cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observation of temperature-dependent Cr3+-Nd3+ sensitization in fluoride glasses

Abstract Absorption and excitation spectra of two fluoride glasses doped with Cr 3+ and Nd 3+ ions were used to determine the Cr-Nd sensitization efficiency. The efficiency was found to be strongly temperature dependent, with a room temperature value of zero. A nonradiative mechanism based on changes in the local environment, which occurs when the Cr 3+ ions is in the excited state, is suggested to be the cause of the low efficiency.
Nanoindentaion techniques for assessing mechanical reliability at the nanoscale

Nanoindetation is a powerful technique for measuring mechanical properties of thin films. First applied over 20 years ago in the hard drive industry, it is now commonly used for other applications. This paper describes nanoindentation techniques for measuring thin films mechanical properties, including elastic modulus, hardness, adhesion and fracture toughness as applied for modern microelectronics reliability. Elastic, plastic and adhesion properties of Cu interconnects are discussed, including the influence of film microstructure, thickness and grain size. Elastic, fracture and adhesion properties of advanced low-K dielectrics also discussed along with the current challenges of nanoindentation data interpretation and analysis as applied for advanced electronic materials.
Intrauterine contraceptive device-associated actinomycotic abscess and Actinomyces detection on cervical smear

Objective To summarize clinical features and treatments in reported cases of actinomycotic pelvic abscess occurring in women using intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD), and to review detection of Actinomyces by cervical smear. Data Sources The English-language medical literature accessed through MEDLINE. Methods of Study Selection We identified 92 cases of actinomycotic abscesses associated with IUD use in 63 case reports. In addition, 31 studies of Actinomyces detection were found, 16 of which were studies of Papanicolaou smear-based detection. Data Abstraction and Synthesis Data regarding clinical presentation and treatment were culled from case reports, whereas detection rates of Papanicolaou smear and other methods were obtained from studies of Actinomyces detection. The average patient was 37 years old, had been using an IUD for 8 years, and presented with abdominal pain, weight loss, vaginal discharge, and fever. Laboratory studies commonly revealed anemia, leukocytosis, and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Most of these patients underwent operative procedures, usually hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy. High-dose penicillin was found to be an effective antibiotic. Detection rates of organisms on Papanicolaou smear were somewhat variable; use of other detection methods, including endometrial biopsy, culture, and immunofluorescence, did not improve this variability. Conclusions Pelvic actinomycosis associated with the use of IUDs can mimic pelvic malignancy; for that reason, it is often treated surgically. However, if the diagnosis of actinomycosis can be obtained preoperatively, antibiotic treatment may lead to complete resolution. The Papanicolaou smear may be useful in evaluating such patients.
The Cancer Hazards of Industrial and Accidental Exposure to Radioactive Isotopes

Data are reviewed from studies carried out during the past 27 years on the toxicity of Ra, the incidence of lung cancer in uranium miners, and animal studies on the induction of tumors by inhaled or ingested radioactive materials. The relation between body content and tumor induction in man is discussed. It is pointed out that the sites of tumors induced by Ra are related to the sites of deposition in the skeleton and physical factors concerned with the decay of Ra and Rn in the body. Finally, data on Ra dial painters and U miners constitute all the data available on hazards to man from industrial and accidental exposure to radioactive isotopes.
Localization of protein kinase C in normal and galactosemic bovine lens epithelial cells in culture

The localization of the two major isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC), PKCα and PKCγ, present in normal and galactosemic bovine lens epithelial cells in culture, was determined using PKC isoform-specific antisera and visualized with FITC-conjugated secondary antisera. The results indicated that the localization of PKC changed upon exposure to 40 mM galactose after 1day. The subcellular distribution of control cells was cytoplasmic and perinuclear for PKCα, while, in 40 mM galactose-treated cells, PKCα was also localized to nuclei. In contrast, upon exposure to 40 mM galactose the PKCγ of the lens epithelial cells was observed in nucleoli. These results suggest that the subcellular distribution of the PKC isoforms in bovine lens epithelial cells differs and is altered upon exposure to 40 mM galactose.
Effect of Psyllium on Absorption of Co-ingested Calcium

Objective To determine whether psyllium fiber (in the form of Metamucil) interferes with absorption of calcium ingested at the same meal. Design Three-way, randomized, cross-over study in 15 healthy postmenopausal women, with calcium-fortified orange juice as the calcium source in all three meals. The test load of calcium was 219 mg (approximately 5.5 mmol). One test meal contained Metamucil, providing 3.4 g psyllium fiber; one had an equivalent amount of neutral cellulose; the third had no added fiber. Methods The calcium-fortified orange juice was extrinsically labeled with 45Ca; calcium absorption fraction was calculated from the specific radioactivity of serum calcium at 5 hours after tracer ingestion. Results Fractional absorption of calcium from orange juice without added fiber averaged 0.341 +/- 0.059; in the presence of psyllium fiber, 0.317 +/- 0.067; and in the presence of neutral fiber, 0.354 +/- 0.083. While the absorption with cellulose was slightly higher than in the absence of fiber, and the absorption with psyllium was slightly lower, neither difference was statistically significant. However, the difference between added psyllium and cellulose was statistically significant (P Conclusion Psyllium in the form of Metamucil makes little practical difference to availability of co-ingested calcium when ingested at typical therapeutic doses.
Robert E. Park reconsidered: The early writings

Despite Robert E. Park’s prominence in American sociology, his early writings (before 1913) have been neglected. This article argues that Park’s early writings illustrate an important transitional phase in twentieth-century sociological thought. As sociology moved out of German romantic philosophy and toward rationalism and positivism, it had to come to terms with the existence of evil in the world. Park’s essays on the Congo formulated a more complex perspective on modernity’s modes of evil. Along with the Congo essays, Park’s Black Belt studies form a comprehensive portrait of the double-sided moral character and socioeconomic effects of the Reformation. Park’s early writings adumbrate a Gothic sociology of horror, in which the civilizational process erodes the many folk cultures that it draws into its basic forms—civil society and urban life.
Development of a mechanistic model for the movement of chemical signatures from buried land mines/UXO

The detection and removal of buried landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) is one of the most important problems facing the world today. Numerous detection strategies are being developed, including IR, electrical conductivity, ground- penetrating radar, and chemical sensor. Chemical sensor rely on the detection of explosive chemical molecules, which are transported from buried UXO/landmines by advection and diffusion in the soil. As part of this effort, numerical models are being developed to predict explosive chemical signature transport in soils. Modifications have been made to TOUGH2, a general-purpose porous media flow simulator, for application to the chemical sensing problem resulting in the T2TNT code. Understanding the fate and transport of explosive signature compounds in the solid will affect the design, performance, timing and operation of chemical sensing campaigns by indicating preferred sensing strategies.
Race, ethnicity, and self-reported hypertension: analysis of data from the National Health Interview Survey, 1997-2005.

Objective. I estimated the association between race and self-reported hypertension among Hispanics and non-Hispanics and determined whether this association was stronger among non-Hispanics.Methods. With data from the 1997–2005 National Health Interview Survey, I used logistic regression to estimate the strength of the association between race/ethnicity and self-reported hypertension among US adults.Results. The overall prevalence of self-reported hypertension was 24.5%, with lower prevalence among Hispanics (16.7%) than among non-Hispanics (25.2%; P < .01). Blacks, regardless of ethnicity, had the highest prevalence. Compared with non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks had 48% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.41, 1.55) greater odds of reporting hypertension; Hispanic Whites had 23% (OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.76, 0.88) lower odds. There was no difference in the strength of the association between race and self-reported hypertension observed among non-Hispanics (OR for Blacks = 1.47)...
Juvenile-Adult Habitat Shift in Permian Fossil Reptiles and Amphibians

Among extant large reptiles, juveniles often occupy different habitats from those of adults or subadults and thus avoid competition with and predation from the older animals; small juveniles often choose cryptic habitats because they are vulnerable to a wide variety of predators. Evidence from fossil humeri and femora of Early Permian reptiles collected from sediments of several distinct habitats indicate that similar shifts in habitat occurred. Juvenile Dimetrodon seem to have favored cryptic habitats around swamp and swampy lake margins; adults favored open habitats on the floodplains. Similar patterns of habitat shift seem to be present in the reptile Ophiacodon and the amphibian Eryops and may have been common in fossil tetrapods of the Permian-Triassic.
Feasibility of a radiation dose conserving CT protocol for myocardial function assessment

Objective:Assessment of myocardial function can be performed at higher noise levels than necessary for coronary arterial evaluation. We evaluated image quality and radiation exposure of a dose-conserving function-only acquisition vs retrospectively electrocardiogram(ECG)-gated coronary CTA with automatic tube current modulation.Methods:Of 26 patients who underwent clinically indicated coronary CTA for coronary and function evaluation, 13 (Group I) underwent prospectively ECG-triggered coronary CTA, followed by low-dose retrospectively ECG-gated scan for function (128-slice dual-source, 80 kVp; reference tube current, 100 mA; 8-mm-thick multiplanar reformatted reconstructions) performed either immediately (n = 6) or after 5- to 10-min delay for infarct assessment (n = 7). 13 corresponding controls (Group II) underwent retrospectively ECG-gated protocols (automatic tube potential selection with CARE kV/CARE Dose 4D; Siemens Healthcare, Forchheim, Germany) with aggressive dose modulation. Image quality asses...
Development of adaptive mesh refinement scheme for engine spray simulations

Abstract Spray modeling is a critical component to engine combustion and emissions simulations. Accurate spray modeling often requires a fine computational mesh for better numerical resolutions. However, computations with a fine mesh will require extensive computer time. This study developed a methodology that uses a locally refined mesh in the spray region. The fine mesh virtually moves with the liquid spray. Such adaptive mesh refinement can enable greater resolution of the liquid–gas interaction while incurring only a small increase in the total number of computational cells. The present study uses an h-refinement adaptive method. A face-based approach is used for the inter-level boundary condition. The prolongation and restriction procedure preserves conservation of properties in performing grid refinement/coarsening. The refinement criterion is based on the total mass of liquid drops and fuel vapor in each cell. The efficiency and accuracy of the present adaptive mesh refinement scheme is described in the paper. Results show that the present scheme can achieve the same level of accuracy in modeling sprays with significantly lower computational cost as compared to a uniformly fine mesh.
ARE COMMON SENSE DECISIONS DETERRING LEARNING

Summary. The comparison of data from two vocabulary-learning studies involving a total of 2,483 males and females in the fifth and sixth grades suggests that ‘common sense’ decisions regarding the selection and assignment of learning materials may be inefficient if not detrimental. There is evidence to postulate that low ability pupils are the primary recipients or victims of the less effective materials. The data suggest that oversimplified learning materials may yield negative transfer and thus actually deter learning.
New measures for evaluating fuzzy partitions induced through c-shells clustering

New performance measures for evaluating fuzzy partitions obtained through c-shells clustering are introduced. It is shown that the conventional measures for the fuzzy partitions do not perform well for the FCS clustering. A new set of indices are introduced to evaluate the structure characterized by the FCS algorithms. Examples are presented to demonstrate the superiority of the criteria proposed over the existing ones.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Metabolic studies of bovine kidney cultures infected with foot-and-mouth disease virus.

Abstract Virus-host cell interrelationships have been studied in primary bovine kidney cultures infected with foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). Multiplicities of infection of 4–10 plaque-forming units per culture cell were used; virus progeny appeared at 100–110 minutes; and virus production reached its maximum 270–300 minutes after inoculation. Virus activity was distributed about equally between cells and supernatant fluid at this time. The respiration rate of infected cells was unaffected during the period of virus production up to 300 minutes post inoculation, but it began to decline thereafter. No differences were detected in the total synthesis of ribonucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid, and protein. Glucose utilization and lactic acid production were increased as a result of infection, indicating an essential requirement for glycolysis rather than oxidative processes during virus production.
Selection of foot-and-mouth disease viruses by passage in bovine and swine kidney cell cultures

Abstract Two uncloned populations of foot-and-mouth disease virus, one pathogenic for adult mice and the other nonpathogenic, were passaged in cultures of primary bovine kidney (BK) cells and a line of pig kidney (MVPK) cells. Within 10 passages in MVPK cells, the nonpathogenic virus became pathogenic for adult mice, but similar passages of this virus in BK cells did not affect its pathogenicity. In contrast, passage of the pathogenic virus in MVPK cells resulted in a decrease in pathogenicity, but again passage in BK cells had no effect on this characteristics. Neither of the viruses changed in pathogenicity for infant mice during the four passages that were tested. The nonpathogenic virus passaged in BK cells was more infectious for BK than for MVPK cells, but after passage in MVPK cells, this virus was about equally infectious for the two types of cells. Infectivity of the pathogenic virus was relatively unchanged by passage in either type of cell. The parent nonpathogenic virus and the 10th BK cell passage of this virus were much more resistant to adsorption with homogenized mouse kidney than were the MVPK cell passages of nonpathogenic virus. The parent and passaged pathogenic viruses were readily adsorbed. The results demonstrated that passage of the two viruses in MVPK cells had a pronounced selective effect.
Simulation of the effect of noncrystalline species on long spacing in crystalline/noncrystalline polymer blends

A finite element model is used to predict the effect of composition on long spacing (L) in blends of crystalline and noncrystalline polymers. In this model, the diffusive transport of noncrystallizable moieties away from the crystals from which they are excluded is tracked. The effect of the local concentration of noncrystallizable material near the growing interface on the kinetics of crystallization is modeled. Parameters in the model are the Peclet number (Pe), the linear crystallinity (Φ c ), and the overall concentration of noncrystallizable molecules (C ? ). The overall crystallization rate (T) depends on these three parameters. T is found to exhibit a maximum (T max ) with respect to O c at given C o and Pe. It is shown that, over a considerable range of Pe and C o , T max exhibits either a nearly constant low value nor a nearly constant higher value. It is suggested that T max is the operating condition for such crystallization. From this hypothesis, expected values of long spacing are predicted. The dependence of L on C o is found to lie on either of two branches, depending on the value of Pe. Large Pe shows a small effect of C o on L, while high Pe exhibits a relatively large effect. These results agree with observations on blend systems.
Non-Cochlear Projections to the Ventral Cochlear Nucleus: Are they Mainly Inhibitory?

Non-cochlear synapses in the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN), originate from a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic sources. It has been suggested by some studies that these synapses may actually outnumber those of the primary afferents in some regions of the VCN. In this chapter we will review the evidence that most non-cochlear synapses may be inhibitory, examine their distribution on different cell types in the VCN, and attempt to identify their origins.
Control of plasma polymerization reaction for the 2 nd generation molecular_pore_stack (MPS) SiOCH film with high deposition rate

To reducing BEOL fabrication cost for 28/20nm-nodes, high-speed process of the low-k deposition is needed under limited equipment investment. By using a standard plasma-CVD equipment with no post-cure process, we have developed high speed deposition technique for a molecular_pore_stack (MPS) SiOCH film from single precursor, which has a hexagonal-silica-ring with hydrocarbon side-chains. Here, the plasma polymerization reaction of the precursors was enhanced simply by controlling the RF power and the gas chemistry with additive gas, which was dissociated itself to increase active charge flux in the plasma. The deposition rate was doubled while keeping the film properties unchanged with the sub-nanometer-size porous structure. No change in the RC performance of the Cu interconnect was observed by using the new MPS film with the high deposition rate. The mechanical properties also were preserved to keep chip-packaging-interaction tolerance.
Development of the Vector Measuring Current Meter

The development of a new propeller current meter designed to overcome the problems associated with measuring currents from a surface mooring is discussed. The major elements of the design are outlined, and performance of the finished instrument is briefly reviewed.
Stability and change in financial transfers from adult children to older parents.

Nous avons cherche a identifier l’ampleur et les facteurs predictifs de l’evolution longitudinale de l’aide financiere aux parents des descendants adultes et des reseaux de transferts pendant une periode de deux ans. Les analyses s’appuyent sur les donnees regroupees de l’Etude de la Sante et de la Retraite (1994–2000), utilisant les familles dans lesquelles les descendants adultes ont au moins un, mais pas plus de quatre freres et sœurs, qui ont fourni un soutien financier aux parents pendant deux ans. Certains changements dans le reseau d’aide surviennent dans environ 40 pour cent de ces familles au cours de la periode de deux ans. Quand le changement se produit, il s’agit le plus souvent de la cessation du soutien par un enfant, suivie par l’addition d’un nouvel enfant au reseau, alors que l’echange de soutien aux enfants est relativement rare. Le changement reflete la capacite de la progeniture avant tout a fournir des soins et le fardeau cree par les besoins des parents. Cependant, la taille et la composition du reseau adulte-enfant et du groupe de soutien initial jouaient un role important aussi bien. Les resultats soulignent le caractere dynamique et systemique des reseaux financiers intergenerationnels. Abstract: We sought to identify the extent and predictors of longitudinal changes in adult children’s financial assistance to parents and in transfer networks over a two-year period. Analyses rely on pooled data from 1994 to 2000 of the Health and Retirement Study, using families in which adult children with no more than four siblings financially supported parents over two years. Change in the help network occurred in about 40 per cent of these families over the two-year period. When change occurred, it most commonly involved cessation of support by a child, followed by addition of another child to the network, whereas exchange of supporting children was relatively rare. Change reflected children’s ability to provide care and the burden created by parents’ needs. However, the size and composition of the adult-child network and of the initial support group also played an important role. Results highlight the dynamic and systemic nature of intergenerational financial networks.
The Reciprocal Relationship Between Sexual Victimization and Sexual Assertiveness

Low sexual assertiveness has been proposed as a possible mechanism through which sexual revictimization occurs, yet evidence for this has been mixed. In this study, prospective path analysis was used to examine the relationship between sexual refusal assertiveness and sexual victimization over time among a community sample of women. Results provide support for a reciprocal relationship, with historical victimization predicting low sexual assertiveness and low sexual assertiveness predicting subsequent victimization. The effect of recent sexual victimization on subsequent sexual assertiveness also was replicated prospectively. These findings suggest that strengthening sexual assertiveness may help reduce vulnerability to future victimization.
Jobs or amenities? Destination choices of migrant engineers in the USA*

The paper analyses factors influencing the destinations chosen by 13 different categories of migrant engineers in the USA between 1994 to 1999. Migration patterns are analysed with the aid of fractional-response regression models. The objective is to assess the relative weight of employment opportunities and selected amenities in guiding the migratory shifts of these workers. Engineers are divided into two categories representing individuals of working age and those who are either retired or are close to retirement. The results indicate that local employment opportunities have a dominant impact on the destinations chosen by the former group and that amenities play virtually no role in this regard. However, warmer winters have some modest positive effect on destinations chosen by the latter group. Resumen El articulo analiza los factores que influyen en el destino elegido por 13 categorias diferentes de ingenieros emigrantes en los EE.UU. entre 1994 y 1999. Se analizan los patrones migratorios con la ayuda de modelos de regresion de respuesta fraccional. El objetivo es evaluar el peso relativo de las oportunidades de empleo y ciertos servicios en influir en los desplazamientos migratorios de estos trabajadores. Los ingenieros se dividen en dos categorias que representan a individuos en edad laboral y a aquellos que o estan retirados o cerca de hacerlo. Los resultados indican que las oportunidades de empleo local tienen un impacto dominante en los destinos elegidos por el primer grupo y que los servicios apenas influyen en este aspecto. Sin embargo, los inviernos calidos tienen un efecto positivo modesto en los destinos elegidos por el ultimo grupo.
Lymphangioma of the Palatine Tonsil

Lymphangioma of the palatine tonsil is a rare, benign lesion that presents as a tonsillar outgrowth and causes symptoms related to irritation and airway obstruction. Histologically, the mass has abundant dilated lymphatic channels amid a fibrous stroma with lymphoid and adipose elements. There are several theories regarding the pathogenesis of these lesions, and the appropriate diagnostic classification is controversial. Because a lymphangioma may resemble a true neoplasm of the palatine tonsil clinically, the lesion must be removed for accurate histologic diagnosis and to rule out malignancy. Lymphangioma of the palatine tonsil is treated with surgical excision and has no recurrence once completely resected.
Cell-cell interactions and the control of sex determination in hydra

Abstract Sexual phenotype in gonochoristic species of hydra (species having separate males and females) is ultimately determined by cells committed to the sperm pathway. Little is known about the genetic basis for determining sex during embryogenesis, but the sex ratio of offspring is generally 1 : 1, implying a genetic component. Sexual phenotype of adult hydra is labile and sex-reversal in both directions can be induced by experimental manipulations involving addition or loss of the sperm lineage. Loss of the sperm lineage is induced by high temperature, causing males to switch to females. Introduction of the sperm lineage into females by grafting causes sex-reversal to male. These studies provide support for a model of sex determination based on cell-cell interactions.
Appropriating conceptual representations: a case of transfer in a middle school science teacher

This paper presents a case study in which a middle school science teacher modifies her classroom instruction and teaching materials using the Structure, Behavior, and Function (SBF) representational framework to transfer her reasoning about one natural system (an aquarium ecosystem) to another natural system (human cells and body systems).
Importance of Estradiol and Progesterone in Regulating LH Secretion and Estrous Behavior During the Sheep Estrous Cycle

Replacement of the ovaries of sheep shortly after ovulation with Silastic implants that simulated the physiological patterns and levels of estradiol and progesterone which circulate during the normal estrous cycle produced an “artificial estrous cycle” in which the time course of serum LU and the incidence of estrous behavior closely resembled those of the normal cycle. Neither steroid by itself was effective in this regard. This suggests that two ovarian steroids, estradiol and progesterone, are both necessary and sufficient to account for the secretion of LII and the expression of
URETEROSCOPIC EVALUATION AND TREATMENT OF CHRONIC UNILATERAL HEMATURIA

Abstract Purpose Chronic unilateral hematuria constitutes a difficult problem of diagnosis and treatment. We evaluated 23 patients with unilateral renal hematuria to determine the cause of bleeding and to evaluate ureteroscopic treatment. Materials and Methods A total of 23 patients with chronic unilateral hematuria were evaluated ureteroscopically during a 2-year period. Semirigid and flexible ureteroscopes were used to evaluate all patients. Dilation of the ureterovesical junction was required in only 1 patient. Results The entire ureter and intrarenal collecting system were inspected in all patients. Discrete lesions comprised hemangioma in 7, minute venous rupture in 3, small papillary tumor in 3 and calculus in 2 patients which were treated successfully. Nonspecific lesions comprised submucosal erythema in 2 patients and abnormal papillary tip in 1 which were treated successfully as well. In the remaining 5 patients no lesions were detected. In all treated patients hematuria resolved with no recurrence during a mean followup of 8 months (range 4 to 18). Conclusions Ureteroscopy is an important diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for patients with chronic unilateral hematuria
A protocol to extend the longitudinal coverage of on‐board cone‐beam CT

The longitudinal coverage of a LINAC-mounted CBCT scan is limited to the corresponding dimensional limits of its flat panel detector, which is often shorter than the length of the treatment field. These limits become apparent when fields are designed to encompass wide regions, as when providing nodal coverage. Therefore, we developed a novel protocol to acquire double orbit CBCT images using a commercial system, and combine the images to extend the longitudinal coverage for image-guided adaptive radiotherapy (IGART). The protocol acquires two CBCT scans with a couch shift similar to the "step-and-shoot" cine CT acquisition, allowing a small longitudinal overlap of the two reconstructed volumes. An in-house DICOM reading/writing software was developed to combine the two image sets into one. Three different approaches were explored to handle the possible misalignment between the two image subsets: simple stacking, averaging the overlapped volumes, and a 3D-3D image registration with the three translational degrees of freedom. Using thermoluminescent dosimeters and custom-designed holders for a CTDI phantom set, dose measurements were carried out to assess the resultant imaging dose of the technique and its geometric distribution. Deformable registration was tested on patient images generated with the double-orbit protocol, using both the planning FBCT and the artificially deformed CBCT as source images. The protocol was validated on phantoms and has been employed clinically for IRB-approved IGART studies for head and neck and prostate cancer patients.
Salient structure analysis of fluid flow

This paper presents a framework for analyzing salient patterns (vortex structures) in the velocity fields of turbulent fluid flows. Vortices are modeled as rotational motions in the velocity fields and concentrations in the corresponding vorticity fields. A pointwise linear model is then built to approximate the kinematics of the flow field. Locally, the vector fields are analyzed in terms of fluid motion and singular patterns. The regions of vortex structures are then extracted by identifying those dominated by rotational motion or those of focus-type singularity. In addition to this, 2D vortices, as a special case, are detected by searching regions of vorticity concentrations. The algorithm is applied to both 2D and 3D, experimental and computational turbulent flows. >
Comparison of systemic health conditions between African American and Caucasian complete denture patients.

Purpose: To compare prevalence of systemic health conditions (SHC) between AfricanAmericanandCaucasianedentulouspatientspresentingforcompletedentures (CD) at an urban dental school. Methods: The study included patients presenting for CD 1/1-12/31/2010, ages 20 to 64 years, and either African American or Caucasian. Covariates included: age group, gender, employment status, Medicaid status, smoking history, and alcohol consumption. SHC included at least one of the following: arthritis, asthma, cancer, diabetes, emphysema, heart attack, heart murmur, heart surgery, hypertension, or stroke. Results: The group (n = 88) was 44.3% African American, 65.9% ≥50, 45.5% male, 22.7% employed, and 67.0% with at least one SHC. African Americans were older (p = 0.001) and more likely to have one or more SHC (p = 0.011). Patients with at least one SHC were older (p = 0.018) and more likely female (p = 0.012). The total sample logistic regression model assessing SHC yielded only gender as statistically significant (males < OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.92). Caucasian males were less likely to have SHC (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.77), and Caucasians ≥50 were more likely (OR 5.36, 95% CI 1.19 to 24.08). African Americans yielded no significant associations. Conclusions: Among selected completely edentulous denture patients at an urban dental school, two out of three patients had at least one SHC. This exploratory study suggests there may be health status differences between African American and Caucasian patients in this setting, calling for further study.
High-level views on low-level representations

This paper explains how the high-level treatment of datatypes in functional languages—using features like constructor functions and pattern matching—can be made to coexist with bitdata. We use this term to describe the bit- level representations of data that are required in the construction of many different applications, including operating systems, device drivers, and assemblers. We explain our approach as a combination of two language extensions, each of which could potentially be adapted to any modern functional language. The first adds simple and elegant constructs for manipulating raw bitfield values, while the second provides a view-like mechanism for defining distinct new bitdata types with fine-control over the underlying representation. Our design leverages polymorphic type inference, as well as techniques for improvement of qualified types, to track both the type and the width of bitdata structures. We have implemented our extensions in a small functional language interpreter, and used it to show that our approach can handle a wide range of practical bitdata types.
The robustness of an almost-parsing language model given errorful training data

An almost-parsing language model has been developed (Wang and Harper 2002) that provides a framework for tightly integrating multiple knowledge sources. Lexical features and syntactic constraints are integrated into a uniform linguistic structure (called a SuperARV) that is associated with words in the lexicon. The SuperARV language model has been found able to reduce perplexity and word error rate (WER) compared to trigram, part-of-speech-based, and parser-based language models on the DARPA Wall Street Journal (WSJ) CSR task. In this paper we further investigate the robustness of the language model to possibly inconsistent and flawed training data, as well as its ability to scale up to sophisticated LVCSR tasks by comparing performance on the DARPA WSJ and Hub4 (Broadcast News) CSR tasks.
Development of high performance interfill materials for system chips technology

An innovative precisely interconnected chip (PIC) technology is currently under development at IBM to seek more effective means of creating system chips. The objective of this research is developing fabrication methods to permit the realization of high yielding large area chips, as well as chips that may contain very diverse technologies. This paper reports the use of a high-performance interfill material based on epoxy resin, which is used to connect the different chip sector macros that make up the system chip. This novel interfill material remains thermally stable through the subsequent processing temperature hierarchies during the interchip interconnection fabrication. Spherical SiO/sub 2/ powders are incorporated into the epoxy resin to improve its mechanical properties, reduce coefficient of thermal expansion, and increase thermal conductivity. Adhesion and rheology of the formulated interfill materials are evaluated. Microstructure of SiO/sub 2/ filled epoxy system is also investigated to confirm the reliability of the composite before and after thermal aging. Initial results indicate that the formulated EPOXY A resin composite is qualified for the system chip manufacturing process in terms of the dispensing processability, structural and mechanical integrity, and reliability.
Targeting low HDL levels for treatment

The efficient treatment of cardiovascular disease must not solely focus on LDL. Targeting HDL is equally important
Aging in Saudi Arabia: An Exploratory Study of Contemporary Older Persons’ Views About Daily Life, Health, and the Experience of Aging

Objective: This exploratory study sought to measure current self-reported experiences of older Saudi adults. Method: Self-reported aging perceptions and demographic data from semistructured questions were obtained from 52 community-dwelling older Saudi adults aged 50 or older. A thematic content analysis was completed around issues of family life/social support, daily/weekly activities, health and health programs, and older adults' own thoughts about aging and the experience and future of personal aging. Results: Several key themes emerged from the interviews. The majority of respondents in this preliminary study acknowledge a preference for family care. Formal programs in Saudi Arabia are attended with relative infrequency while older adults recognize family support as the preferred method of support. Older Saudi interviewees hold a positive view of aging, but physical functioning, varying financial resources, and other daily obligations are a concern for those in this study. Discussion: Data suggest as the Saudi population ages, more research is needed on the aging experience with particiular emphasis on issues relevant to older adults . Future research must work to clarify the aging experience as cultural context changes.
Direct Measurement of Molecular Weight and Grafting Density by Controlled and Quantitative Degrafting of Surface-Anchored Poly(methyl methacrylate)

We report on quantitative determination of the molecular weight distribution (MWD) and grafting density (σP) of polymer assemblies grown by controlled radical polymerization from flat substrates as a function of polymerization time and the ratio between the inhibitor and catalyst species. Specifically, we grow poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) brushes on flat silica-based surfaces by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP), cleave the PMMA grafts quantitatively using tetrabutyl ammonium fluoride (TBAF), and analyze their MWD by size exclusion chromatography equipped with a high-sensitivity differential refractive index detector. The polymer growth and degrafting processes are followed by ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. The σP is independent of polymerization time and increases with increasing SI-ATRP inhibitor/catalyst ratio. Specifically, σP increases from 0.48 ± 0.06 to 0.58 ± 0.06 chains/nm2 as the inhibitor/cat...
Differential stimulation of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase by difluoromethylornithine in the rat colon and small intestine

The effects of chronic inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) by the specific inhibitor difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) in the rat colon and small intestine on mucosal contents of polyamines, decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine (decarboxylated AdoMet) and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMet decarboxylase) activity were studied. Administration of 1% DFMO in the drinking water for 10 or 15 weeks resulted in inhibition of ODC and decreases in intracellular putrescine and spermidine contents in both proximal and distal segments of small intestine and colon. At both time points DFMO administration resulted in a dramatic stimulation of AdoMet decarboxylase activity and a rise in decarboxylated AdoMet content in the proximal and distal small-intestinal segments compared with controls, which was not seen in either colonic segment of DFMO-treated animals. This differential stimulation of AdoMet decarboxylase by DFMO in the small intestine and colon could not be entirely explained on the basis of differences in polyamine contents, which are known to regulate this enzyme activity. Kinetic and inhibition studies of AdoMet decarboxylase in control small and large intestine revealed that: (1) there was no difference in Vmax. values between the tissues; (2) the Km for AdoMet was higher in the small intestine than in the colon; and (3) the Ki for product inhibition by decarboxylated AdoMet was higher in the small intestine than in the colon. These results suggest that the differential stimulation of AdoMet decarboxylase by DFMO in the small intestine and colon may be due to different isoenzymes and could play a significant role in the regulation of polyamine contents throughout the gut.
Summary of First Session

Next to the search for extraterrestrial life, I can think of no more exciting endeavor than the search for planetary systems. That the two are closely related is evidenced by the strong support that the effort has received from many people in this Commission. Certainly, the success of either effort will enhance interest in the other. But alas! At this conference we have heard two pieces of information that could be taken as less than reassuring.
Guidance for the evaluation and design of clinical trials of new medicinal products in treatment of chronic hepatitis B

The global,especially our country's burden of disease of hepatitis B virus(HBV)is a difficult problem to us.Prospects for the development of new anti-HBV drugs in treatment of chronic hepatitis B have improved substantially during the last decade.The practice guidelines for chronic hepatitis B developed by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases(AASLD),the European Association for the Study of the Liver(EASL),and the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver(APASL)have been reviewed.Guideline on the clinical evaluation of medicinal products intended for treatment of hepatitis B and the practice guidelines for chronic hepatitis B have been studied.This article provided recommendations and discussions for sponsors on evaluation and design of clinical trials of new medicinal products in treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
Bilateral circumscribed posterior keratoconus.

BACKGROUND Posterior keratoconus is a rare corneal disorder characterized by a diffuse or localized protrusion of the posterior corneal surface into a thinning stroma. It is believed to be a congenital, nonprogressive condition. CASE REPORT A case of bilateral circumscribed posterior keratoconus is presented. Diagnostic ocular signs include localized protrusion of the posterior corneal surface, normal anterior corneal surface, stromal thinning, and endothelial changes. However, anterior corneal contour reveals progressive steepening in this case. CONCLUSION Posterior keratoconus is an unusual corneal anomaly with subtle clinical features. Recognition of these signs is essential in the diagnostic and management processes.
A Pilgrimage Through the Mist of Legends: Reconstructing the Life and Works of ‘Abd Al-Qadir Al-Jilani

Western scholars on Sufism so far have paid more attention to Sufi figures that left us with many written works, either in the form of poems, biography, apologia, or mystical treatise. Practically, al-Jilani only left us with three original works, wherein we do not find any ‘brilliant theory’ about Sufism. So, at the face value, this Western academic indifference about al-Jilani is just plainly plausible. Al-Jilani’s marginal position in the Western academic studies on Sufism in fact is an indication of a subtler ideological bias among many scholars. This article examines the life and works of al-Jilani while proposing a new theoretical basis in the study of Sufism. The writer argues that al-Jilani’s teaching is popular Sufism by definition Keywords: al-Jilani, spirituality, popular sufism
Cryptosporidium Parvum: Infectivity, Pathogenesis and the Host-parasite Relationship

Publisher Summary This chapter is designed to discuss Cryptosporidium parvum in context of its infectivity, pathogenesis, and immunity. Cryptosporidium has been found in human and animal populations worldwide, and it is responsible for causing human melancholy in both developing as well as developed nations. This parasitic protozoan is particularly dangerous in people who have chronic disease, malnutrition, or other debilitating conditions that lead to compromised immune systems. The disease may be chronic and even life-threatening for undernourished infants as well as AIDS patients. Further, the graveness of the infection is compounded by the lack of curative therapy. In comparison, immune-competent individuals may often produce a profuse, watery diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain and other enteric symptoms; however, the disease in this population is self-limited. Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis in developed countries have been associated with waterborne transmission via recreational and drinking water supplies. However, because the pathogen can also be transmitted directly from an infected person to susceptible individuals, it is possible that the majority of infections contracted in non-outbreak situations may be the result of this route. Thus, labors have been expended in understanding the basic biology and epidemiology of the organism. The purpose of this chapter is to review the findings that have come from the human volunteer studies and to summarize these data in the context of the current comprehension of Cryptosporidium infectivity, pathogenesis, and immunity.
High particulate matter emission from additive-free Natural American Spirit cigarettes

Involuntary exposure to health-threatening environmental tobacco smoke (Combined Mainstream and Side-stream Smoke, CMSS) is a worldwide problem, causing premature death of thousands of people. CMSS consists of particulate matter (PM), one of the main sources of indoor air pollution. PM constitutes a considerable health risk for passive smokers. It is important to inform the public about brand-specific differences in CMSS-associated PM, especially in the case of brands without additives, which are therefore promoted as natural and less health-threatening. Mean concentrations and the area under the curve of PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 generated by Natural American Spirit cigarettes without additives and the 3R4F standard research cigarette (University of Kentucky, USA) were measured, analyzed and compared with each other. An automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter was used to smoke 100 cigarettes, 20 of each brand, according to a standardized smoking protocol. This study could show that CMSS-associated PM released from tobacco brands without additives, which are therefore promoted as natural and less harmful, are higher than expected It is highly improbable that Natural American Spirit tobacco products are a less harmful choice—at least not for passive smokers as this study could show. We conclude, the CMSS-associated PM level of every single customized brand should be measured because the origin of the tobacco and not the amount of CO, tar and nicotine (given as product information) seem to be responsible for the brand-specific PM release. This data is urgently needed to adequately inform the public about CMSS-associated PM exposure and the related health risk especially for passive smokers.