cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adsorption equilibrium modeling for water on activated carbons

Abstract A new equation for describing adsorption equilibria of water on activated carbon is developed based on a mechanism proposed by Dubinin. It is Henry’s law consistent, mathematically simple, and explicit in pressure. The model describes the full range of the adsorption isotherm with high accuracy using only a small number of parameters. Adsorption equilibrium data for water on several activated carbons quite different in surface area, surface chemical properties, and pore structure are used to test the model. A two-variable series expansion is used to extend a single adsorption isotherm to an adsorption isotherm family at multiple temperatures. The model description of pure water adsorption isotherms at different temperatures on BPL activated carbon is in good agreement with experimental data.
Hip-Hop, White Immigrant Youth, and African American Vernacular English: Accommodation as an Identity Choice

How can scholars interpret the individual stylistic choices that speakers make? To what degree do individuals make identity choices to accommodate to one group or another? Much of the research on a...
A comparison of MMPI profile types across standard and contemporary norms

Changes in mean elevation, dispersion, overall configuration, and code type of well-defined MMPI profiles derived from diagnostic groups with known clinical correlates were examined after transformation using contemporary norms developed by Colligan, Osborne, Swenson, and Offord (1983). A total of 34 MMPI profiles from both Gilberstadt and Duker (1965) and Marks, Seeman, and Haller (1974) were analyzed using contemporary normalized T scores. Results yielded the expected reduction in mean elevation and dispersion about the mean upon transformation to contemporary norms. Linear and contemporary normalized T-score profiles correlated highly with each other and manifested a similar pattern of correlation with Skinner and Jackson's (1978) three modal MMPI types, Similarity in the code types of 94% of the profiles was found. However, the substantial number of order changes in the scales that comprise the code type evident upon transformation highlights the caution and care necessary when one is interpreting MMPI profiles based on contemporary norms. Continued use of original norms together with contemporary norms appears indicated until the full implications of profile and code type differences upon transformation to contemporary norms are understood.
Predicted rectification and negative differential spin Seebeck effect at magnetic interfaces

We study the nonequilibrium Seebeck spin transport across metal-magnetic insulator interfaces. The conjugate-converted thermal-spin transport is assisted by the exchange interaction at the interface, between conduction electrons in the metal lead and localized spins in the insulating magnet lead. We predict the rectification and negative differential spin Seebeck effect and resolve their microscopic mechanism, as a consequence of the strongly fluctuated electronic density of states in the metal lead. The rectification of spin Peltier effect is also discussed. The phenomena predicted here are relevant for designing efficient spin/magnon diode and transistor, which could play crucial roles in controlling energy and information in functional devices.
Output power maximizing of a wind turbine by adjusting rotor speed

This paper presents a control technique to maximize the output power of a wind turbine by adjusting the rotor speed. The control method is applied to a Doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG). The modeling of DFIG is performed using Matlab/Simulink. The wind speed is modeled based on Kaimal spectra. Since DFIG is a variable speed generator, the rotor speed can be regulated using the power electronics interface to extract the maximum power from wind. The wind turbine system is modeled at three different speeds to verify the viability of this control technique.
Increasing Beach Recreation Benefits by Using Wetlands to Reduce Contamination

The public swimming beach at Maumee Bay State Park (MBSP) on Lake Erie is often posted for occurrences of unsafe levels of bacteria. The main source of bacteria derives from a drainage ditch that discharges near the beach. We have conducted a comprehensive study to determine the feasibility of using a constructed wetland to filter the ditch water, prior to its entry into Maumee Bay. As part of this study, we administered an on-site non-market valuation survey of beach visitors, in which observed and contingent trips to the beach were used to estimate the potential welfare benefits of the restored wetlands. The data were analyzed using three ver - sions of the multivariate Poisson-lognormal (MPLN) model, a random effects count data model. We conclude version one, with flexible covariance structure and vehicle costs of $0.25 per mile, is the preferred version and use it to estimate an average annual willingness to pay (WTP) of $166 to construct wetlands and improve water quality. The aggregate annual benefit to an estimated 37,300 annual beach visitors is estimated as $6.19 million. The robustness of this estimate to a variety of alternative assumptions is examined.
Spectroscopic-mechanical analysis of stress distribution in composites

Abstract A Raman spectroscopic-mechanical technique has been used directly to assess the effects of temperature and thermal history on the stress distribution of model composites. The experimental data describing the stress distribution are consistent with previous theoretical studies. However, a quantitative interpretation is still unavailable due to the lack of information regarding the structure and properties of the reinforcement fibres used in the composites.
A computational study of the mechanism for self-assembly of N-pyrrolyl radicals on Si(1 0 0)-2×1

Abstract We predict the structures and energies for the dissociative adsorption of pyrrole producing C 4 H 4 N radicals and H atoms on the Si(1 0 0)-2×1 surface by density functional cluster model calculations. The dissociative adsorption process was found to occur primarily by barrierless adsorption at an α-C atom followed by N–H dissociation and the isomerization of the radical, leading to the formation of aligned C 4 H 4 N species on the surface. Additionally, molecular adsorption reactions by [2+2] and [4+2] cycloaddition mechanisms are discussed. These cyclic adducts were predicted to be short-lived at room temperature and should not affect the formation of the aligned C 4 H 4 N radical layer.
Equivalence of continuum and discrete analytic sensitivity methods for nonlinear differential equations

This paper presents results for the study of equivalence between the total form continuum sensitivity equation (CSE) method and the discrete analytic method of shape design sensitivity analysis. For the discrete analytic method, the sensitivity equations are obtained by taking analytic derivatives of the discretized equilibrium equations with respect to the shape design parameters. For the CSE method, the equilibrium equations are firstly differentiated to form a set of linear continuous sensitivity equations and then discretized for solving the shape sensitivities. The sensitivity equations can be derived by taking the material derivatives (total form) or the partial derivatives (local form) of the equilibrium equations. The total form CSE method is shown for the first time to be equivalent, after finite element discretization, to the discrete analytic method for nonlinear second-order differential equations of a particular form with design dependent loads when they use the same: (1) finite element discretization, (2) numerical integration of element matrices, (3) design velocity fields that are linear with respect to the design variable and (4) shape functions for domain transformation and for design velocity field calculations. The shape sensitivity equations for three-dimensional geometric nonlinear elastic structures and linear potential flow are derived by using both total form CSE and discrete analytic method to show the equivalence of the two methods for these specific examples. The accuracy of shape sensitivity analysis is verified by potential flow around an airfoil and a joined beam with an airfoil under gust load. The results show that analytic sensitivity results are consistent with the complex step results.
Waist Circumference and BMI in Relation to Serum High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) in Cuban Americans With and Without Type 2 Diabetes

Relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and adiposity by diabetes status and gender in Cuban-Americans with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D) was studied. Adult subjects, 226 females, 129 males participated in a case control, single time point study. Subjects with T2D were older, had higher waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI). WC and BMI were associated with ln hs-CRP (P < 0.001). An interaction with diabetes status was found for BMI (P = 0.037). Gender showed a strong relationship with ln hs-CRP (P < 0.001), which was moderated by diabetes status. Only males without diabetes exhibited a significant relationship for both WC and BMI with ln hs-CRP. In this sample of Cuban-Americans, WC and BMI had stronger associations with ln hs-CRP but not with diabetes status. Obesity prevention and controlling for CRP levels may be necessary to eliminate its contributions to develop diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Compact, DC-electrical biased sulfur dioxide sensing elements for use at high temperatures ☆

Abstract Fabrication and operation of sensing elements for the detection of sulfur dioxide (SO2) at high temperature (800–900 °C) are reported. The sensing elements consisted of three (two oxide and one Pt) electrodes on yttria-stabilized zirconia substrates. To operate the elements, a DC current (on the order of 0.1 mA) is driven between two of the electrodes and the voltage between one of these electrodes and the third electrode is used as the sensing signal. These sensing elements respond very strongly to SO2, for example when one of these sensing elements was operated at 900 °C, 2 ppmV of SO2 in a background of 7 vol% O2, balance N2 was found to produce a >10% change in the sensing signal, which could be easily detected. Sensing elements fabricated to be nominally identical were shown to yield qualitatively identical sensing behavior, and temperature, oxygen content, and flow were all found to strongly impact sensing performance. The effect of interferents, such as NOx and CO, was evaluated and found to be relatively small in comparison to the SO2 response. The sensing response, over a 1 month period, was very stable, with the ratio of the average change in sensing signal over one day to the average sensing signal magnitude being about 0.1%.
Does providing hereditary breast cancer risk assessment support to practicing physicians decrease the likelihood of them discussing such risk with their patients

Does providing hereditary breast cancer risk assessment support to practicing physicians decrease the likelihood of them discussing such risk with their patients?
Noise of a model counterrotation propeller with reduced aft rotor diameter at simulated takeoff/approach conditions (F7/A3)

A model high-speed advanced counterrotation propeller, F7/A3, was tested in the NASA Lewis Research Center 9 by 15 foot Anechoic Wind Tunnel at simulated takeoff/approach conditions of 0.2 Mach number. Acoustic measurements were taken with an axially translating microphone probe, and with a polar microphone probe which was fixed to the propeller nacelle and could take both sideline and circumferential acoustic surveys. Aerodynamic measurements were also made to establish propeller operating conditions. The propeller was run at two setting angles (front angle/rear angle) of 36.4/43.5 and 41.1/46.4 degrees, forward rotor tip speeds from 165 to 259 m/sec, rotor spacings from 8.48 to 14.99 cm based on pitch change axis separation, and angles of attack to 16 degrees. The aft rotor diameter was 85 percent of the forward rotor diameter to reduce tip vortex-aft rotor interaction as a major interaction noise source. Results are compared with equal diameter F7/A7 data which was previously obtained under similar operating conditions. The aft rotor-alone tone was 7 dB lower for the reduced diameter aft rotor, due to reduced tip speed at constant rpm. Interaction tone levels for the F7/A3 propeller were higher at minimum row spacing and lower at maximum spacing.
Hemodynamic effects of cannabinoids: coronary and cerebral vasodilation mediated by cannabinoid CB1 receptors

Activation of peripheral cannabinoid CB(1) receptors elicits hypotension. Using the radioactive microsphere technique, we examined the effects of cannabinoids on systemic hemodynamics in anesthetized rats. The potent cannabinoid CB(1) receptor agonist HU-210 ([-]-11-OH-Delta(9) tetrahydrocannabinol dimethylheptyl, 10 microg/kg i.v.) reduced mean blood pressure by 57+/-5 mm Hg by decreasing cardiac index from 37+/-1 to 23+/-2 ml/min/100 g (P<0.05) without significantly affecting systemic vascular resistance index. HU-210 elicited a similar decrease in blood pressure following ganglionic blockade and vasopressin infusion. The endogenous cannabinoid anandamide (arachidonyl ethanolamide, 4 mg/kg i.v.) decreased blood pressure by 40+/-7 mm Hg by reducing systemic vascular resistance index from 3.3+/-0.1 to 2.3+/-0.1 mm Hg min/ml/100 g (P<0.05), leaving cardiac index and stroke volume index unchanged. HU-210, anandamide, and its metabolically stable analog, R-methanandamide, lowered vascular resistance primarily in the coronaries and the brain. These vasodilator effects remained unchanged when autoregulation was prevented by maintaining blood pressure through volume replacement, but were prevented by pretreatment with the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist SR141716A (N-[piperidin-1-yl]-5-[4-chlorophenyl]-1-[2,4-dichlorophenyl]-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide HCl; 3 mg/kg i.v.). Only anandamide and R-methanandamide were vasodilators in the mesentery. We conclude that cannabinoids elicit profound coronary and cerebral vasodilation in vivo by direct activation of vascular cannabinoid CB(1) receptors, rather than via autoregulation, a decrease in sympathetic tone or, in the case of anandamide, the action of a non-cannabinoid metabolite. Differences between the hemodynamic profile of various cannabinoids may reflect quantitative differences in cannabinoid CB(1) receptor expression in different tissues and/or the involvement of as-yet-unidentified receptors.
A study of neurodevelopmental findings in early adolescent delinquents.

Subtle deficits or delays in the development of the central nervous system in young children are associated with problems affecting learning, behavior, and social adjustment. Less is known about the impact of such neurodevelopmental dysfunction in adolescents. This study assesses the possible association between neurodevelopmental delays and juvenile delinquency. An adolescent neurodevelopment examination was devised and administered to 54 delinquents and 51 secondary school students. Six areas were assessed. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of minor neurologic signs ( P = 0.37) or in gross motor function ( P = 0.02) and temporal sequential organization ( P = 0.04). The greatest differences were in visual processing ( P = 0.0002) and auditory-language function ( P = 0.0001). Eighteen percent of delinquents and 4% of the comparison group were deficient in two or more neurodevelopmental areas. Nine percent of the delinquents and none of the comparison group had three or more dysfunctions. A neurodevelopmental examination may be a useful diagnostic tool for identifying endogenous factors in behavior, learning, and adjustment problems of this age group. Such findings have implications for the formulation of individualized management strategies.
Mechanisms of heterogeneity of Na+-Pi cotransport in superficial and juxtamedullary renal cortex

Abstract To explore the mechanisms of axial heterogeneity of proximal tubular P i transport, brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) were prepared from superficial (BBMV-SC) and juxtamedullary (BBMV-JM) cortex of rat kidneys. Na + gradient-dependent P i transport was measured after the imposition of an inside-negative electrical potential created by either a K + gradient ([K + ] i > [K + ] o ) or a proton gradient ([H + ] i > [H + ] o ) in the presence of ionophores. The initial Na + -dependent P i uptake was higher in BBMV-SC than in BBMV-JM, both in the presence and absence of ionophores. Na + -dependent d -glucose uptake remained unchanged. We did not find a significant electrogenic transport component in either BBMV population when the non-specific effect of ionophores on P i transport was taken into account. The stoichiometry of Na + -P i cotransport was 2:1 in BBMV-SC and BBMV-JM. Phosphonoformic acid (PFA) competitively inhibited P i transport. The inhibitory constant ( K i ) for PFA was lower in BBMV-SC (237 ± 1.7 μM) than in BBMV-JM (409 ± 53 μM) ( P i uptake in BBMV-SC compared to BBMV-JM at all temperatures. However, the transition temperatures did not differ. We conclude that axial heterogeneity of P i transport is not due to differences in electrogenicity or stoichiometry of transport.
The Motivating Operations Concept: Current Status and Critical Response

This paper reviews the current status of the Motivating Operation Concept (MOC), followed by a critical response to Whelan and D. Barnes-Holmes (2010), who argued against the MOC and proposed an alternative analysis of motivation, the Consequence-Valuing Operation (CVO). In this paper, we: (a) review the MOC and discuss its conceptual and empirical status, (b) clarify certain aspects of the MOC, (c) correct Whelan and D. Barnes-Holmes’s inaccurate descriptions of the MOC, and (d) critique the CVO and related concepts. We demonstrate that the MOC is a high-impact innovation in behavior analysis that provides a useful theoretical framework for analyses of operant (instrumental) behavior. In contrast, the case made by Whelan and D. Barnes-Holmes for the competing CVO concept suffers from a range of problems. We, therefore, conclude that the MOC provides a superior and more useful behavioral analysis of motivation.
R&D management and organizational coupling

Recent studies of excellent RD linkages of specific stages of the RD linkages across organizational levels; linkages with organizations in a laboratory's environment; and linkages between R&D performers and mentors. These linkages constitute connections across which information moves. Managing this information transfer and achieving the appropriate balance of loose and tight coupling is one of the most significant activities in R&D management. What works is careful and creative attention to existing and needed levels of intensity, rigidity, and freedom throughout the stages of the R&D process.
Anatomic location and laterality of MRI signal hyperintensities in late-life depression

Objectives: Evidence is mounting linking cerebrovascular disease with the development of major depression in the elderly. Lesions in both white and gray matter have been associated with geriatric depression. In addition, the literature on poststroke depression suggests that left-sided lesions are associated with depression. We sought to examine the severity and location of white- and gray-matter lesions in a group of elderly depressives and nondepressed control subjects. Method: 115 depressed patients (69 with late onset, 46 with early onset) and 37 controls, all over age 45, received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Semiquantitative severity ratings and quantitative measurements of number and size of MRI hyperintensities were obtained, and groups were compared using Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel (CMH) analyses and repeated-measures analyses of covariance adjusting for age. Results: Late-onset depressed patients had more severe hyperintensity ratings in deep white matter than early-onset patients and controls. Late- and early-onset patients had more severe subcortical gray-matter hyperintensities (particularly in the putamen) compared with controls. Left-sided white-matter lesions were significantly associated with older age of depression onset, whereas right-anterior white matter and left-subcortical lesions (particularly in the putamen) were associated with melancholia in the depressed group. Conclusion: These findings extend previous reports of an association between cerebrovascular disease and depression, as well as recent studies showing lateralized lesion involvement in geriatric depression. Such vascular pathology may disrupt neural pathways involved in affective processing and the maintenance of a normal mood and psychomotor state.
RISK ASSESSMENT OF A SHRIMP AQUACULTURE INVESTMENT IN FLORIDA

A stochastic simulation model was developed to examine the impact of risky economic variables on the profitability of a small-scale shrimp farm. Sources of risk included input and output prices, random-kill events, and hurricane damages. Success was measured using the probability distribution of the net present value (NPV). A baseline model that assumed capital costs of $493,993, a stocking density of 100 shrimp per m2, a harvest survival of 80%, and a discount rate of 8% failed to generate a positive NPV. Subsequently adding a $0.66 price premium also failed to establish a positive NPV. Further reducing initial capital costs by 50% resulted in a 2% probability of a positive NPV. Incrementally reducing the discount rate generated increasingly positive NPV probabilities ranging from a 9% probability of success (7% discount rate) to a 94% probability of success (3% discount rate). Additional analyses suggested that probabilities of financial success were also sensitive to random-kill and hurricane events.
The Mobility of Rare Earth Elements and Redox Sensitive Elements in the Groundwater/Seawater Mixing Zone of a Shallow Coastal Aquifer

The concentrations of Rare Earth Elements (REE) and Redox Sensitive Elements (RSE) were measured in groundwaters along a transect of the forest-marsh interface of a surficial aquifer system in North Inlet, SC. The well transect extended from a forest recharge area across the marsh and tidal creek to a tidal recharge area of beach ridge. The concentrations of the RSE (Fe, Mn, and U) were consistent with reducing conditions through the transect. Fe was present at concentrations ranging from a few micromolar to greater than one hundred micromolar in most wells. U was depleted with respect to salinity predicted concentrations, indicating removal with respect to the seawater endmember. Dissolved Mn concentrations were generally low in all wells, indicating no significant solid source of Mn (as MnOx) in this system. When extrapolated to a global scale, estimates of U removal during seawater exchange with the aquifer solids equaled 10–20% of the total riverine dissolved U input flux. REE concentrations in the forest recharge area were high in shallow wells, and showed a light enriched fractionation pattern, characteristic of soil leaching by Natural Organic Matter (NOM) rich waters. A decrease in REE concentration with depth in the forest wells coupled with a trend towards Heavy REE (HREE) enriched fractionation pattern indicated removal of the REE coincident with NOM and Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) removal. The saline waters of the beach ridge wells show a Light REE (LREE) enriched fractionation pattern and have the highest overall concentrations of the REE, indicating a significant REE source to the seawater endmember waters. The concentration gradients along the beach ridge flow path indicate a large source in the deep wells, and net export of dissolved REE to the tidal creek system and the coastal ocean. Ultrafiltration experiments indicate a transition from a colloidal dominated reservoir for the REE in the forest wells to a colloidal and dissolved reservoir in the beach ridge wells. The ultrafiltration data coupled with a correlation with Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) release suggest that there is diagenetic mobilization of an REE rich organic carbon phase in the saline endmember wells. We suggest here that degradation of this relic terrestrial organic carbon and REE rich phase results in the export of dissolved REE equal to or exceeding river inputs in this region.
Abnormal estrogen metabolism and tissue estrogen receptor proteins in breast cancer

This report summarizes those aspects of estrogen receptor proteins and competition for them by various estrogens which may be of future importance in the prevention or treatment of breast cancer. Also the carcinogenicity of estriol as a major "impeded" estrogen is correlated with some modifying uterine and breast development functions. Those compounds termed "impeded" estrogens are only weakly uterotropic themselves but inhibit estradiol-induced uterine growth when coadministered to spayed rats. It is believed that their molecular configuration prevents full estrogenic activity to be manifest. Estradiol-17 beta and weaker uterotopic metabolites oxidized on C2 C6 and C16 (impeded estrogens) mutually compete for cytoplasmic proteins of uterus vagina and breast which appear implicated in the initial concentration of C18 steroids activating target tissues. Experimental and human endemiologic evidence suggests that the relative concentration of estradiol-17 beta and of estriol the principal human impeded estrogen sustained chronically in the vincinity of breast tissues may influence the risk of mammary carcinogenesis. Impeded estrogens have not yet been proven to be carcinogenic in any species. Estriol has failed to induce breast tumors in 30 Sprague-Dawley female rats over 250 days of observation. Estriol along with progesterone is one of the 2 major hormones produced and excreted in pregnancy. It inhibits several of the tissue tropic actions of estradiol-17 beta presumably by displacing the latter from receptor proteins of the cytoplasm and nucleus which has been demonstrated for uterine vaginal and mammary tissues. Investigations by different analytic methods indicate a relative deficiency of estriol production and excretion from adrenocortical and gonadal sources in about 1/4 of healthy nonpregnant Caucasian premenopausal women. Of patients with fibrocystic disease of the breast or with untreated breast cancer 2/3 may excrete subnormal estriol concentrations. In induced rat mammary cancers estriol can inhibit estradiol binding to homogenates. The hypothesis is advanced that estriol plays a significant anticarcinogenic role in the human female accounting in part for the reduced expectancy of mammary cancer in Japanese women in whom low estriol excretion has not yet been reported and in women with multiple pregnancies in their early child-bearing years or after early castration. Estriol should be an effective form of endocrine therapy for hormone-dependent breast cancer since it retains much of its capacity to bind to estrogen receptor proteins in tissues substituting for estiadiol-17 beta.
Select resistance-associated mutations in blood are associated with lower CSF viral loads and better neuropsychological performance

Abstract Background When antiretroviral therapy does not fully suppress HIV replication, suboptimal levels of antiretrovirals can select for antiretroviral resistant variants of HIV. These variants may exhibit reduced replication capacity and result in lower viral loads in blood. Our study evaluated whether antiretroviral resistance was associated with viral loads in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and better neuropsychological (NP) performance. Methods We enrolled 94 participants and each participant underwent a comprehensive neuromedical evaluation that used structured clinical assessments of medical history, ART and other medication use, comprehensive NP testing, and neurological and general physical signs of disease. Blood was collected by venipuncture, and all participants were offered lumbar puncture. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were used to analyze the relationship between antiretroviral resistance, blood and CSF HIV RNA levels, substance use, and NP performance. Results Antiretroviral resistance, detected in blood, was associated with lower CSF viral loads ( p p = 0.04) in multivariate analyses, independent of past and current ARV use and blood viral loads (model: p Conclusions Even in the absence of ART, antiretroviral resistance-associated mutations correlate with better NP performance possibly because these mutations reflect reduced neurovirulence compared with wild-type HIV.
The effect of long-term systemic antibiotic administration on the numbers of salivary organisms.

Abstract The salivary flora of 204 children and adults who received systemic antibiotics by mouth over a long period of time was compared to 140 siblings and spouses who had not. Adults and children received 200,000 units of penicillin daily for the prophylaxis of recurrent rheumatic fever. Another group of children received 1–3 million units of penicillin daily plus 1.0 g of tetracycline occasionally for the treatment of chronic respiratory disease. The numbers of viable bacteria from representative salivary microbial categories were compared using selective and enriched media. There was little or no difference in the total cultivable flora on aerobic and anaerobic incubation, the Veillonella, Lactobacillus , salt-tolerant staphylococci and Candida organisms. The facultative streptococcal population was 24 per cent less for patients receiving antibiotics than those who did not, and was the same for subjects receiving antibiotics on the two dosage levels and for adults and children receiving antibiotics. The reduction in the streptococcal population was attributed to Streptococcus salivarius .
A VXI-based high speed X-ray CCD detector

Abstract For time-resolved X-ray scattering, one ideally wants a high speed detector that also is capable of giving position sensitive information. Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) have been used successfully as X-ray detectors. Unfortunately, they are inherently slow because of the serial readout. EEV has developed a CCD that has eight channels of parallel readout, thus increasing the speed eightfold. Using state-of-the-art VXI electronics, we have developed a readout system that could read the entire array in 2.5 ms using a 20-MHz readout clock. For testing and characterization, the device was clocked at a significantly slower speed of 30 kHz. The data are preamplified, and all eight channels of output are simultaneously digitized to 12 bits and stored in buffer memory. The system is controlled by a 486-based PC through an MXI bus and VXI controller using commercially available software. The system is also capable of real-time image display and manipulation.
Percutaneous testicular sperm aspiration: a convenient and effective office procedure to retrieve sperm for in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

AbstractPurpose: After intracytoplasmic sperm injection was established to facilitate in vitro fertilization in men with the most severe semen abnormalities, the use of testicular sperm to achieve conception became feasible. We investigated the use of a method of percutaneous needle aspiration previously used for diagnostic purposes to obtain testicular sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.Materials and Methods: A method of percutaneous aspiration of sperm was developed to facilitate intracytoplasmic sperm injection. A total of 69 testicular aspirations were performed for diagnostic purposes and 179 to obtain sperm on the day of egg retrieval for couples undergoing in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The procedures were performed in an outpatient facility. Most patients received intravenous sedation and a few received only local anesthesia.Results: Sperm adequate for intracytoplasmic sperm injection were obtained in all men with obstructive azoospermia, including those with...
Overexpression of oskar directs ectopic activation of nanos and presumptive pole cell formation in Drosophila embryos

In Drosophila, a small group of maternal effect genes, including oskar, defines a shared pathway leading to the provision of two determinants at the posterior pole of the embryo. One determinant is the posterior body patterning morphogen nanos, and the other directs germ cell formation. Overexpression of oskar causes the shared pathway to be hyperactivated, with excess nanos activity present throughout the embryo and a superabundance of posterior pole cells. In addition, presumptive pole cells appear at a novel anterior position. Strikingly, formation of these ectopic pole cells is enhanced in nanos mutants. This observation may reflect competition between nanos and the germ cell determinant for a shared and limiting precursor.
Relationships Between Caregiving Daughters and Their Elderly Mothers

In this qualitative study of 29 pairs of widowed mothers and their caregiving daughters, we employ social exchange theory to identify three relationship types: intrinsic (45%), ambivalent (34%), and conflicted (21%). These types differ in the extent to which the women receive rewards from interacting with their partner, experience costs in their interaction, handle conflicts that arise in their relationship, and express feelings of concern for each other. They also differ in that daughters in intrinsic pairs have fewer children and shorter caregiving histories than daughters in ambivalent or conflicted pairs.
Upper Palaeozoic tectono-sedimentary evolution of the Arabian and adjoining plates

From the Devonian to possibly the early Carboniferous, the Arabian and adjacent plates were structurally affected by a regional Hercynian (Variscan) tectonic event. This tectonic event is interpreted to be the crustal response to regional compression caused by the initiation of subduction of the Palaeo-Tethyan oceanic crust near the margin of Gondwana along Turkey and Iran. The uplifted areas associated with this tectonic event were largely eroded during the late Carboniferous and early Permian when glacio-fluviatile and marginal marine conditions prevailed. The Palaeozoic era closed in the late Permian with a major transgression which deposited massive carbonates over most of a peneplaned Arabian plate. Also in late Permian, as well as Triassic, active rifting along the Zagros suture projected extensional stresses across the Arabian plate causing substantial extensional movements along most major basement-controlled, fault systems.
The “First Amendment” in Nepal: How Madison's America Informs Press Freedom Efforts Globally

As the reality of Marshall McLuhan's global village grows by the day, previously under-the-radar nations assume new positions of relevance. Analyzing Nepal's efforts to transform itself from monarchy to democracy, complete with a constitution that includes press and speech freedom provisions, is useful. It serves to highlight the uniqueness of America's post-revolutionary experience that resulted in, among other documents, the First Amendment. This article focuses on those unique circumstances, in part by utilizing a Madisonian perspective.
Form Follows Information

(1996). Form Follows Information? Journal of Architectural Education: Vol. 49, No. 4, pp. 269-271.
Flow and flow orientation of composites containing anisometric particles

There is a growing commercial and academic interest in polymeric composites filled with short fibers and/or glass or mica flakes. Here, the properties depend strongly on the flow induced morphology and on the distribution of residual stresses. To optimize processing and properties, it is important to know both the melt rheology and the orientation of the dispersed phase. The industrial formulations are notoriously very complex. However, it is possible to understand, and sometimes predict, their behavior by a systematic comparison with simpler, better known systems, i.e., suspensions. This review concentrates on two main aspects of flow of polymer melts containing anisometric particles, namely yield phenomena and orientation.
Calling emergency medical services during drug overdose: an examination of individual, social and setting correlates

Aims The purpose of this study was to examine individual, social and setting correlates of calling the emergency number, 911, during an overdose. Design Cross-sectional survey. Methods A sample of 397 current or former drug users in Baltimore, MD, USA who reported having ever witnessed an overdose. Findings Participants reported calling an ambulance in 23% of the overdose cases. Results from multivariate logistic regression indicate that having ever overdosed and having four or more bystanders present independently decreased the likelihood of calling 911. Having ever witnessed a fatal overdose and having any female bystanders present increased the likelihood of calling 911. There was a significant interaction between fear of arrest and prior exposure to the police. Setting of the overdose (public versus private) was not associated with calling 911 after controlling for other factors. Conclusions These findings suggest that in addition to personal characteristics of witnesses, social factors influence calling 911. Intervention at the social level may be a viable means to increase bystander helping behaviors.
On how how is used instead of that

This article examines a construction in English which has hitherto escaped attention in the linguistic literature, whereby a declarative embedded clause is introduced by how rather than that. We investigate the properties of this construction, revealing that it consists of a definite DP, rather than a simple embedded CP.
Supporting Vicarious Learning With Collaborative Lessons Learned Programs

Vicarious learning allows an observer to improve his decision making and modify his actions through observing others' past actions and resulting consequences. As organizations become larger and more disconnected, it becomes an increasing challenge to meaningfully share lessons learned allowing people to learn vicariously from both good and adverse experiences of others. In an effort to promote vicarious learning across disconnected groups, organizations create lessons learned programs to share information. The goal of a lessons learned program is to improve organizational effectiveness by avoiding costly errors "before" reoccurring in other parts of the organization. This type of antecedent learning requires collaboration between the people at the source and those receiving the lesson, as well as any human intermediaries involved with the process, to amplify the benefits of lessons learned. This paper makes explicit the connection between vicarious learning and collaborative lessons learned programs and develops a lessons learned process model using the theory of knowledge creation. The evaluation of four case studies reveals that a lessons learned program operates most effectively when the information is targeted to recipients who would find it useful and when human collaboration is acknowledged and supported by intermediaries
Effects of central and peripheral dopamine antagonism on aldosterone secretion: evidence for adrenal mechanism

Both domperidone (DOMP) and metoclopramide (MCP) are D2 receptor antagonists, MCP being a central and peripheral dopamine antagonist, whereas DOMP is exclusively a peripheral antagonist. MCP, but not DOMP, has been shown to stimulate aldosterone production. To elucidate whether aldosterone stimulation by dopamine antagonism is centrally mediated, we injected DOMP (28 micrograms/kg body wt) via a cannula into the third ventricle in Sprague-Dawley rats. Plasma aldosterone and renin concentration were measured before and 15 min after the injection. Centrally administered DOMP resulted in an increment in plasma aldosterone (23.8 +/- 7.4 ng/dl) that was not significantly greater than that induced by vehicle alone (15.8 +/- 4.5 ng/dl). This increase was inhibited by pretreatment with dexamethasone (100 micrograms three times daily) and attenuated by captopril (1 mg/kg ip) but not by L-beta-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (30 mg/kg), thus reflecting a stress effect. Similarly, central administration of MCP (21 micrograms/kg) resulted in a significant rise in plasma aldosterone. This increase, however, was eliminated by pretreatment with dexamethasone and attenuated by captopril. Peripherally administered DOMP (280 micrograms/kg) had no effect on plasma aldosterone. The effect of DOMP and MCP on aldosterone secretion by freshly obtained adrenal capsules was also tested. Angiotensin II and MCP, but not DOMP, induced a dose-dependent increase in aldosterone secretion, with a maximal increment (15.7 +/- 5.8 ng.mg capsular protein-1.10 min-1; 50% increase) with MCP at 10(-7) M (P less than 0.01 compared with controls). Dopamine completely inhibited this MCP-induced rise in aldosterone release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Sexual selection in the Gulf Coast toad,Bufo valliceps: female choice based on variable characters

Abstract Sexual selection on male size and calling behaviour was studied for 2 years in one population and for 3 years in a second population of the Gulf Coast toad. A large-male mating advantage was detected only at one site during 1 year. Measures of calling behaviour were available for 3 years at one of the sites: on a nightly basis in 2 years, males with higher call rates were significantly more likely to mate than males with lower call rates. However, there was no relationship between mating success and either call duration or calling effort on a nightly bias in any year. In discrimination experiments, females preferred higher call rates and calls of longer duration, but not calls of lower frequency. Biased male mating success with respect to call rate therefore appears to have been partially a consequence of female mate choice. Call duration is positively correlated with male size, while dominant frequency is negatively correlated with male size in this species. Because females did not discriminate between high- and low-frequency calls, and because there was no bias in mating success with respect to call duration, it appears unlikely that female choice resulted in the large-male mating advantage observed in 1 year. Despite a nightly bias in mating success with respect to call rate that appears to have resulted from female mate choice, there was no detectable sexual selection on average call rate in any year. Instead, the number of nights of chorusing activity was the only detectable direct target of selection in all 3 years at one of the sites. The repeatability of call rate within males was low, ranging from 0·08 to 0·33. Simulations suggest that within-male variation in a trait can reduce the strength of sexual selection on the trait. Lack of selection on call rate, despite female choice based on call rate, may thus have been partially a consequence of within-male variation in this trait.
A generalized LDPC decoder for blind turbo equalization

The equations for iteratively decoding low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes are generalized to compute joint probabilities of arbitrary sets of codeword bits and parity checks. The standard iterative LDPC decoder, which computes single variable probabilities, is realized as a special case. Another specialization allows pairwise joint posterior probabilities of pairs of codeword bits to be computed. These pairwise joint probabilities are used in an expectation-maximization (EM) based blind channel estimator that is ignorant of the code constraints. Channel estimates are input to a turbo equalizer that exploits the structure of the LDPC code. Feeding pairwise posterior probabilities back to the channel estimator eliminates the need to average across time for channel estimation. Therefore, this scheme can be used to equalize very long codewords, even when the channel is time varying. This blind turbo equalizer is evaluated through computer simulations and found to perform as well as a channel-informed turbo equalizer but with approximately twice the number of turbo iterations.
Development of Interferometry for Testing the JWST Optical Telescope Element (OTE)

Instantaneous phase shifting interferometry is key to successful development and testing of the large, deployable, cryogenic telescope for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) mission. Two new interferometers have been developed to meet the needs of the JWST program. Spatially Phase-Shifted Digital Speckle Pattern Interferometer (SPSDSPI) was developed to verify structural deformations to nanometer level accuracy in large, deployable, lightweight, precision structures such as the JWST telescope primary mirror backplane. Multi- wavelength interferometer was developed to verify the performance of the segmented primary mirror at cryogenic temperatures. This paper discusses application of SPS-DSPI for measuring structural deformations in large composite structures at cryogenic temperatures. Additionally development of a multi-wavelength interferometer for verifying JWST OTE primary mirror performance at cryogenic temperatures will be discussed.
Emotional health and weight gain: a prospective study of midlife women.

Abstract Purpose. Investigate the extent to which risk of weight gain is affected by emotional health. Also, determine the influence of age, baseline weight, physical activity (PA), energy intake, and changes in PA and energy intake on the relationship between emotional health and weight gain. Design. Prospective cohort. Setting. Two metropolitan areas in the Mountain West. Subjects. Total of 256 middle-aged, apparently healthy women. Measures. Emotional health was assessed using the General Well-Being Schedule. PA was measured using Actigraph accelerometers. Energy intake was measured using 7-day weighed food records. All assessments were taken at baseline and again at the follow-up approximately 2 years later. Analysis. Relative risk (RR) was calculated using incidence data. Results. With no variables controlled, women with less than positive (LTP) emotional health had 59% greater risk of weight gain (≥2 kg) than women with positive emotional health (RR, 1.59; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.04–2.44). ...
Synthesis of Radio-Communication Nets

A radio-communication net is a communication network in which links between stations have unlimited capacity to transmit information. Such a network can be represented by a graph with weights on the vertices which correspond to the capacities of individual stations. The capacity of a radio-communication net of n stations is described by a matrix of order n called a terminalcapacity matrix. A necessary and sufficient condition for a matrix to be realizable as the terminal-capacity matrix of a radio-communication net is found. A simple algorithm for synthesizing a radio-communication net of a given terminal-capacity matrix, which is proved to have minimum sum of vertex capacities and minimum number of branches, is obtained. A theorem concerning all possible structures of a radio-communication net with the same terminal-capacity matrix is established.
Control Over Al2O3 Phase by Use Of Polymer Precursors

Reaction of Et2AlOEt with ethylene glycol or catechol produced polymers of the general form-[-Al(OEt)-O-R-O-]-n, for R = CH2CH2 or C6H4, respectively. Pyrolytic conversion of these polymers to ceramic materials produced A12O3, at mild (~500°C) temperatures under a flowing atmosphere of dry air. The crystal phase obtained from the thermolysis is highly dependent upon the degree of cross-linking present in the initial polymer. These results are discussed in terms of the required solid-state atomic reorganization necessary to proceed from polymer to ceramic.
Will healthcare reform actually occur in the US

Healthcare in the US is currently in a state of chaos. Not only does a large percentage of the population lack health coverage, but overall we are increasingly paying more and more for what in comparison to other countries is a decreasing quality of healthcare. This article describes a few of the factors that compose the context both of current healthcare strategies in the US and of barriers to the creation of a true healthcare system. Accomplishing this goal will require unprecedented bipartisan cooperation of both the Obama administration and Congress.