cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isomerization dynamics of photochromic spiropyran molecular switches in phospholipid bilayers.

Transient absorption spectroscopy was used to investigate the dynamics of the photochromic indolinobenzospiropyran reaction in toluene solution and in phosphatidylcholine bilayers (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC)). After excitation with UV light, colorless (R/S)-2-(3‘,3‘-dimethyl-6-nitro-3‘H-spiro[chromene-2,2‘-indol]-1‘-yl)ethanol derivatives are converted to colored merocyanine products in high yield; Φ = 0.45 in DMPC liposomes. We find that the reaction occurs in the bilayer aliphatic region in the gel (Pβ‘) and liquid (Lα) phases. The Arrhenius activation energy for the isomerization in DMPC bilayers was ∼3.5 times larger in the liquid phase (Lα, Ea = 26.0 ± 1.0 kJ mol-1) than that in the gel phase (Pβ‘, Ea = 7.3 ± 1.6 kJ mol-1). Analysis of the isomerization rate constant temperature dependence allows an estimation of the bilayer viscosity and free volume properties in the Lα phase.
Random walk and lighting control

We pose the problem of turning off a single luminaire (or group) as an optimal stopping problem. We present the stationary and first-passage analysis of motion data obtained using custom wireless nodes in an open office floor plan. These calculations allow us to estimate the state of the network and calculate the probability and expected number of steps to visit a state from any arbitrary state. We also investigate if there is any evidence of clustering amongst the nodes by studying the covariance of the dataset. The data indicate the existence of clustering within the lattice. In other words, the analysis of random walk prevents luminaires from accidentally shutting off and dimensionality reduction determines the correct zoning of lighting via the occupants' movements.
Cardiovascular responses evoked by carbachol microinjection into the posterior hypothalamus involves ganglionic nicotinic and muscarinic mechanisms

1. Microinjection of the cholinergic agonist carbachol (3.3, 5.5 and 13.2 nmol) into the posterior hypothalamic nucleus of conscious rats evokes a dose-dependent increase in blood pressure. The pressor response evoked by the lower doses of carbachol was attenuated by pretreatment with the ganglionic nicotinic receptor antagonist pentolinium (10 mg kg(-1), i.v.) while blockade of V1-vasopressin receptors with [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP (20 microg kg(-1), i.v.) reduced the pressor response evoked by the highest dose. 2. The combination of pentolinium and the muscarinic receptor antagonist methylatropine (2 mg kg(-1), i.v.) completely blocked the response evoked by the lower doses while the addition of [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP to these two antagonists was required for further inhibition of the pressor response to the highest dose of carbachol. Bilateral adrenal demedullation did not affect the pressor response evoked by 5.5 or 13.2 nmol of carbachol. 3. Treatment of intact and adrenal demedullated rats with pentolinium after the pressor response to 13.2 nmol of carbachol was underway reversed the pressor response, but not to the same degree as that provided by the combination of pentolinium and methylatropine, or pentolinium and [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP. 4. Methylatropine or [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP caused a slight reversal of the carbachol-induced pressor response once it was underway in intact rats. Methylatropine given before or after pentolinium worked with the pentolinium to completely reverse the response. Methylatropine given alone reversed the bradycardia evoked by carbachol to a tachycardia which itself was antagonized by subsequent treatment with pentolinium. 5. These results suggest that the pressor response evoked by carbachol microinjection into the posterior hypothalamic nucleus of conscious rats involves sympathoexcitation and vasopressin release. The sympathoexcitation involves nicotinic and muscarinic receptors in autonomic ganglia.
Analysis of Manufacturing Costs in Pharmaceutical Companies

In the pharmaceutical industry, costs attributed to manufacturing are a major part of a company’s total expenses. In this paper, trends in various expense and income categories of pharmaceutical companies have been analyzed with particular emphasis on manufacturing costs to gain an insight into their relationships and how they may differ among types of pharmaceutical companies such as brand name, generics, and biotechs. The study includes data published in the annual reports of leading pharmaceutical companies from 1994 to 2005. Twenty-two pharmaceutical companies were selected based on the annual revenues. The set was further divided into three groups: brand names, generics, and biotechs. The analysis shows that, between 1994 and 2005, manufacturing costs (as a percentage of total sales) are different for the three groups of companies listed above. Additionally, each group of companies differs in how savings are leveraged strategically. The data on brand-name pharmaceutical companies also indicate that there is a strong correlation between the reduction of the cost of goods sold (COGS) and the increase in R&D expenditure. This suggests the validity of Vernon’s theory that for brand-name companies, a reduction in COGS will likely have a positive impact on investments in R&D, presumably resulting in much needed innovations and future health benefits for the society.
MODEL EQUATIONS FOR TURBULENT SHEAR FLOW

A set of equations for the calculation of turbulent shear flows is presented. It is shown how the equations can be modified to allow for the inclusion of viscosity, compressibility and density variations. Some results of numerical computations are given. The constant in the law of the wall is predicted to within 10% for flow over a perfectly smooth wall, and a dependence on wall roughness is obtained. The empirical law of the wall for compressible flow is also shown to be a consequence of the equations.
FGFR3 and p53 protein expressions in patients with pTa and pT1 urothelial bladder cancer.

AIMS: This study is designed to evaluate the expression and prognostic value of FGFR3 protein expression in patients with pTa/pT1 tumours and to determine the significance of the combinations of FGFR3 and p53 protein expressions in bladder pathogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A tissue microarray (TMA) of 107 pTa, and 147 pT1 tumours was constructed. The TMA sections were immunostained with FGFR3 and p53 monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: There were significant associations between loss of FGFR3 and tumour stage (p<0.001) and grade (p<0.001) and between p53 overexpression and tumour stage and grade (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). There was no association between FGFR3 and p53 proteins (p=0.107). In addition, tumours with FGFR3+/p53- phenotype have slower recurrence rate than other (FGFR3+/p53+, FGFR3-/p53- and FGFR3-/p53+). CONCLUSION: 1-FGFR3 expression is significantly associated with two important prognostic factors; stage and grade. 2-FGFR3 protein expression is not an independent predictive factor for pTa/pT1 tumour recurrence and progression. 3-Tumours with FGFR3+/p53- phenotype seem to have a distinctive pathway in bladder tumorigenesis.
Commentary: The invisible hand of the teacher

Abstract Traditional empirical studies on developmental processes in school tend to view contributions of teachers, peers, and the classrooms’ social structure (and even parent effects) as if all were independent of one another. As this Special Issue demonstrates, however, these processes are more complex. When classroom interactions are seen as the “engine” of development (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 1998), attention to the invisible hand of the teacher is necessary. The contributions to the issue show empirical strategies common to such a perspective (use of cross-informant data, attention to interconnections between different kinds of relationships and to interconnections between the social and academic domains), and they all highlight common conceptual features (focus on relationships and social structure, on reciprocal processes, and on the person characteristics of teachers and peers). Taken together, the findings from the studies should have a collective impact on teacher education.
A security-enhanced encryption scheme on power system real-time data communication

This paper provides an introduction and overview of power system real-time data encryption under network environment, describes the encryption requirements of power system real-time data communication, and briefly introduces a new type of a security-enhanced power system data encryption scheme. The QKD-based encryptions can delievering end-to-end network security via high-speed quantum key distribution, and against sophisticated eavesdropping attacks. QKD will be a most promising way of real-time data encryption in power system in the future.
Extending the upper temperature limit for life.

The upper temperature limit for life is a key parameter for delimiting when and where life might have evolved on a hot, early Earth; the depth to which life exists in the Earth's subsurface; and the potential for life in hot, extraterrestrial environments. A combination of geological and
Approximate determination of Wigner-Seitz radii from free-atom wave functions.

It is shown that the Wigner-Seitz radii of metal lattices can be reasonably well approximated starting from the electronic densities of the corresponding free atoms at the radial distances where their electrostatic potentials equal their chemical potentials. These radial distances have earlier been shown to be quite similar to the covalent radii of the atoms. Thus there appears to be a significant similarity between the electronic densities in the bonding regions of metal lattices and of the free atoms.
Coagulation factor VII is regulated by androgen receptor in breast cancer.

Abstract Androgen receptor (AR) is widely expressed in breast cancer; however, there is limited information on the key molecular functions and gene targets of AR in this disease. In this study, gene expression data from a cohort of 52 breast cancer cell lines was analyzed to identify a network of AR co-expressed genes. A total of 300 genes, which were significantly enriched for cell cycle and metabolic functions, showed absolute correlation coefficients (|CC|) of more than 0.5 with AR expression across the dataset. In this network, a subset of 35 “AR-signature” genes were highly co-expressed with AR (|CC|>0.6) that included transcriptional regulators PATZ1, NFATC4, and SPDEF. Furthermore, gene encoding coagulation factor VII (F7) demonstrated the closest expression pattern with AR (CC=0.716) in the dataset and factor VII protein expression was significantly associated to that of AR in a cohort of 209 breast tumors. Moreover, functional studies demonstrated that AR activation results in the induction of factor VII expression at both transcript and protein levels and AR directly binds to a proximal region of F7 promoter in breast cancer cells. Importantly, AR activation in breast cancer cells induced endogenous factor VII activity to convert factor X to Xa in conjunction with tissue factor. In summary, F7 is a novel AR target gene and AR activation regulates the ectopic expression and activity of factor VII in breast cancer cells. These findings have functional implications in the pathobiology of thromboembolic events and regulation of factor VII/tissue factor signaling in breast cancer.
New Combined Adaptive (NCA) Algorithm for Smart Antenna System Applications

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a new combined algorithm for performance enhancement of smart antenna systems in mobile communications. The new combined algorithm (NCA) uses sample matrix inversion (SMI) initialization with a modified version of normalized least mean square (NLMS) algorithm (MNLMS). The MNLMS algorithm is regarded as time-varying regularization parameter ϵ(k) that is fixed in the conventional NLMS algorithm. The MNLMS algorithm uses a reciprocal of the estimation error square term in the denominator of the learning rate of NLMS instead of fixed regularization parameter (ϵ). Through simulation results of smart antennas for an additive white Gaussian noise channel model, the NCA algorithm achieves about 15 and 19 dB improvement in interference suppression compared with NLMS and another proposed previously matrix inversion NLMS (MI-NLMS) algorithms, respectively. While the NLMS algorithm starts to converge from 50 iterations, the MI-NLMS and NCA algorithms start to converge from the initial iter...
Kinematics and Efficiency Analysis of the Planetary Roller Screw Mechanism

This paper analyzes the kinematics and the efficiency of the planetary roller screw mechanism (RSM) to provide a fundamental basis to support its various applications. The mechanical structure and practical advantages are presented in comparison with the conventional ball screw mechanism (BSM). Kinematic analysis involves derivation of the angular and axial motions, as well as the development of the slip pattern between the contacting components. Results show that for any motion of the RSM slip always occurs. Kinematic analysis including elastic deformation is also presented. The load carrying capacity and efficiency of the RSM are derived based on geometric and equilibrium conditions, and the results are compared with the BSM.
In just the last 10 years

Let us, the Communication Technology editors, take this opportunity to introduce one of the new departments that will be appearing in the Transactions. Beginning with the June issue, you can expect either a full-scale article or at least a column on the technologies that are changing the way professional communicators do their work. These technologies include text processing systems, electronic and desktop publishing systems, communication networks, online help facilities, and tools to improve user interfaces. We want to discuss the practical impact of these technologies on job definitions, work flow, shop organization, project management, and the internal and external flow of information.
An Empirical Typology of Perfectionism in Gifted Adolescents

We document a typology of perfectionism in a sample of academically talented adolescents and directly examine its relationship to indices of psychiatric symptomatology, adjustment, self-esteem, and...
FEARS OF AMERICAN CHILDREN FOLLOWING TERRORISM

Two months after 9/11, the fears of children and adolescents in Grades 2–12 were examined utilizing the American Fear Survey Schedule for Children and Adolescents (FSSC-AM). Fear intensity scores and age and gender differences are reported. Terrorist-related content on the FSSC-AM (e.g., terrorist attacks, our country being invading by enemies) was also examined in a pre- and post-9/11 comparison. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
The use of text mining to build a pedagogical agent capable of mediating synchronous online discussions in the context of foreign language learning

The present paper discusses the use of text mining to support the design of a pedagogical agent that mediates synchronous online discussions of academic texts by undergraduate students of English as a foreign language. The pedagogical agent proposed here has the instructional role of a tutor collaborator that participates in the chat discussion following mediation strategies grounded on sociocultural theory to assist the collective writing. Furthermore, we propose a pedagogical agent model that uses text mining techniques to identify when students deviate from the main topics that should be addressed in their discussions in a real time chat. Another important function enabled by the use of the text mining tool involves the assessment of the discussion relevance in relation to the base text, which supports the pedagogical agent decision towards a more adequate intervention. The conception of using text mining to guide the pedagogical agent in the mediation of the students' discussions has been based on previous research that has already shown how this particular mining tool could support educators' work in the evaluation of essays and of students' contributions in discussion forums. Preliminary results of this study are also presented showing the agent's potential to foster students' online conversations.
The temperature and concentration dependence of the stacking fault energy in the Co-Ni system

Abstract The stacking fault energy has been measured as a function of temperature between 20°C and 710°C in hexagonal and cubic Co, hexagonal 85% Co 15% Ni and cubic 67% Co 33% Ni. The so-called node method has been used for the calculation of the stacking fault energy. Possible sources of errors in the node method are discussed. It has been found that the stacking fault energy decreases with increasing temperature in the hexagonal materials and increases in the cubic materials and that the stacking fault energy is not zero at the temperature of the h.c.p. ai f.c.c. transformation but between 10 and 20 erg/cm2 in both the cubic and the hexagonal phase. The similarity between e-phase formation in Cr-Ni-Fe alloys and the h.c.p. ai f.c.c. transformation in Co-Ni is pointed out.
Fluorescence imaging of single molecules in polymer microspheres.

We report on far-field fluorescence imaging of single molecules in spherical polymer microparticles produced from solution by using microdroplet techniques. The fluorescence photobleaching quantum yields of rhodamine 6G in a common water-soluble polymer (polyvinyl alcohol) are at least five times smaller, corresponding to proportionally larger average fluorescence signals, than those in ethanolic solvents. This allows for acquisition of multiple images from a single molecule on a time scale of several minutes. We also show that fluorescent images of single molecules in microspheres can be calculated from semiclassic electrodynamics, which may ultimately be useful in retrieving dynamical information from experimental images. Cytometry 36:169–175, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Toric offset three-reflector antenna for an advanced microwave limb sounder

An advanced Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), now in concept development for a potential future mission, is a space-borne heterodyne instrument to measure pressure, temperature, and atmospheric constituents from thermal emission between 120 and 2400 GHz. Previous MLS instruments used pencil-beam antennas sized to resolve ~1 vertical scale height. Current atmospheric models need better horizontal resolution than orbit spacing provides. To meet these needs, a new antenna concept combines the wide scan range of the parabolic torus with unblocked offset Cassegrain optics. The resulting system is diffraction-limited in the vertical plane but extremely astigmatic, with beamwidths 0.13×2.5°. Nadir axis symmetry ensures that this Beam Aspect Ratio (BAR) is invariant over ±33 degrees of azimuth. The antenna can feed either an array of receivers or multiplexed low-noise receivers whose FOVs are swept by a small scanning mirror. We describe 3 stages of antenna design: First, using a paraxial-optics method, we choose conic profiles given vertical resolution orbit geometry, then develop the surfaces by nadir axis rotation, matching axisymmetric feeds to the BAR. A ray-trace program validates the design and generates alignment and deformation tolerances. Finally, a physical optics analysis verifies reflector surface currents and radiation patterns.
Low Back Muscle Fatigue Measurements of Cyclic and Prolonged Stooped Work

Fatigue experiments were performed on human subjects to study muscle fatigue measurements of the erector spinae muscles during cyclic and prolonged static stooped bending using electromyography (EM...
On Nonblocking Multicast Fat-Tree Data Center Networks with Server Redundancy

Fat-tree networks have been widely adopted as network topologies in data center networks (DCNs). However, it is costly for fat-tree DCNs to support nonblocking multicast communication, due to the large number of core switches required. Since multicast is an essential communication pattern in many cloud services and nonblocking multicast communication can ensure the high performance of such services, reducing the cost of nonblocking multicast fat-tree DCNs is very important. On the other hand, server redundancy is ubiquitous in today’s data centers to provide high availability of services. In this paper, we explore server redundancy in data centers to reduce the cost of nonblocking multicast fat-tree data center networks (DCNs). First, we present a multirate network model that accurately describes the communication environment of the fat-tree DCNs. We then show that the sufficient condition on the number of core switches required for nonblocking multicast communication under the multirate model can be significantly reduced when the fat-tree DCNs are 2-redundant, i.e., each server in the data center has exactly one redundant backup. We also study the general redundant fat-tree DCNs where servers may have different numbers of redundant backups depending on the availability requirements of services they provide, and show that a higher redundancy level further reduces the cost of nonblocking multicast fat-tree DCNs. Then, to complete our analysis, we consider a practical faulty data center, where one or more active servers may fail at any time. We give a strategy to re-balance the active servers among edge switches after server failures so that the same nonblocking condition still holds. Finally, we give a multicast routing algorithm with linear time complexity to configure multicast connections in fat-tree DCNs.
Research: A Mathematical Model for the Thermal Efficacy of Cooling Therapy for Burns

The finite element technique was used to model the transient thermal field in skin during a burn. The resulting temperature field was substituted into a damage integral equation to determine cumulative injury as a function of time and position in the tissue. Postburn cooling protocols were simulated to predict the thermal efficacy of cooling therapy in manipulating skin temperature to reduce injury. Protocol parameters included delay prior to initiation of cooling, cooling temperature, and duration of therapy. The analysis indicates that it is not possible by postburn water cooling to lower the tissue temperature rapidly enough to reduce the extent of burn injury. Any clinical efficacy of postburn cooling should therefore be attributed to nonthermal effects.
Sequence homologies and structural similarities between the polypeptides of yeast and beef heart cytochrome c oxidase

The homologous polypeptides in yeast and beef heart cytochrome c oxidase have been identified by sequence comparisons and structural similarities. The properties of individual polypeptides have been used to specify which components are extrinsic, and which intrinsic and bilayer spanning, in the cytochrome c oxidase complex.
A passive solution to the sensor synchronization problem

Knowing the time at which sensors acquired data is critical to the proper processing and interpretation of that data, particularly for mobile robots attempting to project sensor data into a consistent coordinate frame. Unfortunately, many popular commercial sensors provide no support for synchronization, rendering conventional synchronization algorithms useless. In this paper, we describe a passive synchronization algorithm that can significantly reduce timing error versus naively time-stamping sensor data when it arrives at the host. It is passive in the sense that the algorithm requires no special cooperation from the sensor. Our method estimates the timing jitter induced by hosts, and thus does not require a real-time operating system. We rigorously derive and characterize the method, proving that it can only improve upon the synchronization accuracy of the standard approach.
Adolescent motor vehicle crashes: the relationship between behavioral factors and self-reported injury

Abstract Purpose: To examine the relative importance of demographic and behavioral factors, as well as alcohol use, in motor vehicle crash (MVC)–related injuries in an adolescent sample. Methods: Data were collected from two samples of adolescents. In Study 1, a total of 1576 9th through 12th graders from three different high schools provided information on risk-taking behavior and injuries experienced during the previous six months. Study 2 involved a more fine-grained analysis of behavioral factors related to MVC-related injuries. A sample of 573 adolescent males from an all-boys parochial high school completed questionnaires assessing risk-taking, attention and behavior problems, alcohol use, driving behavior, and self-reported injury. Results: Rates of self-reported MVC-related injuries for a 6-month period were consistent across the two studies, ranging from 10% in the mixed-gender sample to 16% in the all-male sample. Consistent with previous findings, males reported more frequent MVC-related injuries and higher rates of risk-taking behavior. In Study 1, age and risk-taking behaviors were predictive of injuries while riding or driving in a car. In the all-male sample, risk-taking behavior and conduct problems were significant predictors of MVC-related injuries. Conclusions: Risk-taking is a consistent predictor of both general and MVC-related injuries. Intervention efforts with adolescents may be targeted at increasing safe driving strategies as well as decreasing risk-taking behaviors.
Unbiased Selectivity Coefficients Obtained for the Pulsed Chronopotentiometric Polymeric Membrane Ion Sensors

We report here on the successful observation of the unbiased thermodynamic selectivity of ion-selective sensors working in normal pulse chronopotentiometric mode (pulstrodes). In contrast to ion-selective electrodes, the pulstrodes do not require careful counterbalancing of the transmembrane ionic fluxes to achieve unbiased thermodynamic selectivity. The pulstrodes can work under asymmetric conditions, which are often encountered in practice. The composition of the inner filling solution did not affect the sensor response, indicating that the transmembrane flux of primary ions was indeed effectively suppressed in the absence of ion exchanger. For the K-selective sensor considered here, an improvement of Mg discrimination by a factor of 1000 was demonstrated.
Closed form solution to the optimality equations of minimal norm actuation

Abstract The paper deals with natural frequency assignment of vibrating systems by single-input feedback control. A closed form solution to the problem of selecting the input vector which leads to minimal norm of the control gain vector is given. The solution may be applied in applications to reduce the control effort.
Size threshold perimetry performs as well as conventional automated perimetry with stimulus sizes III, V, and VI for glaucomatous loss.

PURPOSE It is thought that large perimetric stimuli are insensitive for demonstrating visual field defects. To test the hypothesis that there is no difference in the total number of abnormal test locations with total deviation empiric probability plots in glaucoma patients, we compared results of glaucoma patients tested with sizes III (0.43° diameter), V (1.72°), and VI (3.44°), and size threshold perimetry (STP), a method that finds threshold by changing stimulus size. METHODS We derived normative limits for total deviation probability plots using the second test from 60 age-matched normals. We analyzed the probability plots of 120 glaucoma patients (mean deviation was -9.3 ± 6.1 dB with a range of -0.2 to -31.6) at the 42 nonblind spot locations common to the tests. We compared the number of abnormal test locations at the 5% level among the tests using one-way repeated measures ANOVA on ranks. We stratified the results by mean deviation. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference in the number of abnormal test locations among the tests: III, 28.5; V, 29.7; VI, 27.0; and STP, 28.8, P = 0.001; Tukey pairwise comparisons were statistically significant for the assessments between sizes V and VI and between STP and size VI. When stratifying by mean deviation, with mild visual loss, size V was most sensitive, followed by STP; size VI appeared slightly less sensitive. CONCLUSIONS Size V and STP provide favorable stimulus methodology for detection of mild to moderate glaucoma. Size VI appears slightly less sensitive for glaucoma with mild loss.
Theoretical Energy Density for Electrochemical Capacitors with Intercalation Electrodes

Theoretical energy density for electrochemical capacitors with intercalation electrodes is applied to carbon electrodes having the ability for electrochemical intercalation of ions. Energy density theory was applied to these capacitors and demonstrated that energy densities are 70-114 Wh/kg based on electrode material only, 14-30 Wh/kg based on electrode material and electrolyte, 8-20 Wh/kg based on electrode material, electrolyte, and separator paper, and 7-15 Wh/kg for a packed capacitor. The volumetric energy densities are also estimated. The influences of capacitor operational voltage, electrode material specific capacitance, and electrolyte ion concentration were discussed.
Transcutaneous bilirubinometry in the newborn infant: State of the art

Hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn infant continues to challenge physicians. Clinical evaluation and treatment have evolved well-established principles over the past decade. This review examines neonatal bilirubin metabolism and focuses on a recently developed clinical diagnostic tool, the transcutaneous bilirubinometer. In spite of some limitations, the transcutaneous bilirubinometer can be best applied as a screening tool to identify healthy full-term infants who require serum bilirubin determination. With proper application, this device can eliminate most invasive diagnostic testing. Optimal use of the instrument requires the relationship between the serum bilirubin concentration and the transcutaneous bilirubinometer index to be determined for each device, institution, and population.
Process design, economic feasibility, and market potential for nylon 1313 produced from erucic acid

Nylon 1313, made from the erucic acid of crambe or industrial rapeseed oil, has excellent attributes for use in industry. Its durability, chemical and water resistance, dimensional stability, and electrical properties are valuable characteristics for numerous applications. The processes and economics in transforming erucic acid into brassylic acid and into nylon 1313 are detailed. A sensitivity analysis, developed on a LOTUS template, shows changes in the unit cost of producing nylon 1313 with changes in feedstock material costs and coproduct credits, the two most important factors in the economic feasibility of nylon 1313. The current market and future potential markets for nylon 1313 are discussed. Biotechnology can play an important role in the commercialization of nylon 1313 from erucic acid. Rapeseed is a crop of choice for many biotechnologists. Expected technological advances could lower the cost of crop production, thereby reducing the cost of nylon 1313. Success would improve the competitive position of nylon 1313 relative to other industrial nylons.
Morphology and patency of Gore-Tex wrapped internal mammary artery bypass-evaluation with helical CT.

Objective: To determine the patency of coronary internal mammary artery bypass (IMAB) with CT-angiography (CTA) and to evaluate the morphology of a covering Gore-tex IMAB-sleeve (PIMAS) used to protect the bypass at possible reoperation. Materials and Methods: Sixty-five patients with IMAB wrapped with PIMAS (67 grafts) were prospectively investigated by CTA for bypass patency and sleeve morphology 6 months postoperatively with a standardised radiological and clinical protocol. Results: All patent bypass arteries (62/62) were identified by CTA as open. In the remaining five cases, CTA revealed a bypass occlusion, which could be proven by coronary angiography in two cases (two patients refused angiography, one bypass was open angiographically). Morphology of the PIMAS could be imaged exactly in all cases. Sleeve implantation did not lead to adverse effects in terms of bypass occlusion or compression. In four patients, additional clinically relevant information were achieved. Conclusion: PIMAS implantation proved to be a safe procedure with good short-term results. CTA is a valuable method to exclude occlusion of sleeved IMA bypasses. Depiction of the wrapped IMAB by CTA supplies important information for preparing strategy in case of reoperation.
Serum testosterone concentrations in the pregnant rat

Abstract Serum testosterone concentrations were measured daily throughout pregnancy in the female rat and compared to average levels during the estrous cycle. There were two sustained elevations of testosterone during pregnancy. Testosterone levels rose significantly above cycling levels on days 1–2 and on days 10–14. The present findings suggest that testosterone may be of biological importance in rodent pregnancy.
Observed Decadal North Atlantic Tripole SST Variability. Part II: Diagnosis of Mechanisms

AbstractIn Part I of this study, the atmospheric weather noise for 1951–2000 was inferred from an atmospheric analysis in conjunction with SST-forced AGCM simulations and used to force interactive ensemble coupled GCM simulations of the North Atlantic SST variability. Here, results from those calculations are used in conjunction with a simple stochastically forced coupled model of the decadal time scale North Atlantic tripole SST variability to examine the mechanisms associated with the tripole SST variability. The diagnosed tripole variability is found to be characterized by damped, delayed oscillator dynamics, similar to what has been found by other investigators. However, major differences here, affecting the signs of two of the crucial parameters of the simple model, are that the atmospheric heat flux feedback damps the tripole pattern and that a counterclockwise intergyre gyre-like circulation enhances the tripole pattern. Delayed oscillator dynamics are still obtained because the sign of the dynamic...
Endovascular repair of bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms following open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with preservation of both hypogastric arteries using commercially available stent grafts

Endovascular treatment of aneurysmal disease has become the predominant form of repair for all aneurysms. Some areas continue to pose specific challenges to stay within the general tenets of successful repair, mainly achieving adequate seal without sacrificing other arterial pathways. Following aortic aneurysm repair, the common iliac arteries can continue to have aneurysmal degeneration. We present a case of bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms that presented 9 years after open repair of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm in conjunction with an extensive aortic dissection. These were repaired using endovascular techniques with preservation of both hypogastric arteries.
The purification and specificity of a lipase fromVernonia anthelmintica seed.

Acetone powders prepared fromVernonia anthelmintica seed catalyzed the release of 6.4 to 9.6 μ-moles of free fatty acids per milligram of protein when blended with olive oil and phosphate buffer and shaken for 20 min at 43 C. A 20 fold purification was achieved by differential centrifugation of an ammonium hydroxide extract of the acetone powder. Results from Sephadex G-200 chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis suggested that the lipase activity was associated with a molecule of molecular weight greater than 200,000. Free fatty acids, 1,2- and 1,3-diglycerides, monoglycerides and glycerol were found in the digestion products. With most substrates the 1,2-to 1,3-diglyceride ratio was approximately 2∶1 and monoglycerides tended to accumulate. Analysis of the digestion products from synthetic triglycerides of known structure indicated that both primary and secondary ester positions of the triglyceride molecule were hydrolyzed and that considerable isomerization of 1,2-diglyceride to 1,3-diglyceride occurred. The monoglyceride was consistently lower than the 1,2-diglyceride and in the majority of cases also lower than the 1,3-diglyceride in the fatty acid originally present in the 2 position of the triglyceride. No fatty acid preference was observed.
Follow-up of Vietnam veterans. I. relapse to drug use after Vietnam service

Abstract A sample of 202 former army enlisted men who served in Vietnam between 1971 and 1972 were studied 28 months after their return to a large metropolitan area. Subjects were divided into three groups, frequent ( n = 98), occasional ( n = 55) and nonusers ( n = 49), according to their inservice narcotics use. Results indicated that in spite of high rates of inservice narcotics use, only 39% of those addicted in Vietnam, and 11% of those who used narcotics occasionally, continued to use narcotics after returning to the United States. However, other types of substances, such as alcohol and marijuana, were used more heavily in all groups. A series of multiple correlations indicated that preservice variables also played a significant role in determining postservice drug involvement.
Real-coded Multi-scale Genetic Algorithm For Pre-stack Waveform Inversion

Due to strong non-linearity of the seismic waveform inversion problem global optimization methods such as very fast simulated annealing (VFSA) and genetic algorithms (GA) have been employed to estimate model parameters from pre-stack gathers. In this paper we revisit three fundamental issues, namely, the computation speed, layer parameterization, and efficient and accurate computation of posterior probability density (PPD) function. We demonstrate that given a model parameterization, we attain a substantial speed up in computation and obtain accurate estimates of model parameters using ‘real coding’ unlike conventional ‘binary coding’. Although one can apply full scale overparameterization together with smoothing to avoid the problem of layer definition, such an approach is computationally expensive. To address this, we employ a multi-scale GA in which several GAs (each with different scale or layer thickness) are run in parallel. At each generation chromosomes from different scales are swapped using an up-scaling or down-scaling, as appropriate. We pick models in each generation from a proposal distribution that ensures smoothness and physical constraints. Such a multi-scale GA is proven to converge to a stationary distribution, the PPD, and thus our algorithm is an efficient alternative to Monte Carlo Markov chain (MCMC) based on Metropolis-Hastings algorithm or a Gibb’s sampler. We demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of our algorithm with application to data generated from well logs. A real coded GA shows a superior performance compared to a binary-coded GA and multi-scale GAs do help in identifying layer boundaries.
Vibrational spectroscopic studies of l,d-alternating valine peptides

Abstract Raman and infrared spectra of Boc-( l Val- d -Val) n -OMe [( ld -Val) n ], with n = 4, 6 and 8, were obtained in crystalline and solution states. Based on predictions from normal-mode calculations of a number of relevant single- and double-stranded β-helix conformations, structures were assigned for the three oligopeptides under the above-mentioned conditions. In the crystalline state, all three oligopeptides have a double-stranded ↑↓ β 5.6 structure. In cyclohexane and in chloroform, the ↑↓ β 5.6 structure predominates for ( ld -Val) 4 . In chloroform the ( ld -Val) 6 has a β 4.4 structure. ( ld -Val) 8 in cyclohexane and in chloroform exists predominantly in a ↑↓ β 5.6 structure together with some β 4.4 .
The Influence of Testes Biopsy on Semen Quality

Summary Ten bulls of the Jersey and Holstein breeds were biopsied, with one Jersey and one Holstein being biopsied in the same testicle twice and two Holsteins being biopsied simultaneously in both testicles. On the average, semen quality was not appreciably lowered as a result of the biopsy.One bull biopsicd once in only one testicle showed only a small amount of scar tissue at the actual biopsy site when slaughtered 6 months later. A second bull, which had been biopsied on both testicles simultaneously, showed complete necrosis of both testicles on slaughter 6 months later. A third bull, treated similarly to the second showed, when slaughtered 15 months later, only a small necrotic area about the actual biopsy sites. Examination of tissue secured on a second biopsy of the same testicle from two bulls showed no change histologically from that of the first biopsy.In view of the success of the biopsy technique with nine bulls, it is suggested that study of a variety of treatments with the same bull is possible and an evaluation of a bull's ability to produce high quality semen may be made.
An extension of statistical decision theory with information theoretic cost functions to decision fusion: Part I

Abstract A review of information theory and statistical decision theory has led to the recognition that decisions in statistical decision theory can be interpreted as being determined by the similarity between the distribution of probabilities obtained from measurements and characteristic distributions of probabilities representing the members of the set of decisions. The obscure interpretation was found during a review of statistical decision theory for the special case where the cost function of statistical decision theory is an information theoretic cost function. Additional research has found that the resulting information theoretic decision rule has a number of interesting characteristics that may have previously been recognized in terms of mathematical interest, but until now have not been recognized for their implications for information fusion. Bayesian probability theory has been criticized for problematic changes in decisions when hypotheses and decisions are reorganized to different levels of abstraction, weak justification for the selection of prior probabilities, and the need for all probability density functions to be defined. The characteristics of the information theoretic decision rule show that the decisions are less sensitive to changes in the reorganization of hypothesis and decision sets to different levels of abstraction in comparison to Bayesian probability theory. Extension of the information theoretic rule to a fusion rule (to be provided in a companion paper) will be shown to provide increased justification for the selection of prior probabilities through the adoption of Laplace’s principle of indifference. The criticism of the need for all probability density functions can be partially mitigated by arguing that the hypothesis abstraction levels can be selected so that all the probability density functions may be obtained. Further refutation of the third criticism will require that the assumption that the probability density functions are not definitively known but may be ambiguous as well and will not be pursued as a line of inquiry within the two companion papers.
Frailty and cognitive impairment among community-dwelling elderly

AbstrAct The aim was to evaluate associations between frailty status and cognitive decline and the incidence of cognitive impairment over 12-month period. Two hundred seven older adults were assessed. Frailty was defined as having at least three of the following criteria: weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slowness, and low level of activity. Cognitive decline was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). Relative risk (RR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Frailty was associated with subsequent cognitive decline in 12-month when assessed using the MMSE (p=0.005; RR=4.6; 95%CI 1.93–11.2). No association was found between frailty and cognitive decline measured by the CDR (p=0.393; RR=2.1; 95%CI 0.68–6.7) or between frailty and the incidence of cogni-tive impairment (p=0.675; RR=1.2; 95%CI 0.18–8.3). These findings reveal an association between frailty and subsequent cognitive decline when measured by the MMSE, even within a short period of time.Key words: aged, frail elderly dementia.
Electrospun polystyrene coatings with tunable wettability

Hydrophobic materials with tunable wettability were developed by electrospinning aligned polystyrene (PS) fibers onto the surface of a unimorph composite piezoelectric substrate. An electric field was used to modify the curvature of the substrate resulting in a corresponding change in the morphology of the electrospun coating. Contact angle measurements were performed on droplets deposited onto the surface before and after application of the electric field. The water droplet contact angle was observed to change in response to the applied voltage. Contact angle measurements were performed as a function of surface fiber density and suggest that the change in contact angle is caused by a transition from Wenzel to Cassie–Baxter wetting. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41592.
Conscious Acts and the Politics of Social Change: Feminist Approaches to Social Movements, Community and Power. Edited by Robin L. Teske and Mary Ann Tétreault. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 2000. 320p. $34.95.

Rarely does a political science book undertake the simultaneous task of contributing to both scholarship and activism. This edited volume explores the theory and practice of social movements, examining “success” stories, such as the struggle for women's suffrage in the United States, as well as “failures,” embodied in this case by an ill-conceived attempt to carry out a charity program in early 1990s Russia. This lens on the lived realities of activism makes it an instructive and unusual book. The volume also discusses how feminist theory and practices influence social movements and power relations. The explicit intention of the editors is to contribute to theory-building, as well as to help design more effective activism. To that end, the contributors include social change activists as well as academics, several of whom combine both identities.
Inter-state variation in human papilloma virus vaccine coverage among adolescent girls in the 50 US states, 2007.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination could substantially reduce the burden of cervical cancer by preventing HPV infection. This study uses the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) to estimate HPV vaccine coverage prevalence for US girls aged 12–17, the target group for vaccination. NSCH is a population-based telephone survey of households with children younger than 18 years. The proportion of girls aged 12–17 whose parent or guardian reported receipt of a clinician recommendation for HPV vaccination, one or more does of HPV vaccine, or a complete three-dose HPV vaccine series were estimated. Multivariable models estimated adjusted associations and marginal predicted vaccine coverage prevalence for each of the 50 US states and according to race/ethnicity, household income, insurance status, parental education, and whether the girl had a ‘medical home’. The NSCH sample included 17,264 girls aged 12–17. Overall 18.2 % (SE 0.8 %) of girls reportedly received at least one HPV vaccine dose and 3.6 % (SE 0.4 %) completed the series; 31 % received clinician recommendation for HPV vaccine. Girls who received a clinician recommendation to vaccinate were 23 (95 % CI 18–29) times as likely to be vaccinated as those not counseled. There was substantial interstate variation in vaccine coverage that was largely explained by variability in clinician counseling. For 2007, there was substantial variation in HPV vaccine coverage among US girls 12–17 years that was largely explained by variability in clinician counseling. Strategies aimed at increasing clinicians’ counseling for HPV vaccination could substantially reduce disparities in HPV vaccine coverage.