cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
562 Relationship of Apneic Pause Duration and Airway Protection in Pediatric Patients Referred for Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies

Background and aims: Coordination of breathing and swallowing must be precise for maintenance of airway protection and prevention of aspiration. The phases of respiration are interrupted during swallowing; swallowing apnea must be of sufficient duration to protect the airway to prevent entry of food or liquid. The specific respiratory phase patterns and the association with normal and abnormal swallowing parameters in pediatric patients are presently unknown. The aim of the present project was to analyze the duration of apneic pause during swallowing in association with swallowing parameters in a cohort of pediatric patients undergoing videofluoroscopic studies of swallowing. Methods: A cohort of 50 pediatric patients undergoing videofluoroscopic swallowing studies was identified. The KayPentax Swallowing Signals Lab was used to digitally record the swallow studies concurrently with the respiratory signals. Nasal respiratory airflow was captured using a standard nasal cannula coupled to the video recording device. Results: Variation was noted across subjects in regard to respiratory phase pattern associated with bolus type (thin liquid, thickened liquid, or solid). Variability in swallowing apnea duration was noted across all subjects, however, a significant difference in relation to the duration of swallowing apnea was found in participants who demonstrated aspiration. Conclusions: Participants who did not display swallowing dysfunction were noted to demonstrate increased swallowing apnea duration in comparison to the participants who had aspiration events. Continued research is needed to delineate the relationship between respiratory phase patterns and swallowing abnormalities. Such data will assist clinicians in diagnosis and implementation of appropriate compensatory treatment strategies.
REACTION TIME AS A FUNCTION OF ONSET AND OFFSET STIMULATION OF THE FOVEA AND PERIPHERY.

Reaction times were obtained for the onset and offset of luminous stimuli of 31,400 mL., 314 mL., 3.14 mL., and 1.98 mL., presented in the fovea and periphery. It was found that in the periphery offset RTs are longer than onset RTs. The opposite is true for the fovea. In both the fovea and periphery the differences between the onset and offset RTs decrease as the luminance increases.
Loop optimization for a class of memory-constrained computations

Compute-intensive multi-dimensional summations that involve products of several arrays arise in the modeling of electronic structure of materials. Sometimes several alternative formulations of a computation, representing different space-time trade-offs, are possible. By computing and storing some intermediate arrays, reduction of the number of arithmetic operations is possible, but the size of intermediate temporary arrays may be prohibitively large. Loop fusion can be applied to reduce memory requirements, but that could impede effective tiling to minimize memory access costs. This paper develops an integrated model combining loop tiling for enhancing data reuse, and loop fusion for reduction of memory for intermediate temporary arrays. An algorithm is presented that addresses the selection of tile sizes and choice of loops for fusion, with the objective of minimizing cache misses while keeping the total memory usage within a given limit. Experimental results are reported that demonstrate the effectiveness of the combined loop tiling and fusion transformations performed by using the developed framework.
Intrahypothalamic actinomycin-D: sexual behavior and nucleolar ultrastructure in the steroid-primed ovariectomized rat and the intact cyclic rat.

Abstract Nucleolar segregation, a condition incompatible with RNA synthesis, caused by actinomycin-D in preoptic area neurons results in an inhibition of steroid-induced sexual receptivity. When the nucleoli in the cells of the preoptic area returned to normal the animals displayed high levels of sexual receptivity. The data indicated a statistically significant positive correlation between sexual receptivity and normal appearing nucleoli in preoptic area neurons. Unilateral injections of Act-D (0.08 μg/1μl saline vehicle) into the medial preoptic area (MPOA) of intact, cyclic rats caused nucleolar segregation in the area of the injection with some diffusion of the drug to the contralateral MPOA and ipsilateral basomedial hypothalamus. When the volume of vehicle was reduced to 0.5 μl, the percentage of rats with nucleolar segregation in the latter two areas decreased to 13%.
Solving recurring student problems with recurrences

We describe a prototype of RRTS (Recurrence Relation Tutorial System), a tool for students to use to practice solving homogeneous and non-homogeneous recurrence relations, both linear and divide-and-conquer, that arise in algorithm analysis.
Impact of the exopolysaccharides Pel and Psl on the initial adhesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to sand

In this study, the impact of the exopolysaccharides Pel and Psl on the cell surface electron donor-electron acceptor (acid-base) properties and adhesion to quartz sand was investigated by using Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and its isogenic EPS-mutant strains Δpel, Δpsl and Δpel/Δpsl. The microbial adhesion to hydrocarbon (MATH) test and titration results showed that both Pel and Psl contribute to the surface hydrophobicity of the cell. The results of contact angle measurement, however, showed no correlation with the cell surface hydrophobicity measured by the MATH test and the titration method. Packed-bed column experiments indicated that the exopolysaccharides Pel and Psl are involved in the initial cell attachment to the sand surface and the extent of their impact is dependent on the ionic strength (IS) of the solution. Overall, the Δpel/Δpsl double mutant had the lowest adhesion coefficient to sand compared with the wild-type PAO1, the Δpel mutant and the Δpsl mutant. It is hypothesized that in addition to bacterial surface hydrophobicity and DLVO forces, other factors, eg steric repulsion caused by extracellular macromolecules, and cell surface appendages (flagella and pili) also contribute significantly to the interaction between the cell surface and a sand grain.
Functional Background as A Determinant of Executives' Selective Perception

What executives perceive influences their actions. These actions in turn affect the nature and performance of their organizations. Thus, what executives perceive is of interest to organizational sc...
Analysis of heat transfer in unlooped and looped pulsating heat pipes

An advanced heat transfer model for both unlooped and looped Pulsating Heat Pipes (PHPs) with multiple liquid slugs and vapor plugs has been developed. The thin film evaporation and condensation models have been incorporated with the model to predict the behavior of vapor plugs and liquid slugs in the PHP. The results show that heat transfer in both looped and unlooped PHPs is due mainly to the exchange of sensible heat. Higher surface tension results in a slight increase in the total heat transfer. The diameter, heating wall temperature, and charging ratio have significant effects on the performance of the PHP. Total heat transfer significantly decreased with a decrease in the heating wall temperature. Increasing the diameter of the tube resulted in higher total heat transfer. The results also showed that the PHP could not operate for higher charge ratios.
Discourse cohesion in the verbal interactions of individuals diagnosed with autistic disorder or schizotypal personality disorder

Autistic disorder and schizotypal personality disorder have been characterised as social communication spectrum disorders. However, it is not clear whether, or by what parameters, the two disorders...
Proarrhythmic effects of antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias evaluated by electrophysiologic testing

Abstract The provocation or worsening of arrhythmias by antiarrhythmic regimens was evaluated in patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias undergoing electrophysiologic studies. In 314 patients with sustained or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, 801 drug studies were performed using a standard protocol of programmed electrical stimulation. The criteria for proarrhythmia were: 1) initiation of sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia in a patient in whom only nonsustained tachycardia was induced at baseline; 2) conversion of a sustained tachycardia that could be terminated by programmed electrical stimulation at baseline to one that required cardioversion for termination during drug therapy; 3) initiation of a sustained tachyarrhythmia by a less aggressive mode of stimulation than was required at baseline; and 4) development of spontaneous or incessant ventricular tachycardia. Proarrhythmia criterion 1 occurred during 20 (18%) of 118 studies and at least once in 15 (28%) of 54 patients. Criterion 2 was met during 39 (7%) of 578 studies and at least once in 29 (13%) of 220 patients. Criterion 3 was achieved during 135 (20%) of 687 studies in patients with sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias at baseline. Criterion 4 occurred during 9 (1%) of 801 drug studies. In 40 patients in whom well tolerated ventricular tachycardia was initiated with fewer extrastimuli during drug study than at baseline, the drug was continued and the patients were followed up. The recurrence rate of tachycardia was the same in these patients as in 73 patients followed up on regimens on which the number of extrastimuli required for initiation was not reduced. Proarrhythmic effects of antiarrhythmic regimens are not uncommon during electrophysiclogic studies; however, the most frequent type, that is, the reduction in the number of extrastimuli required to initiate arrhythmia, appears to have minimal clinical significance.
Application of High-Order Scheme for Flow/Acoustic Simulation at the Interface Between Air and Porous Medium

Accuracy at the interface is an important aspect in simulating air/porous medium problems for sound propagation in the atmosphere. Currently, high-order schemes have been used in simulation for viscous flow around steady and moving solid bodies, but still have not been applied to simulating flow field in different media. The study in this paper is intended to apply a high-order scheme to improve the accuracy at the interface between air and porous medium. In the vicinity of the interface, spatial derivatives of flux are discretized using different high order schemes: second-order upwind scheme, third-order upwind scheme, and 5th -order WENO scheme. The calculations are performed on a staggered Cartesian grid. The model equations for flow in the air used in this paper are the Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible flow. Flow inside the windscreen (porous medium) is modeled with a modified Zwikker-Kosten equation (Sound Absorbing Materials, 1949). An immersed-boundary method using direct forcing is utilized. The problem of flow over a solid cylinder is used as a validation case for different schemes that are implemented and compared. The application of the study is to investigate the sound pressure level reduction between unscreened microphone and screened microphone under different frequencies of incoming wind turbulence. The wind turbulence in the present work is introduced by placing different sizes of solid cylinders in the upstream of the microphone. The simulation shows that for low-frequency turbulence, the windscreens with low flow resistivity are more effective in noise reduction, while for high-frequency turbulence, the windscreens with high flow resistivity are more effective.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The Presence of Husserl's Theory of Wholes and Parts in Heidegger's Phenomenology

L'A. mesure le role de la theorie et de la terminologie husserliennes du tout et de la partie dans le projet phenomenologique developpe par Heidegger a travers l'analytique du Dasein dans «Etre et temps» et a travers la conception structurale du temps dans les cours de Marbourg. Examinant la question concrete de l'etre, l'A. montre que la confirmation pre-ontologique du Dasein s'effectue par la reconnaissance d'un tout existentiel (l'etre-pour-le-monde) compose de moments structuraux (temporalite)
Head-to-head comparison of micafungin versus caspofungin in the treatment of invasive candidiasis

Introduction: Invasive candidiasis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with health care–associated infection. The echinocandin class of antifungal agents has demonstrated consistent effi cacy and a favorable safety profi le in the treatment of candidemia and other forms of invasive candidiasis. The in vitro antifungal activity, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity profi les are slightly different for each echinocandin; however, the relevance of this fi nding is unclear. There are no clinical trials comparing the safety and effi cacy of different echinocandins in the treatment of invasive candidiasis.
Advertisements promoting human papillomavirus vaccine for adolescent boys: does source matter?

Objectives Many parents recall hearing of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine through drug company advertisements. This study sought to examine whether parents accurately recall the source (ie, sponsor) of advertisements promoting HPV vaccine and the impact of drug company advertisements. Methods A US national sample of 544 parents of adolescent boys aged 11–17 participated in an online between-subjects experiment. Parents viewed an advertisement encouraging HPV vaccination for boys with a logo from a randomly assigned source. Parents rated trust, likability and motivation for vaccination while viewing the advertisement and later indicated who they believed sponsored it. Results Nearly half (43%) of parents who viewed a hypothetical advertisement containing a logo incorrectly identified the advertisement source. More parents correctly identified the source of drug company advertisements than advertisement from other sources (62% vs 25%, OR 4.93, 95% CI 3.26 to 7.46). The majority of parents who saw a logo-free advertisement believed a drug company created it (60%). Among parents who correctly identified the advertisement source, drug company advertisements decreased motivation to vaccinate their sons, an association mediated by reduced liking of and trust in the advertisements. Conclusions Parents were more accurate in identifying drug company advertisements, primarily because they tended to assume any advertisement was from a drug company. Public health organisations may need to take special measures to ensure their messages are not perceived as sponsored by drug companies.
Calculation of the gluon damping rate in hot QCD.

We present a complete calculation of the gluon damping rate at zero momentum to leading order in the QCD coupling constant $g$. All terms of leading order in $g$ are included by the resummation of an infinite subset of higher-loop diagrams. At zero momentum, the damping rates for transverse gluons and plasmons are equal: the result is $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\simeq}+0.264013{g}^{2}T$, where $T$ is the temperature. The sign is positive, which implies that the quark-gluon plasma is perturbatively stable.
Ictal flatulence: Seizure onset in the nondominant hemisphere

We describe the case of a 45-year-old woman with frequent simple partial seizures consisting mainly of autonomic manifestations including flatulence. The ictal onset and interictal EEG epileptiform abnormalities were localized to the right frontotemporal region. This localization was supported by structural brain imaging showing recurrence of a right frontotemporal oligodendroglioma with involvement of the insula. We therefore suggest that ictal flatulence is one of several autonomic and gastrointestinal symptoms and signs that may be used clinically in lateralizing to the nondominant hemisphere.
Gay-Straight Alliances, Social Justice Involvement, and School Victimization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Youth: Implications for School Well-Being and Plans to Vote

Few studies have investigated school-based, positive development for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) youth, despite knowledge of their heightened negative school experiences compared to he...
Self-consistent evolution of auroral downward-current region ion outflow and moving double layer

[1] Vlasov simulations have been performed to investigate the development and evolution of the parallel potential drop, often structured as a localized double layer (DL), electron phase-space holes, and ion perpendicular heating, resulting in ion outflow in the auroral downward-current region. We focus on the feedback between a moving DL and heated ions, suggesting a self-consistent model: the heated ions regulate the evolution of the DL which controls the level of ion heating and, consequently, the outflow rate. Strongly heated ions forming conics are found in agreement with in-situ observations. The intensification and widening of the DL develops with time, and the DL eventually weakens due to a reduction in the background population resulting from excessive ion heating.
Efficiently implementable codes for quantum key expansion

The Shor-Preskill proof of the security of the BB84 quantum key distribution protocol relies on the theoretical existence of good classical error-correcting codes with the ``dual-containing'' property. A practical implementation of BB84 thus requires explicit and efficiently decodable constructions of such codes, which are not known. On the other hand, modern coding theory abounds with non-dual-containing codes with excellent performance and efficient decoding algorithms. We show that the dual-containing constraint can be lifted at a small price: instead of a key distribution protocol, an efficiently implementable key expansion protocol is obtained, capable of increasing the size of a pre-shared key by a constant factor.
Effects of Competition in Concept Attainment: Rivalry, Coaction, and Problem Difficulty

Summary The effects of competition on a concept attainment task involving cognitive learning and performance were assessed by isolating two motivational elements in competition within a factorial design. Sixty Ss who were either coacting or isolated with or without rivalry inducing instructions solved two difficult concept problems followed by two easy problems. It was predicted that either coaction, rivalry, or both would inhibit learning on the difficult problems but facilitate performance on the easy problems. For the measure of instance selections to solution, coaction interacted with trials for the difficult problems, indicating the inhibiting effects of coaction, but the differences became nonsignificant when Ss were shifted to easy problems. There were no effects for rivalry instructions. The results are consistent with the effects of competition on concept attainment found in previous research in which the elements of competition were not isolated.
Simulation of ULF wave‐modulated radiation belt electron precipitation during the 17 March 2013 storm

Balloon-borne instruments detecting radiation belt precipitation frequently observe oscillations in the millihertz frequency range. Balloons measuring electron precipitation near the poles in the 100 keV to 2.5 MeV energy range, including the MAXIS, MINIS, and most recently the Balloon Array for Relativistic Radiation belt Electron Losses balloon experiments, have observed this modulation at ULF wave frequencies. Although ULF waves in the magnetosphere are seldom directly linked to increases in electron precipitation since their oscillation periods are much larger than the gyroperiod and the bounce period of radiation belt electrons, test particle simulations show that this interaction is possible. Three-dimensional simulations of radiation belt electrons were performed to investigate the effect of ULF waves on precipitation. The simulations track the behavior of energetic electrons near the loss cone, using guiding center techniques, coupled with an MHD simulation of the magnetosphere, using the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry code, during a coronal mass ejection (CME)-shock event on 17 March 2013. Results indicate that ULF modulation of precipitation occurs even without the presence of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves, which are not resolved in the MHD simulation. The arrival of a strong CME-shock, such as the one simulated, disrupts the electric and magnetic fields in the magnetosphere and causes significant changes in both components of momentum, pitch angle, and L shell of radiation belt electrons, which may cause them to precipitate into the loss cone.
Third-generation effects on fermion mass predictions in supersymmetric grand unified theories

Relations among fermion masses and mixing angles at the scale of grand unification are modified at lower energies by renormalization group running induced by gauge and Yukawa couplings. In super-symmetric theories, the $b$ quark and $\ensuremath{\tau}$ lepton Yukawa couplings, as well as the $t$ quark coupling, may cause significant running if $tan\ensuremath{\beta}$, the ratio of Higgs field expectation values, is large. We present approximate analytic expressions for the scaling factors for fermion masses and CKM matrix elements induced by all three third generation Yukawa couplings. We then determine how running caused by the third generation of fermions affects the predictions arising from three possible forms for the Yukawa coupling matrices at the GUT scale: the Georgi-Jarlskog, Giudice, and Fritzsch textures.
THE POLITICS OF GROWTH CONTROL: STRUGGLES IN PASADENA, CALIFORNIA

Growth and growth controls are some of the most contentious issues facing California, raising issues of equity, of housing, of jobs and of the environment. This case study analyzes the opposition to growth controls in Pasadena, California by the Chamber of Commerce and black leaders of the City. It delves into the question of who benefits from growth and the types of ideologies that find themselves in conflict when cities face the pressures engendered by growth. It suggests the need to confront these ideologies and go beyond the images they evoke to understand the changing material conditions on the ground. In Pasadena the regime of growth, formulated by the business community and implemented by the City through its planning functions, largely bypassed the African-American and increasingly Latino neighborhoods where conditions continued to deteriorate. While prominent African-American leaders opposed growth controls, the support for controlling growth spanned race and class categories, receiving substanti...
Uncovering the gene knockout landscape for improved lycopene production in E . coli

Systematic and combinatorial genetic approaches for the identification of gene knockout and overexpression targets have been effectively employed in the improvement of cellular phenotypes. Previously, we demonstrated how two of these tools, metabolic modeling and transposon mutagenesis, can be combined to identify strains of interest spanning the metabolic landscape of recombinant lycopene production in Escherichia coli. However, it is unknown how to best select multiple-gene knockout targets. Hence, this study seeks to understand how the overall order of gene selection, or search trajectory, biases the exploration and topology of the metabolic landscape. In particular, transposon mutagenesis and selection were employed in the background of eight different knockout genotypes. Collectively, 800,000 mutants were analyzed in hopes of exhaustively identifying all advantageous gene knockout targets. Several interesting observations, including clusters of gene functions, recurrence, and divergent genotypes, demonstrate the complexity of mapping only one genotype to one phenotype. One particularly interesting mutant, the ΔhnrΔyliE genotype, exhibited a drastically improved lycopene production capacity in basic minimal medium in comparison to the best strains identified in previous studies.
Introduction to Dr. Helmberger’s feature section

The Guest Editor of this issue’s Feature Section, Thomas Helmberger, M.D., Ph.D., (Fig. 1) has had a meteoric trajectory in an international academic career with major scientific and administrative contributions. From the age of 47, with a background of training in both Internal Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology, he serves as Professor of Radiology and Director of the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine of the Academic Teaching Hospital of the Technical University of Munich. A prolific author, he has brought insight and a vast experience to cutting-edge advances. These include imaging strategies in oncology of solid tumors of the abdomen, interventional therapy and oncology of hepatic and extrahepatic tumors, and minimal invasive techniques for tumor ablation. He is a leader in defining the diagnostic efficiency of MRI with and without tissue-specific contrast material in comparison to CT. Among memberships in a host of prestigious national and international societies, he is founding and current president of the German Society of Interventional Radiology (DeGIR). Abdominal Imaging is honored that Professor Helmberger has undertaken this Feature Section on the topic of ‘‘State-of-the-art and current developments in local tumor therapy.’’ He has compiled an outstanding presentation by leading experts that reinforce the critical role of interventional radiology in daily practice.
Assessment of a Multi-Strategy Classifier for an Embedded Software System

In this paper, a new classification model, RB2CBL, is proposed. Its structure and methodology are described. By cascading a rule-based (RB) model with two case-based learning (CBL) models, RB2CBL possesses the merits of both RB model and CBL model and restrains their drawbacks. In the RB2CBL model, the parameter optimization of the CBL models is essential, and the embedded genetic algorithm optimizer is used. In our case study, a dataset collected from initial releases of two large, Windowscopy-based embedded system applications, which were used primarily for customizing the configuration of wireless telecommunications products, is processed to investigate and evaluate the models. The results show that, by suitably choosing accuracy settings of the RB model, RB2CBL model outperforms the RB model alone without overfitting. In practice, the RB2CBL model effectively reduced the misclassification rates and improved prediction accuracy for the embedded software system
A Role for the Androgen Receptor in Collagen Content of the Skin

Collagen, the major macromolecular component of skin, is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the tissue as well as for providing important functional characteristics, such as pliability and thickness. We have been studying the structure and regulation of collagen in mouse mutations affecting the skin. In the course of these studies, we found that there are significant differences in collagen content between the skin of wild-type male and female mice, which become evident at puberty. Furthermore, male mice with an X-linked mutation in the androgen receptor gene (formerly called testicular feminization and abbreviated as ArTfm) showed decreased levels of collagen, indicating that the androgen receptor pathway contributes to the observed differences. These findings demonstrate that there are striking differences in the collagen content of skin between male and female mice, and provide a biochemical explanation for these differences.
Computer-controlled optical spectrometer

Hardware developed to implement the computer control of a single-beam monochromator operating under a time-sharing system is described. A stepping motor and associated circuitry yield very precise wavelength positioning in an open loop configuration and with a minimum of computer use. The circuits used to position and step the wavelength are described in detail.
An Infrared Spectroscopic and Density Functional Theoretical Investigation of the Reaction Products of Laser-Ablated Scandium and Titanium Atoms with Nitric Oxide

Laser-ablated Sc and Ti atoms have been reacted with NO during condensation in excess argon. Matrix infrared spectra show that the major products are the side bonded Sc[NO] species and the inserted NScO and NTiO molecules based on isotopic substitution (15NI6O and 15N18O) and DIFT calculations of isotopic frequencies, which provide a match for two modes in three isotopic modifications for each molecule. The NScO and NTiO molecules are nitride/oxides with M-O stretching modes only 46-88/cm below the diatomic metal oxides but M-N stretching modes 314-442/cm lower than the diatomic metal nitride molecules. The ScN, ScO, TiN, and TiO molecules are observed as decomposition products. Evidence is also presented for the nitrosyls ScNO and TiNO, the Sc[NO]+ cation, and the NTiO- anion.
Darwinism and immunology: from Metchnikoff to Burnet.

Historical Insight: During those periods when immunology was oriented toward medical or biological subjects, Darwinian concepts predominated. These included Metchnikoff's phagocytic theory and Ehrlich's receptor theory during the early years and Burnet's clonal selection theory after the 1950s. During the immunochemically oriented interim, instruction theories were not so much anti- as a-Darwinian.
The Cobalt‐Reduction Theory for the Adherence of Sheet‐Iron Ground Coats

On the basis of special techniques described, new data on the adherence phenomenon of cobalt ground-coat enamels were obtained and the hydrogen- reduction theory developed. It was shown that cobalt oxide of the enamel is reduced to cobalt metal which forms a bond with the iron and the enamel
Sojourn times for the Brownian motion

In this paper explicit formulas are given for the distribution function, the density function and the moments of the sojourn time for the reflecting Brownian motion process.
13C and 15N NMR spectroscopic investigation on the formation of fossil algal residues

13C and 15N NMR spectroscopy was applied to modern (a mixed algal culture, its algaenan and its compost), ancient (algal derived sediments from Mangrove Lake, Bermuda) and fossilized algal residues (Torbanite, Green River Shale) for the purpose of establishing the forms of nitrogen algal remains and evaluating their long-term stabilities. The results indicate that proteinaceous material can resist microbial degradation in sediments as old as 4000 yr, possibly in refractory biopolymers, by encapsulation into their macromolecular network. The 15N NMR spectra of the Torbanite and the Green River Shale show a relative enrichment of heterocyclic-N, which may derive from selective preservation of biogenic heterocyclic compounds or by rearrangement of peptide chains during diagenesis.
Diphenylammonium salt catalysts for microwave assisted triglyceride transesterification of corn and soybean oil for biodiesel production.

Diphenylammonium salts as catalysts for triglyceride transesterification have been investigated. Catalysts studied, such as diphenylammonium mesylate, were able to catalyze the transesterification process. Open atmosphere reactions and microwave-assisted reactions are considered and compared. Additionally, the study helps substantiate the advantage of microwave-assisted technology in organic synthesis.
How (not) to attack the luck argument

The Luck Argument is among the most influential objections to the main brand of libertarianism about metaphysical freedom and moral responsibility. In his work, Alfred Mele [2006. Free will and luck. Oxford: Oxford University Press] develops – and then attempts to defeat – the literature's most promising version of the Luck Argument. After explaining Mele's version of the Luck Argument, I present two objections to his novel reply to the argument. I argue for the following two claims: (1) Mele's reply is either otiose or undermined by his own defense of the Luck Argument from a different objection and (2) Mele's reply turns out to lack the form required to engage the step of the Luck Argument it targets. Having shown that the failure of Mele's novel attack is overdetermined, I close by defending a different (and, I believe, decisive) objection to the Luck Argument – which, as it happens, lurks right under Mele's nose.
The gest-rest: a pressure-sensitive chairable input pad for power wheelchair armrests

Interacting with touch screen-based computing devices can be difficult for individuals with mobility impairments that affect their hands, arms, neck, or head. These problems may be especially difficult for power wheelchair users, as the frame of their wheelchair may obstruct the users' range of motion and reduce their ability to reach objects in the environment. The concept of chairable input devices refers to input devices that are designed to fit with the form of an individual's wheelchair, much like wearable technology fits with an individual's clothing. In this paper, we introduce a new chairable input device, the Gest-Rest, which provides a pressure-sensitive input surface that fits over a standard power wheelchair armrest. The Gest-Rest enables users to perform traditional touch screen gestures, such as press and flick, as well as pressure-based gestures such as squeezing and punching. The Gest-Rest enables multiple inputs, unlike most switches, and does not substantially change the shape of the wheelchair armrest. We present a formative evaluation in which nine wheelchair users and three clinicians tested multiple gestures using the Gest-Rest prototype, and provided recommendations for integrating the Gest-Rest with computing applications. Our study showed that our motor impaired participants were each able to perform multiple gestures using the prototype, but had some difficulty with the pre-set sensitivity settings, and would thus benefit from a more robust gesture recognizer.
Self-diffusion of water, ethanol and decafluropentane in perfluorosulfonate ionomer by pulse field gradient NMR

Abstract Self-diffusion constants for water, ethanol and decafluoropentane were measured in the perfluorosulfonate ionomer NafionR using pulse field gradient proton NMR. Measurements were made as a function of concentration, temperature and diffusion time. For water, diffusion constants ranged from 10−4 to 10−7 cm2/s. A reasonable interpretation could be developed using free volume theory if the concentration was scaled by considering only the ionomeric pendant group as the accessible domain. The temperature dependence could be summarized in terms of the WLF equation. For ethanol, the self-diffusion constants are comparable in magnitude to those of water but the concentration dependence is stronger and the temperature dependence weaker. Free volume theory provides a poor framework for summarizing the concentration and temperature dependence of the diffusion of ethanol in Nafion. In an accompanying report, fluorine-19 spin diffusion and fluorine-19 line shape data indicate larger morphological changes in Nafion upon addition of ethanol and greater plasticization of the pendant group domain. The larger morphological changes are thought to contribute to the concentration dependence of diffusion making free volume theory inapplicable. The decafluoropentane diffusion constants appear to depend on the time scale over which the diffusion is observed. This is not true for the other two penetrants, which are considered to be primarily located in domains comprised of the sulfonate groups and side chains. The decafluropentane is likely to be located in amorphous domains composed of the CF2 groups. The dependence of the self-diffusion constant of the decafluoropentane on diffusion time indicates that the domain or phase supporting transport is poorly interconnected. At long diffusion times, the product of the self-diffusion constant and the diffusion time becomes constant which is associated with restricted diffusion.
Ocular findings in neurofibromatosis type 1.

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder resulting in the formation of a variety of hamartomas and benign and malignant tumors and of several other clinical manifestations. In 1987, the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on Neurofibromatosis reclassified the disorder into
Thick beam theory and finite element model with zig-zag sublaminate approximations

A new technical theory and associated finite element model is introduced for thick laminated and sandwich beams. The theory can be cast as a layerwise theory with high-order zig-zag sublaminate approximations, thus greatly reducing the number of degrees of freedom required to accurately describe the bending and transverse shear kinematics in thick laminates. Furthermore, the theory is adaptable, allowing the user to choose the number of sublaminate approximations to achieve the desired accuracy. Based on this theory, a simple, efficient, and robust finite element model is developed that has the nodal topology of a four-noded planar element yet has the advantages of beam-type kinematics and a special interpolation scheme that obviates locking. The element contains a single zig-zag sublaminate approximation. If desired, multiple elements can be used through the thickness of a laminate to increase accuracy.
Radio-frequency Coil Selection for MR Imaging of the Brain and Skull Base

Radio-frequency coils play a crucial role in the quest for optimal magnetic resonance (MR) image resolution. Given the growing variety of specialized coils available for neuroradiologic imaging applications, it is critical that radiologists use a coherent strategy for successfully matching these coils to specific imaging situations. First, fundamental concepts of coil design are reviewed. Subsequently, a coil-selection algorithm for neuroimaging applications is described. The algorithm uses the patient's clinical history to derive a region of interest, a desired spatial resolution, and a desired contrast resolution. These factors are then used to impose anatomic coverage and imaging protocol constraints on the set of available coils. Finally, coil selection is further refined according to patient tolerance factors. The following coils are considered for use with a 1.5-T superconducting MR imager; namely, quadrature birdcage head, neurovascular phased-array, and dual single-circular-element coils, as well as investigational coils that have not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: reduced-volume birdcage end-cap, temporal lobe phased-array, carotid artery phased-array, coils. Rationales are discussed regarding appropriate coil selection for screening whole brain and imaging brainstem, cranial nerves, orbits, cerebral cortex, mesial temporal lobes, and internal auditory canal, and for MR angiography.
The occurrence and geologic work of rip currents off southern California

Abstract An investigation of the occurrence of rip currents in southern California revealed that the development of these features is influenced by wave conditions, beach morphology, tidal level, and wind. The largest rips are formed during periods of intense wave activity. A study of sedimentation by rip currents was performed at Redondo Beach. The currents selectively remove fine sand and minerals with a low specific gravity from the beach. Large rips transport significant quantities of sediment to the inner continental shelf. Rip current channel deposits are sedimentary structures which may aid in reconstructing paleoshorelines.
Novel regions of chromosomal loss in familial neuroblastoma by comparative genomic hybridization

Childhood neuroblastoma, an embryonal neoplasm of sympathetic nervous system progenitors, occurs in a familial form with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Genetic susceptibility to this disorder is thought to arise via a germline mutation affecting a tumor suppressor gene, in accord with the two-hit model established for familial and sporadic retinoblastoma. Surprisingly, the familial neuroblastoma predisposition locus does not map to chromosome band 1p36, a genomic region likely to contain one or more neuroblastoma suppressor genes. We reasoned that inherited point mutations affecting one allele would be unmasked in many cases by somatically acquired deletions of the second allele that included the target gene in the tumor cells from these patients. Thus, to identify chromosomal regions that might contain suppressor genes important in hereditary neuroblastoma, we analyzed six familial tumors by comparative genomic hybridization. Recurrent losses of genetic material were detected on chromosome arms 3p (consensus region, 3p24-pter), 10p (consensus, 10p12-p13), 10q (consensus, 10q25-qter), 16q (consensus, 16q12-q22), and 20q (consensus, 20q13.3-qter), in addition to the regions commonly deleted in sporadic neuroblastomas (1p36 and 11q). These chromosomal sites may harbor novel tumor suppressor genes that could aid in our understanding of the predisposition to and pathogenesis of familial neuroblastoma and potentially sporadic tumors as well.
TU-D-342-03: Contrast-Enhanced Breast Imaging

For almost 70 years mammography has given insight into breast morphology, allowing cancer detection based on the gross impact of the disease upon body. The advent of tomographic techniques has allowed visualization of morphologic perturbations at a much smaller scale using various techniques including digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), computed tomography(CT),ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). An alternative strategy to improve early detection is to search for functional changes. In 2007, the American Cancer Society revised their breast cancer screening recommendations. Annual screening by mammography is still recommended for women at low‐to‐medium risk for breast cancer; however, women at high risk for breast cancer are now recommended to have annual mammography and MRI. This recommendation is supported by studies which show that MRI is capable of demonstrating mammographically‐occult breast cancer both in both screening and diagnostic populations. Contrast‐enhanced (CE) radiographic methods, including CE‐mammography, CE‐DBT and CE‐CT, have the potential to rival breast MRI as a sensitive method for diagnosis and screening of breast cancer. In a pilot study of CE‐DBT conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, suspicious enhancing lesions were demonstrated in 14 of 15 cases of breast cancer. The pre‐contrast tomosynthesisimages demonstrated lesion morphology and border characteristics in greater detail than digital mammography, while the subtracted contrast‐enhanced tomosynthesisimages demonstrated the vascular characteristics of the breast lesions in a manner consistent with breast MRI. Further advances in CE imaging will be predicated upon shifting our attention from imaging perfusion to imaging specific molecular/cellular events. Research is ongoing in the discovery of specific biological prognostic factors, the development of appropriate imaging technologies and imaging agents, and the adaptation of these technologies to image‐guidance and monitoring of therapeutic interventions. Educational Objectives: 1. Review the development of contrast‐enhanced breast imaging. 2. Evaluate the results of the existing contrast‐enhanced clinical trials. 3. Examine the clinical roles for contrast‐enhanced imaging.
The action of fillers in the modification of the tribological behavior of polymers

Abstract This paper discusses the role of fillers such as solid lubricants, pure metals and inorganic compounds in modifying the tribological behavior of polymers. It examines critically the mechanisms and hypotheses proposed by a number of workers for wear reduction. This is done from the overall perspective of the data published in the literature as well as the recent work done by the authors on the subject. Some of the hypotheses have been negated while some are supported with discretion. The critical filler volume model is discussed and the filler volume for minimum wear is shown to agree with that calculated by the model. Some guidelines for the selection of fillers and their proportion for minimum wear rate are provided and the areas of research needing further attention are indicated.
AUTOLOGOUS ENGINEERED CARTILAGE RODS FOR PENILE RECONSTRUCTION

AbstractPurpose: Conditions such as inadequate and ambiguous genitalia that are caused by rudimentary penis, severe hypospadias or traumatic injury require surgical intervention. Although silicone penile prostheses are an accepted treatment modality, biocompatibility issues may be a problem in select cases. We previously demonstrated that rods composed of cartilage could be created using chondrocytes seeded on biodegradable polymer scaffolds. We showed that the cartilage rods engineered ex situ were readily elastic and withstood high degrees of pressure. We investigated the feasibility of applying the engineered cartilage rods in situ in an animal model.Materials and Methods: Autologous chondrocytes harvested from rabbit ears were grown and expanded in culture. Cells were seeded onto biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid coated polyglycolic acid polymer rods at a concentration of 50 x 106 chondrocytes per cm. [3]. A total of 18 chondrocyte polymer scaffolds were implanted into the corporal spaces in 10 rabbits...
Physiological and psychological symptoms of grief in widows

In this cross-sectional descriptive survey of 173 widows, we describe their grief symptoms using an open-ended questionnaire and the Revised Grief Experience Inventory. Self-reported physical symptoms included pain, gastro-intestinal problems, medical/surgical conditions, sleep disturbances, and neurological/circulatory issues. Psychological symptoms were reported as depression, anxiety, and loneliness. The mean total grief score was 71.4 +/- 30.2 (possible range 22-132). Physical symptoms were significantly correlated with the total mean grief score, and subscales of physical distress, depression, existential tension, and guilt. When the subjects were grouped by years since loss, (range 1-5 years), there was no significant decrease found in overall grief scores, suggesting symptoms of grief experienced by widows may continue up to at least 5 years.
Training Failure as a Consequence of Organizational Culture

Organizations spend as much as US$200 billion annually on training and development; however, much of this investment appears squandered on ill-conceived or poorly implemented interventions. Scholar...
Social network characteristics associated with health promoting behaviors among Latinos

Objective: This study examined the relationship between social network characteristics and health promoting behaviors (having a routine medical check-up, consuming no alcohol, consuming no fast food, and meeting recommendations for leisure-time physical activity and sleep duration) among Latinos to identify potential targets for behavioral interventions. Method: Personal network characteristics and health behavior data were collected from a community sample of 393 adult Latinos (73% women) in San Diego County, California. Network characteristics consisted of size and composition. Network size was calculated by the number of alters listed on a name generator questionnaire eliciting people with whom respondents discussed personal issues. Network composition variables were the proportion of Latinos, Spanish-speakers, females, family, and friends listed in the name generator. Additional network composition variables included marital status and the number of adults or children in the household. Results: Network members were predominately Latinos (95%), Spanish-speakers (80%), females (64%), and family (55%). In multivariate logistic regression analyses, gender moderated the relationship between network composition, but not size, and a health behavior. Married women were more likely to have had a routine medical check-up than married men. For both men and women, having a larger network was associated with meeting the recommendation for leisure-time physical activity. Conclusion: Few social network characteristics were significantly associated with health promoting behaviors, suggesting a need to examine other aspects of social relationships that may influence health behaviors.