cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic behavior of liquid sheets

An experiment was conducted to study the aerodynamic instability of liquid sheets issuing from a two‐dimensional air‐assisted nozzle. Detailed measurements of the frequency of oscillation of the liquid sheet have been made. The measured vibrational frequencies were then correlated with the resulting spray angle. It was shown that the liquid sheet oscillations are dynamically similar to that of hard spring systems. For each air pressure, three distinct modes of breakup are distinguished. At low liquid flow rates, the sinusoidal mode of breakup is dominant. At intermediate liquid flow rates, both the sinusoidal and the dilational modes are superimposed on the liquid sheet. With a further increase in liquid flow rate, the liquid sheet oscillations mainly become of the dilational type. It was also shown that the effect of introducing air in the nozzle is similar to the effect of inducing forced vibrations on the nozzle jaws. Thus, for each air flow rate, there is a specific vibration frequency for the nozzle. The frequency of these vibrations is proportional to the air velocity. As the liquid sheet natural frequency approaches that of the nozzle, resonance is established. At resonance, the maximum spray angle is achieved.
Energy-aware load dispatching in geographically located Internet data centers

Abstract Online service providers (OSPs) have Internet data centers in multiple geographical locations in order to satisfy global user demand. Increased data centers consume a large amount of energy, and at the same time causes increased heat dissipation, greater cooling requirements, reduced computational density, and higher operating costs. It places a heavy burden on both the environment and energy resources. OSPs are now focusing more than ever on the need to improve energy efficiency. A new challenge has emerged besides the energy cost, the reduction of the carbon footprint. Although electricity is a clean and relatively safe form of energy to use, there are environmental impacts associated with the production and transmission of electricity. Meanwhile, increased online services require more Internet usage, especially with the trend of cloud computing; the network costs account for a large portion of operation costs for OSPs. This paper proposes an optimal energy-aware load dispatching model to minimize the electricity and network costs for OSPs. Our model can greatly reduce the costs for OSPs by considering the volatility of electricity market and applying energy-efficiency strategies in each data center. We conduct extensive evaluations based on real workload data and electricity price data. The results prove the effectiveness of our energy-aware load dispatching model with a theoretically guaranteed quality of service (QoS).
Selenium content of human milk: Possible effect on dental caries

The concentration of selenium was measured in mature human milk from 15 nursing mothers. The selenium content of the milk was determined by neutron activation analysis. Selenium was found in all samples in amounts ranging from 0.013 to 0.053 ppm. The mean selenium content of the milk samples was 0.021 ppm. The influence of selenium intake on susceptibility to dental caries in children is discussed.
Choices for Healthy Outcomes In Caring for End Stage Renal Disease

Summary In the CHOICE study, a multidisciplinary research team is conducting several complementary research projects designed to better understand how dialysis care practice influences health outcomes and costs. The study places a special emphasis on the perspective of the patient. The effort includes the development of patient-centered instruments for assessment of health-related quality of life, patient preferences and patient satisfaction. Our hope is to provide information and tools to guide physicians and providers in selecting optimal dialysis practices for their patients with ESRD.
Multiple admissions for alcohol withdrawal

Objective The objective was to identify risk factors for multiple admissions for alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in patients admitted to a general medicine service. Methods: A retrospective study was performed examining records of patients admitted for AWS between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008 to an academic tertiary referral hospital. Patients with a single admission were compared to patients with multiple admissions with respect to demographic and clinical variables. Results: Three hundred and twenty-two patients accounted for 788 admissions. Of the 322 patients, 142 (44%) had multiple admissions. Compared to patients with a single admission, patients with multiple admissions were more likely to have a high school education or less (p=0.0071), a higher Charlson comorbidity index score (p=0.0010), a positive urine drug screen for non-alcohol drug (p=0.0002), psychiatric comorbidity (p=0.0303) and a higher CIWA-Ar maximum total score (p<0.0001). Conclusion: In patients with AWS, we identified demographic and clinical variables associated with multiple admissions to a general medicine service. Our results indicate areas for a targeted multidisciplinary and multispecialty approach at initial intervention, which is especially important given the high rates of recidivism in this patient population. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Influence of urea on the resolution of lipopolysaccharides in sodium dodecylsulfate polycrylamide gels

Abstract The ability of SDS-polycrylamide gels to resolve relatively high concentrations of lipopolysaccharides was related to the concentration of urea in the separation gel. Adequate profiles of lipopolysaccharide in gels can be achieved by staining with the periodic acid-Schiff stain, and these serve as important controls to gels stained with the silver stain.
Protein-Polymer Grafts via a Soy Protein Derived Macro-RAFT Chain Transfer Agent

Methodology to produce materials derived from renewable resources is of great importance in decreasing both environmental impact as well as dependence on fossil fuels. We report a straightforward method of polymer grafting to soy protein hydrolysates, which are available in surplus. Benzylthiocarbonate moieties were installed on the protein surface via amidation of free amino groups, creating a protein macro chain transfer agent (CTA) for reversible addition fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization. We found that subjection of this soy protein macro-CTA (SP-CTA) to RAFT polymerization conditions with polar acrylate monomers resulted in protein-polymer nanometer-scale particles with solubility properties dictated by monomer polarity. Polymer grafting, particle size and polymerization were characterized by elemental analysis, transmission electron microscopy and gel permeation chromatography. We anticipate that this method of grafting will be of use in generation of new materials based on renewable resources.
Two studies on using specialty advertising in retail sales contests

Two studies were conducted to assess the impact of specialty advertising as a promotional tool in retail sales contests. In both cases, specialty advertising was directed toward the retail sales force rather than the consumer. It was felt that s~ecialtv advertisine could perform a reinforcement and reminder role as well as a mot: vating role for encouraging retail salespeople to participate in a contest. In the first study with Chick-fil-A, specialty advertising had an overall positive impact on employee performance. Total sales vol- ume increased in three of the four stores studied, while it increased in only two of the four stores that did not receive specialty advertis- ing. And while sales volume as a whole increased during the contest period, the largest percentage of increase occurred in those stores where specialty advertising was used. In the second study, the FanFair study, the effectiveness of spe- cialty advertising was very apparent. In both markets where special- ty advertising was used, Dall...
Older males have higher insemination success in a beetle

The hypothesis that male age affects insemination success was tested in a field study of a fungus beetle, Bolitotherus cornutus. In this species, male competition is important in determining the number of females with which a male attempts to copulate, but females have control over whether an attempt results in sperm transfer. Thus the proportion of a male's copulatory attempts that are accepted by females is a measure of the male's insemination success, independent of his overall access to females. This proportion was found to increase significantly as a male ages; thus, older males had higher insemination success. The insemination advantage of older males could be the result of two different mechanisms: female choice of older males or greater access of older males to highly receptive females. Neither of these mechanisms could be definitely supported or refuted based on the data collected in this study; therefore, further studies are necessary to determine whether one or both of these non-mutually exclusive mechanisms account for the older male advantage.
Evaluation of variability performance of junctionless and conventional Trigate transistors

The variability performance of JAM devices is studied owing to an analytical formula for Vt variance and to 2D numerical simulation doping sensitivity analysis. Both approaches clearly indicate that JAM devices exhibit 2–5 times larger Vt and drain current variability than in inversion mode Trigates. This suggests that the optimization of JAM transistors should carefully take into account this aspect in their technological design.
Intensive insulin therapy is associated with reduced infectious complications in burn patients

Background Intensive insulin therapy to control blood glucose levels has reduced mortality in surgical, but not medical, intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Control of blood glucose levels has also been shown to reduce morbidity in surgical ICU patients. There is very little data for use of intensive insulin therapy in the burn patient population. We sought to evaluate our experience with intensive insulin therapy in burn-injured ICU patients with regard to mortality, morbidity, and use of hospital resources. Study Design Burn patients admitted to our American College of Surgeons verified burn center ICU from 7/1/2004 to 6/30/2006 were studied. An intensive insulin therapy protocol was initiated for ICU patients admitted starting 7/1/2005 with a blood glucose target of 100−140 mg/dL. The 2 groups of patients studied were control (7/1/2004 to 6/30/2005) and intensive insulin therapy (7/1/2005 to 6/30/2006). All glucose values for the hospitalization were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results Overall, 152 ICU patients admitted with burn injury were available for study. No difference in mortality was evident between the control and intensive insulin therapy groups. After adjusting for patient risk, the intensive insulin therapy group was found to have a decreased rate of pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and urinary tract infection. In patients with a maximum glucose value of greater than 140 mg/dL, the risk for an infection was significantly increased (OR 11.3, 95% CI 4−32, P -value Conclusion Intensive insulin therapy for burn-injured patients admitted to the ICU was associated with a reduced incidence of pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and urinary tract infection. Intensive insulin therapy did not result in a change in mortality or length of stay when adjusting for confounding variables. Measurement of a blood glucose level greater than 140 mg/dL should heighten the clinical suspicion for the presence of an infection in patients with burn injury.
Making Negotiated Land Reform Work: Initial Experience from Colombia, Brazil and South Africa

Abstract The paper describes background, initial experience, and future challenges associated with a new “negotiated” approach to land reform. This approach has emerged as, following the end of the Cold War and broad macroeconomic adjustment, many countries face a “second generation” of reforms to address deep-rooted structural problems and provide the basis for sustainable poverty reduction and economic growth. It reviews possible theoretical links—through credit market or political channels—between asset ownership and economic performance. Program characteristics in each country, as well as lessons for implementation, and implications for monitoring and impact assessment are discussed.
A micro/macro homogenization approach for viscoelastic creep analysis with dissipative correctors for heterogeneous woven-fabric layered media

Abstract The analysis of heterogeneous structures containing micromechanical details is an active area of interest in composite materials. The present investigation proposes a novel finite-element approach for studying the viscoelastic creep problem in dual length-scale heterogeneous materials. To illustrate the approach, constituents at the micro-level are assumed to be isotropic single-parameter Kelvin–Voigt viscoelastic solids. Of the various homogenization approaches, because of its inherent advantages, the asymptotic expansion homogenization (AEH) approach is employed to resolve the multi-scale issue. Of key interest is the observation of the so-called dissipative corrector, a direct result of the mathematical derivation of the homogenized constitutive equation. Physically, it is due to the junction of dissimilar dissipative materials at the micro-level but it is required to ensure satisfaction of the equilibrium equations at both length scales. The analytical and computational developments employ existing material properties and constants to determine all relevant homogenized properties. A closed-form solution is employed to verify the present formulations for a degenerated case of a homogeneous viscoelastic material subject to constant creep. Several test cases are also presented to illustrate the observations for a microstructure resembling layered woven fabric composites.
Increased cathepsin B activity in multiple sclerosis brain

Cathepsin B (CB) activity was measured in aqueous extracts of frozen autopsy specimens of centrum semiovale from three MS patients, five control patients with other neurological diseases, and five normal individuals. Mean activity was significantly increased in the MS tissue compared with controls. The mean activity in MS tissue containing demyelinating lesions was higher than that in normal appearing white matter which was higher than that in normal control specimens but the differences were not statistically significant. The mean CB activity in patients with other neurological diseases was higher than normal control activity and, although the difference was not statistically significant, this observation suggests that increases in CB may not be specific for MS. Immunohistochemical studies of the MS brain tissue analyzed biochemically suggested that monocytes, macrophages and reactive astrocytes are potential sources of increased CB in MS brain.
A Comparative Study of Transurethral Resection of the Prostate Using a Modified Electro-Vaporizing Loop and Transurethral Laser Vaporization of the Prostate

AbstractPurpose: We determined the relative efficacy of a modification of transurethral resection of the prostate using a vaporizing loop (VaporTrode* *Circon ACMI, Santa Barbara, California.) with transurethral laser vaporization of the prostate using the Ultraline† †Heraeus LaserSonics, Milpitas, California. fiber.Materials and Methods: A comparative trial of 58 patients with symptomatic prostatism was performed. Parameters evaluated included operative time, postoperative catheterization time, American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score, peak urine flow and post-void residual urine.Results: Of the 29 patients who underwent electro-vaporization AUA symptom score decreased from 15.3 to 5.3 and 4.9, and peak urine flow increased from 8.2 to 14.9 ml. per second and 15.6 ml. per second at 1 and 3 months, respectively (p = 0.01). Of the 29 patients undergoing laser vaporization of the prostate AUA symptom score decreased from 14.7 to 10.1 and 7.6, and peak urine flow increased from 9.7 to 13.7 ml. per...
Selective visual attention enables learning and recognition of multiple objects in cluttered scenes

A key problem in learning representations of multiple objects from unlabeled images is that it is a priori impossible to tell which part of the image corresponds to each individual object, and which part is irrelevant clutter. Distinguishing individual objects in a scene would allow unsupervised learning of multiple objects from unlabeled images. There is psychophysical and neurophysiological evidence that the brain employs visual attention to select relevant parts of the image and to serialize the perception of individual objects. We propose a method for the selection of salient regions likely to contain objects, based on bottom-up visual attention. By comparing the performance of David Lowe's recognition algorithm with and without attention, we demonstrate in our experiments that the proposed approach can enable one-shot learning of multiple objects from complex scenes, and that it can strongly improve learning and recognition performance in the presence of large amounts of clutter.
Abuse Across the Lifespan: Prevalence, Risk, and Protective Factors

The results of abuse may include repeated abuse, chronic pain, and physical and emotional illnesses. For some, the result is death, but others thrive. Males and females are abused at similar rates, but males are more likely to experience physical assault and females are more likely to experience sexual assault. Males and females experience psychological abuse at the same rates and there is evidence that the effects of psychological abuse are as detrimental to long-term functioning as the effects of physical abuse. This article discusses partner violence in adults and adolescents, child maltreatment, and peer abuse in children and adolescents.
Synthesis of Copolymers from Phenylboronic Acid-Installed Cyclic Carbonates

Organoboron polymers play important roles in biomedical applications. An ample number of monomers bearing boronic acid derivatives have been synthesized, particularly focusing on controlled free radical polymerization methods. Organoboron polymers synthesized by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) routes are far less explored. We report on the ROP of boronic acid-installed cyclic carbonates, catalyzed by DBU from a poly(ethylene glycol) macroinitiator. Controlled polymerization proceeded to relatively high conversions (∼70%) with low polydispersity. Deprotection of the copolymer to generate the boronic acid pendant group was readily achieved by displacement of the protecting group with free diboronic acid. The resulting amphiphilic copolymers self-assembled in water into spherical nanoparticles or vesicles, depending on hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio. We envision these functional carbonates finding direct applications for core stabilization of biodegradable amphiphilic assemblies or in drug and protein encap...
Reduction of noise-induced hearing loss using L-NAC and salicylate in the chinchilla.

The effects of a combination of two antioxidant compounds were studied in a chinchilla model of noise-induced hearing loss. After obtaining baseline hearing thresholds using inferior colliculus evoked potentials, chinchillas were exposed for 6 h to octave band noise centered at 4 kHz (105 dB SPL). Post-noise thresholds were obtained 1 h after the noise exposure, and then animals received either saline or salicylate and N-L-acetylcysteine combination. Another group received antioxidant treatment 1 h prior to noise. Hearing was tested at 1, 2 and 3 weeks post-noise. Subsequently, the cochleae were harvested, and cytocochleograms were prepared. There was a 20–40 dB SPL threshold shift at 3 weeks for tested controls. Permanent threshold shifts (PTS) were significantly reduced (P<0.05) to approximately 10 dB for the pre-treatment group at week 3. The PTS for the post-treatment group at week 3 was similar to the pre-treatment group at 1 and 2 kHz (0–10 dB) but was intermediate between the control and pre-treatment groups at 4 and 8 kHz (23 dB). Animals pre-treated with antioxidant had a significant reduction in hair cell loss but those post-treated with antioxidant had no protection from hair cell loss. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of reduction of noise-induced hearing loss using clinically available antioxidant compounds.
Electrostatic Contributions to the Brugger-Type Elastic Constants

A general method is presented for obtaining the electrostatic contributions to the first-, second-, and third-order Brugger-type elastic constants of metallic and ionic structures. The electrostatic energy per unit initial volume of a homogeneously deformed lattice is determined by the Ewald-Fuchs method. General equations for the Brugger elastic constants are found by taking Lagrangian strain derivatives of this energy expression. Internal-strain contributions, which occur for nonprimitive structures, have been included. Results are tabulated for six metallic and five ionic structures.
Development of High Energy Diode-Pumped Thick-Disk Yb:YAG Chirped-Pulse-Amplification Lasers

We discuss the results of work directed toward the development of high energy (>;1 J), high average power, diode-pumped picosecond lasers. The design and operation of diode-pumped chirped-pulse-amplification Yb:YAG lasers that combine either room temperature or cryogenically-cooled regenerative amplifiers with cryo-cooled power amplifiers for superior thermal performance and efficient energy extraction are discussed. Results obtained using thick-disk amplifiers include the generation of 100 mJ, 5-ps duration laser pulses at 100-Hz repetition rate, and 1-J pulses of 8.5-ps duration at 10-Hz repetition rate. The performance of the amplifiers in terms of pulse energy and bandwidth under a variety of pump condition is presented.
The effect of temperature on the chemistry and morphology of the interphase in an SCS6/Ti-6Al-4V metal matrix composite

The changes in the chemistry and morphology within the interphase region of an SCS6-Ti-6Al-4V metal matrix composite upon exposing the samples to varying heat treatments have been studied using Auger electron spectroscopy, TEM and convergent beam diffraction techniques. These changes, such as, the formation of small TiC particles at one interface, and the narrowing of a protective pyrocarbon layer at another, induce fracture to occur at different places within the interphase upon heating. The reasons for this are explained. Evidence for a change in phase of a Ti{sub {ital x}}Si{sub {ital y}}(C) layer to the more thermodynamically stable Ti{sub 5}Si{sub 3} is also given.
Integrating palliative care in the out-of-hospital setting: four things to jump-start an EMS-palliative care initiative.

AbstractEmergency medical service (EMS) is frequently called to care for a seriously ill patient with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness. The seriously ill include both the acutely injured patients (for example in mass casualty events) and those who suffer from advanced stages of a chronic disease (for example severe malignant pain). EMS therefore plays an important role in delivering realistic, appropriate, and timely care that is consistent with the patient's wishes and in treating distressing symptoms in those who are seriously ill. The purpose of this article is to; 1) review four case scenarios that relate to palliative care and may be commonly encountered in the out-of-hospital setting and 2) provide a road map by suggesting four things to do to start an EMS-palliative care initiative in order to optimize out-of-hospital care of the seriously ill and increase preparedness of EMS providers in these difficult situations. Key Words: Collaboration; emergency medical service; integration; out of...
Failures at Attachment Holes in Brittle Matrix Laminates

Mechanical attachments for a brittle-matrix fiber-reinforced cross-ply composite are analyzed. Two model problems are considered: first, a bolt-loaded strut, and second, an infinitely-wide plate with evenly-spaced bolts. The possible failure mechanisms for the strut are identified, and the influence of bolt size, bolt location, bolt elasticity, and interfacial friction on these failure mechanisms and the associated failure loads are evaluated. The bolt spacing for the plate is identified that best takes advantage of a SiC/MAS cross-ply's ability to redistribute stresses through the mechanism of matrix cracking.Boundary value problems are solved using the finite element method. The cross-ply's constitutive behavior is described by the model of Genin and Hutchinson [1].
Effect of heating pulse shape on drop size and stability in thermal ink jet

Ink Jet Components DivisionSan Diego, CaliforniaABSTRACTThermal Ink Jet (TIJ) depends on stable, consistent nucleation to create drops of uniform mass. The shape of the nucleatingpulse is a contributing factor to the size and stability of the ejected drop. The size of the ejected drop can also be increased bythe presence of a warming pulse immediately preceding the nucleating pulse. This paper summarizes the results ofexperiments designed to investigate these two phenomena.1. THERMAL INK JET THEORY1.1. Materials and geometryThe basic principles of operation of HP InkJet Cartridges are simple: Ink is channeled to separate chambers each containing athin-film resistor on the floor and a small orifice on the ceiling (Fig. 1). Capillary force holds the ink meniscus at the orifice.The thin-film resistor is rapidly heated, causing a thin layer of ink directly over the resistor to be vaporized, forming a highpressure vapor bubble. The expansion of the vapor bubble forces the ink above the bubble to be ejected through the orifice,forming the drop which ultimately lands on the destination media The vapor bubble condenses and collapses, and thecapillary force of the ink meniscus in the chamber draws ink from the ink reservoir back up to the orifice. The chamber isthen ready to repeat the process to eject the next dro'
Positive symptoms of psychosis in posttraumatic stress disorder

The possible presence of hallucinations and delusional thoughts in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was investigated. Other symptom clusters were also assessed in order to further clarify the nature of PTSD. Twenty combat veterans with PTSD were compared to 18 combat veterans without PTSD on symptom rating scales. The subjects with PTSD exhibited a greater degree of depression, anxiety, agitation, anhedonia, and positive symptoms of psychosis than the comparison group. Specifically, the PTSD group manifested increased hallucinations, delusions, and bizarre behavior. Some of these positive symptoms did not appear to be due to reexperiencing of the trauma. The groups were not significantly different on indices of mania, thought disorder, or inertia. The clinical and diagnostic implications of the results are discussed. A diagnosis of PTSD should be considered with patients who have positive symptoms in the absence of thought disorder.
Fast-wave ICRF heating for EBT-P

Supplementary ion heating will play a major role in advancing the physics understanding of bumpy tori in EBT-P. Fast-wave ICRF heating is the method selected for EBT-P because of the successful ICRF heating experiments on tokamaks and on EBT-S. Given neoclassical electron behavior, then 2 MW of ICRF heating in the range of 60 to 90 MHz should be sufficient for the achievement of all the goals for ion heating, including 5% core plasma beta at the rings.
Industrial Society: Requiem for a Concept

This paper traces the historical development as well as the analytical and ideological uses of “industrial society” as an object of knowledge. The binary opposition traditional society/industrial society and the latter tripartite division traditional, industrial, post-industrial society have been central to the development of sociology as a discipline. Like all analytical concepts “industrial society” is both a way of seeing and not seeing. It focuses attention on some social attributes and processes rather than others. The first objective of this paper is to evaluate whether or not this object of knowledge focuses attention on crucial aspects of social life, or whether, instead, it shrouds and distorts more than it reveals. The second objective is to evaluate the ideological import of the concept. Did it, and does it still, provide a realistic and achievable model of the way we ought to live together?
CAPS (Mammalian UNC-31) Protein Localizes to Membranes Involved in Dense-Core Vesicle Exocytosis

Abstract CAPS is a neural/endocrine-specific protein discovered as a cytosolic factor required for Ca 2+ -activated dense-core vesicle (DCV) exocytosis in permeable neuroendocrine cells. We report that CAPS is also a membrane-associated, peripherally bound protein in brain homogenates that localizes selectively to plasma membranes and to DCVs but not to small clear synaptic vesicles (SVs). CAPS exhibits high affinity and saturable binding to DCVs by interaction with bilayer phospholipids. Specific CAPS antibodies inhibit Ca 2+ -activated norepinephrine release from lysed synaptosomes that contain membrane-associated CAPS, indicating that membrane-bound CAPS is essential for neural DCV exocytosis. CAPS is a functional component of the exocytotic machinery that localizes selectively to DCVs, and it may confer distinct regulatory features on neuropeptide and biogenic amine transmitter secretion.
Adenylate and guanylate cyclases of cecropia silkmoth fat body.

Abstract Adenylate and guanylate cyclases were assayed in silkmoth fat body homogenates by measuring the conversion of [α- 32 P]nucleoside triphosphates to cyclic [ 32 P]nucleotides. Adenylate cyclase was dependent on dithiothreitol, required either Mg 2+ or Mn 2+ for activity, was activated by NaF, and inhibited by triton X-100. Guanylate cyclase was not dependent on dithiothreitol, was strictly dependent upon Mn 2+ , unaffected by NaF, and activated by triton X-100. Both cyclases had pH optima near 8.0 and were located chiefly in the particulate fraction of homogenates. Activities of both cyclases were maintained or elevated during the larval-pupal transformation and, in contrast to cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases, showed little decline in the early diapausing pupa.
Laboratory Investigations of Low-Swirl Injectors Operating With Syngases

The low-swirl injector (LSI) is a lean premixed combustion technology that has the potential for adaptation to fuel-flexible gas turbines operating on a variety of fuels. The objective of this study is to gain a fundamental understanding of the effect of syngas on the LSI flame behavior, the emissions and the flowfield characteristics for its adaptation to the combustion turbines in IGCC clean coal power plants. The experiments were conducted in two facilities. Open laboratory flames generated by a full size (6.35 cm) LSI were used to investigate the lean-blow off limits, emissions, and the flowfield characteristics. Verification of syngas operation at elevated temperatures and pressures were performed with a reduced scale (2.54 cm) LSI in a small pressurized combustion channel. The results show that the basic LSI design is amenable to burning syngases with up to 60% H2 . Syngases with high H2 concentration have lower lean blow-off limits. From PIV measurements, the flowfield similarity behavior and the turbulent flame speeds of syngases flames are consistent with those observed in hydrocarbon and pure or diluted hydrogen flames. The NOx emissions from syngas flames show log-linear dependency on the adiabatic flame temperature and are comparable to those reported for the gaseous fuels reported previously. Successful firing of the reduced-scale LSI at 330 < T < 446° F and 8 atm verified the operability of this concept at gas turbine conditions.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The impacts and implications of an intensifying fire regime on Alaskan boreal forest composition and albedo

Climate warming and drying are modifying the fire dynamics of many boreal forests, moving them towards a regime with a higher frequency of extreme fire years characterized by large burns of high severity. Plot-scale studies indicate that increased burn severity favors the recruitment of deciduous trees in the initial years following fire. Consequently, a set of biophysical effects of burn severity on postfire boreal successional trajectories at decadal timescales have been hypothesized. Prominent among these are a greater cover of deciduous tree species in intermediately aged stands after more severe burning, with associated implications for carbon and energy balances. Here we investigate whether the current vegetation composition of interior Alaska supports this hypothesis. A chronosequence of six decades of vegetation regrowth following fire was created using a database of burn scars, an existing forest biomass map, and maps of albedo and the deciduous fraction of vegetation that we derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite imagery. The deciduous fraction map depicted the proportion of aboveground biomass in deciduous vegetation, derived using a RandomForest algorithm trained with field data sets (n 569, 71% variance explained). Analysis of the difference Normalized Burn Ratio, a remotely sensed index commonly used as an indicator of burn severity, indicated that burn size and ignition date can provide a proxy of burn severity for historical fires. LIDAR remote sensing and a bioclimatic model of evergreen forest distribution were used to further refine the stratification of the current landscape by burn severity. Our results show that since the 1950s, more severely burned areas in interior Alaska have produced a vegetation cohort that is characterized by greater deciduous biomass. We discuss the importance of this shift in vegetation composition due to climate-induced changes in fire severity for carbon sequestration in forest biomass and surface reflectance (albedo), among other feedbacks to climate.
Evidence-based quality improvement project for determining appropriate discontinuation of peripheral intravenous cannulas

In 2003, the Honour Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International and Nursing Spectrum sponsored an “Innovations in Clinical Excellence” contest to recognise exemplars of evidence-based nursing practice. The following is 1 of 5 winning entries, which is published with permission of the Honour Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International. With the increased acuity of today’s patients, the number of patients receiving intravenous (IV) therapy is much higher than the 25 million estimated over a decade ago by Maki and Ringer.1 Performing venipuncture for the purpose of inserting a peripheral IV line is painful to the patient and costly to the institution. In many instances, patients have several unsuccessful attempts before a peripheral line is successfully inserted. Current hospital policy was recently changed from 72 to 96 hours of dwell time based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). As in our previous policy, IV cannulas must be replaced at least every …
HIV-1 RNA levels and antiretroviral drug resistance in blood and non-blood compartments from HIV-1-infected men and women enrolled in AIDS clinical trials group study A5077

Background: Detectable HIV-1 in body compartments can lead to transmission and antiretroviral resistance. Although sex differences in viral shedding have been demonstrated, mechanisms and magnitude are unclear. We compared RNA levels in blood, genital-secretions and saliva; and drug resistance in plasma and genital-secretions of men and women starting/ changing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) 5077 study. Methods: Blood, saliva and genital-secretions (compartment fluids) were collected from HIV-infected adults ($13 years) at 14 United-States sites, who were initiating or changing ART with plasma viral load (VL) $2,000 copies/mL. VL testing was performed on all compartment fluids and HIV resistance genotyping on plasma and genital-secretions. Spearman rank correlations were used to evaluate concordance and Fisher’s and McNemar’s exact tests to compare VL between sexes and among compartments. Results: Samples were available for 143 subjects; 36% treated (23 men, 29 women) and 64% ‘untreated’ (40 men, 51 women). RNA detection was significantly more frequent in plasma (100%) than genital-secretions (57%) and saliva (64%) (P,0.001). A higher proportion of men had genital shedding versus women (78% versus 41%), and RNA detection was more frequent in saliva versus genital-secretions in women when adjusted for censoring at the limit of assay detection. Intercompartment fluid VL concordance was low in both sexes. In 22 (13 men, 9 women) paired plasma-genital-secretion genotypes from treated subjects, most had detectable resistance in both plasma (77%) and genital-secretions (68%). Resistance discordance was observed between compartments in 14% of subjects. Conclusions: HIV shedding and drug resistance detection prior to initiation/change of ART in ACTG 5077 subjects differed among tissues and between sexes, making the gold standard blood-plasma compartment assessment not fully representative of HIV at other tissue sites. Mechanisms of potential sex-dependent tissue compartmentalization should be further characterized to aid in optimizing treatment and prevention of HIV transmission. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00007488
Results of pumping tests of the Carrizo sand in the Lufkin area, Texas

The Lufkin Area, as the term is used in this paper, is comprised of Angelina and Nacogdoches counties, Texas, and parts of adjoining counties. Its surface is gently rolling, with a maximum relief of about 150 feet and a maximum altitude of less than 400 feet. The average annual rainfall is about 45 inches. Practically all of the water-supplies in the area come from ground-water and it has been found that the Carrizo sand contains water of better quality and is more productive than any other water-bearing formation in the area [see 1 of “References” at end of paper]. Figure 1 is a map of the area, showing the positions of the cities of Lufkin and Nacogdoches, the wells of the Southland Paper Mill, and other wells mentioned in this paper.
Herpes simplex virus type-2 infection by a footpad route results in neuronal death in mouse spinal ganglia

Abstract We have examined the effects of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection on neuron numbers in mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) following unilateral hind footpad inoculation. One month following HSV-2 strain MS inoculation, tissue sections of decalcified spine containing the paired 4th and 5th lumbar DRGs were stained with cresyl violet. Neuronal numbers, somal areas and ganglion volumes were determined for ganglia ipsilateral and contralateral to both HSV-2 and medium inoculations. One month following HSV-2 infection, 47–88% of neurons disappeared in the ipsilateral ganglia. The somal areas of the remaining neurons in these ganglia fell within the range of the uninfected population. Ganglionic shrinkage did not occur as a result of HSV-2 infection; neurons were replaced by large numbers of inflammatory cells. Neuron numbers in the contralateral control ganglia of the HSV-2 inoculated mice appeared slightly decreased. Mice inoculated with medium contained similar numbers of neurons in ipsilateral and contralateral ganglia. These results show that, in addition to other previously described host alterations, infection with HSV-2 strain MS results in neuronal death in the affected host ganglia. This is the first in vivo quantitative documentation of neuronal death induced by herpes simplex virus infection.
The Curious Silence of the Dog and Paul of Tarsus; Revisiting The Argument from Silence

In this essay I propose an interpretative and explanatory structure for the so-called argumentum ex silento, or argument from silence (henceforth referred to as the AFS). To this end, I explore two examples, namely, Sherlock Holmes’s oft-quoted notice of the “curious incident of the dog in the night-time” from Arthur Conan Doyle’s short story “Silver Blaze,” and the historical question of Paul of Tarsus’s silence on biographical details of the historical Jesus. Through these cases, I conclude that the AFS serves as a dialogical topos best evaluated and understood through the perceived authority of the arguer and the willingness of the audience to accept that authority, due to the “curious” nature of the negative evidence that the argument employed.
Localization of corticotropin-releasing factor-like immunoreactivity in monkey olfactory bulb and secondary olfactory areas.

Electrophysiological and anatomical observations suggest that terminals of olfactory bulb mitral cells ending in rat primary olfactory cortex exert certain postsynaptic effects via an excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter. Recent anatomical studies have shown that several peptides, most notably corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) (Imaki et al., '89) (Brain Res., 496:35–44), are also localized within rat olfactory bulb projection neurons, thus raising the possibility that there is a peptide cotransmitter in this system. In contrast to the availability of data for rodents, very little is known about the distribution of peptides and other putative transmitters in the olfactory systems of primate species. In the present study, sections through the olfactory bulb and its target areas were obtained from two monkey species (Saimiri sciureus and Macaca fascicularis) and processed for immunohistochemistry with a well-characterized polyclonal antiserum directed against the human form of CRF. Virtually identical results were obtained in the two species. Within the olfactory bulb, nearly all mitral and many tufted cells contained CRF-like immunoreactivity. CRF-positive fibers were seen within the olfactory tract and olfactory stria, which contain the axons of mitral and tufted cells. Within the anterior olfactory nucleus and layer Ia of the olfactory tubercle and piriform cortex, immunoreactivity was seen within fine processes, as well as in coarse, varicose fibers and isolated puncta. CRF-positive cells were seen within layer III of the olfactory tubercle and piriform cortex. Immunoreactive fibers and varicosities were also seen within olfactory-recipient regions of the amygdala and entorhinal cortex. These observations suggest that CRF may act as a transmitter and/or neuromodulator in primate olfactory system.
Elicitation of Neutralizing Antibodies with DNA Vaccines Expressing Soluble Stabilized Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Glycoprotein Trimers Conjugated to C3d

DNA vaccines expressing the envelope (Env) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) have been relatively ineffective at generating high-titer, long-lasting immune responses. Oligomeric or trimeric (gp140) forms of Env that more closely mimic the native proteins on the virion are often more effective immunogens than monomeric (gp120) envelopes. In this study, several forms of Env constructed from the HIV-1 isolate YU-2 (HIV-1(YU-2)) were tested for their immunogenic potential: a trimeric form of uncleaved (-) Env stabilized with a synthetic trimer motif isolated from the fibritin (FT) protein of the T4 bacteriophage, sgp140(YU-2)(-/FT), was compared to sgp140(YU-2)(-) without a synthetic trimerization domain, as well as to monomeric gp120(YU-2). DNA plasmids were constructed to express Env alone or fused to various copies of murine C3d (mC3d). BALB/c mice were vaccinated (day 1 and week 4) with DNA expressing a codon-optimized envelope gene insert, alone or fused to mC3d. Mice were subsequently boosted (week 8) with the DNA or recombinant Env protein. All mice had high anti-Env antibody titers regardless of the use of mC3d. Sera from mice vaccinated with DNA expressing non-C3d-fused trimers elicited neutralizing antibodies against homologous HIV-1(YU-2) virus infection in vitro. In contrast, sera from mice inoculated with DNA expressing Env-C3d protein trimers elicited antibody that neutralized both homologous HIV-1(YU-2) and heterologous HIV-1(ADA), albeit at low titers. Therefore, DNA vaccines expressing trimeric envelopes coupled to mC3d, expressed in vivo from codon-optimized sequences, elicit low titers of neutralizing antibodies against primary isolates of HIV-1.
An improved linearized model for electrohydraulic servovalves and its usage for robust performance control system design

Presents an improved linearized model for two-stage electrohydraulic servovalves and the design of a robust performance control system based on this derived model. The derived servovalve model is shown to have closer agreement with experimental results than the existing models. Robust performance controllers, which take into account the modeling uncertainty and system nonlinearity, are designed based on the improved model and two commonly used less accurate models. With the higher modeling accuracy, the first controller is shown to achieve the better robust performance.
Vegetable and Fruit Intake and Pancreatic Cancer in a Population-Based Case-Control Study in the San Francisco Bay Area

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most devastating and rapidly fatal cancers, yet little is known about the primary cause and prevention of this disease. We conducted a population-based case-control study to investigate the association between vegetables and fruits and pancreatic cancer. Between 1995 and 1999, 532 cases and 1,701 age- and sex-matched controls completed direct interviews using a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. No proxy interviews were conducted. We observed inverse associations between consumption of total and specific vegetables and fruits and the risk of pancreatic cancer. The odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for the highest versus the lowest quartile of total vegetable intake was 0.45 (0.32-0.62), trend P < 0.0001; and for total fruits and fruit juice was 0.72 (0.54-0.98), trend P = 0.06. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the highest versus the lowest quartile of specific vegetables and fruits were: 0.63 (0.47-0.83) for dark leafy vegetables, 0.76 (0.56-1.0) for cruciferous vegetables, 0.59 (0.43-0.81) for yellow vegetables, 0.56 (0.41-0.76) for carrots, 0.51 (0.38-0.70) for beans, 0.46 (0.33-0.63) for onions and garlic, and 0.78 (0.58-1.0) for citrus fruits and juice. Compared with less than five servings per day of total vegetables and fruits combined, the risk of pancreatic cancer was 0.49 (0.36-0.68) for more than nine servings per day. These results suggest that increasing vegetable and fruit consumption, already recommended for the prevention of several other chronic diseases, may impart some protection against developing pancreatic cancer.
On the semantics of interactive visualizations

Interactive techniques are powerful tools for manipulating visualizations to analyze, communicate and acquire information. This is especially true for large data sets or complex 3D visualizations. Although many new types of interaction have been introduced recently, very little work has been done on understanding what their components are, how they are related and how they can be combined. This paper begins to address these issues with a framework for classifying interactive visualizations. Our goal is a framework that will enable us to develop toolkits for assembling visualization interfaces both interactively and automatically.
Theory of electrodeposition of diamond nanoparticles

We theoretically investigate the electrophoretic agglomeration of uncharged, possibly aggregated, nanodiamond (ND) particles, from liquid suspension onto a sharpened anode. We propose that the shape of such a ND agglomeration can be understood in terms of surface tension and Maxwell stress.