cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Virtual reality enabled scientific visualization workflow

For decades Virtual Reality (VR) has remained out of our offices and everyday workflows due to its high cost, its custombuilt nature, and its often narrow design for highly specific tasks. These characteristics create a very high entry barrier for most users to use VR technology. Users typically had to be well funded, possess a high degree of expertise, spend weeks of effort porting VR capable software, or go to a specialized visualization laboratory. Recently, the cost is coming down significantly as new affordable consumer-grade VR devices are becoming available (e.g., zSpace). However, in order to incorporate VR technology into our everyday office settings, the entry barrier must be lowered significantly. This paper describes a VR framework that lowers the entry barrier for everyday users. The framework is designed on the visualization workflow of typical users working with scientific visualization in university settings. It includes a regular desktop computer, a typical non-VR display, a consumergrade immersive VR display (zSpace), and frequently-used visualization applications (ParaView, EnSight). By designing and building this framework, we aim at measuring and studying the usefulness and effects of integrating VR technology in everyday office settings. While the framework will be initially tested with ParaView, the study aims at producing generalizable findings that extend to users of other 3D desktop applications such as 3DS Max or Maya. This can help users and software companies to add similar support in their packages and allow users to experience VR in everyday environments.
Functionalized polymeric nanoparticles loaded with indocyanine green as theranostic materials for targeted molecular near infrared fluorescence imaging and photothermal destruction of ovarian cancer cells.

Background and Objectives Ovarian cancer remains the deadliest malignancy of the female reproductive system. The ability to identify and destroy all ovarian tumor nodules may have a termendous impact on preventing tumor recurrence, and patient survival. The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a nano-structured system for combined near infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) over-expression, as a biomarker of ovarian cancer cells, and photothermal destruction of these cells in vitro. Materials and Methods The nano-structured system consists of the near infrared dye, indocyanine green (ICG), encapsulated within poly(allylamine) hydrochloride chains cross-linked ionically with sodium phosphate. The surface of the construct is functionalized by covalently attached polyethylene glycol, and monoclonal antibodies against HER2 using reducitve amination methods. We use dynamic light scattering, and absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy for phyiscal characterization of the constructs. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy are used to investigate molecular targeting and imaging capabilities of the constructs against SKOV3 and OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cell lines, which have relatively high and low expression levels of the HER2 receptor, respectively. Continuous NIR laser irradiation at 808 nm is used to investigating the utility of the constructs in mediating photothermal destruction of SKOV3 cells. Results Flow cytometry results indicate that the functionalized nano-constructs are more effective in targeting the HER2 receptor than non-encapsulated ICG and non-functionlaized constructs (P < 0.005). Fluorescence microscopic images show the capaiblity of the functionalized constructs in NIR imaging of HER2 overexpression. The functionalized nano-constructs are also capable of inducing a significantly greater increase in photothermal destruction of SKOV3 cells than free ICG and non-functionalized constructs (P < 0.005). Conclusion We have demonstrated the efficacy of polymeric nano-structured constructs loaded with ICG, and functionalized with the monoclonal antibodies, as thernaostic materials for targted molecular NIR imaging of the HER2 receptor overexpression on ovarian cancer cells, and photothermal destruction of these cells. These nanoparticles may prove useful towards intraoperative detection, imaging, and phototherapy of small ovarian cancer nodules. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:582–592, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High Performance Machining for Die/Mold Manufacturing - R&D in Progress

This paper presents current progress in high performance machining research on die and mold manufacturing. This work is being conducted at the Engineering Research Center for Net Shape Forming (ERC/NSM) for a number of manufacturing companies and covers: a) theoretical and experimental studies of tool failure and tool life in high speed milling of hard materials, b) optimization of CNC programs by adjusting spindle RPM and feed rate (program OPTIMILL) to maintain nearly constant chip load in machining sculptured surfaces, and c) prediction of chip flow, stresses and temperatures in the cutting tool as well as residual stresses in the machined surface layer. Experimental studies are conducted using a 4-axis HMC with 14,000 rpm spindle and 40 m/min feed rate. Tool materials evaluated for tool life and failure include carbides, coated carbides, and PCBN. Workpiece materials investigated include H13 at 46 HRC, P20 at 20 to 40 HRC, and cast iron. Predictions of temperatures and stresses are made using the expanded capabilities of a commercially available FEM code, developed for the analysis of large plastic deformations.
Predictors of overall quality of care provided to vulnerable older people.

Objectives: Prior research shows that the quality of care provided to vulnerable older persons is suboptimal, but little is known about the factors associated with care quality for this group. In this study, the influences of clinical conditions, types of care processes, and sociodemographic characteristics on the quality of care received by vulnerable older people were evaluated. Design: Observational cohort study. Setting: Two senior managed care plans. Participants: Three hundred sixty-two community-dwelling patients aged 65 and older identified as vulnerable by the Vulnerable Elder Survey (VES-13). Measurements: Outcome variable: patients' observed-minus-expected overall quality score. Predictor variables: types of care processes, types and number of clinical conditions, sex, age, VES-13 score (composite score of function and self-rated health), income, education, mental health status, and number of quality indicators triggered. Results: Patients whose conditions required more history-taking, counseling, and medication-prescribing care processes and patients with diabetes mellitus received lower-than-expected quality of care. A greater number of comorbid conditions was associated with higher-than-expected quality of care. Age, sex, VES-13 score, and other sociodemographic variables were not associated with quality of care. Conclusion: Complexity, vulnerability, and age do not predispose older persons to receive poorer-quality care. In contrast, older patients whose care requires time-consuming processes such as history taking and counseling are at risk for worse quality of care and should be a target for intervention to improve care.
A Real-Time Approximate Optimal Guidance Law for Flight in a Plane

This paper presents a real-time guidance scheme for the problem of maximizing the payload into orbit subject to the equations of motion of a rocket over a nonrotating spherical Earth. The trajectory of a rocket modeled as a point mass is considered. The flight is constrained to a path in the equatorial plane while reaching an orbital altitude at orbital injection speeds. It is shown that the dynamics of the problem can be separated into primary and perturbation effects by a small parameter ?, where ? is the ratio of the atmospheric scale height to the radius of the Earth. The Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman or dynamic programming equation is expanded in an asymptotic series where the zeroth-order term (? = 0) can be obtained in closed form. The neglected perturbation terms are induded in the higher-order terms of the expansion. These higher-order terms are determined from the solution of first-order linear partial differential equations requing only integrations which are quadratures. These quadratures can be performed rapidly with the emerging computer capabilty so that real-time approximate optimization can be used to construct the launch guidance law. The application of this technique to flight in three-dimensions is made apparent from the solution presented here.
Naive B lymphocytes undergo homeostatic proliferation in response to B cell deficit.

Naive peripheral B cells are maintained in sufficient numbers and diversity to mount effective immune responses against infectious agents. However, the size and repertoire of this B cell pool is constantly diminished by normal cell turnover and Ag activation. Homeostatic (Ag-independent) proliferation in response to B cell depletion is one mechanism to compensate for this cell loss. We have used purified CFSE-labeled B cells and an adoptive transfer model system to show that immature and mature B cells divide in a variety of B cell-deficient (scid, xid, IL-7−/−, and sublethally irradiated) hosts. Homeostatic B cell proliferation is T cell independent, and B cells that have replicated by this mechanism retain the antigenic phenotype of naive B cells. Replication is significantly reduced in B cell-sufficient normal or B cell-reconstituted immunodeficient recipients by the action of competing mature follicular B cells. Using xid mice and transcription factor knockouts, we show that the activation signal(s) that lead to homeostatic B cell proliferation require Bruton’s tyrosine kinase; however, c-Rel, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase-induced NF-κB/Rel transcription factor critical for Ag and mitogen stimulation, is dispensable, indicating the uniqueness of this activation pathway. Survival and replication signals can also be separated, because the transcription factor p50 (NF-κB1), which is required for the survival of peripheral B cells, is not necessary for homeostatic replication. Homeostatic B cell proliferation provides an Ag-independent mechanism for the maintenance and expansion of naive B cells selected into the mature B cell pool.
First results from CSSWE CubeSat: Characteristics of relativistic electrons in the near‐Earth environment during the October 2012 magnetic storms

[1] Measurements from the Relativistic Electron and Proton Telescope integrated little experiment (REPTile) on board the Colorado Student Space Weather Experiment (CSSWE) CubeSat mission, which was launched into a highly inclined (65°) low Earth orbit, are analyzed along with measurements from the Relativistic Electron and Proton Telescope (REPT) and the Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer (MagEIS) instruments aboard the Van Allen Probes, which are in a low inclination (10°) geo-transfer-like orbit. Both REPT and MagEIS measure the full distribution of energetic electrons as they traverse the heart of the outer radiation belt. However, due to the small equatorial loss cone (only a few degrees), it is difficult for REPT and MagEIS to directly determine which electrons will precipitate into the atmosphere, a major radiation belt loss process. REPTile, a miniaturized version of REPT, measures the fraction of the total electron population that has small enough equatorial pitch angles to reach the altitude of CSSWE, 480 km × 780 km, thus measuring the precipitating population as well as the trapped and quasi-trapped populations. These newly available measurements provide an unprecedented opportunity to investigate the source, loss, and energization processes that are responsible for the dynamic behavior of outer radiation belt electrons. The focus of this paper will be on the characteristics of relativistic electrons measured by REPTile during the October 2012 storms; also included are long-term measurements from the Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer to put this study into context.
Ethical responsibility and societal context: integrating ethics and public policy considerations in the engineering curriculum

ABET's Engineering Criteria 2000 requires that graduates of engineering programs "have...an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility and "the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context". Curriculum models aimed at simultaneously addressing professional and ethical responsibility and the societal context of engineering have been successfully implemented at a number of institutions. A useful teaching method for addressing these two criteria in an integrated manner involves broadening discussions of engineering ethics so as to include the ethical implications of public policy issues in such areas as risk and product liability, sustainable development, and healthcare.
Effect of purified oat β-glucan on fermentation of set-style yogurt mix.

: Effect of oat β-glucan on the fermentation of set-style yogurt was investigated by incorporating 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% of purified oat β-glucan into the yogurt mix. It was found that levels up to 0.3% resulted in yogurts with quality characteristics similar to the control yogurt. Higher levels of β-glucan however retarded the fermentation process with noticeable difference in the characteristics of the yogurt. Examination of the morphologies of yogurt with and without β-glucan revealed that β-glucan formed aggregates with casein micelle and did not form phase-separated domains. This research demonstrated that β-glucan could be added to yogurt up to 0.3%, which meets the nutrient guidelines, to have added nutritional benefits. Practical Application: Yogurt is known for its beneficial effects on human health and nutrition. Yogurt production and consumption is increasing in the United States every year. However, it is lacking in β-glucans, which are recognized for their nutritional importance as functional bioactive ingredients. The main objective was to develop and characterize low-fat yogurts with added β-glucan. This research demonstrated that β-glucan could be added to yogurt up to 0.3%, which meets the nutrient guidelines for added nutritional benefits, without affecting the characteristics of yogurt significantly. This study will benefit the dairy industry by generating new products offering healthy alternatives.
Hypervelocity impact and aerodynamic breakup of liquids

Abstract In a recent series of hypervelocity (HV) impact tests at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) using light-gas gun technology, tests were performed in which 4-petal sabot containers filled with liquid polymer were fired into rarefied atmospheres. Events were studied by a variety of techniques, including fast framing optical cameras, flash X-Ray and laser shadowgraphy, drop stain image analysis measurements. Sabots were allowed to depetal, i.e. strip off aerodynamically. Surfaces of the liquid polymer so exposed were examined for two-fluid wind driven instabilities and breakup. This paper reports on a novel viscosity dependent instability growth model which focuses on the physics of high wind shear fluid breakup. Comparison of the model and test data provides new perspectives on: • ⊎ HV wind driven growth instabilities in Newtonian liquids • ⊎ Impacting non-Newtonian pseudoplastic or viscoelastic fluids • ⊎ HV interpenetration of solids undergoing mutual plastic flow
C−C Bond-Forming Reactions via Pd-Mediated Decarboxylative α-Imino Anion Generation

α-Imino anions are generated under neutral reaction conditions via a Pd-mediated decarboxylation of allyl diphenylglycinate imines with concomitant formation of a π-allylpalladium species. The resulting delocalized anion can attack the π-allyl-Pd(II) species or be intercepted by aldehydes to afford homoallylic amines or protected 1,2-amino alcohols, respectively.
Enhancing quality of carbon nanotubes through a real-time controlled CVD process with application to next-generation nanosystems

Nanocrystals and nanostructures will be the building blocks for future materials that will exhibit enhanced or entirely new combinations of properties with tremendous opportunity for novel technologies that can have far-reaching impact on our society. It is, however, realized that a major challenge for the near future is the design, synthesis and integration of nanostructures to develop functional nanosystems. In view of this, this exploratory research seeks to facilitate the development of a controlled and deterministic framework for nanomanufacturing of nanotubes as the most suitable choice among nanostructures for a plethora of potential applications in areas such as nanoelectronic devices, biological probes, fuel cell electrodes, supercapacitors and filed emission devices. Specifically, this paper proposes to control and maintain the most common nanotube growth parameters (i.e., reaction temperature and gas flow rate) through both software and hardware modifications. The influence of such growth parameters in a CVD process on some of the most vital and crucial aspects of nanotubes (e.g., length, diameter, yield, growth rate and structure) can be utilized to arrive at some unique and remarkable properties for the nanotubes. The objective here is, therefore, to control the process parameters to pinpoint accuracy, which would enable us to fabricate nanotubes having the desired properties and thereby maximize their ability to function at its fullest potential. To achieve this and in order to provide for experimental validation of the proposed research program, an experimental test-bed using the nanotube processing test chamber and a mechatronics workstation are being constructed.
Typification of Linnaean plant names in Boraginaceae

Lectotypes, neotypes and epitypes are designated by 14 specialists for 42 previously untypified Linnaean plant names belonging to the family Boraginaceae. These newly proposed types support the current usage of the names concerned. Earlier but ineffective or supersedable type statements are discussed.
Knee surgery. Complications, pitfalls, and salvage: M. Mike Malek. New York, Springer-Verlag, 2001, 507 pp., $225.00

Abstract Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related surgery, Vol 18, No 6 (July-August), 2002: pp 679–679
Huellas de Ciudad Abierta

Resumen es: La experiencia de la Escuela de Valparaiso fue para los extranjeros principal referente de la actividad arquitectonica chilena durante los anos ochenta....
The Effect of the Branchiobdellid Annelid Cambarincola fallax on the Growth Rate and Condition of the Crayfish Orconectes rusticus

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of branchiobdellids (Annelida: Clitella) on crayfish growth and stamina. A 115-day lab investigation showed that the branchiobdellid Cambarincola fallax did not decrease the growth rates nor lower the stamina of its host crayfish Orconectes rusticus. Among crayfish originally given 15 worms, there was a significant, positive correlation between final host size (carapace length P<0.05 and wet weight P<0.01) and number of branchiobdellids found. No correlation existed between the number of molts observed and branchiobdellid number. These results support the hypotheses that C. fallax has a commensal association with O. rusticus and that host molting is a critical time for branchiobdellids.
Influence of molecular environment on the analysis of phospholipids by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.

Understanding the influence of molecular environment on phospholipids is important in time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) studies of complex systems such as cellular membranes. Varying the molecular environment of model membrane Langmuir−Blodgett (LB) films is shown to affect the TOF-SIMS signal of the phospholipids in the films. The molecular environment of a LB film of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) is changed by varying the film density, varying the sample substrate, and the addition of cholesterol. An increase in film density results in a decrease in the headgroup fragment ion signal at a mass-to-charge ratio of 184 (phosphocholine). Varying the sample substrate increases the secondary ion yield of phosphocholine as does the addition of proton-donating molecules such as cholesterol to the DPPC LB film. Switching from a model system of DPPC and cholesterol to one of dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE) and cholesterol demonstrates the ability of cholesterol to also ma...
Plasma 25-Hydroxy-vitamin D in Familial Hypercholesterolemic Children Receiving Colestipol Resin

Summary: In this study we have assessed effects of Colestipol, a synthetic organic bile sequestrant polymer, on vitamin D metabolism over a 2-year period in children with familial hypercholesterolemia. In the 15 children, mean (±SE) low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol decreased from 221 ± 9 mg/dl (baseline), to 181 ± 7 after 12-14 months of Colestipol resin, P < 0.01. Thereafter, LDL cholesterol remained in the 170-190 mg/dl range. Mean plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels appeared to fall slightly and progressively from 32.6 ± 4 ng/ml (baseline) to 29.8 ± 3.5 at 12-14 months, to 25.6 ± 3.3 at 16-18 months, and to 18.5 ± 2.7 at 18-20 months. The decrease in plasma 25-OHD was not significant until 18-20 months (paired t, P < 0.01). After 20 months, plasma 25-OHD levels appeared to increase again and were not significantly different from baseline. Seasonal effects on plasma 25-OHD were not demonstrable. Mean plasma Ca values were mildly increased after Colestipol therapy was begun and were significantly elevated at 18-20 months (10.04 vs. 9.71 mg/dl at baseline). Mean plasma PO4 levels were not significantly different on Colestipol therapy, with the single exception that at 20-22 months plasma PO4 was 3.82 vs. 4.05 mg/dl at baseline (P < 0.05). In no subject was serum Ca <9 mg/dl or serum PO4 <2.5 mg/dl at any time during the study. Speculation: In children with familial hypercholesterolemia receiving bile acid sequestrants (10-15 g/day), consistent changes in Ca, PO4, and 25-OHD levels appear to be unlikely, but long term monitoring of these factors would be important in regard to optimal growth and development.
Determining Timing of Overlay on Cold In-Place Recycling Layer: Development of New Tool Based on Moisture Loss Index and In Situ Stiffness

Cold in-place recycling (CIR) is one of the most popular rehabilitation techniques in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Transportation has increased the minimum moisture criterion from 1.5% to 2.0% because many overlays have been successfully applied on the CIR layer with moisture contents above 2.0%. However, a contractor must make daily measurements of the moisture content with a nuclear gauge. It is difficult to achieve 2.0% moisture content during a rainy summer in Iowa. For the curing issue to be addressed systematically, the moisture contents and temperatures of one project of CIR with emulsified asphalt and four projects of CIR with foamed asphalt were monitored. Capacitance moisture and temperature sensors were embedded at the midpoint of the CIR layer to measure moisture contents and pavement temperature. A GeoGauge was used to measure the stiffness. The field data obtained from the embedded moisture sensors and from a weather station were used to develop a moisture prediction model as a function of t...
Why Money Matters: A Fourth Natural Experiment

Milton Friedman (J Econ Perspect 19(4):145–150, 2005; Wall St J November 17, 2006:A20) compared the behavior of money supply, nominal income and stock prices in the United States during the course of the 1920s and early 1930s with behavior in two other historical episodes, Japan in the 1980s and early 1990s and the United States in the 1990s and early 2000s. The three episodes, he argued, provided a natural experiment to test his and Anna J. Schwartz’s explanation of the Great Depression of the 1930s. I use similar data for the U.S. recession that began in the fourth quarter of 2007 as a fourth such natural experiment. What makes this episode particularly interesting are the continuing comparisons between it and the Great Depression that have been made as events unfolded. The results are clear-cut. In the recent recession, like the U.S recessions at the start of this century and the Japanese recession in the 1990s, there were no severe monetary shocks of the sort experienced in the 1930s. This recession, again like the other two, has been very much milder, and very likely will prove very much shorter than the Great Depression. This, in turn, is exactly what the Friedman and Schwartz hypothesis predicts.
Novel radioprotectant drugs for sparing radiation‐induced damage to the physis

Purpose: To determine if pentoxifylline, interleukin 1α, selenium and misoprostol can minimize damage to physeal longitudinal growth during single radiation dose exposure in an animal model.Materials and methods: Eighty‐seven weanling Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into 15 drug/dose groups. All groups received a single 17.5‐Gy gamma‐irradiation exposure to the right knee, the left limb serving as an internal control. Pentoxifylline was injected 30 min before exposure, sodium selenite and interleukin 1α 24 h before exposure and misoprostol 2 h before exposure. Positive controls received 17.5 Gy. At 6 weeks, animals were sacrificed, the hind limb lengths were measured and detailed histomorphometric analysis was performed.Results: Statistically significant reductions (p≤0.03) in mean limb length discrepancy compared with irradiation alone were seen following administration of pentoxifylline (50 mg kg−1), interleukin 1α (15 mcg kg−1), selenium (5 mg kg−1) and misoprostol (20 mg kg−1). Histomorphometric e...
Phenomena associated with very high power, high frequency F-region modification below the critical frequency

Abstract F - region modification experiments performed near Boulder, Colorado by the Institute for Telecommunications Sciences using a very high power, high frequency transmitter-antenna facility have produced significant alterations of the ionosphere. Propagation observations reported in the November 1970 issue of the Journal of Geophysical Research include rapid ionospheric response to heating waves below the critical frequency, including deformation of the x - and o -traces near the height of reflection of the heating wave, the occurrence of spread- F , broadband splitting of echoes and the reduction of reflectivity as seen on ionosonde records and significant attenuation of a probing wave operating at a frequency slightly less than the heating wave and having the same polarization. Thus far all of the approaches to explain the observed propagation phenomena have ignored the fact that a standing wave, having a very large voltagestanding wave ratio, exists in the ionosphere at the heating wavelength below the reflection height. Consideration of the effects of this standing wave indicates an almost doubling of the average power available for ionospheric heating and the inherent availability of a process to produce small scale horizontally stratified, periodic irregularities which in turn may provide mechanisms for the occurrence and build up of spread- F , reflectivity changes and magneto-ionio coupling. Preliminary results of possible effects of these irregularities are presented as deduced from propagation analyses of simplified ionospheric models. Important consequences include a self-interaction effect or resonance of the upgoing heating wave with the inhomogeneity produced by the standing wave, resonant reflection phenomena and coupling of magneto-ionic modes through resonant interactions.
Time and Space Series Analysis of Spectral Radiation Intensities for a Partially Premixed Turbulent Flame

A recently developed technique called time and space series analysis was used to calculate the mean and fluctuating spectral radiation intensities leaving diametric and chord-like paths in turbulent partially premixed flames. A standard flame (Flame D) from Sandia Workshop on Turbulent Non-premixed Flames was selected to allow an evaluation of the radiation calculations at least at the single point statistics level. Measurements of spectral radiation intensities using a fast infrared array spectrometer provide an evaluation of the computations and also allow estimation of the length and time scales of scalar fluctuations, which appear as model parameters in the time and space series analysis modeling.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Evaluation of the infant with an abnormal skull shape.

Purpose of reviewAtypical skull shapes occur in as many as 20% of infants. The purpose of this review is to discuss the clinical approach to the evaluation of a child with an abnormal head shape. Readers will learn how to identify the head shapes caused by environmental deformation and craniosynosto
Longitudinal Effects of Preschool Behavioral Styles on Early Adolescent School Performance.

Abstract Early behavioral problems and temperament as well as student–teacher relationships each have been shown to be important predictors of school performance. This longitudinal study investigated the relations between children's preschool behaviors and their early adolescent student–teacher relationships and academic achievement. It was hypothesized that preschool behaviors would predict school performance in early adolescents. Results showed that children who were more prone to anxiety as preschoolers tended to have the highest grades as young adolescents. Additionally, children with poor student–teacher relationships, as characterized by dependent and conflictual relationships, had lower grades in school. Thus, in considering the importance of a “child×environment” model for school performance, it appears that it is both the child variable of anxiety and the perhaps environmental variable of student–teacher relationships that are related to school performance.
Some Physiochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Peach Nectar Stored in Various Packaging Materials Under Ambient Conditions

The effectiveness of pouches, including plastic and aluminum foil laminations, in preserving the physiochemical and sensory characteristics of peach nectar compared to the more traditional packages (can and glass jar) was determined. Three sucrose syrup to peach puree ratios (50:100, 60:100, 70:100) were tested and based on the results obtained from a sensory panel, the final study was performed using a ratio of 60:100. The sensory, color, viscosity, and chemical data showed that pouches made from aluminum foil laminations were as good in retaining the quality of the peach nectar as the jar and the can. Significant correlations were found between several instrumental and sensory parameters used in determining the quality of peach nectar.
Parabolic oxidation of metals in homogeneous electric fields

Abstract A previously proposed thin film parabolic growth law ( Fromhold, 1963 ) is extended to include film growth due to any number of diffusing defect species of arbitrary valence, and an analysis is made of the effects of applying external electrostatic potentials during oxidation. The total electrical conductivity and the partial conductivities are markedly position-dependent in the protective film, varying by orders of magnitude from one interface to the other. The built in electrostatic potential across the film is independent of thickness of the film and is a function of the partial conductivities of the diffusing ionic and electronic defect species. Effects of electrical shorting of the oxide film by external circuitry are analyzed. Depending on polarity, a constant applied potential can increase or decrease the rate constant but does not alter the kinetics from the parabolic form, in accordance with published experimental data. The net electrostatic potential required to stop metal oxidation is derived for the model in question. For growth by a single ionic species, the stopping potential is that electrostatic potential which gives an equal electrochemical potential at the metal-oxide and the oxideoxygen interfaces. For growth by multiple ionic species, the stopping potential is a function of the ionic partial conductivities.
Transketolase inhibition and uremic peripheral sensory neuropathy

Abstract The relationships between predialysis and postdialysis erythrocyte transketolase activities and symptoms of uremic peripheral neuropathy were studied prospectively for 21 months in 19 chronic hemodialysis patients. In all patients the predialysis activity was observed to be sometimes greater and sometimes less than the postdialysis activity. These observations were interpreted as indicating the coexistence in uremic blood of stimulatory and inhibitory substances which influence the enzyme independently. After enzyme stimulation was assumed to be a constant feature of uremia, the expected stimulated activity in erythrocytes of predialysis blood was found to be variably inhibited up to about 55% in these patients. The occurrence of paresthesiae was closely correlated with prolonged erythrocyte transketolase inhibition which in most cases reached a level of about 40%. Our conclusion is that the magnitude of erythrocyte transketolase inhibition above a certain minimum level, together with its duration, is associated with symptoms of sensory peripheral neuropathy in the uremic patient. It is therefore predicted that such measurements may be usefully applied in ascertaining the extent of hemodialysis needed to prevent the development of this pathological state.
An assessment of the effects of mercury on the meiosis of mouse ova

Abstract The ability of three mercury compounds to induce aberrations in the meiosis of mouse ova in vitro and in vivo was studied. Although threshold levels of each were shown in vitro to induce severe effects on the nuclei of ova, no immediate or delayed effect could be demonstrated in vivo . It is suggested that the mouse ovum is protected from the cellular effects of excess mercury by a barrier of unknown nature, perhaps residing in the zona pellucida, the vitelline membrane or even the follicular cells. No extrapolation to human ova is possible due to the known species variations in the metabolic fate of mercury.
Short-term variability in EEG frequency analysis.

Knowledge of short-term EEG variability in computerized analysis is important before interpreting spectral EEGs or assessing changes that may be due to inherent variability and not necessarily related to a task (e.g., listening to a story), therapy or changes in underlying disease. Eighty to 120 sec of 14-channel, edited, bipolar EEG were recorded in normal subjects and analyzed using an FFT. Absolute and relative power in 5 standard frequency bands, and median and peak power frequencies were obtained for each 4 sec epoch, and the mean and standard deviation calculated for each parameter. The average variation of the mean power, absolute and relative, in the frequency bands was less than 10% although some parameters varied by up to 50% in an individual subject. Median and peak power had the least variability, about 3%. Changes in total power correlated positively with relative alpha power, but negatively or not at all with the other relative power measures. This suggests that interpretation of relative measures of delta, theta and beta in individual spectra may be dependent on total power or absolute alpha power. In addition, mathematical transformations were necessary to normalize the epoch data, suggesting that the mean and standard deviation of data from a series of epochs may not have maximal value unless a transformation is used. These results also indicate that caution is needed in interpreting changes in EEG frequency analysis data that are of the same magnitude as spontaneous EEG variability.
New method for forming images of objects from their Fourier magnitude

New algorithms are summarized for recovering an object's intensity distrubution from the second- or third-order autocorrelation function, or equivalently, the Fourier magnitude or bispectnim, of the intensity.
An inelastic threshold in electron - alkali cluster collisions

An analysis of integral cross sections for slow electron collisions with neutral sodium clusters and nanoparticles reveals that, in addition to an effective negative ion formation channel, there exists a strong inelastic threshold-type process which appears above a collision energy of 1-1.3 eV. We show that it can be plausibly associated with the onset of direct electron-induced cluster fragmentation. This result highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of electron-vibrational energy transfer in nanoclusters, including the relative probability of direct vs. statistical energy transfer.
Systematic design and fabrication of high-Q single-mode pulley-coupled planar silicon nitride microdisk resonators at visible wavelengths.

High quality (Q ≈ 6 × 105) microdisk resonators are demonstrated in a Si3N4 on SiO2 platform at 652–660 nm with integrated in-plane wrap-around coupling waveguides to enable critical coupling to specific microdisk radial modes. Selective coupling to the first three radial modes with >20dB suppression of the other radial modes is achieved by controlling the wrap-around waveguide width. Advantages of such pulley-coupled microdisk resonators include single mode operation, ease of fabrication due to larger waveguide-resonator gaps, the possibility of resist reflow during the lithography phase to improve microdisk etched surface quality, and the ability to realize highly over-coupled microdisks suitable for low-loss delay lines and add-drop filters.
Increased rate of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis among cirrhotic patients receiving pharmacologic acid suppression.

Background & Aims Patients with cirrhosis frequently receive proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or H2-receptor antagonist therapies. We investigated whether acid-suppressive therapy is associated with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients with ascites. Methods We compared data from 65 hospitalized cirrhotic patients with paracentesis-proven SBP, collected from 2006 to 2009, with those of 65 contemporaneous, hospitalized cirrhotic patients without SBP (controls). We evaluated PPI use and analyzed the effects of covariates. Results Patients with SBP had a significantly higher incidence of recent (past 7 days) PPI use (71%) than controls (42%). Of patients with SBP, 68% had no documented indication for PPI therapy. Based on multivariable logistic regression analysis, subjects who had not taken PPIs in the past 90 days were almost 70% less likely to develop SBP than those who had taken PPIs in the previous 7 days. Subjects who took PPIs within 8 to 90 days before hospitalization were 79% less likely to develop SBP than those who took PPIs within 7 days before hospitalization. There was no significant difference between patients who received no PPI therapy in the previous 90 days versus those who had taken PPIs in the previous 8 to 90 days ( P = .58). Hyponatremia was associated significantly with SBP. There were no significant differences in length of hospital stay or 30-day survival for the SBP and control groups. Conclusions Pharmacologic acid suppression is associated with SBP in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Prospective studies are needed to determine the mechanism of this association and to determine whether reduced use of PPIs and H2-receptor antagonists reduce the incidence of SBP.
Understanding the Process: How Mediated and Peer Norms Affect Young Women's Body Esteem

This study examined the contribution of interpersonal and mediated perceived norms to young women's body esteem among first-year college women. In addition, we examined the role of social comparison as a mediator for the relationship between norms and body esteem. Several findings were notable. First, interpersonal norms do have a significant relationship with esteem. Young women who perceived that their peers and parents to valued thinness, and that parents made comments about body appearance, had lower body esteem. In addition, mediated norms also were related to lower appearance and weight esteem. Specifically, exposure to fashion, celebrity and fitness magazines had a negative effect on young women's appearance esteem; however, this relationship was mediated by social comparison, suggesting that comparison is the mechanism by which esteem is lowered. However, for fitness magazines, the relationship between exposure and esteem was direct and held up even when social comparison was controlled for.
Degradation of iris recognition performance due to non-cosmetic prescription contact lenses

Many iris recognition systems operate under the assumption that non-cosmetic contact lenses have no or minimal effect on iris biometrics performance and convenience. In this paper we show results of a study of 12,003 images from 87 contact-lens-wearing subjects and 9697 images from 124 non-contact-lens-wearing subjects. We visually classified the contact lens images into four categories according to the type of lens effects observed in the image. Our results show different degradations in performance for different types of contact lenses. Lenses that produce larger artifacts on the iris yield more degraded performance. This is the first study to document degraded iris biometrics performance with non-cosmetic contact lenses.
DNA methylation in the Alcohol dehydrogenase-1 gene of maize.

Using a battery of methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes, cytosine methylation at 23 sites in a 7.6 kb region surrounding the Alcohol dehydrogenase-1 (Adh1) gene was measured in DNA prepared from immature maize cobs. Both the 5′ upstream region and the entire coding region were hypomethylated in the two alleles examined. Methylation in Adh1 is independent of changes in Mutator transposable element methylation. The role of DNA methylation in Adh1 gene regulation is discussed.
Measurement in a cross‐cultural environment: survey translation issues

Focuses on the issue of survey translation and different translation alternatives available to researchers. As marketers attempt to better understand and serve the needs of the global consumer, they face a culturally diverse population. When conducting research with different cultural groups, it is necessary to utilize culturally and linguistically appropriate instruments to measure various concepts. Frequently, details of instrument development are very limited, or omitted from presentation of research results. An instrument that is not properly adapted can have serious ramifications for study conclusions. This study attempts to identify alternatives for survey translation (specifically with a Hispanic subgroup), and provides some empirical evidence as to the effectiveness of a combination of these methods.
Genetic determinants of voluntary exercise

Variation in voluntary exercise behavior is an important determinant of long-term human health. Increased physical activity is used as a preventative measure or therapeutic intervention for disease, and a sedentary lifestyle has generally been viewed as unhealthy. Predisposition to engage in voluntary activity is heritable and induces protective metabolic changes, but its complex genetic/genomic architecture has only recently begun to emerge. We first present a brief historical perspective and summary of the known benefits of voluntary exercise. Second, we describe human and mouse model studies using genomic and transcriptomic approaches to reveal the genetic architecture of exercise. Third, we discuss the merging of genomic information and physiological observations, revealing systems and networks that lead to a more complete mechanistic understanding of how exercise protects against disease pathogenesis. Finally, we explore potential regulation of physical activity through epigenetic mechanisms, including those that persist across multiple generations.
Are Race and Sex Associated With the Occurrence of Atypical Femoral Fractures

Background Prior studies have suggested that Asian patients and women may be more likely to sustain atypical femoral fractures in association with bisphosphonate use. However, they do not account for confounders such as asymptomatic patients who are long-term bisphosphonate users or patients sustaining osteoporotic fractures.
A computationally intractable problem on simplicial complexes

We analyze the problem of computing the minimum number er(C) of internal simplexes that need to be removed from a simplicial 2-complex C so that the remaining complex can be nulled by deleting a sequence of external simplexes. This is equivalent to requiring that the resulting complex be collapsible to a 1-complex. By reducing a restricted version of SAT, we show that this problem is NP-complete and therefore computationally intractable. This implies that there is no simple formula for er(C) terms of the Betti numbers of the complex. The problem remains NP-complete for higher dimensional complexes, but can be solved in polynomial time for graphs.
Why is the polymerase chain reaction resistant to in vitro evolution

A variety of methods have been developed to amplify DNA and RNA. These methods vary in their susceptibility to evolve new molecular species differing from the starting template. PCR is exceptionally resistant to in vitro evolution, whereas methods such as Qβ replicase and 3SR are much less robust. This paper develops some simple mathematical models which suggest that PCR is resistant to in vitro evolution because the reaction controls replication in discrete cycles: fast replication is of little advantage during PCR because the reaction limits fast replicators as well as slow ones to a single copy per cycle. In contrast, continuous (isothermal) reactions, as in the Qβ replicase reaction, favor fast replicators. The advantage of fast replication is compounded in continuous reactions, because a fast replicator can complete many generations of replication during the time it takes a slow replicator to complete one generation. These models suggest that continuous amplication protocols will never achieve the robustness against in vitro evolution observed with PCR.
Chemical and Physical Structure of Polymers as Carriers for Controlled Release of Bioactive Agents: A Review

Abstract In a controlled release system a drug, pesticide, or other bio-active agent is incorporated into a carrier, generally a polymeric material. The rate of release of the substance is determined by the properties of the polymer itself and is only weakly dependent on environmental factors (such as the pH of bodily fluids). Controlled release systems are capable of delivering substances slowly and continuously for up to several years.
Interlinking physical beliefs: children's bias towards logical congruence.

Young children's naive beliefs about physics are commonly studied as isolated pieces of knowledge. The current paper takes a different approach. It asks whether preschoolers interlink individual beliefs into larger configurations or Gestalts. Such Gestalts bring together knowledge such as how an object's mass relates to its sinking speed, how an object's volume relates to its sinking speed, and how mass and volume are correlated. The particular form of organization explored here is referred to as logical congruence, the logical correspondence in directions among three physical relations. Are children's guesses about one physical relation congruent with their beliefs about the other two relations? And can they learn a congruent set of relations more readily than an incongruent set? Two different physical domains were explored, one in which children commonly hold pre-existing beliefs, and one in which they are likely to lack such beliefs. The results in both domains show a strong bias towards congruent knowledge configurations in young children. These findings may explain children's difficulties learning inherently incongruous concepts such as density.