a graphics rendering method that uses rays to trace the path of light in a computer model. To accelerate the processing of rays, scenes are typically compiled into smaller spatial boxes using a tree structure and rays then traverse the tree structure to determine relevant spatial boxes. This allows computations involving rays and scene objects to be limited to only objects close to the ray and does not require processing all elements in the computer model. We present a ray traversal pipeline designed to accelerate ray tracing traversal algorithms using a combination of currently used programmable graphics processors and a new fixed hardware pipeline. Our fixed hardware pipeline performs an initial traversal operation that quickly identifies a smaller sized, fixed granularity spatial bounding box from the original scene. This spatial box can then be traversed further to identify subsequently smaller spatial bounding boxes using any user-defined acceleration algorithm. We show that our pipeline allows for an expected level of user programmability, including development of custom data structures, and can support a wide range of processor architectures. The performance of our pipeline is evaluated for ray traversal and intersection stages using a kd-tree ray tracing algorithm and a custom simulator modeling a generic streaming processor architecture. Experimental results show that our pipeline reduces the number of executed instructions on a graphics processor for the traversal operation by 2.15X for visible rays. The memory bandwidth required for traversal is also reduced by a factor of 1.3X for visible rays.
Cloud clearing of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder hyperspectral infrared radiances using stochastic methods

[1] A novel stochastic algorithm is presented for estimating Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) radiances in the 3.7–15.4 micron spectral band that would be observed from space in the absence of clouds. This algorithm examines 3 × 3 sets of 15-km AIRS fields of view, selects the clearest fields, and then estimates a single cloud-cleared infrared spectrum for the 3 × 3 set using a series of simple linear and nonlinear operations on both the infrared and companion Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) microwave channels. These instruments were launched on the NASA Aqua satellite in May 2002. The algorithm was both trained and tested within 70° of the equator using global numerical weather analyses generated by the European Center for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF); these analyses were converted to radiances using the SARTA v1.05 equation of radiative transfer. The RMS differences between the AIRS 4- and 15-micron CO2-band observations and the corresponding ECMWF/SARTA radiances over nighttime ocean are ∼0.2–0.3 K for ∼60 selected channels with weighting functions peaking at tropospheric altitudes down to the surface for the best 28% of all soundings selected using only AIRS data. For a larger ensemble of 314 channels the corresponding range was 0.27–0.40 K. Latitudes 30–70° yielded RMS differences of 0.26–0.78 K over land at night for the same 314 channels. Mean differences were largely eliminated by training the estimates using independent global observations made on the same 3 test days, which were spaced over 2 months.
Inactivation of E2a in recombinant adenoviruses improves the prospect for gene therapy in cystic fibrosis.

Inactivation of E2a in recombinant adenoviruses improves the prospect for gene therapy in cystic fibrosis
Metal promoted higher-order cycloaddition reactions. A facile entry into substituted eight- and ten-membered carbocycles.

Abstract Substituted eight- and ten-membered carbocycles can be accessed by employing a metal promoted higher-order cycloaddition of heterocyclic trienes followed by heteroatom extrusion.
SECONDARY SEX CHARACTERISTICS IN SPINACIA OLERACEA L.: QUANTITATIVE EVIDENCE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF AT LEAST THREE SEXUAL MORPHS

Spinacia oleracea L. was grown hydroponically across an experimental salinity gradient with treatments of 0.0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 grams of NaCl/liter of nutrient medium. Plant height, root biomass, vegetative biomass, fruit morphology, average fruit weight, and fruit mass: volume ratio were examined in each treatment to determine if differences other than primary sex characteristics exist between male, female, and monoecious plants. Average fruit weight was the only parameter examined that was not useful as a secondary sex characteristic. Orthogonal contrasts examining plant height, vegetative biomass, and root biomass of plants were distinct from one another across the salinity gradient. Similarly, female and monoecious plants differed significantly from one another in terms of root biomass and the average mass: volume ratio of the fruit each sexual morph produced, as well as the proportion of smooth to wrinkled fruit produced. The data indicate that male, female, and monoecious plants are three distinct sexual
Taenia Saginata Tapeworm Infection in a Traveler to Mexico

several centimeters. She was concerned that the objects were parasites and came in for evaluation. She was pre- sumptively treated with niclosamide, 2 g by mouth, followed by a purgative of magnesium citrate. Within 1 hour, she passed 20 tapeworm proglottids, which initially were noted to be motile (Fig. 1). Examina- tion of proglottids confirmed that the worm was a
GRP94, an ER chaperone with protein and peptide binding properties.

Abstract GRP94 is the ER representative of the HSP90 family of stress-induced proteins. It binds to a limited number of proteins in the secretory pathway, apparently by recognizing advanced folding intermediates or incompletely assembled proteins. GRP94 also binds peptides and can act as a tumor vaccine, delivering the peptides for presentation to T lymphocytes. Here, we review the current data about GRP94 and propose a structural model that integrates the biochemical data and known functions of the protein.
A correlation of auger emission spectroscopy, LEED and work function measurements for the epitaxial growth of thorium on a W (100) substrate

Abstract Auger emission spectra of the Th-W (100) system have been measured and a coverage calibration of thorium Auger peaks, observed at 64 and 78 V, was made by correlating with existing work function data. Carbon and sulphur peaks, observed impurities, were calibrated relative to W Auger peaks of the clean surface. With the substrate at room temperature and pressures −10 Torr during evaporation, the measurements show CO to be a major impurity in the thorium overlayers. The co-adsorption of CO and Th was precluded by heating the W substrate to 1400°C during evaporation. Under these conditions the LEED patterns show that thorium forms initially a c2 × 2 structure followed by a 1 × 1 ionic pseudomorphic monolayer. Further thorium adsorbs at random filling c2 × 2 sites on this overlayer and thereafter nucleates forming islands of bulk thorium with random orientation relative to the substrate. Photomicrographs taken of the surface with 25 monolayers equivalent coverage of thorium support these conclusions.
Acute nickel carbonyl poisoning.

Nickel carbonyl [Ni(CO)4], is formed when metallic nickel combines with carbon monoxide. It is used in the refining process of nickel and as a catalyst in petroleum, plastic, and rubber production. Nickel carbonyl is considered to be one of the most toxic chemicals used industrially and the magnitude of its morbidity and mortality has been compared to that of hydrogen cyanide. A 46-year-old man presented to the emergency department 24 hours after accidental occupational exposure to nickel carbonyl. He admitted to dermal contamination and inhaling the vapor from his clothing after his respiratory protection was removed. On presentation the patient was alert and oriented, complained of shortness of breath, chest tightness, and paresthesias. Examination revealed decreased breath sounds bilaterally and arterial blood gas PO2 of 39% with calculated O2 saturation of 75%. After face mask O2 at 60% his PO2 increased to 85%. The patient required 60% O2 with continuous positive airway pressure of 5 for 4 days. Disulfiram (Antabuse) was administered for the first 2 days until sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (dithiocarb) was obtained. Disulfiram was used because it is metabolized to two molecules of dithiocarb and is hypothetically of value. Dithiocarb was obtained and continued over the next several days. The patient's urine nickel level on the day of admission was 172 micrograms/dL (normal < 5 micrograms/dL) and a serum level of 14.6 micrograms/dL (normal .26-.46 micrograms/dL). The patient's condition gradually improved over the next 10 days. Nickel carbonyl exposure produces mild transient initial symptoms which are followed within 24 hours by more severe life-threatening events.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Increased Body Cadmium Burden in Chinese Women Without Smoking and Occupational Exposure

AbstractTo investigate the chronic low-level environmental cadmium and zinc exposure of Chinese women and find the relationships between these parameters and hypertension, 58 women without histories of smoking and occupational exposure were conducted into this cross-section study and divided into three groups: Group I: 24 normal healthy, Group II: 24 untreated essential hypertension, and Group HI: 10 untreated nonessential hypertension women. The serum cadmium and daily urinary cadmium excretion of Group II (1.69 ± 0.92 μg/L; 2.43 ± 1.93 μg/d) were significantly higher than those of Group I (0.88 ± 0.92 μg/L; 1.07 ± 1.45 μg/d) as well as Group HI (0.92 ± 0.91 μg/L; 0.19 ± 0.23 μg/d). The ratio of urinary zinc (fig)/urinary creatinine (g) of Group II (865.99 ± 460.54 μg/g) was higher than that of Group I (622.39 ± 250.96 μg/g). The ratio of urinary cadmium concentrations (μg)/ urinary creatinine (g) of all healthy Chinese women was 1.30 ± 1.67 which is higher than that of other nations in the world except ...
Electrophysiological study of myotonia.

THERE has been considerable interest in myotonia, but current theories of its cause are based on evidence obtained in experiments where nerve and muscle responses could not be separated. Microphysiological investigation at a single neuromuscular junction can provide some information about pre- and post-synaptic factors and can also be used to study the common assertion1,2 that the disorder arises from “electrical instability” in the muscle membrane.
Electronic property measurements of solid density plasmas with x-ray scattering

Summary form only given, as follows. We have recently succeeded measuring the temperature and ionization balance of a previously unexplored regime of high density matter with a proof-of-principal experiment at the Omega laser facility. We used spectrally-resolved 4.75-keV x-ray scattering from solid-density beryllium and carbon plasmas. Spectrally resolved x-ray scattering provides for the first time detailed information on electron densities, temperature, and velocity distributions. In our experiments, we observe the Compton-downshifted spectral line that is broadened by the thermal motion of the electrons in the plasma. These are the first measurements from a solid-density plasma close to the Fermi degenerate state that is a fundamental state of matter occurring in many high energy density laboratory experiments. We compare our results with calculations of the ionization balance using the activity expansion method and an averaged atom model. In this regime, we find that the experimental data test models of electronic properties at high density. These results also suggest that the full range of dense plasmas, from Fermi degenerate, to strongly coupled, to high temperature ideal gas plasmas will now be accessible.
Agenda Control, Majority Party Power, and the House Committee on Rules, 1937–52

The role of the U.S. House Rules Committee is consequential for theories of congressional parties, yet its role during the “conservative coalition” era is not well understood. We systematically analyzed the politics surrounding all special rules considered in Democratic Congresses from 1937 to 1952. We found that Rules repeatedly used its agenda power to push to the floor conservative initiatives that were opposed by the Democratic administration, the Rules Committee chair, and most northern Democrats, especially in Congresses that followed Republican election gains. The 44 conservative initiatives we identified include many of the most important policy issues considered during the period. Our findings challenge the idea that the majority party has consistently enjoyed a veto over which initiatives reach the floor, and they underscore the limits of roll-call-vote analysis in assessments of agenda control.
Some Things I Hope You Will Find Useful Even if Statistics Isn't Your Thing

I emphasize some common misuses of statistics that everyone, whether you do statistics or just read what others write, should be on the lookout for. I next discuss somewhat more complicated issues in archaeological method and theory and then conclude with a qualitative explanation of Bayesian methods and why they are often preferable to the frequentist methods advocated in many introductory statistics texts.
Using Mechanical Vibration to Estimate Rotor Speed in Induction Motor Drives

Motor speed information is important for high-performance induction motor drives. Various sensorless control methods have been proposed in the last two decades to eliminate the cost for conventional speed sensors. In this paper, a new method of determining motor speed using torque-ripple-induced vibration with a relatively low-cost piezoelectric material vibration sensor is introduced. The piezoelectric speed sensor has the advantage of low cost, small size and relatively straightforward implementation. In addition, the proposed method is independent of machine parameters. Digital signal processing methods are applied to obtain the motor speed information from vibration signals. Experimental results validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method.
Segmentation and tracking of cine cardiac MR and CT images using a 3-D deformation model

Multi-slice multi-phase MR and EBT (Ultrafast CT) imaging is increasingly being used as a method for analyzing and diagnosing cardiac function. Segmentation of heart chambers facilitates computation of volume based quantities, as well as ventricular motion analysis. The authors present a 3D physically-based deformable model based approach to segmenting anisotropic cine MR and EBT images. The model has both rigid as well as nonrigid motion components. Past approaches have used deformable models without rigid components or used isotropic CT data. The authors' model adaptively subdivides the mesh in response to the forces extracted from image data. Additionally, the local mesh of the model encodes surface orientation to align the model with the desired edge directions a crucial constraint for distinguishing close anatomical structures. The authors' present results of segmenting multi-slice multi-phase cardiac MR and EBT studies with interslice resolution of 8 mm/slice, and intraslice resolution of 1 mm/pixel. >
How Big Data Informs Us About Cataract Surgery: The LXXII Edward Jackson Memorial Lecture.

Purpose To characterize the role of Big Data in evaluating quality of care in ophthalmology, to highlight opportunities for studying quality improvement using data available in the American Academy of Ophthalmology Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS) Registry, and to show how Big Data informs us about rare events such as endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. Design Review of published studies, analysis of public-use Medicare claims files from 2010 to 2013, and analysis of IRIS Registry from 2013 to 2014. Methods Statistical analysis of observational data. Results The overall rate of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery was 0.14% in 216 703 individuals in the Medicare database. In the IRIS Registry the endophthalmitis rate after cataract surgery was 0.08% among 511 182 individuals. Endophthalmitis rates tended to be higher in eyes with combined cataract surgery and anterior vitrectomy ( P = .051), although only 0.08% of eyes had this combined procedure. Visual acuity (VA) in the IRIS Registry in eyes with and without postoperative endophthalmitis measured 1–7 days postoperatively were logMAR 0.58 (standard deviation [SD]: 0.84) (approximately Snellen acuity of 20/80) and logMAR 0.31 (SD: 0.34) (approximately Snellen acuity of 20/40), respectively. In 33 547 eyes with postoperative VA after cataract surgery, 18.3% had 1-month-postoperative VA worse than 20/40. Conclusions Big Data drawing on Medicare claims and IRIS Registry records can help identify additional areas for quality improvement, such as in the 18.3% of eyes in the IRIS Registry having 1-month-postoperative VA worse than 20/40. The ability to track patient outcomes in Big Data sets provides opportunities for further research on rare complications such as postoperative endophthalmitis and outcomes from uncommon procedures such as cataract surgery combined with anterior vitrectomy. But privacy and data-security concerns associated with Big Data should not be taken lightly.
Oxidative enzymes in the cochlea. An electron microscopic and histochemical study of succinic dehydrogenase and dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide diaphorase.

Recently developed formazan techniques for the electron microscopic localization of SDH and NADH-D revealed details about the way that these enzymes are distributed in the cochlea. The degree of activity that was manifested on light microscopy by each kind of cell correlated with its mitochondrial content. The stria vascularis was very reactive. Supporting cells showed more activity than hair cells. This technique revealed precise localization of activity on the membranes of mitochondria. NADH-D appears to be present in the parallel membrane and cistern system that is arranged longitudinally in hair cells.
Neural network implementation to control systems: a survey of algorithms and techniques

The use of neural networks in the areas of system identification, detection, adaptive control, modeling, optimization, and robotics has been addressed by several researchers. A survey of articles on the use of neural networks to control linear and nonlinear dynamical systems is provided. A summary of algorithms and techniques used by several researchers working in the field is also given. >
Emergency Response Workflow Resource Requirements Modeling and Analysis

A workflow management system determines the flow of work according to predefined business process definitions. It manages the resources required to meet goals and provides monitoring facilities and control capabilities. Resources can become important decision factors when combined with control flow information. This is particularly true in an emergency response system where large quantities of resources, including emergency responders, ambulances, fire trucks, medications, food, clothing, etc., are required. In this paper, we introduce a resource-constrained and decision support workflow model. This model enables users to specify resource consumption and production when executing a task, and decision policies to choose a path at a given situation where multiple execution branches are available. The paper also presents an efficient resource requirement analysis algorithm that can be used to decide the minimum resource set that, if satisfied, the workflow can be executed along any possible path till finish without the occurrence of resource shortage. A case study is presented to show the use of the proposed approach.