cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
False positive and negative hemoccult reactions on a normal diet and effect of diet restriction.

Summary: False positive and negative hemoccult reactions on a normal diet and effect of diet restriction. M. L. Bassett and K. J. Goulston, Aust. N.Z. J. Med. 1980, 10. pp. 1–4. The reliability of Hemoccult, a guaiacimpregnated slide for detecting faecal occult blood, was assessed on both normal and restricted diets. Two-hundred-and-twenty-five faecal samples were obtained from 40 patients on a normal diet, and 115 samples from 20 patients on a restricted diet. A single Hemoccult I test was performed on each sample. Faecal blood was quantitated by 51Cr red cell labelling. On a normal diet, the false positive rate was 11%. This reduced to 2% on a high fibre diet free of red meat and raw fruit and vegetables. This false positive rate is lower than has been previously reported for other: more widely-used, occult blood tests. The overall false negative rate was 48%; this diminished with increasing faecal blood loss.
On the relationship between two tests for homogeneity of the marginal distributions in a two-way classification

Several tests have been proposed for comparing the marginal distributions in a k x k contingency table with obvious application to studies involving matched pairs and a polytomous response variable. Stuart (1955) proposed the test statistic QO = d'Vo-' d, where d denotes any (k -1) differences of the respective marginal frequencies and VO is the estimated covariance matrix of d under the null hypothesis. Bhapkar (1966) proposed the alternative test statistic Q = d'V' d, where V is the maximum likelihood estimator of the covariance matrix of d. Using standard largesample results, it can be shown that both QO and Q are asymptotically distributed x2 with (k-1) degrees of freedom. For Stuart's example, Bhapkar found the numerical difference between his and Stuart's tests to be negligible but noted that the difference may be quite appreciable if N is small and/or the d's are at least moderately large. The difference betweeen the two test statistics can, in fact, be expressed exactly in an algebraic form, from which the effect of sample size is seen explicitly. The algebraic relationship between Q and QO follows from the matrix relationship between V and VO, namely VO = V + n'dd', from which it can be shown that
Study on the electrical properties and phase transitions of lithium ferrite by a complex admittance method

Abstract The electrical properties of lithium ferrite (LiFeO2) with rock-salt structure have been studied as a function of temperature (380–700°C) and oxygen partial pressure ( 2.1 × 10 4 −5.3 Pa) using AC conductivity measurements. Data analysis in the complex admittance plane revealed the presence of three phase transitions and mixed (electronic and ionic) conduction in LiFeO2. The nature of the charge carriers depends on temperature and oxygen partial pressure. The defect structure of α-LiFeO2 at high temperature has been discussed from the oxygen partial pressure dependence of electronic conductivity.
Maximal and minimal ideals of convergence semigroups

A convergence semigroup is a semigroup X with a convergence structure so that if s and t are nets in X with the same domain such that s?x and t?y, then s?xy. In this paper, we discuss the properties of maximal and minimal ideals of convergence semigroups. Unlike the proofs found in most topological semigroups articles, all the results in this paper are essentially established, by mean of nets, in a much weaker setting as was mentioned in [1] and [2].
Volcanism-induced, local wet-based glacial conditions recorded in the Late Amazonian Arsia Mons tropical mountain glacier deposits

Abstract The tropical mountain glacial fan-shaped deposit (FSD) to the northwest of the Arsia Mons volcano on Mars contains numerous glacial and volcanic landforms. While most of the glacial landforms are interpreted to have formed by cold-based glacial processes, several glacial landforms near glaciovolcanic edifices are more consistent with localized wet-based glacial processes. These landforms include ribbed moraines, which suggest local, thermal transitions between wet- and cold-based ice; thrust-block moraines, whose formation is typically assisted by the presence of subglacial water; streamlined knobs that we interpret to have been sculpted by ice sliding along its base; and a braided outflow channel. The presence and association of these features, together with evidence of both subglacial volcanic eruptions and local ice-marginal advances, favor polythermal glaciers with localized wet-based conditions. We propose that lava-to-ice heat transfer during the eruption of the glaciovolcanic edifices caused the Arsia Mons paleoglacier to melt at its base in some areas, resulting in these locally wet-based glacial conditions. A polythermal glacier provides more potential microbial habitats and more connectivity between habitats than does a cold-based glacier, and we review glacial and glaciovolcanic habitats on Earth that may provide insight into the likelihood of potential microbial habitats within the Arsia Mons FSD on Mars.
Quasi-static extension of cohesive crack described by the energy partition technique

Nonlinear differential equation governing mode I fracture under small scale yielding condition has been derived on the basis of the energy partition concept. This technique is associated with a cohesive crack model. The nonlinear zone which precedes a propagating crack has been assumed to have a structured nature. In addition to this microstructural assumption, it has been postulated that the energy dissipated within the process zone (Δ), embedded in a larger nonlinear zone (R), remains invariant to the extent of crack growth. Upper and lower bounds of the tearing modulus have been related to the material ductility via closed form expressions. It has been demonstrated that the energy screening, measured by the ratio of the true fracture energy (Ŵ) to the total work expended in the cohesive zone during the process of irreversible deformation, is a monotonic function of the crack growth increment, resembling a reciprocal of the apparent material resistance to cracking described by an R-curve.
On distinguishing age from metallicity with photometric data

In the study of galaxy integrated light, if photometric indicators could extract age and metallicity information of high enough quality, photometry might be vastly more efficient than spectroscopy for the same astrophysical goals. Towards this end, we search three photometric systems: David Dunlap Observatory, Beijing-Arizona-Taiwan-Connecticut and Stromgren systems for their ability to disentangle age and abundance effects. Only the Stromgren [c 1 ] versus [m 1 ] plot shows moderate age–metallicity disentanglement. We also add to the discussion of optical to near-infrared Johnson–Cousins broad-band colours, finding a great decrease in age sensitivity when updated isochrones are used.
New generation of nucleophilic glycine equivalents

A new generation of nucleophilic glycine equivalents, designed to contain a functional framework, that allows control over the physical properties as well as the reactivity, is described. The reactivity of these nucleophilic glycine equivalents have been compared to previously described examples with the application of various transformations such as alkyl halide alkylations, Michael additions, and aldol condensations.
Airborne multisensor remote sensing systems for subsurface feature detection in littoral zones

This paper describes low altitude mobile imaging of near coastal waters in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. A suite of mobile multispectral and hyperspectral sensors were flown between ~1,000m to ~3000m altitudes in order detect subsurface features in nearby wetlands and littoral zone areas following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In this paper techniques used to develop, integrate and calibrate the airborne sensors are described. The sensors include a multispectral digital frame camera system, a traditional photogrammetric camera, and a small custom hyperspectral imaging system with custom software. Ancillary sensors include include multiple differential GPS and inertial motion unit (IMU) sensing systems and twin high definition video cameras for parallax related estimations. The correction of hyperspectral pushbroom imagery that utilizes Kalman filtering and smoothing is described and examples of georeferenced imagery is presented. The ability to image subsurface features is described and demonstrates not only the hyperspectral imaging system, but the value of utilizing simultaneous multisensor mobile sensing systems for environmental monitoring and surveillance of shorelines, water and nearby vegetation environments in littoral zones.
Variation in patient management based on ECG interpretation by emergency medicine and internal medicine residents.

Abstract This study was performed to determine the impact of electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation on urgent patient care decisions by internal medicine (IM) and emergency medicine (EM) resident physicians. Six clinical scenarios and ECGs were given to 31 IM residents and 31 EM residents at a university medical center. Based on the ECG interpretation, the residents were asked to select the best patient management from a list of choices. IM and EM residents were equally likely to choose the correct management for complete heart block (90% IM v 97% EM, P = NS), and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) (94% IM v 97% EM, P = NS). IM residents were less likely to choose the correct management for acute posterior wall myocardial infarction (MI) (26% IM v 74% EM, P v 100% EM, P P = NS) and benign early repolarization (BER) (48% IM and 52% EM, P = NS) as acute myocardial ischemia when presented with a clinical history not suggestive of cardiac ischemia. IM and EM residents were equally likely to choose the correct management for complete heart block and pulseless VT. Compared with EM residents, IM residents were less likely to choose the correct management of posterior wall MI and unstable SVT. Both IM and EM residents were prone to misinterpreting LVH and BER as acute myocardial ischemia. Resident education in both specialties should focus on ECG interpretation skills to improve patient management decisions. (Am J Emerg Med 2002;20:188-195. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.)
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANATOMY OF THE CANINE LUMBOSACRAL SPINE

The lumbosacral spine (L5–S3) was examined by high resolution computed tomography (CT) in five canine cadaver specimens and one anesthetized dog using 5mm thick transverse slices at 5mm intervals. In each dog, anatomic features observed on CT images were confirmed by comparison with corresponding 5 mm thick anatomic transverse sections and section radiographs. CT anatomic features visualized in all dogs included the vertebral bodies, pedicles, laminae, articular processes, spinous processes, transverse processes, mammillary processes, basivertebral venous canals, vertebral foramina, intervertebral foramina, sacral wings, median sacral crest, intermediate sacral crests, lateral sacral crests, articular process joints, sacroiliac joints, internal vertebral venous plexus, epidural fat, thecal sac, L5–S3 nerve roots, and spinal nerves. Spinal ganglia, yellow ligaments, and portions of the intervertebral discs were visible in some dogs. The spinal cord, intrathecal nerve roots, dorsal and ventral longitudinal ligaments, spinal arteries, and radicular vessels were not distinguishable. Accessory processes were identified on the caudal L5 pedicles in most dogs, an observation that differed from descriptions in standard anatomy texts. Previously undescribed osseous grooves, termed “lateral recesses,” were identified in the caudal L7 vertebral foramen of all dogs.
Bergson’s Environment: Towards an Ecological Understanding

This paper draws on the thinking of the French philosopher and biologist Henri Bergson, and attempts an understanding of the environment while considering Bergson’s metaphysics. Why is it that the bulk of the discussion concerning environmental problems takes place within a narrow framework that has difficulty recognizing the intrinsic value of nature? In this paper I try and explain Bergson’s description of the ways that consciousness seeks to know the world around it, and conclude that modern thought fails to recognize the sensual, sympathetic nature of experience. Only through understanding the ecology of our own thoughts can we hope to reach an understanding of the environment and how to live with it in a harmonious and ecologically conscious manner.
WHY DO SMALL ANIMALS CROUCH

![][1] Size is one of the most important features governing how an animal functions: there are no elephant-sized mice or mouse-sized elephants for myriad reasons. Big animals have different metabolic and structural demands than small animals. One of the archetypal examples of a size-
Using the probability-probability plot and index to augment interpretation of treatment effect for patient-reported outcome measures.

The interpretation of treatment effect can pose challenges, especially for patient-reported outcomes. As subjective assessments, patient-reported outcomes frequently lack a historical record to support what their scores mean, making their interpretation of treatment differences challenging. We show how the probability-probability (p-p) plot a graph of the test-treatment distribution percentiles versus the control-treatment distribution percentiles, can complement and supplement interpretation of treatment effect. From this plot, we introduce the p-p index as a new measure of treatment effect, illustrating the method with two examples. The p-p index represents, across all percentiles, the average difference in percentile rank for any pair of subjects on two different treatments with the same outcome score. This measure, which complements other metrics of treatment effect, captures full information by integrating across all percentiles and thus accurately summarizes and augments the interpretation of treatm...
The conversion of ethanolamine to acetate in mammalian tissues.

Abstract Ethanolamine-1-D2, 214C was extensively converted in the rat to labeled acetate which contained the 14C entirely in the carboxyl carbon, and had approximately the same ratio of 14 C D as the administered CD2OH· 14CH2NH2. In view of these findings the recently described pyridoxal phosphate dependent conversion of ethanolamine- O -phosphate to acetaldehyde, ammonia, and Pi, may best be interpreted as activation of hydrogen on the amino carbon atom by pyridoxal phosphate, followed by elimination of orthophosphate; hydrolysis of the resulting eneamine then yields acetaldehyde and ammonia (Fig. 1).
Kinetics of the reactions of atomic bromine with HO2 and H2O2

Abstract The room-temperture rate constant of Br + HO 2 is 2.2 × 1.0 −15 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 while that of Br + H 2 O 2 is less than 2 × 10 −15 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 '. Arguing from correlations between activation energies and enthalpy changes ot similar reactions, we conclude that HBr is a negligible; reservoir for stratospheric bromine.
Cosmic gamma-ray background from dark matter annihilation

High-energy photons from pair annihilation of dark matter particles contribute to the cosmic gamma-ray background (CGB) observed in a wide energy range. The precise shape of the energy spectrum of CGB depends on the nature of dark matter particles. In order to discriminate between the signals from dark matter annihilation and other astrophysical sources, however, the information from the energy spectrum of CGB may not be sufficient. We show that dark matter annihilation not only contributes to the mean CGB intensity, but also produces a characteristic anisotropy, which provides a powerful tool for testing the origins of the observed CGB. We show that the expected sensitivity of future gamma-ray detectors such as GLAST should allow us to measure the angular power spectrum of CGB anisotropy, if dark matter particles are supersymmetric neutralinos and they account for most of the observed mean intensity. As the intensity of photons from annihilation is proportional to the density squared, we show that the predicted shape of the angular power spectrum of gamma rays from dark matter annihilation is different from that due to other astrophysical sources such as blazars, whose intensity is linearly proportional to density. Therefore, the angular power spectrum of the CGB provides a "smoking-gun" signature of gamma rays from dark matter annihilation.
Dynamic analysis of 3-D structures by a transformed boundary element method

In this work, an advanced implementation of the direct boundary element method applicable to periodic (steadystate) and transient dynamic problems involving three-dimensional structures of arbitrary shape and connectivity is presented. Interior, exterior and halfspace type of problems can all be solved by the present method. The discussion first focuses on the formulation of the method, followed by material pertaining to the fundamental singular solutions and to the isoparametric boundary elements used for discretizing the surface of the problem. Subsequently, numerical integration techniques and the solution algorithm are introduced. This methodology has been incorporated in a versatile, general purpose computer program. Finally, the stability and high accuracy of this dynamic analysis technique are established through comparisons with available analytical and numerical results.
Specification-based prototyping for embedded systems

Specification of software for safety critical, embedded computer systems has been widely addressed in literature. To achieve the high level of confidence in a specification's correctness necessary in many applications, manual inspections, formal verification, and simulation must be used in concert. Researchers have successfully addressed issues in inspection and verification; however, results in the areas of execution and simulation of specifications have not made as large an impact as desired.In this paper we present an approach to specification-based prototyping which addresses this issue. It combines the advantages of rigorous formal specifications and rapid systems prototyping. The approach lets us refine a formal executable model of the system requirements to a detailed model of the software requirements. Throughout this refinement process, the specification is used as a prototype of the proposed software. Thus, we guarantee that the formal specification of the system is always consistent with the observed behavior of the prototype. The approach is supported with the NIMBUS environment, a framework that allows the formal specification to execute while interacting with software models of its embedding environment or even the physical environment itself (hardware-in-the-loop simulation).
Limits to Poisson’s ratio in isotropic materials

A long-standing question is why Poisson's ratio $\ensuremath{\nu}$ nearly always exceeds 0.2 for isotropic materials, whereas classical elasticity predicts $\ensuremath{\nu}$ to be between $\ensuremath{-}1$ to $\frac{1}{2}$. We show that the roots of quadratic relations from classical elasticity divide $\ensuremath{\nu}$ into three possible ranges: $\ensuremath{-}1l\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\le}0$, $0\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\le}\frac{1}{5}$, and $\frac{1}{5}\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\nu}l\frac{1}{2}$. Since elastic properties are unique there can be only one valid set of roots, which must be $\frac{1}{5}\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\nu}l\frac{1}{2}$ for consistency with the behavior of real materials. Materials with Poisson's ratio outside of this range are rare, and tend to be either very hard (e.g., diamond, beryllium etc.) or porous (e.g., auxetic foams); such substances have more complex behavior than can be described by classical elasticity. Thus, classical elasticity is inapplicable whenever $\ensuremath{\nu}l\frac{1}{5}$, and the use of the equations from classical elasticity for such materials is inappropriate.
An old autopsy report sheds light on a "new" disease: infantile polyarteritis nodosa and kawasaki disease.

Although Kawasaki disease (KD) was first discovered and identified in Japan by Kawasaki in the 1960s, fatal KD cases resulting from coronary artery aneurysms had been identified retrospectively in the West as early as 1871. Kawasaki initially postulated that this disease was a new, as yet unidentified, self-limiting illness with no fatal coronary sequelae. The connection between fatal cases, then diagnosed as infantile polyarteritis nodosa, was not made until the late 1970s. Kawasaki’s thoughts were reinforced by an apparent absence of nonfatal cases in the West before 1967. Close examination of a 1948 autopsy report suggests that nonfatal cases of KD did indeed exist, at least in the United States, before its emergence in Japan in the early 1950s. These nonfatal cases of KD were misdiagnosed as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The autopsy report reviewed in this article reinforces the likelihood that KD did occur in the United States before it was identified as Kawasaki disease in Japan.
The proteolytic degradation of a purified pig brain protein.

Abstract A purified basic protein from pig brain was degraded proteolytically when incubated in aqueous solution. At neutral pH values several new protein/polypeptide fragments were formed. Their amino acid compositions were different from that of the original protein and different from each other. The degradation was also accompanied by the release of trichloroacetic acid-soluble, Folin Ciocalteu positive material. The degradation was inhibited by 4 and 8 M urea but was not affected by divalent metal ions, EDTA or mercaptoethanol. No proteolytic activity toward exogenous substrates was found.
Monoindenyl halides of zirconium and hafnium. The preparation of [(η5-C9H7)ZrCl3]n and [(η5-C9H7)HfCl2(μ-Cl)]2 and the crystal structure of [(η5-C9H7)HfCl2(μ-Cl)]2

Abstract The monoindenyl species [(η5-C9H7)ZrCl3]n and [(η5-C9H7)HfCl2(μ-Cl2)] 2 have been prepared. The structurally characterized hafnium dimer represents the first structurally characterized Cp (or substituted Cp) hafnium trichloride complex.
Radar signature modeling for combat systems

A numerical study was conducted using Xpatch, a high-frequency signature prediction code based on the shooting and bouncing ray technique. The lessons learned apply to a large class of targets of interest for millimeter wave radar applications. We investigated the use of Xpatch for ground vehicles and generic small missile-like targets. We summarize the unclassified modeling results and computational requirements at K/sub a/-band frequencies. The ground vehicle simulations indicate that accurate target representations are required but the results tend to overpredict the measured data. The missile target simulations indicate that Xpatch is only appropriate for smooth surfaces and it fails to capture the returns associated with small surface discontinuities.
Characterization of Influenza Virus Neuraminidases: Peptide Changes Associated with Antigenic Divergence Between Early and Late N2 Neuraminidases

Abstract Neuraminidases (EC 3.2.1.18) of 1957, 1960, and 1969 influenza virus strains were isolated after proteolytic digestion of viral hemagglutinin. Each neuraminidase was recovered with a final yield of about 15% and had similar specific activities. Immunization of rabbits with the neuraminidases elicited monospecific neuraminidase antibodies, with no antibodies to viral hemagglutinin. Further evidence of purity was the existence of only a single component, about 50,000 daltons in size, when reduced neuraminidase preparations were examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate acrylamide gel electrophoresis. However, storage of neuraminidase in solution resulted in the appearance of slightly smaller degradation products. Preparations of each neuraminidase were denatured under reducing conditions, and exposed sulfhydryl residues were blocked by reaction with 14C-iodoacetamide. After tryptic digestion, peptide maps were prepared for the neuraminidases, and the 14C-labeled cysteinyl peptides were then identified by autoradiography. About 20 peptides were present, in agreement with the number predicted from amino acid analysis for neuraminidase subunits of only one type. The 1957 and 1960 neuraminidases exhibited a small antigenic divergence from each other, and maps of their cysteinyl peptides appeared to be identical. The 1969 neuraminidase exhibited considerable antigenic divergence from the other two neuraminidases, and maps of 1969 neuraminidase peptides revealed two major and several minor differences from the other maps. Thus, antigenic divergence between the neuraminidases of Asian and Hong Kong influenza viruses is associated with a small number of changes in the primary structure of the neuraminidase subunit.
In vitro colony assay for a new class of megakaryocyte precursor: colony-forming unit megakaryocyte (CFU-M).

SummaryA plasma culture system has been used successfully to grow and quanti-tate megakaryocyte colonies from mouse bone marrow following their staining for acetylcholinesterase activity in situ. Colonies averaging about six acetylcholinester-ase-positive cells appear with a peak incidence after 4 days in culture with a plating efficiency of one colony formed for every 104 nucleated cells plated.
Geographies of Housing Finance: The Mortgage Market in Milan, Italy

The geography of financial exclusion has mainly focused on exclusion from retail banking. Alternatively, and following the work of David Harvey, this paper presents a geography of access to and exclusion from home mortgage finance. The case of Milan shows that capital switching to the built environment is partly a sign of economic crisis and partly a sign of the intrinsic opportunities that the built environment provides. A major factor in both is the deregulation of the mortgage market that has enabled the loosening of historically stringent lending criteria, leading to a tremendous growth of the mortgage market, while leaving the co-evolution of family and home ownership intact. In addition, capital switches within sectors of the economy and between places. In Milan, once “unattractive” but currently gentrified nineteenth-century districts underwent cycles of devalorisation and revalorisation. Even though access to mortgages has increased throughout Milan, geographical disparities in mortgage lending persist: at present, yellowlining (differential access, based on less favourable terms) is common in parts of the Milanese periphery. The creation of boundaries makes the realisation of class-monopoly rent possible; while the subsequent redrawing of these boundaries creates new submarkets in which surplus value can be extracted. Based on the Milan case, one cannot explain the timing and geography of formation and reformation of submarkets in other cities, but it helps us to see how Harvey's abstract ideas of class-monopoly rent, submarket creation, and capital switching take place in the real world.
Making Federal Pension Policy Work

Abstract Millions of Americans retire while they are still productive. Of these, many will have the resources to enjoy all of their golden years. Unfortunately, many others will face economic hardships after they have exhausted their own resources but have become too frail to return to work. Part of the problem is that the current pension system is fraught with financial incentives that push ablebodied elderly workers into retirement just when they should instead be encouraged to remain in the workforce to accumulate additional retirement assets. This paper recommends a number of ways to change federal pension laws in order to encourage elderly workers to remain in the workforce. For example, this paper recommends toughening the penalty on premature distributions, repealing the minimum distribution rules, and repealing the exceptions to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act that permit retirement plans to provide early retirement incentives and subsidies. This paper also considers whether the governmen...
Acute Treatment with Kerosene Damages the Dermal Barrier and Alters the Distribution of Topically Applied Benzo(a)pyrene in Mice

The dermal route is important in many occupational exposures. Some materials may reduce the barrier function of the skin to enhance absorption and effect on internal organs. We have reported previously that kerosene cleaning following treatment with used engine oil increased DNA adduct levels in the lungs of mice compared with animals treated with used oil alone. To investigate what other physiological parameters might be affected by kerosene, we conducted in vitro and in vivo measurements of skin barrier function. We also topically applied 3H-BAP(100 nM in 25 μL acetone) and washed half the mice with 25 μL kerosene 1 hr after carcinogen application. Groups of four mice were euthanized from 1 to 72 hr after treatment. Skin, lungs, and livers were harvested from each animal and stored separately. Kerosene application reduced the barrier function of the skin in vitro beyond the effect of the acetone vehicle and the vehicle plus BAP. In vivo studies indicated that kerosene treatment reduced the barrier funct...
Interphase Bond Strength and Energy Absorption of Injection-Molded Rubber-Coated Glass/Nylon Composites:

The use of a thin rubber coating on the fiber in a fibrous composite has been shown to increase the composite low-speed impact resistance [1,2]. The coating used was very thin compared to the fiber diameter, in order to preserve the other composite properties. From elastic consideration, the thin rubber coating was understood to have a direct effect upon the reduction of the stress concentration in the region near the fiber/matrix interface, especially at the chopped fiber end or at the matrix crack front reaching the fiber [3,4]. If the possible existence of localized high stress zones is reduced, the material can be subjected to higher loading before global failure occurs. With the rub ber coating the high stress zones inside the material can spread out to a larger volume. There will be less chance for local damage to initiate under the same loading level. The material will therefore exhibit higher resistance to failure, i.e., it will absorb more energy before failure. Three injection-molded glass/nylon...
THE PARALLEL 3D CONVEX HULL PROBLEM REVISITED

In this paper we prove the correctness of a “local” criterion for computing the convex hull of the union ( “merging”) of two disjoint convex polyhedra. This criterion is structural. Therefore it can be algorithmically tested in several ways, not necessarily involving the determination of support (tangent) planes; indeed, it can be implemented by just testing for the intersection of certain planes and lines with convex polytopes. This criterion is amenable to parallel implementation and leads to a provably correct algorithm that computes the convex hull of any n points in three-dimensional space in O(log2 n) time using O(n) processors on a CREW PRAM.
Monitoring Patient Recovery Using Wireless Physiotherapy Devices

We aim to improve physiotherapy patients’ recovery time by monitoring various prescribed tasks and displaying a score associated with how well the patient has performed said task. This kind of feedback would be desirable in situations where physical proximity between the physiotherapist and his patient is not always convenient or achievable. Having a way to remotely perform and receive feedback on prescribed tasks remedies that problem. We used a wireless device that contains accelerometer (acceleration) and gyroscope (angular velocity) sensors to collect motion information from the patient. After this information has been collected, it is processed in order to provide a more accurate representation of the performed task. The processed data is then broken up into micro-exercises, parts that make up the specified exercise, to evaluate qualitatively how accurately the exercise was performed and quantitatively how many times the task was performed. Finally, a task score is provided to the user that is based on the Functional Ability Scale and a weighted linear algorithm of the sum of the micro-exercise scores. This allows a patient to receive instant feedback on a performed task without the need to physically interact with a physiotherapist.
Investigating the Similarities and Differences Between Practitioners of Second- and Third-Wave Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies

There has been much discussion in the literature recently regarding the conceptual and technical differences between so-called second- (e.g., Beckian cognitive therapy) and third-wave (e.g., acceptance and commitment therapy) behavioral therapies. Previous research has not addressed the potential similarities and differences among the practitioners of these types of approaches. The current study examined possible differences in the characteristics of second-wave (n = 55) and third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapists (n = 33) using an Internet-based survey. There were differences found at the technical level between the two groups. As expected, third-wave therapists reported greater use of mindfulness/acceptance techniques. Also, third-wave therapists reported greater use of exposure techniques and second-wave therapists reported greater use of cognitive restructuring and relaxation techniques. In general, third-wave clinicians were more eclectic at the technical level and demonstrated significantly greater use of family systems techniques, existential/humanistic techniques, and the total number of techniques. No significant differences were found on the attitudinal measures administered, including reliance on an intuitive thinking style, acceptance of complementary and alternative therapies and related health beliefs, or most attitudes toward evidence-based practices. The authors did not identify many differences between second-wave and third-wave therapists other than in terms of the techniques they employ. The clinical and research implications for these findings are discussed.
Inositol trisphosphate receptors in smooth muscle cells

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) are a family of tetrameric intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) release channels that are located on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane of virtually all mammalian cell types, including smooth muscle cells (SMC). Here, we have reviewed literature investigating IP(3)R expression, cellular localization, tissue distribution, activity regulation, communication with ion channels and organelles, generation of Ca(2+) signals, modulation of physiological functions, and alterations in pathologies in SMCs. Three IP(3)R isoforms have been identified, with relative expression and cellular localization of each contributing to signaling differences in diverse SMC types. Several endogenous ligands, kinases, proteins, and other modulators control SMC IP(3)R channel activity. SMC IP(3)Rs communicate with nearby ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+) channels and mitochondria to influence SR Ca(2+) release and reactive oxygen species generation. IP(3)R-mediated Ca(2+) release can stimulate plasma membrane-localized channels, including transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and store-operated Ca(2+) channels. SMC IP(3)Rs also signal to other proteins via SR Ca(2+) release-independent mechanisms through physical coupling to TRP channels and local communication with large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels. IP(3)R-mediated Ca(2+) release generates a wide variety of intracellular Ca(2+) signals, which vary with respect to frequency, amplitude, spatial, and temporal properties. IP(3)R signaling controls multiple SMC functions, including contraction, gene expression, migration, and proliferation. IP(3)R expression and cellular signaling are altered in several SMC diseases, notably asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension. In summary, IP(3)R-mediated pathways control diverse SMC physiological functions, with pathological alterations in IP(3)R signaling contributing to disease.
Post-deposition Processing Methods To Induce Preferential Orientation in Contorted Hexabenzocoronene Thin Films

The structuring in organic electrically active thin films critically influences the performance of devices comprising them. Controlling film structure, however, remains challenging and generally requires stringent deposition conditions or modification of the substrate. To this end, we have developed post-deposition processing methods that are decoupled from the initial deposition conditions to induce different out-of-plane molecular orientations in contorted hexabenzocoronene (HBC) thin films. As-deposited HBC thin films lack any long-range order; subjecting them to post-deposition processing, such as hexanes-vapor annealing, thermal annealing, and physical contact with elastomeric poly(dimethyl siloxane), induces crystallization with increasing extents of preferential edge-on orientation, corresponding to greater degrees of in-plane π-stacking. Accordingly, transistors comprising HBC thin films that have been processed under these conditions exhibit field-effect mobilities that increase by as much as 2 o...
Burn-in optimization under reliability and capacity restrictions

Burn-in is a method to screen out early failures of electronic components. The burn-in problems that minimize the system life-cycle cost have been investigated reasonably well in many applications, but physical constraints during the decision process have not been considered. The authors search for optimal burn-in time and develop a cost-optimization model. Two types of constraint are to be satisfied during decision making: (1) the minimum system reliability requirement, and (2) the maximum capacity available for burn-in. Guidelines are suggested for making burn-in decisions. An example is given to illustrate a practical application. The model generalizes the burn-in problems that were oversimplified in a previous study. >
Algorithms for library-specific sizing of combinational logic

Examined is a problem of choosing the proper sizes from a cell library for the logic elements of a Boolean network to meet timing constraints on the propagation delay along every path from the primary input to the primary output. It is shown that, if the Boolean network has a tree topology, there exists a pseudo-polynomial time algorithm for finding the optimal solution to this problem. A backtracking-based algorithm for finding feasible solutions for networks that are not trees is also suggested and evaluated. >
Using moored buoy observations to assess and improve a circulation model in near-real-time

The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) deployed a Texas Automated Buoy System (TABS) during January 2003 to collect data expressly for the assessment and improvement of our operational Shallow-Water Analysis and Forecast System (SWAFS) model. TABS observed ocean temperatures, salinity, depth, and currents, along with air temperature, humidity, pressure and winds. These data were stored and relayed at half-hour intervals via Iridium, processed, archived, and made available to NAVOCEANO modelers in near-real-time. Using time series and inferred Lagrangian drifts, comparisons are made between these observations and ocean properties predicted daily by 48-hour SWAFS forecasts. The information is used to make model adjustments leading to improvements in forecast current speed, direction, and phase. The decay of model skill over the forecast period is examined, and we discuss how these comparisons can be used to provide users of SWAFS (and similar ocean models) with guidance on model uncertainties, strengths, and weaknesses.
Predictions of protein secondary structures using factor analysis on Fourier transform infrared spectra: effect of Fourier self-deconvolution of the amide I and amide II bands.

Fourier self-deconvolution (FSD) was performed on protein amide I and II Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra to test if the resultant increased band shape variation would lead to improvements in protein secondary structure prediction with our factor analysis based restricted multiple regression (RMR) methods. FTIR spectra of 23 proteins dissolved in H2O were measured and normalized to a constant amide I peak absorbance. The deconvolved spectra were renormalized by area so that the deconvolved spectra sets had the same area as before. Principal component analysis of the deconvolved spectra sets was carried out, which was followed by a selective multiple linear regression (RMR) analysis of the principal component loadings with regard to the fractional components (FC) of secondary structure. As compared to analyses based on the original spectra set, helix and sheet predictions were not noticeably improved by FSD; but, if a very large number of component spectra (16) were retained in the pool to select which loadings to be used in the RMR optimization, better predictions of turn and “other” resulted. The prediction quality varied depending on the deconvolution parameters used. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biospectroscopy 4: 93–106, 1998
Analysis of a monopole in a substrate

A variational formulation of self-impedance and mutual impedance of an electrically short vertical monopole above an infinite ground plane in a substrate is presented in this article. A comparison of self-impedance with results from a mixed-potential integral equation formulation and a comparison of mutual impedance with results from the method of moments are given. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
P × n-type transverse thermoelectrics: An alternative Peltier refrigerator with cryogenic promise

This work describes a band-engineered transverse thermoelectric with p-type Seebeck in one direction and ntype orthogonal, with off-diagonal terms that drive heat flow transverse to electrical current. Such materials are named p × n type transverse thermoelectrics. Whereas thermoelectric performance is normally limited by the figure of merit ZT, p × n type materials can be more easily geometrically shaped and integrated for devices, leading to more compact, longer lifetime, enhanced efficiency coolers for infrared detectors or photovoltaic generators.
Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Phosphorylation at Ser571 Regulates Late Current, Arrhythmia, and Cardiac Function In Vivo

Background—Voltage-gated Na+ channels (Nav) are essential for myocyte membrane excitability and cardiac function. Nav current (INa) is a large-amplitude, short-duration spike generated by rapid channel activation followed immediately by inactivation. However, even under normal conditions, a small late component of INa (INa,L) persists because of incomplete/failed inactivation of a subpopulation of channels. Notably, INa,L is directly linked with both congenital and acquired disease states. The multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) has been identified as an important activator of INa,L in disease. Several potential CaMKII phosphorylation sites have been discovered, including Ser571 in the Nav1.5 DI-DII linker, but the molecular mechanism underlying CaMKII-dependent regulation of INa,L in vivo remains unknown. Methods and Results—To determine the in vivo role of Ser571, 2 Scn5a knock-in mouse models were generated expressing either: (1) Nav1.5 with a phosphomimetic mutation at Ser571 ...
Quasi-distributed fiber-optic strain sensor: principle and experiment.

Sensors capable of making distributed measurements allow for monitoring of the entire structure. Optical fiber sensors are especially attractive for this purpose, since they are geometrically versatile and can be readily integrated within various types of structure and material. Development and characteristics of a quasi-distributed intrinsic fiber-optic strain sensor based on white-light interferometry are described. The research presented here describes the development of a new optical fiber sensor system for measurement of structural strains based on double white-light interferometry. Individual segments of single-mode optical fibers forming a common-path interferometer are linked in series, and a scanning white-light interferometer provides for distributed sensing of strain signals from various locations in the structure. The system is configured for automatic compensation of drift due to environmental effects, i.e., temperature and vibration. Strain gauges were employed for comparison and verification of strain signals as measured by the new system. The experimental results demonstrate the linearity of the system and the capability for distributed sensing of strains.
NEW EARLIEST ORDOVICIAN TRILOBITE GENUS MILLARDICURUS: THE OLDEST KNOWN HYSTRICURID

Abstract Hystricurus millardensis Hintze, 1953 has been recorded widely in Laurentia. Revision on the basis of abundant new silicified topotype material indicates that most of these records are of morphologically distinct, though related, taxa and that a plexus of related species is involved. The new genus Millardicurus, with H. millardensis as type, is proposed for this clade, which also includes two well-documented new species, M. housensis and M. paramillardensis, from the House Formation of western Utah, several named species from Greenland, and several unnamed new species from various parts of Laurentia that have in the past been referred to M. millardensis. Millardicurus is not apparently closely related to younger Skullrockian–Stairsian hystricurids from Laurentia, but may be related to poorly known coeval Siberian Platform species classified in the genus Nyaya Rozova, 1963. Landmark-based geometric morphometric methods comprising principal component analysis of partial warp scores and Goodall's F ...
Timing of Diuretic Administration and Length of Stay in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a major financial burden in the United States. Due to penalties in reimbursement for hospitals with high 30-day HF readmission rates and early follow-up after discharge has been shown to be an important factor in reducing readmission rates, we established a Nurse Practitioner managed, Heart Failure Bridge Clinic (HFBC). To evaluate the efficacy of the clinic, we reviewed the
Embedded Piezoresistive Microcantilever Sensors: Materials for Sensing Chemical and Biological Analytes

We have used embedded piezoresistive microcantilever (EPM) sensors in the detection of volatile organic compounds, industrial chemicals, and biological molecules. The EPM design incorporates a tiny piezoresistive microcantilever embedded or partially embedded into a material sensing layer. The sensing layer material is chosen so as to react to the desired analyte(s), and undergo a minute volumetric or vertical shift in dimension. In the present paper, we present results on the sensing of various VOC’s, vaccinia virus in solution, carbon tetrachloride in vapor, and osmolality in human subjects.
Clean Up after Yourself

NLRP3 inflammasome activation is accompanied by induction of mitochondrial damage. In the current issue of Cell, Zhong et al. describe an intracellular mechanism orchestrated by NF-κB to remove inflammasome-activating damaged mitochondria and prevent pathologic inflammation.
A Graphics Processing Unit Implementation for Time–Frequency Phase‐Weighted Stacking

Stacking is an efficient approach to increase signal‐to‐noise ratio, which is a key issue in seismic data processing. The time–frequency domain‐ phase weighted stack (tf‐PWS) that uses coherency of instantaneous phase as a weighting function can significantly improve the stacked signal quality of many datasets. A graphics processing unit implementation was developed to reduce the heavy computational cost of tf‐PWS. Synthetic tests suggest the speed‐up factor is up to 20. Our real‐data test shows that the convergence of noise cross‐correlation functions can be substantially improved by tf‐PWS without a computational cost increase.