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The short version of the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS-S:S) is a self-report measure used to identify symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during adulthood. However, its psychometric properties specifically in emerging adults, or the transitional age group between adolescence and adulthood, remain understudied. This study aimed to validate the factor structure of the CAARS-S:S in a sample of emerging adults. The CAARS-S:S measure was completed by adults (n = 591) aged 18 to 29 located in English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada and the United States. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test a four-factor model of Inattention/Memory Problems, Hyperactivity/Restlessness, Impulsivity/Emotional Lability and Problems with Self-Concept, as well as the model's invariance by sex. Sex was also included as a covariate in the model to examine differences in males' and females' scores on each factor. Overall, the four-factor structure fit the data and was invariant across males and females. All factors demonstrated high internal reliability (average ωt and α =.86). It was observed that males tended to score higher on Inattention/Memory Problems while females scored higher on Problems with Self-Concept. This research establishes the psychometric properties of the CAARS-S:S, placing greater confidence in using it to screen for ADHD symptoms in emerging adults living in a Westernized cultural context. The detailed findings of this research, implications for the use of the CAARS-S:S in this age group and potential future directions for examining the properties of the measure are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much has been written about India's soft power – how much it has, its sources and origins, and its deficits and applications. This article aims to place India's soft power in context of other nations like China and the US, by applying the Soft Power Rubric, a model that harnesses quantitative data on ordinary human interactions – like foreign visitors appearing in local street markets – to understand the relationships among countries. In this examination of India's soft power, the focus is on the activity of ordinary people, not necessarily actions by the government. The Soft Power Rubric centers around understanding in which foreign countries are people attracted to India and, vice versa, which foreign countries attract Indians to go abroad. The sum of this activity paints a picture of cultural affinity and social interaction unlike any other analysis of soft power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an adaptive enrichment approach to test an active factor, which is a factor whose effect is non-zero in at least one subpopulation. We implement a two-stage play-the-winner design where all subjects in the second stage are enrolled from the subpopulation that has the highest observed effect in the first stage. We recommend a weighted Fisher's combination of the most powerful test for each stage, respectively: the first stage Hotelling's test and the second stage noncentral chi-square test. The test is further extended to cover binary outcomes and time-to-event outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photocatalytic antimicrobial activities of B and Ce co-doped TiO2nanomaterials calcinated at different temperatures under visible-light illumination were investigated. B/Ce–TiO2nanomaterials were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-Vis absorption spectrum (DRS) Photocatalytic antimicrobial activities of the nanomaterials were determined by the inhibition zone and shaking-flask method againstEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureus. Results show that the phase of B/Ce–TiO2could be transformed from amorphous to anatase and then to rutile by increasing the calcination temperature. At lower calcination temperature, B/Ce–TiO2nanomaterials exhibit smaller crystal size and higher specific surface area. The present forms of B ions were a substitution B occupying O sites, interstitial B atoms and B–O–B bonds. Ce3+and Ce4+co-existed in the materials. Results of the antimicrobial experiment under visible-light irradiation show that B/Ce–TiO2nanomaterials exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activities. Ultimately, the action mechanism of B/Ce–TiO2was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, Zn single-doped, Zn/RE (cerium, yttrium), and Zn/B co-doped TiO2nanomaterials were directly synthesized via a sol–gel method. The resulting materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Through the comparative analysis of a variety of materials, the results show Zn/RE ions co-doping materials can inhibit the crystal transformation of TiO2, while Zn/B ions co-doping materials are just the opposite. The grain size of TiO2can be inhibited when the materials are only at the calcination temperatures of 500 and 600°C due to Zn/RE ions co-doped. When calcination temperature reaches 700°C, the grain grows rapidly, and finally, the grain size of Zn-TiO2and Zn/RE-TiO2materials has no significant difference. Boron ions doping does not significantly change the grain size of Zn-TiO2material. For Zn-TiO2, Zn/Y-TiO2, and Zn/Ce-TiO2materials, Ti atoms exist in +4 valence states; for Zn/B-TiO2materials, Ti atoms exist in the mixed valence state of +3 and +4. Ce3+and Ce4+ions that reside in the Zn-Ce/TiO2. Boron atoms are partially embedded into the interstitial TiO2structure or incorporated into the TiO2lattice through occupying the position of the oxygen atoms. The studies on the antibacterial results demonstrate that co-doped TiO2nanomaterials exhibit more excellent antibacterial activities than Zn-doped TiO2nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic cleaning with organic solvent, heat treatment in nitrogen atmosphere and their combined process are performed to purify the SiC particles. SiCp/Al composites containing vol. 55-57% SiCp purified by the combined process are fabricated by pressureless infiltration. The results showed that the SiCp/Al composites fabricated with SiCp purified by the combined process possess smooth and clean interface without interface reaction products. The prepared composites exhibit an excellent thermal conductivity (252 W m−1 K−1), a high elastic modulus (238.01 ± 5.6 GPa) as well as a high tensile strength (432.32 ± 18.82 MPa). The proposed combined process demonstrates a better purification effect than the other two methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data hiding in a cover image can be used to assist in secure message communication on the Internet. In this paper, we proposed a hybrid data hiding scheme that is a combination of least significant bit substitution (LSB), exploiting modification direction (EMD) and modification of prediction errors (MPE). The aim is to maintain a balance between embedding quality and embedding capacity where high payload is the motive. The image is first embedded by EMD, or LSB followed by EMD only if the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) is greater or equal T1 dB (45 dB). The remainder payload will be embedded by recursive MPE until the PSNR of the stego-image reaches T2 dB (35 dB). Experimental results showed that the proposed scheme has a higher embedding capacity while maintaining high visual quality of the stego-image than any of the individual method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the lack of validated assessment tools for motives of non-suicidal self-injury behaviors in the Chinese contexts, this study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation (C-FASM). A total of 345 secondary school students (mean age = 11.41 years), who reported non-suicidal self-injury in the past year, voluntarily participated in the questionnaire survey. Confirmatory factor analysis results supported a second-order model of 4 motivational factors. The overall scale scores had significant correlations with depression, anxiety, impulsiveness, self-esteem, social support, and suicidal ideation. The internal consistency of the scale was also satisfactory. The C-FASM is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing non-suicidal self-injury among nonclinical Chinese adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Little is known about the experience of women of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in relation to breast reconstruction following mastectomy as treatment for their breast cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the factors that influenced Vietnamese- and English-speaking women's decisions about breast reconstruction post-mastectomy for their breast cancer, in Australia. Design: The participants in this study comprised of Vietnamese-speaking women of Vietnamese heritage, and English-speaking women from mixed ethnicities (Vietnamese included). In this qualitative study, Vietnamese-speaking and English-speaking women who had breast cancer treated by mastectomy with or without breast reconstruction participated in in-depth interviews. Interviews were undertaken in the woman's chosen language (Vietnamese or English), audio-recorded, transcribed/translated and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Fourteen Vietnamese-speaking and 13 English-speaking patients were recruited. Participants identified age, lack of information, concerns regarding surgical procedure, fears about complications and cancer recurrence as barriers to breast reconstruction. Many more Vietnamese-speaking participants identified lack of information about breast reconstruction as a barrier compared to English-speaking participants. Both groups described the ability to wear clothing of their choice, partner influence, and the need to feel 'normal' as facilitators to having breast reconstruction. Vietnamese-speaking participants in particular identified doctor recommendation of breast reconstruction as a major facilitator. Conclusion: Lack of information about reconstruction was a persistent theme, though it was identified by more Vietnamese women as a barrier to having breast reconstruction. The results reinforce the importance of doctors' recommendations in helping particularly the Vietnamese women make an informed decision about reconstruction following mastectomy as treatment for their breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined low-altitude radio refractivity estimation model based on sea clutters from multiple shipboard radar systems is introduced. In this estimation model, a new adaptive objective function used to calculate the match between the modeled clutter and observed clutter is employed to utilize the clutter characteristics more appropriately. Taking the evaporation duct height estimation for an example, statistics of the inversion results of the combined estimation model are shown and compared with that of a single radar retrieved results. The validation and discussion of the advantages of this model are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the definition of free class of differential modules over a commutative ring in [1], we define DG free class for semifree DG modules over an Adams connected DG algebra A. For any DG A-modules M, we define its cone length as the least DG free classes of all semifree resolutions of M. The cone length of a DG A-module plays a similar role as projective dimension of a module over a ring does in homological ring theory. The left (resp., right) global dimension of an Adams connected DG algebra A is defined as the supremum of the set of cone lengths of all DG A-modules (resp., Aop-modules). It is proved that the definition is a generalization of that of graded algebras. Some relations between the global dimension of H(A) and the left (resp. right) global dimension of A are discovered. When A is homologically smooth, we prove that the left (right) global dimension of A is finite and the dimension of D(A) and Dc(A) are not bigger than the DG free class of a minimal semifree resolution X of the DG Ae-module A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact dual-band bandpass filter is proposed using asymmetrical dual stepped-impedance stub-loaded open-loop resonators, where additional transmission zeros are introduced so as to improve its upper rejection. Its mode characteristics and generation of its transmission zeros are analyzed theoretically. In such a filter, double resonators have different configurations, with their individual transmission zeros generated at different frequencies. It is demonstrated that the realized filter has good performance in frequency selectivity and spurious suppression. Also, good agreement is obtained between its simulated and measured S-parameters. Its -20 dB upper stopband is improved up to 2.57 times of the first central frequency, which is much better than its previous dual-band counterparts with small frequency ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scattering characteristics for charged multisphere structure illuminated by a plane wave/a Gaussian beam are studied on the basis of generalized Lorenz-Mie theory. The incident, internal and scattered fields for each sphere in an arbitrarily incident Gaussian beam are expressed in terms of vector spherical wave functions (VSWFS) expansion form. Making use of the vector addition theorem of VSWFS, the scattering coefficients of total scattered fields for charged multisphere structure are deduced in detail. Taking charged carbon particles and water droplets for examples, numerical results of scattering intensity for different quantities of electric charge are shown and compared with uncharged case. A discussion of the effect of beam parameters on scattering intensity is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese people are consistently reported to be less likely to commit to posthumous organ donation than the Westerners. This study aims at investigating how death anxiety may hinder them from expressing their willingness to donate organs. Among 290 Hong Kong Chinese adults (age ≥ 25 years), a higher level of death anxiety was associated with a greater expectation of medical neglect and a lower level of self-efficacy. Moreover, a higher level of death anxiety was also correlated with a lower likelihood of donor card signing and discussion of organ donation. The results of regression analyses suggested a mediating role of self-efficacy on the relationship between death anxiety and these behaviors. That is, death anxiety, by lowering one's perceived self-efficacy, reduces his/her likelihood to sign the donor card or to tell his/her donation decision. Findings suggest that death education program should be included in promotion campaigns for Chinese adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Boltzmann function and the generalized Ohm's law, the influence of charging on dielectric constant and electric conductivity are analyzed. Formulas of the dielectric constant and electric conductivity of dust plasma, which are applied to high frequency electromagnetic (EM) wave, are obtained. With the relative formulas and propagation characteristics in isotropic medium, the reflection coefficient of polar mesosphere where PMSE phenomena is observed is presented by using ECT02 experimental data. The relation between the characteristics of dust plasma in mesosphere and altitude is discussed, and the reflection profile changing with altitude is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strain distribution measurements and problematic crack detection are important issues in the damage detection and performance evaluation of concrete, or reinforced concrete, structures. In recent years, the Brillouin Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (BOTDR) based optical fibre sensing technique has attracted great attention as a distributed monitoring method. Current BOTDR instruments are suitable for strain measurements over a certain distance (termed spatial resolution), but damage such as cracks in concrete structures are local. It is crucial to find an effective method to detect local damage in concrete. In this study, two basic optical fibre installation methods, overall bonding (OB) installation and point fixation (PF) installation, are proposed. Then, several unique installation methods (one-round, one-round superposition and two-round superposition) are proposed and investigated experimentally for a reinforced concrete bending beam. The efficiency of the proposed installation methods and the effect of the length of the sensing region on the measurement accuracy are also discussed. Experimental results show that the n-round superposition installation method can effectively and correctly detect the total crack width within a relatively local region. The performance of the overall bonding and point fixation installation methods with different sensing region lengths, or gauge lengths, for local crack initiation and total crack width measurement is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence irradiance of sunlight radiation is connected with scattering luminance of the object by the bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF), combining the geometry modeling and the orbit theory, the scattering radiation of space dynamic objects are calculated at different observation stations and different time. The sunlight irradiance and background radiations at different time are calculated with Modtran code. The affections of different observation stations for object light scattering characters are discussed. Also the space correlations are discussed. And the best observation time and location can be obtained by analyzing the condition of visibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we study various homological invariants of differential graded (DG for short) modules over a connected DG algebra following Frankild-Jørgensen. Two different versions of homological dimensions (resolutional and functorial) are defined. In some cases, they are proved to be simply the bound of the cohomology of the DG module. Some homological identities, such as Auslander-Buchsbaum formula and Bass formula, are proved for compact DG modules over a connected DG algebra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Huygens-Fresnel principle, the spreading radius and angle of beams are obtained with different height of drone on the slant path. The Mellin transform technique is applied to the wander effects of the collimating laser beam propagation in atmospheric turbulence on the slant path with different heights of drone and different outer-scales of turbulence. And apply the ITUR turbulence structure constant model which is altitude dependent to calculate the beam spreading and wander variance. The conclusions indicate that beam spreading and wander on the slant path depend on incident wave length, the height of drone and initial beam radius. And the effect of the atmospheric turbulence to laser beam propagation on the slant path is smaller than which is on the horizontal path. Because the drone is higher; the intensity of the turbulence is weaker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of hydrogen levels on microstructure of porosity and mechanical properties of magnesium alloy castings were investigated. The hydrogen content of AZ91 alloy melt under Ar+HFC-134a mixed gas protection was 103 cm3 kg-1, which was less than that of 139 cm3 kg-1 under flux protection, therefore the effect of gas protection was better. The porosity ratio in microstructure of castings melted under gas protection was 18%, which was also less than that of 26% under flux protection. The hydrogen content of melt under flux protection and degassed with Ar gas was 70 cm3 kg-1, and the corresponding porosity ratio in microstructure of castings was only 06%. The density of the samples was increased with decreasing hydrogen content. The tensile strength of AZ91 alloy casting sample under flux protection and degassed with Ar gas was 21% higher than that of undegassed one, and the elongation was also 50% higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bayesian estimation and prediction problems for the linear hazard rate distribution under general progressively Type-II censored samples are considered in this article. The conventional Bayesian framework as well as the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method to generate the Bayesian conditional probabilities of interest are discussed. Sensitivity of the prior for the model is also examined. The flood data on Fox River, Wisconsin, from 1918 to 1950, are used to illustrate all the methods of inference discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs) of the parameters of the log-gamma distribution based on progressively Type-II censored samples. We use the profile likelihood approach to tackle the problem of the estimation of the shape parameter κ. We derive approximate maximum likelihood estimators of the parameters μ and σ and use them as initial values in the determination of the MLEs through the Newton–Raphson method. Next, we discuss the EM algorithm and propose a modified EM algorithm for the determination of the MLEs. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate the bias and mean square error of these estimators and examine their behavior as the progressive censoring scheme and the shape parameter vary. We also discuss the interval estimation of the parameters μ and σ and show that the intervals based on the asymptotic normality of MLEs have very poor probability coverages for small values of m . Finally, we present two examples to illustrate all the methods of inference discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the properties of various knockout tournament designs and presents theoretical results. Potential playoff schemes for Division I-A football are examined via simulation studies. Several metrics are used to assess the relative merits of playoff scenarios, which differ in number, selection, and seeding of playoff teams. Most suggest that college football would benefit from a limited playoff system. Interestingly, for the class of playoff systems examined, the number of teams influences the performance far more than does the seeding procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural best management practices (BMPs) are often used to mitigate the impact of storm water runoff on receiving waters. Vegetative filter strips (VFS) are an example of a structural BMP that has been used to treat storm water and highway runoff. Physical factors affecting the performance of VFS include pollutant characteristics, vegetation composition and density, soil properties, and the physical dimensions of the filter strip. In this study, field-suspended sediment data were collected from an experimental VFS treating highway runoff in eastern North Carolina. Field data were used to test the design concepts of the VFS treatment train and to validate a simulation model for evaluating the impact of these physical factors on sediment removal as a function of filter strip length. It was concluded that the experimental filter strip was effective in removing more than 85% of the incoming total suspended sediment (TSS). Simulation results support field observations that a 10-m or longer filter strip can retain most of the medium and large particles (> 8 µ m) transported in runoff. Simulations also indicate infiltration loss is largely responsible for the retention of small-size sediment particles ( [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a report of a 70-year-old man with malignant phyllodes tumor of prostate. The retropubic prostatectomy was done. The stroma of the tumor was cellular and composed of elongated cells with spindle shaped nuclei and fragmented bizarre giant cells. After recovery from surgery, prophylatic radiotherapy was given over 2 months. A case report of a patient treated at our medical center and a review of the literature was done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scandal in the 2002 Winter Olympic figure skating judging forced the International Skating Union (ISU) to address the vulnerability of the current nine-judge placement rule. The ISU proposed a stricter ethics code for the judges and changes to the decision rule. Unfortunately, the new decision rule is no better than the previous rule in countering manipulation. In this article, we construct an alternative rule and show that, under reasonable assumptions, our rule is more robust against manipulation than existing rules. When other properties such as Condorcet efficiency, frequency of ties, and violation of monotonicity are compared, our rule is also more desirable. In addition, a commonly used rank sum rule is examined and shown to be even worse than the other rules. These results are applicable to any decision rule based on the relative ranks of proposals or contestants. KEY WORDS: Median rank placement; Rank sum decision rule; Voting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parallel implementation of the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method on memory-distributed machines using unstructured mesh is reported. Physical domain decomposition is used to distribute the workload among multiple processors. A high-speed driven cavity flow is used as the benchmark problem for the validation of the parallel implementation. Three static partitioning techniques including simple coordinate partitioning, two-step partitioning (JOSTLE) and multi-level partitioning (METIS) are used for static domain decomposition, respectively. A cell renumbering technique is used to improve the memory management efficiency. Results of parallel efficiency show that two-step partitioning using JOSTLE performs the best, with 63% up to 25 processors, due to better load balancing among the processors. The powerful computational capability of the parallel implementation is demonstrated by computing a 2-D, near-continuum, hypersonic flow over a cylinder as well as a 3-D hypersonic flow over a sphere, respectively, both using 25 processors. Results compare reasonably well with previous simulated and experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies hazard rate estimation by non-linear wavelet methods in the setting of the counting process intensity model. An asymptotic formula for the mean integrated squared error (MISE) is provided. In addition, we show that the same MISE convergence result holds for hazard rates which are only piecewise smooth, in contrast to the analogous situation for kernel smoothing. Local properties, including consistency and asymptotic normality, are also established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microstructure modifications induced by sliding a WC-Co indenter in scratch tests on the surface of a single-phase Al-Cu-Fe icosahedral quasicrystal (IQC) was studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The scratch track was shown to consist of many smaller tracks. Dislocations were discovered to emerge from the edges of the smaller scratch tracks. Along a small track where the shear stress is concentrated, a phase transition from an IQC to a bcc phase with lattice parameter a = 0.29 nm was found to occur. A modulated quasicrystal state as well as a deformation twin of IQC were determined in the region beneath the scratch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) was introduced in China more than 60 years ago and has grown continuously since then. Now China leads the first of the world in number of patients on PD. In this manuscript a brief review of the history of peritoneal dialysis in China is presented; this includes a description of pioneers and their important contributions, discussion of peritoneal dialysate, the technique of the use of Tenckhoff catheter, the use of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and dialysis registration. Current ongoing PD research activities among Chinese PD academicians are also discussed. Finally, we present four areas of future focus: 1) the promotion of PD in rural areas where PD use is still very limited due to the lack of PD awareness and education; 2) PD quality management and continuous quality improvement (CQI) program particularly focusing on PD adequacy and patient rehabilitation; 3) development and enforcement of national standards on PD management; 4) multi-center studies to compare the benefits of PD and hemodialysis (HD) that should include survival, rehabilitation and cost-effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of high resolution electron microscopy (HREM), the orthorhombic (2/1,1/1) approximant (a = 2.04nm, b = 1.25nm and c = 1.48nm) of the decagonal quasicrystal in Ga-Mn and Ga-Fe-Cu-Si alloys was found to consist of a B-centred rectangular tessellation of the 'crown' or 'concave octagon' subunit, a binary tile composed of one thin and three fat Penrose rhombi with an edge length of 0.66nm. Based on the atomic decoration of these Penrose rhombi, a structural model of the crown subunit and that of the Ga-Mn (2/1,1/1) approximant have been put forward. Simulated electron diffraction patterns and HREM images compared favourably with the experimental results. Various periodic tilings of the crown subunit, either alone or intermixed with other binary tiles (hexagon, 72 pentagonal star and/or decagon) were discussed and compared with a number of approximants found experimentally by HREM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crack nucleation due to the pile-ups of extrinsic grain-boundary dislocations around triple junctions is analysed. The analysis is based on a micromechanical model of interactions between the pile-ups and a triple-junction crack, and an approximate energy-based crack nucleation criterion. For a random microstructure of aluminium, the results show that the crack orientation, the crack length and the energy decrease due to crack formation have a rectangular, a skewed and a normal probability density distribution respectively. The effects of the remote loading state, the load magnitude and the mean grain size on the mean and standard deviation of the distributions are also quantified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses parameter expansion and defines a parameter-expanded data augmentation (PX-DA) algorithm. Data transformation and convergence properties; Group structure and Haar prior for the expansion parameter; Numerical example.

Presents switched-mode direct current-direct current converter topologies for high power applications. Method of soft-switching; Reduction of switching losses; Improvement in efficiency.

In order to investigate the effect of sulfate in metatitanic acid on crystal transition and crystal growth of TiO2 during the calcination of metatitanic acid from sulfate process, ammonia was used to remove sulfate in metatitanic acid in this study. TG-DTA, XRD and SEM were used to analyse the crystal phase transition and crystal morphologies. Experiments showed that removal of sulfate will be beneficial to crystal transition and growth. In calcination of desulfurized metatitanic acid, both the solid-state crystallization and the phase transition from anatase to rutile have been advanced by 50°C as compared to the control samples without desulfurization treatment. Moreover, the temperature can be reduced by 60°C to achieve the same rutile conversion rate of 97.6%, and the particle size can be reduced by 70 nm. The reduction in calcination temperature greatly alleviates the sintering tendency of TiO2 and aid to produce TiO2 crystals of even size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the guidance of the Cockcroft–Latham damage theory, an integrated approach involving hot compression tests, numerical simulations and mathematic computations provides support to construct ductile fracture criteria diagram along with deformation conditions for Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al alloy. A series of compressions with a fixed height reduction of 60% were performed in a temperature range of 675–850°C and a strain rate range of 0.01–10 s-1 on a Gleeble3500 thermo-mechanical simulator. According to the strain-stress data collected from compressions, the ductile damage accumulation processes along with strain under different temperatures and strain rates were solved by finite element method, and then each accumulation process was clarified as uncracked and cracked stages by an indicator, sensitive rate of Cockcroft–Latham damage in plastic deformation. The results show that the maximum damage value appears in the region of upsetting drum, while the minimal value appears in the middle region. A varying ductile fracture criteria (VDFC) is described as a function of temperature and strain rate, and its value changes from 0.1096 to 0.2033 at temperature 675–850 °C and strain rate 0.01–10 s-1. In bulk forming operations of Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al alloy, the VDFC can help technicians to choose suitable process parameters and avoid the occurrence of fracture. It is very significant to guide the practical production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: QAQ (quaternary ammonium-azobenzene-quaternary ammonium) and DENAQ (diethylamine-azobenzene-quaternary ammonium) are synthetic photoswitch compounds that change conformation in response to light, altering current flow through voltage-gated ion channels in neurons. These compounds are drug candidates for restoring light sensitivity in degenerative blinding diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Purpose: However, these photoswitch compounds are cleared from the eye within several days, they must be administered through repeated intravitreal injections. Therefore, we are investigating local, sustained delivery formulations to constantly replenish these molecules and have the potential to restore sight. Methods: Here, we encapsulate QAQ and DENAQ into several molecular weights of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) through an emulsion technique to assess the viability of delivering the compounds in their therapeutic window over many weeks. We characterize the loading efficiency, release profile and bioactivity of the compounds after encapsulation. Results: A very small burst release was observed for all of the formulations with the majority being delivered over the following two months. The lowest molecular weight PLGA led to the highest loading and most linear delivery for both QAQ and DENAQ. Bioactivity was retained for both compounds across the polymers. Conclusion: These results present encapsulation into polymers by emulsion as a viable option for controlled release of QAQ and DENAQ. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Varied findings exist concerning the relationship between global tic severity, impairment, and quality of life for youth with chronic tic disorders (TD). As global tic severity is comprised of multiple dimensions, specific dimensional aspects (e.g., tic severity type, tic number, tic frequency, tic intensity, tic complexity, tic interference) may impact impairment and quality of life by varying degrees. Twenty-four youth with TD completed an assessment of global tic severity, tic-related impairment, and quality of life. Findings suggest that motor tic severity significantly predicted clinician-rated impairment. Tic number, tic complexity, and tic interference significantly predicted parent-rated impairment. No dimensional aspects of tic severity predicted child-rated quality of life. Findings highlight that dimensional aspects of tic severity impact tic-related impairment distinctively. Clinical implications of these results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A new type of rat-race coupler, based on electromagnetic bandgap (EBG)-loaded half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) and composite right/left-handed (CRLH) HMSIW, has been proposed and investigated comprehensively. It consists of three sections of EBG-loaded HMSIWs with 90° phase delay and one section of CRLH HMSIW with −90° phase advance. Due to the evanescent-mode of EBG-loaded HMSIW and the backward behavior of the CRLH HMSIW in the left-handed region, the size of such a miniaturized rat-race coupler is reduced about 65.7% in comparison with its conventional counterpart. The rat-race coupler with the central frequency of 5.5 GHz has been designed and fabricated so as to validate our method, and its good performance is demonstrated by both simulated and measured results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The patient population for a phase II clinical trial sometimes consists of multiple subgroups categorized by different prognostic factors such as age, disease stage, etc. Response rates across such subgroups often are heterogeneous; that is, the therapy under study may be inefficacious in some groups but efficacious in others. In this article, we propose a two-stage testing procedure consisting of futility tests and efficacy tests. The futility test is performed first within each subgroup. If there is strong evidence that the therapy is inefficacious in some subgroups, these subgroups are excluded from further consideration. The test then is performed across only the remaining subgroups. We carefully define and compute the Type I error rate and powers under various alternative hypotheses. Our numerical studies show that with proper designs, the addition of futility tests causes little loss of power under the alternative hypothesis that the study therapy is efficacious in all subgroups. Simultaneously, the proposed testing procedure detects inefficacious subgroups with a moderate or high probability when true response rates in these subgroups are low. Finally, we present an application to a Children's Oncology Group phase II clinical trial in relapsed neuroblastoma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we apply the simulated annealing algorithm to determine optimally spaced inspection times for the two-parameter Weibull distribution for any given progressive Type-I grouped censoring plan. We examine how the asymptotic relative efficiencies of the estimates are affected by the position of the monitoring points and the number of monitoring points used. A comparison of different inspection plans is made that will enable the user to select a plan for a specified quality goal. Using the same algorithm, we can also determine an optimal progressive Type-I grouped censoring plan when the inspection times and the expected proportions of total failures in the experiment are pre-fixed. Finally, we discuss the sample size and the acceptance constant of the progressively Type-I grouped censored reliability sampling plan when the optimal inspection times are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An MRTD/FDTD hybrid method, according to the shifted interpolation property of Daubechies' scaling function, is employed to analyze scattering of objects above the ground, and the wave on connecting boundary is realized through three-wave technique. The far-fields are computed using reciprocity theorem instead of the complicated Sommerfeld theory, and results are in good agreement with BOR-MoM and FDTD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tensile strength of a metallic bicrystalline nanofilm containing a wedge disclination in the middle of a grain boundary (GB) terminating at the film surfaces was studied via atomistic simulations. The results show that an increase in the disclination power strengthens the film, which is contrary to intuition, if a crack initiates at one end of the terminated GB, whereas it weakens the film if a crack initiates at the disclination core. Both the strengthening and weakening demonstrate a size effect for film thickness in the range 10-20 nm, and are also significantly influenced by the GB misorientation. It is further shown that the strength can be increased to ∼80% of the theoretical strength of a defect-free film by introducing a disclination of moderate power in the GB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To examine the relationship between driving status and demographics, health status, functional status, and mental and psychosocial status. Methods. The Consumer Assessment Study Interview Battery (CASIB), administered to 697 community dwelling men and women aged 60 to 106, included instruments to measure health, functional status, and mental and psychosocial status. These variables were compared for three groups based on driving status: those still driving, those who had ceased driving, and those who had never driven. Results. Differences among the three groups were found for age, race, gender, income, education level, home ownership, and living situation. Differences among the three groups were found for many measures of health status and all measures of functional, mental, and psychosocial status. Conclusions. Declines in health, functional ability, and cognition are associated with driving cessation. Availability of alternative forms of transportation, whether supplied by the community, friends, of family, may mitigate additional declines in health, function, and psychosocial status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porosity was found in the local area of high volume fraction SiCp/Al composites fabricated by pressureless infiltration at times, which seriously affects the performance and results in waste of resources. In this paper, the microscopic feature and the phase composition of the porosity area in the composites were studied by scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The formation of new phases on the surface of SiC particles extracted from the composites with porosity by using chemical dissolution method was investigated by scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The effect of porosity on the mechanical property of composites was investigated by three-point-bending tests. The results showed that the pores existing among the gaps of SiC particles in the porosity area were in different sizes and shapes. Additionally, the aluminium oxides in different states formed on SiC particles surface in the porosity area without infiltration by aluminium. The porosity degrades the composites mechanical performance. The formation mechanism of porosity in the composites was discussed to provide the view for avoiding the porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel dietary assessment methods are needed to study chronic disease risk in agrarian cultures where food availability is highly seasonal. In 16,320 rural Nepalese women, we tested a novel food frequency questionnaire, administered once, to assess past 7-day intake and usual frequency of intake throughout the year for year-round foods and when in season for seasonal foods. Spearman rank correlations between usual and past 7-day intakes were 0.12–0.85 and weighted kappa statistics, representing chance-corrected agreement, were 0.10–0.80, with better agreement for frequently consumed foods. The questionnaire performed well, but may require refinement for settings of extremely low dietary diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deteriorating air quality in eastern China including the Yangtze River Delta is attracting growing public concern. In this study, we measured the ambient PM10and fine PM2.5in the mega-city, Nanjing at four different times. The 24-h average PM2.5and PM10mass concentrations were 0.033–0.234 and 0.042–0.328 mg/m3, respectively. The daily PM10and PM2.5concentrations were 2.9 (2.7–3.2, at 95% confidence interval) and 4.2 (3.8–4.6) times the WHO air quality guidelines of 0.025 mg/m3for PM2.5and 0.050 mg/m3for PM10, respectively, which indicated serious air pollution in the city. There was no obvious weekend effect. The highest PM10pollution occurred in the wintertime, with higher PM2.5loadings in the winter and summer. PM2.5was correlated significantly with PM10and the average mass fraction of PM2.5in PM10was about 72.5%. This fraction varied during different sampling periods, with the lowest PM2.5fraction in the spring but minor differences among the other three seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 3646 persons, 15 to 23 years of age, in the southern plains District of Sarlahi, Nepal, to assess the prevalence and severity of hearing loss and middle-ear dysfunction, and adverse effects of hearing loss on social integration. Between 2006 and 2008, subjects were enumerated and underwent otoscopic, tympanometric, and audiometric evaluations at central sites in villages. Hearing loss was diagnosed in subjects who failed a hearing screening and exhibited an average air conduction threshold value greater than or equal to 30 dBHL in the worse ear. Clinically, 32.8% of subjects exhibited a dull or retracted tympanic membrane, and 18% had abnormal tympanometry. Nearly 12% failed the hearing screening test, among whom more than half, or 6.1% overall, had hearing loss. Hearing-impaired subjects were six- to eight-fold (ORs, with 95% CIs excluding 1.0) more likely to report problems in hearing usual sounds or communicating with other people. Among young adults living in southern Nepal, hearing loss is common, and associated with social disability. Sumario Se realizó una investigación transversal en 3646 personas de 15 a 23 años de edad en las llanuras del Distrito de Sarlahi, en el Sur del Nepal, para evaluar la prevalencia y severidad de la hipoacusia y de la disfunción del oído medio y los efectos adversos de la pérdida auditiva en la integración social. Entre 2006 y 2008 se incluyeron los sujetos y se evaluaron otoscópica, timpanométrica y audiométricamente en zonas centrales de los poblados. Se diagnosticó hipoacusia a quienes fallaron el tamiz auditivo y mostraron una vía aérea con promedio de umbrales mayor a 30 dBHL en el oído peor. Clínicamente, el 32.8% tenían membrana timpánica opaca o retraída y 18%, timpanometría anormal. Cerca del 12% fallaron en el tamiz auditivo y de ellos, más de la mitad, globalmente el 6.1%, tenían hipoacusia. Estos sujetos fueron 6 a 8 veces (ORs 95% excluyendo 1.0 CIs) mayor probabilidad de reportar problemas para escuchar sonidos comunes o para comunicarse con otras personas. Entre los adultos jóvenes que viven en el sur de Nepal, la hipoacusia es común y se asocia a discapacidad social. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]