cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Historical backcasting of metal concentrations in the Chattahoochee River, Georgia : Population growth and environmental policy

Abstract The impact of increasing urbanization on the quality of a river system has been investigated by examining the current concentration of trace metals in the Chattahoochee River south of Atlanta, GA, and comparing these to previously published historical sediment data from reservoirs along the river. The lack of historical data for dissolved metal concentrations prior to ∼1980 requires an approach using these historic metal data from sediment cores. Core data are combined with current suspended load and dissolved metal data to “backcast” dissolved metal concentrations in the metro-Atlanta portion of the Chattahoochee River. The data suggest that the per capita input of dissolved trace metals have actually decreased since the 1920s, but anthropogenic inputs of metal are still a substantial water quality issue.
Correlation model for composite elastic properties using only measurements from a single specimen

Abstract In probabilistic design, composite material properties are often treated as independent random variables since correlation coefficients are not widely available. This is due to the paucity of experiments where correlation is measured. However, high material correlations are expected from common physical characteristics, such as variability in fiber volume fraction. Therefore, the focus of this paper is to translate known variability in composition into a correlation model for elastic constants. The dependence of the elastic constants on fiber volume fraction was estimated from simple mixture rules. The correlated material variability was applied to a glass/epoxy material system. The material variability was combined with the measurement error to obtain the total covariance of the elastic constants. The measurement error for the glass/epoxy laminate was from correlated data from a single vibration testing experiment. In this case of a single test, the variability between specimens was not captured in the measurement error, and the proposed correlation model provides a physical basis for approximating the specimen variability. The uncertainty in elastic properties was propagated to strain under mechanical loading in a pressure vessel problem using the classical lamination theory. The results were interpreted as a failure probability according to the maximum strain criterion. It was found that neglecting correlations can lead to an inefficient or unsafe design.
1200 K compressive properties of N-containing NiAl

As part of a series of experiments to understand the role of N on the strength of NiAl, a heat of NiAl was enriched with N by melting and atomization to powder in a nitrogen atmosphere. Following consolidation of the powder by hot extrusion, 1200 K compressive properties were measured in air. Within the range of strain rates examined, 10(exp -3) to 10(exp -9) s(exp -1), the strength of the N-enriched NiAl was greater than that of a simple 15 micron grain size polycrystalline, binary NiAl alloy. For the most part the overall improvement in strength is ascribed to the fine grain size of the N-doped NiAl rather than the alloy chemistry; however, the alloy displayed a complex behavior exhibiting both weakening effects as well as strengthening ones.
Design of Dispersion Strengthened NiAl

Recent work on the development of mechanically alloyed, dispersion strengthened NiAl is reviewed. The alloy design approach used in our research group to address the shortcomings of monolithic, cast NiAl are outlined. Significant progress has been made in establishing the thermomechanical processing steps necessary to produce a large grain aspect ratio microstructure without substantial dispersoid coarsening. Some new results on the creep resistance of AIN dispersion strengthened NiAl are presented. Finally, possible directions for continued development of this material are discussed.
Phospholipid surfaces regulate the delivery of substrate to tissue factor:VIIa and the removal of product.

Abstract For many years, the essential role of tissue factor (TF) in coagulation and thrombogenesis has been recognized. The catalytic complex of TF and VIIa (TF:VIIa) is membrane-bound whereas its substrate, factor X (FX), is distributed between a phospholipid-bound fraction and one that is in true solution in 3-dimensional space. This complicates analytical solutions for the kinetic mechanisms describing this reaction because dimensionality must be preserved. We believe that, at the time of activation, FX is simultaneously bound to TF:VIIa and the phospholipid surface. The hydrolysis of a peptide bond activates FX and the product, Xa, is yet bound to the catalytic complex in a manner such that it must leave before a new molecule of X encounters the complex. This means that, in principle, the classically defined Vmax does not apply because on a surface, infinite substrate and its attendant infinite collision frequency do not apply. We show that increasing the lipid surface area available to each TF:VIIa increases the apparent k cat and that it approaches a maximum asymptotically, exhibiting a K ½ at a 40 nm lipid radius. Notably, this is of the same order as transient confinement zones that have been identified on the surface of living cells. We believe the increased lipid surface area allows the Xa to easily diffuse away from the enzyme complex along the 2D lipid surface, thereby allowing new substrate to approach the enzyme and minimizing collisions between the product and the enzyme complex (product inhibition). Thus, after Xa leaves the vicinity of the enzyme, a new FX molecule is able to bind TF:VIIa and the rate at which this complex forms cannot exceed the leaving rate of Xa from the TF:VIIa and phospholipid sites. Thus, this parameter is of critical interest. Starting with the off-rate of Xa from appropriate phospholipid surfaces, we note that the literature values differ by a factor of ∼500. Using energy transfer techniques between 30% phosphatidylserine/70% phosphatidylcholine vesicles and human F.Xa, we measured this off rate and found it agrees closely with the Biacore generated data. We have determined the binding parameters of Xa to vesicles and a continuous supported bilayer. Our data are in excellent agreement with the data derived using a lipid coated Biacore chip.
Probability Distributions for Noise Plus Several Sine Waves--The Problem of Computation

The problem of computing the distributions of the envelope and instantaneous value of the sum of several sine waves plus Gaussian noise is reviewed. It is pointed out that the associated integrals can be efficiently evaluated by the trapezoidal rule except when the noise is small. Approximations which hold when the noise is small are given.
Obesity is associated with impaired immune response to influenza vaccination in humans

Obesity is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality from pandemic influenza H1N1. Influenza is a significant public health threat, killing an estimated 250 000–500 000 people worldwide each year. More than one in ten of the world's adult population is obese and more than two-thirds of the US adult population is overweight or obese. No studies have compared humoral or cellular immune responses to influenza vaccination in healthy weight, overweight and obese populations despite clear public health importance. The study employed a convenience sample to determine the antibody response to the 2009–2010 inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) in healthy weight, overweight and obese participants at 1 and 12 months post vaccination. In addition, activation of CD8+ T cells and expression of interferon-γ and granzyme B were measured in influenza-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures. Body mass index (BMI) correlated positively with higher initial fold increase in IgG antibodies detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to TIV, confirmed by HAI antibody in a subset study. However, 12 months post vaccination, higher BMI was associated with a greater decline in influenza antibody titers. PBMCs challenged ex vivo with vaccine strain virus, demonstrated that obese individuals had decreased CD8+ T-cell activation and decreased expression of functional proteins compared with healthy weight individuals. These results suggest obesity may impair the ability to mount a protective immune response to influenza virus.
Soil nutrient content of old-field and agricultural ecosystems exposed to chronic gamma irradiation☆☆☆

Abstract Soil nutrients (extractable P. and NO 3 -N, exchangeable Ca, Mg and K), exchangeable Al, pH and organic matter content were measured over the top six inches of the soils of the seven-year old-field portion and the cultivated portion of the Brookhaven gamma field. Although concentrations of all nutrient elements were higher in the agricultural soil, the distributions of Ca, P, Al, pH and organic matter were similar along the radiation gradient in both fields. There was also a regular reduction in phosphorus with decreasing exposure, but distribution of other elements was not clearly related to radiation effects. The distribution of all elements except K was significantly correlated with pH in the agricultural soil. In the old-field only Ca, Mg and Al showed this relationship. The most conspicuous effects of nearly 25 yr of chronic irradiation of the site were a reduction in soil organic matter content and an increase in soil P in both fields.
Long-term value of endoscopic dilatation for Crohn's strictures.

In this issue of Gut , Thienpont and colleagues1 (see page 320) present one of the largest reported studies to date with the longest follow-up, evaluating the technique of endoscopic balloon dilatation of symptomatic Crohn's disease strictures. The authors should be commended for, first, technically refining this endoscopic technique which is increasingly being used in patients with Crohn's disease and, second, providing this very relevant longer term data that allows an assessment of its safety and success. Without a doubt, balloon dilatation of Crohn's disease strictures is becoming another valuable tool in the armamentarium of the clinician caring for the patient with Crohn's disease. The authors report on 138 patients undergoing 237 dilatations with a mean 5.8-year follow-up. Forty-four per cent of patients required no further therapy during the follow-up period, but 46% required further dilatation and 24% required surgery. The serious complication rate based on patients treated was 12/138 or …
The disintegration of gemeinschaft social structure from energy development: Observations from ranch communities in the western United States

Abstract Some ranch communities have gemeinschaft structures. They are vestigial places in which interaction has a primary form made possible because the population is small, stable and isolated. They are erroneously treated as gesellschaft places. Ranch communities are particularly vulnerable to widespread development which quickly modifies the economic and demographic characteristics and, consequently, their form of interaction. Social Impact Assessment (SIA) often fails to utilize appropriate techniques and theory to study ranchland communities. Ethnographic description of the impacts upon gemeinschaft social structure is one method of documenting disintegration. Classic social theory remains applicable in such locations.
Behavioral contributions to pharmacotherapy: The utility of behavioral methodology in medication treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

The advantages of combining behavioral and psychopharmacological methodologies in the study and treatment of psychopathology are reviewed by focusing on a specific childhood disorder (i.e., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD) where this treatment combination has received much attention. The contributions of behavioral assessment techniques in evaluating children's medication response are delineated. Further, treatment approaches combining stimulant medications and behavior modification have been found superior for some children with ADHD. The dose or strength of each of these treatments must be varied in a systematic fashion for each child to obtain a comprehensive picture of response to this treatment combination. Finally, the use of medication and behavioral observation methods to dissect social interactions is illustrated. The utility of behavioral approaches to assessment and intervention in providing medication to children with ADHD can be used to guide research and applied efforts for combining these interventions in other clinical populations.
Measured and Predicted Static Friction for Real Rough Surfaces in Point Contact

A numerical model to predict static friction for metallic point contacts was developedand validated by comparison to experimental measurements using a specially designedtest rig. Key aspects of the numerical model were the incorporation of a digitizedreal rough surface proﬁle, application of discrete convolution fast Fourier transform(DC-FFT) to predict local asperity interference, and modiﬁcation of the yield strength tocapture the effect of cold hardening. It was found that these model features are criticallyimportant to quantitative prediction of static friction. The model signiﬁcantly underesti-mated the static friction coefﬁcient if randomly generated surfaces having statistical pa-rameters the same as the measured rough surface were used; digitized real roughsurfaces enabled accurate predictions. Further, the model was able to describe the staticfriction of worn surfaces after cold hardening was introduced through modiﬁcation ofmaterial yield strength. This work illustrates the importance of incorporating the surfacefeatures and the change of those features with wear to accurately and reliably predictstatic friction. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4006917]
Social Mobility and Attitude Toward the Political System

Three theories about the effect of social mobility on attitude toward the political system are examined: cognitive dissonance theory, tension theory, and acculturation theory. Various measures of "attitude toward the system" that have been employed within these three theoretical contexts are discussed, and the appropriateness of political and personal efficacy scales is suggested. Using these scales to tap "attitude toward the system," the relative efficiency of the three theories is assessed by fitting a dummy variable, additive regression model of origin and destination status effects to data obtained from a 1968 national survey. Mean efficacy scores predicted by the additive model are found to represent actual mean scores closely, resulting in the rejection of the cognitive dissonance and tension theories which predict different forms of interaction. The mobility process itself has no unique effects on political or personal efficacy: rather, the mean efficacy of the mobile lies between that of origin and destination statuses, suggesting
An evaluation of computer codes for simulating the Galileo Probe aerothermal entry environment

The approaches of three computer flow field codes (HYVIS, COLTS, and RASLE), used to determine the Galileo Probe aerothermal environment and its effect on the design of the thermal protection system, are analyzed in order to resolve differences in their predicted results. All three codes account for the hypersonic, massively blown, radiation shock layers, characteristic of Jupiter entry. Significant differences, however, are evident in their solution procedures: the governing conservation equations, the numerical differencing methods, the governing physics (chemical, radiation, diffusion, and turbulence models), and the basic physical data (thermodynamic, transport, chemical, and spectral properties for atomic and molecular species). Solutions are compared for two near peak heating entry conditions for a Galileo Probe baseline configuration, having an initial mass of 242 kg and simulating entry into the Orton nominal atmosphere. The modern numerical methodology of COLTS and RASLE appear to provide an improved capability for coupled flow-field solutions.
Kinetic Discrimination in Recognition of DNA Quadruplex Targets by Guanine-Rich Heteroquadruplex-Forming PNA Probes

Guanine-rich peptide nucleic acid probes hybridize to DNA G quadruplex targets with high affinity, forming PNA–DNA heteroquadruplexes. We report a surprising degree of kinetic discrimination for PNA heteroquadruplex formation with a series of DNA targets. The fastest hybridization is observed for targets folded into parallel morphologies.
SU-D-BRE-06: Modeling the Dosimetric Effects of Volumetric and Layer-Based Repainting Strategies in Spot Scanning Proton Treatment Plans

Purpose: To compare multiple repainting techniques as strategies for mitigating the interplay effect in free-breathing, spot scanning proton plans. Methods: An analytic routine modeled three-dimensional dose distributions of pencil-beam proton plans delivered to a moving target. The interplay effect was studied in subsequent calculations by modeling proton delivery from a clinical synchrotron based spot scanning system and respiratory target motion, patterned from surrogate breathing traces from clinical 4DCT scans and normalized to nominal 0.5 and 1 cm amplitudes. Two distinct repainting strategies were modeled. In idealized volumetric repainting, the plan is divided up and delivered multiple times successively, with each instance only delivering a fraction of the total MU. Maximum-MU repainting involves delivering a fixed number of MU per spot and repeating a given energy layer until the prescribed MU are reached. For each of 13 patient breathing traces, the dose was computed for up to four volumetric repaints and an array of maximum-MU values. Delivery strategies were inter-compared based on target coverage, dose homogeneity, and delivery time. Results: Increasing levels of repainting generally improved plan quality and reduced dosimetric variability at the expense of longer delivery time. Motion orthogonal to the scan direction yielded substantially greater dose deviations than motion parallel to the scan direction. For a fixed delivery time, maximum-MU repainting was most effective relative to idealized volumetric repainting at small maximum-MU values. For 1 cm amplitude motion orthogonal to the scan direction, the average homogeneity metric (D5 – D95)[%] of 23.4% was reduced to 7.6% with a 168 s delivery using volumetric repainting compared with 8.7% in 157.2 s for maximum-MU repainting. The associated static target homogeneity metric was 2.5%. Conclusion: Maximum-MU repainting can provide a reasonably effective alternative to volumetric repainting for systems without the capability to switch energies rapidly.
John MacWilliam, evolutionary biology and sudden cardiac death

Abstract Sudden death is frequently of cardiac origin, and its most common electrophysiologic mechanism is ventricular fibrillation. The concept that sudden death in human beings is due to ventricular fibrillation was first proposed by MacWilliam exactly 100 years ago, well before the electrocardiogram was invented. To conduct his experimental work, MacWilliam devised methods that laid the foundations for modern cardiac research and that provided the first comprehensive approach to successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. He recognized the role of the autonomic nervous system in modulating both the mechanical and the electrical properties of the heart, and was the first to suggest that this effect had a role in the genesis of sudden death. On the centennial of his theory of sudden death, MacWilliam's concepts are reviewed in the context of the effect of Darwinian influence on British physiology. It is suggested that his theorem was based on both sound experimental data and comparative physiology, drawing on the new evolutionary principle of similar structure and function in the hearts of various species. MacWilliam's basic physiologic concepts have survived intact for a century, greatly influencing more than three generations of research and practice in clinical cardiology.
Elements of a neural stem cell niche derived from embryonic stem cells.

Recent studies show that adult neural tissues can harbor stem cells within unique niches. In the mammalian central nervous system, neural stem cell (NSC) niches have been identified in the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone (SVZ). Stem cells in the well-characterized SVZ exist in a microenvironment established by surrounding cells and tissue components, including transit-amplifying cells, neuroblasts, ependymal cells, blood vessels, and a basal lamina. Within this microenvironment, stem cell properties, including proliferation and differentiation, are maintained. Current NSC culture techniques often include the addition of molecular components found within the in vivo niche, such as mitogenic growth factors. Some protocols use bio-scaffolds to mimic the physical growth environment of living tissue. We describe a novel NSC culture system, derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells, that displays elements of an NSC niche in the absence of exogenously applied mitogens or complex physical scaffolding. Mous...
Robotic-assisted oropharyngeal reconstruction

The development of robotic surgery has brought new levels of precision and control to minimally invasive surgical techniques. Its effectiveness, well established in urologic and gynecologic surgery applications, has also been demonstrated in cardiac, endocrine and general surgery. Recently, trans-oral robotic approaches to oropharyngeal tumor resection have been reported and, by eliminating the need for morbid lip and mandible splitting approaches, trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) has allowed a re-assessment of surgical options for early stage tumors which have until recently been treated primarily with chemoradiation. The application of the TORS approach to malignant and non-malignant conditions affecting the oropharynx has created the need to develop robotic-assisted methods of managing the resultant tissue defects and to assess and compare the effectiveness of these procedures. This report details our early experience with the use of robotic surgery for management of soft tissue defects of the oropharynx in 12 patients.
Does it get better? A longitudinal analysis of psychological distress and victimization in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth

Purpose The mental health and victimization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth have garnered media attention with the “It Gets Better Project.” Despite this popular interest, there is an absence of empirical evidence evaluating a possible developmental trajectory in LGBTQ distress and the factors that might influence distress over time.
Protein content and amino acid composition of protein of seeds from tomatoes at various stages of ripeness.

Tomato seeds represent a large portion of the waste generated during the processing of liquid tomato products. With mechanical harvest, green fruit also become waste. There was no significant change in either seed protein content or amino acid profile as tomatoes ripened from green mature fruit. Tomato seed protein contains approximately 13% more lysine than soy protein which would allow it to be used in fortifying low lysine foods. These results indicate that seeds from processed fruit, culls, and other waste fruit could be used as a source of protein.
Dependences of titanium silicide properties on the ratio of silicon to titanium used for electron-beam coevaporation onto heated substrates

Abstract Variations of the properties of titanium silicides prepared under various deposition conditions were investigated. An amorphous phase was observed to form when samples were prepared by codeposition of silicon and titanium at the substrate temperature T s of 120°C. However, it was found that considerable crystallization takes place at T s = 300° C , even though island-like amorphous regions are present at the silicide-silicon substrate interface. The film properties of samples prepared at relatively high T s were observed to change with the deposition conditions in a systematic manner. It was suggested that the amorphous phase is probably the first product of the intermixing even at elevated substrate temperatures. It was also postulated that the silicide formation process may involve evaporation of the amorphous phase. Thus, the film properties were said to be determined by silicon diffusion from the substrate, and crystallization as well as evaporation of the amorphous phase. Each of these mechanisms becomes dominant depending on the initial composition used for codeposition. This conjecture was shown to be successful in explaining the observed variations of properties such as voids, silicon precipitates, interface roughness, and resistivity.
A continuous media I/O server and its synchronization mechanism

Acme, a network server for digital audio and video I/O, is presented. Acme lets users specify their synchronization requirements through an abstraction called a logical time system. The nature of logical time systems is discussed, some examples are given, and their implementation is addressed. >
Perioperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Predict Serious Postoperative Complications: a Secondary Analysis of the COST Trial

Decreased survival after colon cancer surgery has been reported in patients with deficient preoperative quality of life. We hypothesized that deficits in preoperative quality of life are associated with postoperative complications. A secondary analysis of the Clinical Outcomes Surgical Therapy trial NCCTG 93-46-53 (INT 0146, Alliance) was performed. Quality of life deficit was defined as overall quality of life score <50 on a 100-point scale and used for univariate and multivariate analysis. Of 431 patients enrolled in the quality of life portion of the trial, 81 patients (19 %) experienced complications including two deaths (0.5 %). Fifty-five patients (13 %) had a preoperative quality of life score <50. Patients with a preoperative deficit were more likely to have a serious early complication (16 vs 6 %, p = 0.023). Using stepwise logistic model, the variables significantly associated with having any early complications (yes/no) were age, ASA III and change in “activity” from baseline to day 14. Patients with an early complication experienced a 3.5-day longer hospital stay (p = 0.0001). Gender, race, tumor stage, and laparoscopic or open approach were not associated with an increased frequency of complications. After adjusting for demographics, tumor stage, ASA, and operative approach, significant predictors for readmission were preoperative pain (odds ratio (OR) 1.61, confidence interval (CI) 1.11–2.34, p = 0.0125), and changes from baseline to day 2 in fatigue (OR 1.34, CI 1.03–1.74, p = 0.032). This study suggests that quality of life can provide an early indicator for patients at risk of complications. Further studies should evaluate how perioperative quality of life assessment may assist to improve outcomes.
Social effects on development of food preferences

The purpose of this study was to answer the question as to whether the food preferences of the young are dependent on the social influences or not. The experiments were conducted on female cats bearing electrodes implanted in the mid-lateral hypothalamus, and their weanling kittens. Each mother was given a self-stimulation test; the mothers which learned to press a lever for the hypothalamic stimulation reward were chosen for the experiment. Each mother, always 4 h food deprived before the session, was given a choice of meat pellets and banana slices. Eating bananas was rewarded by the hypothalamic stimulation whereas eating meat pellets was not; as a result, the mother concentrated only on eating bananas while ignoring meat pellets. In the following sessions one or two weanling kittens were always accompanying the mother during the session. It was found that 15 out of 18 weanling kittens used in this experiment joined the mothers in eating bananas. After separation from the mothers these kittens continued to choose bananas and ignore meat pellets when tested in the absence of the mother. Control kittens of the same age, which were never trained with the mother, refused to eat bananas. Similar results were obtained with other mother-kittens groups in which mashed potatoes or plain jellied agar were given instead of bananas. These results suggested that the food preferences of the weanling kittens were influenced by the mother's choice of food, even in the case when this food was unusual for the species.
Effectiveness of Audio and Visual Training Presentation Modes for Glucometer Calibration

This experiment investigated whether different presentation modes of instructional materials are differentially effective for older and younger adults learning to calibrate a glucometer. Glucometer...
Female-Biased Attraction of Oriental Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), to a Blend of Host Fruit Volatiles From Terminalia catappa L.

Coupled gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection (GC-EAD) analysis of volatiles from tropical almond fruit, Terminalia catappa L., revealed 22 compounds that were detected by antennae of oriental fruit fly females, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). Both solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and Porapak Q were used for sampling odors in fruit headspace, with SPME collections producing larger EAD responses from a greater number of compounds. Geranyl acetate and methyl eugenol elicited the largest EAD responses. A synthetic blend containing SPME collected, EAD stimulatory compounds showed female-biased attraction in laboratory wind tunnel bioassays, but heavily male-biased trap captures in a larger olfactometer arena. A nine-component subset of compounds eliciting relatively small EAD responses (EAD minor) and consisting of equal parts ethanol, ethyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, hexyl acetate, linalyl acetate, ethyl nonanate, nonyl acetate, ethyl cinnamate, and (E)-β-farnesene, attracted mainly females. This EAD minor blend was as attractive to females and much less attractive to males when compared to torula yeast in field cage experiments using glass McPhail traps. Similar results were obtained with outdoor rotating olfactometer tests in which the EAD minor blend was almost completely inactive for males.
Electrophysiologic basis for the antiarrhythmic actions of sotalol and comparison with other agents

Abstract Although synthesized as a nonselective β-adrenergic blocking compound, sotalol has emerged as the prototype of the so-called class III antiarrhythmic compounds. It delays cardiac repolarization by inhibiting the delayed rectifier potassium current, having a lesser effect on the inward rectifying potassium current with little or no effect on the inward calcium or sodium currents. This property of prolonging repolarization with an accompanying increase in the effective refractory period is not due to blockade of the β-adrenergic receptors. The major electrophysiologic profile of sotalol constitutes the summed effects of β blockade and prolonged repolarizatlon. Sotalol exerts a potent antifibrillatory action modulated by its antiadrenergic effects. It suppresses premature ventricular contractions and nonsustalned ventricular tachycardia while preventing inducible ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation in patients with advanced structural heart disease. The compound is therefore likely to exert a broad spectrum of antiarrhythmic actions in ventricular arrhythmias.
Zero Dynamics of Physical Systems From Bond Graph Models—Part I: SISO Systems

Zero dynamics is an important feature in system analysis and controller design. Its behavior plays a major role in determining the performance limits of certain feedback systems. Since the intrinsic zero dynamics can not he influenced by feedback compensation, it is important to design physical systems so that they poss red ero dynamics. In the Part I paper, a method is proposed to derive the zero dynamics of SISO systems from bond graph models. Using this approach, the design of physical systems, including the consideration of zero dynamics, can be performed in a systematic way. In this paper, the extension of the proposed method for MIMO systems is presented. It is shown that for MIMO systems the input-output configurations determine the existence of vector relative degrees. If a system has a vector relative degree, it's zero dynamics can be identified by a straightforward extension of the proposed method. If a system does not have a vector relative degree, a dynamic extension procedure may be used to fix the structure. By doing so, the zero dynamics can still be identified in a similar manner. It is also shown that if the input-output configurations are ill-designed, not only the relative degrees do not exist, but also the zero dynamics can not be reasonably defined. In that case, independent tracking controls for all the outputs are impossible. Therefore, the results in this paper provide a guideline for the design of the input-output configurations as well as the zero dynamics of MIMO systems.
Humorous Threat Persuasion in Advertising: The Effects of Humor, Threat Intensity, and Issue Involvement

Using humor to communicate threatening information in advertising can often be observed in practice, but scholars have seldom investigated its effects. Drawing from dual processing models, the current study proposed that response to humor in threat persuasion would depend on the individual's level of issue involvement. This proposition was tested in two experiments. In Study 1, a significant humor and issue involvement interaction effect emerged for threat persuasion ads; low-involvement individuals rated the humor ad more positively than the nonhumor ad, and the opposite was true for high-involvement individuals. With threat intensities varied in Study 2, the results indicated that the effectiveness of various threat intensity and humor combinations depended on the individual's issue involvement. Implications for both theory and practice are discussed.
High speed radiometric measurements of IED detonation fireballs

Continuum emission is predominant in fireball spectral phenomena and in some demonstrated cases, fine detail in the temporal evolution of infrared spectral emissions can be used to estimate size and chemical composition of the device. Recent work indicates that a few narrow radiometric bands may reveal forensic information needed for the explosive discrimination and classification problem, representing an essential step in moving from "laboratory" measurements to a rugged, fieldable system. To explore phenomena not observable in previous experiments, a high speed (10μs resolution) radiometer with four channels spanning the infrared spectrum observed the detonation of nine home made explosive (HME) devices in the < 100lb class. Radiometric measurements indicate that the detonation fireball is well approximated as a single temperature blackbody at early time (0 < t l 3ms). The effective radius obtained from absolute intensity indicates fireball growth at supersonic velocity during this time. Peak fireball temperatures during this initial detonation range between 3000.3500K. The initial temperature decay with time (t l 10ms) can be described by a simple phenomenological model based on radiative cooling. After this rapid decay, temperature exhibits a small, steady increase with time (10 l t l 50ms) and peaking somewhere between 1000.1500K-likely the result of post-detonation combustion-before subsequent cooling back to ambient conditions . Radius derived from radiometric measurements can be described well (R2 > 0.98) using blast model functional forms, suggesting that energy release could be estimated from single-pixel radiometric detectors. Comparison of radiometer-derived fireball size with FLIR infrared imagery indicate the Planckian intensity size estimates are about a factor of two smaller than the physical extent of the fireball.
Early Feed Intake and Conversion of Selected and Nonselected Broilers

Abstract Early feed intake and feed conversion were investigated in selected and nonselected broiler lines. Birds from the selected line consumed significantly more feed the first day than those from the nonselected line, although body weights were similar at hatching. Feed conversion ratios (feed/gain) of the selected line were less than unity (.79 and .77) the first day on feed and were significantly superior to those of the nonselected line through week 4. The percentage of deviation between lines in feed intake was higher than the percentage of deviation in body weight through week 4 with the largest difference during week 1. The maximum deviation in feed intake between selected and nonselected lines preceded by approximately 1 week the maximum deviation in body weight. These data strongly indicate a direct relationship between appetite and body weight in explaining genetic manipulation of growth.
Theoretical and experimental study on small molecular ions. I. Ab Initio calculations on CSe, CSe+, and HCSe+ species

Ab initio molecular-orbital calculations were carried out on carbon monoselenide (CSe), its cation CSe+, and the selenoformyl cation HCSe+. Equilibrium- and transition-state geometries on the potential energy surfaces (PES) were located at the HF and MP2 levels using a valence double-ζ (d, p) basis set on H and C and the Huzinaga valence triple-ζ (d) basis set on selenium, respectively. The global minimum on the HCSe+ (PES) is the linear species 3 with the dissociation energy towards H and CSe+ of 151.5 kcal mol−1 (MP4//MP2 + ZPE level). While at the HF level the strongly bent isomer 4 is a local minimum structure lying 67.8 kcal mol−1 above 3 and separated from 3 by a small barrier of 6.2 kcal mol−1, MP2 geometry optimizations suggest that CSeH+ isomer is unstable.
Multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat assay analysis of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains.

Our objective was to determine if a multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat assay (MLVA) for Staphylococcus aureus could predict pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) types (i.e., USA types), thus allowing us to replace PFGE with a simpler and more rapid typing method. One hundred three well-characterized isolates representing 13 major lineages of S. aureus were tested by both PFGE and MLVA. MLVA was performed using a rapid DNA extraction technique and PCR primers for sdrCDE, clfA, clfB, sspA, and spa. PFGE was performed with genomic DNA fragments generated using SmaI, as per CDC protocols. Banding patterns were analyzed both visually and with BioNumerics software. All isolates were typeable with MLVA and PFGE. MLVA patterns were highly reproducible. PFGE separated the isolates into 13 types with 42 subtypes. Using any band difference to designate a novel MLVA type, MLVA produced 45 types, including 9 clusters containing multiple isolates. Using BioNumerics and a cutoff of >75% relatedness, MLVA produced 28 types, 11 of which contained >1 isolate. Epidemiologically related outbreak isolates of USA300-0114 from five states clustered in one MLVA pattern. USA100 isolates were present in several unrelated ( 80% separated outbreak strains of USA300-0114 into three distinct MLVA types. MLVA did not differentiate community methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) lineages (USA300, USA400, USA1000, and USA1100) from health care MRSA lineages (USA100, USA200, or USA500). The ability of MLVA to differentiate among strains that are indistinguishable by PFGE may be of epidemiologic value and warrants further study.
The Lowry Method for Protein Quantitation

The most accurate method of determining protein concentration is probably acid hydrolysis followed by amino acid analysis. Most other methods are sensitive to the amino acid composition of the protein and absolute concentrations cannot be obtained. The procedure of Lowry et al. (1) is no exception, but its sensitivity is moderately constant from protein to protein, and it has been so widely used that Lowry protein estimations are a completely acceptable alternative to a rigorous absolute determination in almost all circumstances where protein mixtures or crude extracts are involved.
Influence of growth rate on occurrences of pale muscle in broilers.

BACKGROUND: Pale broiler breast meat is a defect in commercial production operations. The incidence of pale broiler breast meat was examined in two commercial processing plants which had average growth rates of 59 g day−1 and 46 g day−1 and final average weights of 3.36 kg and 1.93 kg. Color measurements of dorsal and ventral surfaces and pH were completed to evaluate the impact of selection for growth on meat water-holding capacity. RESULTS:L* greater than 60 were observed in 57% of broilers selected for greater yield and 26% of slower growing broilers. Average L* between 10 growers was significantly different (P = 0.001). Pearson's correlation coefficients for pH and L* were − 0.51 and − 0.27 for the faster growing broilers and slower growing broilers, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficients between water-holding capacity and L* and pH was − 0.35 and 0.42, respectively. There was a higher correlation between production factors (age, weight and grower) and a* and b* than L* for ventral surface measurements. CONCLUSION: Breasts from broilers selected for faster growth tend to have lighter color. Weak correlation with water-holding capacity suggests that quality remains the same and light color is probably related to other factors. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B in HIV-Infected Persons: Thinking Outside the Black Box

Worldwide there are 1300 million persons with chronic hepatitis B 40 million with HIV-1 infection and a substantial (but unknown) number with both. Available data indicate that ~8% of HIV-infected persons in the United States and Europe have chronic hepatitis B (i.e. HIV-hepatitis B virus [HBV] coinfection). The prevalence is higher among HIV-infected persons in some areas in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia although data are sparse. In several ways HIV-HBV coinfection adversely affects the chronic viral illnesses due to monoinfection with either virus. HIV-HBV-coinfected persons have more severe liver disease than do persons with either chronic infection alone. In the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study the incidence of liver-related mortality for persons with HIV-HBV coinfection was 17 times that for HIV-uninfected persons with chronic hepatitis B. In addition HBV infection can affect the tolerability of antiretroviral medications. Wit et al. found that the incidence of grade 3-4 hepatotoxicity for HIV-HBV coinfected persons was 9 times the incidence for those without chronic hepatitis B a result corroborated by findings of other studies. (excerpt)
Synthesis of Terminal Uranium(IV) Disulfido and Diselenido Compounds by Activation of Elemental Sulfur and Selenium

Rare stakes: Terminal uranium(IV) disulfido and diselenido compounds, Tp*2U(E2) (E=S, Se), were synthesized by the activation of elemental chalcogens. Structural, spectroscopic, computational and magnetic studies of these species establish their tetravalency and highly polarized U-E bonds.
Pilots strategically compensate for display enlargements in surveillance and flight control tasks.

OBJECTIVE: Experiments were conducted to assess the impact of display size on flight control, airspace surveillance, and goal-directed target search. BACKGROUND: Research of 3-D displays has shown that display scale compression influences the perception of flight path deviation, though less is known about the causes that drive this effect. In addition, research on attention-based tasks has shown that information displaced to significant eccentricities can amplify effort, but it is unclear whether the effect generates a performance difference in complex displays. METHOD: In Experiment 1, 16 pilots completed a low-fidelity flight control task under single- and dual-axis control. In Experiment 2, the control task from Experiment 1 was scaled up to a more realistic flight environment, and pilots performed hazard surveillance and target search tasks. RESULTS: For flight control, pilots exhibited less path error and greater stick activity with a large display, which was attributed both to greater enhanced resolution and to the fact that larger depictions of error lead to greater urgency in correcting deviations. Size did not affect hazard surveillance or search, as pilots were adaptive in altering scanning patterns in response to the enlargement of the displays. CONCLUSION: Although pilots were adaptive to display changes in search and surveillance, display size reduction diminished estimates of flight path deviation and control performance because of lowered resolution and control urgency. APPLICATION: Care should be taken when manipulating display size, as size reduction can diminish control performance. Language: en
A Classic Study of Infant Mortality—1911-1915

A New York Times editorial in 1925 began with these words: "The human cost of poverty might have been the title of a report recently issued by the Children9s Bureau of the United States Department of Labor." The editorial concluded with the words: "It is unfortunate that reports of this sort receive so little distribution. "A thorough knowledge of the causes of infant mortality9, it is well stated in the introduction, "is the first step toward their complete control.9 " 2 The editorial was referring to the remarkably thorough investigations of infant mortality in eight cities, the combined results of which were analyzed by Robert Morse Woodbury. 3
Antifungal activity stability of flaxseed protein extract using response surface methodology.

The stability of the antifungal activity of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) protein extract was evaluated in this study. Response surface methodology (RSM) using Box-Behnken factorial design was used to evaluate the effects of treatment variables, that is, temperature (50 to 90 degrees C), time (1 to 29 min), and pH (2 to 8), on the residual antifungal activity (RAA) against Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium graminearum, Aspergillus flavus, and a Penicillium sp. isolated from moldy noodles. Regression analyses suggested that the linear terms of the temperature and time had significant (P or= 90% antifungal activity was lost after the protein extracts were heated at 90 degrees C for 8 min except for F. graminearum. At pasteurization condition, >or= 50% activity was retained except for P. chrysogenum. The results also suggested that neutral and alkaline pH favored the antifungal activity stability of the protein extracts. Thus, flaxseed protein might be promising if used as a preservative in foods with neutral or alkaline pH requiring mild heat treatments.
Realism, Game Theory, and Cooperation

Recent work has focused on the problem of how states cooperate in the environment of anarchy. Linked to the ideas of the Prisoners' Dilemma and public goods, that work has provided important insights and lines of research. But it also has problems and limitations, which are explored in the paper. The anarchy approach stresses individual actors' choices and slights questions of how issues are posed and constrained. It takes preferences as given without exploring either the frequency of PD situations or the ways in which preferences are formed and can change. Many of the concepts the framework uses—e.g., cooperation and defection, the distinction between offense and defense, and the nature of power—are problematical. Issues of beliefs, perceptions, norms, and values also lead to a different perspective on cooperation.
Current status and future research in motion planning

There have been numerous research efforts in the field of motion planning, resulting in many theoretical and practical results. The author reviews the current status of existing motion planning algorithms, evaluates their completenesses and efficiencies on modern computers, and suggests fruitful future research directions.