cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adherence in a 1-year whole foods eating pattern intervention with healthy postmenopausal women.

Objective To determine the degree of dietary adherence or change in eating patterns, and demographic, psychosocial and study characteristics associated with adherence, in the Comparing Healthy Options in Cooking and Eating (CHOICE) Study. Design Randomized controlled trial where women were randomized to one of three eating patterns: (i) Whole Foods, plant-based, macrobiotic-style ( n 22); and Moderate Fat with (ii), and without (iii), 10 g of ground flaxseed added daily, which were combined ( n 49). Setting A year-long intervention based on social cognitive theory, consisting of twenty-four class sessions involving hands-on cooking classes and behavioural sessions. Monthly 24 h food recalls were obtained and a psychosocial questionnaire was administered at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Subjects Healthy, free-living, postmenopausal women. Results A non-adherence score measuring all food servings out-of-compliance with eating pattern recommendations was specifically designed for the present study. Non-adherence scores decreased significantly ( P P = 0·063). None of the other predictors (e.g. demographic and psychosocial factors) in a longitudinal regression model were significant. Conclusions Postmenopausal women were able to adopt and maintain significant changes in their eating patterns, including those on a demanding, near-vegetarian eating plan, suggesting that behavioural interventions with a healthy free-living population can be effective. The non-adherence score developed for the study provides an example of a means for evaluating eating pattern adherence to a dietary intervention.
The study of grain boundary thickness using electron diffraction techniques

Abstract An electron diffraction technique has been developed to study the thickness of grain boundaries in polycrystalline specimens. Grain boundaries with a periodic structure in Al2O3, Cu-Bi and Au, were examined in an edge-on orientation using electron microscopy and diffraction. Each boundary gave rise to streaks in the diffraction pattern, the length of which was inversely related to the thickness of the boundary. For each boundary studied the magnitude of the boundary thickness was similar to the periodicity of the boundary, as determined from the image and the diffraction pattern.
Reinforcement-test-blank acquisition programming under the unmixed-list design in paired-associate learning

Two experiments, with 64 university students, were conducted under the unmixed-list design with various repetitive reinforcement (R)-test (T)-blank (B) acquisition programming: Conditions RT, RTT, RTB, and RBT. The major empirical findings did not differ, generally, from those obtained under the mixed-list design, indicating that the main effects overcame procedural artifacts embedded in the mixed-list design. Other things being equal, the learning of verbal pairs was a function of RTB acquisition programming. Unreinforced test trials in paired-associate learning prevented retention losses and, at the same time, increased the conditioning power of the later reinforcement trials.
Direct actions of gonadal steroid hormones on FSH secretion and expression in the infantile female rat

Abstract FSH-beta mRNA is dramatically regulated in the infantile female rat anterior pituitary. Elevated plasma levels of FSH correspond with increased FSH-beta mRNA levels which peak on PND 12. The source of this regulation does not appear to be GnRH, since the administration of a potent GnRH antagonist does not suppress FSH-beta mRNA levels. Consequently, we have examined the effects of the gonadal steroid hormones, estrogen and androgen, on the maintenance of gonadotropin secretion and gene expression both in vivo and in vitro . Androgen and estrogen action was blocked in vivo with the specific receptor antagonists, flutamide (150 μ g) and tamoxifen (200 μ g). Administration of antagonists during two different three day time-periods of infantile life [postnatal day (PND) 8–11 and PND 11–14] resulted in differing effects on both FSH and LH secretion as well as on FSH-beta and LH-beta mRNA levels. Flutamide and tamoxifen treatment both suppressed FSH secretion at either age examined ( p p p in vitro by incubating cells with dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP; 10 −8 M) or 17 β -estradiol (E; 10 −8 M). Both DHT and E treatment stimulated FSH secretion when measured 48 h later ( p p p p p in vivo .
Characterization of a satellite-based passive microwave sea ice concentration climate data record

A long-term, consistent, and reproducible satellite-based passive microwave sea ice concentration climate data record (CDR) is available for climate studies, monitoring, and model validation with an initial operation capability (IOC). The daily and monthly sea ice concentrations are on the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) polar stereographic grid with nominal 25 × 25 km grid cells in both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres from 09 July 1987 to 31 December 2007 with an update through 2012 underway. The NetCDF data files along with detailed data processing steps and error source information can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.7265/N5B56GN3. The dataset is archived by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) under the satellite climate data record program (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdr/operationalcdrs.html). The description and basic statistical characteristics of the CDR are presented here. Our analysis results have shown that while the Northern Hemisphere experiences diminishing sea ice extent for the two decades from January 1988 to December 2007 with a faster reduction rate for the annual minimum sea ice extent, the Southern Hemisphere has experienced slightly increase in its sea ice extent for the same period, especially for the annual maximum.
Observed vertical structure of tropical oceanic clouds sorted in large-scale regimes

[1] The CloudSat cloud water content (CWC) profiles are sorted by a number of large-scale parameters obtained from reanalysis and satellite observations, including 500 hPa vertical velocity, sea surface temperature and its gradient, surface divergence, precipitation, water vapor path, convective available potential energy and lower tropospheric static stability. The sorting is physics-based and phenomenon-oriented. We find different degrees of clustering of cloud vertical structure in various large-scale regimes. The dominant modes are the deep and shallow clouds with peak CWC above 7 km and below 2 km, respectively, corresponding to distinctly different large-scale regimes. A middle-level peak of CWC around 5–7 km is discernible associated with the large-scale conditions similar to the shallow clouds. This study provides the first quantitative and comprehensive view of tropical CWC distributions in large-scale regimes. These results offer insights into cloud parameterizations and serve as new observational metrics for evaluation of cloud simulations in models.
Sources or sinks? The responses of tropical forests to current and future climate and atmospheric composition.

How tropical rainforests are responding to the ongoing global changes in atmospheric composition and climate is little studied and poorly understood. Although rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) could enhance forest productivity, increased temperatures and drought are likely to diminish it. The limited field data have produced conflicting views of the net impacts of these changes so far. One set of studies has seemed to point to enhanced carbon uptake; however, questions have arisen about these findings, and recent experiments with tropical forest trees indicate carbon saturation of canopy leaves and no biomass increase under enhanced CO2. Other field observations indicate decreased forest productivity and increased tree mortality in recent years of peak temperatures and drought (strong El Nino episodes). To determine current climatic responses of forests around the world tropics will require careful annual monitoring of ecosystem performance in representative forests. To develop the necessary process-level understanding of these responses will require intensified experimentation at the whole-tree and stand levels. Finally, a more complete understanding of tropical rainforest carbon cycling is needed for determining whether these ecosystems are carbon sinks or sources now, and how this status might change during the next century.
Hadron physics at low energies

Understanding how quantum chromodynamics, the theory of strong interaction, works in the low-energy region, the so-called confinement region is one of the major challenges facing physicists. Low energy hadron physics, particularly the structure of hadron is one of the most active areas of research in nuclear physics addressing this challenge. In this talk, I will review advances made in this area on a few selected topics in the last decade or so and also provide outlook for the future.
Monkey pituitary oestrogen receptors and the biphasic action of oestradiol on gonadotropin secretion.

Evidence has been advanced in favour of the hypothesis that, in the rhesus monkey, the negative feedback as well as the stimulatory or so-called ‘positive feedback’ action of oestrogen on gonadotropin secretion is at the level of the pituitary gland1–3. The cellular basis for this biphasic action of oestrogen on the gonadotroph is not understood. In oestrogen target tissues the elicitation of physiological responses is generally associated with the binding of oestrogen to cytoplasmic receptor proteins which are subsequently translocated to the nucleus. Such receptors have been characterized in the anterior pituitary of the rat4–6. In the ovariectomized rhesus monkey infused with 3H-oestradiol, autoradiography7 and parallel cell fractionation8 have demonstrated the accumulation of 3H-oestradiol by the nuclei of a significant number of pituitary cells. We describe here some of the properties of these putative oestrogen receptors in the anterior pituitary of the monkey and observe that their distribution between cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments is constant in response to sustained elevations in serum oestrogen concentration which produce a biphasic pattern of circulating gonadotropins.
Sex Differences in Antecedents of Substance Use Among Adolescents

This research focuses on sex differences in teenage marijuana, alcohol and cigarette use. The population consisted of the 705 first-graders of Woodlawn (a poor black Chicago neighborhood) who were assessed in first grade in 1966–1967 and reassessed ten years later. Teenage males reported more use of marijuana and alcohol than females but males and females reported similar use of cigarettes. We examined these sex differences from two theoretical perspectives, social adaptation and social bonds. The former refers to the success or failure of an individual in meeting the social task demands in a specific social field at a specific stage of life. The latter is concerned with the attachment or commitment of an individual to social institutions such as family, school, and peers. Since we found important sex differences in the antecedent, concurrent and mediating variables relating to adolescent substance use, we conclude that further study of substance use should focus on male and female differences, and that at least some of the origins of substance use differ for males and females.
Cyclooxygenase-2-prostaglandin E2-eicosanoid receptor inflammatory axis: a key player in Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus associated malignancies

The role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), its lipid metabolite prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and Eicosanoid (EP) receptors (EP; 1-4) underlying the proinflammatory mechanistic aspects of Burkitt's lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an active area of investigation. The tumorigenic potential of COX-2 and PGE2 through EP receptors forms the mechanistic context underlying the chemotherapeutic potential of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Although role of the COX-2 is described in several viral associated malignancies, the biological significance of the COX-2/PGE2/EP receptor inflammatory axis is extensively studied only in Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV/HHV-8) associated malignancies such as KS, a multifocal endothelial cell tumor and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), a B cell-proliferative disorder. The purpose of this review is to summarize the salient findings delineating the molecular mechanisms downstream of COX-2 involving PGE2 secretion and its autocrine and paracrine interactions with EP receptors (EP1-4), COX-2/PGE2/EP receptor signaling regulating KSHV pathogenesis and latency. KSHV infection induces COX-2, PGE2 secretion, and EP receptor activation. The resulting signal cascades modulate the expression of KSHV latency genes (latency associated nuclear antigen-1 [LANA-1] and viral-Fas (TNFRSF6)-associated via death domain like interferon converting enzyme-like- inhibitory protein [vFLIP]). vFLIP was also shown to be crucial for the maintenance of COX-2 activation. The mutually interdependent interactions between viral proteins (LANA-1/vFLIP) and COX-2/PGE2/EP receptors was shown to play key roles in the biological mechanisms involved in KS and PEL pathogenesis such as blockage of apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, transformation, proliferation, angiogenesis, adhesion, invasion, and immune-suppression. Understanding the COX-2/PGE2/EP axis is very important to develop new safer and specific therapeutic modalities for KS and PEL. In addition to COX-2 being a therapeutic target, EP receptors represent ideal targets for pharmacologic agents as PGE2 analogues and their blockers/antagonists possess antineoplastic activity, without the reported gastrointestinal and cardiovascular toxicity observed with few a NSAIDs.
A novel microdeletion at 16p11.2 harbors candidate genes for aortic valve development, seizure disorder, and mild mental retardation†

Many multiple congenital anomalies (MCA) are caused by recombination between homologous segmental duplications. In this report, we describe a novel "de novo" microdeletion in male monozygotic twins presenting with aortic valve abnormality, seizure disorder, and mild mental retardation. Using array based comparative genomic hybridization, we mapped the microdeletion to the short arm of chromosome 16 at 16p11.2 and refined it using hemizygosity mapping to about 593 kb, a region that overlaps with 24 genes. The most probable mechanism for this microdeletion is through a specific intrachromosomal recombination between two, nearly identical, segmental duplications each spanning 147 kb that are flanking the microdeletion. Based on the phenotypes presented in the twins and what is known about the genes within the 16p11.2 microdeletion, we identified several genes that are strong candidates for the normal development of the aortic valve, as well as the development of seizure disorder and mental retardation.
Increased coronary perforation in the new device era. Incidence, classification, management, and outcome.

BACKGROUNDThe incidence of coronary perforation using new percutaneous revascularization techniques may be increased compared with PTCA. Still, perforation is uncommonly reported, and the optimal management and expected outcome remain unknown. The objectives of the study were to determine the incidence of coronary perforation using balloon angioplasty (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, PTCA) and new revascularization techniques and to develop optimal strategies for its management based on classification and outcome.METHODS AND RESULTSEleven sites with frequent use of new revascularization devices and prospective coding of consecutive procedures for coronary perforation during 1990 to 1991 contributed to a perforation registry. Patients with perforation were matched by device with an equal-sized cohort without perforation. Data were collected centrally, and all procedural cineangiograms were reviewed at a core angiographic laboratory. A classification scheme based on angiographic appearance o...
Sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities and the latency of the H reflex during growth of the rat.

Abstract The H reflex evoked in the plantar muscles of the rat hind limb was studied. The latency of the reflex and the conduction velocity of the sensory and motor nerves in the reflex arc were determined in rats of different sizes. Sensory conduction velocities were 38.8 ± ( sd )5.8 m/s in 100- to 150-g rats and 60 ± 5.9 m/s in 450- to 500-g rats compared with motor conduction velocities of 30.1 ± 2.8 m/s in 100- to 150-g and 55.0 ± 6.9 m/s in 450- to 500-g rats. Both motor and sensory velocities were directly related to rat size. However, the latency of the H reflex evoked at the ankle was relatively independent of rat size. It was 6.62 ± 0.36 m/s in 100- to 150-g rats and 6.05 ± 0.43 m/s in 450- to 500-g rats with a mean for 39 rats from 100 to 500 g of 6.44 ± 0.41 ms. This method of determining motor and sensory conduction velocities in the rat is simple, does not necessitate killing the animal, and should prove useful in the study of experimental neuropathies.
Light Transmittance and RF Shielding Effectiveness of a Gold Film on a Glass Substrate

Light transmittance and the Rf shielding effectiveness of a gold film on a glass substrate is investigated. The dependence of the transmittance of visible light upon the thickness or surface resistance of a gold film on a glass substrate is determined numerically by the optical properties of the gold film and glass substrate. The Rf shielding effectiveness produced in the far field over the frequency range of 100 MHz to 30 GHz by the gold film is calculated and compared with experimental data. An optimum condition is established between the light transmittance and the shielding effectiveness. The results are applicable to any transparent glass coated with any thin metallic film.
A Linearized Cascode CMOS Power Amplifier

In this paper, an RF predistorter linearizer compatible with a CMOS process is proposed. The predistorter uses a diode connected MOSFET as a nonlinearity generation circuit. A negative or positive AM-PM characteristic is obtained from the predistorter by inserting a capacitor or an inductor in parallel with the predistorter. A 5.8 GHz cascode CMOS power amplifier was designed using a 0.18-mum 1P6M mixed-mode CMOS process and a predistorter was customized for the cascode power amplifier and integrated with it. The gain and phase distortion of the power amplifier were compensated and the simulation result of the cascode power amplifier shows a 29.3-dB improvement in the third order inter-modulation distortion when the predistorter is turned on.
Why do closed-end country funds trade at enormous premiums during currency crises?

Abstract We investigate the response of US traded country fund premiums to currency crises in related foreign (local) markets. Our analysis includes 25 currency crises over the past decade involving 18 funds investing in 12 emerging markets, and 7 funds investing in 6 developed markets. We find that fund premiums and the volatility of the premiums increase dramatically in response to a currency crisis, both for emerging and developed markets funds, and that these effects dissipate slowly over time. Our results show that country fund shares and net asset values (NAVs) have differential risk exposures and that these differences are exacerbated during a crisis. While the NAV returns show sensitivity to changes in the local market index, share returns are sensitive to changes in both local and world market indices. Therefore, in response to a currency crisis, when local stock markets decrease in value, fund NAVs react more strongly than their share prices which have a strong global component. We also show that the high premiums observed during currency crises are not due to the reluctance of investors to trade and realize losses.
Fostering Eroticism in Science Education to Promote Erotic Generosities for the Ocean-Other

Despite the increase in marine science curriculum in secondary schools, marine science is not generally required curricula and has been largely deemphasized or ignored in relation to earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics. I call for the integration and implementation of marine science more fully in secondary science education through authentic inquiry practices that foster the development of an erotic relationship with the ocean. Such a relationship can provide an opportunity to develop ocean literacy if that means people who engage can actively participate in making more informed choices and advocate for affected parties and the ocean. I show how Simone de Beauvoir's erotic ethic influences the philosophy of the eroticism of the ocean, which is integral in the investigation and promotion of erotic generosities in science education, and using this theory to develop some educational implications for marine science within science education. Ultimately, I argue that the development and nurturing of ...
Effects of random and response contingent noise upon disfluencies of normal speakers.

Twenty normal speakers read a passage during a 30-min session divided into Baserate (5 min), Conditioning (15 min), and Extinction (10 min). Each read in Random Condition and Contingent Condition. ...
Mammalian locomotor-respiratory integration: implications for diaphragmatic and pulmonary design

Diaphragmatic function and intrapulmonary respiratory flow in running mammals were found to differ substantially from the corresponding conditions known in resting mammals. In trotting dogs, orbital oscillations of the diaphragm were driven by inertial displacements of the viscera induced by locomotion. In turn, oscillations of the visceral mass drove pulmonary ventilation independent of diaphragmatic contractions, which primarily served to modulate visceral kinetics. Visceral displacements and loading of the anterior chest wall by the forelimbs are among the factors that contribute to an asynchronous ventilation of the lungs and interlobar gas recycling. Basic features of mammalian respiratory design, including the structure of the diaphragm and lobation of the lungs, appear to reflect the mechanical requirements of locomotor-respiratory integration.
Building Parametric and Probabilistic Dynamic Vehicle Models Using Neural Networks

During the past decade, the aircraft vehicle design process has undergone a major shift of focus from pure performance towards a balance between vehicle characteristics and cost, namely aordabilit y. In addition, accelerated advances in computing technology have helped render a complete parametric and probabilistic design process feasible. All of these changes have allowed more knowledge to be brought earlier into the design process, which helps designers make more informed and therefore better decisions, earlier in the design process. Computing power now allows extensive physics-based vehicle modeling early in the design cycle. A full non-linear six degree of freedom parametric dynamic vehicle model should be attainable as early as the conceptual design phase. Such a vehicle model would help understand the eects of design variables on vehicle characteristics and operation through analysis and simulation. Furthermore, probabilistic design methods allow for the proper treatment of uncertainty and delit y inherent in such a model. This paper formulates a framework to arrive at a conceptual non-linear six degree of freedom parametric and probabilistic dynamic vehicle model based on neural networks.
RTDroid: a design for real-time Android

There has been much recent interest in adding support for real-time capabilities to Android. Proposed architectures for doing so fall into four broad categories, but only two support real-time Android applications. These two proposals include a real-time garbage collector for real-time memory management and a real-time operating system for real-time scheduling and resource management. Although they provide the fundamental building blocks for real-time Android, unfortunately such proposals are incomplete. In this paper we examine the Android programming model, libraries, and core systems services in the context of the Fiji real-time VM coupled with the RT Linux and RTEMS real-time operating systems. We show that even with a real-time operating system as well as real-time memory management, the predictability of core Android constructs is poor. To address this limitation we propose a preliminary RTDroid design and show its applicability to real-time systems.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT IN THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD

Nutritional support is used frequently as a treatment modality in the postoperative patient. Indications for nutrition support, patient selection, mode of administration, contents of solutions and complications of therapy are issues that the consulting internist must address. The role of a nutrition support team and optimal communication between the consultant and members of the surgical staff are emphasized.
Many Tumors in One: A Daunting Therapeutic Prospect

In this issue of Cancer Cell, Snuderl and coworkers demonstrate intratumoral genetic heterogeneity in glioblastoma based on in situ amplification of distinct genomic loci within individual cells in a mutually exclusive pattern. These findings may herald trouble for current targeted therapies but provide insights for future treatment strategies.
A growth perspective on the care of chronically Ill hospitalized children

Caring for hospitalized chronically ill children highlights aspects of child care work not generally emphasized. The work of child care is directed in response to ambivalences acquired toward psychological growth. The child care worker can strengthen impulses to grow psychologically by responding sensitively to the manifestations of growth conflict.
Seasonal and interannual variability in the distribution of nutrients and chlorophyll a across the Gulf of Alaska shelf: 1998–2000

Abstract The northern Gulf of Alaska shelf is a productive coastal region that supports several commercially important fisheries. The mechanisms supporting such high levels of productivity over this shelf, however, are not understood since it is a downwelling-dominated shelf. Furthermore, the annual nutrient cycle in this region was completely unknown prior to this research. In an effort to understand the mechanisms driving such high biological productivity, cross-shelf nutrient distributions were sampled 18 times throughout 1998, 1999 and 2000. Deep-water (>75 m) nitrate, silicate and phosphate were positively correlated with salinity, indicating an offshore nutrient source. The average annual cycle was established, in which nitrate, silicate and phosphate responded seasonally to physical and biological processes. Ammonium concentrations were generally low and uniform (
The relationship between structure and function for the sulfite reductases

Abstract The six-electron reductions of sulfite to sulfide and nitrite to ammonia, fundamental to early and contemporary life, are catalyzed by diverse sulfite and nitrite reductases that share an unusual prosthetic assembly in their active centers, namely siroheme covalently linked to an Fe4S4 cluster. The recently determined crystallographic structure of the sulfite reductase hemoprotein from Escherichia coli complements extensive biochemical and spectroscopic studies in revealing structural features that are key for the catalytic mechanism and in suggesting a common symmetric structural unit for this diverse family of enzymes.
ELECTRON AND HOLE GENERATION IN ANTHRACENE CRYSTALS

Experimental results regarding electron and hole production in anthracene crystals are reviewed with emphasis on the relevance of these studies to the fundamental question of the nature of the excess electron states in these low mobility crystals. It is pointed out that a number of experiments suggest that above a threshold of about 4 eV in anthracene crystals, electronic transitions involve transitions of an electron from a ground state to a quite broad band rather than to bound states, some of which subsequently autoionize to create carriers, as has been thought to be true in the past. Most of the electrons created in this process apparently immediately recombine with the hole which was simultaneously created because they both have very small mean free paths for energy losing collisions and thus remain trapped in each other's coulomb field. Another experimental test of this hypothesis is proposed. The various types of carrier generation processes which have been observed and which will ultimately be useful in studies of highly excited states in anthracene crystals are reviewed.
Enhancement of cold fusion rate by electron polarization in palladium deuterium solid

Abstract We present results of a qualitative theoretical study of the problem of the enhancement of deuterium-deuterium fusion tunneling rate in palladium deuterium (Pd-D) solids. We first show, based a WKB argument, that the cold fusion rate is dominated by the form of the Coulomb potential on a length scale at and slightly below that of the solid state physics. We then use a qualitative random phase approximation (RPA) theory to show that because the Pd-D x system for x ≈ 0.5 is approximately a semiconductor system, the associated large dielectric constant at large length scales significantly reduces the tunneling repression exponent λ between the deuterium ions, leading to an enhanced tunneling rate for the D-D nuclear fusion reaction inside the Pd host at room temperature, to an order λ ∼ 10 −40 S −1 , over the corresponding rate in a vacuum, λ ∼ 10 −70 S −1 , when one uses the most optimistic way of estimating the tunneling exponent. This level of enhancement for the fusion rates is, however, still too low to explain the claims of the recent experiments on cold fusion.
Development of Advanced Laser Ignition System for Stationary Natural Gas Reciprocating Engines

Laser ignition is considered the prime alternative to conventional coil based ignition for improving efficiency and simultaneously reducing NOx emissions in lean-burn natural gas fired stationary reciprocating engines. In this paper, Argonne’s efforts towards the development of a viable laser ignition system are presented. The relative merits of various implementation strategies for laser based ignition are discussed. Finally, the performance improvements required for some of the components for successful field implementation are listed. Also reported are efforts to determine the relative merit of laser ignition over conventional Capacitance Discharge Ignition (CDI) ignition. Emissions and performance data of a large-bore single cylinder research engine are compared while running with laser ignition and the industry standard CDI system. It was primarily noticed that NOx emissions reduce by 50% under full load conditions with up to 65% reductions noticed under part load conditions. Also, the lean ignition limit was significantly extended and laser ignition improved combustion stability under all operating conditions. Other noticeable differences in combustion characteristics are also presented. Efforts wherein ignition was achieved while transmitting the high-power laser pulses through optical fibers showed performance improvements similar those achieved by using free-space laser ignition.© 2005 ASME
Using the Blinder-Oaxaca Decomposition Method to Measure Racial Bias in Achievement Tests

The Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition technique is typically applied to gender or racial earnings gaps with the goal of determining the percent of the gap that can be attributed to differences in attributes between groups and to labor market discrimination. We apply this technique to the racial gap in achievement tests with the goal of measuring the relative racial bias of these tests. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and the Peabody Individual Achievement Test (PIAT) were administered to respondents from the 1997 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. Decomposition results indicate that up to 49.5 % of the white-black gap in the PIAT is explained by racial differences in average attributes. The corresponding figure for the ASVAB is 44.7 %. Since the same sample and specification are used in estimating ASVAB and PIAT scores, the difference in the percent of the gaps due to attributes can be ascribed to test score bias and not omitted variable bias. Therefore, the results suggest that the “discrimination” or bias of the ASVAB is greater than the PIAT.
Using neural networks to identify competitive market structures from aggregate market response data

Elasticity estpdeltimates provide the brand manager with useful diagnostics for evaluating competitive market structure. However, an econometric model must often be simplified due to the limited amount of data available to estimate the model's parameters. This results in a reduction in the structural insight one can gain from the model. Capitalizing on the forecasting ability of neural networks, we introduce an innovative method of extracting elasticity structure for a convenient consumer retail product market. The resulting forecasting measures and elasticity structures are then compared with those obtained from a differential-effects multiplicative competitive interaction (MCI) aggregate market share model. We find that the neural network slightly outperformed the differential-effects MCI model with regards to model fit. Our results also suggest that the neural network offered superior estimates of asymmetric cross-elasticities which resulted in superior forecasting ability of the holdout sample.
New Concepts in Graphic Visualization of Objective Functions

A method of inspecting the design space of multivariable objective functions is proposed. By scanning 1 or 2 of the variables at a constant step while partially minimizing or maximizing the function with respect to the remaining variables, sets of points are generated that can be fiarther used in producing 2D or 3D diagrams. A number of examples are given for showing the usefialness of the method in studying the design space of objective functions and of the constraint activity. All graphs are produced with an in-house program that allows generation of logarithmically spaced level-curve diagrams and accurately truncating fimction surfaces over the z-axis at specified heights.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Physical Morphology and Surface Properties of Unsaturated Pseudomonas putida Biofilms

ABSTRACT Unsaturated biofilms of Pseudomonas putida, i.e., biofilms grown in humid air, were analyzed by atomic force microscopy to determine surface morphology, roughness, and adhesion forces in the outer and basal cell layers of fresh and desiccated biofilms. Desiccated biofilms were equilibrated with a 75.5% relative humidity atmosphere, which is far below the relative humidity of 98 to 99% at which these biofilms were cultured. In sharp contrast to the effects of drying on biofilms grown in fluid, we observed that drying caused little change in morphology, roughness, or adhesion forces in these unsaturated biofilms. Surface roughness for moist and dry biofilms increased approximately linearly with increasing scan sizes. This indicated that the divides between bacteria contributed more to overall roughness than did extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on individual bacteria. The EPS formed higher-order structures we termed mesostructures. These mesostructures are much larger than the discrete polymers of glycolipids and proteins that have been previously characterized on the outer surface of these gram-negative bacteria.
The Personal Is the TheologicalAutobiographical Acts in Contemporary Feminist Theology

AT THE CENTER of contemporary feminist analyses of religion and theology lie women's experiences of oppression and agency embedded in our particularities and in our commonalities as women.' In such work, women bring experience to bear upon scholarly work, thealogies and theologies. We draw upon reports of female experience in historical, literary, and social scientific work we deem reliable. We also draw upon our own lives, upon our experiences of oppression and transformation. Our memories, traditions, and creativities are resources for reflection. So too are they resources for the ongoing construction of identities. In the work of contemporary feminist theo/thealogians, we have particular lives and experiences, reflected on, inscribed, for us. In inscribing experience, the work of contemporary feminist religionists aligns itself with reevaluations of the subject of autobiography sought by recent feminist theorists. Most radically, such theorists call in question the "law of genre, the enforcement of generic purity, the policing of borders" per se (Schenck:28-1). In addition to directing attention to letters, diaries and other "private" forms of writing selves, feminist theorists have focused upon poetry, film, pedagogy and philosophy as "autobiographical acts" constituted by female subjects (see Benstock
Generalization of responses to intermediate size by cats and monkeys

After learning to choose the middle sized of three squares, 16 cats and 14 rhesus monkeys manifested much less generalization of response on 10 equivalence tests than 16 control cats trained to select the smallest or the largest of three stimuli. These results are more compatible with Spence’s theory of transposition than with relational theories of transposition.
Domains, Domain Walls and Defects in Perovskite Ferroelectric Oxides: A Review of Present Understanding and Recent Contributions

Ferroelectric oxides are used in many modern technologies including sensors, actuators, thin-film memories and energy harvesting. Ferroelectrics of similar composition often show wide variations in their characteristic properties. Such variations in properties can be largely attributed to differences in the structural arrangements of domains and distributions of defects within a multidomain/polycrystalline material. Recent developments in characterization techniques and first-principle calculations have significantly advanced our understanding of how ferroelectric domains interact with material defects, and thereby influence the properties of a material. This review provides a broad outlook of the contributions from different experimental and computational studies that have clarified the structure of domains, domain walls and defects in perovskite ferroelectric oxides, and the evolution of these structures under the application of electric fields. It is intended that an integrated viewpoint of these issue...
Redox titrations of tin(II) chloride in non-aqueous solvents

Abstract Tin(II) chloride is titrated by Fe(III), Mn(VIl), Cu(II), and I(I), variously in nonaqueous acetone, acetylacetone, acetonitrile, pyridine, and acetic acid. The reactions are followed potentiometrically. Titration by Cu(II) in acetonitrile shows an anomalous negative break at 1/2 equivalent. The significant role of complex formation is emphasized. Solvents of low dielectric constant exert a leveling effect toward ligands, whereas those with high dielectric constants tend to differentiate between ligands.
Compliance of reviewing portal images on radiographic film vs an electronic medical record.

Purpose Timely approval of weekly portal images is essential for quality patient care. Most departments stipulate that portal images should be reviewed within 1 to 2 business days after imaging. The purpose of this study was to compare compliance of reviewing portal images per departmental policy before and after implementing an electronic medical record (EMR). Methods The use of an EMR to review portal images was initiated at the investigators' institution in March 2010. Before this, portal images were reviewed on either radiographic film or printouts from machines equipped with electronic portal imaging. The EMR could be accessed remotely by any computer with direct access to the institution's network. Patients selected were those treated by attending physicians present before and after the switch to the EMR. Patients were randomly selected for review of their portal images from 2009 for radiographic film and March to June 2010 for portal images in the EMR. Violations of department policy included unsigned portal images, undated portal images, no date documented when signed by the attending physician, and portal images signed after >1 business day. Violations for each portal image counted only once, even if the portal image had multiple types of violations. Results A total of 411 portal images were evaluated. Two hundred four radiographic films taken on 22 different patients were hand signed by 6 different attending physicians. Two hundred seven portal images taken on 16 different patients were reviewed via the EMR by the same 6 attending physicians. Twenty-five percent (51 of 204) of portal images reviewed by hand on radiographic films incurred violations, while 1% (2 of 207) of portal images reviewed via the EMR incurred violations. When portal images were reviewed by hand, 16 (8%) did not have the film date documented when taken by the therapists, 2 (1%) did not have documentation of date signed, 16 (8%) were never signed, and 17 (8%) were signed after 1 business day. All violations incurred with the EMR were for films signed after >1 business day. Chi-square analysis showed a significant improvement in compliance with reviewing portal films with the EMR ( P Conclusions The use of an EMR for reviewing portal images dramatically improved compliance with timeliness and record keeping. Timeliness of reviewing portal images improves patient care and safety.
Expression of messenger ribonucleic acid for epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands, epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-α, in human first- and second-trimester fetal ovary and uterus

OBJECTIVES: The epidermal growth factor receptor, a 170 kd polypeptide with tyrosine kinase activity, is used as the common receptor by two homologous polypeptide growth factors, epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-α. The activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor results in effects including deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis and cellular differentiation. Epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-α, and the epidermal growth factor receptor are reported to be associated with adult reproduction. However, the pattern of gene expression for the epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands in human fetal reproductive tissues has not been detailed previously. STUDY DESIGN: We studied the expression of messenger ribonucleic acid encoding three polypeptides, epidermal growth factor receptor, epidermal growth factor, and transforming growth factor-α, in 10-, 15-, 19-, and 22-week human fetal ovaries and uteri. Ribonucleic acid was prepared from the fetal tissues and made into complementary deoxyribonucleic acid by reverse transcription. The complementary deoxyribonucleic acid was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, using primers specific for the human epidermal growth factor receptor, epidermal growth factor, and transforming growth factor-α. RESULTS: We found that epidermal growth factor receptor messenger ribonucleic acid was present in all stages of ovarian and uterine tissues studied. In addition, both epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-α messenger ribonucleic acid was found in all four stages of ovarian development. Epidermal growth factor messenger ribonucleic acid was detected in all four stages of fetal uterine development. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first demonstration, to our knowledge, of epidermal growth factor receptor, epidermal growth factor, and transforming growth factor-α messenger ribonucleic acid expression in human first- and second-trimester uterus and ovary.
Stress intensity factors for cracks of arbitrary shape near an interfacial boundary

Abstract Modes I, II and III stress intensity factors for a crack of arbitrary planar shape near a bimaterial interface are calculated. The solution utilizes the body-force method and requires Green's functions for perfectly bonded elastic half-spaces. The formulation leads to a system of two-dimensional singular integral equations whose solutions represent the three modes of crack opening displacement. Numerical examples of a semicircular or semielliptical crack terminating at the interface and circular or elliptical cracks contained in one material are given for both internal pressure and farfield tension.
The GeoRef Database: A Detailed Comparison and Analysis of Three Platforms

A detailed comparative analysis of three platforms of the geoscience database GeoRef is presented. Detailed comparisons are presented in the areas of general features, search features, display options, retrieval options, and search results algorithms for the GeoRef platforms produced by OvidSP, EBSCO, and Engineering Village. These platforms prove to be comparable in many respects. The remaining noncomparable features are contrasted as strengths and weaknesses, allowing academic libraries to make informed purchase decisions.
Does the Third World Need Computers

In an attempt to show how technology impacts politics as well as economics, some political implications of ‘appropriate technology’ for developing nations are examined. Contradictions appear in considering issues of dependency and exploitation, because the use of advanced technologies implies one kind of dependency, whereas the absence of these technologies widens the gap between nations and may foster a different dependency. Similarly, the current emphasis on ‘basic needs’ tends to suggest that computers are irrelevant, but managerial and future-oriented prospects may contradict this. Mainframes and microcomputers will both continue to decline in cost and will be more user friendly. Their employment in developing countries will have powerful organisational and cultural impacts, which may help to neutralise threats of starvation, ignorance, and population explosion. There is no self-evident technology by which the Third World can advance as rapidly as is needed without computers. Computer use, as opposed ...
The “sunglasses sign” predicts nonorganic visual loss in neuro-ophthalmologic practice

Objective The aim of our study was to evaluate whether wearing sunglasses (the "sunglasses sign") can be used by neuro-ophthalmologists to predict nonorganic visual loss (NOVL) in their patients. Methods We prospectively collected information on all new patients seen by us over 13 months. We included all patients who ultimately received a diagnosis of NOVL, and all patients wearing sunglasses in our clinic. We recorded demographics, iris color, number of positive review of systems, ocular examination, precipitating event or trauma, workers' compensation claims, disability and lawsuit related to the visual loss, and the reason for wearing sunglasses. Results Among the 1,377 consecutive new patients seen in our clinic during the study, 34 patients wore sunglasses, among whom 7 (20.6%) had organic visual loss. During the study period, 59 patients were diagnosed with NOVL, among whom 27 (45.8%) wore sunglasses. The sensitivity of wearing sunglasses for NOVL was 0.46 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.59). The probability that a patient walking into our clinic had NOVL was 0.043 (95% CI 0.033 to 0.055); it increased to 0.79 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.91) in sunglasses patients. The specificity of sunglasses for the diagnosis of NOVL was 0.995 (95% CI 0.989 to 0.998). At least one of the following characteristics (highly positive review of systems, workers' compensation claim, disability, and lawsuit) was found in 26 of 27 (96.3%) of NOVL patients wearing sunglasses and in none of the sunglasses patients with organic neuro-ophthalmic disorders. All 7 sunglasses patients with organic neuro-ophthalmic disorders had reasonable ophthalmic explanations for wearing sunglasses. Conclusion The "sunglasses sign" in a patient without an obvious ophthalmic reason to wear sunglasses is highly suggestive of nonorganic visual loss.