cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The temperature dependence of sound velocities, elastic constants and acoustic attenuation of lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O/sub 3/

Sound velocities, elastic constants, and acoustic attenuation in PLZT (lead lanthanum zirconate titanate) 9/65/35 bulk ceramic material have been determined by ultrasonic techniques between 1.2 and 470 K. Anomalous elastic behavior, including a broad dip in sound velocity and a sharp cusp in attenuation, was observed around the diffuse phase transition at 330 K. The sound velocity increases strongly and linearly with decreasing temperature at low temperatures. This behavior is different from that predicted by the Debye lattice model. An unusually large (42%) discrepancy between the elastic Debye temperature and the calorimetric Debye temperature was found and can be attributed to the nature of the disorderness in this ceramic material. >
Ensuring Privacy for Buyer-Seller E-Commerce

The growth of the Internet has been accompanied by the growth of e-services (e.g. e-commerce, e-health). This proliferation of e-services and the increasing regulatory and legal requirements for personal privacy have fueled the need to protect the personal privacy of e-service users. Existing approaches for privacy protection such as the use of pseudonym technology, and personal privacy policies along with appropriate compliance mechanisms are predicated on the e-service provider having possession and control over the user’s personal data. In this paper, we propose a new approach for protecting personal privacy in buyer-seller e-commerce: keeping possession and control over the buyer’s personally identifiable information in the hands of the buyer as much as possible, with the help of a smart card and a trusted authority. Our approach can also be characterized as distributing personally identifiable information only on a “need to know” basis.
The Filibuster, the Constitution, and the Founding Fathers

The filibuster is inconsistent with the vision of the Senate expressed by the Framers in the Constitution, the Federalist Papers and early congressional history.
Ocean color variability in the Tasman Sea

[1] The Tasman Sea contains the largest noncoastal surface chlorophyll-a concentrations within the South Pacific Ocean. Observations of ocean color from SeaWiFS demonstrate that the chlorophyll-a seasonal cycle is characterized by a large austral spring bloom and a much smaller fall bloom separated by periods of lower concentrations, typical of communities within the North Atlantic Ocean. However, the seasonal cycle of the mixed layer depth of the Tasman Sea is much more similar to the North Pacific Ocean, whose persistent winter stratification results in relatively constant chloropohyll-a concentrations. Examination of eddy kinetic energy from satellite altimetry (TOPEX/Poseidon and ERS-2 blended product) reveals that the western Tasman Sea contains a large number of eddies originating within the East Australian Current that coincide spatially with the blooms. Upwelling and downwelling associated with these eddies greatly increase vertical mixing within the upper ocean, offsetting the normally shallow winter mixed layer, which leads to a chlorophyll-a seasonal cycle much like that of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Language, Learning, and Identity: Problematizing the Education for Tibetans

In almost every society, underachievement is a common problem in underprivileged social groups. This underachievement tends to be normalized and attributed to an intrinsic weakness of the group. But what are the fundamental reasons for the gap between minority and majority groups in academic studies? To what degree are the socially and economically marginalized people liberated by formal education? This chapter attempts to understand these major questions in the case of Tibetan students by utilizing linguistic and psychological lens. It argues against several prevalent assumptions about formal education for Tibetans and addresses educational issues such as language studies, medium of instruction, bilingual education, preferential educational policies, civilizing mission of education, and self-esteem.
Pauli-limited superconductors with fluctuating magnetic moments

Abstract We examine the phase diagram of a paramagnetically limited superconductor in the presence of fluctuating magnetic moments, under an applied magnetic field. We consider a Ginzburg–Landau functional for the superconducting order and include classical (Gaussian) fluctuations of the magnetization. We locate the tricritical point between the first and the second order transitions and analyze the properties of the modulated (Fulde–Ferrell–Larkin–Ovchinnikov, FFLO-like) superconducting phase in its vicinity.
Dobutamine stress echocardiography for assessing coronary artery disease after transplantation in children.

Abstract Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility, safety and diagnostic accuracy of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) for evaluating posttransplant coronary artery disease (TxCAD) in children, and to determine the frequency of selected cardiac events after normal or abnormal DSE. Background. Posttransplant coronary artery disease is the most common cause of graft loss (late death or retransplantation) after cardiac transplantation (CTx) in children. Coronary angiography, routinely performed to screen for TxCAD, is an invasive procedure with limited sensitivity. The efficacy of DSE for detecting atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is established, but is unknown in children after CTx. Methods. Of the 78 children (median age 5.7 years, range 3 to 18) entered into the study, 72 (92%) underwent diagnostic DSE by means of a standard protocol, 4.6 ± 1.9 years after CTx. The results of coronary angiography performed in 70 patients were compared with DSE findings. After DSE, subjects were monitored for TxCAD-related cardiac events, including death, retransplantation and new angiographic diagnosis of TxCAD. Results. No major complications occurred. Minor complications, most often hypertension, occurred in 11% of the 72 subjects. The sensitivity and specificity of DSE were 72% and 80%, respectively, when compared with coronary angiography. At follow-up (21 ± 8 months), TxCAD-related cardiac events occurred in 2 of 50 children (4%) with negative DSE, versus 6 of 22 children (27%) with positive DSE (p Conclusions. DSE is a feasible, safe and accurate screening method for TxCAD in children. Positive DSE identifies patients at increased risk of TxCAD-related cardiac events. Negative DSE predicts short-term freedom from such events.
Miscibility studies of paraffin/polyethylene blends as form -stable phase change materials

Thermal energy storage is useful to promote energy conservation in buildings or machinery. One means of achieving a form stable phase change materials (PCMs) with polymers is to utilize immiscible blend pairs, governed by blend miscibility. The degree of miscibility between the polymer pairs may also influence energy efficiency in applications. Binary polyethylene–paraffin blends were melt compounded at different ratios of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) using a parallel co-rotating twin screw extruder. The miscibility of the paraffin in the three types of polyethylene was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The DSC data demonstrated two melting temperatures with a depression of the equilibrium melting temperature for the polyethylene in the mixture. Two distinct and an intermediate phase were evident in the atomic force microscopy images. This structure verified the partial miscibility of paraffin in polyethylene. Interaction parameters between paraffin and polyethylene were obtained through melting point depression analysis via the Flory–Huggins approximation for thermodynamic mixing of two components. The crystallinity of each component depends upon the blend concentration. Two paraffin crystallization peaks for the PE/paraffin blends were observed, with the enthalpy of one peak increasing at the expense of the other. The lowest paraffin miscibility in polyethylene is found in paraffin/HDPE blend.
Determinants of inducible ventricular tachycardia in patients with clinical ventricular tachyarrhythmia and no apparent structural heart disease

Abstract Thirty-seven patients with symptomatic ventricular tachyarrhythmia and no apparent structural heart disease were evaluated with multiple cardiovascular tests to establish the relationship between the results of programmed electric stimulation and other clinical and anhythmia variables. Of 37 patients, 12 (32%) had inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia. Factors associated with the results of programmed electric stimulation included a history of ventricular tachycardia ≥30 seconds requiring intervention for termination and global right heart abnormality documented by echocardiography. During treatment for a mean follow-up of 50 months, 29 patients did well, 6 patients had recurrences of major arrhythmia symptoms, 1 was lost to follow-up and 1 had a noncardiac death. Those patients with an adverse outcome were more likely to have inducible ventricular tachycardia. Thus certain clinical and echocardiographic data are asscciated with the results of programmed electric stimulation, which in turn have important prognostic value in this group of patients. Sustained ventricular tachycardia is unlikely to be induced in patients with no evidence of structural heart disease and clinical nonsustained ventricular tachycardia.
Hybrid Reference: Blending the Reference Interview and Information Literacy

[This column is a collection of reference interview stories within a number of diverse mediums (chat, phone, face-to-face, immersive environments) sharing one academic librarian's real dialogues wi...
A cost-benefit analysis of an international dual degree programme

This paper provides a cost benefit analysis of undergraduate and graduate international dual degree programmes, which are relatively new and innovative educational approaches to preparing students to succeed in a contemporary international arena. A comparative model of international educational and experiential systems is offered and examples of two-way and one-way dual degree models are investigated. We conclude that international dual degree models are significantly superior in terms of academic, intellectual and experiential learning; therefore, graduates of these programmes will be better prepared to lead international ventures and serve as global citizens. Dual degree programmes require an institution-wide commitment to succeed in the short and long term. Academic institutions need to be flexible, creative, resourceful and forward thinking in order to successfully adopt and implement dual degree offerings. Most students who choose such programmes are positive risk takers and high achievers. Like any ...
Effects of process conditions and mixing protocols on structure of extruded polypropylene nanocomposites

Polymer melt-direct intercalation or exfoliation is a promising approach for the preparation of nanocomposites. The structure of nanoclay platelets in the nanocomposites depends not only on the properties of polymer matrix and nanoclay, but also on the operating conditions during processing. The objective of the present work is to investigate the effects of clay chemical modifiers, mixing protocols, and operating conditions upon the clay structure in nanocomposites prepared with a corotating twin-screw extruder. Two mixing methods were used for the nanocomposite preparation: two-step mixing and one-step mixing. Experimental results obtained from melt flow index and complex viscosity measurements suggest that nanoclay C15A is more exfoliated than C30B in a polypropylene homopolymer containing a maleic anhydride grafted PP (PB) as compatibilizer. The two-step mixing method results in better exfoliation for the nanofillers than the one-step mixing method. A numerical simulation has been carried out to evaluate the mean residence time and shear rate in different screw configurations under various process conditions. X-ray diffraction experiments indicate that the residence time is a dominant factor in producing satisfactory nanocomposites in extruders. However, high shear rate coupled with long residence time might result in poor exfoliation of clay. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1891–1899, 2004
Partitioned solution procedure for control-structure interaction simulations

A partitioned computational procedure is presented for the simulation of control-structure interaction systems by employing three modular software packages: a second-order structural dynamics analyzer, a second-order observer module, and a first-order stabilized active control force generator. This paper focuses on modular programming of the procedure, techniques for enhancing accuracy and for stabilizing the partitioned interaction equations, and time discretization of the stabilized systems of equations. A stability analysis has been performed using a set of model interaction equations, which indicates that the computational stability of the procedure is governed by the highest frequency of the controller and the strength of its position feedback parameter and not by that of the structural system. Comparison of the computational efficiency of the present procedure with a first-order conventional solution procedure indicates that the present procedure offers a substantial efficiency improvement. The effectiveness of the present procedure has been demonstrated by several example problems.
Design and Growth of Robust Layered Polymer Assemblies with Molecular Thickness Control

We report on two alternating copolymers synthesized from maleimide and vinyl ether monomers, where the vinyl ether possesses a pendant phosphonate functionality. Partial hydrolysis of the phosphonate groups in conjunction with Zr-phosphonate layer growth chemistry produces robust, stable polymer multilayer structures where the layer thickness is 16 A for polymers synthesized with N-phenylmaleimide (NPM) monomer and 31 A for polymers synthesized with N-biphenylmaleimide (NBM) monomer. We present the syntheses and characterization of the polymers and layered assemblies containing up to 10 layers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data on layer-dependent Zr loading suggest interlayer bonding that is similar to that seen for Zr-alkanebisphosphonate multilayers.
Impact of Proficiency Testing Program for Laboratories Conducting Early Diagnosis of HIV-1 Infection in Infants in Low- to Middle-Income Countries

A voluntary, cost-free external quality assessment (EQA) program established by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was implemented to primarily monitor the performance of laboratories conducting HIV Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) from dried blood spots (DBS) in low- to middle-income countries since 2006. Ten blind DBS proficiency test (PT) specimens and 100 known HIV-positive and -negative DBS specimens (to be used as internal controls) were shipped triannually to participating laboratories with reports for the PT specimens due within 30 days. The participant's results and a summary of the performance of all participating laboratories and each diagnostic method were provided after each test cycle. Enrollment in the CDC PT program expanded progressively from 17 laboratories from 11 countries in 2006 to include 136 laboratories from 41 countries at the end of 2012. Despite external pressures to test and treat more children while expanding EID programs, mean PT test scores significantly improved over time as demonstrated by the upward trend from mid-2006 to the end of 2012 (P = 0.001) and the increase in the percentage of laboratories scoring 100% (P = 0.003). The mean test scores plateaued over the past 10 testing cycles, ranging between 98.2% and 99.7%, and discordant test results still occur but at a rate of no higher than 2.6%. Analysis of these test results suggests a positive impact of proficiency testing on the testing performance of the participating laboratories, and a continuous training program and proficiency testing participation may translate into laboratories improving their testing accuracy.
A MULTICULTURAL, MULTIETHNIC, AND MULTICONFESSIONAL BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: MYTH AND REALITY

In early 1992, the “three m's” (tri m), which denoted a multicultural, multiethnic, and multiconfessional Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), became the rallying cry against the forces of disintegration, or more accurately, of partition. These identifying characteristics or national ideals could not avert catastrophe. Indeed, BiH's liminal position at the crossroads of cultures, religions, and history rendered it the most vulnerable of republics in the Yugoslav wars of succession. However “three m” Bosnia and Herzegovina was in 1992, it was less so by 1995. Yet, despite the bloodshed, forced expulsions, migrations, and the inevitable rise in nationalism, citizens of BiH have no choice, in the aftermath, but to examine what their country was before the war and the potential for a new “multi-multi” Bosnia and Herzegovina. Such an investigation must begin with the past, as a Sarajevan colleague implied when I asked her how she envisioned the future in Bosnia. She replied that Bosnians could hardly conceive a future when in 1998 they still had no idea what had happened, and why. This work addresses the reality behind the epithets that gained currency during and after the war, of a “three-m,” “multi-multi,” and multi-kulti (multicultural) Bosnia and Herzegovina. Within the framework of a particular understanding of multiculturalism, it will suggest why, despite its multiethnic and multiconfessional reality, BiH proved in many instances vulnerable to nationalistic rhetoric. This analysis proceeds from the conviction that multiculturalism must be both studied and encouraged in the international community's efforts to support the growth of democratic institutions and practices in post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Can consumers self-select for appropriate use of an over-the-counter statin? The Self Evaluation of Lovastatin to Enhance Cholesterol Treatment Study.

Access to over-the-counter (OTC) statins has the potential to improve public health by reducing cardiovascular events. The Self Evaluation of Lovastatin to Enhance Cholesterol Treatment (SELECT) Study was designed to assess consumers' ability to self-select for treatment with lovastatin in an unsupervised setting. Subjects examined proposed OTC lovastatin cartons with labels that detailed an algorithm for self-selection based on age, lipid profile, and cardiovascular risk factors. Subjects viewed a carton with either a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol–based self-selection algorithm or one based on total cholesterol. Labels also contained warnings against use based on health conditions that might increase the risk of adverse events. Subjects were asked if the drug was appropriate for their use (self-assessment) and whether they would like to purchase the drug (purchase decision). A total of 1,326 consumers provided self-assessment decisions. After viewing the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol–based label, 82%, 36%, and 82% of those who self-assessed that the drug was appropriate for their use were correct with respect to the age, lipid, and risk-factor criteria, respectively. Corresponding numbers for the total cholesterol algorithm were 85%, 50% and 75%. Almost 90% of women aged
Detection of cobamide coenzymes in microorganisms by the ionophoretic bioautographic method.

Abstract The ionophoretic-bioautographic method of detecting cobinamide and cobamide vitamins in millimicrogram quantities has been modified and applied to the detection of cobamide coenzymes in microbial extracts. For the detection of cobamide coenzymes, the cells must be extracted with a neutral buffer in the dark. When cells are extracted with either an alkaline or acid cyanide solution or when the extract is exposed to light, only the cobamide vitamins and other coenzyme decomposition products are observed. Cobamides with the ionophoretic mobility of the cobamide coenzymes have been shown to be present in extracts of Escherichia coli B, E. coli 113-3, Bacillus megatherium, Streptomyces fradiae, Propionibacterium arabinosum, P. shermanii , and Clostridium tetanomorphum . The coenzymes present in several of these organisms have been specifically identified. E. coli 113-3 was shown to convert vitamin B 12 to the 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazolylcobamide coenzyme (coenzyme B 12 ). When grown with cobinamide and benzimidazole, the benzimidazolylcobamide coenzyme was formed.
A clinical study of Merieux human rabies immune globulin.

We examined antibody levels and side effects in 90 persons who received human rabies immune globulin made by the Merieux Institute (M-HRIG). In the recommended dose of 20 i.u. kg −1 , M-HRIG appeared to be a safe, medically acceptable product that provided adequate rabies antibody titres while interfering minimally with vaccine-induced antibody. When used in a dose of 44 i.u. kg −1 , M-HRIG caused slight interference with vaccine-induced antibody titres and an unacceptably high rate of reactions.
Remarks concerning possible connections between Fermat's last theorem and integral p×p circulants

Let p be a prime and x, y integers. Then xp+yp occurs as the determinant of an integral p×p circulant. Some problems concerning the set of values assumed by det C as C runs through the set of integral p×p circulants are given. The problem of finding sufficient conditions on an integral p×p circulant C which ensure that C can be factored in the form C1C'1 (where ' denotes transpose) with C1 an integral circulant is referred to, and it is conjectured that such a factorization is possible if C is unimodular and positive definite symmetric and 12(p–1) is also a prime.
Fine Art Metaphors Reveal Leader Archetypes

This article describes a research study that used fine art prints to evoke metaphors of leadership in order to uncover patterns related to tacit views of leadership held by developing leaders, foster self-knowledge, and identify areas for growth in their views about leadership. The study was grounded in the psychodynamic approach to leadership and employed qualitative methods designed to uncover tacit views of leadership. Participants’ art metaphors were content analyzed for thematic connections to cultural archetypes. Their concepts about leadership aligned with five archetypes that represent universal cultural patterns: The Mentor-Teacher, Father-Judge, Warrior-Knight, Revolutionary-Crusader, and Visionary-Alchemist. Connections to these archetypes revealed participants’ positive beliefs, feelings, motives, and actions associated with leading and alerted them to potential abuses of power associated with each archetype.
Trimethylsilylation of amino acids derivatization and chromatography

Abstract The major aim of this investigation was to extend the work of G ehrke et. al.3 to achieve a single derivatization, single injection method for the analysis of complex biological substances for the twenty protein amino acids as their trimethylsilyl derivatives. The chromatographic resolution of the trimethylsilyl esters of the twenty protein amino acids can be achieved on a single column of 10 w/w% OV-11 on 100 120 mesh Supelcoport in 60–80 min (6 m × 2 mm I.D.). Phenanthrene, decanoic acid, and fluorene are suitable internal standards as they are completely separated from the twenty protein amino acids. With a 2 m × 1.6 mm I.D. column separation was achieved in 42 min. The best reaction conditions for the quantitative silylation of the twenty amino acids were investigated. Seventeen of the amino acids can be reproducibly converted in a closed reaction tube to the trimethylsilyl derivatives in 15 min at 150°. However, for glycine, arginine, and glutamic acid, 2.5 h at 150° are necessary for reproducible derivatization. It is recommended that silylation for 2.5 h at 150° be used for all twenty protein amino acids. A significant advantage is that the trimethylsilyl derivatives can be formed in a single step derivatization with no transfers, evaporations, or reagent additions during their formation. The N-trimethylsilyl amino acid esters were found to be stable for a period of eight days when stored at room temperature in nightly capped vial. Glycine, cysteine, tyrosine, and lysine were the most susceptible to variations in R.M.R..a.a/I.S.. The data for amino acids in ribonuclease, β-casein, K-casein, soybean meal, and blood are in good agreement with the values obtained by the classical ion-exchange method, and establishes the use of the trimethylsilyl/gas—liquid chromatographic method for the quantitative analysis of biological materials. Twelve non-protein amino acids were derivatized with precision at 150° for 15 min with bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide in acetonitrile as solvent, with relative retention time and relative weight response values with respect to fluorene (I.S.) being reported on a 2 m × 4 mm I.D. glass column of 10 w/w % OV-7 on 100/120 mesh Supelcoport.
Cyclosporine in inflammatory bowel disease.

For the past decade, the use of oral and intravenous cyclospo rine has been examined for patients with inflammatory bowe disease who have demonstrated resistance to steroid treatment. Updated and new results from a number of studies offer short-term and long-term data on cyclosporine and its effectiveness in achieving and maintaining remission from disease. Short-term and long-term toxicity associated with cyclosporine is reviewed here, as well as quality of life among patients who have been treated successfully. Also discussed are practice patterns among clinicians using cyclosporine in its varied formulations and the appropriate settings for its use
Non contrast vascular imaging techniques from the perspective of the MR technologist

Meeting abs tracts - A single PDF containing all abstracts in this Supplement is available <a href="http://
REPRODUCTION AND SYSTEMATICS OF THE MARINE ALGA DERBESIA (CHLOROPHYCEAE) IN NEW ENGLAND1,2

SUMMARY The morphology, gross cytology, reproduction, and habitat ecology are described for Derbesia marina based on observations of New England field populations and laboratory cultures of this plant. These data, and additional observations on cultures of several other species of Derbesia from elsewhere and on type and other important collections, have been used to evaluate the systematic relationship of New England Derbesia with other species of this genus. The single Derbesia species in New England is referred to D. marina. The systematic criteria previously used to distinguish species within Derbesia are reviewed and interpreted within the context of the present investigation. In systematic studies, we stress the importance of the use of sporangial and chloroplast morphology, the presence or absence of pyrenoids, and reproductive history. Two types of life history are reported for D. marina in New England: (1) A form of D. marina collected at 20 m reproduces directly with stephanokontous zoospores growing into sporophytic plants of Derbesia morphologically identical to their parent thalli. (2) On the other hand, at least some New England, populations of D. marina have retained the genetic potential for producing a sexual generation (Halicystis ovalis), even though the latter is unknown for the coast of northeastern North America.3 Gametophytes (H. ovalis) were produced directly from enlargement and subsequent differentiation of uncleaved lateral sporangia in 2 cultured populations of New England D. marina. A single female and numerous male vesicles formed in this manner produced gametes, but neither fertilization nor parthenogenesis occurred; thus the entire life history was not completed in culture. The occurrence of the directly reproducing deep water form of D. marina is presented as evidence for speciation of a sporophyte (Derbesia) independent of its alternate gametophyte (Halicystis). An hypothesis is advanced to explain the source and means for expression of genetic variability necessary for speciation in a population of nonsexually reproducing Derbesia.
Regge pole formalism for pionic disintegration of deuteron

We investigate the reaction ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p+p$ within the framework of Regge-pole theory. Reggeization of the amplitudes for this process is carried out in detail, and the asymptotic behavior of the helicity amplitudes at zero momentum transfer is discussed. By assuming that the lowest anomalous threshold singularity in the $t$ channel dominates in the nearby region, we calculate the nucleon-deuteron Regge residue in terms of the pion-nucleon Regge residue. We also discuss the relations to the Regge-pole formalism of various low-energy models used to study this reaction and its inverse.
Evidence of the differential biotransformation and genotoxicity of ZnO and CeO2 nanoparticles on soybean (Glycine max) plants

Concern and interest related to the effects of nanomaterials on living organisms are growing in both the scientific and public communities. Reports have described the toxicity of nanoparticles (NPs) on micro- and macro-organisms, including some plant species. Nevertheless, to the authors’ knowledge there are no reports on the biotransformation of NPs by edible terrestrial plants. Here, shown for the first time, is evidence pertaining to the biotransformation of ZnO and CeO2 NPs in plant seedlings. Although the NPs did not affect soybean germination, they produced a differential effect on plant growth and element uptake. By using synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy we obtained clear evidence of the presence of CeO2 NPs in roots, whereas ZnO NPs were not present. Random amplified polymorphic DNA assay was applied to detect DNA damage and mutations caused by NPs. Results obtained from the exposure of soybean plants to CeO2 NPs show the appearance of four new bands at 2000 mg L−1 and three new bands at ...
Effect of a magnetic field on fluctuations above Tc

Abstract The extra conductivity due to fluctuations in the presence of a magnetic field H perpendicular to a thin film has been calculated as a function of temperature and H. We use the phenomenological approach in which the dynamical behavior of the fluctuations is described, in the spirit of mean field theory, by the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation in the presence of H and their strength is determined by functional integration over the Ginzburg-Landau free energy. We have calculated both the extra longitudinal conductivity σ′ and the transverse conductivity. We give here the results for σ′: σ′(ϵ, H) = σ′(ϵ, 0)ƒ( ϵ lH ) , where ϵ = (T − Tc0)/Tc0 is the transition temperature for H = 0 in the bulk, l is the mean free path, σ′(ϵ, 0) = e 2 16 h dϵ and ƒ(x) is a tabulated function. The results are valid outside the critical region above Tc. σ′(H) goes as (T − Tc)-1 as T → Tc, it approaches σ′(ϵ, 0) as H → 0 and for large fields, it goes as const/H. The detailed behavior is in excellent agreement with experimental results of Serin et al.
Epidemiology of anaphylaxis

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this article is not only to review the epidemiology of anaphylaxis and factors that affect the epidemiology but also to help us understand underlying mechanisms and predisposing factors. This, in turn, has a bearing on efforts related to prevention and management.Rece
Mysis Vertical Migration in Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan, Observed by an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler

The acoustic return signal from Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) moored in Traverse Bay during a 90-day summer period showed a rapid 5-10 dB increase about 1/2 hour after sunset and a similar decrease 1/2 hour before sunrise. The pattern is characteristic of zooplankton diel vertical migration, most likely Mysis relicta. These are the first reported observations of freshwater invertibrate migrations using ADCP backscatter. A 15–20 m thick sound scattering layer also persisted throughout the summer. This layer, constrained between the 6°C and 10°C isotherms, generally followed the internal thermocline fluctuations. These backscatter data demonstrate that determining characteristics of diel migration, and monitoring zooplankton temporal and spatial variability are possible using ADCPs.
Thyroid Endocrine Disruption in Stonerollers and Cricket Frogs from Perchlorate-Contaminated Streams in East-Central Texas

In October 2001 and March 2002, a field survey of central stonerollers (Campostoma anomalum) from perchlorate-contaminated streams in central Texas was conducted to assess thyroid endocrine disruption. A survey of adult male and female cricket frogs (Acris crepitans) was performed at the same site between 2001 and 2003. Perchlorate is an oxidizer primarily used in solid-fuel rockets, and many sites that processed or used perchlorate are now contaminated. Histological analysis revealed that the fish from contaminated sites had increased thyroid follicular hyperplasia, hypertrophy, and colloid depletion. Multivariate analysis was generally found to be more powerful than univariate analysis. Seasonal differences existed in the degree of thyroidal perturbation were discovered, and fish were generally less sensitive to thyroidal perturbations in March compared to October. Thyroidal histological indicators were also correlated to levels of perchlorate in the fish, water, and periphyton. Periphyton was frequently most strongly correlated to thyroidal indices, suggesting that exposure through the food chain may be of import. In addition, one of the presumed reference sites turned out to be contaminated with perchlorate, and this was reflected by thyroidal biomarkers before perchlorate was detected in the stream water or biota. There was no evidence of colloid depletion or hyperplasia in frogs from any of the sites, although frogs from two sites with greatest mean water perchlorate concentrations exhibited significantly greater follicle cell hypertrophy. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between follicle cell height and mean water perchlorate concentrations for frogs collected from all sites. This is the first known published account of perchlorate-induced thyroid disruption in fish under field situations, only the second known published account for amphibians, and also points out the value of biomarkers for contaminant biomonitoring.
Coating of cationized protein on engineered nanoparticles results in enhanced immune responses

Abstract A significant emphasis has been placed on the development of improved adjuvants and delivery systems to improve both antibody production and cell-mediated immunity. The overall goal of this project was to cationize a model protein antigen, β-galactosidase (nGal), coat the cationized Gal (cGal) on the surface of novel anionic nanoparticles engineered from microemulsion precursors, and assess the immune response of this system after subcutaneous injection to mice. Gal was chemically cationized as evidenced by gel electrophoresis. The cGal was coated on anionic nanoparticles (78±11 nm) engineered from oil-in-water microemulsion precursors to produce cGal-coated nanoparticles. The immune response to nGal with ‘Alum’, cGal alone, and cGal-coated nanoparticles were assessed after subcutaneous injection to Balb/c mice. cGal alone elicited similar antibody titer to nGal with ‘Alum’. However, cGal-coated nanoparticles elicited the strongest and most reproducible antibody titer. cGal alone produced very high levels of Th1 cytokines, but low levels of Th2 cytokines. In contrast, cGal-coated nanoparticles significantly enhanced both the Th1 and Th2 cytokines. The results demonstrated the utility of antigen-coated nanoparticles to enhance both the humoral and Th1-type immune responses, in parallel.
Regulation by extracellular Na+ of cytosolic Mg2+ concentration in Mg2+-loaded rat sublingual acini

The regulation of cytosolic free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) in Mg(2+)-loaded rat sublingual mucous acini was examined using the Mg(2+)-sensitive fluorescent indicator mag-fura-2. Loading sublingual acini with 5 mM Mg2+ elevated the [Mg2+]i from 0.35 +/- 0.01 mM to 0.66 +/- 0.01 mM. Removal of extracellular Mg2+ resulted in a significantly faster [Mg2+]i decrease in Mg(2+)-loaded acini than in unloaded acini. Membrane depolarization with high extracellular [K+] and inhibition of P-type ATPases by vanadate did not alter the [Mg2+]i decrease, indicating that the Mg2+ efflux mechanism is not electrogenic. Na(+)-free medium inhibited 80% of the [Mg2+]i decrease suggesting that a Na(+)-dependent Mg2+ efflux pathway mediates the [Mg2+]i decrease. Accordingly, the Na(+)-dependent antiport inhibitor quinidine reduced > 80% of the [Mg2+]i decrease, suggesting that the Na(+)-dependent Mg2+ efflux is mediated by the Na+/Mg2+ antiport system. Mg2+ efflux was also partly driven by K+. The [Mg2+]i decreased was significantly inhibited by carbachol, a muscarinic agonist, but not by cAMP. These results indicate that in sublingual acinar cells a Na(+)-dependent pathway mediates Mg2+ efflux and that muscarinic stimulation may regulate Mg2+ extrusion.
Embedded packaging and assembly; Reliability and supply chain implications

Abstract Embedding active and passive components in an interconnect substrate offers improved performance by cutting interconnect parasitics, reliability gains through elimination of wire-bonds and solder-bumps, and reduced cost and size via parts list reduction. Like every new development, these benefits come at a price: disrupted supply chain logistics, yield management complications and limited rework and repair options. Reliability considerations for embedded components include yield management strategies, WEEE and ROHS compliance, application specific life expectancy, and supply chain restructuring. The course also covers cost and warranty implications and concludes reviewing the drivers behind embedded active and passive components along with analysis of multiple examples in today’s real life embedded component applications.
catena‐Poly[[bis(O‐isopropyl dithiocarbonato‐κ2S,S′)nickel(II)]‐μ‐1,2‐di‐4‐pyridylethane‐κ2N:N′]

The Ni atom in the zigzag polymeric title complex, [Ni(C4H7OS2)2(C12H12N2)]n, is situated on a twofold axis and the bridging ligand situated about a centre of inversion. The structure features a distorted octa­hedral cis-NiN2S4 coordination geometry defined by two chelating O-isopropyl dithio­carbonate ligands and two N atoms derived from the bidentate bridging ligands.
Glucose oxidation in rat brain slices and homogenates

With the aid of C14-labeling, various glycolytic and respiratory properties of rat brain preparations were studied. Glucose oxidation as well as glycolysis occurred readily in isotonic whole brain homogenates, fortified with ATP and DPN. Under optimal conditions glucose oxidation accounted for about 60 per cent of the total respiration. Added TPN markedly enhanced the oxidation of glucose carbon-1 but had no effect on the oxidation of other glucose carbons. In short-term experiments conducted over a wide glucose concentration range, glucose oxidation in homogenates was almost maximal at 0.0002 M, whereas in slices, maximal oxidation was reached at 0.001 M. Fructose-U-C14 was readily oxidized by brain slices, but its oxidation was almost completely inhibited in the presence of glucose. Comparison of the radioactivity of lactic acid formed in brain slices and homogenates from glucose-1-C14 and glucose-U-C14 indicated the essential exclusive occurrence of the Embden-Meyerhof process. Although some glucose oxidation was observed with isolated brain mitochondria, it appeared this was due to contaminating cytoplasm, since glucose oxidation was greatly enhanced by the addition of the supernatant fraction.
Analytic nonlinear observer-based design for antilock braking systems

Cern Unsal and Pushkin KachrooCenter for Transportation Research, Virginia Tech1700 Kraft Dr, Suite 2000, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0536unsal@vt.edu, pushkin@ctr.vt.eduABSTRACTThis paper describes an observer based design for control of vehicle traction that is important in providing safety andobtaining desired vehicle motion in longitudinal (and lateral) vehicle control. Since vehicle traction force depends on thefriction coefficient between road and tire, which in turn depends on the wheel slip and road conditions, we may influencetraction force by varying the wheel slip. A robust adaptive sliding mode controller is designed to maintain the wheel slip atany given value. Simulations show that this longitudinal traction controller is capable of controlling the vehicle withparameter deviations and disturbances (e.g., changes in the road conditions). The direct state feedback is then replaced withnonlinear observers in order to estimate the vehicle velocity from the output of the system which is the wheel velocity. Thenonlinear system model is shown to be locally observable. Extended Kalman filter and sliding observer are the two methodsused for estimation. The effects and drawbacks ofthese observers are shown via simulations. The sliding observer is found tobe promising while the extended Kalman filter is unsatisfactory due to unpredictable changes in the road conditions.Keywords: traction control, sliding mode control, nonlinear estimators, extended Kalman filter, antilock braking systems.
The genetic algorithm scheme for consensus sequences

A consensus sequence is a single sequence that represents characteristics of a family of sequences. Such synopses are most commonly used in the bioinformatics for sequence analysis. For example, algorithms that determine high quality consensus sequences are useful to construct a multiple alignment and consequently, a sequence logo (another representation that attempts to capture the important features of sequences). The determination of optimal consensus sequences is NP-hard (Gusfield). We present two new algorithms and compare them to earlier, published methods of determining consensus sequences. The first, CONSENSIZE, is an application of the genetic algorithm scheme (GAS). The other is a simple steepest descent search, usually not very useful for NP-hard problems, but surprisingly successful for this application. We discuss both algorithms and experimentally compare their accuracy and efficiency with the simulated annealing, multiple alignment and center string approaches. Test results are presented on both synthetic data and biological sequences.
An embedded system for an eye-detection sensor

Real-time eye detection is important for many HCI applications, including eye-gaze tracking, autostereoscopic displays, video conferencing, face detection, and recognition. Current commercial and research systems use software implementation and require a dedicated computer for the image-processing task-a large, expensive, and complicated-to-use solution. In order to make eye-gaze tracking ubiquitous, the system complexity, size, and price must be substantially reduced. This paper presents a hardware-based embedded system for eye detection, implemented using simple logic gates, with no CPU and no addressable frame buffers. The image-processing algorithm was redesigned to enable highly parallel, single-pass image-processing implementation. A prototype system uses a CMOS digital imaging sensor and an FPGA for the image processing. It processes 640x480 progressive scan frames at a 60fps rate, and outputs a compact list of sub-pixel accurate (x,y) eyes coordinates via USB communication. Experimentation with detection of human eyes and synthetic targets are reported. This new logic design, operating at the sensor's pixel clock, is suitable for single-chip eye detection and eye-gaze tracking sensors, thus making an important step towards mass production, low cost systems.
In vitro cellular response to hydroxyapatite scaffolds with oriented pore architectures

Abstract The objective of the present work was to evaluate the in vitro cellular response to hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds with oriented pore architectures. Hydroxyapatite scaffolds with approximately the same porosity (65–70%) but two different oriented microstructures, described as ‘columnar’ (pore diameter = 90–110 μm) and ‘lamellar’ (pore width = 20–30 μm), were prepared by unidirectional freezing of suspensions. The response of murine MLO-A5 cells, an osteogenic cell line, to these scaffolds was evaluated using assays of MTT hydrolysis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and alizarin red staining. While the cellular response to both groups of scaffolds was better than control wells, the columnar scaffolds with the larger pore width provided the most favorable substrate for cell proliferation and function. These results indicate that HA scaffolds with the columnar microstructure could be used for bone repair applications in vivo.
Relationship between Plant Maturity and Foraging Experience of Lambs Grazing Hycrest Crested Wheatgrass

Abstract We compared the ingestive behavior of 8-week-old lambs experienced with either hycrest crested wheatgrass ( Agropyron cristatum × Agropyron desertorum ) or the shrub serviceberry ( Amelanchier alnifolia ) when they grazed on monocultures of vegetative or flowering hycrest crested wheatgrass growing in pots placed in the soil at ground level. A split block design was used to test for the main effects of plant maturity (vegetative or flowering) and experience (grass or shrub), and their interaction. Phenology affected ingestive behavior. Bite size (0.29 vs. 0.10 g per bite) and intake rate (4.2 vs. 3.3 g min −1 ) were higher ( P −1 ) was lower ( P P −1 ). Grass-experienced lambs had slightly higher bite rates (25 vs. 24 bites min −1 ) and took larger bites (0.21 vs. 0.18 g per bite), but differences were not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). The interaction between plant phenology and experience was not significant ( P > 0.05). Grass-experienced lambs were more ( P −1 ) and flowering (4.6 vs. 3.7 g min −1 ) grass than shrub-experienced lambs. Shrub-experienced lambs failed more ( P
The potential changes of methane due to an assumed increased use of natural gas: A global three-dimensional model study

Abstract In this paper, we use a global methane model to study the potential changes in global methane if natural gas were substituted for coal in energy production. At present, the global methane leakage from natural gas industry is estimated to be between 6 Tg/year (0.5% leakage of natural gas production) and 48 Tg/year (4% leakage of natural gas production). The model results show that in the low leakage case increased use of natural gas will slow the current increase trend of methane from 1% per year to about 0.6% per year. However, in the high leakage case increased use of natural gas will speed the current methane increase trend from 1% per year to about 2% per year. Thus, it is important to precisely understand the magnitude of methane emission from the gas industry, and the consequent impact of the increased use of natural gas on global climate.
Frictional anisotropy of tilted molybdenum nanorods fabricated by glancing angle deposition

Abstract The frictional anisotropy and deformation behavior of a nanostructured thin film (NSTF) consisting of tilted molybdenum (Mo) nanorods was investigated. The NSTF exhibited strong frictional anisotropy and the coefficients of friction were larger when sliding against the direction of nanorods tilt as compared to sliding along the tilt direction, reaching a maximum of ~35% difference. Frictional anisotropy at low loads is attributed to the anisotropy in surface roughness, whereas, at high loads, it is attributed to the difference in the deformation mechanism of nanorods when sliding along and against the direction of nanorods tilt. Furthermore, no deformation was detected after the scratch even after heavy scratches, indicating strong resistance of nanorods to plastic deformation.