cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theoretical solution for laminar flow in partially-filled pipes

Partially-filled pipe flow as occurs in subsurface drains and sewers is computed by Manning's resistance equation or using the cross-sectional velocity distribution. Yet, Manning's equation is valid only for turbulent flow and no theoretical solutions and experiments are available for laminar, partially-filled pipe flow, although fully-filled pipe flow is well understood. This research solves the Navier–Stokes equations, using bipolar coordinates and the Fourier transform, for partially-filled pipe flow under steady uniform conditions, resulting in theoretical solutions for the cross-sectional velocity distribution, discharge, boundary shear stress and friction coefficient. Although the solutions are not tested with laminar flow data (a research need), they satisfy all boundary conditions and special cases. Particularly, their graphical interpretations agree qualitatively with related turbulent flow data, providing a benchmark for formulating analytical or empirical solutions for turbulent flow in the fut...
Neutral excited configuration of rare-gas atoms adsorbed on alkali metals

We report optical-excitation spectra of rare-gas atoms adsorbed on alkali-metal surfaces. The data were obtained with the use of differential reflectance methods with synchrotron radiation. Optical absorption appears to increase almost linearly from 0 at a well-defined excitation threshold energy that agrees quantitatively with the theoretical prediction for rare gases adsorbed on metals. The absorption continuum above threshold, for adsorbates distributed at dilution over the surface, is broken by the spin-orbit partner of the ${P}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ threshold process and by excitation to higher atomiclike configurations. Additional features which grow with coverage originate from adsorbate pairs. Both the threshold profile and pair peaks bear noticeable resemblance to the properties of rare-gas atoms alloyed into alkali metals, which have been investigated in earlier work. No theory is currently available to describe either the linear threshold profile or the pair peaks. The data establish unambiguously that the neutral excited rare-gas adsorbate configuration is created by the optical excitation, rather than the ionic configuration produced in photoemission work. These various properties are systematically described by a quantitative phenomenological model.
Host plants of some Rhinanthoideae ( Scrophulariaceae ) of eastern North America

Twenty three species in 11 genera were examined in the field to determine hosts. OnlyStriga asiatica andSeymeria cassioides have a narrow host range being restricted to grasses and pines, respectively. These are the only species which cause pronounced and sometimes serious host damage. The other species attach to a great diversity of hosts.
The quantitation of cyclazocine and its metabolites in human urine by use of gas-liquid chromatography

Abstract A method is described for the quantitative determination of cyclazocine and its N-dealkylated biotransformation product, norcyclazocine, in human urine. The method can also be used to estimate the levels of conjugated cyclazocine and norcyclazocine by measurement of the amount of these compounds released by acid hydrolysis. The compounds are recovered from urine by the use of solvent extraction and separated as their trifluoroacetyl derivatives by the use of gas-liquid chromatography. The levels of cyclazocine and metabolites were determined in the urine collected from two patients receiving 1.9 mg of cyclazocine every 12 h for the treatment of opiate dependence. Approximately 60% of the administered dose was recovered in patient urine as cyclazocine and metabolites. An average of 21% of the administered dose appeared in the urine as cyclazocine, 24% as conjugated cyclazocine, 4% as norcyclazocine and 11% as conjugated norcyclazocine.
In vivo distribution of chromium from chromium picolinate in rats and implications for the safety of the dietary supplement.

Chromium picolinate, [Cr(pic)3], is the second most popular nutritional supplement after calcium supplements. However, the supplement, unlike simple inorganic Cr(III) salts, has been shown in the p...
THE UTILIZATION OF IRON AND THE RAPIDITY OF HEMOGLOBIN FORMATION IN ANEMIA DUE TO BLOOD LOSS

The formation of hemoglobin in the anemic dog takes place at a very rapid rate. Radio-iron is detectable in the circulating red cells 4 hours after feeding. The absorbed labelled iron is entirely converted into hemoglobin within 4 to 7 days under standard anemic conditions. When red cell production has been accelerated by iron feeding or diet factors or when the dose of iron is very small, the dog can turn out as hemoglobin almost all the absorbed radio-iron in 2 to 3 days. In general, absorption of radio-iron as shown by utilization to form hemoglobin in anemic dogs is more efficient in small doses in single feeding experiments. As the iron intake is increased the percentage absorption rapidly falls.
Interaction of Indoleacrylic Acid with Trp Aporepressor from Escherichia coli

Abstract Trans -β-Indoleacrylic acid (IAA) binds with moderately high affinity to the dimeric protein, trp aporepressor from Escherichia coli . IAA is itself nonfluorescent, and, upon binding, IAA quenches ∼95% of the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence of the protein. Since there is an overlap between the absorbance of IAA and the emission of tryptophan, this quenching appears to be due to resonance energy transfer. To adequately fit binding isotherms, it was necessary to use a model in which the binding of IAA to one subunit is able to quench fluorescence from both subunits of the protein. This model also assumes that binding to the two subunits occurs independently. Binding data were obtained as a function of the concentration of trp aporepressor, over the range of 1 × 10 −8 to 5 × 10 −5 M, in order to test the possibility that protein subunit association or dissociation occurs. When analyzed in terms of the above model, no significant protein concentration dependence is seen for the IAA association constant, indicating that either (i) the protein does not undergo changes in oligomerization over this concentration range or that (ii) different states of aggregation bind IAA with similar affinity. The affinity of IAA was found to increase at higher ionic strength and at lower pH. Also, evidence is presented for a photoinduced change in the configuration of IAA.
Total antioxidant capacity and reactive oxygen species in amniotic fluid.

Abstract Objective To identify the presence and/or absence of reactive oxygen species and total antioxidant capacity in amniotic fluid and to determine changes in the levels of reactive oxygen species and total antioxidant capacity with advancing gestational age of pregnancy and fetal or neonatal weights. Methods Amniotic fluid was collected from a total of 26 nonsmoking patients. Nine specimens were collected in the third trimester of pregnancy, and 17 specimens were collected in the second trimester. Amniotic fluid reactive oxygen species and total antioxidant capacity levels were determined by chemiluminescence and spectrophotometric assays, respectively. Reactive oxygen species and total antioxidant capacity levels were established and then compared for advancing gestational ages and estimated fetal weights or neonatal weights. Results Reactive oxygen species levels were present in some but not all specimens, and total antioxidant capacity was present in all specimens. Total antioxidant capacity but not reactive oxygen species levels increased from the second to the third trimester (347.0 mmol/L versus 776.0 mmol/L, P Conclusion Total antioxidant capacity levels are present in amniotic fluid at least as early as the second trimester and increase with advancing gestational age and fetal or neonatal weights. Reactive oxygen species levels are not necessarily present in amniotic fluid, and they do not appear to be influenced by gestational age or estimated fetal or neonatal weights.
Generating and screening new products ideas

Abstract Opportunity identification is the initial stage in the new product development process where ideas for new products are generated and screened. A review of the nature of the opportunity identification process as it has been described in the literature is compared with some examples of opportunity identification processes in six industrial organizations. This comparison suggests that the opportunity identification process may be incomplete in describing opportunity identification in practice among succesful industrial firms.
Generalized predictive binary shape coding using polygon approximation

Abstract This paper introduces a new binary shape coding technique called generalized predictive shape coding (GPSC) to encode the boundary of a visual object compactly by using a vertex-based approach. GPSC consists of a contour pixel matching algorithm and a motion-compliant contour coding algorithm. The contour pixel matching algorithm utilizes the knowledge of previously decoded contours by using a uniform translational model for silhouette motion, and generalizes polygon approximation for lossless and lossy motion estimation by adjusting a tolerance parameter d max . To represent motion-compliant regions with minimum information in the transmitted bitstream, we develop a reference index-based coding scheme to represent the 2D positions of the matched segments using 1D reference contour indices. Finally, we encode the mismatched segments by sending residual polygons until the distortion is less than d max . While GPSC realizes polygon approximation exactly at every encoding stage, we can guarantee quality of service because the peak distortion is no greater than d max , and we improve coding efficiency as long as a silhouette complies with the model. The tolerance parameter d max can be assigned to each contour to smooth the transmitted data rate, which is especially useful for constant bandwidth channels. Compared with non-predictive approaches, simulation using MPEG-4 sequences demonstrates that GPSC not only improves objective gain but also enhances visual quality based on MPEG-4 subjective tests. The significance of GPSC is that it provides a generic framework for seamlessly extending conventional vertex coding schemes into the temporal domain yet it retains the advantages of existing polygon-based algorithms for visual content description while furnishing better geometric compression.
Investigation of selected ferroin-type compounds as fluorometric reagents Determination of zinc with 2-(4-methyl-2-pyridyl)-5(6)-phenylbenzimidazole.

Abstract In a search for new fluorometric reagents for trace metal determinations, forty different ferroin-type compounds and their silver, lead and zinc chelates were tested for luminescence in aqueous—ethanol solutions at various pH values. Twelve formed fluorescent chelates of potential analytical utility, and the results revealed some correlation between ligand structure and fluorescence. After identification of the most sensitive fluorometric reagent for zinc among those tested, a spectrophotofluorometric method for the determination of zinc was developed. Proper control of pH and reagent concentration allows determination of nanogram amounts of zinc.
Recurrent urinary tract infections in healthy and nonpregnant women

Recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTI) are prevalent and pose significant clinical challenges. Although the term RUTI has long been vaguely defined, a consensus definition has emerged in recent years. The exact etiology behind RUTI remains under debate, with valid arguments for both ascending reinfections as well as persistent infection inside the bladder. These persistent infections exist in the form of quiescent intracellular reservoirs in the mouse model and may represent a novel concept to explain UTI recurrence in humans. Manageable risk factors such as behavioral patterns alongside nonmanageable risk factors including genetic susceptibility are growing fields of investigation. Acute UTI have been studied through two model bacterial strains: Escherichia coli UTI89 and CFT073. However, the clinical relevance to RUTI of these two strains has not been firmly established. Current treatment strategies for RUTI are limited and remain dominated by antibiotic usage despite variable efficacy. The majority of studies in humans have focused on younger groups of women with little information available about the postmenopausal population despite a heightened risk of RUTI in this age group.
Viewsheds on terrains in external memory

Visibility is one of the fundamental problems on terrains. It is at the core of many applications, such as planning the placement of communication towers or watchtowers, planning buildings and roads such that they have a good view or such that they do not spoil somebody else's view, and finding routes on which you can travel while seeing a lot, or without being seen. A variety of problems pertaining to visibility have been researched in computational geometry and graphics, as well as in GIS and geospatial engineering.
Changes in sex-role attitudes and self-actualization of adult women following a consciousness-raising group

Changes in sex-role attitudes and self-actualization of adult women in a community college were examined following a consciousness-raising group. Participants viewed their own role and that of their ideal woman as more extrafamilial, became more inner-directed, and maintained a consistently positive attitude toward other women.
Predicting Language Outcomes for Young Prelinguistic Children With Developmental Delay

The purpose of this study was to examine potential relationships between children's prelinguistic communication behaviors and subsequent (12 months later) expressive and receptive language outcomes. Participants included 25 toddlers with developmental delay and their mothers. The dyads were observed during natural interactions at 6-month intervals over a 12-month period for a total of 3 observation points (O1, O2, O3). Children's rate of nonverbal behavior that is often perceived as communication by adults was identified at O1 and O2. In the investigation, the children's intentional nonverbal communication acts all included coordinated attention between the communication referent and the adult. The other types of prelinguistic communication behavior, termed gestural indicating behavior and social interaction signals, were produced without coordinated attention to the adult. Receptive and expressive language test scores and spontaneous word productions were analyzed at O3 and served as outcome measures in ...
Analysis and Synthesis of Tonal Aircraft Noise Sources

Fixed and rotary wing aircraft operations can have a significant impact on communities in proximity to airports. Simulation of predicted aircraft flyover noise, paired with listening tests, is useful to noise reduction efforts since it allows direct annoyance evaluation of aircraft or operations currently in the design phase. This paper describes efforts to improve the realism of synthesized source noise by including short term fluctuations, specifically for inlet-radiated tones resulting from the fan stage of turbomachinery. It details analysis performed on an existing set of recorded turbofan data to isolate inlet-radiated tonal fan noise, then extract and model short term tonal fluctuations using the analytic signal. Methodologies for synthesizing time-variant tonal and broadband turbofan noise sources using measured fluctuations are also described. Finally, subjective listening test results are discussed which indicate that time-variant synthesized source noise is perceived to be very similar to recordings.
Manipulation of human primary endothelial cell and osteoblast coculture ratios to augment vasculogenesis and mineralization

Tissue-engineering scaffolds are often seeded with a single type of cell, but there has been more focus on cocultures to improve angiogenesis and bone formation for craniofacial applications. Investigation of bone-derived osteoblasts (OBs) is important because of the use of bone grafts and migration of OBs from native bone into constructs in vivo and therefore, their contribution to bone formation in vivo. The limitation of primary OBs has been their inability to mineralize without osteogenic factors in vitro. Through coculture of OBs and endothelial cells (ECs) and manipulation of the coculture ratio, mineralization can be achieved without osteogenic media or additional growth factors, thus enhancing their utility for tissue-engineering applications. An optimal ratio of EC/OB for vasculogenesis and mineralization has not been determined for human primary cells. Human umbilical vein ECs were cultured with normal human primary OBs in different EC/OB ratios, namely, 10:1, 5:1, 1:1, 1:5, and 1:10 with EC and OB monocultures as controls. The number of vasculogenic networks in a collagen matrix was highest in ratios of 5:1 and 1:1. ECs lined up and formed capillary-like networks by day 10, which was not seen in the other groups. On polystyrene, cells were cocultured with ECs and OBs in direct contact (direct coculture) or separated by a transwell membrane (indirect coculture). At day 21, Alizarin Red staining showed mineralization on the 1:5 and 1:10 direct coculture ratios, with 1:5 having more mineralization nodules present than 1:10. No mineralization was seen in other direct coculture ratios or in any of the indirect coculture ratios. Alkaline phosphatase secretion was highest in the 1:5 direct coculture group. Vascular endothelial growth factor secretion from OBs was present in the 1:5 and 1:10 direct coculture ratios at all time points and inhibited after day 1 in other coculture groups. To improve vasculogenesis, cocultures of primary human ECs and OBs in ratios of 5:1 should be used, but to improve bone formation, the 1:5 direct coculture ratio results in most mineralization.
Recursive merge sort with erroneous comparisons

In this paper, we analyze the recursive merge sort algorithm and quantify the deviation of the output from the correct sorted order if the outcomes of one or more comparisons are in error. The disorder in the output sequence is quantified by four measures: the number of runs, the smallest number of integers that need to be removed to leave the sequence sorted, the number of inversions, and the smallest number of successive exchanges needed to sort the sequence. For input sequences whose length is large compared to the number of errors, a comparison is made between the robustness to errors of bubble sort, straight insertion sort, and recursive merge sort.
Noise in electromigrated nanojunctions

Noise measurements are a probe beyond simple electronic transport that can reveal additional information about electronic correlations and inelastic processes. Here we report noise measurements in individual electromigrated nanojunctions, examining the evolution from the many-channel regime to the tunneling regime, using a radio frequency technique. While we generally observe the dependence of noise on bias expected for shot noise, in approximately 12$%$ of junction configurations we find discrete changes in the bias dependence at threshold values of the bias, consistent with electronic excitation of local vibrational modes. Moreover, with some regularity we find significant mesoscopic variation in the magnitude of the noise in particular junctions even with small changes in the accompanying conductance. In another $\ensuremath{\sim}$17$%$ of junctions we observe pronounced asymmetries in the inferred noise magnitude as a function of bias polarity, suggesting that investigators should be concerned about current-driven ionic motion in the electrodes even at biases well below those used for deliberate electromigration.
Effect of Inlet Flow Angle on Performance of Multilouvered Fin Heat Exchangers

The effect of inlet flow angles on flat tube multilouvered fin heat exchangers is studied. Five inlet flow angles, α= ±25, ±45 and 0 degrees are employed with respect to the face of the heat exchanger. One louver angle θ = 25 degrees, and three fin pitches, Fp = 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 are considered. There is a strong correlation between the response of the flow efficiency and heat transfer coefficient to inlet flow angle. Positive flow angles, which are in the same direction as the louver angle, have to undergo a smaller rotation to be aligned with louver directed flow in the bank, and exhibit better performance characteristics than negative inlet flow angles. The first-order effect of inlet flow angles is to reduce the effective mass flow rate and Reynolds number through the heat exchanger. For positive flow angles and small fin pitches, the heat transfer coefficient correlates well with the effective Reynolds number {Reeff = Re(cosα)}. However, this is not the case when flow angles are negative and the fin pitch increases. Under these conditions, the Nusselt number deviates considerably from the effective Reynolds number analogy, with a subsequent loss in heat transfer capability. For large negative inlet flow angles (α = −45), the heat transfer coefficient drops as much as 50% for a fin pitch Fp = 2.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Superoxide dismutase: a photochemical augmentation assay.

Superoxide dismutases increase the rate of the aerobic photooxidation of dianisidine, sensitized by riboflavin. This rate enhancement appears to be due to the catalytic scavenging of O2−, which would otherwise nullify the overall photooxidation by reducing an intermediate oxidation state of the dianisidine. The effect of superoxide dismutase thus exposes a cyclical oxidation-reduction process, which would otherwise remain hidden from view. A sensitive and convenient augmentation assay for superoxide dismutase has been devised on the basis of this effect. It appears to be remarkably free of interferences and can be applied to crude soluble extracts of biological samples.
Studying the ethical implications of e-trust in the lab

The paper presents results of recent laboratory experiments that study if and how computer-mediated communication affects cooperation and trust. It is argued that communication medium does not matter much for trust-building and maintenance, whereas relevant pre-play communication and group size can have a major influence. The implications of the findings for the design of sites that depend on trusting communities are discussed.
Radioimmunoassay of Testosterone Without Chromatography

A globulin fraction rich in bound testosterone was separated from serum by ammonium sulfate precipitation. Testosterone and related steroids were quantitatively extracted from this fraction with a benzene petroleum ether mixture and measured by radioimmunoassay using testosterone-3-tyrosine methyl ester-125I and a specific antiserum elicited against testosterone-3-oxime bovine serum albumin. This assay procedure, which avoids chromatography and uses only one organic solvent extraction had blank values which approached zero. The within and between assay error, measured as the coefficient of variation was 7.8% (n = 64) and 8.2% (n = 15), respectively. The minimum amount of hormone per sample which can be measured with good reliability is 0.17 ng. This provides sufficient hormone to account for losses during the procedure, and to allow quadruplicate samples for radioimmunoassay and an aliquot for determining recovery. Although introduction of an additional thin layer chromatographic step was associated with ...
Access to indexed hierarchical databases using a relational query language

An efficient means of accessing indexed hierarchical databases using a relational query language is presented. The purpose is to achieve an effective sharing of heterogeneous distributed databases. Translation of hierarchical data to an equivalent relational data definition, translation of a relational query language statement to an equivalent program that can be processed by a hierarchical database management system, and automatic selection of secondary indexes of hierarchical databases are investigated. A major portion of the result has been implemented, and the performance of the implemented system is analyzed. The performance of the system is satisfactory for a wide range of test data and test queries. It is shown that the utilization of the secondary index significantly enhances the efficiency in accessing hierarchical databases. >
A survey of some design methods for random parameter systems

When a nonlinear system is subject to a disturbance that makes large amplitude, abrupt changes, control system design often becomes quite difficult. This paper discusses some control algorithms for systems of this type that are straightforward to evaluate and simple to implement. Where applicable, such controls provide a useful alternative to the more sophisticated, "dual" controllers.
Temporal and endocrine sequelae of aspirating follicular contents in rhesus monkeys

Aspiration of ovarian follicular contents in humans is a well-established procedure used to obtain oocytes for fertilization in vitro (IVF). However, the effects of aspiration on the menstrual cycle and resulting luteal function have been incompletely characterized. The present study was designed to investigate alterations in the temporal and endocrine characteristics of menstrual cycles following aspiration of contents of the dominant preovulatory follicle (DF) on day 10 of the cycle in normal rhesus monkeys. When aspiration was performed prior to the preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), cycle length was extended to 38.6 ± 8.6 [15] (x days ± SD, [n]), as compared to 29.5 ± 5.7 [8] days when the surge occurred before the time of aspiration. Mean and maximal amounts of progesterone (P) in the luteal phase and the number of days in which P-values were > 1 ng/ml were significantly greater when aspiration was performed prior to the surge of LH than for aspiration after this event. Laparoscopic observations made in the midluteal phase in animals of the former group demonstrated that the corpus luteum (CL was derived from a follicle other than the original DF which had been aspirated on day 10 of the menstrual cycle; observations in the latter group of animals indicated that the CL was derived from the DF.
Radiosurgery of Glomus Jugulare Tumors: A Meta-analysis

Purpose During the past two decades, radiosurgery has arisen as a promising approach to the management of glomus jugulare. In the present study, we report on a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available published data on the radiosurgical management of glomus jugulare tumors. Methods and Materials To identify eligible studies, systematic searches of all glomus jugulare tumors treated with radiosurgery were conducted in major scientific publication databases. The data search yielded 19 studies, which were included in the meta-analysis. The data from 335 glomus jugulare patients were extracted. The fixed effects pooled proportions were calculated from the data when Cochrane's statistic was statistically insignificant and the inconsistency among studies was Results Across all studies, 97% of patients achieved tumor control, and 95% of patients achieved clinical control. Eight studies reported a mean or median follow-up time of >36 months. In these studies, 95% of patients achieved clinical control and 96% achieved tumor control. The gamma knife, linear accelerator, and CyberKnife technologies all exhibited high rates of tumor and clinical control. Conclusions The present study reports the results of a meta-analysis for the radiosurgical management of glomus jugulare. Because of its high effectiveness, we suggest considering radiosurgery for the primary management of glomus jugulare tumors.
Myeloid suppressor cells and immune modulation in lung cancer

Many tumors, including lung cancers, promote immune tolerance to escape host immune surveillance and facilitate tumor growth. Tumors utilize numerous pathways to inhibit immune responses, including the elaboration of immune-suppressive mediators such as PGE2, TGF-β, IL-10, VEGF, GM-CSF, IL-6, S100A8/A9 and SCF, which recruit and/or activate myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MDSCs, a subset of heterogeneous bone marrow-derived hematopoietic cells, are found in the peripheral blood of cancer patients and positively correlate to malignancy. Solid tumors contain MDSCs that maintain an immune-suppressive network in the tumor microenvironment. This review will focus on the interaction of tumors with MDSCs that lead to dysregulation of antigen presentation and T-cell activities in murine tumor models. Specific genetic signatures in lung cancer modulate the activities of MDSCs and impact tumor progression. Targeting MDSCs may have a long-term antitumor benefit and is at the forefront of anticancer therapeutic strategies.
The origins of the SPAR-H method’s performance shaping factor multipliers

The Standardized Plant Analysis Risk-Human Reliability Analysis (SPAR-H) method has proved to be a reliable, easy-to-use method for human reliability analysis. Calculation of human error probability (HEP) rates is especially straightforward, starting with pre-defined nominal error rates for cognitive vs. action oriented tasks, and incorporating performance shaping factor (PSF) multipliers upon those nominal error rates. SPAR-H uses eight PSFs with multipliers typically corresponding to nominal, degraded, and severely degraded human performance for individual PSFs. Additionally, some PSFs feature multipliers to reflect enhanced performance. Although SPAR-H enjoys widespread use among industry and regulators, current source documents on SPAR-H such as NUREG/CR-6883 do not provide a clear account of the origin of these multipliers. The present paper redresses this shortcoming and documents the historic development of the SPAR-H PSF multipliers, from the initial use of nominal error rates, to the selection of the eight PSFs, to the mapping of multipliers to available data sources such as a Technique for Human Error Rate Prediction (THERP). Where error rates were not readily derived from THERP and other sources, expert judgment was used to extrapolate appropriate values. In documenting key background information on the multipliers, this paper provides a much needed cross-reference for human reliability practitioners and researchers of SPAR-H to validate analyses and research findings.
Dipolarization: A consequence of substorm expansion onset

Dipolarization observed in the near-Earth plasma sheet can be initiated by the substorm expansion onset. Field-aligned currents at the substorm expansion onset are enhanced first in the ionosphere in response to an enhanced magnetospheric convection. Closure of substorm field-aligned currents through the plasma sheet can disrupt the cross-tail current to cause dipolarization in the plasma sheet. The electric field induced by the current disruption can launch a fast-mode compression wave to result in the plasma injection event. A new X line can form tailward of the dipolarization region during the substorm expansion phase. A timing sequence of substorm events is inferred from the proposed conceptual model of substorms based on the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling process on the Alfven bounce time scale.
Thermal and Electric Field-Dependent Evolution of Domain Structures in Polycrystalline BaTiO3 Using the 3D-XRD Technique

The evolution of ferroelectric domain structures inside a single grain embedded in a polycrystalline BaTiO3 ceramic was investigated under temperature and electric field using the three-dimensional X-ray diffraction (3D-XRD) method. The orientation of domains within the grain was studied during the phase transformation from the cubic to tetragonal crystal structure. The peak widths broadened from 0.10 ± 0.01 ∘ to 0.29 ± 0.08 ∘ along the azimuthal direction during cooling. Four individual tetragonal domain structures were developed from the cubic grain. A twinning model based on { 101 } habit planes is discussed. While the twinning model predicts 89.47 ∘ misorientation between 90 ∘ domains and 1.049 ∘ misorientation between domain variants, the measured misorientations neither support the twinning model nor are the domain structures mutually orthogonal. The average misorientation of the domain structures at room temperature with respect to the cubic grain was about 0.3 ∘ . Upon application of an electric field, the volume fractions of the domain structures changed systematically favoring growth of domain structures with small polarization angle with respect to applied field direction. No rotation of domain structures was observed upon application of an electric field which is consistent with domain boundary migration.
Malaria environmental risk assessment in Eritrea

Agroclimactic data and growing degree day-water balance spatial analysis were used to describe potential risk of malaria based on climate suitability for the Plasmodium falciparum-Anopheles arabiensis (Patton) system in Eritrea. A model based on monthly accumulation of the product of two climate gradients, growing degree days (mean temperature-16/spl deg/C base temperature) and the ratio of monthly rain/potential evapotranspiration (R/PET) was most significantly correlated with infection prevalence data from a 2000-2001 survey of malaria at 173 sites in Eritrea. Results indicate: 1) optimum conditions for malaria transmission occur at sites with moderate temperatures (20-30/spl deg/C) and 6-11 potential malaria generations per year during months in which soil moisture exceeds a threshold of 20% of holding capacity, 2) additional consideration of a hydrologic gradient (R/PET), with thermal factors, most accurately reflected field malaria risk, 3) there is a need to systematically account for heat stress at high temperatures that result in decreasing suitability for propagation and transmission of malaria, and 4) marked differences in seasonality of transmission pattern found in Eritrea can be predicted, using growing degree day-water balance models. As a regional-scale component of more comprehensive risk assessment methods, the climate-based models developed ay enable future near real-time disease prediction and intervention by health system managers.
Screening for kidney disease in vascular patients: SCreening for Occult REnal Disease (SCORED) experience

Background. SCreening for Occult REnal Disease (SCORED) is a novel screening guideline recently developed to identify individuals with a high likelihood of having prevalent chronic kidney disease (CKD). This simple scoring system, developed from general US representative samples and independently validated, was shown to outperform current clinical practice guidelines. Recently, CKD screening in individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been emphasized. We therefore evaluated the SCORED model in CVD patients in order to better understand the implications of CKD screening in this population. Methods. Two clinical trials that enrolled patients with heart attack (N = 2481) or stroke (N = 3680) were combined to create our sample. The performance of the SCORED guideline was evaluated by standard diagnostic measures. Correlations among various risk scores and their predictive abilities for recurrent CVD were ascertained. Results. For heart attack and stroke patients, respectively, the SCORED guideline yielded sensitivity of 94 and 97%, specificity of 27 and 11%, positive predictive value of 32 and 30%, negative predictive value of 93 and 89%, with AUC of 0.75 and 0.68. SCORED was strongly correlated with other risk scores and exhibited a similar performance in the prediction of recurrent CVD. Conclusions. The higher risk of CKD in CVD patients with high SCORED values is demonstrated. This simple education and screening tool may help promote awareness of CKD in CVD patients, in addition to general populations, and assess the CKD risk and its relationship with recurrent CVD.
Text in the City: Implementation of a clinic-based text messaging program to educate and inform

AbstractText messaging has become the primary method of communication among teenagers and young adults. Cell phone owners between the ages of 18 and 24 exchange an average of 109.5 messages on a normal day; this suggests that text messaging may play a role in communication between adolescent patients and their healthcare providers. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of a text messaging program for complimenting a clinical visit and augmenting health education in an adolescent healthcare setting. An integrated texting platform included three components: birth control reminders, health education messages, and a 'chat' function. Of the 700 patients made aware of the program in a 6-month period, 42% (291/700) used text messaging at least once for birth control adherence or educational purposes. The ability for patients to text questions confidentially and anonymously was popular with many questions requesting information about proper use of birth control. The study showed that text messa...
Pathophysiology of Metabolic Alkalosis: A New Classification Based on the Centrality of Stimulated Collecting Duct Ion Transport

Metabolic alkalosis is a unique acid-base disorder because it can be induced and sustained by functional alterations in renal ion transport. This review summarizes more than 50 years of research into the pathophysiologic processes causing this disorder. The evidence reviewed supports the hypothesis that virtually all forms of metabolic alkalosis are sustained by enhanced collecting duct hydrogen ion secretion, induced by stimulation of sodium uptake through the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). Enhanced collecting duct hydrogen ion secretion in metabolic alkalosis occurs most commonly secondary to changes in ion transport earlier along the nephron, but also can occur as the result of primary stimulation of ENaC. In both these settings, potassium secretion is stimulated, and abnormal potassium losses cause depletion of body potassium stores. Potassium depletion has a key role in sustaining metabolic alkalosis by stimulating renal hydrogen ion secretion, enhancing renal ammonium production and excretion, and downregulating sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle and early distal tubule. A new classification of the causes of metabolic alkalosis is proposed based on these pathophysiologic events rather than response to treatment.
Aplastic Anemia: Management of Pediatric Patients

Aplastic anemia is a term describing the common findings of pancytopenia and marrow hypoplasia arising from a variety of disease states, including acquired aplastic anemia and a variety of congenital marrow failure states. The management of children with these disorders has been confounded by difficulties of diagnosis. The availability of molecular testing has assisted in partial resolution of this problem but has raised new issues, such as the potential of genetic predisposition and the management of asymptomatic individuals with molecular markers. Longitudinal data from large cohort studies and disease registries are providing a rational basis for making more informed treatment decisions for children with these disorders. In particular, the ability to subset patients more accurately has improved triage of treatments. Approaches to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT), using both conventional and alternative donors, are changing rapidly, and the long-term sequelae of newer approaches are not entirely clear. Improved diagnosis and longer survival have fostered an understanding of the multidisciplinary approach necessary to manage both the underlying problems and the significant sequelae of treatment in both acquired and congenital disease.
Hydrographic and particle distributions over the Palos Verdes continental shelf: Spatial, seasonal and daily variability

Moorings and towyo mapping were used to study the temporal and spatial variability of physical processes and suspended particulate material over the continental shelf of the Palos Verdes Peninsula in southwestern Los Angeles, California during the late summer of 1992 and winter of 1992–93. Seasonal evolution of the hydrographic structure is related to seasonal atmospheric forcing. During summer, stratification results from heating of the upper layer. Summer insolation coupled with the stratification results in a slight salinity increase nearsurface due to evaporation. Winter cooling removes much of the upper layer stratification, but winter storms can introduce sufficient quantities of freshwater into the shelf water column again adding stratification through the buoyancy input. Vertical mixing of the low salinity surface water deeper into the water column decreases the sharp nearsurface stratification and reduces the overall salinity of the upper water column. Moored conductivity measurements indicate that the decreased salinity persisted for at least 2 months after a major storm with additional freshwater inputs through the period. Four particulate groups contributed to the suspended particulate load in the water column: phytoplankton, resuspended sediments, and particles in treated sewage effluent were observed in every towyo mapping cruise; terrigenous particles are introduced through runoff from winter rainstorms. Terrigenous suspended particulate material sinks from the water column in <9 days and phytoplankton respond to the stormwater input of buoyancy and nutrients within the same period. The suspended particles near the bottom have spatially patchy distributions, but are always present in hydrographic surveys of the shelf. Temporal variations in these particles do not show a significant tidal response, but they may be maintained in suspension by internal wave and tide processes impinging on the shelf.
Quantum-limited timing jitter in actively modelocked lasers

The quantum-limited timing jitter of actively modelocked lasers is set by the balance between amplified spontaneous emission and restoring forces provided by modulation and optical filtering. We present theory and experimental results for a fiber laser and an external-cavity semiconductor laser. We also show a scheme for reducing timing jitter using GVD and phase modulation.
Effect of thyroid status on succinate oxidation by various tissues of the rat.

IT HAS been known since the work of Dye and Maughan (1929) that the succinoxidase activity of skeletal muscle was diminished by thyroidectomy. Several groups of workers have shown liver succinoxidase to be sensitive to the absence or presence in excess of the thyroid hormone in the same direction as the energy metabolism (cf. Barker, 1951). In contrast, brain succinoxidase was reported by Rossiter (1940) to be unchanged by administration in vivo of desiccated thyroid, just as the oxygen consumption of this tissue was unaltered in experimental hyperthyroidism. Recent work has revealed that other tissues, like brain, exhibit no variation in energy metabolism under the influence of thyroxine or thyroidectomy (Barker and Schwartz, 1953). In order to determine how consistent the correlation between changes in oxygen consumption and succinoxidase activity would be, the present series of experiments was undertaken, employing tissues with and without oxygen consumption responses to thyroid status.
Abdominal multi-organ localization on contrast-enhanced CT based on maximum a posteriori probability and minimum volume overlap

Multi-organ localization is required for many automated abdominal organ analysis tasks. We recently developed an automated organ localization method, which used an MAP framework, and applied it to non-contrast CT images. This method failed to localize smaller organs such as kidneys in some image data because it did not respect the spatial relationship among multiple organs. To address the problem, we extend the framework by modeling the inter-organ spatial relations using a minimum volume overlap constraint and incorporating it into the MAP framework. The method was validated on 17 contrast-enhanced CT images and identified correctly the liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys in all data sets. The new method is more robust to organ pose variations, computationally fast, and improved significantly the localization of kidneys.
Tutorial on the uses of the interval type-2 fuzzy set’s Wavy Slice Representation Theorem

This tutorial paper demonstrates how the Wavy Slice Representation Theorem (RT) for a general type-2 fuzzy set (T2 FS), when specialized to an interval T2 FS (IT2 FS), can be used as the starting point to solve many diverse problems that involve IT2 FSs. The problems considered are: Set theoretic operations, centroid, uncertainty measures, similarity, inference engine computations for Mamdani IT2 fuzzy logic systems, and linguistic weighted average. Each solution obtained from the RT is a structural solution but is not a computational solution, however the latter are always found from the former. It is this author's recommendation that one should use the RT as a starting point whenever solving a new problem involving IT2 FSs, because it has had such great success in solving so many such problems in the past.
Direct Peritoneal Resuscitation Improves Inflammation, Liver Blood Flow, and Pulmonary Edema in a Rat Model of Acute Brain Death

Background Brain death in organ donors alters central hemodynamic performance, impairs physiology, exaggerates inflammation, and causes end-organ microcirculatory dysfunction and hypoxia. A new treatment, direct peritoneal resuscitation (DPR), might improve these derangements in acute brain death (ABD). Study Design We studied a standardized rodent model of brain death with matched controls to assess the efficacy of DPR as a resuscitation strategy after ABD. Anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized as follows: ABD (supradural balloon inflation) with minimal IV fluid (IVF; 2 mL/h, n = 12); ABD + adequate IVF (5 mL/h, n = 12); ABD with aggressive IVF (goal: mean arterial pressure [MAP] >80 mmHg, n = 15); or ABD + IVF + DPR (goal: MAP >80 mmHg, n = 12). Ventilation support, IVF, and DPR were started at loss of reflexes, and MAP, heart rate, and effective hepatic blood flow were recorded. Results High IVF and DPR prevented mortality (0%) compared with low IVF (81.8%) or mid IVF (16.7%). Effective hepatic blood flow was decreased in low and mid IVF (2.8 ± 0.3 mL/min/g body weight and 4.0 ± 0.5 mL/min/g body weight, respectively) vs baseline, but was stable in high IVF (6.2 ± 0.5 mL/min/g body weight; NS) or improved with DPR (8.6 ± 0.7 mL/min/g body weight). The high-IVF group had significant organ edema, which was prevented in the DPR group. The mid-IVF and low-IVF groups had higher serum markers of organ injury compared with high-IVF or DPR groups. The high-IVF group had elevated inflammatory cytokines compared with the DPR group. Conclusions Direct peritoneal resuscitation improved survival and effective hepatic blood flow, required less IVF to stabilize blood pressure, prevented organ edema, and normalized fluid electrolyte balance compared with IVF-alone groups. Direct peritoneal resuscitation in animals reduced inflammatory response after ABD compared with IVF-alone controls. These data suggest a potential role for DPR in organ donors to stabilize donors and possibly increase the number of organs suitable for transplantation per donor.