cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuropsychological characteristics of Gulf War illness: A meta-analysis

Objective Gulf War illness (GWI) is a disorder related to military service in the 1991 GW. Prominent symptoms include fatigue, pain and cognitive problems. These symptoms were reported by GW Veterans (GWV) immediately after the war and were eventually incorporated into case definitions of GWI. Neuropsychological function in GW veterans has been studied both among deployed GWV and in GWV diagnosed with GWI. Results have been inconsistent between and across GW populations. The purpose of the present investigation was to better characterize neuropsychological function in this veteran population. Methods Meta-analysis techniques were applied to published studies on neuropsychological performance in GWV to identify domains of dysfunction in deployed vs. non-deployed GW-era veterans and symptomatic vs. non-symptomatic GWVs. Results Significantly decreased performance was found in three functional domains: attention and executive function, visuospatial skills and learning/memory. Conclusions These findings document the cognitive decrements associated with GW service, validate current GWI case definitions using cognitive criteria, and identify test measures for use in GWI research assessing GWI treatment trial efficacy.
Determination of Optimum Sanitizer Levels for Prevention of Salmonella Cross-Contamination of Mature Round Tomatoes in a Laboratory Model Flume System

Salmonella has been reported to be involved in several foodborne illness outbreaks, many of which resulted from consumption of raw tomatoes. This research aimed to optimize and evaluate the concentration of free chlorine (hypochlorous acid [HOCl]) used as a sanitizer to prevent cross-contamination of tomatoes inoculated with a cocktail of five rifampin-resistant Salmonella enterica serovars in a laboratory-based model flume system. Organic load, prepared using sterilized Scotts Premium Topsoil, was added in different quantities to the flume wash water to simulate real-world packinghouse conditions. In a typical packinghouse operation utilizing a recirculating flume system, the organic matter washed from tomato surfaces accumulates over time. In this study, different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm) of HOCl were used as sanitizers under three organic load conditions (0, 650, and 1,000 mg/L chemical oxygen demand). Results showed that 100 ppm of HOCl was necessary to prevent Salmonella cross-contamination of uninoculated tomatoes in the model flume system in the presence of organic loading. Also, when treated with 100 ppm of HOCl, Salmonella levels were reduced by >4.5 log CFU per tomato from inoculated tomatoes in the presence of organic load. At 75 ppm of HOCl, Salmonella cross-contamination was prevented, but only in the absence of organic loading. In studies in which plate counts were negative, whole tomato enrichment studies were performed. No cross-contamination of uninoculated tomatoes was recorded when 100 ppm of HOCl was used, even in the presence of high organic load (1,000 mg/L chemical oxygen demand). Although sanitizer application reduces contamination on tomato surfaces, the primary function of sanitizers in the wash water is to prevent cross-contamination.
Consumer evaluation of beef of known categories of tenderness.

A study was conducted to determine consumer perceptions of beef top loin steaks of known shear force and to evaluate how buying trends were modified by the tenderness and price variations of these steaks. Strip loins were cut into a 2.54-cm-thick steaks, and the center steak from each strip loin was used to determine Warner-Bratzler shear force. The remaining steaks were placed into one of the following shear force categories based on that shear force and color-coded accordingly: 1) 2.27 to 3.58 kg (Red); 2) 4.08 to 5.40 kg (White); and 3) 5.90 to 7.21 kg (Blue). Randomly recruited consumers were allowed to evaluate steaks and then purchase steaks based on their findings. A $1.10/kg price difference was placed between each category. Results of the analysis indicated that consumers were able to differentiate between the three categories of tenderness (P < .05). In addition, consumers gave higher (P < .05) juiciness and flavor ratings to Red steaks than to Blue steaks. Overall satisfaction was higher (P < .05) for Red steaks than for the other two categories of steaks. The following percentages of steaks were purchased: 1) Red, 94.6%; 2) White, 3.6%; and 3) Blue, 1.8%. These results suggest that consumers could discern between categories of tenderness and were willing to pay a premium for improved tenderness.
Argument interdependence: Connections to serial argument goals and tactics in romantic relationships:

This study examined the predictive utility of a new construct—argument interdependence—on serial argument goals (positive relational expressiveness, mutual understanding, desire to change the other...
Abstract complexes and PL complexes

In the following section we shall show that every 2-manifold is triangulable. That is, for every 2-manifold M there is a Euclidean complex K such that M and |K| are homeomorphic. While the concept of a Euclidean complex is adequate for the statement of this theorem, it is not adequate for the proof. Hence the concept of a PL complex, to be defined presently. The reasons why we need PL complexes (or something equivalent to them) are not easy to explain in advance. But it ought to be clear a priori that the requirement that a complex be imbedded in a space R m , with barycentric coordinates defined in terms of the linear structure of R m , is artificially special, except in cases where the imbedding is itself an object of study; and this artificiality sometimes becomes a technical handicap, as in the following section.
Macroanalysis of Integration of the Basic Sciences in a Problem-Based Learning Curriculum

Summary The Northwest Center for Medical Education, Regional Center Alternative Pathway (RCAP) problem based learning curriculum was implemented during the 1990-1991 academic year. While organized by a quasi-traditional discipline approach, anecdotal evidence suggested that the RCAP also promotes integration of other basic science content throughout each Step. Faculty observe that the design of the curriculum does provide students with a general direction for study with case objectives designed to illuminate concepts specific to disciplines. Additionally, the students' primary task in tutorial of "identifying what they need to know to solve the patient's problem" in the cases and the envi­ ronment of the tutorial, allows students to raise a variety of issues from any basic science content germane to solving the health problem. In an attempt to provide evidence for these assumptions, a macroanalysis of the curriculum was performed. The macroa­ nalysis consisted of analysing the written learning issues that each of the tutorial groups recorded each day of the problem based learning sessions. These learning issues were analysedfor (1) congruence of case objectives and learning issues generated in tutorial sessions, (2) similarity of topics addressed in all tuto­ rial sessions, and (3) topics addressed which traditionally fall outside the step disciplines. Tutors documented the topics that were discussed during the tutorial sessions to provide a measure of interdisciplinary content integration. A content analysis was performed on the tutor documentation. Samples from the tutorial sessions were video-taped and used as a reliability check for the accuracy of the tutor's documentation.
Behavior and Social Dynamics of Rhesus Macaques on Cayo Santiago

Rhesus macaques are Asian primates with a current geographic distribution that encompasses many countries such as Afghanistan, India, Thailand, China, Pakistan, Bhutan, Burma, Nepal, Bangladesh, Laos, and Vietnam. They thrive in almost any type of habitat, including tropical forests, dry and semidesert regions, swamps, and mountains up to 4,000 m high. In some countries such as India, free-ranging rhesus macaques also live in highly populated urban areas including villages, towns, temples, and railway stations. Although rhesus macaques can be found in large numbers and, in many cases, are easily accessible for observations, studies of free-ranging rhesus macaques in Asia have mainly focused on population biology, demography, and geographic distribution and much less on behavior and ecology (e.g., Southwick and Siddiqi 1994).
Simplicity of Some Nonzero-Symmetric Centralizer Near-Rings

Let G be a group written additively with 0 and 5 a semigroup of endomorphisms of G. The set of functions
Exploring the Networks of News Production: Frame Building and Source Use During the 2014 U.S. Midterm Elections:

This study of the 2014 U.S. midterm congressional elections examined whether connections across sources within newspaper coverage predicted framing outcomes. Conceptualized as an aspect of frame bu...
Influences of Material Aspirations on Migration

In this article, we investigate the influences of material aspirations on migration in Nepal, positing that material aspirations may have important influences on decisions to migrate and where to locate. We discuss a theoretical model explaining how these aspirations might be key influences in the migration decision. Using detailed continuous migration histories from the 2008–2012 Chitwan Valley Family Study, we estimate logistic and alternative-specific conditional logit models to examine how material aspirations in Nepal influence migration rates and destinations. Our empirical analyses provide strong evidence that material aspirations have large effects on overall rates of migration and affect destination-specific migration rates, particularly for relatively wealthy Western and Asian destinations. We also show an interaction effect between material aspirations and destination-specific expected earnings in influencing people’s migration choices. It is the people with high aspirations who migrate to destinations with high earning potentials.
The Geek Instinct: Theorizing Cultural Alignment in Disadvantaged Contexts

Research suggests poor outcomes among children raised in disadvantaged contexts are a consequence of cultural mismatch, that is, competing practices that create conditions too weak to support positive outcomes. While useful, research is limited in its primary focus on individual social spheres and, as a result, does not yet fully account for dynamics across spheres. It also fails to explain the puzzling case of why some children from disadvantaged contexts succeed. To address this, we propose a cultural alignment framework that considers the interaction between organizational routines, cultural practices, and the habits children carry across spheres. Using the case of technological competence, we find that children’s habits can exert force and shift cultural practice to produce alignment in unexpected ways, such as opening additional learning experiences at school—but only if children fit within organizational routines, making the organization more flexible to their individual action. More broadly, the cultural alignment framework can be used to understand dynamics across social spheres, the conditions under which alignment can occur, and how these dynamics shape learning in such settings as higher education and employment.
Origin stories: Wonder woman and sovereign exceptionalism

This article approaches the recent Wonder Woman (2017) film as a presentation of the tensions traditionally associated with the paradox of democratic foundations. Steeped in classical mythology, Wonder Woman adapts two origin myths from the Athenian polis: the myth of Pandora and the myth of the heroic colonizing demigod. Through its adaptation of these myths I argue that Wonder Woman offers two competing responses to the democratic paradox of founding. One is exceptionalist, where sovereign interventions by extraordinary ‘super-agents’ like Wonder Woman are justified by their unique origins and identities. The second response subverts this narrative, however, offering a tragic depiction of democratic agency. Through the relationships formed with Diana’s human companions, I argue that Wonder Woman shows the insufficiency of a politics of heroic origins, suggesting agents must continually struggle to establish communities which do not ignore their historical failures or their powers to address these. Wonder Woman therefore provides important imaginative resources for resisting the kinds of seductive, exceptionalist political narrative it also presents.
Decomposition of multicomponent austenite in spheroidal graphite cast iron

Abstract In spheroidal graphite cast irons, diffusional decomposition of multicomponent austenite can occur along two paths available for the eutectoid reaction: one path resulting in ferrite and graphite as the reaction products while the other in a pearlite as the product. Under the prevalent conditions of commercial production of spheroidal graphite irons, both reactions occur leading to a mixed matrix microstructure consisting of both free ferrite and pearlite. The thermodynamics and kinetics of the two reactions are determined by the chemical composition of the austenite, grain size, number density of graphite spheroids in the iron and the cooling rate. In this paper, isothermal and continuous cooling transformations of multicomponent austenite are modelled based on alloy thermodynamics and on multicomponent diffusion theory. The quantitative results are compared with experimental results.
Outcomes of Combined Antegrade-Retrograde Dilations for Radiation-Induced Esophageal Strictures in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

The purpose of this study is to analyze outcomes of combined antegrade–retrograde dilations (CARD). This retrospective study was conducted on 14 patients with a history of head and neck cancer, treated with radiation therapy that was complicated by either complete or near-complete esophageal stenosis. All patients had minimal oral intake and depended on a gastrostomy tube for nutrition. Swallow function before and after CARD was assessed using the Functional Oral Intake Scale, originally developed for stroke patients and applied to head and neck cancer patients. Patients undergoing CARD demonstrated a quantifiable improvement in swallow function (p = 0.007) that persisted at last known follow-up (p = 0.015) but only a minority (23.1%) achieved oral intake sufficient to obviate the need for tube feeds. Complication rates were 24% per procedure or 36% per patient, almost all complications required procedural intervention, and all complications occurred in patients with complete stenosis. Our study suggests further caution when considering CARD, careful patient selection, and close post-operative monitoring.
A Systematic Review of Boundary-Crossing Partnerships in Designing Equity-Oriented Special Education Services for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students With Disabilities:

Providing quality special education services for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students with or at risk of disabilities is a double bind, a larger systemic conundrum beyond individual...
Making America Work: Alfred P. Murrah Professorship Inaugural Lecture

Work. Hard work! And plenty of it. That is what has made the United States into the world's foremost economic superpower. But while we Americans value and respect work, we are also concerned about economic justice. We like to see all workers earn a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. And we like having a safety net to catch those who cannot compete successfully in our labor markets. America works because of this balance between the desire to reward work and our concerns about economic justice. But America could work even better. This article explains how current government policies influence work and work behavior and makes the case for changing government tax, welfare, Social Security, pension, and labor market policies to encourage work and promote greater economic justice. It is a clear, provocative declaration of principles and a bold prescription for policies that restore and preserve the balance of work rewards and economic justice.
Updating XQuery Views Published over Relational Data: A Round-Trip Case Study

Managing XML data using relational database systems, including query processing over virtual XML views that wrap relational sources, has been heavily studied in the last few years. Updating such virtual XML views, however, is not well studied, although it is essential for building a viable full-featured XML data management systems. XML view update is a challenging problem because of having to address the mismatch between the two rather different data models and distinct query paradigms. In this paper, we tackle the XQuery view update problem, in particular, we focus on the round-trip XML view update subproblem. This case, characterized by a pair of loading and extraction mappings that load XML data into the relational store and extract appropriate XML views, is very common in practice, as many applications utilize a relational engine for XML document storage. We discuss and prove the updatability of such views. We also present a decomposition-based update translation strategy for solving this problem. As evidence of feasibility, we have implemented the proposed strategies within the Rainbow XQuery system. Experimental studies are also given to assess the performance characteristics of our update system in different scenarios.
Sources of Revenues and Assets Allocation at MFIs (Microfinance Institutions)

This paper explores the main sources of revenue and asset allocation of microfinance institutions (MFIs) based on MFIs that reports to the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX).
The Role of Animal Models In Influenza Vaccine Research

A major challenge for research on influenza vaccines is the selection of an appropriate animal model that accurately reflects the disease and the protective immune response to influenza infection in humans. Vaccines for seasonal influenza have been available for decades and there is a wealth of data available on the immune response to these vaccines in humans, with well-established correlates of protection for inactivated influenza virus vaccines. Many of the seminal studies on vaccines for epidemic influenza were conducted in human subjects. Studies in humans are performed less frequently now than they were in the past. Therefore, as the quest for improved influenza vaccines continues, it is important to consider the use of animal models for the evaluation of influenza vaccines, and a major challenge for research on influenza vaccines is the selection of an appropriate animal model that accurately reflects the disease and the protective immune response to influenza infection in humans.
Modernization of Public Health Laboratories in a Privatization Atmosphere

Public health laboratories are essential components of the nation’s public health infrastructure. Unfortunately, the important role of such laboratories is not well recognized ([4][1], [5][2]). Views of the contemporary role of public health laboratories vary greatly, depending on the perspective
Ontology of the work of art : the musical work, the picture, the architectural work, the film

In these studies Roman Ingarden investigates the nature and mode of being of four kinds of art works: the musical work, the picture, the architectural work, and the film. He establishes that the work of art is a purely intentional object but considers also its connections to the real world. By analyzing a work of art in its \u201cconstitutive heterogeneous strata,\u201d Ingarden demonstrates that a work of art will reveal, when examined in the appropriate way, its own inherent structure. Further, he shows that in consequence of the art work's structure, we must distinguish between the work itself and the concretizations of it by the listener or viewer. Ingarden elaborates upon the conception of concretization which he present in The Literary Work of Art and applies it to music and visual art. He also employs the concept of aspect to clarify the ontic structure of these art works and the distinction between the concretization of the work and the work itself. The distinction between the work's concretization - effectuated in the mental experiences of the listener or viewer - and the work itself serves to help Ingarden confirm and account for the work's intersubjective identity. The problem of aesthetic value, Ingarden maintains, can be fruitfully treated only after the ontic structure of art work has been clarified. His primary concern in Ontology of the Work of Art is to ascertain and describe that structure and the mode of existence of works of art. In addition, he offers several discussions of aesthetic value, showing in the m the connections between questions of aesthetic value and the structure of the work of art.
Adaptive nonlinear suppression of interference

A signal processing technique designed to suppress interference in direct sequence spread spectrum receiving systems is described. The basic idea is to optimize the detection process dynamically in the presence of current interference. This is accomplished by estimating the statistics of the interference and then using this information to derive a nonlinear transform to apply to the signal-plus-noise. As the statistics of the interference change, the measured distributions and the resulting transformations do so also. This adaptation is open-loop, thus avoiding convergence problems. It is concluded that large improvements (tens of dB) can be achieved for a wider range of interference modulations than can be handled by any previously realized technique known to the author. >
Early lessons from schistosomiasis mass drug administration programs

Mass drug administration using praziquantel is the backbone of the current strategy for the control of schistosomiasis. As the theoretical plans have moved into practical application, certain challenges with this approach have surfaced, and it is likely that annual mass drug administration alone may not be sufficient to achieve program goals. However, mass drug administration is still the only available intervention that can be readily used in the wide variety of settings where schistosomiasis is endemic. The task then becomes how to improve this approach and identify what adjuncts to mass drug administration are effective, as programs move from morbidity control to elimination goals. Other aspects worthy of consideration include how best to employ new diagnostic tools to more easily identify where treatment is needed, and new formulations of praziquantel to extend the availability of treatment to all age groups. The aim of this review is to highlight both areas of challenge and of opportunity to improve the public health impact of schistosomiasis control programs.
Septic Olecranon Bursitis: Recognition And Treatment

Background: The superficial location of the olecranon bursa places it at high risk for injury, possibly leading to the entry of bacteria into the bursal sac. Early differentiation between septic and nonseptic olecranon bursitis is paramount to direct therapy, to hasten recovery, and to prevent chronic inflammation. Methods: A literature review was performed using MEDLINE files from 1967 to the present. Additional references from the bibliographies of these were also utilized. Results and Conclusions: Olecranon bursitis is a common condition that requires the treating physician to be aware of the predisposing factors, clinical signs and symptoms, and laboratory findings of both septic and nonseptic olecranon bursitis. With early recognition, prompt therapy, and preventive measures, the morbidity of septic olecranon bursitis can be considerably reduced, but surgical incision and drainage or excision could be required if conservative therapy fails.
Medical costs of Alzheimer's disease misdiagnosis among US Medicare beneficiaries.

Abstract Introduction Recent developments in diagnostic technology can support earlier, more accurate diagnosis of non-Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementias. Methods To evaluate potential economic benefits of early rule-out of AD, annual medical resource use and costs for Medicare beneficiaries potentially misdiagnosed with AD prior to their diagnosis of vascular dementia (VD) or Parkinson's disease (PD) were compared with that of similar patients never diagnosed with AD. Results Patients with prior AD diagnosis used substantially more medical services every year until their VD/PD diagnosis, resulting in incremental annual medical costs of approximately $9,500-$14,000. However, following their corrected diagnosis, medical costs converged with those of patients never diagnosed with AD. Discussion The observed correlation between timing of correct diagnosis and subsequent reversal in excess costs is strongly suggestive of the role of misdiagnosis of AD - rather than AD comorbidity - in this patient population. Our findings suggest potential benefits from earlier, accurate diagnosis.
Side-mode noise of a multiple quantum well semiconductor laser in an external grating cavity

We report on an experiment to study the properties of subthreshold modes of a multiple quantum well diode laser in an external grating cavity configuration. Measurement of the radio frequency (rf) intensity noise near the external cavity mode spacing provides information about the intensity and phases of the adjacent subthreshold modes. The rf spectrum has a double peaked structure, as has been previously reported; and we also measure optical spectra with a Fabry-Perot etalon to isolate the individual side modes. In addition, we observe rf noise and optical spectra at higher multiples of the external cavity mode spacing. Our data are compared with previous theoretical models.
Applications of In Situ Ellipsometry in RTP Temperature Measurement and Process Control

The applications of in situ automated ellipsometry in the measurement and control of temperature in rapid-thermal processing (RTP) equipment are investigated. This technique relies on the accurate measurement of the index of refraction of a wafer using ellipsometry and the strong temperature dependence of the index of refraction to determine the wafer temperature. In principle, this technique is not limited to silicon wafer processing and could be applied to any surface whose index of refraction has a strong and well known temperature dependence. This technique is non-invasive, non-contact, fast, accurate, compatible with ultraclean processing, and lends itself to monitoring the dynamic heating and cooling cycles encountered in rapid-thermal processing.
A Different Theory of Anomalous Magnetic Moment

The invariance of Dirac's equation under rotation has been used to obtain the wave equation for a particle interacting with an electromagnetic field. The origin of the anomalous magnetic moment of a particle has been attributed to the existence of mass due to spin. These masses for a few representative particles have been calculated. In particular these calculations give a mass of 592.074 eV for a neutrino. An operator for the spin angular velocity has been constructed and the values of spin angular velocities for the particles have also been calculated.
Hydrogen bonding and cation coordination effects in primary and secondary amines dissolved in carbon tetrachloride.

Raman and infrared spectroscopy were used to investigate hydrogen-bonding interactions and cation coordination effects in solutions of lithium triflate (LiCF3SO3) dissolved in two primary amines, hexylamine (HEXA) and N,N-dimethylethylenediamine (DMEDA), and in a secondary amine, dipropylamine (DPA). Strong intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions and weaker intramolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions that occur only in DMEDA were spectroscopically distinguished in a comparison of pure HEXA, pure DMEDA, and the dilute solutions of these amines in CCl4. The spectroscopic shifts in intensity and frequency in the NH stretching region of DPA and DPA diluted in CCl4 were similar to those of HEXA. Dilute electrolyte solutions in carbon tetrachloride were prepared to analyze specifically the cation coordination effect. In these solutions, limited intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions are present, and the observed spectral shifts correspond primarily to the cation-induced shifts. The symmetric SO3 str...
Neonatal and pediatric critical care: ethical decision making

The current standards for surrogate decision making for children are analyzed in this article. A number of potential pitfalls are involved with this issue, including questions about the child's maturity and competence. The present approach for medical decision making for noncompetent children is the "best interest" standard. In many medical decisions, the "best interest" standard is not applicable and a "rational parent" standard is presented.
Cytokeratin expression in epithelioid vascular neoplasms

Seven epithelioid and eight non-epithelioid vascular tumors were studied by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method for the presence of endothelial- and epithelial-associated markers, using Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 (UEA-1) lectin, and antibodies directed against factor VIII-related antigen, (FVIII-RA), vimentin, keratin, carcinoembryonic antigen, and epithelial membrane antigen. The cases included four epithelioid hemangiomas, two epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas (EHE), one epithelioid angiosarcoma (EAS), four common non-epithelioid capillary hemangiomas, and four non-epithelioid angiosarcomas. Staining for FVIII-RA, UEA-1, and vimentin were observed in all cases. The EAS showed staining for keratin in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections and in frozen sections. Staining for keratin was also observed in frozen sections of one EHE. Both keratin-positive vascular tumors were confirmed with electron microscopy. Carcinoembryonic antigen and epithelial membrane antigen stains were negative in all cases. Our results show that the epithelioid vascular tumors EHE and EAS, in addition to staining for the endothelial markers and vimentin, may also express the epithelial marker keratin. This is important since these tumors may closely resemble carcinomas by routine light microscopy. This study further underscores the importance of using a broad panel of immunohistochemical markers in the diagnostic workup of soft-tissue neoplasms.
Analytical energy surfaces for the collinear H+H2 and Li+H2 exchange reactions☆

Abstract A simple four-parameter function is shown to possess adequate flexibility to fit the H + H 2 →H 2 + H and Li + H 2 → LiH + H exchange reaction energy surfaces to good accuracy along the reaction paths.
Assessment and management of eating and feeding difficulties for older people: A NICHE protocol

Adequate nutritional intake is critical to preserving the health of older people. When an elderly person requires assistance with eating, the most social of all activities of daily living, the assessment of nutritional issues becomes multidimensional and interdisciplinary. Management strategies should involve the professional nurse's attention to dietary needs, as well as the social, cultural, and interactive components of mealtime. Additionally, special strategies need to be developed for people with cognitive and physical disabilities.
Engineering Properties of Polymeric-Based Antimicrobial Films for Food Packaging: A Review

The concept of antimicrobial packaging has received great attention because of its potential to enhance food safety. Several studies have explored its applications and effectiveness to suppress pathogenic microorganisms. However, few studies have analyzed the alterations caused in the engineering properties of food-packaging polymers after the incorporation of antimicrobials. Such information is very important to understand the feasibility of producing antimicrobial packaging films on the industrial scale. This review explores the work done so far to evaluate how the incorporation of antimicrobial substances affects the properties of food-packaging systems. This article also emphasizes diffusion studies on antimicrobial substances through packaging films and the analytical solutions used to characterize this diffusion mechanism. Our review found that although the properties of packaging materials are altered by the addition of antimicrobials such as organic acids, enzymes, and bacteriocins, every packaging material is unique, and these effects cannot be generalized.
Effect on measurement error on tests of statistical significance.

Using the domain-sampling model from classical test theory, the effects of measurement error on statistical tests for the difference between an obtained mean and a hypothesized mean, and the difference between two means, are demonstrated. The results indicate that lowering the reliability (i.e., increasing measurement error) of dependent variable data increases the chance of obtaining a nonsignificant result when a significant result is the correct outcome. Lowering the reliability also produces reduced estimates of strength of association.
The relationship between histopathological features of progressive supranuclear palsy and disease duration

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a distinct clinicopathological entity characterized by neurofibrillary tangles, tufted astrocytes, threads and oligodendroglial coiled bodies. These four lesions are distributed in varying densities throughout subcortical and brainstem structures. There is no data regarding the relationship of disease duration to lesion burden severity in PSP. We report the results of analysis of semiquantitative data collected as part of the diagnostic evaluation on 97 cases of 'pure' PSP, submitted to the Society of PSP Brain Bank. Surprisingly, the data suggests that in PSP as duration of illness increases there is a decrease in oligodendroglial tau burden.
Monitoring dissolved copper concentrations in Chesapeake Bay, U.S.A.

Dissolved copper and selected water chemistry parameters were monitored for 11 months in Chesapeake Bay, U.S.A. Dissolved copper concentrations in four recreational marinas, a large harbor, two major river systems, and a heavily used shipping canal ranged from below detectable levels to 80 μg L(-1) (\-X=11.7 μg L(-1)). Dissolved copper was detected >91% of the time at five locations. Lowest copper concentrations were found in Potomac River, Baltimore Harbor, Pier One Marina, and C & D Canal (\-X=6-10 μg L(-1); slightly higher levels of dissolved copper were found in Choptank River (\-X=12 μg L(-1)). Highest levels of copper were detected in Port Annapolis, Hartge, and Piney Narrows Marinas (\-X=13-18 μg L(-1)), with the highest values observed in the study (70 and 80 μg L(-1)) found in two of these marinas. Copper in the three marinas with highest dissolved copper levels could have been toxic to some of the more sensitive aquatic species. Intensive study of one marina indicated that a likely source of dissolved copper was the recreational boats housed in the marina.
Closed Covers: To Verify Progress for Communicating Finite State Machines

Consider communicating finite state machines which exchange messages over unbounded FIFO channels. We discuss a technique to verify that the communication between a given pair of such machines will progress indefinitely; this implies that the communication is free from deadlocks and unspecified receptions. The technique is based on finding a set of global states for the communicating pair such that the following two conditions (along with other conditions) are satisfied: 1) the initial global state is in that set; and 2) starting from any global state in that set, an ``acyclic version'' of the communicating pair must reach a global state in that set. We call such a set a closed cover, and show that the existence of a closed cover for a communicating pair is sufficient to guarantee indefinite communication progress. We also show that in many practical instances, if the communication is guaranteed to progress indefinitely, then the existence of a closed cover is necessary.
BAYESIAN MODELING OF ECONOMIES AND DATA REQUIREMENTS

Marshallian demand, supply, and entry models are employed for major sectors of an economy that can be combined with factor market models for money, labor, capital, and bonds to provide a Marshallian macroeconomic model (MMM). Sectoral models are used to produce sectoral output forecasts, which are summed to provide forecasts of annual growth rates of U.S. real GDP. These disaggregative forecasts are compared to forecasts derived from models implemented with aggregate data. The empirical evidence indicates that it pays to disaggregate, particularly when employing Bayesian shrinkage forecasting procedures. Further, some considerations bearing on alternative model-building strategies are presented using the MMM as an example and describing its general properties. Last, data requirements for implementing MMMs are discussed.
Ethnicity and parental report of postoperative behavioral changes in children.

Summary Objectives To examine the role of ethnicity and language in parent report of children's postoperative behavioral recovery. Aim To compare incidence of new onset negative behavior change in English- and Spanish-speaking White and Hispanic children following outpatient surgery. Background Postoperative behavioral change in children is common; however, it is unknown whether cultural variables including ethnicity and language may influence parent report of children's behavioral recovery. Methods/Materials Participants included 288 parents (English-speaking White, English-speaking Hispanic, Spanish-speaking Hispanic parents) of children undergoing outpatient elective surgery. Parents completed the post-hospitalization behavior questionnaire (PHBQ) and parents' postoperative pain measure (PPPM) on postoperative days one, three, and seven at home. Results Most parents (83%) reported onset of new negative behavioral change in children postoperatively. Generalized estimating equations revealed significant group differences in overall behavior change [Wald χ2(12) = 375.69, P < 0.0001] after controlling for demographic and socioeconomic differences. At all three postoperative days, Spanish-speaking Hispanic (SSH) parents reported lower negative behavioral changes in their children compared to English-speaking White (ESW) parents (day 1: P < 0.01; day 3: P < 0.001; day 7: P < 0.10). On postoperative days one and three, SSH parents also reported lower total PHBQ scores than English-speaking Hispanic (ESH) parents [day 1: χ2(1) = 6.72, P = 0.01; day 3: χ2(1) = 7.98, P = 0.005]. Conclusion The present study provides evidence that parent report of children's postoperative behavioral recovery may be influenced by cultural variables, such as ethnicity and language. The present results contribute to a growing body of evidence that highlights the need for culturally sensitive assessment and care of families in the medical setting. The findings may reflect differences in cultural values such as stoicism; however, future studies would benefit from examination of the factors that may account for the differences in reported behavior change after surgery (i.e., report bias, cultural values).
FLUENCY, FLEXIBILITY, AND ORIGINALITY IN LATER ADULTHOOD

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between divergent thinking abilities, self‐esteem, and personal characteristics of older adults. A total of 39 subjects ranging in age from 61 to 84 years responded to a personal data inventory, a self‐esteem measure, and a taped auditory free‐response exercise in divergent thinking. Scores were obtained for fluency, flexibility, and originality of thought and for self‐esteem. Level of education was the best predictor of divergent thinking abilities. Self‐esteem and age were significantly correlated with fluency and flexibility but not with originality. Level of education accounted for the greatest proportion of variance in divergent thinking scores. In the multiple regressions neither self‐esteem nor age accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in fluency, flexibility, or originality. Self‐reports of subjects supported positiveness in self‐perceptions. Results are discussed in terms of the age‐decrement model of cognitive abilities a...
A Versatile Chip Set For Image Processing Algorithms

This paper presents a versatile chip set that can realize signal/image processing algorithms used in several important image processing applications, including template-processing, spatial filtering and image scaling. This chip set architecture is superior in versatility, programmability and modularity to several schemes proposed in the literature. The first chip, called the Template Processor, can perform a variety of template functions on a pixel stream using a set of threshold matrices that can be modified or switched in real-time as a function of the image being processed. This chip can also be used to perform data scaling and image biasing. The second chip, called the Filter/Scaler chip, can perform two major functions. The first is a transversal filter function where the number of sample points is modularly extendable and the coefficients are programmable. The second major function performed by this chip is the interpolation function. Linear or cubic B-spline interpolation algorithms can be implemented by programming the coefficients appropriately. The essential features of these two basic building block processors and their significance in template-based computations, filtering, data-scaling and half-tone applications are discussed. Structured, testable implementations of these processors in VLSI technology and extensions to higher performance systems are presented.
Evaluation of particle beam phase space measurement techniques

Abstract The determination of particle beam emittance and density distribution in the transverse phase space projection, as encountered for the proton beams at various energy levels in the AGS, is discussed and the various methods are quantitatively compared. It is shown that in general for typical experimentally observed density distributions the different methods will yield similar phase space distribution contours.
Toward templated metal-organic frameworks: synthesis, structures, thermal properties, and luminescence of three novel lanthanide-adipate frameworks.

Three novel praseodymium−adipate frameworks were synthesized hydrothermally. GWMOF-3 ([Pr2(adipic acid)3(H2O)4]·adipic acid·4H2O) and GWMOF-6 ([Pr2(adipic acid)3(H2O)2]·4,4‘-dipyridyl) formed three-dimensional structures, whereas GWMOF-4 ([Pr2(adipic acid)3(H2O)2]·H2O) produced a more dense, two-dimensional topology. Single-crystal X-ray and powder diffraction, IR spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis were employed to characterize all samples. GWMOF-6 represents an innovative step forward in metal−organic framework synthesis where a neutral molecular species not used in the construction of the framework is utilized as a structure-directing agent, or template. Furthermore, this template molecule (4,4‘-dipyridyl) is shown to sensitize the fluorescence of lanthanide metal centers in a europium analogue of GWMOF-6.
Visual simulation of fatigue crack growth

An attempt has been made to visually simulate fatigue crack propagation from a precrack. An integrated program was developed for this purpose. The crack-tip shape was determined at four load positions in the first load cycle. The final shape was a blunt front with an “ear” profile at the precrack tip. A more general model, schematically illustrating the mechanism of fatigue crack growth and striation formation in a ductile material, was proposed based on this simulation. According to the present model, fatigue crack growth is an intermittent process; cyclic plastic shear strain is the driving force applied to both state I and II crack growth. No fracture mode transition occurs between the two stages in the present study. The crack growth direction alternates, moving up and down successively, producing fatigue striations. A brief examination has been made of the crack growth path in a ductile two-phase material.
Electronic structure control of the nucleophilicity of transition metal-thiolate complexes: an experimental and theoretical study.

New metal(II)−thiolate complexes supported by the tetradentate ligand 1,5-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,5-diazacyclooctane (L8py2) have been synthesized and subjected to physical, spectroscopic, structura...
Contour Connection Method for automated identification and classification of landslide deposits

Landslides are a common hazard worldwide that result in major economic, environmental and social impacts. Despite their devastating effects, inventorying existing landslides, often the regions at highest risk of reoccurrence, is challenging, time-consuming, and expensive. Current landslide mapping techniques include field inventorying, photogrammetric approaches, and use of bare-earth (BE) lidar digital terrain models (DTMs) to highlight regions of instability. However, many techniques do not have sufficient resolution, detail, and accuracy for mapping across landscape scale with the exception of using BE DTMs, which can reveal the landscape beneath vegetation and other obstructions, highlighting landslide features, including scarps, deposits, fans and more. Current approaches to landslide inventorying with lidar to create BE DTMs include manual digitizing, statistical or machine learning approaches, and use of alternate sensors (e.g., hyperspectral imaging) with lidar.This paper outlines a novel algorithm to automatically and consistently detect landslide deposits on a landscape scale. The proposed method is named as the Contour Connection Method (CCM) and is primarily based on bare earth lidar data requiring minimal user input such as the landslide scarp and deposit gradients. The CCM algorithm functions by applying contours and nodes to a map, and using vectors connecting the nodes to evaluate gradient and associated landslide features based on the user defined input criteria. Furthermore, in addition to the detection capabilities, CCM also provides an opportunity to be potentially used to classify different landscape features. This is possible because each landslide feature has a distinct set of metadata - specifically, density of connection vectors on each contour - that provides a unique signature for each landslide. In this paper, demonstrations of using CCM are presented by applying the algorithm to the region surrounding the Oso landslide in Washington (March 2014), as well as two 14,000ha DTMs in Oregon, which were used as a comparison of CCM and manually delineated landslide deposits. The results show the capability of the CCM with limited data requirements and the agreement with manual delineation but achieving the results at a much faster time. CCM presents a new way of detecting landslide deposits using Bare Earth LiDAR.CCM requires simple input data to perform automated landslide deposit detection.Each landslide has an associated signature that can be used for classification.CCM presents a supplement to manual landslide inventorying.