cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The dependence of hematite site-occupancy standard state triple-layer model parameters on inner-layer capacitance.

Abstract Potentiometric acid–base titration data for three hematite samples that differed on the basis of specific surface area (17.4, 33, 83 m2/g for hematite A, B, and C, respectively) was analyzed using the triple-layer model (TLM). The sensitivity of the TLM fits of the data to the choice of site density ( N s ) was evaluated from 1.5 to 22 sites/nm2. In general, little dependence in the quality of fit was determined, irrespective of the value of N s . Values of the electrolyte adsorption equilibrium constants ( log K cation 0 and log K anion 0 ) steadily increased with decreasing N s . These constants are consistent with the commonly used 1.0 M standard state and when converted into comparable constants consistent with the site-occupancy standard state ( log K cation θ and log K anion θ ) a single value for each respective constant was determined. Values of the inner-layer capacitance ( C 1 ) were varied during these optimizations and increased with decreasing N s , particularly below 5 sites/nm2. The optimized C 1 values exhibited an apparent inverse relationship with specific surface area (i.e., C 1 for hematite A > C 1 for hematite B > C 1 for hematite C). The magnitude of change in C 1 with respect to N s depended upon the magnitude of C 1 for each hematite as the higher the C 1 value, the greater was the change with respect to N s . These results suggest when the site-occupancy standard state parameters are used to predict constants at different site density values without re-regression of titration data that variations in C 1 should be accounted for, particularly for low specific surface area samples that have a high C 1 .
Electrokinetic Transport in Nanochannels. 1. Theory

Electrokinetic transport in fluidic channels facilitates control and separation of ionic species. In nanometer-scale electrokinetic systems, the electric double layer thickness is comparable to characteristic channel dimensions, and this results in nonuniform velocity profiles and strong electric fields transverse to the flow. In such channels, streamwise and transverse electromigration fluxes contribute to the separation and dispersion of analyte ions. In this paper, we report on analytical and numerical models for nanochannel electrophoretic transport and separation of neutral and charged analytes. We present continuum-based theoretical studies in nanoscale channels with characteristic depths on the order of the Debye length. Our model yields analytical expressions for electroosmotic flow, species transport velocity, streamwise-transverse concentration field distribution, and ratio of apparent electrophoretic mobility for a nanochannel to (standard) ion mobility. The model demonstrates that the effectiv...
Emotion Recognition and Social/Role Dysfunction in Non-Clinical Psychosis

As researchers continue to understand non-clinical psychosis (NCP-brief psychotic-like experiences occurring in 5-7% of the general population; van Os et al., 2009), it is becoming evident that functioning deficits and facial emotion recognition (FER) impairment characterize this phenomenon. However, the extent to which these domains are related remains unclear. Social/role functioning and FER were assessed in 65 adolescents/young adults exhibiting low and high-NCP. Results indicate that FER and social/role functioning deficits were present in the High-NCP group, and that the domains were associated in this group alone. Taken together, findings suggest that a core emotive deficit is tied to broader social/role dysfunction in NCP.
When to Operate on the Bicuspid Valve Patient With a Modestly Dilated Ascending Aorta

Background Bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) are frequently associated with root/ascending aorta dilatation, but there is controversy regarding when to operate to prevent dissection of a dilated aorta associated with a well-functioning BAV. Methods From 1988 through 2008, 158 patients (mean age: 56 ± 13.5 years) with a dilated ascending aorta (AA) and a well-functioning BAV were referred to our institution. All patients underwent computed tomographic (CT) scanning and digitization to calculate mean AA diameter. Forty-two patients underwent operation a median of 52 days after initial CT scan with a mean AA diameter of 5.6 ± 0.5 cm. One hundred sixteen patients (mean diameter 4.6 ± 0.5 cm) were enrolled in annual or semiannual surveillance. Seventy-one patients, 45 with 2 or more CT scans, are still under surveillance. Results Average follow-up was 6.5 ± 4.1 years. Overall survival after the first encounter was 93% at 5 years and 85% at 10 years. A total of 87 of 158 patients had a Bentall or Yacoub procedure, with two hospital deaths (2.3%). Mean duration of surveillance in the 116 patients without immediate operation was 4.2 ± 2.9 years (481 patient-years). Average growth rate of the AA in patients with 2 scans or greater was 0.77 mm/year (p Conclusions A consistent approach to patients with a well-functioning BAV and AA dilatation, recommending operation to those with an AA diameter greater than 5 cm and deferring operation in patients under surveillance in the absence of significant enlargement (>0.5 cm/year), resulted in overall survival equivalent to a normal age-matched and sex-matched population. Operation was necessary in approximately 10% of patients under surveillance each year.
First principles calculations of methylamine and methanol adsorption on hydroxylated quartz (0 0 0 1)

Abstract Density functional theory calculations have been used to study the adsorption of methylamine and methanol on the hydroxylated (0 0 0 1) surface of α-quartz. The surface structure for these calculations was based on the structure reported recently by Goumans et al. [T.P.M. Goumans, A. Wander, W.A. Brown, C.R.A. Catlow, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 9 (2007) 2146]. Adsorption of methylamine or methanol in their most energetically preferred sites occurs by breaking one of the hydrogen bonds that exists on the bare surface and creating two hydrogen bonds between the surface and the adsorbed molecule. We report the adsorption energy and the vibrational frequencies associated with adsorption of these two species. Understanding the adsorption of these species on α-quartz (0 0 0 1) will be useful in future consideration of the adsorption of chiral molecules such as amino acids on this surface, which is intrinsically chiral.
Heterotrimeric G-proteins and development.

Heterotrimeric G-proteins are well-known transducers of signaling from a populous class of heptihelical, membrane receptors to a smaller group of effector molecules that includes adenylylcyclases, cyclic GMP phosphodiesterases, phospholipases (type Cβ), and various ion channels. Dramatic changes in specific G-protein subunits that coincide with commitment to highly-specialized cell types suggest a key role for these extrinsic membrane proteins in cell differentiation and development. Through analysis of the effects of gain-of-function and loss-of-function mutants, it has been possible to explore this new dimension in G-protein biology, intimately linking specific G-proteins to development. G-protein subunits are shown to be important molecular switches in the complex biological processes controlling both cellular differentiation and early development.
Adult learners and traditional age freshmen: Comparing the “new” pool with the “old” pool of students

First year adult learners (23 years of age and older) from a residential campus and an urban commuter campus and traditional age (17–20 years of age) freshmen were compared on a variety of demographic variables. Many of the commonly held assumptions about older students visa-vis younger students were substantiated. In general, adult learners at the residential campus comprised a distinct group unlike commuter campus adult learners and traditional age freshmen. Implications and suggestions for additional research are discussed.
Tunichromes, vanadium, and vacuolated blood cells in tunicates

Summary This review covers three aspects of tunicate blood: its yellow/green pigmentation, vanadium content, and vacuolated blood cells. The yellow/green pigmentation is due to a class of organic compounds called tunichromes. A systematic procedure of isolation, purification, and structure determination carried out on blood of Ascidia nigra yielded a family of tunichromes called TC An-i, i = 1, 2, 3. Tunichrome An-1, for example, has the formula C26H25N3O11, moleculer weight 545 dalton; it has a central triglycyl moiety to which three phenolic groups are attached. An assay for free tunichrome has been developed leading to the discovery of such compounds in four additional species. Tunichromes may be involved in vanadium binding, since a ground blood cell pellet placed on a Sephadex LH–20 column and eluted with increasingly polor solvents yields a green band that contains tunichromes and vanadium. Additionally, there is in vitro evidence for vanadium/tunichrome complexes of definite stoichiometry. However,...
Nuclear data sheets for A = 126

Abstract Nuclear structure data available through December 1972 are compiled, and adopted level properties and decay schemes are presented. The first section of the compilation consists of drawings summarizing essentially all available reaction and radioactivity data. The second section, “Summary Sheets,” contains adopted level properties and, where space permits, tabulated data upon which they are based. The third section, “Data Sheets,” is used only for those nuclei requiring extensive data tabulations.
Statistics of building-specific load forecasting models

This paper reviews a method of load forecasting specifically for predicting a building's electrical load for demand resource planning. The authors introduced a general problem formulation for building-specific load forecasting in previous works. This paper will enhance this idea with extensive forecaster performance and results based on studies done using historical building demand and thermal data collected for the main library building at Drexel University. These results demonstrate the improvement obtained by including building-specific parameters in the load forecast. Additionally, the variability of this method and how it can inform demand-side decision making is explored, particularly in allowing the manager of a controllable load to assess his or her risk and capabilities when participating in the energy market.
Quantum computing: a bit chilly.

A quantum computer needs a constant supply of 'qubits' in a known state. A nuclear magnetic resonance experiment that cools qubits by pumping entropy into a heat bath is a step closer to that goal.
Therapeutic Hypothermia After Cardiac Arrest

Despite the publication of two randomized controlled trials of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest showing a clear benefit in neurologic outcome and mortality nearly a decade ago, the use of therapeutic hypothermia after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation remains low. This lag in converting clinical research into practice is likely due in part to a lack of familiarity with a relatively new technology and the need for many providers in the chain of care to understand and feel comfortable with its application, from doctors and nurses in the emergency room, to those in the catheterization laboratory, and ultimately to the staff of the intensive care unit. This review summarizes the physiologic consequences of hypothermia as well as the current literature demonstrating the benefit of hypothermia on select patient populations and the impact of hypothermia on outcome assessment after cardiac arrest.
The Memory and Aging Telephone Screen: development and preliminary validation.

Background Telephone interviews are widely used in geriatric settings to identify eligible research participants and to perform brief follow-up assessments of cognition. This article reports on the development and validation of the Memory and Aging Telephone Screen (MATS), a structured interview for older adults with mild cognitive impairment and/or significant memory complaints. We also developed three alternate forms of the MATS objective memory test to reduce practice effects engendered by multiple administrations.
SU‐E‐I‐36: Investigation of Renal CT Dose Reduction by Using Model Based Iterative Reconstruction

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of dose reduction from using ModelBased Iterative Reconstruction (MBIR) in renal and vasculature CT studies. Methods: A tissue equivalent abdominal CT dose phantom (CIRS 007TE) was scanned using a GE HD750 scanner. To simulate a ureter and vasculature in CT images, tubes of varying diameters (12mm, 5mm, 2mm, and 1mm) were inserted into the center hole of the phantom. To achieve the appropriate Hounsfield Units (HU) simulating the anatomy of interest, the tubes were filled with a contrast agent (Omnipaque 350) diluted by water at concentrations of 1:8, 1:30, and 1:50. Each of these combinations were scanned using an existing renal protocol at 140 kVp(Display CTDIvol 24mGy) and repeated using reduced scan techniques to achieve lower radiation doses of 13.2, 3.6, 1.6, and 0.8mGy. These were also repeated at 120 kVp. The images were then reconstructed using MBIR. To assess image quality, the contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was measured for each contrast object. The average CNR was then calculated over five consecutive image slices. Based on CNR achieved at various dose levels, dose reduction factors were estimated for each combination of object sizes and contrast concentrations. Results: Image noises were reduced substantially over the entire dose range by using MBIR. For the large objects at lower doses, there was more noise reduction. At 0.8mGy, the noise was reduced by a factor of four. The 1mm objects at lower concentrations and low dose were not visible. For the 12mm object size group, average CNR increased by a factor of 3 over three concentrations. The dose reduction was estimated to be a factor of 15–30. Conclusion: It is feasible to achieve very low dose (sub‐mGy) renal CT and vasculature phantoms by using MBIR. The results of this study provide guidance in our effort for clinical protocol optimization.
Public–private partnership in labor standards governance: Better Factories Cambodia

The growth of outsourcing in apparel manufacturing has raised concerns about increasingly exploitative working conditions. Given the failure of existing enforcement mechanisms, we need to look to alternate institutional structures to address the global challenge of declining labor standards. This paper examines the case of Better Factories Cambodia (BFC), a public–private partnership (PPP) that has effectively protected workers' rights through collaboration between the Government of Cambodia, the International Labour Organization, and multi-national apparel firms. Prior to the BFC, none of these actors was able to independently draw up and enforce stronger standards through effective monitoring. In collaboration, however, this mix of private, state, and inter-governmental organizations have been able to achieve the twin goals of stronger labor protections and effective enforcement by building on each partner's distinct organizational strengths. While this case may have broader relevance, its successes are tempered by dependence on a single industry and on buyers' preferences for inspected production sites. Further, similar partnerships may not emerge without strong state intervention to demonstrate their positive outcomes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A PREDICTIVE MODEL OF RESIDENTIAL MOBILITY AND RESIDENTIAL SEGREGATION

The residential mobility model presented in this paper is specifically designed in capture the potential sources of bias embedded in the residential mobility processes that give rise to the segregation of minority populations within West German cities. The hypothesized existence of a dual housing market (with foreign workers restricted to vacancies not chosen by Germans) is supported by the analysis. Geographically defined submarkets and areal variation in housing quality, in conjunction with economic and class differences between members of German and foreign worker cohorts. are also found to account for significant differences in the observed mobility patterns across age and ethnicity cohorts.
Branding Television News in a Multichannel Environment: An Exploratory Study of Network News Brand Personality

Adopting the construct of “brand personality,” this article examines the perceived differences among various television news brands, investigates the distinction between cable and broadcast news brands, and explores the applicability of brand personality in this market. CNN was found to possess the most distinct, positive personality, whereas CBS news had the least differentiated brand personality. Fox News was seen as the most dynamic and conservative. Overall, broadcast network news was perceived to be more traditional and liberal than cable network news. Three modified dimensions—competence, timeliness, and dynamism—were found to represent the personality facets of the television news product. ACCESS TO FULL TEXT
Repetitive control of grid-connected inverter using a high resonance frequency LCL filter

This paper presents a high performance repetitive current controller for grid-connected inverters based on a high-resonance-frequency LCL filter. Conventional grid-connected inverters with LCL filter use either passive or active damping techniques to achieve system stability. In this paper, the resonance frequency of the LCL filter is deliberately selected higher than 40% of the inverter switching frequency. By properly selecting the current sensor position and introducing an extra delay with a low pass filter on the feedback path, the system stability is obtained without the adoption of any extra damping techniques. Resultantly, minimal LCL filter size and cost are obtained and the controller cost is reduced. Moreover, a high performance plug-in repetitive controller is adopted to regulate the grid current. High power factor (>0.99) and very low total harmonic distortions (1.72%~3.72%) are guaranteed under both heavy and light load conditions. Dynamic stiffness is also achieved under step-changed current command. Experimental results are provided to verify the validity and performance of the repetitive current controller based on the high-resonance-frequency LCL filter.
Interannual variance in a subtidal eelgrass community

Abstract Interannual variance in seagrass community function may confound the results of ecophysiological studies. Biomass and productivity of eelgrass and its associated algal epiphytes are compared for a “normal” and the “El Nino” year of 1991–1992. Light was more abundant during the El Nino event (4.9 versus 5.7 h of bright sunshine per day), while most nutrients were less abundant. Subtidal eelgrass increased in biomass and productivity (218.1 versus 255.8 g dry weight per m 2 and 4.0 versus 5.2 g dry weight per m 2 per day). The epiphytic community showed decreased light-saturated photosynthetic rates (1.1 versus 0.84 mg C per gram dry weight per hour) and biomass specific productivity (1.30 versus 1.14 g C per gram dry weight per day). Epiphyte biomass and areal productivity were not significantly reduced, however. The dominant epiphyte grazer ( Lacuna spp.) increased in biomass. For several of the parameters measured, seasonal pattern as well as mean value changed significantly from one year to the next. This examination of interannual variance indicates the need for multi-year studies considering eelgrass community function.
Supercoolings observed for droplets of tin, alloys of tin and certain other pure metals

Abstract An emulsification procedure has been developed to generate stable droplets of tin or other low melting point metals supported in a suitable organic oil by reaction with various oxidizing agents. These emulsions have uniform spherical droplets with narrow size distributions in the range of 5–10 μm dia. Because the nature of the droplet surface is readily variable by changing the type and supporting materials for the oxidation reaction, this droplet formation technique provides a unique opportunity for the determination of the extent of the supercooling of various low melting metals and alloys on the nature of the droplet coating. Each emulsion has been found to have a characteristic range of supercooling depending upon the nature of the droplet surface. Certain droplet coatings permit maximum supercooling consistent with homogeneous nucleation.
Image quality scaling of electrophotographic prints

Two psychophysical experiments were performed scaling overall image quality of black-and-white electrophotographic (EP) images. Six different printers were used to generate the images. There were six different scenes included in the experiment, representing photographs, business graphics, and test-targets. The two experiments were split into a paired-comparison experiment examining overall image quality, and a triad experiment judging overall similarity and dissimilarity of the printed images. The paired-comparison experiment was analyzed using Thurstone's Law, to generate an interval scale of quality, and with dual scaling, to determine the independent dimensions used for categorical scaling. The triad experiment was analyzed using multidimensional scaling to generate a psychological stimulus space. The psychophysical results indicated that the image quality was judged mainly along one dimension and that the relationships among the images can be described with a single dimension in most cases. Regression of various physical measurements of the images to the paired comparison results showed that a small number of physical attributes of the images could be correlated with the psychophysical scale of image quality. However, global image difference metrics did not correlate well with image quality.
An image-based skeletal model for the ICRP reference adult male—specific absorbed fractions for neutron-generated recoil protons

Recoiling hydrogen nuclei are a principle mechanism for energy deposition from incident neutrons. For neutrons incident on the human skeleton, the small sizes of two contrasting media (trabecular bone and marrow) present unique problems due to a lack of charged-particle (protons) equilibrium. Specific absorbed fractions have been computed for protons originating in the human skeletal tissues for use in computing neutron dose response functions. The proton specific absorbed fractions were computed using a pathlength-based range–energy calculation in trabecular skeletal samples of a 40 year old male cadaver.
How Partial Knowledge Helps to Solve Linear Programs

We present results on how partial knowledge helps to solve linear programs. In particular, if a linear system,Ax=bandx?0, has an interior feasible point, then we show that finding a feasible point to this system can be done inO(n2.5c(A)) iterations by the layered interior-point method, and each iteration solves a least-squares problem, wherenis the dimension of vectorxandc(A) is the condition number of matrixAdefined by Vavasis and Ye. This complexity bound is reduced by a factornfrom that when this property does not exists. We also present a result for solving the problem using a little strong knowledge.
The evolution of material properties during physical aging

Reference LTC-ARTICLE-1995-007doi:10.1002/pen.760350505 URL: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/jhome/107639236 Record created on 2006-06-26, modified on 2016-08-08
Le martyre de sainte Sébastienne : retour sur une vision de Victor Burgin

Cet article se propose de reproduire l’experience hagiographique de Victor Burgin devant un autoportrait de Helmut Newton a partir d’interventions critiques de la part de Laura Mulvey, Michel de Certeau, Daniel Arasse et Georges Didi-Huberman. Au centre de cette experience se situe la figure insaisissable de sainte Sebastienne ainsi que l’amorce de la question de sa difference en tant qu’evenement a la fois visuel et de genre dans le discours de l’histoire sur l’image (d’art). Poursuivant le spectre de Sebastienne a travers ses diverses incarnations chez Helmut Newton, Louise Bourgeois et Antonello de Messine, l’objectif est de questionner l’operativite critique du « re- » qui conditionne a la fois un retour a l’image et le retour du regard dans l’image.
Female-selective abortion in Asia: Patterns, policies, and debates

Since the early 1980s, the use of sex-selective abortion increased in many Asian contexts. Estimates indicate that several million female fetuses were aborted in the last two decades of the twentieth century. This article takes a currently unusual approach for a cultural anthropologist in pursuing cross-national comparisons of trends in sex-selective abortion. The risks involved in such an approach are taken in the hope that it will yield insights not gained through localized analysis. After reviewing the available evidence on female-selective abortion, I discuss features of Asian culture that support strong son preference. Next I review the related issues of increased technological availability for prenatal sex selection and national policies about sex selection. Last, I consider several positions on female-selective abortion and how cultural anthropology may contribute to understanding the global context and consequences of prenatal gender discrimination.
Notizen / Notes. Probing Diazonium Ion - Crown Ether Molecular Complexes bv Tandem Mass Spectrometry (FAB-MS/MS) Acid-Base Chemistry Within a Cluster

The molecular complexes (cluster ions) formed between various aromatic diazonium ion salts ArN2⊕BF4⊖ and 18-crown-6 host molecules are studied by FAB mass spectrometry. The nature of the interaction is probed by MS-MS experiments in which the ArNF (crown) 1:1 complexes are mass-selected and subjected to collisionally activated dissociation (CAD), using helium as collision gas. The results suggest that acid-base chemistry (proton and hydride transfer) occurs within the guest -host complex. Precedented mechanistic pathways for ArN2⊖ dediazoniation in the condensed phase are used as guidelines to explain these observations.
A computer graphic study of cardiac truncal septation

Septation of the cardiac truncus arteriosus in the normal rat embryo was described and illustrated by three-dimensional reconstruction from serial sections through the developing outflow tract. Tracings of selected structures were digitized on an Apple II-plus microcomputer, relayed through a central computer facility, and displayed on a Hewlett-Packard 9845C graphics computer. Rotation and dissection of the color images allowed a kinetic description of the principal features of truncal septation and comparison with analogous events in the chick. A complex of tissue structures appeared in the downstream, distal truncus at 13 days of gestation and moved toward the ventricle(s) through the following day. As in the chick, the forming semilunar valves remained within 200 μm of the cephalic margin of the myocardial sleeve as they rotated and descended toward their definitive position against the heart. Mesenchymal condensations formed within the intervening aorticopulmonary (AP) septum and remained in close association with the principal bifurcation of the spiralling blood lumens, passing between the valves and descending along the conus septum. As the conus septum fused at 15 days of gestation, three outlets for cardiac outflow were seen: the major left and right streams to the aortic and pulmonary valves, respectively, and an apparently dwindling stream which crossed from the right ventricle behind the conus septum to exit through the aorta. In the chick, but not in the rat, nerve bundles invaded the distal truncus during septation to form the cardiac plexus.
Reciprocal anatomical connections between hippocampus and subiculum in the rabbit: Evidence for subicular innervation of regio superior

Summary Anatomical connections between the dorsal hippocampus and subiculum were examined in the rabbit, using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and autoradiographic methods. A previously undescribed pathway was found to project from the dorsal prosubicular-subicular region to dorsal hippocampal cell fields CA1 and CA2. Autoradiographic findings showed that subicular afferents travel via two routes. One pathway projected through the alveus and stratum oriens, with results suggesting collateral through the stratum lacunosum-moleculare with apparent termination onto CA1 and CA2 apical dendrites. Regions of subiculum providing afferents to hippocampus were compared with subicular areas receiving efferent terminations from hippocampal CA1 and CA3 cell zones. Distribution of hippocampal-subicular terminations were regionally distinct from subicular retrograde cell fields in rostral areas of the subicular complex, extended over a much wider area of subiculum than was seen for retrograde-labeled cells, and was cytoarchitectonically organized. In total, findings indicated that a reciprocal anatomical relationship exists between dorsal hippocampus and subiculum in the rabbit.
Apolipoprotein B mRNA sequences 3′ of the editing site are necessary and sufficient for editing and editosome assembly

Apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA is edited in rat liver and intestine through the direct conversion of cytidine to uridine at nucleotide 6666. Recently, we have proposed the 'Mooring Sequence' model, in which editing complexes (editosomes) assemble on specific apoB mRNA flanking sequences to direct this site-specific editing event. To test this model, apoB mRNA deletion and translocation mutants were constructed and analyzed. Specific sequences 3' of the editing site were absolutely required for editing, while specific sequences and bulk RNA 5' of the editing site were required for efficient editing. Translocation of apoB 3' flanking sequences induced editing of an upstream cytidine, demonstrating that 3' sequences are necessary and sufficient to direct editing in vitro. 3' flanking sequences were also shown to be necessary and sufficient for editosome complex assembly. These data provide strong support for a 'Mooring Sequence' model in which 3' apoB flanking sequences direct editosome assembly and subsequent editing in vitro, while 5' flanking sequences enhance these functions.
UML 2 activity model support for systems engineering functional flow diagrams

This article compares Activity models of the Unified Modeling Language, version 2 (UML 2) [OMG (Object Management Group), UML 2.0 superstructure specification, August 2003, http://www.omg.org/cgi-bin/doc?ptc/03-08-02], to a widely-used systems engineering (SE) flow diagram, the Enhanced Functional Flow Block Diagram (EFFBD) [J. Long, Relationships between common graphical representations in system engineering, ViTech Corporation, 2002], and to the requirements for functional flow modeling in a systems engineering extension for UML (UML-SE) [OMG Systems Engineering Domain Special Interest Group (SE-DSIG), UML for systems engineering RFP, March 2003a, http://www.omg.org/cgi-bin/doc?ad/03-03-41]. Issues are identified in applying UML 2 Activities to EFFBD and to satisfying UML-SE functional flow requirements. Solutions are suggested to these issues that can be used to translate between the languages and to develop standards such as revisions to UML 2 or extensions in UML-SE. *© 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 6, 249–265, 2003
Serum Cardiac Troponins and N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide: A Staging System for Primary Systemic Amyloidosis

Purpose Primary systemic amyloidosis (AL) is a multisystemic disorder resulting from an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia. There is no formal staging system for AL, making comparisons between studies and treatment centers difficult. Our group previously identified elevated serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT) as the most powerful predictor of overall survival. Others have reported that N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a valuable prognostic marker. We sought to develop a staging system for patients with AL. Patients and Methods Two hundred forty-two patients with newly diagnosed AL who were seen at the Mayo Clinic between April 1979 and November 2000, and who had echocardiograms and stored serum samples at presentation were eligible for this retrospective review. NT-proBNP measurements were performed on 242 patients in whom cTnT and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) had been previously run. Two prognostic models were designed using threshold values of NT-proBNP and either cTnT or cTnI (NT-proBNP <...
Clinical Pharmacology of Amikacin and Kanamycin

During and after a 4-hr intravenous infusion of amikacin and kanamycin in a cross-over study in healthy adult male volunteers, average concentrations of drug in serum were similar, with half-lives of approximately 2 hr. Apparent volumes of distribution at the steady state averaged 30% of body weight, and the rate of renal clearance was less than the rate of creatinine clearance (83 vs. 120 ml/min), a finding that indicates tubular reabsorption. The rate of serum clearance was greater than the rate of renal clearance (100 vs 83 ml/min). Urinary excretion in 24 hr averaged 94% of the dose, and there was no binding of serum proteins. In another cross-over study, volunteers received single intramuscular injections of these antibiotics. Peak concentrations of drug in serum after 45 min to 2 hr averaged 19.9 and 19.0 mug/ml for amikacin and kanamycin, respectively. Serum half-lives between 4 and 8 hr after administration of drug were 2 hr, and an average of 94% of the dose was recovered in the urine in 24 hr. Thus, the pharmacologic properties of amikacin and kanamycin were virtually identical.
Correlation of cystoscopy with histology of recurrent papillary tumors of the bladder.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We correlated individual urologist impressions of tumor stage and grade of recurrent papillary bladder tumors at cystoscopy with histological findings after transurethral resection to determine whether cystoscopy can reliably identify low grade, noninvasive papillary tumor for outpatient fulguration.Materials and Methods: A total of 144 recurrent papillary bladder tumors identified on outpatient flexible cystoscopy were classified as low grade and noninvasive (stage Ta grade 1), high grade and noninvasive (stage Ta grade 3) or invasive (stage T1). Voided urine cytology was also performed. The cystoscopic impression of each tumor was correlated with the final histological findings of tumor stage and grade after transurethral resection.Results: Cystoscopy classified 97 tumors as stage Ta grade 1 and 47 as stage Ta grade 3 or stage T1. Cystoscopy correctly predicted the tumor stage and grade of 93% of stage Ta grade 1 and 99% of stage Ta grade 1 lesions associated with negative urine cytolog...
A quasioptically stabilized resonant-tunneling-diode oscillator for the millimeter- and submillimeter-wave regions

A semiconfocal open-cavity resonator has been used to stabilize a resonant-tunneling-diode waveguide oscillator at frequencies near 100 GHz. The high quality factor of the open cavity resulted in a linewidth of approximately 10 kHz at 10 dB the peak, which is about 100 times narrower than the linewidth of an unstabilized waveguide oscillator. This technique is well suited for resonant-tunnelling-diode oscillators in the submillimeter-wave region. >
Convergence and stability analysis of a synchronous adaptive CDMA-based PCS receiver

A thorough investigation on the convergence and stability of an adaptive synchronous CDMA receiver is presented. The receiver consists of a decorrelator at the first stage and an adaptive interference canceler at the second stage. By using a steepest descent algorithm to adaptively control the weights, the knowledge of the users' received powers is no longer required. It is shown that the system has good "near-far" resistance, and can approach optimum performance when the interfering users SNRs are high. Sufficient conditions for the receiver to achieve convergence are derived, and their properties are analyzed. >
Protein Crystallization Using Room Temperature Ionic Liquids

The ionic liquids (ILs) 1-butyl-3-methylimidizolium chloride (C4mim-C1), 1-butyl-3- methylimidizolium diethyleneglycol monomethylethersulfate ([C4mim]DEMGS), and 1-butyl-1 -methylpyrollidinium dihydrogenphosphate ([p1,4]dhp) were tested for their effects on the crystallization of the proteins canavalin, beta-lactoglobulin B, xylanase, and glucose isomerase, using a standard high throughput screen. The crystallization experiments were set up with the ILs added to the protein solutions at 0.2 and 0.4 M final concentrations. Crystallization droplets were set up at three proteixprecipitant ratios (1:1, 2:1, and 4:l), which served to progressively dilute the effects of the screen components while increasing the equilibrium protein and IL concentrations. Crystals were obtained for all four proteins at a number of conditions where they were not obtained from the IL-free control experiment. Over half of the protein-IL combinations tested had more successful outcomes than negative, where the IL-free crystallization was better than the corresponding IL-containing outcome, relative to the control. One of the most common causes of a negative outcome was solubilization of the protein by the IL, resulting in a clear drop. In one instance, we were able to use the IL-induced solubilizing to obtain beta-lactoglobulin B crystals from conditions that gave precipitated protein in the absence of IL. The results suggest that it may be feasible to develop ILs specifically for the task of macromolecule crystallization.
Degrees of freedom of the K-user interference channel with transmitter cooperation

We consider the K-user Gaussian interference channel in the context of the downlink of a cellular system where the base stations can exchange messages through a backhaul network, and the interfering users can be jointly served by multiple base stations. To limit the load on the backhaul network, the number of (base station) transmitters sharing a given message is bounded by a number M, which we call the cooperation order. We provide outer bounds on the sum degrees of freedom of this system, which are shown to be tight in special cases.
Acidic retinoids in small amounts promote retinyl ester formation in neonatal lung, with transient increases in retinoid homeostatic gene expression

Background Mixing a small proportion, 10%, of retinoic acid (RA) into an oral dose of vitamin A (VA) has been shown to markedly increase retinol uptake and retinyl ester (RE) formation in the neonatal lung, as compared to VA given alone. Concomitantly, several retinoid homeostatic genes, lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT), RA-4-hydroxylase (CYP26B1), and stimulated by retinoic acid gene-6 (STRA6) were upregulated. However, whether multiple doses may act accumulatively and whether less than 10% RA can be used has not been determined.
Maximum kernel density estimator for robust fitting

Robust model fitting plays an important role in many computer vision applications. In this paper, we propose a new robust estimator - maximum kernel density estimator (MKDE) based on the nonparametric kernel density estimation technique. It can be viewed as an improved version of our previously proposed quick maximum density power estimator (QMDPE) (H. Wang and D. Suter, 2004). Compared with QMDPE, MKDE does not require running the mean shift algorithm for each candidate fit. Thus, the computational complexity of MKDE is greatly reduced while the accuracy of MKDE is comparable to QMDPE and outperforms that of other popular robust estimators such as LMedS and RANSAC. We evaluate MKDE in robust line fitting and fundamental matrix estimation. Experiments show that MKDE has achieved promising results.
Learning to coordinate without sharing information

Researchers in the field of Distributed Artificial Intelligence (DAI) have been developing efficient mechanisms to coordinate the activities of multiple autonomous agents. The need for coordination arises because agents have to share resources and expertise required to achieve their goals. Previous work in the area includes using sophisticated information exchange protocols, investigating heuristics for negotiation, and developing formal models of possibilities of conflict and cooperation among agent interests. In order to handle the changing requirements of continuous and dynamic environments, we propose learning as a means to provide additional possibilities for effective coordination. We use reinforcement learning techniques on a block pushing problem to show that agents can learn complimentary policies to follow a desired path without any knowledge about each other. We theoretically analyze and experimentally verify the effects of learning rate on system convergence, and demonstrate benefits of using learned coordination knowledge on similar problems. Reinforcement learning based coordination can be achieved in both cooperative and non-cooperative domains, and in domains with noisy communication channels and other stochastic characteristics that present a formidable challenge to using other coordination schemes.
Design and Evaluation of a Wind Tunnel for Reentrainment Studies of Coal Dust Particles

Abstract A wind tunnel was designed and constructed to study the phenomena of diffusion, deposition, and reentrainment of anthracite and bituminous coal dust particles. Air-velocity profiles and turbulent-intensity profiles were measured in the wind tunnel. A mathematical model of the turbulent flow in the wind tunnel was developed. The solution to the model was derived using a finite difference scheme that was programmed for the computer. This article presents the design and construction of the wind tunnel. The development of the mathematical model, solution procedure, and the computer program are discussed. The characteristics of the wind tunnel were developed by plotting the pressure drop as a function of air velocity. It was observed from the results that the measured and computed velocity profiles agreed well outside the boundary layer. The wind tunnel is suitable for experimental studies on several aspects of particulate phenomena, such as dispersion, diffusion, transport, and reentrainment.
Effects of various coatings and antioxidants on peel browning of 'Bartlett' pears

Peel browning of 'Bartlett' pears (Pyrus communis L) caused by various mechanical injuries during postharvest handling results in a reduction in visual quality. Various commercial and experimental coatings and antioxidants with potential to reduce peel browning of pears have been evaluated. Treatment with 0.2% diphenylamine (DPA) or 0.3% ethoxyquin (Eth) reduced peel browning on 'Bartlett' pears induced by vibration, rolling or scuffing. However, this effect only lasted for about 5 days when treated pears were stored at 0 ◦ C. For the consideration of practical use, pears would have to be treated and packed shortly before transport to achieve a reduction in peel browning. DPA and Eth did not reduce peel browning on pears induced by handling at 20 ◦ C after treatment. It is suggested that tight-fill packaging and use of DPA or Eth would best reduce peel browning.  2004 Society of Chemical Industry
New approach to preoperative vascular exclusion for carotid body tumor

We report a new approach to preoperative vascular exclusion of a carotid body tumor. Before surgery, covered stents were placed in the external carotid artery, resulting in vascular exclusion of the tumor. Subsequent surgical excision was uneventful, with operative blood loss less than 200 mL and no neurologic complications postoperatively. This technique deserves further consideration as a reasonable alternative to conventional embolization.
Moisture Dependency of Radar Backscatter from Irrigated and Non-Irrigated Fields at 400 MHz AND 13.3 GHz

Scattered 2.25 cm radar signals from an agricultural area have been found to increase 5-7 dB at angles within 45° of vertical as the radar flies from dry to irrigated parts of the same field. Indications at 75 cm are that similar effects occur, but the results are less clear because of instrumental geometry. This result was the fortuitous consequence of an overflight by the NASA/MSC earth resources aircraft at a time when a group of fields was in the process of receiving irrigation water, so that the same field contained both dry and wet soil areas. Implications for use of radar as a sensor of agricultural areas are that determining soil moisture requires incidence under 45° and avoiding soil moisture effects requires incidence beyond 45°, at least for the low vegetation in the sample fields.
The Noble Wine Producers of the Bordelais in the Eighteenth Century

Eighteenth-century sailing vessels approached Bordeaux by the broad, placid Gironde Estuary bounded by the flat Medoc peninsula, and sailed over 6o miles before reaching the fork formed by the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. It was another 20 miles before the uniform stone warehouses of the Chartrons quarter and the spires of Saint Andre and Saint Michel came into view around a sharp bend in the Garonne. Entering the sprawling port, one could distinguish the busy quays half-hidden by a forest of masts, the fifteenth-century walls of the Chateau Trompette, and finally the splendid new facade of the Palais de la Bourse, proudly facing the Place Royale and the new statue of Louis XV. Upon landing, one was immediately impressed by the bustling activity of the port area and the amount of new construction that was transforming Bordeaux into one of the most modern cities of the kingdom.1 Here was France's first port of i00,000 inhabitants, importing the sugar, coffee, and indigo of Saint Domingue, Martinique, and Guadaloupe, and exporting the flour, hardware, and textiles of the motherland as well as the precious produce of the Bordelais the fine wines of Medoc, Sauternes, and Entre-Deux-Mers. Despite almost constant conflict with the 'English pirates', the maritime commerce of Bordeaux increased from I7 million livres in I7I 7 to 250 million livres in I 782, representing one-quarter of the kingdom's overseas trade on the eve of the Revolution.2 The city's shipowners, sugar importers, slave traders, and wine exporters had grown rich and formed a large, prosperous, and influential commercial class. Arthur Young, the famous English traveller, had even placed the port above his own Liverpool after viewing the freight of the wharfs, the activity of the stockmarket, and the affluence of the Chartrons business quarter, not to mention the distinction of Bordeaux's wide boulevards, public parks, and