cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
901-80 Auscultatory Gaps and Target Organ Damage in Hypertensive Patients

Auscultatory gaps are a common finding in clinical practice but their clinical and prognostic importance has never been assessed. To examine the relation of auscultatory gaps to left ventricular and arterial structure and function, wideband external pulse recordings during cuff deflation to detect auscultatory gaps and ultrasonographic examination of left ventricle and extracranial carotid artery were performed in 168 unmedicated, asymptomatic hypertensive subjects. Vascular stiffness was also evaluated by simultaneous carotid pressure waveforms obtained by applanation tonometry of the contralateral carotid artery. Auscultatory gaps were present in 21% of the population and were associated with older age (64 ± 11 vs 55 ± 13 years, p l 0.0005). female gender (66 vs 44%, p l 0.05) and increased arterial stiffness (beta = 8.5 ± 4.6 vs 5.8 ± 3.2, P l 0.005). Differences in arterial stiffness persisted after controlling for the confounding effects of age and gender. The prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques was more than two-fold increased among subjects with gaps (50 vs 22%, p l 0.005). No significant differences were found in left ventricular structure and function between the subjects with and without gaps. The two populations had similar systolic and diastolic blood pressures, serum lipid levels and smoking history. Logistic regression analysis including age in the model indicated that only female gender, beta (an index of arterial stiffness) and the presence of plaque were independently related to the presence of auscultatory gaps. This study provides the first evidence that auscultatory gaps are related to the presence of carotid atherosclerosis and to increased arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients, independently of age. Although these observations need to be confirmed by prospective studies they suggest a prognostic relevance of the auscultatory gaps.
Studies on the incongruent solubility of hydroxyapatite

The solubility of hydroxyapatite was examined in calcium phosphate mixtures produced by combining Ca(OH)2 and H3PO4 in varying proportions under a wide variety of conditions. Analyses of supernatants for calcium, phosphorus, and pH provided the data for solubility calculations. Alteration of the solid/liquid ratio by removing supernatant or by evacuating water from equilibrated mixtures had little effect on the solubility product. However, when precipitates separated from some mixtures were reequilibrated at various solid/solution ratios in either water, acetate buffer, or supernatants obtained from previous equilibrations, incongruent solubility was demonstrated and was attributed to the formation of other calcium phosphate phases which coated the apatite. The experiments indicated that hydroxyapatitie has a thermodynamic solubility product between 10−57 and 10−60, but the exact value is difficult to determine because of the formation of surface coats.
Dynamic node architecture learning: an information theoretic approach

Abstract Typically, artificial neural network (ANN) training schemes require network size to be set before learning is initiated. The learning speed and generalization characteristics of ANNs are, however, dependent on this pretraining selection of the network architecture. The training and generalization viability of a specific network can, therefore, only be evaluated posttraining. This work presents an information theoretic method that alleviates this predicament by building the appropriate network architecture dynamically during the training process. The method, called dynamic node architecture learning (DNAL), eliminates the need to select network size before training. Examples illustrate the use and advantages of the information theoretic DNAL approach over static architecture learning (SAL).
Safe haven laws as crime control theater.

Abstract Objectives This article examines safe haven laws, which allow parents to legally abandon their infants. The main objective is to determine whether safe haven laws fit the criteria of crime control theater, a term used to describe public policies that produce the appearance, but not the effect, of crime control, and as such are essentially socially constructed “solutions” to socially constructed crime “problems.” Methods The analysis will apply the principles of crime control theater to safe haven laws. Specifically, the term crime control theater applies to laws that are reactionary responses to perceived criminal threats and are often widely supported as a way to address the crime in question. Such laws are attractive because they appeal to mythic narratives (i.e., saving an innocent child from a predator); however they are likely ineffective due to the complexity of the crime. These laws can have deleterious effects when policymakers make false claims of success and stunt public discourse (e.g., drawing attention away from more frequent and preventable crimes). This analysis applies these criteria to safe haven laws to determine whether such laws can be classified as crime control theater. Results Many qualities inherent to crime control theater are present in safe haven laws. For example, the laws are highly publicized, their intentions lack moral ambiguity, rare cases of success legitimize law enforcement and other agencies, and they appeal to the public sense of responsibility in preventing crime. Yet the goal of saving infant lives may be unattainable. These qualities make the effectiveness of the laws questionable and suggest they may be counterproductive. This analysis determined that safe haven laws are socially constructed solutions to the socially constructed problem of child abandonment. Conclusions Safe haven laws are appropriately classified as crime control theater. It is imperative that further research be conducted to examine the effectiveness and collateral effects of safe haven laws. Practical implications Longitudinal studies and a nationwide database to better determine the effectiveness of safe haven laws are suggested. It is also crucial that agencies implementing SHLs closely monitor the reasons parents abandon their children, and adopt policies that re-focus the attention safe haven laws receive to address more frequent causes of harm to infants.
Image pre-compensation to facilitate computer access for users with refractive errors

Computer technologies, frequently employed for everyday tasks, often use Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), presented through monitors or LCD displays. This type of visual interface is not well suited for users with refractive visual limitations, particularly when they are severe and not correctable by common means. In order to facilitate computer access for users with refractive deficiencies, an algorithm has been developed, using a priori knowledge of the visual aberration, to generate on-screen images that counter the effect of the aberration. When the user observes the screen displaying a pre-compensated image, the image perceived in the retina will be similar to the original image. The algorithm was tested by artificially introducing a spherical aberration in the field of view of 14 subjects, totaling 28 individual eyes. This use of pre-compensation improves the visual performance of the subjects with respect to that achieved with no compensation.
A two-stage detection model applied to skilled visual search by radiologists

Harvard Medical School and Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 The model treats the detection of targets in a visual search task as a concatenation of two serial detection stages. Preattentive visual mechanisms in the initial stage function as a filter, selecting specific features of a visual pattern for the observer’s explicit attention and final cognitive evaluation. The model uses bivariate normal distributions to represent the decision variables for the two serial stages, assuming different parameters for the target and nontarget features in a test set. The model is applied to the detection performance of radiologists interpreting chest x-rays under various conditions of search. It accounts for the substantial improvement in radiologists’ ability to distinguish between target and nontarget test features when they had to search the x-ray images, compared to their performance without visual search. A change in the ROC curve between two different search tasks could be interpreted as a shift in the selection cutoff used by the preattentive filter.
A novel xyloglucan-specific endo-β-1,4-glucanase: biochemical properties and inhibition studies

A novel xyloglucan-specific endo-beta-1,4-glucanase gene (xeg5A) was isolated, cloned, and expressed in Esherichia coli. The enzyme XEG5A consisted of a C-terminal catalytic domain and N-terminal sequence of approximately 90 amino acid residues with unknown function. The catalytic domain assumed an (alpha/beta)(8)-fold typical of glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 5, with the two catalytic residues Glu240 and Glu362 located on opposite sides of the surface groove of the molecule. The recombinant enzyme showed high specificity towards tamarind xyloglucan and decreasing activity towards xyloglucan oligosaccharide (HDP-XGO), carboxymethyl cellulose, and lichenan. Tamarind xyloglucan was hydrolyzed to three major fragments, XXXG, XXLG/XLXG, and XLLG. The hydrolysis followed the Michaelis-Menten kinetics, yielding K (m) and V (max) of 3.61 +/- 0.23 mg/ml and 0.30 +/- 0.01 mg/ml/min, respectively. However, the hydrolysis of HDP-XGO showed a decrease in the rate at high concentrations suggesting appearance of excess substrate inhibition. The addition of XXXG resulted in linear noncompetitive inhibition on the hydrolysis of tamarind xyloglucan giving a K (i) of 1.46 +/- 0.13 mM. The enzyme was devoid of transglycosylase activities.
Positive exchange bias in FeF2-Fe bilayers.

We have discovered a positive unidirectional exchange anisotropy in antiferromagnetic (Fe${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$) and ferromagnetic (Fe) bilayers cooled through the antiferromagnetic critical temperature ${T}_{N}$ in large magnetic fields. For low positive cooling fields, the ferromagnet's magnetization ( $M\ensuremath{-}H$) loop center shifts to negative fields, as is normally observed in other systems. In contrast, large cooling fields can cause the shift to be positive. This can be explained if the Fe${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ surface spins couple to the external magnetic cooling field above ${T}_{N}$ and the Fe${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$-Fe interaction is antiferromagnetic.
On Singular Solutions of Nonlinear Elliptic and Parabolic Equations

This lecture presents some results by L. Caffarelli, Y.Y. Li, and the speaker, from [2], [3] and [4]. They concern extensions to singular solutions of various forms of the maximum principle; they consist of some small technical results.
Pentecostals and the Apocalypse: A Survey of Recent Pentecostal Biblical Scholarship on the Apocalypse

This review article offers a survey of Pentecostal scholarship on the Apocalypse since 1983. The survey is divided into three categories: monographs, chapter essays, and journal articles. Within each category, the scholarship is reviewed in chronological order.
Charge relaxation in powder beds

Abstract Many plastic powders become highly charged during mixing or transport operations. When such powders are stored in hoppers or silos, strong electric fields are established which can lead to hazardous dust-igniting electrostatic discharges. The most serious hazard is apt to occur during or shortly after filling operations. Thus, realistic risk assessment of ignnition probabilities requires solution of a transient electroquasistatic field problem, where both filling of the vessel with charged powder and simultaneous charge relaxation and/or brush discharge to the vessel walls are taken into account. A one-dimensional model of a filling silo with continuous charge relaxation is proposed. The problem is solved numerically using finite difference equations in time and space. The temporal solution is divided into the filling period and the relaxation period (after filling stops). The solutions for electrostatic field and surface charge demonstrate how various parameters influence the electrostatic discharge hazard. The ratio of filling time to charge relaxation time T is the most important of these paramweters. For T ⪢1.0, the hazard is decreased because the charge relaxes to the conducting walls as soon as the powder is deposited in the vessel.
Can immobilization be exploited to modify enzyme activity

Immobilization has long been recognized as a useful tool for retaining enzymes in bioreactors and enabling the continuous operation of enzymic processes. However, the potential of immobilization for modifying enzyme activity in an advantageous, if not predictable, manner is less-well appreciated. This review summarizes selected studies that have used immobilization to tailor the catalytic properties of enzymes, and highlights the application of immobilization to the rational design of biocatalysts.
The EDA in Oakland: A Case That Catalyzed a Field

Th e book took hold of people’s attention and imagination not only because of the authors’ (dubious) claims of virtually complete originality, but also because it told a gripping story that was then fi tted ex post facto with an absorbing theoretical explanation. Th e volume tells the case study tale of a project funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) in Oakland, California, that was intended to create permanent jobs for minorities through the construction of a hangar and terminal and the subsequent leasing of the terminal to a for-profi t company that would expand and hire minority workers. Financial resources had been appropriated, local actors seemed favorably disposed, and confl ict appeared minimal—and yet after several years, almost nothing had happened on the ground. Pressman and Wildavsky’s analysis of the implementation process leading to such disappointing results concluded that the causes of failure “were of a prosaic and everyday character. Agreements had to be maintained after they were reached. Numerous approvals and clearances had to be obtained from a variety of participants” (xx). Th e authors argue that implementation is an exceedingly diffi cult challenge, and they encourage readers to expect frequent problems, perhaps occasionally punctuated by rare successes.
Gas Producing Zones of Greenbrier (Mississippian) Limestone, Southern West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky

The Mississippian Greenbrier limestone, in southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky, consists of interbedded layers of clastic and non-clastic limestone. In the area of investigation, it ranges from only a few feet to 1,200 feet in thickness. Oil and gas of the Greenbrier limestone has been obtained from porosity in (1) oolitic zones, (2) dolomite zones, and (3) zones of oolitic, dolomitic, sandy limestone. Zones of oolitic limestone are common in the lower part of the Greenbrier limestone, especially near the lower limit of the formation. The oolites were apparently developed in shallow water near the shoreline at the extreme margins of the Greenbrier basin. The development of basal oolitic zones is most strongly governed by the topographic features existing on the pre-Greenbrier erosional surface of the underlying Maccrady Formation. The basal oolitic zones are elongate in a direction parallel with the ancient shoreline which is, in turn, parallel with the isopach contours drawn on the total thickness of the Greenbrier l mestone. The uppermost members of the Greenbrier limestone are time-equivalent and apparently were deposited contemporaneously over an extensive area in southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky. The clastic and dolomitic zone at or near the base of the Greenbrier limestone crosses time lines and becomes progressively older toward the axis of the basin of deposition. The presence of hydrocarbons within the oolitic zones soon after deposition may have prevented their complete cementation by excluding mineralized solutions from the available interstitial porosity within the sediments.
Determining the gluten content of nonprescription drugs: information for patients with celiac disease.

Abstract Objectives To determine whether the information on the gluten content of nonprescription drugs is readily available from the manufacturer/supplier, to identify how patients are directed on the product labeling to obtain answers to questions that they have about the nonprescription medication, and to determine the time needed to obtain information about the gluten content of the product when contacting manufacturers/suppliers. Design Descriptive, exploratory, nonexperimental study. Setting United States during July 2010. Participants Manufacturers/suppliers of 41 nonprescription drug products. Intervention The packaging of the products was reviewed for information on gluten content. The manufacturer/supplier listed on each product's packaging was contacted using the phone number provided and questioned about the gluten content of the product. A uniform script was used for the telephone inquiry. The responses provided and the duration of the phone calls were documented. The manufacturer's websites also were reviewed for pertinent information. Main outcome measures Gluten status of products, time spent on phone to determine gluten status, and availability of online information regarding gluten status. Results Information concerning the gluten content was not included on any of the products' packaging. The mean time required to receive a response was 6.2 minutes (median 5 minutes). A total of 15 products were reported to be gluten free; 13 products were not tested, but the manufacturer/supplier stated that they did not add gluten to the products; 9 products did not have any gluten added by the manufacturer/supplier, but no guarantee was made that the raw ingredients were gluten free; 2 products contained gluten; and 2 products had no available gluten status information. Gluten information was found on product websites for a total of six products. Four of those six websites indicated gluten status that was different from the information provided via the telephone call with the manufacturer. Conclusion Information concerning the gluten content of many nonprescription drugs is relatively easy for patients to obtain if the manufacturer/supplier is contacted. Although the time to obtain a response was quite short for many of the inquiries, it took a substantial amount of time to receive the requested information from some of the companies.
Negative ion formation in electrospray mass spectrometry

Analytical and Chemical Sciences, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA Negative ion electrospray (ES) operating on a single quadrupole mass spectrometer for the detection of low-molecular-weight molecules is discussed. The ES interface was operated at a positive cylindrical electrode potential to produce negative ions, and the results obtained were compared to the positive ion mode. As in the case of operation in the more common positive mode, negative ions with varying degrees of solvation and structurally relevant fragments can be obtained from a variety of solute species, including β-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycosides, aminocyclitols, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, nucleotides, peptides, and explosives. No fragmentation of parent species, except those from some labile explosives, was provided because low potential differences are applied between the capillary and the first skimmer, and electrical discharge is avoided in the gas phase. An increase in the capillary voltage resulted in collision-induced decomposition to produce structurally relevant fragment ions in both operation modes. An evaluation of representative chromatographic solvents indicated that 2-propanol added with oxygen in the ES bath gas is best suited to suppress electrical (corona) discharge phenomena in negative ion operation, whereas it aids in solution nebulization, desolvation, and transfer of ions in solution to the gas phase. For positive ion mode, no such precaution was necessary. Conditions that promote the formation of ions in solution usually improve ES response. Therefore, an increase in the solvent pH can increase the sensitivity in negative ion ES ionization. Negative ion ES offers the advantage of providing complementary structural information to help in the characterization of an unknown compound or to confirm a certain tentatively proposed structure. Nucleotides and explosives were best characterized in negative ion mode owing to the ease with which they form anions in solution, and they could be detected down to the l-pg /gML level.
Similarities and differences in cycling server queueing models

Abstract This paper is an introduction to models of a group of cycling server queues. The systems examined arise in a wide range of applications; these include manufacturing and assembly, warehouses and storage facilities and computers and communication systems. The polling model, so important in communication networks, was first studied in a textile winding operation. In return, telecommunications system research has produced models of importance in manufacturing. The paper treats polling models, slotted ring models, work transporter models and AGV ring models and closes with a discussion of a Nissan ring model for treating part of a complex storage system for motor vehicles.
Meiotic Spindle Self-Organization: One Plus One Equals Only One

Like other cellular organelles, the bipolar spindle is a structure of well-defined size and shape. Now, spindle fusion experiments using micro-manipulation have allowed current models for spindle morphogenesis and size control to be tested.
Regulation of clathrin assembly and trimerization defined using recombinant triskelion hubs

Clathrin polymerization into a polyhedral vesicle coat drives receptor sorting at cellular membranes during endocytosis and organelle biogenesis. To study clathrin self-assembly, we expressed the C-terminal third of the clathrin heavy chain in bacteria. The recombinant fragment trimerized, bound clathrin light chains, and morphologically resembled the hub domain of the triskelion-shaped clathrin molecule. Self-assembly of recombinant hubs demonstrated a regulatory role for clathrin light chains and for the distal portions of triskelion legs in clathrin coat formation. Deletion mutagenesis of the hub localized a domain mediating light chain binding and clathrin self-assembly and mapped a transferable trimerization domain. These studies define molecular interactions controlling clathrin self-assembly and establish a recombinant system for future analysis.
Effective Repair Grouting Methods and Materials for Filling Voids in External Posttensioned Tendons

Recent inspections of segmental posttensioned (PT) bridges reported the presence of large voids in ducts that contain PT strands. Corrosion of the strands was observed in these voids, which are believed to be a result of poor grouting. Corrosion of the PT strands can result in structural failure. Controversy exists on how best to protect PT tendons from corrosion; filling these voids with grout is one option. An optimized grouting procedure for repairing these voids is needed to protect the strands from corrosive environments. This research investigates three grouting methods for efficiently repairing the voids in PT duct systems: vacuum grouting (VG), pressure grouting (PG), and pressure-vacuum grouting (PVG). Each method is evaluated for filling capability, filling performance, and economic feasibility. Also, three prepackaged grouts for repair are assessed in this research to propose the most suitable material for repairing voids in the PT ducts. The results indicate that the PG and PVG methods are mor...
Synthesis and characterization of single and multilayer boron nitride and boron carbide thin films grown by magnetron sputtering of boron carbide

Abstract Single and multilayer boron nitride and boron carbide films were grown using d.c. magnetron sputtering in a single cathode deposition system. High frequency pulsed bias voltages were applied to both the target and the substrate during deposition. An external solenoid was utilized to increase the ion flux during deposition. Momentum of incident ions was found to play a key role for cubic BN:C formation. Multilayer film growth was investigated as a way to obtain thick and adherent cubic boron nitride containing coatings. Boron carbide films were found to have a hardness exceeding 40 GPa and a smooth surface morphology (r.m.s. roughness 0.1–0.15 nm), high elasticity, and high wear resistance.
Research Note: Targeting the Un‐Experienced and the Convenience Shopper

More and more wine producers realise the opportunities that lie within designing extrinsic product attributes for promoting their wine. Unique packaging (e.g. special bottles) or labelling is supposedly more efficient in differentiating the (augmented) wine product than changing the core product (fluid) itself. Wine exhibition awards (medals or diplomas, usually at the gold or silver level) have become particularly popular for the purpose of signalling an outstanding quality to the buyer. This can be observed in grocery store assortments as well as in special wine stores. The potential relevance of this strategy draws from the fact that only a fraction of worldwide sales of bottled wine goes to educated wine connoisseurs who evaluate the real value of a wine by attributes like varietal, producer, vintage, vineyard, etc. The average wine consumer's choice is likely to be influenced to a greater extent by product attributes that require less of an insiders' knowledge. Exhibition medals could be of special interest to wine suppliers by quickly conveying a summary of expert opinions. Interested buyers would not be required to read the sometimes extensive information written in usually small letters on the labels. Instead, medals etc. enable them to quickly and reliably evaluate the quality.
Loss Of Regulation Of Primary Afferent Neuronal KATP Channels By Calcium-Calmodulin- CaMKII Mediates Hyperalgesia After SNL

Painful nerve injury decreases IKATP (1) and intracellular calcium (2) in axotomized DRG neurons. Therefore, we hypothesized that: 1) Calcium-Calmodulin-CamKII regulates IKATP in DRG neurons; and 2) painful axotomy attenuates IKATP opening via altering the Calcium-CaM-CamKII signaling. Male rats were subjected to either L5 SNL axotomy (3) or sham skin (SS) operation, and subsequently to sensory testing looking for hyperalgesia or normal response (4). We then compared L5 DRG neurons from: 1) hyperalgesic rats after SNL (SNL-H); 2) rats without hyperalgesia after SNL (SNL-NH); or 3) control neurons from SS rats. Single-channel recordings were obtained from cell-attached (CA) or inside-out (IO) patches.Neurons exhibited spontaneous single channel opening consistent with IKATP. Channel properties in IO patches did not differ between groups. However, NPo in CA patches was decreased in SNL-H compared to controls (p<0.01) or SNL-NH (p<0.02). Ionomycin activated IKATP in control (p<0.01) or SNL-NH (p<0.01), but not in SNL-H DRG neurons. In IO patches, physiological calcium concentration, without or with CaM, did not activate IKATP. However, addition of CaMKII enhanced NPo equally between control and SNL. Finally, in CA patches, CaMKII inhibitors AIP and KN93 blocked ionomycin-induced IKATP activation in control (p<0.01), or SNL-NH (p≤0.01) DRG neurons. In contrast, CaMKII inhibitors did not have any effect in neurons from SNL-H DRG.Conclusions: Calcium-CaM-CamKII regulates IKATP in DRG neurons. This pathway is attenuated after painful nerve injury, and by less KATP channel opening may explain increased excitability leading to hyperalgesia and neuropathic pain.References1 Neurosci Lett 2003; 343: 185-9.2 Anesthesiology 2007; 107: 117-27.3 Pain 1992; 50: 355-63.4 Anesthesiology 2004; 101: 476-8.Support was provided by the NIH K08 NS049420-01 grant
Comparison of Biochar Formation from Various Agricultural By-Products Using FTIR Spectroscopy

Biochar is charred material produced by the pyrolysis of organic biomass. In this work, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of various agricultural by-products feedstock and their derived biochars were collected to explore the potential of FTIR technique as a simple and rapid method for characterizing their biochar structure. The FTIR information was also discussed for comparing the biochar formation process. Biochars became increasingly more aromatic and carbonaceous with increase in pyrolysis temperature, and these changes could easily be detected from FTIR spectral differences. Complementary to visual inspection of spectral variations, principal component analysis (PCA) of FTIR spectra enhanced the similarity or dissimilarity of biochars prepared at various temperatures. On the basis of spectral features in the 1750-1500 cm-1 region assignable to characteristic carboxyl and aromatic groups that existed in the starting materials and also in biochars, a simple three-band ratio algorithm was developed to monitor the biochar formation semi-quantitatively. Results indicated the feasibility of FTIR in rapid and non-destructive biochar measurements for quality and production.
Hydroxyapatite-based consolidant and the acceleration of hydrolysis of silicate-based consolidants

Abstract Limestone, composed of the mineral calcite, is susceptible to environmental weathering processes that cause weakening from disintegration at grain boundaries. This paper discusses the effectiveness of hydroxyapatite (HAP) as an inorganic consolidant for physically weathered Indiana Limestone compared to a commercially available silicate-based consolidant (Conservare® OH-100). A double application is also investigated, in which samples are coated with HAP followed by Conservare® OH-100. Finally, a technique to accelerate the hydrolysis reaction of the initially hydrophobic Conservare® OH-100 is also developed. The motivation for using HAP is its low dissolution rate and crystal and lattice compatibility with calcite. To artificially weather limestone, so that the damage found in nature could be mimicked in the lab, a reproducible thermal degradation technique was utilized. Then, a mild wet chemical synthesis route, in which diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP) salt was reacted with limestone, alone and with cationic precursors, was used to produce HAP microfilms to consolidate the grains. The effectiveness of Conservare® OH-100 is investigated by applying it alone, and by following up with an ethanol-water rinse to accelerate the hydrolysis reaction. Samples that were to be rinsed were left to hydrolyze naturally over two and seven weeks before being reacted in the ethanol-water mixture. The dynamic elastic modulus (a measure of stiffness) and water sorptivity of the treated stones were evaluated. HAP was found to be an effective consolidant for weathered Indiana Limestone, as it restored the modulus of damaged stones to their original values and exhibited superior performance to Conservare® OH-100. Rinsing the Conservare® OH-100-treated stones increased stone hydrophilicity significantly, although not to the level of DAP-treated stones, as determined by water sorptivity. The formation of the consolidants in the pores and at grain boundaries was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDX).
Computer Detection of Distortion in Arterial Pressure Signals

An application of the mathematical concept of curvature to the detection of distortion in arterial pressure signals is described. Curvature is defined and examples of digitally filtered pressure tracings show the relationship between curvature and the degree of damping. Even though curvature is also a function of the cardiovascular system producing the signal, the average sum of curvature can generally distinguish control signals from signals distorted by moderate amounts of blood or air in the catheter systems. Selected pressure signals with their associated sums of curvature show the properties and limitations of curvature for discriminating between the changes in the cardio-vascular system and distortion of pressure signals.
Current status of high-index immersion lithography development

High index immersion lithography (HIL) is one candidate for the next generation lithography technology following water immersion lithography. This technology may require only moderate changes of chip making processes and result in lower cost of ownership (CoO) compared with other technologies such as double processing, extreme ultra violet lithography (EUVL), and nano-imprinting, and other technologies. In this paper, the current status of high index lens material and immersion fluid development compared with our requirements is discussed considering microlithographic lens design feasibility and attainable NA.
Efficient linear time-varying system identification using chirp waveforms

Linear, time-varying (LTV) systems are operators composed of time shifts, frequency shifts, and complex amplitude scalings that act on continuous finite-energy waveforms. This paper builds upon a novel, resource-efficient method previously proposed by the authors for identifying the parametric description of such systems from the sampled response to linear frequency modulated (LFM) waveforms. If the LTV operator is probed with a sufficiently diverse set of LFM pulses, more LFM pulses than reflectors, then the system can be identified with high accuracy. The accuracy is shown to be proportional to the uncertainty in the estimated frequencies and confirmed with numerical experiments.
Algebraic computation of pattern maximum likelihood

Pattern maximum likelihood (PML) is a technique for estimating the probability multiset of an unknown distribution. With any random sample, it associates the distribution maximizing the probability of its pattern. The required computation is a maximization of a monomial symmetric polynomial over the monotone simplex. The PML of only very few patterns have been found analytically, and for other patterns, the PML has been approximated by a heuristic algorithm. Taking an algebraic approach, we determine the PML of short patterns by solving a system of multivariate polynomial equations using the method of resultants. Using this approach, we determine the PML of the pattern 1112234, the last length-7 pattern whose PML was unknown. Under two plausible but yet unproved assumptions on the optimal alphabet size and the number of distinct probabilities, we also find the PML distribution of all previously unknown patterns of length up to 14.
Microaggressions and the Enduring Mental Health Disparity: Black Americans at Risk for Institutional Betrayal

Despite federal focus on reducing mental health disparities for Black Americans, mental health disparities persist, resulting in reduced access to and benefit from mental health care. Amid calls for deeper examination of etiology, the current literature review introduces discrimination in the form of microaggressions at the institutional level as one changeable systemic cause for mental health disparities. In combining the mental health disparity and microaggression literatures, I first review the evidence regarding prevalence and contributing factors for current mental health disparities and microaggressions. Next, I examine the potential contributing role that microaggressions as a form of institutional betrayal within mental health care may play in perpetuating these disparities. Finally, I review implications regarding the particular role of mental health care systems, the field of psychology in general, and Black American psychologists specifically in systematically reducing mental health disparities...
Control of robots with lightweight links using positive modal feedback

In previous papers (1990, 1991), the authors had developed a fully coupled, nonlinear dynamic model of a two degree of freedom manipulator with a lightweight link. The present paper considers a single degree of motion of such a manipulator to evaluate the effectiveness of the positive modal feedback scheme in suppressing the modal vibrations of the link. Simulation and experimental results are presented which demonstrate that the proposed scheme suppresses link vibrations rapidly, without affecting the rigid mode response. >
Utilization of Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement in the Control of Crystal Size Distribution in a Batch Cooled Crystallizer

Controlling crystal size distribution (CSD) is important to downstream processing and to product quality. The distribution can be characterized by a mean or dominant size and the spread about the mean or dominant size. The development of tools leading to the control of the distribution in a batch crystallizer is the main topic of the present study. An experimentally based control scheme was implemented for batch cooling crystallization of paracetamol from ethanol solutions. Estimates of the CSD in the batch crystallizer were obtained by applying a model of the octahedral paracetamol crystals to a chord length distribution (CLD) obtained from focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) and Lasentec software. The model estimates showed reasonably good agreement with results obtained from sieve analyses performed at the end of the runs.
Thinking About Trauma: The Unique Contributions of Event Centrality and Posttraumatic Cognitions in Predicting PTSD and Posttraumatic Growth

Researchers have been investigating possible pathways to negative (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) and positive (posttraumatic growth [PTG]) reactions to trauma in recent decades. Two cognitive constructs, event centrality and posttraumatic cognitions, have been implicated to uniquely predict PTSD symptoms in an undergraduate sample. The current pair of studies attempted to (a) replicate this finding in an undergraduate sample, (b) replicate this finding in a treatment-seeking sample, and (c) explore whether these 2 cognitive constructs uniquely predict PTG. The first study consisted of 500 undergraduate students, whereas the second study consisted of 53 treatment-seeking clients. Results indicated both posttraumatic cognitions and event centrality uniquely predicted PTSD in the undergraduate (R(2) = .46) and treatment-seeking samples (R(2) = .46). These 2 cognitive constructs also predicted PTG in the undergraduate sample (R(2) = .37), but only posttraumatic cognitions predicted PTG in the treatment-seeking sample (R(2) = .17). The relationships between PTG varied, depending on whether PTG for high or low event-centrality events were assessed. The original model was supported within both populations for PTSD symptoms, and its extension to PTG was supported within the treatment-seeking sample. These results underscore cognitive and narrative factors in the progression of trauma.
Process analysis of the establishment and the development of cluster

The establishment of a cluster focused on processing of fine inorganic waste is perceived as positive not only for its further utilization but also for its environmental advantages. However, not all addressed companies were interested in joining the cluster. The reason was above all mistrust and not full understanding of the concept of grouping subjects in the form of clusters, fear of grouping with competitors, fear of a loss of a competitive advantage, unwillingness to provide information and share know-how. Also limited financial sources for prefinancing of the mutual projects played their role in the decision making process. The companies participating in the cluster were interested mainly in the cooperation in the field of innovation, research and development, marketing, and promotion. The lowest interested was in the field of export support. The concentration of costs for the promotion is perceived unambiguously as one of the initial advantages of the cluster membership. Analysis of the cluster establishment and development confirms that even with the occurred problems the creation of the cluster was beneficial not only for the cluster members but also for the Region of South Bohemia.
A static technique for the electro-mechanical characterization of MEMS devices for RF and microwave applications

An approach for measuring force-dependent properties of microscopic structures commonly found in MEMS has been developed. The system has the capability of measuring forces and deflections of the order of micro-newtons and micro-meters, respectively. By implementing a visual inspection system, force is applied to localized areas on a beam, and the resulting force-deflection characteristic can be obtained. From this beam stiffness and effective elastic modulus can be calculated. These results were compared to simulation, which was performed using ANSYS FEM code. In addition, by applying a known mechanical force, direct correlation to voltage and thus electrostatic force can be obtained, which also elucidates the magnitude of the electrostatic feedback effect. Characterization of other force-dependent parameters such as DC contact resistance and isolation/insertion loss at RF and microwave frequencies was obtained experimentally, from which parameters such as lumped capacitance can be extracted.
Filtering micro-manipulator wrist commands to prevent flexible base motion

This paper examines control issues related to positioning a small articulating robot attached to a much larger, flexible manipulator. By shaping the joint position error with a finite impulse response filter actuation torques can be found to maneuver the small robot with minimal residual vibration of its base. This paper develops a new filter form with the advantage of shorter delay times than current input shaping methods. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the new filtering technique to prevent vibration when used as part of a feedback control system.
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 and Cyclooxygenase 2 Pathways Cooperatively Exacerbate Endometrial Cancer

The underlying causes of endometrial cancer (EMC) are poorly understood, and treatment options for patients with advanced stages of the disease are limited. Mutations in the phosphatase and tensin homologue gene are frequently detected in EMC. Cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox2) and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) are known downstream targets of the phosphatase and tensin homologue protein, and their activities are up-regulated in EMC. However, it is not clear whether Cox2 and mTORC1 are crucial players in cancer progression or whether they work in parallel or cooperatively. In this study, we used a Cox2 inhibitor, celecoxib, and an mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin, in mouse models of EMC and in human EMC cell lines to explore the interactive roles of Cox2 and mTORC1 signaling. We found that a combined treatment with celecoxib and rapamycin markedly reduces EMC progression. We also observed that rapamycin reduces Cox2 expression, whereas celecoxib reduces mTORC1 activity. These results suggest that Cox2 and mTORC1 signaling is cross-regulated and cooperatively exacerbate EMC.
How Do Openers Contribute to Student Learning

Openers, or brief activities that initiate a class, routinely take up classroom time each day yet little is known about how to design these activities so they contribute to student learning. This study uses technology-enhanced learning environments to explore new opportunities to transform Openers from potentially busy work to knowledge generating activities. This study compares the impact of teacher-designed Openers, Opener designs based on recent research emphasizing knowledge integration, and no Opener for an 8th grade technology-enhanced inquiry science investigation. Results suggest that students who participate in a researcher-designed Opener are more likely to revisit and refine their work, and to make significant learning gains, than students who do not participate in an Opener. Students make the greatest gains when they revisit key evidence in the technology-enhanced curriculum unit prior to revision. Engaging students in processes that promote knowledge integration during the Opener motivate students to revise their ideas. The results suggest design principles for Openers in technology-enhanced instruction.
Growth and root colonization of mycorrhizal maize grown on acid and alkaline soil

Abstract Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi often have wide adaptability over many soil environments. We have determined the effects of the AM fungi Glomus etunicatum WV579A (Ge), G. diaphanum WV579B (Gd) and G. intraradices WV894 (Gi) on growth and root colonization of maize (Zea mays L.) grown on two acid (pH 4.2 and 4.5) and two alkaline (pH 7.8 and 8.0) soils. Shoot and root dry matter (DM), leaf area (LA), and root length (RL) were higher for mycorrhizal (AM) than for nonmycorrhizal (nonAM) plants grown on all soils, and plants grown on alkaline soil had higher DM than plants grown on acid soil. Shoot and root DM followed a sequence of Ge > Gd≥Gi > nonAM for plants grown on the alkaline soil. The AM isolates enhanced DM of plants grown on acid soil, and differences among isolates were minor. Differences between AM and nonAM plants for total LA and RL were greater than for DM. Specific LA values for AM plants were consistently higher than for nonAM plants, while specific RL values for AM plants were only slightly higher than nonAM plants. Roots with arbuscules or vesicles was nil to low for plants grown on acid soil and relatively high for plants grown on alkaline soil. Roots with hyphal infection varied with type of soil and AM isolate, and was considerably higher than arbuscules or vesicles for plants grown on acid soil. Root hyphal infection appeared to be more important than arbuscules for growth enhancement of plants on acid soil. The AM isolates used were effective in enhancing growth of plants on both acid and alkaline soils showing wide adaptability to broad soil pH conditions.
Diesel engine controller for improved air quality and engine performance

Design, implementation, and performance evaluation of a real-time controller for diesel engines are presented in this paper. The controller uses glow plugs as active combustion sensors in diesel engines. The proposed approach gives a real-time fuel combustion control to achieve optimal engine performance and to reduce air pollution. Hardware design and implementation of the controller are given. >
The evolution of courtship display repertoire size in the dabbling ducks (Anatini)

Many animals possess multiple ornaments or behaviours that seem to have evolved via sexual selection. A complete understanding of sexual selection requires an explanation for such multiple traits. The dabbling ducks (Tribe: Anatini) exhibit considerable variation among species in the number of displays in the male courtship repertoire. I tested five hypotheses concerning the evolution of the variation in display repertoire size of dabbling ducks: (1) species recognition, (2) courtship habitat, (3) sexual selection intensity, (4) display media tradeoff and (5) time constraints on pair formation. I tested these hypotheses, using an explicit phylogenetic hypothesis developed from DNA sequences for the dabbling ducks, with two types of statistical comparative methods (discrete and continuous character). The variation observed in male courtship display repertoire size in dabbling ducks was consistent with the courtship habitat and sexual selection intensity hypotheses. Specifically, the size of the display repertoire was larger in species that exhibit courtship exclusively on water and larger in species with dimorphic plumage. These results suggest that ecological (habitat) as well as social (sexual selection) factors may be important in driving the evolution of displays in the dabbling ducks.
Adaptive protocols for managing replicated distributed databases

The author proposes a family of adaptive protocols for managing replicated databases. Adaptive protocols use information about the system configuration to determine how operations are executed. Special system transactions are executed to maintain this information in view objects. The author proposes using static as well as dynamic methods to execute both system and user transactions. This results in a modular methodology for designing four different protocols. Two of these protocols are new and present the system designer with several alternatives when compared with the previously known protocols. >