cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Equity Integration in Japan: An Application of a New Method

This paper develops a simple new methodology to test for asset integration and applies it to the Japanese stock market. The technique is tightly based on a general intertemporal asset-pricing model, and relies on estimating and comparing expected risk- free rates across assets. Expected risk- free rates are allowed to vary freely over time, constrained only by the fact that they are equal across (risk-adjusted) assets. Assets are allowed to have general risk characteristics, and are constrained only by a factor model of covariances over short time periods. The technique is undemanding in terms of both data and estimation. I find that expected risk- free rates vary dramatically over time, unlike short interest rates. Further, the Tokyo stock market does not always seem to be well integrated in the sense that different portfolios of stocks are priced with different implicit risk- free rates.
The Arrangement of the Tryptic Peptides in the Coat Protein of the f2 Bacteriophage

Abstract In separate experiments, involving chymotryptic and peptic digestion of the f2 coat protein, a sufficient number of overlap peptides were isolated to permit us to propose an unambiguous arrangement of the tryptic peptides in the intact coat protein. The assignment of linkages between tryptic peptides was made by comparing the amino acid compositions of chymotryptic and peptic peptides containing lysine and arginine with the compositions of the tryptic peptides. In some cases these assignments were confirmed by digesting the overlap peptides with trypsin and by end group determinations. The order proposed for the tryptic peptides is T11-T8-T4-T3-T7-T9-T5-T2-T10-T6-T1. Two chymotryptic peptides were isolated which were derived from the NH2-terminal region of the protein. The order and amino acid sequence of these peptides were determined, making it possible to establish the sequence of the first 7 residues from the NH2-terminal end of the protein. This sequence is: Ala-Ser-Asn-Phe-Thr-Gln-Phe.
Contribution of isotopologue self-shielding to sulfur mass-independent fractionation during sulfur dioxide photolysis

[1] Signatures of sulfur mass-independent fractionation (S-MIF) are observed for sulfur minerals in Archean rocks, and for modern stratospheric sulfate aerosols (SSA) deposited in polar ice. Ultraviolet light photolysis of SO2 is thought to be the most likely source for these S-MIF signatures, although several hypotheses have been proposed for the underlying mechanism(s) of S-MIF production. Laboratory SO2 photolysis experiments are carried out with a flow-through photochemical reactor with a broadband (Xe arc lamp) light source at 0.1 to 5 mbar SO2 in 0.25 to 1 bar N2 bath gas, in order to test the effect of SO2 pressure on the production of S-MIF. Elemental sulfur products yield high δ34S values up to 140 ‰, with δ33S/δ34S of 0.59 ± 0.04 and Δ36S/Δ33S ratios of −4.6 ± 1.3 with respect to initial SO2. The magnitude of the isotope effect strongly depends on SO2 partial pressure, with larger fractionations at higher SO2 pressures, but saturates at an SO2 column density of 1018 molecules cm−2. The observed pressure dependence and δ33S/δ34S and Δ36S/Δ33S ratios are consistent with model calculations based on synthesized SO2 isotopologue cross sections, suggesting a significant contribution of isotopologue self-shielding to S-MIF for high SO2 pressure (>0.1 mbar) experiments. Results of dual-cell experiments further support this conclusion. The measured isotopic patterns, in particular the Δ36S/Δ33S relationships, closely match those measured for modern SSA from explosive volcanic eruptions. These isotope systematics could be used to trace the chemistry of SSA after large Plinian volcanic eruptions.
Information Retrieval beyond the Text Document

With the expansion of the Internet, searching for information goes beyond the boundary of physical libraries. Millions of documents of various media types-such as text, image, video, audio, graphics, and animation-are available around the world and linked by the Internet. Unfortunately, the state of the art of search engines for media types other than text lags far behind their text counterparts. To address this situation, we have developed the Multimedia Analysis and Retrieval System (MARS). This article reports some of the progress made over the years toward exploring information retrieval beyond the text domain. In particular, the following aspects of MARS are addressed in the article: visual feature extraction, retrieval models, query reformulation techniques, efficient execution speed performance, and user interface considerations. Extensive experimental results are reported to validate the proposed approaches.
Conflicts of Interest in Public Policy Research

In this essay, I discuss the difficulty of sustaining an inquisitorial system of policy research and analysis when it is embedded in a broader adversarial political setting. Conflicts of interest in public policy research exist on a continuum from blatant pecuniary bias to more subtle ideological bias. Because these biases are only partially susceptible to correction through individual effort and existing institutional practices (peer review, replication), I consider whether a more explicitly adversarial system might be preferable to the awkward hybrid that exists today. But there are important disanalogies between policy-relevant empirical debates and the kinds of conflicts we address with our adversarial legal system. If we are stuck with a muddled inquisitorial-adversarial hybrid, we need to encourage norms of “heterogeneous inquisitorialism,” in which investigators strive for within-study hypothesis competition and greater clarity about roles, facts, and values.
Nuclear hyperfine structure in the donor–acceptor complexes (CH3)3N–BF3 and (CH3)3N–B(CH3)3

Abstract The donor–acceptor complexes (CH3)3N–BF3 and (CH3)3N–B(CH3)3 have been reinvestigated at high resolution by rotational spectroscopy in a supersonic jet. Nuclear hyperfine structure resulting from both nitrogen and boron has been resolved and quadrupole coupling constants have been obtained. The results for both complexes indicate that approximately 0.4 electrons are transferred away from the (CH3)3N moiety upon formation of the dative bond.
Prediction of the Angular Vibration for Airborne Electro-Optical Systems

The design of airborne electro-optical systems requires the knowledge of angular vibration as well as the conventional linear vibration of aircraft structures. Rather than predicting the angular vibration subject to aerodynamic and acoustic excitations, an attempt is made here to relate the angular vibration directly to the linear vibration response. With the Bernoulli-Euler beam used as a theoretical model, a relationship has been derived between the linear and angular vibration power spectral density functions. From this relationship together with the angular vibration energy already predicted by Lee and Whaley (AFFDL-TR-76-55, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, 1976), we can now predict the angular power spectral density at an arbitrary aircraft location. Tested on the typical flight test data of RF-4C and F-15 fighters, CH-3E helicopter, and B-52 bomber, the predicted angular power spectral density lies within ±10 db of the measurement over the whole frequency range. Though crude, such a prediction is useful in the preliminary design stage, whereby one can quickly and simply obtain a first-order estimate of angular vibration from the prescribed linear vibration environment.
Blood-Pressure Reduction Is Associated With Worsening In Renal Function But Does Not Prevent Successful Decongestion In Patients Treated For Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Recent data have demonstrated that substantial reductions in blood pressure are common during the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and are associated with worsening renal function (WRF). However, since the kidney serves as the primary conduit by which fluid and sodium is removed
MOS threshold shifting by ion implantation

Abstract In this paper, the theoretical description of threshold shifting of MOS devices by implantation of an impurity beneath the control electrode is presented. Experimental measurements are presented which verify the theoretical predictions. In particular, MOS capacitors and transistors were used to experimentally verify the theory ( n -type Si substrates to verify the case of p -channel devices). Implanted layers sufficient to compensate the background substrate doping were used. This layer creates a buried conducting channel beneath the gate that is isolated from the substrate by the p-n junction. Modulation of this conduction region by the surface depletion region was found to be responsible for the transistor action. For n -type substrates ( p -channel devices) ion energies of 33 and 53 keV were selected for use with gate oxides of ≈ 0·1 μm. Boron doses ranged from 5×10 10 to 2×10 12 atoms/cm 2 . Threshold shifts from 0·2 to 5 V were observed. Device performance was not degraded by the implantation. Annealing temperatures as low as 500°C were found to be sufficient to anneal the damage caused by the implantation. Changes in the characteristic C vs V curves of the devices were predicted and experimentally observed. A method of picking the approximate turn-off voltage of the devices from the C vs V curves is pointed out.
Activation and Reversal of Lipotoxicity in PC12 and Rat Cortical Cells Following Exposure to Palmitic Acid

Lipotoxicity involves a series of pathological cellular responses after exposure to elevated levels of fatty acids. This process may be detrimental to normal cellular homeostasis and cell viability. The present study shows that nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12 cells (NGFDPC12) and rat cortical cells (RCC) exposed to high levels of palmitic acid (PA) exhibit significant lipotoxicity and death linked to an "augmented state of cellular oxidative stress" (ASCOS). The ASCOS response includes generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), alterations in the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and increase in the mRNA levels of key cell death/survival regulatory genes. The observed cell death was apoptotic based on nuclear morphology, caspase-3 activation, and cleavage of lamin B and PARP. Quantitative real-time PCR measurements showed that cells undergoing lipotoxicity exhibited an increase in the expression of the mRNAs encoding the cell death-associated proteins BNIP3 and FAS receptor. Cotreatment of NGFDPC12 and RCC cells undergoing lipotoxicity with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) significantly reduced cell death within the first 2 hr following the initial exposure to PA. The data suggest that lipotoxicity in NGFDPC12 and cortical neurons triggers a strong cell death apoptotic response. Results with NGFDPC12 cells suggest a linkage between induction of ASCOS and the apoptotic process and exhibit a temporal window that is sensitive to DHA and BSA interventions.
High-order series solution for unsteady thermal blooming with crosswind

The non-linear self-distortion of a plane light beam propagating through the atmosphere is investigated. A uniform crosswind is present, acting perpendicular to the initial (unbloomed) direction of propagation of the light beam, which is assumed to be governed by the laws of geometric optics. The problem is solved by a high-order coordinate series-expansion technique, using the digital computer to obtain values for the coefficients. Distortion of the light beam due to the crosswind is found to be less severe than in the three-dimensional case.
Atomistic simulation of grain boundary diffusion mechanisms in B2 NiAl

Abstract We present the results of molecular dynamics simulations of grain boundary diffusion mechanisms in B2 NiAl. The studies use embedded atom method interatomic potentials to simulate the diffusion process along a special Σ=5 symmetrical tilt boundary in a direct manner, starting with vacancies located in different sites in the grain boundary region. The simulations show a variety of diffusion jumps, all introducing disorder in the grain boundary. This is in contrast to diffusion in bulk NiAl, where cyclic mechanisms, restore order. Several series of correlated jumps were identified in the grain boundary region. The most common of these result in the vacancy remaining in the same structural unit. The rate controlling jump sequences that result in vacancy migration to a neighboring structural unit were also observed and are reported in detail.
Oxidative stress increases internal calcium stores and reduces a key mitochondrial enzyme.

Fibroblasts from patients with genetic and non-genetic forms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) show many abnormalities including increased bombesin-releasable calcium stores (BRCS), diminished activities of the mitochondrial K-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC), and an altered ability to handle oxidative stress. The link between genetic mutations (and the unknown primary event in non-genetic forms) and these other cellular abnormalities is unknown. To determine whether oxidative stress could be a convergence point that produces the other AD-related changes, these experiments tested in fibroblasts the effects of H2O2, in the presence or absence of select antioxidants, on BRCS and KGDHC. H2O2 concentrations that elevated carboxy-dichlorofluorescein (c-H2DCF)-detectable ROS increased BRCS and decreased KGDHC activity. These changes are in the same direction as those in fibroblasts from AD patients. Acute treatments with the antioxidants Trolox, or DMSO decreased c-H2DCF-detectable ROS by about 90%, but exaggerated the H2O2-induced increases in BRCS by about 4-fold and did not alter the reduction in KGDHC. Chronic pretreatments with Trolox more than doubled the BRCS, tripled KGDHC activities, and reduced the effects of H2O2. Pretreatment with DMSO or N-acetyl cysteine diminished the BRCS and either had no effect, or exaggerated the H2O2-induced changes in these variables. The results demonstrate that BRCS and KGDHC are more sensitive to H2O2 derived species than c-H2DCF, and that oxidized derivatives of the antioxidants exaggerate the actions of H2O2. The findings support the hypothesis that select abnormalities in oxidative processes are a critical part of a cascade that leads to the cellular abnormalities in cells from AD patients. fl 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
In support of student pair-programming

Industry, particularly those following the eXtreme Programming (XP) methodology [2], has popularized the use of pair-programming. The pair-programming model has also been found to be beneficial for student programmers. Initial quantitative and qualitative results, which will be discussed in this paper, demonstrate that the use of pair-programming in the computer science classroom enhances student learning and satisfaction and reduces the frustration common among students. Additionally, the use of pair-programming relieves the burden on the educators because students no longer view the teaching staff as their sole form of technical information. We explore the nature of pair-programming, then examine the ways such a practice may enhance teaching and learning in computer science education.
Creep of copper under constant structure conditions

The purpose of the present paper is to apply the techniques developed for the analysis of data for pure aluminum to the constant structure creep behavior of pure copper. Based on a comparison of the results for aluminum and copper, it is suggested that stacking fault energy may influence structure evolution and thereby affect the kinetics of dislocation glide past intermediate strength obstacles
Introducing Relativistic Quantum Mechanics to Energy Students

A method for introducing relativistic quantum mechanics to energy students is described. The method complements existing modern physics courses and relies on Feynman’s relativistic path integral approach to display a relationship between classical dynamics, quantum theory, and relativistic quantum theory.
EUS in lung cancer.

The role of GI endosonographers has undergone a major shift in the development of accurate and safe methods for mediastinal lymph node staging in patients with cancer of the lung. Although GI endosonographers are traditionally outside the field of pulmonary disease, the ease, safety, clinical impact on management, and large volume of cases (greater than esophagus, stomach, pancreas, bile duct, and rectal combined) place EUS in a central role in this disease. The following paragraphs will summarize the role of staging, accuracy, safety, and clinical implications of EUS in lung cancer. Carcinoma of the lung is the most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States with an annual incidence of 170,000 cases and 154,000 deaths.1 Treatment strategies are largely based on histology (small cell versus non-small cell) and the presence of mediastinal or distant spread of the tumor. Accurate staging also guides prognosis and is a prerequisite for comparing therapies in clinical trials. A classification for lung cancer staging has been adopted by the American Joint Committee on Cancer.2 Patients without mediastinal involvement (stages I and II) are potential candidates for surgical resection. Unfortunately, nearly 50% of patients with lung cancer harbor mediastinal disease at presentation. Direct mediastinal invasion (T4) or metastasis to contralateral mediastinal nodes (N3) is classified as stage IIIB disease. Five-year survival is less than 5% and patients are generally offered chemoradiotherapy without surgery. Metastases to ipsilateral and subcarinal nodes (N2) are classified as stage IIIA disease. Management of IIIA disease is more controversial, but many centers treat with chemoradiotherapy, unless surgery is added under investigational protocols.
Slow Light in Coupled Resonator Large Cross-Section Rib Waveguides

We experimentally investigate the optical properties of a slow-light waveguide realized on a silicon chip. We measure the group index, bandwidth and propagation loss.
False-negative capnographic reading caused by a malfunctioning bag-valve-mask device resulting in a pneumomediastinum

Bag-valve-mask ventilation is generally a safe, and often a life-saving procedure for children who are unable to oxygenate or ventilate by themselves. A case is presented which describes a malfunctioning expiratory valve in a disposable manual bag-valve-mask device resulting in a pneumomediastinum in a child. This is a rare cause of a false-negative colorimetric end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) reading after endotracheal intubation. However, it is important to recognize so that further adverse outcomes can be prevented.
A simple analytical model for the dependence of the propagation delay of the polycrystalline silicon CMOS inverter on temperature

Abstract We present a simple analytical model that accounts for the effects of temperature on the propagation delay of the CMOS inverter, implemented with polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) thin film transistors. We have also fabricated polysilicon CMOS inverters with a variety of crystallization methods. We measure their switching speed as a function of temperature, and compare the results with the analytical model’s predictions. The experimental data are shown to be in excellent agreement with the developed model, which constitutes an effective tool for modeling the impact of temperature on polysilicon digital circuits.
Hermeneutics, underdetermination and quantum mechanics

There exists an essential underdetermination in the interpretation of the formalism of quantum mechanics and this extends even to the question of whether or not physical phenomena at the most fundamental level are irreducibly and ineliminably indeterministic or absolutely deterministic. This is true in spite of the widespread belief that logic and empirical considerations alone demand an indeterministic world view in physics. This lends support to Martin Eger's analysis of a role for hermeneutics in science education.
Successful culture in vitro of bovine embryos to the blastocyst stage.

Two hundred and sixty bovine embryos between the two- and eight-cell stage were collected from synchronized, PMSG-treated cows. Embryos were placed randomly in culture among 11 media and 2 gas atmospheres and development was recorded at 24 h intervals for the duration of culture. The number of cellspresent at the cessation of culture was determined following aceto-orceinstaining. Ham’s F-1O medium supplemented with heat treated fetalcalfserum (HTFC), supported the development of 9 of 43 (21 percent) eight-cell embryos into expanded blastocysts after 134 to 150 h in culture and 1 of the 9 expanded blastocysts appeared to undergo an in vitro hatching process after 160 h in culture. No other media tested supported development of bovine embryos beyond the early blastocyst stage (32 to 64 cells). The reduced oxygen atmosphere of 90 percent N2, 5 percent C02, 5 percent 02 was superior (P<0.01) to 5 percent CO2 in air in both the number of embryos undergoing division and in degree of development. Ham’s F-b medium supplemented with HTFC serum under a 90 percent N2, 5 percent C02, 5 percent 02 gas atmosphere successfullysupported the development of four-, six- and eight-cell bovine embryos cultured in vitro.
THE EVENTUAL FREQUENCIES OF KIN IN A STABLE POPULATION

Associated with every real birth cohort of women is a set of probabilities {f k} of eventually having k daughters. With a variant of stable population theory, these probabilities are used to generate the entire probability distributions, as well as all moments, for all categories of kin who are female and female-related. With additional assumptions, a full two-sex model for all kin also is given. The two-sex model is applied to a cohort of U.S. women born in the mid-twentieth century, suggesting plausible frequencies of kin in a stationary population.
Electron-Diffraction Studies of Phase Transitions in 40.8 Free-Standing Thin Films

Abstract The structural phase transitions of free-standing thin films of N-(4-n-butyloxybenzylidene)-4-n-octylaniline (40. 8), which exhibits smectic-A and crystal-B phases in the bulk, have been studied in detail using electron diffraction. When a smectic-A film is cooled, the outermost layer transforms initially to the hexatic-B phase and subsequently to the crystal-B phase at a lower temperature. The first transition is consistent with the thermal anomaly in the heat capacity and the second transition coincides with the shear response observed in mechanical measurements. Upon further cooling, the film undergoes additional layer-by-layer smectic-A-hexatic-B-crystal-B transitions in its interior.
Effects of adsorbed C, O, and S on coalescence of atomic steps on Ni☆

Abstract Transitions in the distribution of atomic steps on a Ni surface vicinal to (111) have been observed using LEED. The observations indicate a tendency for steps to cluster at low temperature and to disperse at high temperature. The transitions can be reversed on temperature cycling but with some hysteresis which may be due either to the nature of the transition or to kinetic effects. Carbon, oxygen, and sulphur affect the transition temperature.
Effect of heat treatment on the behavior of alloy 600 in lithiated water containing dissolved hydrogen at 25 to 350°C

Abstract Measurement of the open-circuit potential, AC impedance, and anodic polarization curves were made for alloy 600 (UNS N06600) in three different heat treatment conditions (mill annealed at 927°C, at 1024°C, and thermally treated by heating at 700°C for 28 h) on exposure at 25 to 350°C in lithiated water containing hydrogen. Values of the open-circuit potential (Eop) measured at the same temperature for three differently heat-treated materials were identical (within the limits of the experimental scatter). In the 25 to 250°C range, the Eop values were negative to the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) potential, hence they were mixed potentials. Values of the polarization resistance (Rp) as determined from AC impedance data indicated superiority of the thermally treated material over the high-temperature annealed one. The low-temperature annealed material exhibited the lowest Rp. Anodic polarization curves showed smaller dissolution rates and greater tendencies to passivation for thermally treated...
Electrochemical Oxidation of Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Bundles in Sulfuric Acid

Electrochemical doping of bisulfate ions into single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) bundles has been studied using coulometry, cyclic voltammetry, mass-uptake measurements, and Raman scattering experiments. A spontaneous charge-transfer reaction is observed prior to the application of an electrochemical driving force, in sharp contrast to previous observations in the graphite−H2SO4 system. A mass increase of the SWNT sample and a concomitant upshift of the Raman-active tangential mode frequency indicate oxidation (i.e., removal of electrons) of the SWNT bundles. In fact, using Raman scattering, we were able to separate the spontaneous and electrochemical contributions to the overall charge transfer, resulting in the value of an upshift of 320 cm-1 per hole, per C-atom introduced into the carbon π-band by the bisulfate (HSO4-) dopant. This value may prove to be a universal measure of charge transfer in acceptor-type SWNT compounds. At a critical electrochemical doping, the SWNT bundles are driven into an “ove...
Modeling an intelligent continuous authentication system to protect financial information resources

Abstract This paper examines fundamental principles of continuous authentication (CA) and proposes a four-tier CA architecture to secure financial information systems. We define CA as a process that verifies the identity of an information systems user continuously for the entire duration of an authorized session. While organizations can, in theory, strengthen the security of their financial information systems through CA, several challenges need to be addressed in designing a CA architecture. A primary challenge involves the constantly changing user profiles in globally networked business environments. Profile content may include user knowledge and characteristics, access location, job characteristics, and transaction attributes. We propose swarm intelligence, which has the capacity to handle complex profile changes, as a technology for implementing CA in a dynamic, distributed network environment where user profiles are constantly changing. The paper explores model implementation challenges and discusses opportunities for future research.
Information asymmetry and social exchange: exploring compliance gaining online

Proliferation of social media has increased the amount of personal information available about users online, and this information is increasingly available to anyone including advertisers and other (unknown) users. Having knowledge about others creates information asymmetries that can be used strategically in compliance gaining scenarios. In an online text-based interaction, 66 (31 male and 35 female) same-sex dyads engaged in conversation with one partner tasked in gaining his partner's compliance. When the persuading partner benefited from information asymmetry, he was more successful at getting his conversation partner to comply with requests (42% success rate vs. 9% in the control condition). Text analysis using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count indicates that while asymmetry affected conversational topics, compliance was linked to linguistic style – not content – as well as individual differences such as sex and behavioral sensitivity. This study demonstrates how individuals might utilize publicly av...
Percutaneous treatment of a complex saccular aortic pseudoaneurysm with covered stenting after subclavian artery translocation.

A 44-year-old woman presented to our institution for evaluation of an expanding aortic saccular pseudoaneurysm. She had a history of an end-end repair of coarctation of the aorta at 4 years of age. At 29 years of age, she received a diagnosis of a pseudoaneurysm measuring 10 mm at the site of the
Assessment of pomegranate postharvest quality using nuclear magnetic resonance

Abstract Fruit quality parameters, soluble solids content (Brix), total titratable acidity, pH, and Brix/acid ratio, are often used as indicators of fruit maturity and palatability. Measurement of these fruit quality parameters requires a series of destructive methods, which can only be conducted on extracted fruit juice. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between spin–spin relaxation time and pomegranate quality attributes and the potential of MRI for quantitative analysis of pomegranate quality. Spin–spin relaxation time, T2, measured using a low magnetic field (0.04 T) showed correlation with the soluble solids content of pomegranate. The T2 relaxation time ranged from 837 ms to 1024 ms for the fruit with soluble solids content from 15.3 °Brix to 18.7 °Brix. However, accurate prediction was not achieved. In the MRI experiment, six MR images with varying contribution to total signal intensity from proton density, relaxation rates, and diffusion weighing were obtained for pomegranate fruit using a 1 T MR imaging system with 0.22 T/m gradient strength. The pH, Brix, total titratable acidity, and Brix/acid ratio of pomegranate were also measured by traditional destructive methods. Partial least square (PLS) analysis was applied to the statistical features of the voxel signal intensities in the MR images and quality parameters to examine the correlation between MR images results and destructive measurements. The MR image based PLS model have a R2 of 0.54, 0.6, and 0.63 for predicting titratable acidity, pH, and soluble solids/acidity levels, respectively. The correlation between MR image statistical features and soluble solids content of pomegranate was poor. In these models, T2 weighted Fast Spin Echo, diffusion weighted image, and Spin Echo image with short TE and moderate TR are the most important images in predicting the pomegranate quality attributes. Unlike traditional destructive methods, MR imaging is capable of evaluating multiple quality parameters in a single measurement.
Ultrafast electronic dephasing dynamics of large molecules in room temperature liquids studied by variable pulse-width tunable femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy

Abstract Electronic dephasing dynamics of HITCI in ethylene glycol are investigated by degenerate femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. Pulse width and wavelength are varied to change the relative contributions of the coherent and population bleaching terms to the overall transient signal. Results from fitting the experimental data to a multi-mode Brownian oscillator model are presented. The data are also compared with photon-echo measurements.
Depolymerization of waste plastics with coal over metal-loaded silica-alumina catalysts

Abstract Catalytic effects of various hydrogenation-hydrocracking catalysts on the coliquefaction of coal with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and commingled plastic were systematically investigated under typical liquefaction conditions: 430°C, 2000 psig H2 for 1 h. Silica-alumina impregnated with Pt, Ni, Pd, or Fe showed higher catalytic activities for oil conversion than did metal-free catalysts. Apparently, the hydrogenation function was created on active metal sites while hydrocracking took place on active sites on silica-alumina. High total conversions were obtained even without a solvent added. Product analyses and characterization have assisted in the determination of reaction pathways and possible mechanisms. Ni K-edge extended X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (EXANES) and extended X-ray fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) show that Ni is present as NiO with nanoscale particles. In this study, two-stage processing of coal with HDPE was also investigated. Very high total conversions (up to 92%) were obtained while using this technique.
Biological Markers in Schizotypal Personality Disorder

The establishment of the new diagnostic category, Schizotypal Personality Disorder (SPD), has stimulated biological studies of patients with this disorder. Such studies offer the potential of better understanding the diagnosis and treatment of SPD as well as more clearly defining the boundaries of the schizophrenic disorders. SPD has been studied in the clinical setting, in family studies of schizophrenia, and in the biological high-risk paradigm. In most cases, biological variables associated with schizophrenia have been evaluated. Decreased activities of plasma amine oxidase and platelet monoamine oxidase have been associated with SPD in the families of schizophrenics and in "biological high-risk" studies. Smooth pursuit eye movement (SPEM) impairment has also been associated with SPD in a "biological high-risk" study of college students. Inferior backward masking performance has been demonstrated in SPD patients in the clinical setting. Other studies using psychophysiological measures have been applied to subjects with psychological characteristics similar to DSM-III SPD and found biological abnormalities similar to those reported in schizophrenia. These studies are consistent with the possibility that some individuals with SPD may share common psychobiological abnormalities with schizophrenic individuals and may sharpen our understanding of SPD and its relationship to schizophrenia.
Follicular lymphoma: 2012 update on diagnosis and management.

Disease overview: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is generally an indolent B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder of transformed follicular center B cells. FL is characterized by diffuse lymphoadenopathy, involvement of bone marrow, splenomegaly, and less commonly other extranodal sites of involvement. In general, cytopenias can occur but constitutional symptoms of fever, nightsweats, and weight loss are uncommon. Diagnosis: Diagnosis is based on histology of preferably a biopsy of a lymph node. Immunohistochemical staining is positive in virtually all cases for cell surface CD19, CD20, CD10, and monoclonal immunoglobulin, as well as cytoplasmic expression of bcl-2 protein. The overwhelming majority of cases have the characteristic t(14;18) translocation involving the IgH/bcl-2 genes. Risk stratification: The FL International Prognostic Index prognostic model for FL uses five independent predictors of inferior survival: age > 60 years, hemoglobin normal, Ann Arbor stage III/IV, number of involved nodal areas > 4. The presence of 0, 1, 2, and ≥ 3 adverse factors defines low, intermediate, and high-risk disease with median 10-year survivals in the pre-rituximab era of ∼71, 51, and 36 months, respectively. With the use of more modern therapies, specifically anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, the outcome has improved. Risk-adapted therapy: Observation continues to be adequate for asymptomatic patients with low bulk disease and no cytopenias. For patients needing therapy, most patients are treated with chemotherapy plus rituximab, which has improved response rates, duration of response, and overall survival. Randomized studies have shown additional benefit for maintenance rituximab both following chemotherapy-rituximab and single-agent rituximab. Autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) has not shown a survival benefit in first remission patients. SCT including both autologous and allogeneic SCT or experimental agent therapy is considered for recurrent disease. Am. J. Hematol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Erosive wear of advanced ceramics in coal-slurry streams

Abstract Erosive wear of advanced ceramics and cemented carbides was evaluated in a coal-slurry jet test that simulates the conditions in letdown valves in liquefaction plants. The results indicate...
A probabilistic algorithm with user feedback loop for decision making during the hospital triage process

In this paper, we describe a probabilistic algorithm with user feedback loop, which can be used for decision making during the patient triage process. Given an R{x, y} the method relies on the user defining a set of x values (i.e. symptoms) and the algorithm returns a collection of y values as a hidden layer (possible diseases), taking into consideration a possible false negative user reporting, by looking into candidate values of y and identifying x values (symptoms) which have not been initially provided by the user. The user can specify parameters such as the minimum probability ratio of the final output, the minimum probability ratio of the y values for which the non-user given x values will be re-evaluated, and the maximum number of user feedback loops. In order to validate the method, we use a comprehensive 2012 Medicare Claims dataset with 15 million cases.
Achieving success in Japanese consumer markets

Abstract The prevailing belief is that Japan's markets are protected from the entry of foreign competition by a host of complex barriers. These range from conventional trade barriers such as tariffs and quotas on the import of certain items to more subtle barriers such as the morass of product regulation and the labyrinthian distribution channels. Nonetheless, despite these barriers, a number of foreign firms have been successful in penetrating Japanese markets. The strategies adopted by seventeen successful consumer goods firms are here examined, based on in-depth interviews with their chief executive officers (CEOs) or chief marketing executives in Japan. Although no one formula for success emerged, a number of key factors were identified. These centered around the creation of a strong brand or corporate image, attention to product quality and packaging, and establishment of an effective distribution and service network by fostering strong personal relations and trust with distributors.
Abnormalities in midline attentional circuitry in schizophrenia: evidence from magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography

The syndrome of schizophrenia presents with a complex array of symptoms that are difficult to explain at the neural level. Data collected using magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography (PET) suggest that this complex array could occur as a consequence of misconnections and mismatches in midline circuitry that is reticular-thalamic-cingulate-cortical. MR studies have shown a variety of abnormalities, including callosal agenesis, cavum septi pellucidi, decreased thalamic size, decreased frontal size, and changes in signal intensity in white matter tracts between the thalamus and the frontal cortex. PET studies using a dichotic listening paradigm suggest that patients suffering from schizophrenia have brain blood flow abnormalities consistent with a difficulty in focusing or shifting attention, which may reflect the functional substrate of the anatomic abnormalities.
Radiofrequency circuit design and performance evaluation for small animal frequency-domain NIR fluorescence optical tomography

Herein we report on hardware development and evaluation for frequency-domain photon migration (FDPM) technique that is miniaturized for incorporation into a micro-CT gantry for hybrid CT/NIR/PET imaging. Immunity to endogenous optical properties and enhanced contrast associated with fluorophore lifetime is inherent to the FDPM measurements and enables unique opportunities for quantitative tomography when compared to the time independent (continuous wave) approach. A miniaturized radiofrequency ( rf ) circuitry has been developed in our laboratory for homodyne FDPM measurements that makes use of a single 100MHz oscillator to simultaneously launch optically modulated excitation light into a small animal as well as to modulate an NIR sensitive image intensifier for collection of fluorescent signals. The use of a single oscillator not only eliminates signal drift that otherwise results from the use of multiple oscillators individually driving both source and detector, but also reduces the circuit footprint for incorporation into the CT gantry. Herein, overall system performance parameters of signal-to-noise ratio, measurement precision, spatial resolution, modulation depth (ac/dc), excitation light rejection, and clinically relevant data acquisition times are presented for mouse phantom data. Image reconstruction of phantom data and integration of circuitry for hybrid CT/NIR/PET imaging is also presented towards the ultimate validation of NIR optical tomography using PET imaging as a "gold-standard" for quantification.
Emerging trends in correctional civil liability cases: a content analysis of federal court decisions of title 42 united states code section 1983: 1970–1994Publications received

Abstract This research analyzes the decisions of correctional civil liability cases litigated under Section 1983 for the years 1970 through 1994. The analysis provides an examination of 3,205 published United States federal court correctional liability cases brought against correctional personnel in penal and local jail facilities. Longitudinal trends, patterns, prevailing parties, common types of lawsuits filed, and damages and attorney fees awarded are discussed based on the content analysis classification scheme. The analysis revealed sixteen major correctional topic areas where prisoner litigation is likely. High liability issues in corrections are addressed and recommendations are presented.
Middle powerhood as a legitimation strategy in the developing world: The cases of Brazil and Turkey

In the middle power literature, states are blackboxed and their behavior is analyzed independently of electoral or regional politics. This article fills a gap in this literature by tying the foreign policies of new middle powers to their political trajectories. Using the case studies of Brazil and Turkey, I argue that the assertive foreign policy behavior of these developing states is a legitimation strategy in response both to the international and domestic audience. I revise the definition of middle powers and enumerate the factors that contribute to their emergence in order to better clarify the dynamics of policymaking by the ‘second-generation middle powers’.
Swine flu: provision of ventilation in a worst-case scenario.

As a busy intensive care unit in a district general hospital in the UK, we are intrigued by the worst-case scenario plans for swine flu in our region and the ubiquitous algorithms that form part of this planning. A Department of Health document suggests for the purposes of planning that, during a first major UK pandemic wave, the peak clinical attack rate per week would be 8% [1]. Of these patients, the hospitalization rate would be 2% - and 25% of these would require intensive care if the capacity exists. Our hospital serves a population of 220,000. In our region, these estimates suggest that 352 patients will require hospital admission each week during the peak. Using these calculations, we could expect 88 patients per week to require intensive care unit support. In this hospital, there is the capacity to provide mechanical ventilation to 25 patients (utilizing all ventilators and anaesthetic machines). Clearly, as this is primarily a disease affecting the respiratory system, demand for mechanical ventilation could vastly outstrip supply. This lack of equipment will mean either severe rationing of treatment or obtaining more ventilators from an external source. At a time of heightened national demand, the latter is unlikely to be achieved. In the polio epidemic of the 1950s, patients were manually ventilated by medical students and anyone else on hand as the small number of cuirass ventilators was rapidly overwhelmed by clinical cases [2]. When we receive our 26th mechanically ventilated patient, rather than being unable to provide positive pressure ventilation, we propose - in a worst-case scenario - a return to basics. Our solution to this problem is to order 200 disposable bag-valve masks with adjustable positive end-expiratory pressure valves. This solution is conveniently a cost-neutral approach to the single organ support as we already use disposable bag-valve masks throughout the trust. Clinical staff are fully trained in their use, and support staff and relatives could be utilized. Any excess stock could be used as part of normal resource turnover. A similar issue might occur with the requirement for renal replacement therapy in large numbers of patients. In this scenario, perhaps a similar solution would be a return to continuous arteriovenous haemodiafiltration - which requires only a simple disposable item rather than the complex and limited resource of haemofiltration machines.
Relative Prevalence of Bacterial Agents and Histopathology in Passed and Condemned Poultry Carcasses and Livers

SUMMARY Although postmortem inspection (organoleptic examination by seeing, feeling, and smelling) of market poultry contributes significantly to the assurance of wholesomeness of the meat, such assurance is relative and not absolute. A significantly higher incidence of salmonellae in the cecal area of the intestines of condemned carcasses than in passed carcasses was found in chicken fryers but not in chicken hens or turkeys. Although no single genus of bacteria in the liver was correlated with disposition, the presence of “one or more species” of bacteria in livers was significantly correlated with gross pathology sufficient to cause condemnation. Each of eight separate species of organisms in livers was significantly correlated with condemnation of the carcass for septicemia-toxemia or inflammatory process. Certain isolates were found in a significantly greater percent of normal livers, suggesting that these are “normal” flora and not associated with disease. Livers that were grossly normal were found to have significantly fewer histopathologic lesions than livers condemned for gross pathology, which, in turn, had fewer lesions than livers from condemned carcasses. No single histopathologic process in the liver was correlated with its condemnation, whereas the category of “one or more lesions” was so correlated. The presence of each of three histopathologic processes as well as “one or more lesions” in the liver was also significantly correlated with condemnation of the carcass. The presence of at least one or more species of bacteria was correlated with at least one or more forms of histopathology, but no specific species of bacteria was correlated with specific histopathologic lesions. Inspection failed to detect numerous livers with histopathologic lesions of varying degrees of unwholesomeness, and, conversely, resulted in condemnation of livers in which no histopathologic evidence of unwholesomeness was detected. Inspection did not detect livers harboring a variety of bacteria of unknown significance.
Programmable Polarization-Independent Electrooptically Matched Bandpass Filter in Ti:LiNbO 3

A polarization-independent two-port electro-optically tunable bandpass filter with programmable spectral output in the 1530 nm wavelength regime with nearest side lobes -20 dB, 10 nm tuning range, and maximum required voltage 31.5 V is presented.
Large Increase of the Critical Field in a Magnet–Superconductor Nanowire Hybrid

We have fabricated two-dimensional periodic arrays of parallel magnetic and superconducting nanowires on a silicon substrate. Parallel magnetic (nickel) nanowires of cross section 90 nm by 300 nm form a periodic array with Pb82Bi18 superconducting nanowires of cross section 200 nm by 100 nm. These nanostructures were characterized with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and magnetic properties were studied with Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM). The phase diagram was determined by electrical transport measurements. Depending on the temperature, the second critical field was 2 to 3 times larger than that of a homogeneous Pb82Bi18 superconducting control film. The superconducting phase diagram and transport properties exhibit strong hysteresis in a magnetic field. Results are explained on the basis of the theory of magnet–superconductor hybrids.