cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a photoacoustic microscopy technique to assess peritubular capillary function and oxygen metabolism in the mouse kidney.

Microcirculatory changes and oxidative stress have long been associated with acute kidney injury. Despite substantial progress made by two-photon microscopy of microvascular responses to acute kidney injury in rodent models, little is known about the underlying changes in blood oxygen delivery and tissue oxygen metabolism. To fill this gap, we developed a label-free kidney imaging technique based on photoacoustic microscopy, which enables simultaneous quantification of hemoglobin concentration, oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, and blood flow in peritubular capillaries in vivo. Based on these microvascular parameters, microregional oxygen metabolism was quantified. We demonstrated the utility of this technique by studying kidney hemodynamic and oxygen-metabolic responses to acute kidney injury in mice subject to lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis. Dynamic photoacoustic microscopy of the peritubular capillary function and tissue oxygen metabolism revealed that sepsis induced an acute and significant reduction in peritubular capillary oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, concomitant with a marked reduction in kidney ATP levels and contrasted with nominal changes in peritubular capillary flow and plasma creatinine. Thus, our technique opens new opportunities to study microvascular and metabolic dysfunction in acute and chronic kidney diseases.
Cycles of development in learning about identities, diversity, and equity.

OBJECTIVES Many scholars and educators have written about how to approach teaching about social identities, diversity, and societal inequity in classrooms and beyond. The current article adds to this literature by considering the developmental trajectories of individuals as they engage in learning opportunities about identities, diversity, and equity. RESULTS This article details the specific aspects of knowledge that are essential to develop cultural competence and critical consciousness as well as a sequence in which they should be acquired. CONCLUSIONS Previous models emphasize progressive movement toward more advanced levels, but this article explains how motivation can explain movement and stalling in development. Furthermore, it analyzes the cognitive and motivational antecedents of resistance to diversity learning opportunities. The article concludes with implications for teaching and future directions for research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Domino transplantation for pediatric liver recipients: Obstacles, challenges, and successes.

BACKGROUND Domino liver transplantation aims to address the need to increase the liver donor supply. In a domino liver transplant, the domino recipient receives the explanted liver from the recipient of a traditional liver transplant. The domino donor typically requires liver transplant to correct a metabolic disorder; the explanted liver thus has a single gene defect but otherwise normal structure and function. METHODS In this review, we detail the history of domino liver transplantation, appropriate domino donor indications, the technical advances to the surgical approach, current outcomes, and future opportunities. RESULTS Development of de novo disease in the domino recipient has relegated adult domino liver transplant to be considered a source of marginal donor livers. However, pediatric domino liver transplant has leveraged certain metabolic disorders, especially maple syrup urine disease, in which the liver enzyme deficiency can be compensated by the systemic presence of sufficient enzyme. Advances in the surgical aspects of assuring adequate length of vasculature have improved the safety of the procedure in both domino donors and recipients. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric domino liver transplant utilizing domino donors with specific metabolic liver diseases should be considered a viable live donor option for children awaiting liver transplant.
Synthesis of FePt Nanoparticles by Photoreduction and Chemical Reduction in Poly(ethyleneimine).

Using poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) polymer substrates, spherical FePt nanoparticles (NPs) with diameter <10 nm have been synthesized by photoreduction and chemical reduction in aqueous media at room temperature. In the photoreduction approach, PEvI acts as both the template into which the metal ions are coordinated and as a reductant when irradiated by ultraviolet light. In the chemical reduction method, PEI acts as only a template, with NaBH4 as the reductant. The as-prepared NPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Starting from the same precursor state and relative concentrations, the as-prepared NPs from both methods are spherical, crystalline solid solutions with a chemically disordered face-centered cubic (fcc) structure. The as-prepared NPs from both methods are superparamagnetic with some contribution from a ferromagnetic phase. The photoreduced NPs have broad size distribution of (5 ± 1.0 nm), an expanded lattice (3.913 A), and relatively lower magnetic moment (0.02 emu/g) compared to the narrower size distribution (4 ± 0.7 nm), shortened lattice (3.890 A), and a dominant moment (15 emu/g) of the chemically reduced NPs. The difference in the rate of particle formation apparently leads to a low efficiency of FePt NP formation via photoreduction compared to chemical reduction.
Rapid Detection of Sepsis: Recent Advances in Biomarker Sensing Platforms

Sepsis is a major cause of mortality among hospitalized patients worldwide. Rapid diagnosis is critical as early treatments have been demonstrated to improve survival. Despite the importance of ear...
Electroluminescent Thin Film Phosphors

In the later part of the twentieth century, classic cathode ray tubes (CRTs) are replaced by flat panel displays (FPDs) with a thinner, smaller size and with a significant reduction in power consumption. Such displays are currently used in several applications including mobile phones, laptops, and televisions. Among other FPDs, electroluminescent displays perform better than its counterparts such as liquid crystal, field emission, and plasma displays. Electroluminescent (EL) display is a common term for devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), powder phosphor devices, thin film, and thick dielectric electroluminescent devices. Thin film EL devices (TFEL) show advantages such as quick response, high resolution, wide viewing angles and wide operating temperatures and so on. TFEL displays are all solid state and based on electroluminescence in which luminescent material gives light under high electric field.
Simple Epidemics and SIS Models

Next I analyze some formal models of epidemics. In all of these initial models I make some simplifying assumptions that will aid with the introductory analysis. Later in the chapter and in subsequent chapters I will generalize the models to make them more realistic. Further by the end of these introductory sections you will be prepared to make additional assumptions and generalizations on your own in exactly the same framework introduced here. However I want to point out that making simplifying assumptions in these early chapters, does not make these models invalid or of no use. Often times simple models can reveal a great deal about the dynamics of interest in the spread of an epidemic. Further the solution concepts that I use in these simple introductory models will also apply to more complicated models.
Empathy, Justice, and Moral Behavior

Empathy shapes the landscape of our social lives. It motivates prosocial and caregiving behaviors, plays a role in inhibiting aggression, and facilitates cooperation between members of a similar social group. Thus, empathy is often conceived as a driving motivation of moral behavior and justice, and as such, everyone would think that it should be cultivated. However, the relationships between empathy, morality, and justice are complex. We begin by explaining what the notion of empathy encompasses and then argue how sensitivity to others' needs has evolved in the context of parental care and group living. Next, we examine the multiple physiological, hormonal, and neural systems supporting empathy and its functions. One troubling but important corollary of this neuro-evolutionary model is that empathy produces social preferences that can conflict with fairness and justice. An understanding of the factors that mold our emotional response and caring motivation for others helps provide organizational principles and ultimately guides decision-making in medical ethics.
ON THE DESIGN OF CPC PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR COLLECTORS

ABSTRACT Two new photovoltaic solar collectors have been designed, built and tested. A substantial improvement in performance has been achieved in that they produce more electrical power and use significantly less photovoltaic material per unit area than the present state-of-the-art flat panel arrays. A reflective style Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) optical system was used for one collector, and a dielectric style (DCPC) optical system was used for the other collector to concentrate sunlight onto custom designed photovoltaic solar cells. For these two panels only periodic angular adjustments are required, which eliminates the need for two-axis tracking. A modular design of individual sub-units containing an array of series and parallel circuits allows a user to select a variety of operating conditions. The dielectric CPC panel can provide a peak voltage selected from the range of 6V to 120V d.c., in steps of 6V, and a peak current from the range of 23A to 1.15A, in 1.15A increments, respectively. The modular design also allows rapid replacement and repair of individual sub-units. The mechanical assembly was designed to withstand a very heavy load of 250 Kg/m2. The reflective CPC photovoltaic panel is 1.22m by 1.22m, requires thirty-six adjustments per year, and delivers 97 peak watts under 1 kW/m2 of direct insolation. The dielectric CPC panel is also 1.22m by 1.22m, but only requires ten adjustments per year, and delivers 138 peak watts under 1 kW/m2 of direct insolation. The net energy conversion efficiency over the entire dielectric CPC panel, including the frame, was 10.3%. The design considerations for these panels are summarized in this paper.
Pustular Psoriasis Induced by Hydroxychloroquine: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

A variety of pharmacologic agents have been known to induce pustular psoriasis. We describe a patient with a positive personal and family history of psoriasis who developed an extensive annular pustular eruption 3 weeks after starting hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) for arthritis. The drug was discontinued, and she received 3 weeks of systemic and topical corticosteroids; in spite of the therapeutic intervention, showers of new lesions appeared daily, and progressed to involve 75% of the body. The development of new lesions stopped, and the older lesions began to clear after one dose of 7.5 mg of methotrexate. Subsequently, methotrexate therapy was stopped because of mild transaminase elevation; the pustular lesions then flared. New lesions stopped appearing after four doses of weekly methotrexate. The patient remains clear of lesions 6 months later.
Polynomial Optimization on Odd-Dimensional Spheres

The sphere S 2d-1 naturally embeds into the complex affine space ℂd simplify the known Striktpcsitivstellensatze, when the supports are resticted to semi-algebraic subsets of odd dimensional spheres. We also illustrate the subtleties involved in trying to control the number of squares in a Hermitian sum of squares.
Preface to the Paperback Edition of United States, International Law, and the Struggle against Terrorism

It is remarkable that in less than two years so many significant developments have taken place that concern the United States and the struggle against transnational terrorism. Perhaps the three most significant are as follows: (1) the Obama administration’s failure to reject wholesale the Bush-Cheney administration’s counterterrorism policies and practices; (2) the popular revolts sweeping the Arab world, often referred to as the “Arab spring”; and (3) the US Navy Seals killing Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
Microwave tomography in archaeology and cultural heritage applications: A review

The paper aims at reviewing few of the most relevant results provided by microwave tomography enhanced GPR surveys in archeology and cultural heritage monitoring. In particular, two measurement campaigns are herein considered. The first one was carried out at the Centaur's Domus, Regio VI, one of the most ancient housing areas of Pompeii, in collaboration with the Second University of Napoli and the archaeology team of the University Orientale. The second one was performed at Grotte Dell'Angelo, Pertosa (SA), Italy.
Cokeromyces recurvatus, a mucoraceous zygomycete rarely isolated in clinical laboratories.

Cokeromyces recurvatus Poitras was isolated from an endocervical specimen obtained from a 37-year-old, insulin-dependent diabetic. The patient9s diabetic condition had been well controlled for 10 years, and she had no other known medical problem. This is only the fourth time that this zygomycete has been recovered from a human source. While there was no evidence of tissue invasion in the present patient, the observation of fungus-like structures in two separate Papanicolaou-stained cervical smears prepared 1 year apart suggests that C. recurvatus may be capable of colonizing endocervical tissue. Images
Changes in Perceived Risk and Likelihood of Influenza Vaccination of Children With and Without Asthma

This study used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to determine if parents’ decisions to vaccinate children against seasonal influenza conform to predictions made by some theories of preventive health behavior. Specifically, theories that postulate increased preventive action with increased risk (e.g., health belief model) would predict that parents of children with active asthma would be more likely to vaccinate children when compared with children with no history of asthma. Also, diminished risk should be associated with decreased preventive behavior, and parents of children with asthma in remission should be less likely to vaccinate their children. Results of this study supported both hypotheses. Parents of children with active asthma were more likely to report influenza vaccination than parents of children who never had asthma (odds ratio [OR] = 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4–5.1). There was no difference in vaccination frequency reported by parents of children without asthma and children whose asthma is in remission (OR = .8, 95% CI .4-1.4). The findings controlled for the potential confounding effects of age and sex of child, race/ethnic identity, income, and education level of the adult respondent, and the number of children in the household. Parents of children whose asthma is in remission will require additional education and prompting to encourage needed influenza vaccination. jabr_ 56..72
Oral health status of individuals with cerebral palsy at a nationally recognized rehabilitation center.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a set of nonprogressive neuromuscular disorders caused by defects in the developing fetal brain. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and distribution of various dental conditions including dental caries and periodontitis among individuals with CP who receive care at the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center dental clinic. Medical records of 478 patients between the ages of 3 and 78 years were reviewed. Patients were divided into four age groups: 3–20, 21–35, 36–55, and 56 and above year old. Data related to their dental conditions including caries, periodontitis, and other oral diseases were assessed. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the correlations between these oral diseases and age, gender, ethnicity as well as their living conditions (home or group home). The 36–55-year-old age group displayed significantly more caries and periodontitis than any other age groups. Individuals aged 3–20 years showed a significantly lower rate of periodontitis and caries. There was no significant association between gender and race with these outcome variables but there was a correlation between these variables and living conditions. Differences in oral health exist among people with CP from different age groups and living conditions. These findings suggest that there is a dire need for more oral hygiene training and education for the care givers. Dental schools should better prepare their graduates to meet the treatment demands of individuals with special healthcare needs.
Ofatumumab‐based chemoimmunotherapy is effective and well tolerated in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

BACKGROUND Although rituximab-based chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) has substantially improved clinical outcomes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), only 40% to 50% of patients achieve a complete remission (CR). There remains interest in identifying new approaches to improve the effectiveness of CIT. Ofatumumab is a fully human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody with greater apparent single-agent activity than rituximab in CLL patients. METHODS Previously untreated CLL patients in need of therapy received 6 cycles of CIT induction with pentostatin, cyclophosphamide, and ofatumumab (PCO) followed by response assessment. RESULTS Of the 48 patients enrolled, 77% completed PCO induction. Adverse events during induction included grade 3+ hematologic toxicity (27%) and grade 3+ nonhematologic toxicity (23%). Median CD4 count after induction and 6 months later were 186 × 106/L and 272 × 106/L. The overall response rate was 96% (46 of 48 patients), and the CR rate was 46% (22 of 48 patients). Among the 38 patients who underwent minimal residual disease evaluation, 7 (18%) were negative for minimal residual disease. After median follow-up of 24 months, 10 (21%) patients have progressed and 8 (17%) have required retreatment. The efficacy and toxicity of ofatumumab-based CIT compare favorably to our historical trials of rituximab-based CIT using an identical chemotherapy backbone (n = 64). Time to retreatment also appeared longer for ofatumumab-based CIT (free of retreatment at 24 months: 86% [95% confidence interval = 75-99] versus 68% [95% confidence interval = 56-81] for rituximab-based CIT). CONCLUSIONS Ofatumumab-based CIT is well tolerated in patients with previously untreated CLL. The efficacy of ofatumumab-based CIT compares favorably to historical trials of rituximab-based CIT, suggesting randomized trials comparing ofatumumab-based CIT and rituximab-based CIT should be considered. Cancer 2013;119:3788–3796. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Multimodal wavelet embedding representation for data combination (MaWERiC): integrating magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy for prostate cancer detection

Recently, both Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging (MRI) and Spectroscopy (MRS) have emerged as promising tools for detection of prostate cancer (CaP). However, due to the inherent dimensionality differences in MR imaging and spectral information, quantitative integration of T2 weighted MRI (T2w MRI) and MRS for improved CaP detection has been a major challenge. In this paper, we present a novel computerized decision support system called multimodal wavelet embedding representation for data combination (MaWERiC) that employs, (i) wavelet theory to extract 171 Haar wavelet features from MRS and 54 Gabor features from T2w MRI, (ii) dimensionality reduction to individually project wavelet features from MRS and T2w MRI into a common reduced Eigen vector space, and (iii), a random forest classifier for automated prostate cancer detection on a per voxel basis from combined 1.5 T in vivo MRI and MRS. A total of 36 1.5T endorectal in vivo T2w MRI and MRS patient studies were evaluated per voxel by MaWERiC using a three-fold cross validation approach over 25 iterations. Ground truth for evaluation of results was obtained by an expert radiologist annotations of prostate cancer on a per voxel basis who compared each MRI section with corresponding ex vivo wholemount histology sections with the disease extent mapped out on histology. Results suggest that MaWERiC based MRS T2w meta-classifier (mean AUC, m=0.89 � 0.02) significantly outperformed (i) a T2w MRI (using wavelet texture features) classifier (m=0.55 � 0.02), (ii) a MRS (using metabolite ratios) classifier (m=0.77 � 0.03), (iii) a decision fusion classifier obtained by combining individual T2w MRI and MRS classifier outputs (m=0.85 � 0.03), and (iv) a data combination method involving a combination of metabolic MRS and MR signal intensity features (m=0.66 � 0.02). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electron energy-loss spectroscopy of naphthalene vapor☆

Abstract The naphthalene energy-loss spectrum from 3 to 16 eV obtained for 100 eV incident electrons closely resembles photoabsoprtion results. The need to include Rydberg configurations for any theoretical analysis of the spectrum is emphasized. The data yield an integrated oscillator strength of 8.6 below 15.1 eV.
The Solubility of Benzocaine, Lidocaine, and Procaine in Liquid and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

The solubility of three local anesthetics (benzocaine, lidocaine, and procaine) was measured in liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide at (298, 308, and 318) K and at pressures between (70 and 280) bar. The solubilites were experimentally measured by observing the cloud point using a variable-volume stirred vessel with visual access. Interestingly, although the three anesthetics were structurally very similar, the solubilites of lidocaine and benzocaine were strong functions of only density while that of procaine was a function of both density and temperature. The Peng−Robinson equation of state did not adequately predict the solubilites, while a simple enhancement factor correlation did predict them. The hydrochlorides of lidocaine and procaine did not have any measurable solubility in carbon dioxide over the conditions tested.
An Experimentally Validated Model for Reciprocating Compressor Main Bearings for Applications in Health Monitoring

A simple model of compressor main bearings was evaluated using the mobility method. The model allows for the simulation of the three loading conditions of the compressor, as well as accounting for the geometry of the connecting rod and crankshaft. The simulation was then compared against the results from measuring the orbit of the crankshaft. This is a simple and low cost way to monitor the main bearings without installing sensors directly into the bearing sleeve. The results show good qualitative agreement to move forward with developing the model and sensor application with the end goal of application to health monitoring.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Morbidity and Mortality Associated With Carotid Endarterectomy: Effect of Adjunctive Coronary Revascularization

The occurrence of significant carotid disease in patients requiring coronary revascularization results in the dilemma of whether simultaneous or staged operations should be performed. To determine appropriate therapy we reviewed this experience at Emory University Hospital. During a 10-year period from 1983 to 1992, 110 patients underwent carotid endarterectomy during the same hospitalization or simultaneously with coronary artery bypass; 907 patients underwent carotid endarterectomy alone during the same period. The combined 30-day postoperative stroke and death rate was 18.2% for the 110 patients undergoing concomitant procedures. When comparing morbidity and mortality rates for those having simultaneous carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass with those having delayed coronary artery bypass, the latter group was found to have a 6.6% combined risk of postoperative stroke or death within 30 days, whereas those undergoing simultaneous procedures had a 26.2% rate. In the control group of 907 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy alone during the same period, the combined 30-day mortality and stroke morbidity rate was 2.1%. Although the patient population undergoing simultaneous carotid and coronary revascularization may have more severe disease, we believe that combining the procedures during the same operative setting results in an increased perioperative stroke and death rate. Consequently only extremely high-risk patients are selected for simultaneous procedures; otherwise our experience suggests that delaying coronary artery bypass by several days will reduce overall postoperative mortality and stroke morbidity.
Recent results on hadronic final states from Babar

Two recent studies from the Babar Collaboration at SLAC are presented on the production of hadrons at low energies. The first is a study of exclusive K + K − production in e + e − annihilation events with initial-state photon radiation. The second is a study of ηc production in two-photon interactions and a three-body Dalitz-plot analysis searching for intermediate scalar meson production in ηc decays.
Topology of pair-sphere trajectories in finite inertia suspension shear flow and its effects on microstructure and rheology

The relative motion of pairs of spheres in finite inertia shear flow is examined. The pair relative trajectory is studied, using lattice-Boltzmann simulation, both for pairs which are isolated and for pairs in suspension of solid volume fraction of ϕ ≤ 0.3. For the suspension, the average trajectory and aspects of its dispersion are considered. For neutrally buoyant particles in simple-shear flow, particle-scale inertia is represented by a Reynolds number Re=ργa2μ, where γ is the shear rate, a is the particle radius, and ρ and μ are the density and viscosity of the Newtonian suspending fluid. The pair trajectories in a dilute inertial suspension have the same basic features as the streamlines around an isolated particle at similar Re: reversing, in-plane and off-plane spiraling, and open but fore-aft asymmetric trajectories are observed. The origin of the off-plane spirals is examined in detail in this work. The average pair trajectory space in a suspension of finite volume fraction is found to be quali...
Crystal and molecular structure of a second, high-density polymorph of silver malonate

Abstract A new orthorhombic polymorph of silver malonate (II) has been synthesized and structurally characterized. Compound II crystallizes in space group Pnma, with a = 12.8180(11), b = 9.2479(8), c = 4.0219(3) A; V = 476.75(7) A3; Z = 4; ρcalc = 4.427 g cm−3. Full-matrix least-squares refinement converged to R1 = 0.0099 (I > 2σ(I), 765 data) and wR2 = 0.0264 (F2, 785 data, 51 parameters). The familiar eight-membered Ag2(RCO2)2 ring, characteristic of most silver(I) carboxylate complexes, has a Ag–Ag distance of 2.977(1) A. Puckered sheets in the crystal ab plane are connected along c to form a three-dimensional coordination polymer. The density of II is >30% higher than that of the monoclinic polymorph (I), first characterized in 1981. A survey of the density ratios of polymorphs in the Cambridge Structural Database indicates that virtually all of the pairs of entries having a density ratio >1.2 involve at least one form with significant void volume, as estimated using PLATON. However, neither I nor II have significant void volume, which suggests that the silver malonate polymorphs represent one of the largest density differences observed to date for a polymorphic pair. To date, it has not been possible to prepare I in our laboratories.
Comparison of chemiluminescence and absorptiometry in enzyme immunoassays for protein quantification.

The use of chemiluminescence in competitive binding assays for human serum albumin human alphafetoprotein and human immunoglobulin G and in double antibody sandwich enzyme immunoassays for cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus increased the sensitivity of the detection of antigen or antibody 16- to 95-fold above that obtained by conventional absorptiometric methods.
Who uses the emergency department for dermatologic care? A statewide analysis.

Background Emergency department (ED) visits for skin symptoms are on the rise. The nature of these visits is not yet well characterized. Objective We sought to conduct a longitudinal analysis comparing patients discharged from the ED with dermatologic primary diagnoses to those with nondermatologic primary diagnoses. Methods Using the California State ED Database, we compared demographic variables and visit characteristics of patients discharged with dermatologic primary diagnoses ( International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 680-709) to those of patients discharged with nondermatologic primary diagnoses from 2005 to 2011. Results Patients given dermatologic primary diagnoses in the ED were more likely to be male, aged 18 to 54 years, white or Native American, and low income. They tended to be self-pay patients or have Medicaid, to live in less populous areas, and to visit the ED on the weekend. Limitations Results from California may not be generalizable nationally. The databases we used were based on administrative records, which have limited clinical detail. Conclusion The population of patients discharged home from the ED with dermatologic primary diagnoses appears to differ significantly from the population receiving nondermatologic primary diagnoses.
π-Complexes of Lignols with Manganese(I) and Ruthenium(II)

In view of contemporary interest in lignocellulose, we report the synthesis, structures, and preliminary reactivity of the first π-complexes of the lignin monomers (lignols). Initial studies with g...
Segmentation of a High Resolution Urban Scene Using Texture Operators.

A study aimed at segmenting a high-resolution black and white image of Sunnyvale, California, is described. In this study regions were classified as belonging to any one of nine classes: residential, commercial/industrial, mobile home, water, dry land, runway/taxiway, aircraft parking, multilane highway, and vehicle parking. The classes were selected so that they directly relate to the Defense Mapping Agency's Mapping, Charting and Geodesy tangible features. To attack the problem a statistical segmentation procedure was devised. The primitive operators used to drive the segmentation are texture measures derived from cooccurrence matrices. The segmentation procedure considers three kinds of regions at each level of the segmentation: uniform, boundary, and unspecified. At every level the procedure differentiates uniform regions from boundary and unspecified regions. In the assigns a class label to the uniform regions. The boundary and unspecified regions are split to form higher level regions. The methodologies involved are mathematically developed as a series of hypothesis tests. While only a one-level segmentation was performed studies are described which show the capabilities of each of these hypothesis tests. In particular an 83% correct classification was obtained in testing the labeling procedure. These studies indicate that the proposed procedure should be useful for land use classifications as well as other problems.
Quenching of oxalyl fluoride (3Au) molecules

Abstract Rate constants for quenching of oxalyl fluoride (3Au) molecules by selected classes of quenchers have been investigated using the technique of laser-induced time-resolved phosphorescence. Various inorganic, alkane, halogenated alkane, alkene, halogenated alkene, diene and alkyne quenchers were studied. NO was found to have a much larger quenching rate constant than O2 (6.8 × 1010 and 1.4 × 108 l mol−1 s−1 respectively). The alkane data are consistent with a hydrogen atom abstraction mechanism. Both alkene and halogenated alkene rate constants were found to increase as the triplet energy of the particular quencher decreased. Similar correlations of rate constants and triplet energy levels were found for the diene and alkyne compounds studied. The phosphorescence emission spectrum was recorded and the 3Au state of oxalyl fluoride was found to lie at 85.6 kcal mol−1. A single progression in the ground state ν1 (CO symmetric stretch) is the dominant feature of the spectrum.
The prediction of fertility among catholics: A longitudinal analysis

A longitudinal analysis of the reproductive behavior of a sample of Catholics who were participants in the 1965 NFS and reinterviewed in 1969 is reported in this paper. Fertility over the period studied varied systematically with the additional number of children intended in 1965. In addition, this study has documented a predictive role for method of contraception and the experience of premarital pregnancy. Women using less effective methods and those premaritally pregnant had higher fertility over the interval net of controls for other variables in the analysis, including life-cycle stage and 1965 intentions. Surprisingly, the planning status of the last pregnancy before 1965 was not found to have any independent association with subsequent fertility.
Bounded-parameter Markov decision process

In this paper, we introduce the notion of a {\em bounded parameter Markov decision process\/} as a generalization of the traditional {\em exact\/} MDP. A bounded parameter MDP is a set of exact MDPs specified by giving upper and lower bounds on transition probabilities and rewards (all the MDPs in the set share the same state and action space). Bounded parameter MDPs can be used to represent variation or uncertainty concerning the parameters of sequential decision problems. Bounded parameter MDPs can also be used in aggregation schemes to represent the variation in the transition probabilities for different base states aggregated together in the same aggregate state. We introduce {\em interval value functions\/} as a natural extension of traditional value functions. An interval value function assigns a closed real interval to each state, representing the assertion that the value of that state falls within that interval. An interval value function can be used to bound the performance of a policy over the set of exact MDPs associated with a given bounded parameter MDP. We describe an iterative dynamic programming algorithm called {\em interval policy evaluation\/} which computes an interval value function for a given bounded parameter MDP and specified policy. Interval policy evaluation on a policy $policy$ computes the most restrictive interval value function that is sound, i.e. that bounds the value function for $policy$ in every exact MDP in the set defined by the bounded parameter MDP. A simple modification of interval policy evaluation results in a variant of value iteration [Bellman57] that we call {\em interval value iteration\/} which computes a policy for an bounded parameter MDP that is optimal in a well-defined sense.
Spectroscopic studies of compound semiconductor surfaces as it relates to the growth of nanomaterials

The structure of indium phosphide surfaces and interfaces has been investigated during the growth of nanomaterials by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. In the phosphorus-rich environment of the MOCVD process, the InP (001) surface forms a (2x1) reconstruction that is terminated with a monolayer of phosphorus dimers. Each of these dimers is stabilized by the adsorption of hydrogen onto one of the dangling bonds. Upon switching from the growth of InP to InGaAs or InSb, the surface can change dramatically depending on the interactions among the group V elements. When InP is exposed to tertiarybutylarsine above 500 °C, arsenic atoms diffuse into the bulk, creating strained InAsP films with a roughness exceeding 1.0 nm. By contrast, when InP is exposed to trimethylantimony between 450 and 600 °C, a thin layer of InSb, ~6.8 a thick, is deposited. This layer is strained in only one direction, and forms an interesting one-dimensional, ridge-shaped structure.
Optimization of Intentional Mistuning Patterns for the Mitigation of the Effects of Random Mistuning

This paper focuses on the optimization of intentional mistuning patterns for the reduction of the sensitivity of the forced response of bladed disks to random mistuning. Intentional mistuning is achieved here by using two different blade types (denoted as A and B) around the disk. It is thus desired to find the arrangement of these A and B blades (A/B pattern) that leads to the smallest 99th percentile of the amplitude of blade response in the presence of random mistuning. It is first demonstrated that there usually is a large number of local minima and further that the cost of a function evaluation is high. Accordingly, two novel, dedicated optimization algorithms are formulated and validated to address this specific problem. Both algorithms proceed in a two-step fashion. The first step, which consists of an optimization in a reduced space, leads to a series of good initial guesses. A local search from these initial guesses forms the second step of the methods. A detailed validation effort of this new procedure was next achieved on both a single-degree-of-freedom per blade model and a reduced order model of a blisk. In all validation cases, the two novel algorithms were found to converge to the global optimum or very close to it at a small computational cost. Finally, the results of this optimization efforts further demonstrate the value of intentional mistuning to increase the robustness of bladed disks to random mistuning.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Control of Flow Past a Wing Section with Plasma-based Body Forces

Abstract : The response of the flow past a stalled NACA 0015 airfoil at 15 deg angle of attack and Reynolds number of 45, 000 to body forces originating from radio-frequency asymmetric dielectric-barrier-discharge actuators is described via direct numerical simulations. The theoretical model couples a phenomenologically derived averaged body force with a high-order 3-D compressible Navier-Stokes solver. The body force distribution is assumed to vary linearly, diminishing away from the surface until the critical electric field limit is reached. Various magnitudes and orientations of the force field are explored, ranging from vertically upwards (away from the body) to vertically downwards (towards the body). The imposed body forces couple to the non-linear inertial terms and the pressure gradients to engender a complex sequence of events. A significant streamwise component assures the reduction or elimination of stall with the formation of a stable wall-jet. When the only component of the force vector is pointed normal to and away from the surface, no control effect is achieved. On the other hand, when the force vector is directed towards the surface, a shallower separation region is observed, accompanied by unsteady boundary layer development. At the low Mach number considered (0.1), the work done by the force has little impact on the solution, and density variations remain less than 5%. Relaxation effects are explored by abruptly switching off the force, and estimates of response times are noted. The lack of a proper spanwise breakdown mechanism for the separated shear layer in 2-D simulations results in large coherent structures, whose response in transient and unsteady asymptotic states differ significantly from those observed in 3-D. Nonetheless, if the force is sufficiently effective to eliminate separation, the flowfield becomes generally two-dimensional and steady in the vicinity of the airfoil, and the overall results from 2-D and 3-D analyses yield similar results.
Recognition-directed orthogonal self-assembly of polymers and nanoparticles on patterned surfaces.

We demonstrate the patterning of silica substrates with thymine (Thy-PS) and positively charged N-methylpyridinium (PVMP) polymers using photolithography and the subsequent orthogonal modification ...
Fast pyrolysis of biomass thermally pretreated by torrefaction.

Abstract Torrefied biomass samples were produced from hardwood and switchgrass pellets using the biochar experimenter's kit (BEK) reactor and analyzed for their utility as pretreated feedstocks for biofuels production via fast pyrolysis. The energy efficiency for the BEK torrefaction process with propane gas as fuel source was about 50% for hardwood pellets and over 67% for switchgrass, but the energy retained in the torrefied product ranged between 72 and 92% of the initial biomass energy content resulting from a high product yield of 70–88 wt%. The liquid pyrolysate by-product of the torrefaction process was an aqueous solution of mainly acetic acid and levoglucosan associated with dehydration of the carbohydrate fraction of the raw biomass. Subsequent fast pyrolysis in a fluidized bed led to production of pyrolysis oil with lower acidity and increased energy content compared with pyrolysis of non-torrefied biomass. However, the yield, carbon conversion and energy conversion to these pyrolysis oils were decreased with the torrefection pretreatment which predisposed the biomass for conversion to biochar rather than liquid products.
Evaluation of foliar-applied copper hydroxide and citric acid for control of Goss’s wilt and leaf blight of corn

AbstractGoss’s wilt and leaf blight, caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis (Cmn), is a re-emerging disease of corn (Zea mays) in portions of the midwestern USA. Although resistant corn hybrids have been developed for some regions, the availability of adapted resistant hybrids may be limited in other areas; therefore, chemical control could potentially serve as an interim control measure while resistant hybrids are being developed. A field experiment was initiated to evaluate the effect of copper hydroxide and citric acid on Goss’s wilt severity and yield of corn. Chemicals were applied relative to inoculation with Cmn, and non-inoculated plots also were included. Treatments not inoculated with Cmn had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower Goss’s wilt severity values compared with those that were inoculated, but no significant differences among treatments within Cmn-inoculated or within non-inoculated plots were observed. Neither Cmn-inoculation nor chemicals applied had a significant effect on ...
Chemotherapy for meningiomas

The most efficacious treatment for meningiomas is surgery. For incompletely resected or recurrent tumors, radiotherapy can be given. However, when the meningioma is unresectable and/or all other previous treatments have failed, immunotherapy or chemotherapy may be considered for malignant tumors and immunotherapy and hormone therapy may be considered for benign ones. Various chemotherapy treatments that have shown some efficacy in individual cases include combinations of Adriamycin and Dacarbazine or Ifosfamide and Mesna. The most effective immunotherapy appears to be administration of interferon-alpha, which is relatively non-toxic and easily tolerated. However, more studies are needed to better define the roles of these agents in the management of a recurrent, unresectable, or malignant meningiomas.
Public Preferences on the Use of Visualization in the Public Involvement Process in Transportation Planning

This study examines public preferences on the use of visualization techniques to involve the public in transportation planning. Two projects were selected, and prototype two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and four-dimensional visualization models were developed. The models were presented at public meetings where stated preference surveys were conducted. The same models were also presented in a survey conducted via the Internet. A majority of both the 31 questionnaire respondents and the 136 Internet-based survey respondents ranked the two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and four-dimensional visualization techniques in increasing order of their abilities to convey the proposed project concepts. More than 71% of the respondents thought that transportation planning agencies should devote more time and budget to develop advanced visualization models to encourage public participation. In addition, more than 75% of the respondents indicated that they would be more willing to participate and encourage others to...
Scale Analysis of Combined Radiation and Convection

Relationships predicting heat transfer results in limiting cases of the complicated problem of combined convection and radiation in boundary layer flows are sought using the method of scale analysis. Key nondimensional groups are developed that help identify the fundamental interaction between radiation and convection heat transfer for two cases of laminar, aiding, two-dimensional, forced and natural convection heat transfer from a semi-infinite vertical wall with radiation effects included. The first case considered is that of heat transfer from a gray wall with a specified heat flux to a nonparticipating medium. The second case is that of heat transfer from a black wall with a specified temperature to an optically thick, gray, non-scattering medium. The scale analysis results are presented in terms of the local Nusselt number and verified using similarity models.© 2003 ASME
Topically applied dimethyl sulfoxide Its effects on inflammation and healing of a contusion

This study investigated the effects of topically applied dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to traumatized muscle of adult male rats. Eighty rats were randomly assigned to one of two groups and subsequently traumatized, treated, and sacrificed. One group was used to examine inflammation; the other, healing. Each group was further divided into an experimental group (70% DMSO and 30% distilled water) and a control group (100% distilled water); each group had five sacrifice times. Each treatment consisted of painting 1 ml of either the treatment or control solution on the contused tissue. The inflammation group received 15 additional treatments, 3 per day for the next 5 days. A three-phased, single blind, histologic examination was performed. The principle findings were: significantly fewer healing cells were present in the experimental group than in the control group during the period inflammation was examined, and no significant difference existed between the experimental and control groups during the period healing was examined.
A study of mandibular ramus anatomy and its significance to sagittal split osteotomy

A study is presented, which investigates the position of fusion between the buccal and lingual cortical plates. The knowledge of this position will direct the placement of horizontal medial osteotomy in modified sagittal split osteotomy.
Nationalist Versus Dependent Capitalist Development: Alternate Pathways of Asia and Latin America in a Globalized World

When compared to Latin America, Asian economies since 1980 have grown faster and have done so with relatively modest inequalities. Why? A comparison of Asia and Latin America underlines the superiority of the nationalist capitalist model of development, which has often been pursued more explicitly in Asia, over that of a dependent capitalist model, which has often been pursued in Latin America. In comparison to Latin America, the Asian model has facilitated higher and less volatile rates of economic growth and a greater political room to pursue social democratic policies. The “tap root” of these alternate pathways is relative autonomy from global constraints: states and economies in Asia have been more nationalist and autonomous than in Latin America.
Controversies in medical mycology

Questions and controversies involving many aspects of medical mycology have increased in recent years. Case histories are described in which fungal infection causes unexpected and atypical problems. Molecular techniques of diagnosis need to be used alongside traditional culture methods. Increased drug use has led to genuine concerns and differing views regarding the definition and development of resistance by fungi. The use and value of combinational antifungal therapy and the employment of immunomodulatory agents concomitant with antimycotics have been debated. Nonetheless, good standards have been developed in the testing of antifungal agents. These, together with the commercial viability of antifungal drugs and hence increased interest in their development, mean that although we have entered the golden age of mycology we have also entered the golden age of antifungal therapy.