cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scheduling irrigations for soybeans with the crop water stress index (CWSI).

Abstract A Crop Water Stress Index ( CWSI ) has been related to water use and plant water-stress parameters, but irrigation scheduling based on CWSI values has only been reported for corn and wheat. The objectives of this study were to evaluate irrigation scheduling of soybean ( Glycine max L. Merrill) with CWSI as computed from measurements of infrared canopy temperature, air temperature, and vapor-pressure deficit, and to determine if amount of water applied per irrigation influenced water use and yield obtained from irrigation scheduling by CWSI . Soybeans were grown in field plots with drip irrigation (25 mm water per irrigation) and under a rainout shelter with flood irrigation (25 or 51 mm water per irrigation). Irrigations were initiated when CWSI reached threshold values of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6. Analysis of the data showed the CWSI baseline equation to be incorrect. A new baseline was computed and reanalysis of the CWSI data showed true irrigation thresholds had been 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5. These four threshold values resulted in total irrigation amounts of 181, 180, 174, and 145 mm applied to the drip-irrigated plots, respectively. Under the rainout shelter, total irrigation amounts of 347, 271, 195, and 195 mm when 25 mm was applied per irrigation, and 406, 356, 356, and 305 mm when 51 mm was applied per irrigation, resulted from the 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 CWSI thresholds, respectively. Respective yields for these plots were 2656, 2566, 2430, and 2189 kg ha −1 for the drip-irrigated plots, 3375, 2826, 2435, and 2365 kg ha −1 for the rainout-shelter plots with 25 mm per irrigation, and 3575, 3551, 3110, and 2108 kg ha −1 for the rainout-shelter plots with 51 mm per irrigation. Under deficit-irrigation conditions the relationship between CWSI , soil water content, and leaf water-potential appears to change. Knowing how much water to apply per irrigation is important information for effectively using CWSI to schedule irrigations in soybeans. Cloudy sky conditions do not occur with sufficient frequency in the central Great Plains to inhibit the timely use of the infrared thermometer for irrigation scheduling.
Becoming widowed: Rural widows in lower Austria, 1788–1848

This article discusses the characteristics of widowhood in early 19th-century Austria, focusing on the sources of economic support. Higher proportions of the widowed population were found in inmate than in tenant households, and more women than men were widowed. Widows were more likely to live on their own than adults in general were, indicating that many widows could support their households from their own resources. For 40% of the widows, however, familial support was available in the form of a coresident extended household. Tenant households with greater resources at their disposal were better able to offer this form of support than inmate households. Less than 1% of tenant widows lived alone. Longitudinal data were analyzed to determine the relative frequency with which tenant and inmate widows succeeded their late husbands as household heads, remarried, or retired to become the mothers or mothers-in-law of the new household heads.
Photon correlation spectroscopy of the polarization signal from single muscle fibres.

Measurements of crossbridge dynamics have been obtained from the spectrum of diffracted light derived from single, skinned fibres of skeletal muscle. This technique combines optical ellipsometry with photon correlation spectroscopy of the intrinsic reporters from the muscle cell. The difference in the intensities of the two linearly polarized electric field components of diffracted light is autocorrelated in time, and the dynamics of optical anisotropy from the contributing units of the sarcomere are measured. In focusing on the fast-time dynamics, we detected two principal features: a rapidly relaxing temporal signal with a relaxation time of approximately 5 μs, and an oscillatory component which transforms into a broad but spectrally defined signal centred at around 370 kHz. Experiments were conducted to measure changes of these two signals upon relax-rigor transition andα-chymotrypsin degradation. These studies strongly suggest that the relaxational component of the signal is primarily due to myosin crossbridge motion; the 370 kHz spectral signal has as its likely source the myosin thick filament.
An Experiment in Cooperative Child Care

: Neither traditional day care nor a proprietary preschool, this parent-organized and operated day care center arose out of the needs of a group of parents and their children. The cost is less than traditional day care, and infants can be enrolled. The program is developed and carried out by parents. The results are that the children develop a sense of self and community, and they get experience in learning and relating to others, while their parents get free time to follow their own interests.
High densities of cold atoms in a dark spontaneous-force optical trap.

A new magneto-optical trap is demonstrated which confines atoms predominantly in a ``dark'' hyperfine level, that does not interact with the trapping light. This leads to much higher atomic densities as repulsive forces between atoms due to rescattered radiation are reduced and trap loss due to excited-state collisions is diminished. In such a trap, more than ${10}^{10}$ sodium atoms have been confined to densities approaching ${10}^{12}$ atoms ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$.
Kinetic modeling of phase selection during non-equilibrium solidification of a tungsten–carbon system

Abstract A dynamic computational model developed within the context of the classical theory of phase evolution was applied to the W–C system to simulate the kinetics of phase selection during non-equilibrium solidification at 50%-C between the thermodynamically stable WC and the metastable WC1−x and W2C. The kinetic variables used in the model are directly obtained from the free energy formulations that characterize the stable and metastable equilibria amongst participating phases. The isothermal kinetic analysis suggests that at low to moderate undercoolings, thermodynamic stability prevails, while at deep undercoolings (∼1000 K) the crystallization of W2C completes faster than the more thermodynamically stable WC1−x and almost as fast as WC. The non-isothermal kinetic analysis suggests that thermodynamic stability prevails under moderate to high cooling rates (e.g. 104−106 K/s), however under ultra-high cooling rates (e.g. 108 K/s), the crystallization of WC1−x and W2C completes at nearly the same undercooling as that of WC.
The role of aquatic moss on community composition and drift of fish-food organisms

Macroinvertebrate density, biomass and drift were studied from moss-covered and moss-free channels in the South Fork Salmon River, Idaho. Insect densities were compared for 10 different substrate types and locations involving moss (Fontinalis neo-mexicana), sand, pebbles and cobbles. An ANOVA test demonstrated that insect densities varied significantly with substrate type (P < 0.05), and that total insect density in moss clumps differed significantly from densities in mineral substrates. Insect densities were 4–18 times greater in moss clumps than in mineral substrates under and adjacent to moss; sands under moss supported the lowest densities. During most tests, densities in pebble and cobble substrates adjacent to moss clumps were not significantly different from those found in similar substrates in the moss-free channel. The 20% moss-covered channel had 1.6 to 7.2 greater insect density and 1.4 to 6.1 greater biomass than did the moss-free channel for the tests conducted. Generally, midges (Chironomidae) made up over 50% of the insect community; annelids were the principal non-insect invertebrates. In spite of greater insect density and biomass in a moss-covered than in the moss-free channel, we did not demonstrate universally increased drift of the immature stages from the moss-covered channel, at least during daylight hours. As a consequence, we infer that salmonid fishes, feeding primarily on drifting insects during the daytime, may not derive increased caloric benefit from moss habitats until the insects emerge as adults.
Level-I orthopaedic trauma care: a model for longevity.

Affiliation with a level-I trauma center imposes a heavy burden on any orthopaedic practice. This burden is manifested in the required trauma call; the issues centered on providing appropriate, timely care for trauma patients; and, finally, in the financial disincentive to providing trauma care1,2. These issues are expanded in terms of the required commitments to achieve success, including institutional support, support from the academic department chairman, and dedication from all members of the orthopaedic practice2-5. Although certainly not unique, the system developed at our medical center has demonstrated efficient, high-level care for patients with musculoskeletal injury. It has improved our ability to generate revenue for the department, and it has prevented “burnout” or turnover of the musculoskeletal traumatologists. We describe this model as an example of a system that has worked well in a level-I academic trauma center. Elaboration on the difficulties associated with level-I trauma care is required to fully appreciate the success of our program. Required trauma call places considerable demands on individual orthopaedic surgeons. Trauma and injury occur throughout the day with no respect for work, family, or sleep schedules. Often the injuries require immediate evaluation and prompt surgical intervention. In light of a busy practice, the disruption caused by the need to provide immediate trauma care can result in the cancellation of elective surgeries or office visits. It can further disrupt already compromised family time. Off-hours care may drain the physician for the next day, as well as potentially compromise the outcome for the patient6,7. Finally, patients with nonemergent conditions who move to the “add-on” schedule the following day further extend the time commitment for trauma call and the frustration related to trauma care. To expand on these issues, the effect of trauma care …
The relationship between chemical structure and elution position in an anion exchange system

Abstract The elution positions of 114 reference compounds have been determined in the high-resolution anion exchange system being developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the analysis of body fluids. Compounds of the pyrimidine, amino acid, imidiazole, purine, pyridine, indole, quinaldic, and benzoic families of compounds and their derivatives elute in the approximate order of listing; however, extensive overlapping occurs. From consideration of the chemical family, the attached functional groups, the position of the attached functional groups, and the extent of conjugation, it is possible to make useful predictions of the elution positions of known compounds. The regularities noted have been useful in predicting the elution position of known compounds and identifying compounds responsible for peaks. Predictions of peak positions are best made where related members of the same family have been tested.
p̄-p Cross Sections from 534 to 1068 Mev

Measurements of the p-p, elastic, inelastic, and charge-exchange cross sections are reported for antiproton energies of 534, 700, 816, 948, and 1068 Mev. The total cross section remains large with respect to N-N cross sections in the same energy range. A schematic diagram of the experimental setup is given. The 6-Bev internal proton beam of the Bevatron impinged on a carbon or polyethylene target at one of three different target positions. (W.D.M.)
Intracrystalline Porosity--A Newly Discovered Pore Type in Dolostone Reservoirs and Implications for Dedolomitization and Pseudospiculites: ABSTRACT

Intracrystalline porosity consists of hollow dolomite crystals. It forms when anhydrite, which had replaced cores of dolomite crystals, was dissolved. Significant volumes of intracrystalline porosity have been preserved in subsurface Permian dolostones of the Permian basin and in outcrops of Lower Cretaceous dolostones of Texas. Anhydrite can be seen replacing organic-rich cores of dolomite crystals in Permian and Jurassic (Smackover) dolostones. Dolomite crystals, which replace original carbonate, commonly appear cloudy because of organic inclusions. After dolomitization, continued flux of the dolomitizing fluid causes precipitation of clear rims on the "cloudy" crystals. Anhydrite tends to replace the organic-rich cores, leaving the clear epitaxial rims to form "pill box" structures. When anhydrite was dissolved, many hollow dolomite crystals collapsed and fragments became transported as vadose internal sediment. Obtuse and acute angles of these hollow dolomite rims superficially resemble sponge spicules, and pseudospiculites are layers of vadose internal sediment in which numerous fragments of hollow dolomite rims have been deposited in solution channels. Hollow dolomite crystals and pseudospiculites constitute evidence for disconformity and also represent subtle indications of vanished sulfates. In many instances, calcite cement was precipitated within intracrystalline pores and is misinterpreted as partial dedolomitization. Such calcite cement can be distinguished from dedolomite, because the calcite is not syntaxial with dolomite rims, as it would be in dedolomitization. In some Permian dolostone intervals, intracrystalline porosity is the predominant pore type. Molds formed by dissolution of replacement porphyroblasts and nodules of anhydrite also commonly were formed along with intracrystalline pores and all represent tertiary (third order) voids. End_of_Article - Last_Page 491------------
Adjustable nasal transposition of split lateral rectus muscle for third nerve palsy.

Importance Third nerve palsy causes disfiguring, incomitant strabismus with limited options for correction. Objective To evaluate the oculomotor outcomes, anatomical changes, and complications associated with adjustable nasal transposition of the split lateral rectus (LR) muscle, a novel technique for managing strabismus associated with third nerve palsy. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective medical record review appraising outcomes of 6 consecutive patients with third nerve palsy who underwent adjustable nasal transposition of the split LR muscle between 2010 and 2012 with follow-up of 5 to 25 months at a tertiary referral center. Intervention Adjustable nasal transposition of the split LR muscle. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was postoperative horizontal and vertical alignment. Secondary outcomes were (1) appraising the utility of adjustable positioning, (2) demonstrating the resultant anatomical changes using magnetic resonance imaging, and (3) identifying associated complications. Results Four of 6 patients successfully underwent the procedure. Of these, 3 patients achieved orthotropia. Median preoperative horizontal deviation was 68 prism diopters of exotropia and median postoperative horizontal deviation was 0 prism diopters ( P = .04). Two patients had preoperative vertical misalignment that resolved with surgery. All 4 patients underwent intraoperative adjustment of LR positioning. Imaging demonstrated nasal redirection of each half of the LR muscle around the posterior globe, avoiding contact with the optic nerve; the apex of the split sat posterior to the globe. One patient had transient choroidal effusion and undercorrection. Imaging revealed, in this case, the apex of the split in contact with the globe at an anterolateral location, suggesting an inadequate posterior extent of the split. In 2 patients, the surgical procedure was not completed because of an inability to nasally transpose a previously operated-on LR muscle. Conclusions and Relevance Adjustable nasal transposition of the split LR muscle can achieve excellent oculomotor alignment in some cases of third nerve palsy. The adjustable modification allows optimization of horizontal and vertical alignment. Imaging confirms that the split LR muscle tethers the globe, rotating it toward primary position. Case selection is critical because severe LR contracture, extensive scarring from prior strabismus surgery, or inadequate splitting of the LR muscle may reduce the likelihood of success and increase the risk of sight-threatening complications. Considering this uncertainty, more experience is necessary before widespread adoption of this technique should be considered.
Coercive versus cooperative pollution control: Comparative study of state programs to reduce erosion and sedimentation pollution in urban areas

This article examines coercive and cooperative approaches to implementing state urban erosion and sedimentation pollution control programs. State administrators report serious shortfalls in their ability to control sources of pollution, but comparison of more and less successful programs provides evidence of what states can do to make programs more effective. Key ingredients for a successful state effort include the use of coercion with both the private sector and local government, adequate staffing, application of severe sanctions when violations of state standards are detected, and provision of technical assistance. Many state programs lack one or more of those elements, which explains their inability to adequately control urban erosion and sedimentation pollution.
Interfacial chemistry effects on the adhesion of sputter-deposited TiC films to steel substrates

Abstract The adhesion of sputter-deposited polycrystalline TiC films, 1–7 μm thick, to steel substrates has been investigated as a function of interfacial chemistry. It was found that adhesion between immiscible TiC and steel phases could be enhanced by the use of bias sputtering coupled with the introduction of a small amount of O 2 into the argon discharge during formation of the interfacial layer (the O 2 flow was valved off during the growth of bulk TiC). This resulted in the formation of a wide, up to about 150 nm thick, compositionally mixed interface with, at higher O 2 partial pressures, intermediate phases of FeTiO 3 and TiO 2 . Maximum adhesion, however, was obtained by adjusting the O 2 partial pressure in the presence of the substrate bias to obtain a chemically graded TiC x O 1- x layer, rather than rutile structure TiO 2 , exhibiting complete solid solubility with adjacent phases. Using this technique, the interfacial shear strength was approximately 9 × 10 10 dyn cm -2 , of the order of the critical shear strength of the 4140 steel substrate.
Atomistic simulations of elastic deformation and dislocation nucleation during nanoindentation

Nanoindentation experiments have shown that microstructural inhomogeneities across the surface of gold thin films lead to position-dependent nanoindentation behavior [Phys. Rev. B (2002), to be submitted]. The rationale for such behavior was based on the availability of dislocation sources at the grain boundary for initiating plasticity. In order to verify or refute this theory, a computational approach has been pursued. Here, a simulation study of the initial stages of indentation using the embedded atom method (EAM) is presented. First, the principles of the EAM are given, and a comparison is made between atomistic simulations and continuum models for elastic deformation. Then, the mechanism of dislocation nucleation in single crystalline gold is analyzed, and the effects of elastic anisotropy are considered. Finally, a systematic study of the indentation response in the proximity of a high angle, high sigma (low symmetry) grain boundary is presented; indentation behavior is simulated for varying indenter positions relative to the boundary. The results indicate that high angle grain boundaries are a ready source of dislocations in indentation-induced deformation.
Risk Assessment of Juvenile Sex Offenders: A Case Report

ABSTRACT Juvenile sex offenders have received increased scrutiny in recent years. They present significant dispositional problems for the courts and for social service agencies. Numerous disposition decisions are made based on considerations of risk of sexual reoffense. However, little empirical data exist regarding identified recidivism risk factors for this population. Massachusetts' legal standards require a finding of a “likelihood of serious harm” in order for juveniles to be retained by the Department of Youth Services beyond their eighteenth birthdays. There is a limited understanding of juvenile sex offender recidivism risk factors; yet, risk assessments of this type are statutorily required. This article presents an illustrative Massachusetts case and discusses limitations inherent in such an assessment.
Who Needs Stem Cells if You Can Dedifferentiate

Regenerative mechanisms involving either stem cell differentiation or dedifferentiation of mature cells have been described in various systems, but the relationship between such disparate mechanisms is unclear. Two recent papers, one by Sandoval-Guzman et al. (2013) and one by Tata et al. (2013), address fundamental questions about the universality of reparative regeneration and whether mammals share any properties seen in lower vertebrates.
Effects of LI + on the metabolism in brain of glutamate, glutamine, aspartate and GABA from (1- 14 C)acetate in vitro.

Summary Guinea pig brain slices were incubated in media in which Li + replaced part of the Na + . Leakage of glutamic acid, glutamine, aspartic acid and GABA into the media were increased markedly; glutamic acid was most affected. The uptake of [1- 14 C]acetate was decreased in the presence of Li + . Of the amino acids related to the citric acid cycle the labeling of glutamine was most affected. The presence of 100% O 2 counteracts in part the Li + effects. The results were interpretable on the basis of the compartmentation of citric acid cycle metabolism in brain. It is suggested that the pool of ‘transmitter’ glutamate is related to the small pool of glutamate which actively labels glutamine.
Boundary control, stabilization and zero-pole dynamics for a non-linear distributed parameter system

In this work we show that the now standard lumped non-linear enhancement of root-locus design still persists for a non-linear distributed parameter boundary control system governed by a scalar viscous Burgers' equation. Namely, we construct a proportional error boundary feedback control law and show that closed-loop trajectories tend to trajectories of the open-loop zero dynamics as the gain parameters are increased to infinity. We also prove a robust version of this result, valid for perturbations by an unknown disturbance with arbitrary L2 norm. For the controlled Burgers' equation forced by a disturbance we prove that, for all initial data in L2(0, 1), the closed-loop trajectories converge in L2(0, 1), uniformly in t∈[0, T] and in H1(0, 1), uniformly in t∈[t0, T] for any t0>0, to the trajectories of the corresponding perturbed zero dynamics. We have also extended these results to include the case when additional boundary controls are included in the closed-loop system. This provides a proof of convergence of trajectories in case the zero dynamics is replaced by a non-homogeneous Dirichlet boundary controlled Burgers' equation. As an application of our convergence of trajectories results, we demonstrate that our boundary feedback control scheme provides a semiglobal exponential stabilizing feedback law in L2, H1 and L∞ for the open-loop system consisting of Burgers' equation with Neumann boundary conditions and zero forcing term. We also show that this result is robust in the sense that if the open-loop system is perturbed by a sufficiently small non-zero disturbance then the resulting closed-loop system is ‘practically semiglobally stabilizable’ in L2-norm. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dexterity optimization of kinematically redundant manipulators in the presence of joint failures

Abstract Robotic manipulators working in remote or hazardous environments require additional measures to ensure their usability upon the failure of an actuator. This work considers failure modes that result in an immobilized joint and uses the concept of worst-case dexterity to define kinematic and dynamic fault tolerance measures for redundant manipulators. These measures are then used to specify the operating configuration which is optimal in the sense that the manipulator's dexterity remains high even if one of its joints fails in a locked position. The close relationship between fault tolerance and dexterity is examined using a simple planar manipulator as an example. It is demonstrated that an inverse kinematic function which maintains a high level of fault tolerance also keeps the manipulator in well-conditioned configurations known to have desirable properties.
Demystifying model transformations: an approach based on automated rule inference

Model-driven development (MDD) is widely used to develop modern business applications. MDD involves creating models at different levels of abstractions. Starting with models of domain concepts, these abstractions are successively refined, using transforms, to design-level models and, eventually, code-level artifacts. Although many tools exist that support transform creation and verification, tools that help users in understanding and using transforms are rare. In this paper, we present an approach for assisting users in understanding model transformations and debugging their input models. We use automated program-analysis techniques to analyze the transform code and compute constraints under which a transformation may fail or be incomplete. These code-level constraints are mapped to the input model elements to generate model-level rules. The rules can be used to validate whether an input model violates transform constraints, and to support general user queries about a transformation. We have implemented the analysis in a tool called XYLEM. We present empirical results, which indicate that (1) our approach can be effective in inferring useful rules, and (2) the rules let users efficiently diagnose a failing transformation without examining the transform source code.
Aggregation in Dynamic Programming

Reducing the size of a dynamic program through state aggregation can significantly reduce both the data and the computation time required to solve a problem. We develop a new algorithm that combines state aggregation and disaggregation steps within a single-pass procedure. The solution obtained is automatically feasible for the original problem. By exploiting general conditions on the aggregate structure, we develop bounds for assessing the error from optimality introduced by the aggregation, and we illustrate with an application in infinite horizon optimization.
The Dynamics of Flap Movement: Effect of Pivotal Restraint on Flap Rotation and Transposition

Flaps that rotate or transpose around a cutaneous pedicle are restrained by the tethering effect of that base of tissue. Flap design that fails to adjust for this force may eventuate in unwanted degrees of tension and/or surrounding tissue displacement. This concept is discussed and illustrated for the rotation, rhombic, and bilobed flap.
Smart Self-Cleaning Materials—Lotus Effect Surfaces

The lotus effect represents superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning properties of natural lotus leaves. Since it was first explained by Professor Wilhelm Barthlott in 1997, lotus effect has gained much attention, and various applications of lotus effect surfaces have been proposed. However, superhydrophobic surfaces have been prepared and studied since 1950s. In this work, the relationship between the two concepts, the lotus effect and superhydrophobicity, is discussed. We also briefly review the fundamental theories on the wettability of hydrophobic rough surfaces, recent modeling works on superhydrophobic and self-cleaning properties, as well as the processing of lotus effect films. Based on the properties of lotus effect surfaces, different applications were introduced. Keywords: lotus effect; superhydrophobic; self-cleaning; wetting; contact angle
Design of efficient terahertz antennas: Carbon nanotube versus gold

Carbon nanotube (CNT) has been introduced as a new material for antenna radiators and transmission lines in Terahertz frequencies. The intrinsic conductivity of single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) is rather higher than that of copper in DC, however due to its very small radius (on the orders of a few nanometers), its resistance per unit length is very high [1]. These properties limit its utilization for RF applications, such as electrical interconnects and radiating elements. Thus, to reduce the high resistance of SWNT, the bundled structure of CNTs is suggested [2]. In laboratory measurements up to 50 GHz, it was shown that the resistance of bundled CNT is simply equal to component value of discrete circuit element of SWNT divided by its number density [CNTs/µm] [2]. The current fabrication technology produces a number density of 10 [CNTs/µm] in well-aligned arrays [3]. The discrete circuit model of SWNT in theory [4], the series kinetic inductance L k of 16nH/µm and the resistance of 6.5kΩ/µm are employed in this paper. In addition, the fact that the quality factor of this RL series circuit of SWNT is approximately 100 at frequencies higher than 6.5 THz invokes the application of SWNTs as antenna radiators at terahertz frequencies. This high Q factor at terahertz frequencies is preserved in the bundled structure because SWNTs in the bundle are connected in parallel. Also, one dimensional transport of electrons along SWNT indicates that the concept of skin depth for the conventional conductor is not applicable, so the high conductivity of SWNT is obtained even though the thickness of bundled SWNT is very small compared to the wavelength. On the other hand, the surface resistivity of general conductors increases with frequency due to skin depth effect. Thus, it is expected that the performance of CNT antenna should surpass that of metallic antennas in terms of radiation efficiency at a particular frequency in Terahertz region. To apply high frequency properties of metal (the thin gold film in this paper), the Drude model is utilized [5]. In this paper, an anisotropic resistive sheet model to represent bundled CNTs electromagnetically is presented. Then, a numerical simulation using method of moments (MoM) is developed to calculate radiation efficiencies of resonant strip antennas made up of bundled CNT and thin gold film. The radiation efficiencies are compared as a function of frequencies and number density of bundled CNT to find a crossover frequency where CNT antenna outperforms the thin gold film antenna.
Photopolymerization behavior in nanocomposites formed with thiol–acrylate and polymerizable organoclays

Because of the inherent characteristics of the thiolene step growth mechanism in preparation of thiol-ene photopolymer clay nanocomposites, the ratio between thiol and ene functional groups at and near the organoclay surfaces may have a significant effect on the polymerization behavior. This study investigates the influence of monomer composition and the type of polymerizable organoclay on thiol-acrylate photopolymerization behavior in preparation of photocurable clay nanocomposite systems. To this end, two types of polymerizable organoclays with acrylate or thiol functional group on the clay surfaces were compared in monomer compositions with different polarity and functionality. Real-time infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize polymerization behavior in conjunction with photo-DSC. The degree of clay exfoliation was evaluated using small angle X-ray scattering and correlated with photopolymerization behavior. Higher chemical compatibility of components induced enhanced clay exfoliation resulting in increase in photopolymerization rate. By affecting the stoichiometric ratio of functional groups in the clay gallery, thiolated organoclays enhance thiol-ene reaction, whereas acrylated organoclays encourage acrylate homopolymerization. In addition, inducing more propagating thiyl radicals on the organoclay surfaces by increasing functionality of thiol monomer also facilitates thiol-ene copolymerization, whereas the increase of acrylate functionality reduces final thiol conversion.
Characterization of lung tissues using liquid-crystal tunable filter and hyperspectral imaging system

Hyperspectral imaging system has been developed to characterize lung tissue for detecting emphysematous tissues in lung volume reduction surgery. The system consists of a charge-coupled device and liquid crystal tunable filter, which is continuously tunable in the near-infrared spectral range of 650 – 1100 nm with a mean bandwidth of 5 nm. Using hyperspectral data, the spectral signature of healthy lung tissue and simulated smokers lung tissue is obtained and compared. The data show the peak absorption intensity at four different wavelengths (760, 805, 915, and 970 nm). However, the reflectance intensity of simulated smoker’s lung tissue over all spectral range is considerably higher than the normal lung tissue. The differences provide the basis for the detection and characterization of emphysema from healthy lung tissue.
Should we keep pushing for a spirometer in every doctor's office?

Professional societies have encouraged primary care providers to conduct spirometry testing for the detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In spite of this effort, the success rate is unacceptably low. Simple flow-sensing spirometers have technical flaws that can cause misreadings, and they are rarely checked for accuracy. When spirometry is performed by an experienced technologist, and when payment is made on the criterion of quality, the success rate for adults and school-aged children can be as high as 90%. But testing remains a challenge for younger children and the elderly. Regular feedback for the technologist about their testing results is essential. Even with an accurate spirometer, an able patient, and a skilled technologist, the ordering physician may wrongly interpret the data. Use of spirometry in primary care will continue to be problematic unless high quality testing is tied to reimbursement. Using FEV1 or peak flow measurements to rule out airway abnormality in the majority of patients, followed by referral for more sophisticated studies in those remaining, may be the best approach. Respiratory therapists should engage in this effort.
Initial oxidation stages of hydrogen- and styrene-terminated Si(100) surfaces: A molecular dynamics study

Abstract We have studied the initial oxidation of H- and styrene-terminated Si(100)-2 × 1 films in O 2 atmosphere at 500 K using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations based on a reactive force field. Our simulations show that for both surface terminations the primary reactions observed are the dissociation of the oxygen molecules and the simultaneous insertion of atomic oxygen in the Si Si back-bonds. On the H:Si(100)-2 × 1 surface, another reaction is the formation of isolated Si OH bonds via the insertion of an oxygen atom in a Si H bond. Detailed analysis of MD configurations shows that different vibrational modes of the surface Si H and the tilting of Si dimers at 500 K facilitate the breaking of the O 2 molecule and the oxygen attack at backbonds. The combination of these reactions leads to increased amorphization of the surface as the oxidation proceeds. In the case of styrene-terminated Si(100)-2 × 1, the rate of O 2 attack was much lower than on H-terminated surface and O-atom insertions were not observed in back-bonds of Si C bonds. In addition to lesser number of Si H sites on styrene-Si(100)-2 × 1, another significant reason for the lower rate of O 2 attack was the repulsion of oxygen molecules resulting from the movement of phenyl rings in styrene at 500 K.
THROUGH TRIP TABLES FOR SMALL URBAN AREAS: A METHOD FOR QUICK RESPONSE TRAVEL FORECASTING

Regionwide travel forecasts in small urban areas require good knowledge of through-trip tables for each of several vehicle classes. Survey data are often unavailable or incomplete, so planners would benefit from a means of estimating through-trips from readily available information. A model for a through-trip table from trip-distribution theory and elementary geographical principles is postulated and tested. The model considers the level of through-traffic at external stations, the shape of urban areas, and the necessity that trips between any two external points pass through the region because of barriers that impede travel. Separate model variations are developed for a region of arbitrary shape and for a region of circular shape. To ascertain the validity of the approximations, the model is applied to two cities: Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and Tallahassee, Florida. The model for circular-shaped urban areas has produced excellent results for both cities, each of which previously had prepared external-to-externa...
Hormonal Modulation of Progesterone Receptors

According to current theories of hormone action, all the steroid hormones, including vitamin D, exert their effects in a similar way (Buller and O’Malley, 1976; Chan and O’Malley, 1976; DeLuca, 1979; Gorski and Gannon, 1976; Yamamoto and Alberts, 1976). There is general, but not universal, agreement that the hormone diffuses passively through the cell membrane (Baulieu, 1978). After entering the target cell, the hormone binds to a cytoplasmic receptor protein that is present only in target cells and that is fairly specific for the hormone. The binding is of high affinity, with equilibrium dissociation constants in the neighborhood of 10-9 M. Because there is a limited number of receptor molecules per cell, the binding of the hormone is saturable. The complex of hormone and receptor then undergoes a process of “activation” or “transformation” that enables it to enter the nucleus and bind to chromatin. This binding initiates the biochemical events that are characteristic of the hormone. There is increased transcription, resulting eventually in an increase in protein synthesis.
Revealing Context-Specific Conditioned Fear Memories with Full Immersion Virtual Reality

The extinction of conditioned fear is known to be context specific, and often referred to as more robustly contextually bound than the fear memory itself (Bouton, 2004). Yet, recent findings in rodents have challenged the notion that contextual fear retention is initially generalized. The context specificity of a cued-fear memory to the learning context has not been addressed in the human literature largely due to limitations in methodology. Here we adapt a novel technology to test the context specificity of cued fear conditioning using full immersion 3-dimensional virtual reality (VR). During acquisition training, healthy participants navigated through virtual environments containing dynamic snake and spider conditioned stimuli (CSs), one of which was paired with electrical wrist stimulation. During a 24-hour delayed retention test, one group returned to the same context as acquisition training whereas another group experienced the CSs in a novel context. Unconditioned stimulus (US) expectancy ratings were assayed on-line during fear acquisition as an index of contingency awareness. Skin conductance responses (SCR) time-locked to CS onset were the dependent measure of cued fear, and skin conductance levels during the interstimulus interval were an index of context fear. Findings indicate that early in acquisition training, participants express contingency awareness as well as differential contextual fear, whereas differential cued fear emerged later in acquisition. During the retention test, differential cued fear retention was enhanced in the group who returned to the same context as acquisition training relative to the context shift group. The results extend recent rodent work to illustrate differences in cued and context fear acquisition and the contextual specificity of recent fear memories. Findings support the use of full immersion VR as a novel tool in cognitive neuroscience to bridge rodent models of contextual phenomena underlying human clinical disorders.
Some observations on the use of the “M” intrauterine contraceptive device

Abstract A series of 495 patients fitted with the “M” intrauterine device has been followed for periods of time varying between four and a half years and a few months. The pertinent events associated with the use of this device, namely expulsions, pregnancies and removals, are analysed in their clinical context, and some conclusions are drawn. The main advantage of the “M” is undoubtedly a very high retention rate, even among the patients with an immediate postpartum insertion. Pregnancy rates show a significant, unexplained variation in the two groups of women under study: it is very low for the non-puerperal regular clinic patient (0.96%), and unexpectedly high for the postpartum group (12.5%). The removal of the device, elective or indicated, has been frequently a difficult procedure, requiring in 11% of the cases a D & C under general anesthesia. The case of a most unusual complication is reported.
Management of corneal abrasion in children: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Study objective: We compare percentage of healing, comfort, and complications in children with corneal abrasions treated with an eye patch versus no eye patch. Methods: We performed a randomized clinical trial of patients aged 3 to 17 years who were diagnosed with isolated corneal abrasion. Patients were randomly assigned to an eye patch or no patch group. Abrasion size was documented with digital photographs and/or an eye template diagram at presentation and at 20- to 24-hour follow-up examination. A reviewer masked to treatment group determined percent healing by measuring presentation and follow-up abrasion sizes on the photographs/template. At follow-up, interference with activities of daily living (ADL) was measured with a visual analog scale and the number of pain medication doses taken since presentation was recorded. Results: A total of 37 patients were enrolled: 17 with an eye patch and 18 with no eye patch. The mean patient age was 10 years, and two thirds of the patients were male. The majority (86%) of patients had 95% or more healing at follow-up, and there was no significant difference in percent healing between the 2 groups, even when adjusted for age and initial abrasion size (95% confidence interval [CI] for the difference in means −11 to 8 and −13 to 5, respectively). There was no difference between groups for number of pain medication doses required. Among measurements of interference with ADL, only the difficulty walking score was found to be significantly different between groups (patch mean 1.7 cm [SD 2.1 cm] versus no patch mean 0.3 cm [SD 0.7 cm]; 95% CI for the difference in means 0.3 to 2.5). Conclusion: This study suggests that eye patching in children with corneal abrasions makes no difference in the rate of healing. There was no difference in discomfort and interference with ADL, other than greater difficulty walking in the patch group, and there were no complications in either group. [Michael JG, Hug D, Dowd MD. Management of corneal abrasion in children: a randomized clinical trial. Ann Emerg Med. July 2002;40:67-72.]
Imprecise probabilities based on generalised intervals for system reliability assessment

Different representations of imprecise probabilities have been proposed, where interval-valued probabilities are used such that uncertainty is distinguished from variability. In this paper, we present a new form of imprecise probabilities for reliability assessment based on generalised intervals. Generalised intervals have group properties under the Kaucher arithmetic, which provides a concise representation and calculus structure as an extension of precise probabilities. With the separation between proper and improper interval probabilities, focal and non-focal events are differentiated based on the associated modalities and logical semantics. Focal events have the semantics of critical, uncontrollable, and specified in probabilistic analysis, whereas the corresponding non-focal events are complementary, controllable, and derived. A logic coherence constraint is proposed in the new form. Because of the algebraic properties of generalised intervals, conditional interval probability can be directly defined based on marginal interval probabilities. A Bayes' rule with generalised intervals allows us to interpret the logic relationship between interval prior and posterior probabilities. The imprecise Dirichlet model is also extended with the logic coherence constraint.
Anomalous Taint Detection

We propose anomalous taint detection, an approach that combines fine-grained taint tracking with learning-based anomaly detection. Anomaly detection is used to identify behavioral deviations that manifest when vulnerabilities are exercised. Fine-grained taint-tracking is used to target the anomaly detector on those aspects of program behavior that can be controlled by an attacker. Our preliminary results indicate that the combination increases detection accuracy over either technique, and promises to offer better resistance to mimicry attacks.
Self-Control at Work

Self-control problems change the logic of agency theory by partly aligning the interests of the firm and worker: both now value contracts that elicit future effort. Findings from a year-long field experiment with full-time data entry workers support this idea. First, workers increase output by voluntarily choosing dominated contracts (which penalize low output but give no additional rewards for high output). Second, effort increases closer to (randomly assigned) paydays. Third, the contract and payday effects are strongly correlated within workers, and this correlation grows with experience. We suggest that workplace features such as high-powered incentives or effort monitoring may provide self-control benefits.
Investigation of tumor oxygen consumption and tumor vascular oxygen dynamics in response to pharmacological interventions by NIRS

Estimation of tumor oxygen consumption and the effects of pharmacological interventions (carbogen, hydralazine and KCl) are studied by near infrared spectroscopy in mammary adenocarcinoma 13762NF tumors grown on Fisher 344 rats.
Cellular immunity to platelets in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

The possibility of cell-mediated immune mechanisms against platelets in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was suggested in a previous observation. Therefore, the uptake of labeled thymidine by the lymphocytes of 14 patients with ITP and of 16 controls was studied in vitro in the presence of autologous platelets. The control group (normal subjects and patients with nonimmune thrombocytopenia) never demonstrated any sigficant uptake of thymidine in this autologous system. Positive stimulation, as judged by thymidine uptake, occurred in seven of eight patients with severe ITP, whereas only three of six patients with mild ITP showed significant stimulation. Two patients with severe ITP, studied 4 and 6 days after splenectomy, showed a conversion to negativity in the test. These results indicate that cellular immune mechanisms against autologous platelets are present in ITP and suggest that they may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. It is suggested that ITP may represent more than one disease.
Physical-Layer Security in Orbital Angular Momentum Multiplexing Free-Space Optical Communications

The physical-layer security of a line-of-sight (LOS) free-space optical (FSO) link using orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing is studied. We discuss the effect of atmospheric turbulence to OAM-multiplexed FSO channels. We numerically simulate the propagation of OAM-multiplexed beam and study the secrecy capacity. We show that, under certain conditions, the OAM multiplexing technique provides higher security over a single-mode transmission channel in terms of the total secrecy capacity and the probability of achieving a secure communication. We also study the power cost effect at the transmitter side for both fixed system power and equal channel power scenarios.