cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subsurface heavy‐metal detection with the use of a laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) penetrometer system

U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station (WES) investigators have designed, fabricated, and demonstrated a cone penetrometer sensor for sub-surface in situ field screening based on LIBS. The LIBS probe (patent pending) presented here is one of a suite of contaminant and geophysical probes developed by the WES Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS) program. The LIBS probe includes a laser as part of the optical LIBS sensor section for metals analysis and a cone and sleeve soil classification module at its tip. Soil classification data are acquired during the push, while LIBS data are recorded during probe retraction, after shedding a sacrificial sleeve. Optical design concerns are discussed including the recessed window geometry to avoid output window damage and associated problems. Calibration, peak identification and peak confidence software are discussed. Although producing lower signal strength, the nonimaging optical receiver utilized is based on a simple design. Its performance is less dependent on soil conditions and produces a more consistent optical signal when compared to an imaging optical receiver design. Field results from four sites are discussed. Some spectral samples from a site indicate contaminant material that is not mixed with soil, as evidenced by spectra with a total lack of characteristic iron peaks in the background. Soil grain size and soil moisture are discussed in the context of empirical calibration and their effect on LIBS measurements.
Value added products from reclamation of military munitions

The Department of Defense has a backlog of excess, obsolete and unserviceable munitions for disposal. For many of these munition items the only method of disposal is open burning/open detonation (OB/OD) which destroys valuable resources which can be reclaimed and converted to useful products. The Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NAVSURFWARCENDIV Crane) in support of the Navy's Ordnance Reclamation Program and the Joint Service Large Rocket Motor Disposal Program has been developing technology for the removal and reclamation of the energetics from munitions. The University of Missouri-Rolla has demonstrated the use of high pressure waterjet technology for removal of PBX explosives from projectiles and warheads. Development work is nearing completion for demonstrating the capability to remove Class 1.1 propellant from strategic rocket motors using high pressure waterjets. Current projects are under way focusing on resource recovery and recycling (R3) of the reclaimed energetics while minimizing disposal. The current reclamation projects include reformulation of the explosives and Class 1.1 propellants into commercial blasting agents, reuse of Navy gun propellant for various applications including agriculture and oil-gas well stimulation. Other projects include the recovery of RDX/HMX from Class 1.1 explosives and propellants and the conversion of Explosive D into higher value products. Lab/bench scale testing has been completed on many of these processes, and for some pilot scale demonstrations have been or are scheduled to be completed during 1997.
3-D color Doppler image quantification of breast masses

Abstract In this article, new measures obtained from color Doppler images are introduced and a pilot study is described, in which these and previously published indices are evaluated for use in future work. Twenty women with breast masses observed on mammography and going to surgical biopsy were studied. Of the masses, 11 proved to be benign and 9 were malignant. Both 3-D mean frequency shift (f-CDI) and power mode Doppler (p-CDI) imaging were performed. To identify the mass and other regions of interest, vessels were displayed as rotatable 3-D color volumes, superimposed on selectable grey-scale/color flow slices. Doppler signals were recorded in each of 6 ellipsoidal regions of interest in and around the mass and 2 in normal tissues. Seven measures were computed in each region, three from power mode, two from mean frequency and two from combinations of both. Radiologists rated the grey-scale appearances of the masses on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 = most suspicious) for each of 6 conventional grey-scale criteria. Of the individual vascularity measures in individual ROIs, the log speed-weighted pixel density and log power-weighted pixel density in the lesion internal periphery showed the greatest discrimination of malignancy, although neither was statistically significant nor as good as the peak variables described below. The mean visual grey-scale rating was the best discriminator overall, but two peak vascularity measures each made promising scatterplots in conjunction with the average visual grey-scale rating. These two vascularity measures were the log peak normalized power-weighted pixel density (peak NPD) and log of peak mean Doppler frequency times the peak NPD (v M · NPD M ). Each of these two values was the maximum in any one of the five chosen ROIs closely associated with the mass. A possible rationale for the relative success of these peak values is the blood signal's normalization and the inhomogeneity of most breast cancers and the expectation that the highest velocities (shunting) and largest collections of blood are not necessarily in the same region in and around the tumor. Peak NPD of cancers varied with age, decreasing by a factor of 45 from 33 to 77 y.
Diabetes Symptoms and Distress in ACCORD Trial Participants: Relationship to Baseline Clinical Variables

IN BRIEF Our study demonstrates strong associations of diabetes symptoms and distress with female sex, higher BMI, history of neuropathy, and current depressive symptoms. Many diabetes-specific symptoms may be significantly shaped by factors such as depression and obesity.
Towards trustworthy shared networked sensor-actuator systems

We are witnessing a rapid expansion in the adoption of networked sensor-actuator systems (NSAS) deployed in support of applications such as smart homes, health management, public safety, and emergency management. Many of these emerging applications require large-scale deployment of NSAS and often have dynamic application-specific mission and evolving quality-of-service (QoS) requirements that include timeliness, reliability, security and availability. The shared and federated use of NSAS resources, to achieve multi-application goals, is a key to cost effective NSAS industry. This necessitates the decoupling of the NSAS physical infrastructure from application provisioning, and protecting applications and infrastructure resources from threats. The failure of NSAS nodes, due to malicious or non-malicious conditions, represents a major threat to the turstworthiness of NSAS platforms. Applications should be able to survive individual failures of resource nodes and change their runtime structure while preserving its operational integrity. Furthermore, for sustainable operation, QoS provisioning must be interwoven with energy conservation as a core priority in NSAS platform design. The large-scale of such networks, their heterogeneous node capabilities, their highly dynamic topology, their resource challenged nodes with the subsequent need for node cooperation, and their likelihood of being deployed in inhospitable environments, pose formidable challenges for the construction of trustworthy, shared NSAS platforms. To support the transition of NSAS from a research-only topic to a cost-efficient commercial industry that brings NSAS products and technologies to market, there is a need for a system-aided engineering methodologies and processes that addresses the industrial activities required for the full life-cycle of NSAS applications starting from the initial design to the evolution as requirements or mission change.
Movements of echinochrome granules during the early development of sea urchin eggs.

ECHINOCHROME pigment granules in unfertilized eggs of the sea urchin Arbacia punctulata undergo randomly-directed saltatory movements1,2. After fertilization, nearly all these granules migrate to the egg cortex and become embedded. Subsequent pigment granule movements may represent mass cortical changes rather than independent granule movements2,3. At the fourth cleavage, a quartet of micromeres containing little or no pigment forms at the vegetal pole. By the two or four-cell stage, pigment granules have begun to move out of this region, leaving a “clear area” on each blastomere (Fig. 1 and refs. 4, 5). To investigate possible mechanisms for these movements and their relation to cortical events
494 TOXOPLASMOSIS: MATERNAL AND PEDIATRIC FINDINGS IN 23,000 PREGNANCIES

We have studied approximately 23,000 pregnant women and their children from 14 institution located throughout the United States who participated in the Collaborative Perinatal Project. The children were followed for a period of 7 years. Serial serum specimens were available from the pregnant women and these were tested for antibody to toxoplasmosis using a micromodification of the indirect hemagglutination inhi-bition test (IHA). The patients with highest titers (≥1024) or fourfold rises to ≥ 256 by the IHA method were also tested for IgM antibody using indirect fluorescent test (IFA). Among the women tested, 38.6% had detectable antibody and a total of 2.2% of the women showed significant increases in antibody or were in the highest titer ranges. Based on this latter group and the IgM IFA tests, a “High Risk” group of 42 patients was identified. Two of the children had “probable” congenital toxoplasmosis and there were 3 stillbirths. Three other children had abnormalities including prematurity, hypotonia, or short leg which may or may not be related to toxoplasmosis. We also studied the entire population for evidence of abnormal findings which could be corelated with maternal antibody findings using a computer analysis. A total of approximately 240 first year and 300 seven year specific physical and developmental categories were considered. The only outcome indicated to be possibly important was an observed increase in micro-cephaly which was two-fold (.55% versus .24%) among the patients in the higher titer ranges.
Experimenting with the student learning system

Improving the quality of continuing education may be achieved in many different ways. One of them is the introduction of some technology in the classroom, in order to increase learners' participation (and so their retention of the subject matter) and provide the teacher with a tool for detailed analysis (after the course) of the amount of knowledge and skills acquired by the learners, as well as of teacher's own performance. But this does not work without implementation problems: some people (learners and teachers) are reluctant to use any technology in the classroom; the course has to be changed in order to make use of that technology; inadequate use might be disturbing; and so on. This paper discusses these aspects of introducing technology in the classroom, based on various experiments made with a set of students response units connected to a microcomputer.
Inhibition of cell growth and of purine biosynthesis by allopurinol and 4-aminopyrazolo(3,4-d)pyrimidine--a comparative study.

Abstract We compared the effects of two chemically similar purine analogs, 4-hydroxypyrazolo(3,4-d)pyrimidine (allopurinol) and 4-aminopyrazolo(3,4-d)pyrimidine (4-APP) on the growth and on de novo purine biosynthesis of rat hepatoma cells in culture. Both compounds were found to significantly inhibit their growth as well as their de novo purine synthesis, thesis, the effective concentrations of 4-APP being nearly two orders of magnitude less than those of allopurinol. For both drugs, there was a good correlation between the ability to inhibit de novo purine synthesis and to produce growth inhibition, suggesting a causal relationship. Although the two compounds inhibit purine synthesis to a similar extent, the mechanisms by which they affect the early portion of the purine pathway differ: allopurinol apparently acts by end product-mediated inhibition and/or depletes the cell of substrates, whereas 4-APP, in addition, regulates gene expression by causing a repression of an early function in the de novo pathway.
Modeling of sea optical signatures under natural illumination

The influence of the illumination by the direct sun light and the diffuse light of the sky on the spectral structure of the apparent optical properties of seawater is studied. The resulting formula of this paper couples the sea diffuse reflection coefficient with the angular distribution of the natural light and the inherent optical properties of the seawater. This work uses a self-consistent approach to solve the radiative transfer equation. That approach was developed earlier to calculate the apparent optical properties including the diffuse reflection coefficient. A model of the inherent optical properties of seawater is proposed. This model expresses the inherent optical properties through the concentrations of chlorophyll, yellow substance, and biogenic and terrigenic hydrosols. The transformations of sea optical signatures, due to the changes in illumination and concentrations of suspended and dissolved matter, are analyzed. It is shown that the atmospheric optical parameters and the sun elevation angle significantly influence optical signatures of the upwelling light. The effective wavelength -- the parameter that is weakly dependent on the conditions of illumination -- is proposed.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Amortizing fund financing for applied research, development, and demonstration of advanced electric energy production and distribution systems

Advanced electric energy production and distribution technologies are needed to replace conventional systems that have adverse environmental, safety, and economic features. This need is global and is recognized by the energy community. In most cases, the major barrier to these technologies is sufficient development to demonstrate their costs. Any new technology must be economically competitive with existing systems, with all external costs being internalized. These technologies include advanced power production such as solar electric, passively safe nuclear fission, coal-fired MHD, and nuclear fusion. Other examples are superconducting energy storage, transmission systems and generators. Ultimate fission waste disposal (e.g., nuclear incineration) is also included as an advanced electric energy technology. The demonstration of these technologies requires long-term applied R D programs with a stable funding environment. For many years, the public sector has emphasized basic science and technology while the private sector has focused on the production of marketable goods. This has resulted in a funding gap for the demonstration of major electric production and distribution technologies, thus blocking their introduction into electric utility systems and the export market. An amortizing fund approach is proposed to bridge this gap. This approach is based on historically conservative economic principles, and has significantmore » precedence in the electric utility industry. It also closely connects the revenue source with the objectives of the disbursement of the funds. An amortizing fund, established from a very small investment fee such as one mill per kilowatt-hour on the purchase of electricity, would be paid by consumers. A Federally Chartered organization, staffed by professionals recruited principally from the electric utility and related industries, would manage the fund.« less
Proximal Humerus Fractures: Pin, Plate, or Replace?

No definitive treatment algorithm exists regarding the optimal treatment for displaced proximal humerus fractures. Factors affecting decision making include facture type, bone quality, metaphyseal comminution, risk of head osteonecrosis, joint congruity, and patient functional demands. With good bone quality, percutaneous fixation is appropriate for 2-part fractures without metaphyseal comminution and select 3-part and 4-part valgus-impacted fractures with preserved medial hinge. Open reduction internal fixation is appropriate for displaced fractures with joint congruity. Hemiarthroplasty is preferred in head-splitting large impaction fractures or a devascularized head. Many displaced 4-part fractures are treated with open reduction and internal fixation, despite the risk of avascular necrosis in younger patients in whom implantation of a prosthesis is undesirable. This article reviews indications and surgical techniques to maximize successful outcomes of proximal humerus fracture treatment.
Severely suppressed bone turnover and atypical skeletal fragility.

Context: Since their introduction into clinical medicine, bisphosphonates have revolutionized clinical osteoporosis care. Ironically, in rare circumstances, long-term, combined anti-remodeling therapy may be associated with skeletal harm. Evidence Acquisition: We report atypical skeletal fragility in three subjects after long-term, combined anti-remodeling therapy. Evidence Synthesis: Three subjects experienced spontaneous or minimal-trauma chalk-stick type metadiaphyseal femoral fractures while on long-term bisphosphonate therapy. The fracture location, type, bilaterality, prodromal pain, and delayed healing were atypical for uncomplicated postmenopausal osteoporosis. All three subjects had concomitant circumstances (endogenous estrogen) or medications (glucocorticoids, hormone replacement therapy, and raloxifene) that likely suppressed bone remodeling beyond the effect of the bisphosphonate alone. Biochemical markers of bone turnover were very low or in the low premenopausal range. Double tetracycline-l...
A Prospective Cohort Study of Oral Contraceptives and Cancer of the Endometrium

A prospective cohort study of approximately 97 300 women was conducted in eastern Massachusetts. Information on use of oral contraceptives, and on gynaecological and reproductive histories was sought through mailed questionnaires, while newly diagnosed cases of cancer of the endometrium were identified from records of 34 area hospitals. Oral contraceptive (OC) use was associated with some increase in endometrial cancer rates (standardized rate ratio = 1.4; 95% confidence interval = 0.9-2.4), although the risk did not vary consistently by length of use, years since first use, or age at initial use. Although some subgroups of users had rates of disease higher than among nonusers, there was little to suggest a consistent association between OC use and incidence of endometrial cancer.
Molybdenum supplementation of chick diets.

Abstract SINCE it appeared that tungsten supplementation of breeder hen rations produced chicks deficient in molybdenum (Teekell and Watts, 1959), it was decided to use these chicks in evaluating the effect of adding various levels of molybdenum to the chicks’ diet. The anomalous response of the chicks from breeder hens fed supplemental tungsten and from non-supplemented hens which had been previously observed, raised some question as to the nature of the condition produced by the tungsten supplementation. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of molybdenum supplementation at various levels in a purified diet and a practical corn-soybean diet. Chicks from tungsten-supplemented and non-supplemented dams (control) were used in this study. EXPERIMENTAL The purified ration portion of this study involved 936 chicks in a series of 10 trials from the tungsten-supplemented hens and 854 chicks from non-tungsten supplemented hens. A purified cerelose-Drackett C-l assay protein ration was formulated …
Nerves, Brain, or Heart? The Physiology of Emotions and the Mind-Body Problem in Russian Sentimentalism

L Nikolai Karamzin's Letters of a Russian Traveler (1791-95), the narrator jokingly reports a case of "love malady" (liubovnaia bolezn') he had observed. His travel companion and friend, the young Danish Doctor B* [Bekker], during their stay in a Swiss inn, became infatuated with a beautiful "lady from Yverdon." The lady left the inn the morning following the contraction of the ailment, and the young Dane, the narrator comments, was immediately "cured."' The story with the Lady from Yverdon, however, was not over. Later, after Doctor Bekker and the Russian traveler part, the Dane sends his friend a letter in which he recounts that he managed to find his "Yverdon beauty" (whose name, interestingly, turns out to be "Iuliia," evoking Rousseau's heroine). In the course of his visit, however, Doctor Bekker discovers that she has a fiance and that her favorable acceptance of his attention was mere flirtation. In the letter to his Russian friend, the young doctor prefaces the account of his unfortunate romantic experience with the observation, "Yes, my friend! I studied anatomy and medicine, and I know that the heart is indeed the source of life, although the reverent Doctor Megadidactos, together with the respectable Micrologos, sought the soul and the vital principle in that miraculous-and hidden from our eyes-entwining of the nerves."2 This scientific-philosophical and clearly polemical pronouncement introducing the account of a private amorous episode may seem misplaced and even comical. The young Dane himself quickly brushes it aside in a self-mocking gesture, saying, "But I am afraid I digress from my subject and therefore, leaving the venerable Megadidactos and the respectable Mikrologos aside for now, I'll tell you frankly that the beautiful lady from Yverdon awakened such feelings in me as I cannot describe at this moment."3 Nonetheless,
Designing instruction for attitudinal outcomes

Attitudinal outcomes should be a concern to the developer of teaching materials. Techniques likely to produce a favorable reaction in students should be identified, refined, and evaluated routinely as a part of the design and delivery of instruction process. It was readily apparent after studying the guidelines and research summarized in this article that type of media was only one of a number of variables that were found to influence attitudes. Media were primarily carriers of information in these studies. There was no “best medium” found for producing attitudinal outcomes. However, there probably is a “best approach” for the development of instruction that will maximize the likelihood of desirable attitudes being fostered in learners in a given situation. By critically applying the general guidelines listed above, the instructional developer should be well on the way to promoting attitudinal positions in students that are likely to contribute to a healthy, positive learning environment.
PARAPHARYNGODON DUNIAE N. SP. (NEMATODA: PHARYNGODONIDAE) IN PHRYNOHYAS VENULOSA (ANURA: HYLIDAE) FROM THE AREA DE CONSERVACIÓN GUANACASTE, GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA

Parapharyngodon duniae n. sp. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) in the large intestine of the veined tree frog, Phrynohyas venulosa, from the Area de Conservacion Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica is described and illustrated. Parapharyngodon duniae n. sp. represents the 34th species assigned to the genus, the 10th species from the Neotropical Realm, and only the third species to parasitize anurans. It is distinguished from the other Neotropical species by having postbulbar ovaries and a prebulbar excretory pore.
Geometry of the randomized evidence for treatments of pulmonary hypertension.

Summary Objective We studied the entire agenda of randomized clinical trials in pulmonary hypertension (PH) using sociological methods. We explored the geometry of the PH network to interpret the evidence on multiple competing treatments for the same indication. Design We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library Databases for published studies. We queried clinicaltrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry platform for non-published studies. Results We found 75 randomized trials (41 published [n = 4136 participants] and 34 registered unpublished [planned n = 3470 participants]). Of the published randomized studies, all used placebo as the comparator arm except for two nonindustry-sponsored comparisons between phosphodiestearase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and endothelin receptor antagonists (ERA), and one study comparing two different regimens of treprostinil. Similarly, only five unpublished/ongoing trials used an active PH treatment as comparator (PDE-5 inhibitors versus ERA (n = 3), different doses of sildenafil (n = 1) and two formulations of epoprostenol (n = 1). Of the 75 trials, 47 were sponsored by the manufacturer of the tested active product(s), and only two trials were sponsored by two companies comparing their products. Conclusions The relative merits of different treatment options are not directly known, as there are very few head-to-head comparisons. A limited number of ongoing studies are using active FDA-approved PH-treatments for comparison. This lack of information can be overcome by carefully designing comparative effectiveness trials.
Distribution and significance of dicarboxylic acid anions in oil field waters

The origin, distribution, and interactions of low-molecular-weight organic acid anions have become an intensively studied field in geochemistry since their widespread occurrence in formation waters of sedimentary basins was first documented by Carothers and Kharaka ( 1978 ). High concentrations (up to 10,000 mg 1~ ) of monocarboxylic (mainly acetate, propionate, and butyrate) and dicarboxylic (mainly oxalate, malonate, and succinate ) acid anions have been reported from many sedimentary basins, with the highest values present in relatively young (Cenozoic age) petroleum reservoir rocks at subsurface temperatures of 80-120 ° C [ see Lundegard and Kharaka (1990) for a recent review with references ]. Geochemical interest in these organic anions stems mainly from their important role in mineral diagenesis in sedimentary basins (Kharaka et al., 1986; MacGowan and Surdam, 1990). In particular, these species act as sources or sinks of protons, as a source of CO2 and as pH and Eh buffering agents (Lundegard and Kharaka, 1990). They also form complexes with cations and metals such as Ca, A1, Fe, Pb, and Zn (Kharaka et al., 1985; Harrison and Thyne, 1992). Data on the concentrations of monocarboxylic acid anions in subsurface waters from many sedimentary basins worldwide are available and are generally accepted as representing the aqueous concentrations at depth. Data on the concentrations of dicarboxylic acid anions are much more limited, some reported values are controversial, and the total values reported range widely from 0 to 2640 mg 1-~ (Surdam et al., 1984; Kharaka et al., 1986; Barth, 1987; MacGowan and Surdam, 1988, 1990). Because of the wide range in the reported concentrations and because dicarboxylic acid anions generally form stronger complexes with A1, Fe, and other cations than do monocarboxylic acid anions, we resampled four oil wells in the San Joaquin basin, California, in order to better assess the role of these acid anions in water-rock interactions in sedimentary basins.
A fluid model of high voltage spheres in the ionosphere

Abstract In the coming decade, large space structures with high-power sources will be orbiting the Earth at ionospheric altitudes. Exposed voltages on any part of the structure will cause a current flow between the exposed element and the ambient plasma, which in turn may cause a power loss or arcing. In an effort to better understand high-voltage current collection at LEO altitudes, a series of rocket experiments will be conducted whereby, initially, positive high-voltage spheres will be exposed to the ionospheric plasma. In support of this program, we have solved the time-dependent, three-dimensional, nonlinear fluid equations for O + and electrons and the Poisson equation in order to study the initial response of the ionosphere to positive high-voltage spheres. Simulations were conducted for both low and high voltage spheres in both low and high density background ionospheres. The magnetic field strength was also varied in order to determine its effect on the current collection. In all simulations, an electron density torus formed around the sphere in the equatorial plane at early times. The torus rotated about the sphere in the E × B direction. The characteristic time for both the torus formation and the rotation was determined by the potential on the sphere and the electron cyclotron frequency. The torus size and density were larger for higher sphere voltages and lower ionospheric densities. At later times, the outer edge of the torus became elongated along the magnetic field, and the bulk of the region perturbed by the sphere was contained within a cylindrical volume.
Skill in forecasting extreme ozone pollution episodes with a global atmospheric chemistry model

Abstract. From the ensemble of stations that monitor surface air quality over the United States and Europe, we identify extreme ozone pollution events and find that they occur predominantly in clustered, multiday episodes with spatial extents of more than 1000 km. Such scales are amenable to forecasting with current global atmospheric chemistry models. We develop an objective mapping algorithm that uses the heterogeneous observations of the individual surface sites to calculate surface ozone averaged over 1° by 1° grid cells, matching the resolution of a global model. Air quality extreme (AQX) events are identified locally as statistical extremes of the ozone climatology and not as air quality exceedances. With the University of California, Irvine chemistry-transport model (UCI CTM) we find there is skill in hindcasting these extreme episodes, and thus identify a new diagnostic using global chemistry–climate models (CCMs) to identify changes in the characteristics of extreme pollution episodes in a warming climate.
Liquid fluorocarbon lavage to clear thrombus from the distal airways after severe pulmonary hemorrhage requiring extracorporeal life support (ECLS).

Massive pulmonary hemorrhage can pose a significant therapeutic challenge. Traditional methods of airway clearance using saline lavage and direct thrombus removal via bronchoscopy have limited ability to retrieve thrombi from deep airways. We report a patient on extracorporeal life support with massive pulmonary hemorrhage resulting in extensive alveolar and airway thrombus extending well beyond the proximal airways and the novel use of perfluorodecalin lavage to facilitate airway clearance and lung recruitment.
Modifications of the febrile response to pyrogen by hypothalamic heating and cooling in the unanesthetized dog.

Experiments have been carried out with the aim of obtaining additional information on the mode and site of action of pyrogens. On the assumption that these agents act on the thermally sensitive cells of the anterior hypothalamus by raising the“set point” for physiological temperature regulation to a higher level, it was planned to counteract their effect by heating this region of the hypothalamus with 3.7 megacycle radio frequency energy between implanted thermodes, or enhance their effect by cooling the same area by circulating water through the thermodes. Temperatures were measured by means of thermocouples inserted into the thermodes. The rectal and the skin temperatures were also recorded by means of thermocouples. Fever was induced in the animals by intravenous administration of a pyrogenic polysaccharide obtained from Pseudomonas. The body temperature started to increase 30–45 minutes after the injection and usually remained at the elevated level for 3 hours or more. Heating of the hypothalamus was performed 1) immediately after administration of pyrogen, 2) while the fever developed and 3) when the fever condition was maximal. In the first case, the fever failed to develop, in the second instance, the rise in rectal temperature was stopped, and in the third event, thermoregulatory responses similar to those obtained with the same technique at normal body temperature were elicited. In the experiments in which the pyrogenic action was enhanced by hypothalamic cooling a“hyperfever” was produced.
Image Quality Metrics for Non-Traditional Imagery

We discuss some traditional image quality metrics and explore a different formulation to compare non-traditional imagery such as 3D point clouds (which offer contrast in range rather than contrast in irradiance) to a traditional 2D image.
Achieving optimal immunization levels in school-age children

In a school-based immunization program in four states, 70% of the students were fully immunized by the end of the first year and 85% by the end of the second year. Because of student turnover, 20% of the immunization levels achieved by the end of a school year were not sustained into the subsequent year. Levels reproted by the state immunization officers were higher than those recorded by school personnel. Completed immunization series for students requiring immunizations were 33% to 40% higher for students enrolled at the start of the year than for students who entered during the school year. Students who were unimmunized at the beginning of the year had a better chance ( P
Use of a surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) device to monitor etching of thin films

The use of a surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) device to monitor etching of thin films is described. The device is a delay-line-stabilized SAW oscillator in which the propagation path is coated with a thin film of the material to be etched. Removal of material decreases the mass loading on the delay line and this increases the frequency of the oscillator. The frequency of a 75-MHz oscillator is found to increase by more than 690 KHz for 1-µm decrease in film thickness. Using dual-oscillator arrangement, one can simultaneously monitor substrate temperature as well as thickness of material removed.
The skin whitening industry in the Philippines

Skin whitening is a big and booming industry in many developing countries. Its popularity owes mainly to post-colonial, internalized racism. This study examines whether government intervention is necessary and more efficient than market-driven approaches in addressing the health risks and harms associated with skin whitening. We gathered empirical data on the quality and quantity of health-related information about skin whiteners with a multi-stage probability sample of consumers in two cities in the Philippines (n=110; α=0.05). Regardless of their socio-demographic characteristics, we find that cognitive biases and information asymmetries build and sustain consumers' trust in manufacturers and distributors of skin whiteners while, paradoxically, breeding uncertainties over the integrity of these products. The results are product adulteration and misbranding, leading to pricing advantages for toxic whiteners over safer products. This has impeded regulatory efficacy. We recommend anchoring government intervention in transaction cost-reduction, containing the externalities of skin bleaching, and institutionalizing third party partnerships. Failure to do so would leave consumers extremely vulnerable to the forces of supply and demand that favor toxic whiteners, particularly in a market where voluntary collective action is difficult to organize.
Genetic syndromes as potential targets for chemoprevention of colorectal neoplasia

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States (Landis et al. [1998] CA 48:6-29) and is the most common cancer in Israel (Muir et al. [1997] International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France). In the United States, it is estimated that 130,000 individuals will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 1999 and that 57,000 individuals will die from this disease. In Israel, approximately 2,000 individuals are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year (Landis et al. [1998] CA 48:6-29). The incidence rate varies considerably in different population groups, viz. 21.1/100,000 among Jews born in Europe or North America, 19.3/100,000 in Jews born in Israel, 12.1/100,000 among Jews born in Africa or Asia (Muir et al. [1997] International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France).
Prior time uncertanity reduction of foreperiod duration under two different levels of event uncertainty in schizophrenia

Schizophrenic and alcoholic Ss judged stimulus durations of .50 and .55 seconds. Stimulus was 1, 3 or 5 dark dots and was preceded by variable foreperiod duration of 1, 3 or 5 seconds. Judgment of stimulus duration was found to be a monotonically increasing function of foreperiod duration. When pitch of sound was correlated with foreperiod duration so that it functioned as prior information, such monotonic function was eliminated for schizophrenics only when the numerosity of dots was constant from trial to trial. The effect of prior information as to foreperiod duration was negligible for both schizophrenics and alcoholics when the numerosity of dots was variable from trial to trial. Uniqueness of schizophrenia was shown to be associated with prior time uncertainty reduction of foreperiod duration in the context of minimal event uncertainty of stimulus.
A Wold-type decomposition for commuting isometric pairs

We obtain a Wold-type decomposition theorem for an arbitrary pair of commuting isometries V on a Hilbert space. More precisely, V can be uniquely decomposed into the orthogonal sum between a bi-unitary, a shift-unitary, a unitary-shift and a weak bi-shift part, that is, a part S = (S 1 , S 2 ) that can be characterized by the condition that S 1 S 2 , S 1 |∩ n≥0 ker S * 2 S n 1 and S 2 |∩ n≥0 ker S * 1 S n 2 are shifts. Moreover, S contains bi-shift and modified bi-shift maximal parts.
When and where do we apply what we learn?: A taxonomy for far transfer.

Despite a century's worth of research, arguments surrounding the question of whether far transfer occurs have made little progress toward resolution. The authors argue the reason for this confusion is a failure to specify various dimensions along which transfer can occur, resulting in comparisons of "apples and oranges." They provide a framework that describes 9 relevant dimensions and show that the literature can productively be classified along these dimensions, with each study situated at the intersection of various dimensions. Estimation of a single effect size for far transfer is misguided in view of this complexity. The past 100 years of research shows that evidence for transfer under some conditions is substantial, but critical conditions for many key questions are untested.
A new class of high-solids low-gloss mar resistant pigmented coatings prepared from an isophthalate-based oligoester, a melamine resin and various talcs

Abstract Talcs (3MgO.4SiO 2 .H 2 O) of various median particle diameters (2.20, 6.63 and 10.00 μm) were used as inert pigments (fillers) for the preparation of a novel series high-solids (low-VOC content) low-gloss mar resistant pigmented coatings (PN-series) where the binder was a new-synthesized hydroxyl-terminated isophthalate-based liquid oligoester (L-311) and the cross-linker an hexakis (methoxymethylol) melamine resin. The chemical, physical and mechanical properties [viscosity, non-volatiles by weight (NVW), knoop hardness, pencil hardness, impact resistance, flexibility, adhesion, solvent (MEK) resistance, gloss and mar resistance] of the new-formulated pigmented coatings were compared to those of their corresponding clearcoats and correlated to: (a) the curing conditions; (b) the amount of melamine resin; (c) the pigment's load; and (d) the pigment's particle size. For measuring the mar resistance of the pigmented coatings we applied the Taber Abrasion method and the inverse wear index, F [= I −1 , cycles/cg (wear index I: weight loss (cg) per number of cycles)] was directly related to the mar resistance. The knoop hardness, the gloss (60 and 85°) and the mar resistance were the properties more seriously affected from the aforementioned variables. More specifically, the pigment's load and particle size seemed to affect more the 85° gloss and the mar resistance while the curing conditions and the amount of the cross-linker affected the knoop hardness, as well. In all cases the mar resistance of the pigmented coatings was the only of the film properties, dramatically affected from all the four aforementioned variables. The high-solids (NVW ∼70%) pigmented coatings (PN-series) presented excellent adhesion (5B), flexibility (>32%), impact resistance (160 inch-lbs.), MEK resistance (>200 rubs), very good mar resistance and low gloss at 60 and 85°. These results implied their suitability in various end-up uses (e.g. automotive dashboards) as they satisfy the modern industrial standards and demands for such applications.
Template-directed synthesis of structurally defined branched polymers

A grand challenge in materials chemistry is the synthesis of macromolecules and polymers with precise shapes and architectures. In this work, we describe a hybrid synthetic strategy to produce structurally defined branched polymer architectures based on chemically modified DNA. Overall, this approach enables precise control over branch placement, grafting density, and chemical identity of side branches. We utilize a two-step scheme based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for site-specific incorporation of non-natural nucleotides along the main polymer backbone, followed by copper-free “click” chemistry for grafting side branches at specific locations. In this way, linear DNA backbones are first synthesized via PCR by utilizing the promiscuity of a high yield thermophilic DNA polymerase to incorporate nucleotides containing bioorthogonal dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) functional groups at precise locations along one strand of the DNA backbone. Following PCR, copper-free “click” chemistry is used to attach synt...
Computing the probability distribution of project duration in a PERT network

The algorithm presented makes exact computations of characteristics of the probability distribution of project duration for a stochastic project network. Given discrete independent probability distributions for task durations, the algorithm will compute either moments of the project duration distribution or values of the cumulative distribution function of project duration. The algorithm can be used for sensitivity analysis on probability weights since several task duration distributions having the same range can be handled simultaneously with no great increase in computation time requirements
Segment-based robotic mapping in dynamic environments

This paper introduces a dynamic mapping algorithm based on line segments. The use of higher level geometric features allows for fast and robust identification of inconsistencies between incoming sensor data and an existing robotic map. Handling of these inconsistencies using a partial-segment likelihood measure produces a system for robot mapping that evolves with the changing features of a dynamic environment. The algorithm is tested in a large scale simulation of a storage logistics center, a real world office environment, and compared against the current state of the art.
Asynchronous genetic search for scientific modeling on large-scale heterogeneous environments

Use of large-scale heterogeneous computing environments such as computational grids and the Internet has become of high interest to scientific researchers. This is because the increasing complexity of their scientific models and data sets is drastically outpacing the increases in processor speed while the cost of supercomputing environments remains relatively high. However, the heterogeneity and unreliability of these environments, especially the Internet, make scalable and fault tolerant search methods indispensable to effective scientific model verification. The paper introduces two versions of asynchronous master-worker genetic search and evaluates their convergence and performance rates in comparison to traditional synchronous genetic search on both a IBM BlueGene supercomputer and using the MilkyWay@HOME BOINC Internet computing project 1. The asynchronous searches not only perform faster on heterogeneous grid environments as compared to synchronous search, but also achieve better convergence rates for the astronomy model used as the driving application, providing a strong argument for their use on grid computing environments and by the Milky Way@Home BOINC Internet computing project.
Densification Study and Mechanical Properties of Microwave-Sintered Mullite and Mullite–Zirconia Composites

The objective of this research is to evaluate microwave sintering as a viable technique to reliably process high-strength mullite and mullite–zirconia composites. In this report, the advantage of microwave processing over conventional heating is realized by comparing the densification behavior and mechanical properties of sintered mullite and mullite–zirconia composites. Commercially procured mullite powders were sintered using a 3 kW, 2.45 GHz microwave furnace in the range of 14001–15001C, for 1 h. For pure mullite, an increase in sintering temperature from 14001 to 15001C decreased the porosity from 30% to 13%, which increased the compressive strength from 128718 to 387721 MPa with 1 wt% MgO as a sintering aid to mullite. Furthermore, yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (3Y-TZP) was incorporated (up to 20 wt%) to improve the microwave absorption efficiency of mullite. A maximum density of 92% can be achieved for mullite with 1 wt% MgO and 10 wt% ZrO2 composites sintered at 15001C in microwave furnace and exhibited a maximum hardness of B10.2470.61 GPa, compressive strength of B740738 MPa and a moderately high indentation fracture toughness of B3.6570.43 MPa . m 1/2 .M icrowave sintering data, when compared with those of conventional sintering, revealed that volumetric heating of microwaves led to considerable improvement in strength of mullite and mullite–zirconia composites while utilizing reduced time and energy.
Business innovations from emerging market countries into developed countries: Implications for multinationals from developed countries

This article addresses innovation and emerging-market countries. Both are important topics in the business world today. The focus of this article is on the importance of innovation and market development in emerging-market countries by Western multinational companies typically based in North America and Western Europe. The authors of this article argue that as Western multinationals innovate and develop emerging markets, this will give multinationals the opportunity not only to compete effectively in emerging markets but also to protect their home markets in developed countries. Implications for Western multinationals are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tris­[bis­(di­phenyl­phosphino)­methane‐κ2P,P′]­rhenium(I) perrhenate

A reaction was carried out to make trans-[Re2{O2C-3,5-(OH)2C6H3}2Br2(dppm)2] (dppm is Ph2PCH2PPh2). No trans-[Re2{O2C-3,5-(OH)2C6H3}2Br2(dppm)2] was isolated, how­ever, and a very small quantity of crystalline [Re(dppm)3][ReO4] was obtained after several months. A product of decomposition by disproportionation of a complex of di­rhenium, [Re(dppm)3]ReO4 is an ionic compound that contains a complex cation of ReI bonded to three chelating dppm ligands. Although complexes that contain three chelating dppm ligands are very rare, this is the second time [Re(dppm)3]+ has been observed and characterized struct­urally. In 2000, [Re(dppm)3]+, with I− as the counter-ion, was structurally characterized [Rivero et al. (2000). Polyhedron, 19, 2249–2254]. The Re—P distances in the compound we characterized range from 2.408 (3) to 2.473 (3) A, and the P—Re—P angles, associated with the chelate rings, range from 68.22 (12) to 70.04 (12)°. These values are very similar to those reported by Rivero et al. (2000).