cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cigarette smoking and electronic cigarette vaping patterns as a function of e-cigarette flavourings

Introduction The present study examined the influence of flavouring on the smoking and vaping behaviour of cigarette smokers asked to adopt e-cigarettes for a period of 6 weeks. Methods Participants were 88 current male and female smokers with no intention to stop smoking, but who agreed to substitute e-cigarettes for their current cigarettes. On intake, participants were administered tests of taste and smell for e-cigarettes flavoured with tobacco, menthol, cherry and chocolate, and were given a refillable e-cigarette of their preferred flavour or a control flavour. Participants completed daily logs of cigarette and e-cigarette use and were followed each week. Results Analyses over days indicated that, during the 6-week e-cigarette period, cigarette smoking rates dropped from an average of about 16 to about 7 cigarettes/day. e-Cigarette flavour had a significant effect such that the largest drop in cigarette smoking occurred among those assigned menthol e-cigarettes, and the smallest drop in smoking occurred among those assigned chocolate and cherry flavours. e-Cigarette vaping rates also differed significantly by flavour assigned, with the highest vaping rates for tobacco- and cherry-flavoured e-cigarettes, and the lowest rates for those assigned to chocolate. Conclusions The findings suggest that adoption of e-cigarettes in smokers may influence smoking rates and that e-cigarette flavourings can moderate this effect. e-Cigarette vaping rates are also influenced by flavourings. These findings may have implications for the utility of e-cigarettes as a nicotine replacement device and for the regulation of flavourings in e-cigarettes for harm reduction.
Investigating uncured no nitrate or nitrite added processed meat products

v CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 Dissertation Organization 4 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 5 I. The History of Nitrites and Nitrates 5 a. From the Beginning 5 b. The Discovery 5 c. Sodium and Potassium Understanding 6 II. Regulations 8 a. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 8 III. Meat Color Chemistry 11 a. Pigments of Fresh Meat Color 11 b. Pigments of Cured Meat Color 12 c. Chemical and Physical States of Meat Pigments 13 IV. Meat Curing 15 a. The Curing Reaction 17 b. Cure Accelerators 21 V. Factors Affecting Cured Meat Color 24 VI. Benefits of Using Nitrates / Nitrites 25 a. Microbiological Benefits of Nitrate/Nitrite Addition 26 b. Irradiation Interactions with Nitrite 32 c. Qualitative Aspects of Nitrate/Nitrite Addition 33 VII. Nitrates / Nitrites and Humans 37 a. Endogenous and Exogenous Sources 38 VIII. Residual Nitrite 40 a. Importance / Significance 41 b. Factors Affecting Levels 42 IX. Concerns of Using Nitrates and Nitrites 46 a. Nitrate/Nitrite Poisoning 48 b. Nitrosamine and Cancer Relationship 49
Leadership Development in Emerging Market Economies

This chapter serves as an introduction to the monograph that addresses an important and so far largely unexplored area of practice and research: leadership development (LD) in emerging market economies. Chapters in the book cover a wide range of LD practices and topics. While some authors focus exclusively on LD in the business sector, others are discussing such topics as LD in higher education (see the chapter on Indonesia), the role of higher education institutions in LD for managers and executives (e.g., chapters on China, Ghana, Poland, Russia, and South Africa), the role of religious institutions (Ghana), and LD in the government and public sectors (China, Ghana, Malaysia, South Africa, and Vietnam). Chapters from Brazil, Malaysia, Russia, Thailand, South Africa, and South Korea include case studies of LD in individual companies. The chapter provides an overview of a number of common themes, identified by the authors based on the analysis of the book chapter content. These themes are grouped under three topical areas: factors related to national and ethnic cultures and norms, legislative and political frameworks, and global influences.
Computed tomography detection of extracapsular spread of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in metastatic cervical lymph nodes

Background and purpose In patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC), extracapsular spread (ECS) of metastases in cervical lymph nodes affects prognosis and therapy. We assessed the accuracy of intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and the utility of imaging criteria for preoperative detection of ECS in metastatic cervical lymph nodes in patients with HNSCC. Materials and methods Preoperative intravenous contrast-enhanced neck CT images of 93 patients with histopathological HNSCC metastatic nodes were retrospectively assessed by two neuroradiologists for ECS status and ECS imaging criteria. Radiological assessments were compared with histopathological assessments of neck dissection specimens, and interobserver agreement of ECS status and ECS imaging criteria were measured. Results Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy for overall ECS assessment were 57%, 81%, 82% and 67% for observer 1, and 66%, 76%, 80% and 70% for observer 2, respectively. Correlating three or more ECS imaging criteria with histopathological ECS increased specificity and positive predictive value, but decreased sensitivity and accuracy. Interobserver agreement for overall ECS assessment demonstrated a kappa of 0.59. Central necrosis had the highest kappa of 0.74. Conclusion CT has moderate specificity for ECS assessment in HNSCC metastatic cervical nodes. Identifying three or more ECS imaging criteria raises specificity and positive predictive value, therefore preoperative identification of multiple criteria may be clinically useful. Interobserver agreement is moderate for overall ECS assessment, substantial for central necrosis. Other ECS CT criteria had moderate agreement at best and therefore should not be used individually as criteria for detecting ECS by CT.
Outpatient massage impact on symptom distress in cancer patients and caregivers.

e20651 Background: Massage as a manual therapy has shown benefit for symptomatic relief in cancer patients and their caregivers. We explored the impact of a single massage session on self-reported symptoms in an outpatient setting at a large academic cancer center. Methods: Data were reviewed from massage sessions (30 or 60 minute duration) at our Integrative Medicine Center outpatient clinic from May, 2011 through December, 2013. Participants completed a pre- and post-massage symptom assessment instrument, the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS; 10 symptoms, scale from 0-10, where 10 is most severe). Global symptom distress (GSD; range 0-100) was calculated as the sum of individual symptom scores. ESAS subscales analyzed included Physical Distress (PHS; range 0-70) and Psychological Distress (PSS; range 0-30). Data were analyzed examining the pre and post scores using paired t-tests. Results: Our analysis included data collected from 1478 massage visits for 555 participants (mean 2.7 visits/person) ...
Basic Principles of Genetics and Gene Therapy

Mendelian diseases vs. complex traits. Mendelian patterns of inheritance. Exceptions to the basic Mendelian patterns of inheritance. Chromosomal disorders and polygenetic diseases. Gene therapy.
Cuban Environment, the Past, Present and Future

This final chapter concludes with a brief look at some of the most influential and recent factors impacting Cuba’s lands and coastal waters in addition to the actors who contribute to their analysis and ongoing research for scientific and other purposes. Cuba’s plans to conserve or develop are also briefly discussed in conjunction with the positive and negative activities impacting land cover and land use futures in Cuba with the influx of potential tourism.
Abstract 064: Improving Aortic Valve Replacement Risk Prediction: The Role of Geographically Derived Socioeconomic Factors

Objective: Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with worse surgical outcomes. Current risk adjustment models for aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery do not include (SES), and therefore c...
The geo-graph in practice: creating United States Congressional Districts from census blocks

Every 10 years, United States Congressional Districts must be redesigned in response to a national census. While the size of practical political districting problems is typically too large for exact optimization approaches, heuristics such as local search can help stakeholders quickly identify good (but suboptimal) plans that suit their objectives. However, enforcing a district contiguity constraint during local search can require significant computation; tools that can reduce contiguity-based computations in large practical districting problems are needed. This paper applies the geo-graph framework to the creation of United States Congressional Districts from census blocks in four states—Arizona, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and New York—and finds that (a) geo-graph contiguity assessment algorithms reduce the average number of edges visited during contiguity assessments by at least three orders of magnitude in every problem instance when compared with simple graph search, and (b) the assumptions of the geo-graph model are easily adapted to the sometimes-irregular census block geography with only superficial impact on the solution space. These results show that the geo-graph model and its associated contiguity algorithms provide a powerful constraint assessment tool to political districting stakeholders.
‘Dime De Que Se Trató/Tell me what it was about’: Exploring emergent bilinguals’ linguistic resources in reading assessments with parent participation:

The purpose of this study was to explore the ways emergent bilingual first-graders draw on multiple linguistic resources during reading assessments and the participation of their Spanish-dominant p...
Detection of intra-cardiac thrombi and congestive heart failure in cats using computed tomographic angiography.

Arterial thromboembolism is a life-threatening condition in cats most commonly secondary to cardiac disease. Echocardiography is the reference standard to evaluate for presence of a thrombus. In humans, computed tomographic (CT) angiography is becoming widely used to detect left atrial thrombi precluding the use of sedation. The purpose of this prospective, controlled, methods comparison pilot study was threefold: (1) describe new CT angiography protocol used in awake cats with cardiac disease and congestive heart failure; (2) determine accuracy of continuous and dynamic acquisition CT angiography to identify and characterize cardiac thrombi from spontaneous echocardiographic contrast using transthoracic echocardiography as our reference standard; (3) identify known negative prognostic factors and comorbidities of the thorax that CT angiography may provide that complement or supersede echocardiographic examination. Fourteen cats with heart disease were recruited; 7 with thrombi and 7 with spontaneous echocardiographic contrast. Echocardiography and awake CT angiography were performed using a microdose of contrast. Six of 7 thrombi were identified on CT angiography as filling defects by at least one reviewer within the left auricle (n = 6) and right heart (n = 1). Highest sensitivity (71.4%) was in continuous phase and highest specificity (85.7%) was in dynamic studies with fair to moderate interobserver agreement (0.38 and 0.44). CT angiography identified prognostic cardiac information (left atrial enlargement, congestive heart failure, arterial thromboembolism) and comorbidities (suspected idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, asthma). This study indicates CT angiography can readily identify cardiac thrombi, important prognostic information and comorbidities, and can be safely performed in cats with cardiac disease and congestive heart failure.
Singularities and Symmetries of Nonlinear Evolution Equations

The methods of Painleve analysis and Lie symmetries provide powerful tools for analyzing the properties of nonlinear differential equations. However, although these two approaches, the former based on local singularity structure and the latter based on global symmetries, are often used in parallel the connections between them have not been substantially investigated.
Suicide in later life: failed treatment or rational choice?

Suicide is the deliberate act of causing death by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die. Assisted dying, also known as assisted suicide, involves others to help hasten death. Physician-assisted dying specifically refers to the participation of a physician in facilitating one�s death by providing a lethal means. Any decision to actively end a life has profound emotional and psychological effects on survivors. The article discusses the effects that older adults� deaths through suicide, assisted dying, and physician-assisted dying have on survivors and the implications for clinical practice.
Tabletop Demonstrations of LG Mode Production and Cleaning

With an improved understanding of the principles of mode conversion using a phase modulating surface, we proceeded with experimental table-top demonstrations of LG mode generation and interferometry. For the table-top experiments, we decided to use a computer-controlled liquid-crystal-on-silicon spatial light modulator (LCoS SLM) for preparing the LG beams. We found this to be the best choice for our work because of the availability and adaptability of such devices. We could easily alter the phase profile imprinted on the beam to be converted, and thus try many different profiles for conversion. At this relatively early stage in the experimental investigations, this advantage was deemed to outweigh the disadvantages of the SLM generation method; namely low mode conversion efficiency and phase front stability. Although, for example an etched diffractive optic would offer better stability and conversion efficiency, there is no possibility to alter the design once the optic is manufactured. At this time our goal was not to find the optimal the conversion method, but rather to investigate the interferometric performance of \({\text {LG}}_{33}\) beams.
Open image in new windowThe Environment

This book started with a review of how organisms change genetically, because genetic variability provides the raw material for evolution.
Fission recoil-induced microstructural evolution of the fuel-cladding interface [FCI] in high burnup BWR fuel

Abstract Understanding the structural evolution and reduction-oxidation behavior of nuclear fuel and cladding during operation is essential for predicting performance during and after service in light water reactors. Using TEM/STEM imaging of cross-sections of the fuel-cladding oxide interface region of high burnup BWR fuel, fission recoil radiation was demonstrated to not only stabilize the tetragonal phase of ZrO2 at temperatures well below the equilibrium temperature, but also to cause grain growth proportional to the fission recoil radiation damage. The tetragonal phase ZrO2 was exclusively present (no monoclinic phase) only in the region where fission product metal particles were found (∼6 μm depth).
Structural and indicator representations: a difference in degree, not kind

Some philosophers have offered structural representations as an alternative to indicator-based representations. Motivating these philosophers is the belief that an indication-based analysis of representation exhibits two fatal inadequacies from which structural representations are spared: such an analysis cannot account for the causal role of representational content and cannot explain how representational content can be made determinate. In fact, we argue, indicator and structural representations are on a par with respect to these two problems. This should not be surprising, we contend, given that the distinction between indicator and structural representations is better conceived as one involving degree rather than kind.
Can Haphazard Growth in Urban Villages Be Prevented? Experience from the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Region

This chapter examines the challenges associated with planning and regulating haphazard growth in urban villages in the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar region of Gujarat, India. The capital city of Gandhinagar, also known as the Gandhinagar Notified Area, was developed in the 1960s by the state government using eminent domain. The Gandhinagar New Capital Periphery Control Act was enforced in 1961 to maintain pristine rural environment in the peripheral area of Gandhingar, freezing urban development for over 40 years, even thought here was high demand in the local land market. The private sector was not allowed to participate in Gandhinagar’s development, which constrained the local land markets, created artificial scarcity, and inflated prices, resulting in illegal and haphazard growth around urban villages. This chapter discusses the specific strategies undertaken to adopt more market-oriented land readjustment (LR) mechanism to accommodate new growth around high growth villages. The villages experiencing intense development pressure were identified, and LR plans were systematically planned and implemented that carved lands for installing village infrastructure, curbed informal growth, while providing a framework for planned, organized, and regulated development. It further highlights the opportunities that smart visualization technologies can offer for enhancing urban design scenarios for improved outcomes for formulating place-based regulations.
CRT-100.43 Non-Chest Pain-Associated Symptoms in True Versus False Positive Catheterization Laboratory Activation for ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)

Timely revascularization of acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is essential. We studied the association of non-chest pain (non-CP) symptoms with the likelihood of finding a culprit lesion (CL) on coronary angiography. This is a retrospective, observational study of consecutive
Bob McKnight and Quiksilver: surf shorts, stock exchanges, and bankruptcy

Detailing Robert “Bob” McKnight’s contributions to surfing and action sports entrepreneurship is impossible without retracing the history of the surfwear brand Quiksilver. And in spite of surfing p...
Cyantraniliprole: A new insecticidal seed treatment for U.S. rice

Abstract Current pest management practices for the rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel) and the Mexican rice borer (Eoreuma loftini Dyar) in U.S. rice rely heavily on a small number of insecticides. Thus, additional products are needed to delay resistance development and replace products no longer available to farmers. Evaluation of novel and widely used insecticidal seed treatments was conducted in eight small plot field trials from 2015 to 2019 in Louisiana and Texas. Treatments evaluated included the insecticides cyantraniliprole, chlorantraniliprole, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin. Seed treated with chlorantraniliprole and seed treated with both cyantraniliprole and thiamethoxam together provided the best control of L. oryzophilus across trials. Thiamethoxam and clothianidin seed treatments did not provide satisfactory control of L. oryzophilus. Only chlorantraniliprole seed treatment controlled E. loftini. Improved yield was recorded from plots treated with chlorantraniliprole or cyantraniliprole + thiamethoxam across trials from 2017 to 2019 over fungicide only controls. Yield differences among treatments were not detected in 2015–2016 trials. Registration of cyantraniliprole seed treatment for use in U.S. rice provides a new tool for diversification of pest management practices and insecticide resistance management.
Exploring Participants' Views of Cybersecurity Competitions through the Lens of Social Media

Cybersecurity competitions have been recognized as a great approach to enhancing cybersecurity education. As the industry fights to solve the cybersecurity workforce shortage, various cybersecurity competitions have been developed. Although several studies have investigated the characteristics of the competition participants based on self-reported data, there remains a great need to gain a better understanding of the participants' views from an objective standpoint. In this study, we investigate the participants' comments, interests, and engagement based on the evidence collected from multiple social media platforms, including Reddit, Twitter, and Google Trends. Given the collected data, we conducted a content analysis to identify popular topics discussed in Reddit communities through the use of coding. Additionally, we analyzed Twitter and Google Trends data to investigate the trends of people's interests and sentiment of multiple aspects. Our analysis results enable us to discuss several practical implications of the findings.
Access Differential and Inequitable Access: Inaccessibility for Doctoral Students in Computing

Increasingly, support for students with disabilities in post-secondary education has boosted enrollment and graduates rates. Yet, such successes are not translated to doctoral degrees. For example, in 2018, the National Science Foundation reported 3% of math and computer science doctorate recipients identified as having a visual limitation while 1.2% identified as having a hearing limitation. To better understand why few students with disabilities pursue PhDs in computing and related fields, we conducted an interview study with 19 current and former graduate students who identified as blind or low vision, or deaf or hard of hearing. We asked participants about challenges or barriers they encountered in graduate school. We asked about accommodations they received, or did not receive, and about different forms of support. We found that a wide range of inaccessibility issues in research, courses, and in managing accommodations impacted student progress. Contributions from this work include identifying two forms of access inequality that emerged: (1) access differential: the gap between the access that non/disabled students experience, and (2) inequitable access: the degree of inadequacy of existing accommodations to address inaccessibility.
Signaling Effects of Branded Amenities on Customer-Based Brand Equity

Hotels often use branded amenities to upgrade products. However, given the importance, branded amenities are scarcely studied as a tool to manage hotel brands. Signaling theory explains how branded...
Phenotyping patients with borderline elevated esophageal acid exposure.

Acid exposure time (AET) 6% indicates pathologic reflux per the Lyon Consensus, leaving AET of 4-6% as borderline. We aimed to elucidate the borderline AET population and identify metrics that could help differentiate this group. A total of 50 subjects in each group, AET 6% on pH-impedance monitoring between 2015 and 2019, were retrospectively reviewed. In addition to demographic and clinical information, the extracted data included mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) on reflux study and high-resolution manometry (HRM) parameters and diagnosis. After excluding patients with prior foregut surgery, major esophageal motility disorder, or unreliable impedance testing, a total of 89 subjects were included in the analysis (25 with normal AET 6%). MNBI in borderline AET patients was significantly lower compared to normal AET (1607.7 vs. 2524.0 ohms, P < 0.01), and higher than abnormal AET (951.5 ohms, P < 0.01). Borderline subjects had a greater frequency of ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) diagnosis per Chicago classification v3.0 (42.1 vs. 8.0%, P = 0.01), but did not demonstrate any differences compared to abnormal subjects (34.6%, P = 0.56). Patients with borderline AET had an average MNBI that was in between normal AET and abnormal AET. Borderline AET patients also commonly demonstrate IEM on HRM, similar to those with abnormal AET. Our findings can be potentially useful in assigning higher clinical significance for patients found to have borderline AET with concomitant low MNBI and IEM on manometry.
Strength, deformability and toughness of uncrosslinked fibrin fibers from theoretical reconstruction of stress-strain curves.

Abstract Structural mechanisms underlying the mechanical properties of fibrin fibers are elusive. We combined tensile testing of uncrosslinked fibrin polymers in vitro and in silico to explore their material properties. The experimental stress ( σ ) – strain ( e ) curves for fibrin fibers are characterized by elastic deformations with a weaker elastic response for e e >160% owing to unfolding of the coiled coils and γ nodules in fibrin monomers. Fiber rupture for strains e >212% is due to dissociation of the knob-hole bonds and rupture of D:D interfaces. We developed the Fluctuating Bilinear Spring model to interpret the σ − e profiles in terms of the free energy for protofibril alignment Δ G 0 = 10.1–11.5 k B T, Young's moduli for protofibril alignment Y u = 1.9-3.2 MPa and stretching Y a = 5.7–9.7 MPa, strain scale e ˜ ≈ 12–40% for fiber rupture, and protofibril cooperativity m = 3.6–8. We applied the model to characterize the fiber strength σ c r ≈ 12-13 MPa, deformability e c r ≈ 222%, and rupture toughness U ≈ 9 MJ/m3, and to resolve thermodynamic state functions, 96.9 GJ/mol entropy change for protofibril alignment (at room temperature) and 113.6 GJ/mol enthalpy change for protofibril stretching, which add up to 210.5 GJ/mol free-energy change. Fiber elongation is associated with protofibril dehydration and sliding mechanism to create an ordered protofibril array. Fibrin fibers behave like a hydrogel; protofibril dehydration and water expulsion account for ∼94-98% of the total free-energy changes for fiber elongation and rupture. Statement of significance Structural mechanisms underlying the mechanical properties of fibrin fibers, major components of blood clots and obstructive thrombi, are elusive. We performed tensile testing of uncrosslinked fibrin polymers in vitro and in silico to explore their material properties. Fluctuating Bilinear Spring theory was developed to interpret the stress-strain profiles in terms of the energy for protofibril alignment, elastic moduli for protofibril alignment and stretching, and strain scale for fiber rupture, and to probe the limits of fiber strength, extensibility and toughness. Fibrin fibers behave like a hydrogel. Fiber elongation is defined by the protofibril dehydration and sliding. Structural rearrangements in water matrix control fiber elasticity. These results contribute to fundamental understanding of blood clot breakage that underlies thrombotic embolization.
Metal Dopants Increase THz-Photoconductivity in g-C 3 N 4

Metal-doped graphitic carbon nitride has shown promise in the field of photocatalysis due to its increased efficiency over its pure form. In this work, we show that Cu doping g-C3N4 does not perturb the structure of the materials and extends the visible light absorption. Ultrafast THz-photoconductivity of carbon nitride is enhanced due to the addition of metal dopant. A Cu dopant creates a very fast photoconductivity component (727 fs) in the optical pump terahertz probe (OPTP) trace. We also studied the influence of film preparation which can create a long lifetime (~100 ps) component in the photoconductivity.
Childhood maltreatment, subjective social status, and health disparities in bereavement.

Abstract Background Spousal bereavement can lead to adverse health outcomes; however, not all widow(er)s experience the same degree of health problems. Thus, it is important to understand the contribution of disparities (e.g., childhood maltreatment and subjective social status) that may underlie adverse health outcomes that arise following bereavement. Methods We collected data from 130 spousally bereaved individuals at 3-time points (3 months post-loss, 4 months post-loss, and 6 months post-loss). Using mixed models, we assessed the interaction of childhood maltreatment, subjective social status, and time to predict changes in proinflammatory cytokine production, depressive symptoms, grief symptoms. Results We found a significant interaction between childhood maltreatment, subjective social status, and time predicting proinflammatory cytokine production (beta > -0.01, p = 0.048), depressive symptoms (beta = 0.008, p =.010), and grief symptoms (beta = 0.001 p =.001). Conclusion This study highlights the role of disparities related to childhood maltreatment and subjective social status on adverse health outcomes following spousal bereavement.
Interventions to Support Social Interaction in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review of Single Case Studies

Social interaction is a core deficit in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, parents and teachers need effective interventions to support students with ASD. This synthesis provides a quantitative analysis of single-subject studies that examine interventions to support social interactions in children with ASD. Results suggest that pivotal response treatment (PRT), Social StoriesTM, peer-mediated strategies, and video modelling are promising interventions to support social interaction. Limitations, implications for practice, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Welder rating system based learning of human welder intelligence in GTAW

Current industrial welding robots are mostly articulated arms with pre-programmed sets of movement, which lack the intelligence skilled human welders possess. In this paper human welder's response against 3D weld pool surface is learned and transferred to the welding robots to perform automated welding tasks. To this end, an innovative teleoperated virtualized welding platform is utilized to conduct dynamic training experiments by a human welder whose arm movements together with the 3D weld pool characteristic parameters are recorded. The data is off-line rated by the welder and a welder rating system is consequently trained, using an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), to automate the rating. Data from the training experiments are then automatically classified such that top rated data pairs are selected to model and extract “good response” minimizing the effect from “bad operation” made during the training. A supervised ANFIS model is then proposed to correlate the 3D weld pool characteristic parameters and welder's adjustment on the welding speed. The obtained welder response model is then transferred to the welding robot to perform automated welding task as an intelligent controller. Experiment results verified that the proposed model is able to control the process under different welding current as well as under speed disturbance. A foundation is thus established to selectively learn “good response” to rapidly extract human intelligence to transfer into welding robots.
Complex queries over web repositories

Web repositories, such as the Stanford WebBase repository, manage large heterogeneous collections of Web pages and associated indexes. For effective analysis and mining, these repositories must provide a declarative query interface that supports complex expressive Web queries. Such queries have two key characteristics: (i) They view a Web repository simultaneously as a collection of text documents, as a navigable directed graph, and as a set of relational tables storing properties of Web pages (length, URL, title, etc.). (ii) The queries employ application-specific ranking and ordering relationships over pages and links to filter out and retrieve only the "best" query results. In this paper, we model a Web repository in terms of "Web relations" and describe an algebra for expressing complex Web queries. Our algebra extends traditional relational operators as well as graph navigation operators to uniformly handle plain, ranked, and ordered Web relations. In addition, we present an overview of the cost-based optimizer and execution engine that we have developed, to efficiently execute Web queries over large repositories.
Some sufficient efficiency conditions in semiinfinite multiobjective fractional programming based on exponential type invexities

In this paper, we first generalize the first order exponential Hanson-Antczak type $(\alpha, \beta, \gamma, \xi, \rho, \eta, \theta)$ -invexities to the case of the $HA(\alpha,\beta,\gamma,\xi,\rho,\eta, h(\cdot,\cdot ),\theta)$ -V-invexities, which encompass most of the exponential type invexities as well as other various invexity variants in the literature. The obtained results are new and general in nature relevant to various applications arising in semiinfinite multiobjective fractional programming and optimization.
Identification of a common immunodominant protein in culture filtrates of three Nocardia species and use in etiologic diagnosis of mycetoma.

Diagnosis of systemic nocardiosis has been hampered by difficulty in the rapid isolation and identification of the organism and by the frequent need for invasive biopsies. We show that a 55,000-Mr protein previously found in Nocardia asteroides is also present in N. brasiliensis and N. caviae culture filtrates. We also used the antigen in a dot blot assay to identify patients infected with N. brasiliensis. Sera from patients with mycetoma secondary to N. brasiliensis (n = 6) or Actinomadura madurae (n = 2) and 10 hospitalized controls were tested. Six (100%) of the sera from the patients with nocardial mycetoma had positive dot blots to purified antigen, whereas all 10 of the control sera were negative. Serum from one of two patients infected with A. madurae also reacted with the antigen. Thus, the 55-kilodalton protein appears to be produced by three medically important species of Nocardia and is useful when used in an immunoblot assay for identifying patients infected with these organisms. Images
693 HEXOSAMINIDASE: A MARKER FOR HEALING AFTER ISCHEMIC GUT INJURY

Serum hexosaminidase activity (HEX) is elevated with ischemic gut injury. To determine if subsequent decreases in HEX correlate with gut healing, 97 weanling rats were subjected to laparotomy at which alternate vascular bundles were ligated along the base of the entire anterior mesenteric artery arcade. Fifteen rats served as pre-operative controls. After recovery, rats were allowed ad lib food and water. Groups were then killed at intervals, blood was drawn for HEX determination, and samples of small bowel were taken for histological evaluation. DATA: Microscopically, focal ischemic necrosis began at 6 hours. Between 12 and 48 hrs, cellular changes were consistent with progressive ischemic injury. Evidence of healing was apparent beginning at 5 days and these histological changes correlated with changes in HEX. Thus HEX proves useful as a marker for healing gut in this model.
Intermittency in Mastication and Apomorphine-Induced Gnawing

Rhythmic behaviors like mastication, gnawing, and locomotion, are characterized by temporal segmentation or intermittency. That is, they frequently occur as a series of short bursts interrupted by pauses rather than as one long uninterrupted burst. The function of intermittency as well as the mechanisms that produce it are unknown. Biogenic amine systems may play a role in producing intermittency; however, experimental work to confirm this is only in its infancy. The current study evaluates the structure of intermittency associated with mastication and apomorphine-induced gnawing in the guinea pig. Thirteen free-roaming animals were videotaped while masticating or gnawing. Eight animals were given 0.5 mg/kg i.m. apomorphine and videotaped while gnawing. The remaining five animals received no apomorphine injections, but were taped while feeding on alfalfa pellets. Custom software was used to score instances of maximum jaw closures in videotaped mastication and gnawing sequences. The time between successive maximum jaw closures, called the interocclude interval (IOI), was calculated for all scored sequences. A cutoff IOI value of 0.26 s differentiated pauses (IOI values equal or greater than 0.26 s) from chews or gnaws (IOI values less than 0.26 s). Two or more successive chews or gnaws, without intervening pauses, defined behavior bursts. Chew, gnaw, and burst durations were quantified and compared. Chew and gnaw durations were similar. However, chewing bursts were significantly longer than gnawing bursts. The significance of these results is presented in light of previous neurophysiological work on rhythmic jaw movements and intermittency.
Oxybutynin in bladder spasm, neurogenic bladder, and enuresis

Abstract Oxybutynin chloride (Ditropan), a tertiary amine possessing anticholinergic and papaverine-like, direct muscular antispasmodic effects, has been used in controlled clinical studies in patients with neurovesical reflex activity, uninhibited bladders, enuresis, and primary muscle spasm. The cystometrically documented, synergistic, anticholinergic, and muscle relaxant activity of oxybutynin observed in these studies indicates that the drug can be highly effective in the mangement of reflex neurovesical dysfunction, enuresis, and bladder spasm.
Gold nanocluster-catalyzed semihydrogenation: a unique activation pathway for terminal alkynes.

We report high catalytic activity of ultrasmall spherical Au25(SC2H4Ph)18 and rod-shaped Au25(PPh3)10(C≡CPh)5X2 (X = Br, Cl) nanoclusters supported on oxides for the semihydrogenation of terminal alkynes into alkenes with >99% conversion of alkynes and ∼100% selectivity for alkenes. In contrast, internal alkynes cannot be catalyzed by such “ligand-on” Au25 catalysts; however, with “ligand-off” Au25 catalysts the internal alkynes can undergo semihydrogenation to yield Z-alkenes, similar to conventional gold nanoparticle catalysts. On the basis of the results, a unique activation pathway of terminal alkynes by “ligand-on” gold nanoclusters is identified, which should follow a deprotonation activation pathway via a R′—C≡C—[AunLm] (where L represents the protecting ligands on the cluster), in contrast with the activation mechanism on conventional gold nanocatalysts. This new activation mode is supported by observing the incorporation of deprotonated —C≡CPh as ligands on rod-shaped Au25(PPh3)10(C≡CPh)5X2 nanoc...
SOME CORRELATIONS BETWEEN METHODS OF KNOWING AND THEOLOGICAL CONCEPTS IN ARTHUR PEACOCKE'S PERSONALISTIC PANENTHEISM AND NONPERSONAL NATURALISTIC THEISM

Differences in methods of knowing correlate with differences in concepts about what is known. This is an underlying issue in science and religion. It is seen, first, in Arthur Peacocke's reasoning about God as transcendent and personal, is based on an assumption of correlative thinking that like causes like. This contrasts with a notion of causation in empirical science, which explains the emergence of new phenomena as originating from temporally prior phenomena quite unlike that which emerges. The scientific understanding of causation is compatible with a naturalistic theism that holds a nonpersonal model of God as the creative process. However, focusing on the immanence of God, there is a second correlation between methods of knowing and concepts of God. Classical empiricism, used by science, correlates with God understood nonpersonally as the creative process. Radical empiricism, in which feelings and not only sense perceptions have cognitive import, opens up the possibility that one can experience Peacocke's personal, panentheistic God as pattern-forming influence. I illustrate this second method-concept correlation with a personal experience.
Modeling the Spatial Distribution of Seven Halocarbons in Lake St. Clair in June 1984 Using the Toxfate Model

Abstract The TOXFATE model, coupled with a hydrodynamic model, is used to simulate/ predict the fate of seven volatile halocarbons, bromodichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, Freon 12, 1,1,1-tri-chloroethane, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene in Lake St. Clair. The model is driven by estimated contaminant loads and meteorological data during May and June 1984 and simulations are compared with data collected at 51 lake stations on 18–21 June 1984. The contaminant data collection is only a snapshot of an event continuously taking place in the lake, mainly the flow of organics from the St. Clair River into the lake and on to the Detroit River. The model is successfully verified by comparing predicted and observed relative amounts of the seven halocarbons in the lake during the 4-day period. Good correspondence was derived for both the spatial distribution of chemicals and for predicted concentrations. The model performance provides confidence for application as a management tool for prediction of the distribution of toxic contaminants resulting from accidental chemical spills in this lake. The fate model performance is dependent on the accurate description of the lake circulation by a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model.
Impact of electricity rate structures on energy cost savings of pre-cooling controls for office buildings

Abstract This paper summarizes the results of a series of parametric analyses performed to evaluate the impact of key design and operating conditions on the effectiveness of pre-cooling control strategies for reducing peak demand and overall energy costs for office buildings. The analyses were carried out using EnergyPlus, a whole building energy simulation program. The effects of various parameters were considered in the analysis including building location, mass level, pre-cooling control strategy, and time-of-use utility rate. The results are utilized to develop general guidelines and a simplified analysis method for operators and designers to assess the potential of pre-cooling building thermal mass on reducing energy cost savings strategies for office buildings.
On the drag of model dendrite

An experimental study of low Reynolds number drag on laboratory models of dendrite fragments has been conducted. The terminal velocities of the dendrites undergoing free fall along their axis of symmetry were measured in a large Stokes flow facility. Corrections for wall interference give nearly linear dragvs Reynolds number curves. Corrections for both wall interference and inertia effects show that the dendrite Stokes settling velocities are always less than that of a sphere of equal mass and volume. In the Stokes limit, the settling speed ratio is found to correlate well with the primary dendrite arm aspect ratio and a second dimensionless shape parameter which serves as a measure of the fractal-like nature of the dendrite models. These results can be used to estimate equiaxed grain velocities and distance of travel in metal castings. The drag measurements may be used in numerical codes to calculate the movement of grains in a convecting melt in an effort to determine macrosegregation patterns caused by the sink/float mechanism.
Limits to the temporal fidelity of cortical spike rate signals

The cerebral cortex processes information primarily through changes in the spike rates of neurons within local ensembles. To evaluate how reliably the average spike rate of a group of cortical neurons can represent a time-varying signal, we simulated an ensemble with realistic spike discharge behavior. We found that weak interneuronal correlation, or synchrony, allows the variability in spike rates of individual neurons to compromise the ensemble representation of time-varying signals. Brief cycles of sinusoidal modulation at frequencies above 115 Hz could not be represented by an ensemble of hundreds of neurons whose interneuronal correlation mimics that of the visual cortex. The spike variability and correlation assumed in our simulations are likely to apply to many areas of cortex and therefore may constrain the fidelity of neural computations underlying higher brain function.
Potassium-loading test in the differentiation of T wave abnormalities

Abstract This report summarizes our experience with the oral potassium-loading test in a group of patients who presented with abnormal T wave inversion on routine resting electrocardiograms. The test empirically normalizes most T wave abnormalities that are unassociated with clinically demonstrable heart disease, particularly the T wave changes induced by brief hyperventilation or by anxiety reactions. The response to the test procedure is dosage-dependent and is not related to a nonspecific osmolar load. It is recommended that the oral potassium-loading test not be utilized as a clinical testing procedure. Although the results frequently clarify the significance of T wave abnormalities in asymptomatic patients, false positives and false negatives will occur. At best, awareness of this study will recall to the clinicians mind that anxiety, hyperventilation and standing may result in T wave abnormalities entirely similar to those of an acute myocardial ischemic episode, pericarditis or myocarditis.
El nino: a chaotic dynamical system?

Most of the principal qualitative features of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation phenomenon can be explained by a simple but physically motivated theory. These features are the occurrence of sea-surface warmings in the eastern equatorial Pacific and the associated trade wind reversal; the aperiodicity of these events; the preferred onset time with respect to the seasonal cycle; and the much weaker events in the Atlantic and Indian oceans. The theory, in its simplest form, is a conceptual model for the interaction of just three variables, namely near-surface temperatures in the east and west equatorial ocean and a wind-driven current advecting the temperature field. For a large range of parameters, the model is naturally chaotic and aperiodically produces El Nino-like events. For a smaller basin, representing a smaller ocean, the events are proportionally less intense.
Oncolytic targeting of androgen-sensitive prostate tumor by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): consequences of deficient interferon-dependent antiviral defense

Oncolytic virotherapy for cancer treatment utilizes viruses for selective infection and death of cancer cells without any adverse effect on normal cells. We previously reported that the human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a novel oncolytic virus against androgen-independent PC-3 human prostate cancer cells. The present study extends the result to androgen-dependent prostate cancer, and explores the underlying mechanism that triggers RSV-induced oncolysis of prostate cancer cells. The oncolytic effect of RSV on androgen-sensitive LNCaP human prostate cancer cells and on androgen-independent RM1 murine prostate cancer cells was studied in vitro in culture and in vivo in a xenograft or allograft tumor model. In vitro, cell viability, infectivity and apoptosis were monitored by MTT assay, viral plaque assay and annexin V staining, respectively. In vivo studies involved virus administration to prostate tumors grown in immune compromised nude mice and in syngeneic immune competent C57BL/6J mice. Anti-tumorogenic oncolytic activity was monitored by measuring tumor volume, imaging bioluminescent tumors in live animals and performing histopathological analysis and TUNEL assay with tumors We show that RSV imposes a potent oncolytic effect on LNCaP prostate cancer cells. RSV infectivity was markedly higher in LNCaP cells compared to the non-tumorigenic RWPE-1 human prostate cells. The enhanced viral burden led to LNCaP cell apoptosis and growth inhibition of LNCaP xenograft tumors in nude mice. A functional host immune response did not interfere with RSV-induced oncolysis, since growth of xenograft tumors in syngeneic C57BL/6J mice from murine RM1 cells was inhibited upon RSV administration. LNCaP cells failed to activate the type-I interferon (IFNα/β)-induced transcription factor STAT-1, which is required for antiviral gene expression, although these cells could produce IFN in response to RSV infection. The essential role of IFN in restricting infection was further borne out by our finding that neutralizing IFN activity resulted in enhanced RSV infection in non-tumorigenic RWPE-1 prostate cells. We demonstrated that RSV is potentially a useful therapeutic tool in the treatment of androgen-sensitive and androgen-independent prostate cancer. Moreover, impaired IFN-mediated antiviral response is the likely cause of higher viral burden and resulting oncolysis of androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells.