cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantile Effects in Discrete Choice with Social Interactions

This paper provides a method to study quantile effects in discrete choice with social interactions. The method is based on a simultaneous discrete Bayesian game from quantile preference and maximization in decision making and demonstrates heterogenous peer effects on different quantiles of discrete outcomes. The heterogeneous peer effects parameters are estimated by a nested pseudo score (NPS) approach, which is developed to tackle the computational burden pertaining to the discrete game. Consistency and asymptotic normality are established for the proposed NPS estimator. We illustrate the finite sample performance of the model and the estimator by Monte Carlo experiments and an application of the heterogeneous peer effects among students on exercise decisions, using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health dataset.
Auxiliary Tests of Autonomic Functions.

SUMMARY The autonomic nervous system is a complex neural network that controls several organ systems. Its assessment includes a detailed history of autonomic functions, clinical examination, and autonomic tests. Most widely used is a battery of tests that assess cardiovascular reflex autonomic and sudomotor tests, which include deep breathing (assesses parasympathetic function), Valsalva maneuver, tilt test (both assess parasympathetic and adrenergic functions), and sudomotor testing for the evaluation of postganglionic sudomotor fibers. These basic tests represent a foundation of autonomic testing. Nevertheless, the autonomic nervous system also controls organ systems not directly assessed by basic tests. This review describes a number of auxiliary autonomic tests that can be used in addition to basic autonomic tests or can be used independently to explore particular autonomic functions or to answer a specific clinical question. The auxiliary tests described in this review evaluate cardiovascular, thermoregulatory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, eye, and exocrine functions. These tests are cold pressor test, sustained handgrip maneuver, reverse tilt test, venoarteriolar reflex, laser Doppler flare imaging, microneurography, neck suction, lower body negative pressure, venous occlusion plethysmography, pharmacologic assessment of postganglionic sympathetic outflow, plasma norepinephrine, sympathetic skin response, video cinefluoroscopic swallowing test, esophageal manometry test, small bowel manometry test, wireless motility capsule test, urodynamic studies, penile plethysmography, intracavernosal papaverine injection, infrared video pupillography, corneal confocal microscopy, pupillary response to dilute pilocarpine and hydroxyamphetamine, Schirmer test, tear osmolarity test, and salivary secretion test. The protocol of each test is described in detail. This review can be used as a quick reference for the auxiliary autonomic tests.
Integrated STEM and poultry science curriculum to increase agricultural literacy.

The shortage of graduates pursuing careers in the poultry industry is linked to a low awareness and lack of interest. Increasing agricultural literacy could promote engagement in future poultry science opportunities. We developed an integrated STEM curriculum within a poultry science context to assess the program's impact on students' agricultural literacy development. The Elementary Education Gain Grow (E.G.G.) program consists of 5 online modules, an interactive notebook, a simulation game, and a team project. In fall 2019, 480 Indiana 4th and 5th grade students enrolled in the pilot program. A 14-point poultry content-based questionnaire was administered online to students prior to program engagement, between online and team project activities, and at program completion. Student content scores (n = 111; 23.13% response rate) increased from 7.99 (SD = 1.85) preprogram to 9.76 (SD = 2.44) post online modules (P < 0.05; Cohen's d = 0.82) and remained constant throughout the remainder of the program. Student notebook responses (n = 172; 35.83% response rate) provided qualitative data of their self-reported agricultural literacy gains and revealed patterns of increased agricultural literacy relating to the program's learning objectives. These results support the program's ability to increase student agricultural literacy. Teacher feedback (n = 9; 69.2% response rate) suggests that teachers agreed with the program's effectiveness, with qualitative responses highlighting individual experiences. Our pilot program findings support the use of an integrated STEM and poultry science elementary curriculum to increase student agricultural literacy as well as demonstrate the effectiveness of the program as an educational resource.
Artificial intelligence image recognition of melanoma and basal cell carcinoma in racially diverse populations.

Background Artificial intelligence (AI) image recognition models have been relatively successful in diagnosing cutaneous manifestations in individuals with light skin tone. However, when these models are tested on the same cutaneous manifestations in individuals with darker or brown skin tone, the performance of the model drops due to a paucity of such images available for model training. Objective The objective of this study was to improve the performance of AI models in recognizing cutaneous diseases in individuals with darker skin tone. Methods Unsupervised computer darkening of skin color with preservation of the dermatological disease/lesion characteristics in images of light skinned individuals with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and melanoma was performed. Results Training an AI model on these artificially "darkened" images as compared to training on the original light skinned images resulted in a higher sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, F1 score and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the AI model in differentiating between BCC and melanoma in individuals with brown skin tone. Conclusion Use of unsupervised image to image translation in medical AI image recognition models has the potential to significantly improve their accuracy in diagnosing diseases in individuals with racially diverse skin tone.
Pliocene origins, Pleistocene refugia, and postglacial range expansions in southern devil scorpions (Vaejovidae: Vaejovis carolinianus)

The Southern Appalachians and adjacent provinces of the southeastern USA are geologically and biologically diverse, with high levels of endemism. Phylogeographic analyses indicate that animals with small distributions in these regions often contain cryptic diversity and that Pleistocene climate fluctuations had significant impacts on their distributions. We studied the phylogeography of Vaejovis carolinianus (Beauvois), a common forest scorpion from the region, to determine if a more widely distributed animal exhibits similar patterns. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, as well as species distribution models, were used to test biogeographic hypotheses. Results indicate that the species is composed of at least nine geographically structured mitochondrial clades. Seven clades are represented by only a few sampling locations, whereas two clades are much larger and appear to be the result of postglacial range expansion in the plateaus and coastal plains adjacent to the Southern Appalachians. A highly disjunct population from Tunica Hills of Louisiana appears to have been isolated since the Pliocene, rejecting a hypothesis of late glacial migration along the Blufflands escarpment. Nuclear DNA is much less structured, perhaps due to differences in habitat and dispersal capabilities between sexes. Although mitochondrial lineages are quite old, mito-nuclear discordance suggests that lineages have not sorted and that V. carolinianus should be treated as a single genetically diverse species.
Evaluation of cracking performance of fiber reinforced and polymer enhanced microsurfacing mixtures using conventional asphalt laboratory testing

Abstract This study evaluated the potential for improving the cracking resistance of microsurfacing mixtures using polymer and fiber additions. Three mixtures were evaluated in this study: a fiber reinforced mixture using 1/4″ glass fibers, a polymer (SBR) enhanced emulsion, and a mixture using a combination of polymer and fibers. The polymer enhanced samples and the combination samples showed improvements for the Texas Overlay Tester and the Semi-Circular Bend Test. The greatest improvements in performance for the Texas Overlay Tester were obtained from the polymer enhanced sample, whereas the greatest improvements in the Semi-Circular Bend Test were obtained from the combination samples.
Deformation of a Composite Disk Having a Tapered Clamped Boundary

Anout-of-planedisplacementanalysisisconducted on a circular composite disk in which a pre-stressed condition iscreatedbyclampingthespecimenalongataperedboundary. This configuration is designed to lower the boundary stresses when uniform pressures are subsequently applied during per- meability tests developed to study potential microcracking and permeability resistant material systems for cryogenic tank usage. A finite element analysis of the pre-stressed condition predicted a displacement field in which the location of the maximum out-of-plane displacement did not coincide with the principal material coordinate system despite the fact that the specimen was symmetric with respect to its mid-plane and uniformly clamped around the boundary. This was attributed to variations in the terms contained in the bending stiffness matrix which were shown to change as a function of the angle measured relative to the principal material directions. The finding was investigated by using the method of speckle me- trology and digital image correlation to experimentally mea- sure the displacement field. A comparison between the exper- imental and analytical results showed a very good agreement, thereby validating the finite element model and its prediction.
Demonstrating end point security in embedded systems

This chapter describes a demonstrator for end-point security in a video peripheral. The demonstrator enables a third party to securely display a message, stored on a compact flash card, on a video monitor attached to the system. The message is personalized to a specific instance of the display platform and cannot be copied, modified, or cloned. The message is only decoded just before rendering the message on the video display. The chapter describes architectural enhancements to hardware and software to implement end-point security. The resulting system effectively implements a secure ’tunnel’: a trusted path from the compact flash memory up to the pins of the VGA connector. The chapter also presents a suitable security protocol to support end-point security services, and it presents a design methodology to implement this concept.
Chapter 3 Centralized planning models for multi-echelon inventory systems under uncertainty

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses planning models for systems that allow for uncertain and nonstationary demand and lead time processes. The chapter focuses on the PUSH systems with a central decision maker, who possesses continuously or periodically updated information about all inventories of all products at all relevant facilities and production stages; all replenishment decisions in the system are determined centrally based on this information. The chapter considers single-item discrete-time multi-echelon distribution systems that have the form of arborescence—that is, each location has a unique supplier. The same models may be applied to multi-stage production processes, in which each product is manufactured in batches from a single input product or raw material. Arborescence generalizes series systems, in that the same supply facility may be used by several (parallel) destinations.
Is It Better to Be Rich or Relaxed? Sociobiology Meets Bone Marrow Transplant

Low socioeconomic status in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients is associated with increased treatment-related mortality and relapse, resulting in reduced survival. No biologic mechanism has been identified for these associations. The stress-related gene expression profile, termed the "conserved transcriptional response to adversity," may be a predictor of these negative outcomes.
Using Cloninger's temperament scales to predict substance-related behaviors in adolescents: a prospective longitudinal study.

Background and Objectives We tested one of Cloninger's temperament theories – that high novelty seeking (NS), along with low harm avoidance (HA), reward dependence (RD), and persistence (PE), predicts early-onset substance problems. Methods In a community-based sample of 777 adolescents examined at two time points (mean age 13 and 18, respectively), we examined whether Cloninger's four temperament dimensions at wave 1 predicted five substance-related outcomes at wave 2: age of initiation for cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs, number of substance classes tried, and total number of DSM-IV substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms. Results Cloninger's predicted temperament pattern did significantly predict the number of SUD symptoms at wave 2. For initiation of cigarettes/illicit drugs and number of substance classes tried, HA/NS/PE fit the pattern, but RD did not. For onset of alcohol, only NS and PE fit Cloninger's prediction. Results for NS and PE were most consistent. Conclusions and Scientific Significance Overall, this study provides evidence that Cloninger's theory may hold true for predicting problem use more than for predicting “use” or experimentation. In addition, youth with high novelty seeking and low persistence may find substances especially reinforcing, and identifying these youth and intervening before initiation has occurred may reduce the risk of future substance-related problems. (Am J Addict 2013; 22:246–251)
BOUND CO IS A MOLECULAR PROBE OF ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL IN THE DISTAL POCKET OF MYOGLOBIN

Most recent experiments have indicated that distal pocket polarity rather than steric hindrance is the major factor governing the distribution of FeCO stretching frequencies ( OC-O, OFe-CO) in myoglobins and hemoglobins. Hydrogen bonding and other polar interactions have also been shown to play a key role in regulating O2 and CO binding. To quantify the effects of polarity on OC-O, OFe-CO, and ligand binding, we calculated electrostatic potential field distributions in the distal pockets of 18 different mutants and two wild-type forms of recombinant pig and sperm whale MbCO. The results were obtained using linearized Poisson-Boltzmann methods with coordinates from high-resolution structures determined experimentally by X-ray crystallography. The computed potential fields at the ligand atoms vary from +30 to -12 kcal/mol depending on the protein structure at the distal site. The electrostatic fields correlate inversely with OC-O and directly with OFe-CO. In all our calculations, the distal histidine is modeled as the neutral N-H tautomer, regardless of which ferrous ligand is bound. If the neutral N‰-H tautomer is used, the computed potentials at the bound ligand atoms are uniformly negative and show no correlation with OC-O, OFe-C, and any ligand binding parameters. Although calculated using primarily MbCO structures, there is a linear, inverse relationship between the electrostatic field at the ligand binding site and the logarithm of the rate constant for O 2 dissociation. As a result, high O2 affinity can be predicted semiquantitatively from a large positive potential field or from an experimentally low value of OC-O. Thus, the stretching frequency of bound CO serves as an empirical voltmeter that can be used to measure the polarity of the distal pocket and to predict the extent of electrostatic stabilization of bound O 2.
A comparison of streams in logged and unlogged areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Second order streams draining areas of virgin forest in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina, U.S.A., are compared to those which drain forests logged before the establishment of the park in the 1930's. Water quality of two main study streams (one unlogged and one formerly logged) was compared and the unlogged stream had generally higher levels of dissolved solids and lower levels of suspended particulates than the logged stream. Stream channel characteristics were compared on four logged and four unlogged streams. The unlogged streams had over four times more (by volume) of woody debris and 10 times more material in debris dams than the logged streams. Only minor differences in substrate composition were observed.
Optimized visualization of vessels in contrast enhanced intracranial MR angiography

In this study, the problem of small vessel visualization in magnetic resonance angiography is addressed. The loss of vessel contrast due to slow flow-related signal saturation can be compensated by the T, reduction obtained from the use of an MR contrast agent, such as Gd-DTPA. The vessel/background signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) is shown to strongly depend on the imaging parameters, as well as on the time course of the blood T, values obtained from the contrast injection. Specifically, it was found that vessel SDNR increases almost linearly with TR, if the sampling bandwidth is reduced proportionately.
A QoS policy configuration modeling language for publish/subscribe middleware platforms

Publish/subscribe (pub/sub) middleware platforms for event-based distributed systems often provide many configurable policies that affect end-to-end quality of service (QoS). Although the flexibility and functionality of pub/sub middleware platforms has matured, configuring their QoS policies in semantically compatible ways has become more complex. This paper makes two contributions to reducing the complexity of configuring QoS policies for event-based distributed systems. First, it evaluates various approaches for managing complex QoS policy configurations in pub/sub middleware platforms. Second, it describes a domain-specific modeling language (DSML) that automates the analysis and synthesis of semantically compatible QoS policy configurations.
Impact of macrophage inflammatory protein-1α deficiency on atherosclerotic lesion formation, hepatic steatosis, and adipose tissue expansion.

Macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (CCL3) plays a well-known role in infectious and viral diseases; however, its contribution to atherosclerotic lesion formation and lipid metabolism has not been determined. Low density lipoprotein receptor deficient (LDLR−/−) mice were transplanted with bone marrow from CCL3−/− or C57BL/6 wild type donors. After 6 and 12 weeks on western diet (WD), recipients of CCL3−/− marrow demonstrated lower plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations compared to recipients of C57BL/6 marrow. Atherosclerotic lesion area was significantly lower in female CCL3−/− recipients after 6 weeks and in male CCL3−/− recipients after 12 weeks of WD feeding (P<0.05). Surprisingly, male CCL3−/− recipients had a 50% decrease in adipose tissue mass after WD-feeding, and plasma insulin, and leptin levels were also significantly lower. These results were specific to CCL3, as LDLR−/− recipients of monocyte chemoattractant protein−/− (CCL2) marrow were not protected from the metabolic consequences of high fat feeding. Despite these improvements in LDLR−/− recipients of CCL3−/− marrow in the bone marrow transplantation (BMT) model, double knockout mice, globally deficient in both proteins, did not have decreased body weight, plasma lipids, or atherosclerosis compared with LDLR−/− controls. Finally, there were no differences in myeloid progenitors or leukocyte populations, indicating that changes in body weight and plasma lipids in CCL3−/− recipients was not due to differences in hematopoiesis. Taken together, these data implicate a role for CCL3 in lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic mice following hematopoietic reconstitution.
New Complexities and Approaches to Global Health Diplomacy: View from the U.S. Department of State

As part of the PLoS Medicine series on Global Health Diplomacy, Kerri-Ann Jones provides a perspective from the Inited States Department of State on current complexities and challenges in global health diplomacy.
Wound healing in the paranasal sinuses after Coblation, Part II: evaluation for endoscopic sinus surgery using a sheep model.

BACKGROUND A previous study on wound healing with a rabbit model showed thermal injury to sinus mucosa with complete respiratory re-epithelialization by postoperative day (POD) 29. This study was designed to further understand the pattern of injury using the bipolar radiofrequency plasma process used by the Coblator and evaluate postprocedure healing. METHODS Based on experience with our rabbit model, three sheep underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. Coblation was applied to inferior turbinate mucosa in three areas for 2, 4, or 6 seconds. After resection of the contralateral middle turbinate and ethmoidectomy, Coblation was applied to the lateral wall or lamina papyracea for 2 seconds. The ethmoid and turbinate specimens were resected en bloc during necropsy immediately for the first sheep and on POD 14 for the others. RESULTS Coblation resulted in immediate loss of surface respiratory epithelium and thermal-type injury to the underlying seromucinous glands. On POD 14, the Coblation site showed re-epithelialization with respiratory epithelium. The underlying seromucinous glands were replaced by mild fibrosis. A small, well-defined zone of injury was shown. Longer use did not result in a deeper injury. Rather, the depth of injury was dependent on the type of submucosal tissue present. Underlying bone was associated with reactive, regenerative changes. No histological changes were shown in the orbit. CONCLUSION The effects of Coblation on sheep mucosa show a similar injury and healing pattern to that shown on rabbit mucosa. Based on this work and the previous rabbit study, the Coblator may be an additional tool for use in endoscopic sinus surgery.
Chromatin assembly factors: A dual function in nucleosome formation and mobilization?

Chromatin assembly is a process that interfaces DNA replication, gene expression and progression through the cell cycle, and it is therefore critically involved in many important biological phenomena. This brief review provides a general background to the study of chromatin assembly, as well as an overview of putative chromatin assembly factors. Interestingly, recent data suggest that the ATP-utilizing chromatin assembly factor, ACF, functions not only in nucleosome formation, but also in the ATP-dependent remodelling of chromatin that facilitates DNA-utilizing processes, such as transcription, replication, recombination, and repair.
Catalytic Effects of Metals on Direct Nitridation of Silicon

Catalytic effects were investigated on the direct nitridation of silicon granules, impregnated with 0.125–2.0% by mass of calcium, yttrium, iron, copper, silver, chromium, or tungsten, in a stream of nitrogen with 10% hydrogen, using a tubular flow reactor operated at temperatures ranging from 1200° to 1390°C. Calcium and yttrium suppressed the formation of β-silicon nitride while iron enhanced the formation of β-silicon nitride over the temperature range investigated. An addition of 0.125% calcium resulted in about 99% overall conversion with 100%α-phase and a 2.0% yttrium addition yielded an overall conversion over 98% with an α-phase content above 97%. Copper promoted not only the nitridation but the formation of α-silicon nitride at 1200°C, but enhanced the β-phase formation at higher temperatures. The role of liquid phases on the formation of α-/β-silicon nitride was also discussed based on the nitridation of silicon impregnated with copper, calcium, silver, chromium, and tungsten.
Health-related quality of life before and after pediatric epilepsy surgery: The influence of seizure outcome on changes in physical functioning and social functioning

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important outcome in pediatric epilepsy surgery, but there are few studies that utilize presurgical ratings to assess the effect of surgery on HRQOL. We collected parental ratings on the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy (QOLCE) questionnaire for 28 children who participated in neuropsychological assessment before and after epilepsy surgery. Our results revealed significant improvements in overall HRQOL after surgery, especially in physical and social activities. These changes were apparent despite generally unchanged intellectual and psychological functioning. Children with better seizure outcome had more improvement in HRQOL; however, improvements were not statistically different among children with Engel class I, II, and III outcomes. Our results suggest that children can experience significant improvements in HRQOL following epilepsy surgery even when neuropsychological functioning remains unchanged. Moreover, improvements in HRQOL appear evident in children who experience any worthwhile improvement in seizure control (Engel class III or better).
An immunological assessment of the phylogenetic position of New World coral snakes

The New World coral snakes (micrurines), genera Micrurus and Micruroides have recently been seen as derived from a lineage of South American colubrids, rather than from a common lineage with Old World elapids and sea snakes as traditionally accepted. We compared serum albumins of representative coral snakes, Old World elapids, sea snakes, and neotropical colubrids immunologically. Phylogenetic analysis of the biochemical data unambiguously allies the micrurines with the family Elapidae as it is currently understood. Using the albumin molecular clock calibration derived from other terrestrial vertebrates. we suggest a late Oligocene-early Miocene separation between the New and Old World elapid lineages. This requires a movement of elapid stocks from Asia into North America, and supporting evidence for this model is derived from several paleontological sources. We suggest that a number of extant micrurine lineages have had long independent histories.
Initial study of void formation during aluminum solidification in reduced gravity

Void formation due to volumetric shrinkage during aluminum solidification was observed in real time using a radiographic viewing system in normal and reduced gravity. An end-chill directional solidification furnace with water quench was developed to solidify aluminum samples during the approximately 16 s of reduced gravity (± 0.02g) achieved by flying an aircraft through a parabolic trajectory. The aluminum was contained in a vacuum sealed, rectangular, pyrolytic boron nitride crucible. An ullage space was present during each test. Void formation was recorded for two cases: 1) a nonwetting system, and 2) a wetting system where wetting occurs between the aluminum and the crucible lid. The void formation in the nonwetting case is similar in normal and reduced gravity, with a single vapor cavity forming at the top of the crucible. In the wetting case in reduced gravity, surface tension causes two voids to form in the top corners of the crucible, but in normal gravity only one large void forms across the top.
Augmenting Endogenous Wnt Signaling Improves Skin Wound Healing

Wnt signaling is required for both the development and homeostasis of the skin, yet its contribution to skin wound repair remains controversial. By employing Axin2LacZ/+ reporter mice we evaluated the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of Wnt responsive cells, and found that the pattern of Wnt responsiveness varies with the hair cycle, and correlates with wound healing potential. Using Axin2LacZ/LacZ mice and an ear wound model, we demonstrate that amplified Wnt signaling leads to improved healing. Utilizing a biochemical approach that mimics the amplified Wnt response of Axin2LacZ/LacZ mice, we show that topical application of liposomal Wnt3a to a non-healing wound enhances endogenous Wnt signaling, and results in better skin wound healing. Given the importance of Wnt signaling in the maintenance and repair of skin, liposomal Wnt3a may have widespread application in clinical practice.
Conductive-Rubber Shielded Low-Voltage Cables-An Update

Recent efforts to fabricate and test a conductive-rubber shielded cable for shuttle-car applications has shown progress, especially in regards to lower-volume-resistivity shield materials. Earlier work had indicated a need for volume resistivities on the order of 100 Ω.cm or less. An experimental cable recently evaluated under Bureau of Mines contract J0338001 had volume resistivities less than 50Ω.cm. The cable was a flat three-conductor G-GC No. 6 AWG with an SHD configuration. Cross-sectional dimensions were 0.75 x 2 in (19 x 51 mm) compared to typical unshielded designs of 0.68 x 1.64 in (17.3 x 41.7 mm), but it appeared that the differences could be reduced with further developments. In addition to volume resistivity, key considerations in the cable evaluation were splicing and the adhesive bond between the shield material and the conductor insulations. At this time it appears that the choices of bonding are either tenacious or only slightly adhering. The experimental sample was the latter and proved to be spliceable; however, the weaker adhesive bond might not be sufficient to maintain cable integrity with excessive flexing. No in-mine evaluations were performed, although cable is available for this purpose and the cable is expected to be tested at a later date.
Development of electronic nose method for evaluation of residual solvents in low-density polyethylene films

Flexible packaging films containing high levels of residual volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can alter the flavour and odour of packaged foods. Currently, a range of gas chromatographic techniques and sensory evaluations are used for assessing the residual VOCs in packaging films. An objective method for assessing the residual solvents from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was developed using an Alpha MOS Fox 3000 electronic nose (e-nose) equipped with 12 metal oxide semiconductor sensors. Three VOCs, ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol and toluene, were chosen as models for solvents of interest in flexible food packaging analysis. LDPE film samples were spiked with single and binary mixtures of solvents and analysed using the e-nose and by GC–FID (HP 6890; Hewlett-Packard Co., Wilmington, DE). The responses obtained from the e-nose were processed using principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminate factorial analysis (DFA) in order to identify the residual solvents. Partial least squares analysis (PLS) was also used to quantify the amount of residual solvent and to correlate the e-nose results with gas chromatography, which is currently the standard method for determining residual VOCs in packaging films. There was good agreement between the e-nose responses and gas chromatography results for single solvents (r = 0.90–0.98). The technique also worked for binary solvent mixtures (r = 0.84–0.99). The electronic nose can be a viable alternative to traditional techniques while providing simplicity and objectivity, which would be extremely advantageous in routine quality control of residual solvents. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal expansion and elastic constants

We give a simple, useful relationship between thermal expansion, ΔV/V, and elastic constants. The relationship permits estimation of thermal expansion from only elastic constants (second order and third order) and atomic volume. Elastic-constant temperature dependence is not required. We test the relationship for a variety of crystalline solids. Considering the 0-293 K region, measurement-calculation disagreement ranges from less than 1 to 15%. The model permits extrapolation of high-temperature (near-linear) thermal expansion to zero temperature.
Business-to-business explained

B2B Integration: Concepts and Architecture is an excellent textbook for beginners as well as a good reference book for experienced IT architects. The book gives us a solid business integration foundation. The five-part book begins by introducing B2B integration, defining integration concepts and architecture, and classifying the integration functionality.
AN EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS WITH APPLICATION TO THE KUWAITI POULTRY MARKET

Changes in exporter market shares in the Kuwaiti poultry import market over the period 1971–81 are analysed by three modelling procedures. Two traditional approaches, a first-order constant transition probability Markov model and a set of market share equations, are found to be of only limited use. As an alternative, a multinominal logit model of market share behaviour is estimated. The empirical results indicate that, in addition to relative price changes, domestic policy inducements for Brazilian and European Community exports are important in determining market share changes. A comparison of the explanatory abilities of the models suggests that the multinominal logit model is as least as good as traditional modelling alternatives with respect to econometric criteria. It is concluded that the multinominal logit model offers considerable promise as a tool for market share research.
Ester Oxidation Under Simulated Boundary-Lubrication Conditions

Measurement of lubricant oxidation rates at high temperatures is complicated by the influence of oxygen diffusion. Consequently, determination of kinetic rates of oxidation above 450 K has previously been limited to reactions conducted to only 2-percent conversion of the reactant. Using the Penn State microoxidation test, we quantified the effect of oxygen diffusion on the oxidation of two esters at temperatures of 448 to 518 K. Reaction rates and product compositions were followed for reactant conversions of up to 50 percent. The rate coefficients and activation energies for the initial reactions (approximately first order) were determined using a diffusion-reaction model to separate kinetics from oxygen diffusion. Oxidation intermediates react with the iron surface, which catalyzes formation of a polymeric precursor of sludge and varnish. Proximity of the primary oxidation reaction to the iron surface influences the amount of iron-corrosion product and the molecular weight of the polymer. Differences ar...
Rate of Follicular Atresia Following Hypophysectomy of the Turkey

Abstract Ovarian follicles in the turkey exhibited a differential rate of atresia following hypophysectomy which was dependent on follicle size. Atresia appeared in large follicles at 12 hr. postoperatively, in small follicles by 18 hrs., and in medium-sized follicles by 24 hr. Follicles weighing 6–12 g. remained intact as long as 36 hr. An inference is made concerning the value of the turkey hen in neuroendocrine research.
Anticancer effects of maple syrup phenolics and extracts on proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest of human colon cells

Abstract The antiproliferative effects of Canadian maple syrup (grades C and D) extracts and fifty-one purified phenolic constituents were evaluated against human tumourigenic (HT-29, HCT-116, and CaCo-2) and non-tumourigenic (CCD-18Co) colon cells. Overall, maple syrup ethyl acetate (MS-EtOAc), butanol (MS-BuOH), and methanol (MS-MeOH) extracts were more active against the tumourigenic versus non-tumourigenic colon cells. At equivalent phenolic levels, the antiproliferative activities of grade D > C maple syrup, and MS-BuOH > MS-MeOH > MS-EtOAc. Among the isolates, gallic acid, catechaldehyde, syringaldehyde, and catechol were most active and their higher levels in grade D MS-BuOH extract could account for the highest observed anticancer effects of that extract. Moreover, the maple syrup extracts did not induce apoptosis of the colon cancer cells but induced cell cycle arrest which was also associated with a decrease in cyclins A and D1 levels. These results suggest that phenolics may impart potential biological effects to maple syrup.
BRINGING THE CURRICULUM OF THE WORLD OF THE HOME TO THE SCHOOL

Research and the authors’ experience suggest a variety of ways that parents provide supportive contexts for helping children emerge as readers and writers. The authors provide examples of the many dimensions of family literacy and suggest how elementary schools can integrate their curriculum with the curriculum of the home.
Analysis of a third-order optical parametric oscillator in TiO2

A novel third-order optical parametric oscillator (OPO) based on four-wave mixing process in bulk TiO 2 crystal is theoretically characterized. The OPO is assumed to be synchronously pumped by pulses of either 100 fs duration at 800 nm or 100 ps at 1.06 mm. For the former case, its signal is tunable from 0.45 to 0.8 mm by changing the crystal orientation; for the latter case, the OPO is tunable from approximately 0.6 to 1.06 mm. The threshold conditions are also calculated considering the effect of group velocity mismatch (GVM) between the pump pulse and the signal (or idler) pulse. The threshold is dependent on signal wavelength since GVM increases as signal wavelength decreases. Using a 2 mm-length crystal and assuming optimum focusing, the threshold for the singly resonant condition is 710 mW at 700 nm for the former case and 93.6 W for all the signal wavelengths for the latter case. The threshold condition is also calculated assuming different pumping pulse widths. The result shows the ideal pulse width is around 2 ps, for which the threshold power is 1.42 W for all the signal wavelengths.
Lymphatic pump manipulation mobilizes inflammatory mediators into lymphatic circulation

Lymph stasis can result in edema and the accumulation of particulate matter, exudates, toxins and bacteria in tissue interstitial fluid, leading to inflammation, impaired immune cell trafficking, tissue hypoxia, tissue fibrosis and a variety of diseases. Previously, we demonstrated that osteopathic lymphatic pump techniques (LPTs) significantly increased thoracic and intestinal duct lymph flow. The purpose of this study was to determine if LPT would mobilize inflammatory mediators into the lymphatic circulation. Under anesthesia, thoracic or intestinal lymph of dogs was collected at resting (pre-LPT), during four minutes of LPT, and for 10 min following LPT (post-LPT), and the lymphatic concentrations of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, interferon-γ, tissue necrosis factor α, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), keratinocyte chemoattractant, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitrotyrosine (NT) were measured. LPT significantly increased MCP-1 concentrations in thoracic duct lymph. Further, LPT inc...
Critical exponents of ferromagnets with dipolar interactions: Second-order ε expansion

The zero-field critical behavior of ferromagnets above ${T}_{c}$, with both isotropic exchange coupling and dipolar interactions, is studied by renormalization-group techniques in $d=4\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ dimensions with $n (=d)$ component spins. The critical exponents are calculated to order ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{2}$, and are found to be numerically very close to their nondipolar analogs. In particular the correlation length exponent is given by $2\ensuremath{\nu}=1+(\frac{9}{34})\ensuremath{\epsilon}+(\frac{7013}{58956}){\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{2}+O({\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{3})$. The value of the specific-heat exponent ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s} (=2\ensuremath{-}d\ensuremath{\nu})$ seems inconsistent with experimental data (at $d=3$, $\ensuremath{\epsilon}=1$). The critical scattering function is shown to have the form ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\beta}}(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{q}})=C{t}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}}\stackrel{^}{D}({\ensuremath{\xi}}^{2}{q}^{2})({\ensuremath{\delta}}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\beta}}\ensuremath{-}\frac{{q}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}{q}^{\ensuremath{\beta}}}{{q}^{2}})$ to all orders in $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$. The exponents related to the leading correction to scaling, to crossovers to anisotropic exchange behavior, and to cubic dipolar behavior, are also calculated, and are found to differ significantly from their nondipolar counterparts.
Frequencies of Successive Tuples of Frobenius Classes

In this paper, we consider the sequence of Frobenius conjugacy classes for a Galois extension K/ℚ, ordered by the increasing sequence of rational primes. For a given K, we look at the frequencies of nonoverlapping consecutive k-tuples in this sequence. We compare these frequencies to what would be expected by the Cebotarev density theorem if there were statistical independence between successive Frobenius classes. We find striking variations of behavior as K varies.
Replacement therapy for breast cancer survivors. A pilot study

Background. Traditionally, breast cancer survivors were not considered as candidates for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) because of the possibility that an occult metastatic site of disease might be activated, thus negatively influencing the outcome for the patient. Methods. A retrospective review of 77 breast cancer survivors who have taken HRT was conducted. Results. Seven recurrences were reported among the 77 patients studied in-depth, with correlations to stage, age, and node and receptor status. There have been no recurrences among the 33 additional patients who were placed on the study after the completion of this analysis. Conclusions. No significant adverse outcome was detected in this group of breast cancer survivors receiving HRT. Given the established benefits of HRT, a reappraisal of this subject is necessary, and a prospective randomized trial is essential.
The contraceptive sponge: factors in initiation and discontinuation of use.

Abstract This study examined characteristics of the contraceptive sponge that were important in women's decisions to use the contraceptive sponge and reasons why women discontinued sponge use. A sample of 385 current sponge users and 407 former sponge users participated in a national telephone survey on sponge use. Important reasons for trying the sponge were effectiveness, comfort, convenience and ease of use and it “would not interfere with sexual pleasure.” The media and physicians were of considerable influence in women's decisions to initiate sponge use, but sexual partners, friends, parents and relatives exerted little influence. The most important reasons for discontinuing use of the sponge were pregnancy, both planned and accidental, and irritation, discomfort or vaginal infection. Women may decide to use the sponge because they have unrealistically positive perceptions of sponge characteristics.
City centre regeneration in the context of the 2001 european capital of culture in Porto, Portugal

In 2001, the city of Porto hosted the European Capital of Culture event. ‘Porto 2001’ was a year-long programme of arts, cultural events and urban regeneration activities. The purpose of this article is to discuss the city centre regeneration operation conducted in conjunction with the European Capital of Culture initiative in Porto. My objective is to extract a set of lessons learned that can be useful to other cities pursuing the same designation and strategy. The key finding is that despite rich and well-participated cultural events, too much emphasis was put on attracting public investment to regenerate the public space, replacing infrastructures, and modernizing cultural facilities. This was done at the expense of institutional capacity building and boosting civic creativity.
Medical Home and Transition Planning for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

Although many physicians may practice medical home medicine, most of the health care system is set up for acute episodic care. For children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN), this is costly and inefficient care and unsatisfactory for the patient and family. Transition or the purposeful planned movement of adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions from child-centered to adult-centered care began to evolve in the 1980s as more and more CYSHCN survived into adulthood. There is some progress being made in the implementation of the medical home that may facilitate a more effective transition of young individuals who have developmental disabilities. The greatest barrier to successful transition remains ensuring affordable, continuous health insurance coverage for all young people with special health care needs throughout adolescence and adulthood and engaging adult-oriented health care systems to take over the medical care of these young individuals.
A method providing precise reproducibility of magnification of electron micrographs

Reproducibility of magnification within 2 % can be achieved by photographing a diffraction grating replica at each magnification, printing these negatives at standard print magnifications, and thereafter bringing standard negatives to register with standard prints. This method was checked by removing the grid, relocating and rephotographing the same area after 2 weeks, filament change, inversion of grid, and change of accelerating voltage. When printed without changing the enlarger, all prints registered within 2%. This precision may be due to modern lenses, thinner grids, and measuring final prints of the same area of the carbon replica. This method may be used for control of magnification with any accepted standard. To facilitate measurements of specimens, magnification is expressed as A/mm on the print, and standard print magnifications are suggested.
Hunter–gatherer mobility, storage, and houses in a marginal environment: an example from the mid-Holocene of Wyoming

Abstract Important for considerations of hunter–gatherer mobility is delineating what the presence of house remains in the archaeological record from an environmentally marginal area represents in terms of mobility patterns—especially the duration of site occupation and the stability of these patterns from year to year. Some insights into the archaeological record concerning houses and mobility in a marginal environment can be obtained by investigating several lines of evidence: the design and substantialness of the represented structures; the density and diversity of the recovered remains; the distribution of the remains and whether refuse cleaning was practiced; the kinds, relative efficiency, and quantity of resources exploited; the presence or absence of long-term storage facilities; and the possibility of site reuse. The excavation of 41 pit structures or housepits at 21 sites in the Wyoming and Big Horn basins of Wyoming dating to the mid-Holocene provides an excellent opportunity to study hunter–gatherer mobility and houses in a marginal, low carrying capacity environment. The Wyoming housepits appear to represent short-term occupations of residentially mobile groups, who constructed these structures in anticipation of repeated visits and reuse over a period of years—exemplifying stable land use patterns.
Do changes in pension incentives affect retirement? A longitudinal study of subjective retirement expectations

This paper investigates the responsiveness of individuals’ retirement decisions to forward-looking measures of pension accumulations. In contrast to previous research, we use within-person variation in retirement incentives and are able to control for unobserved heterogeneity in tastes for retirement by studying a panel of subjective retirement expectations. We confirm that individuals do respond as expected to pension incentives, even when we control for individual fixed effects. However, the magnitude of these responses differs when estimated from models based on within-person versus cross-sectional variation: the inclusion of fixed effects reduces the response by about half.
Optimum antireflection coating for Antireflection-coated Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor /AMOS/ solar cells

Consideration is given to the design of a single-layer optimum antireflection coating for AMOS (antireflection-coated metal-oxide-semiconductor) solar cells to match the entire sunlight spectrum. The energy conversion efficiency is maximized by maximizing the open-circuit voltage and the short-circuit current. The former is maximized by oxidation techniques and the latter is maximized by the light-coupling into the solar cell. With reference to the effective index of refraction as obtained by ellipsometry, examples of optimum antireflection coatings for 60-A Au-GaAs solar cells are presented.