cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dispersion of Lead Zirconate Titanate for Fused Deposition of Ceramics

A study of the adsorption of several surfactants onto lead zirconate titanate (PZT) powder was performed. The adsorption of oleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleic acid, and stearic acid onto PZT-5H powder (surface area = 2.58 m2/g) was measured by thermogravimetric analysis. Toluene was used as a solvent, and the solution concentrations were set at 50.0 g/L. It was found that the stearic acid adsorption onto the PZT-5H powder was highest, to the extent of 8.1 mg/m2. Trace amounts of stearyl alcohol adsorbed onto PZT, showing an adsorption of 0.8 mg/m2. Both oleyl alcohol and oleic acid showed no measurable adsorption. Once stearic acid was found to be a suitable surfactant for fused deposition of ceramics (FDC), the coating process was studied to further optimize the amount adsorbed. A total of six solution concentrations, varying from 5.0 to 70.0 g/L stearic acid in toluene, were tested. It was found that a solution concentration of 30.0 g/L stearic acid was sufficient to provide maximum coverage of the PZT surface. Increases in concentration beyond 30.0 g/L had no effect on the adsorption of the surfactant. PZT powder coated with stearic acid using this method was compounded with a proprietary thermoplastic binder formulation at 55 vol% PZT. Rheology measurements show that this material exhibits a viscosity adequate for FDC.
Revision Upper Cervical Spine

Revision surgeries for failed odontoid treatments pose a unique challenge to the treating surgeon due to the complex and special anatomy manifested as thin and irregular bony corridors, significant physiologic motion, and the significant contribution of the ligamentous structures to the stability of the occiput-C2 segment. Failures can be classified into two major categories depending on whether or not appropriate initial management was administered. Inadequate surgical technique or incomplete understanding of the patho-anatomy are the most common reasons for failure of the initial procedure. Posterior C1-2 fusion, preferably with a technique different than the original surgery, is the treatment of choice for most failed odontoid fracture surgeries.
The preparticipation physical evaluation: an analysis of clinical practice.

Objective:To evaluate current preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) clinical practice behaviors.Design:Telephone and Web-based survey study with attention to utilization of the Fourth Edition PPE Monograph.Setting:We contacted the Washington State American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Americ
Perchlorate reduction using free and encapsulated Azospira oryzae enzymes.

Existing methods for perchlorate remediation are hampered by the common co-occurrence of nitrate, which is structurally similar and a preferred electron acceptor. In this work, the potential for pe...
Mechanisms of BDNF regulation in asthmatic airway smooth muscle

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin produced by airway smooth muscle (ASM), enhances inflammation effects on airway contractility, supporting the idea that locally produced gro...
Design of the Compact Integral Effects Test Facility and Validation of Best-Estimate Models for Fluoride Salt–Cooled High-Temperature Reactors

The capability to validate integral transient response models is a key issue for licensing new reactor designs. The Compact Integral Effects Test (CIET 1.0) facility reproduces the thermal-hydrauli...
Oxidative C–C Bond Formation Reactivity of Organometallic Ni(II), Ni(III), and Ni(IV) Complexes

The use of the tridentate ligand 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (Me3tacn) and the cyclic alkyl/aryl C-donor ligand -CH2CMe2-o-C6H4- (cycloneophyl) allows for the synthesis of isolable organometallic NiII, NiIII, and NiIV complexes. Surprisingly, the five-coordinate NiIII complex is stable both in solution and the solid state, and exhibits limited C-C bond formation reactivity. Oxidation by one electron of this NiIII species generates a six-coordinate NiIV complex, with an acetonitrile molecule bound to Ni. Interestingly, illumination of the NiIV complex with blue LEDs results in rapid formation of the cyclic C-C product at room temperature. This reactivity has important implications for the recently developed dual Ni/photoredox catalytic systems proposed to involve high-valent organometallic Ni intermediates. Additional reactivity studies show the corresponding NiII species undergoes oxidative addition with alkyl halides, as well as rapid oxidation by O2, to generate detectable NiIII and/or NiIV ...
Nonlinear Optical Phenomena in Active Media

Chapter 4 described phenomena in which photons are exchanged among two or more light beams having simply-related phases and frequencies. The harmonic, subharmonic, or mixture frequencies which are generated in those processes are determined only by the frequency composition of the applied light beam. Although indispensible to these processes, a nonlinear optical medium plays only a catalytic role, even when by its crystal symmetry and by fortuitous phase matching, it singles out one of several possible processes. As in ordinary linear dispersion, the medium responds coherently, but in a passive manner, to the electromagnetic disturbance. Photons collide elastically with the atomic systems; i.e., no detectable exchange of quanta occurs between the light waves and the dispersion systems, and the new frequencies generated are not characteristic of the medium. When sufficient care is taken to satisfy the rather stringent demands of coherence, a passive optical medium may act as an amplifier, facilitating the sustained exchange of energy between light beams. Such energy exchange, accomplished with coherently driven scattering systems, is more nearly akin to stimulated than to spontaneous emission.
The Use of Psychosocial Services Post Hand and Upper Limb Injury and Trauma: A Pilot Study.

Background: Research demonstrates that hand injuries may cause psychological difficulties. To enhance recovery, therapists must provide appropriate referrals. The purpose of this study was to explo...
Reversed compressive yield anisotropy in magnesium with microlaminated structure

Abstract To investigate the effect of grain morphology on the mechanical properties of polycrystalline Mg, two types of bulk Mg samples with equiaxed and microlaminated grain structures were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) of as-received Mg powder and cryomilled disc-shaped Mg powder particles, respectively. Based on a detailed microstructural investigation, the mechanisms by which microstructure evolves and texture development occurs were identified and are discussed. The basal fiber textures in the SPS consolidated samples allow the plastic anisotropy in such textured Mg to be investigated. Compression tests at room temperature parallel and perpendicular to the SPS compaction axis determined that, in comparison to the conventional anisotropy observed in the equiaxed sample, the anisotropy of yield strength is reversed in the microlaminated sample, with the yield strength for c-axis extension being higher than that for c-axis contraction. The reversed compressive yield strength anisotropy observed in the sample that was cryomilled is related to the low twinning activity, limited twinning growth and the anisotropy induced by the microlaminated grain structure, which offers an opportunity to reduce or even reverse the intrinsic plastic anisotropy of hexagonal close packed Mg.
Modulators of Erythropoiesis: Emerging Therapies For Hemoglobinopathies And Disorders Of Red Cell Production

Use of new compound such as inhibitors of JAK2 or transforming growth factor β-like molecules might soon revolutionize the treatment of β-thalassemia and related disorders. However, this situation requires careful optimization, noting the potential for off-target immune suppression for JAK2 inhibitors and the lack of mechanistic insights for the use of the ligand trap soluble molecules that sequester ligands of activin receptor IIA and B.
A systems view of personnel assignment problems: Research Articles

Personnel assignment problems have traditionally been solved using operations research (OR) methods. The purpose of the research was to demonstrate the value of taking a systems view of personnel assignment beyond the usual OR models. Human factors methodologies and research methods were used to describe and analyze the components of the personnel assignment process at a printing company. These included macroergonomics, human–computer interaction, the skills–rules–knowledge (SRK) framework, hierarchical task analysis, decision ladders, and abstraction decomposition spaces. This approach facilitated assessments for function allocation and work system design, which are argued to be necessary for successful implementations of any solution for personnel assignment problems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 16: 285–307, 2006.
The Impact of Technological Innovation Cycles on Organizational Learning

In today’s constantly changing business environment, the ability to acquire knowledge, and to do it quickly, is often the difference between surviving and not surviving. Organizational learning is therefore being recognized as a critical organizational function of considerable interest to corporate leaders. This interest in organizational learning has been encouraged by the perception that learning and innovation are essential for the survival of organizations due to the dynamics of external environments. Despite continued interest by researchers in innovation and organizational learning, there is a gap with regard to considering both issues concurrently. This paper describes how information technology (IT) innovations have brought new capabilities to E-commerce which can potentially improve individual and organizational learning. Focused training programs can ensure organizational learning is realized, and that staff members have the requisite skills to update products and services to keep pace with the market place as new innovative technologies are introduced. Successful organizations are considered the ones that can learn, and learn quickly. Knowledge has become an organizations most important intangible asset since it is accumulated through organizational learning. New tools are available that can support collaboration efforts, but the organization must eliminate policies that inhibit information sharing and collaboration among team members. If an organization has a structural problem due to norms and values that discourage the sharing of information, innovative IT approaches will not improve the organizational performance since the underlying institutional problems will still be in place. The need for organizations to develop dynamic capabilities that can span innovation cycles is clear. If IT investments must be tied to strategic business plans and legitimate value propositions, then individual and organizational learning programs should focus on developing the skill to integrate business value propositions into product investment strategies. Organizations must assess which learning techniques will ensure staff can adapt the firm’s products and services as new innovative technologies are introduced. Ongoing, focused, training can ensure staff has the capabilities to implement product updates that achieve value propositions tied to the new technologies.
Current Concepts in the Operative Management of Acromioclavicular Dislocations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Operative Techniques:

Background:Acromioclavicular (AC) instability is a frequent injury affecting young and athletic populations. Symptomatic, high-grade dislocations may be managed by a myriad of operative techniques ...
Synthesis of Trisubstituted Alkenyl Boronic Esters from Alkenes Using the Boryl-Heck Reaction

The direct borylation of disubstituted alkenes is reported. These conditions allow for the conversion of a variety 1,1- and 1,2-disubstituted alkenes to trisubstituted alkenyl boronic esters with outstanding yields and excellent E/Z selectivities. The utility of this reaction has been demonstrated with several downstream functionalization reactions, which allow access to diverse, stereodefined, functionalized olefins. Mechanistic studies are consistent with a boryl-Heck pathway.
Toward Better Understanding of Task Difficulty during Physicians’ Interaction with Electronic Health Record System (EHRs)

The goal of this study was to assess the relationship of task difficulty and mental effort with performance during physicians’ interaction with electronic health records (EHRs). A total of 38 physi...
Contrasting seasonal patterns of fine root production for blue oaks (Quercus douglasii) and annual grasses in california oak woodland

In a blue oak woodland in NE California, we used root ingrowth cores to study seasonal patterns of fine root (< 2 mm diameter) production (FRP) for annual grasses and blue oaks (Quercus douglasiiHook and Arn.). At each of three sites (River, Upland and Hilltop) there were three studies: a short-term seasonal study, a long-term cumulative study and a core nutrient enrichment study. In the short-term study, ingrowth cores were installed and harvested in 3-month intervals. Grass and oak FRP dominated in different seasons. Grass FRP was greater in fall (Oct–Dec, 26.0 g m−2 month−1(gmm)) and winter (Jan–Mar, 18.1 gmm), lower in spring (Apr–Jun, 2.9 gmm) and negligible in summer (July–Sep). In contrast, oak FRP was greater in spring (6.1 gmm) with lower, but significant summer growth (2.9 gmm). Grass FRP declined steadily with soil depth (0–40 cm) in all seasons. Oak FRP changed little with soil depth, except in the summer, when production was greatest at lower soil depths. In the long-term study, ingrowth cores were installed and harvested after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Oak annual FRP was greater in the long-term study than in the short-term study at the River and Upland sites. Thus production in the short-term study may be an underestimate, due to disturbance effects. Nutrient enrichment of cores with N-P-K increased grass FRP, but surprisingly, decreased oak FRP, suggesting that annual grasses may have competitive advantages in nutrient enriched soil.
A review of literature on substance abuse among anaesthesia providers.

BackgroundResearch has demonstrated that anaesthesia providers are susceptible to substance abuse. Several preventive measures are being implemented in certified registered nurse anaesthetist progr...
Exon-specific RNA interference: a tool to determine the functional relevance of proteins encoded by alternatively spliced mRNAs.

The majority of metazoan genes encode pre-mRNAs that are subject to alternative splicing. For example, it has recently been estimated that as many as 74% of human genes encode alternatively spliced mRNAs (1). An alternatively spliced gene can generate anywhere from 2 different isoforms to as many as 38,016 isoforms in the case of the Drosophila Dscam gene (2). Thus, alternative splicing serves to greatly expand the diversity of the proteins encoded by a genome (3). In many cases, it has been shown that different protein isoforms synthesized from a single gene have distinct functions (3). In our efforts to determine the functional significance of alternative splicing, we developed a variant of RNA interference (RNAi) we call exon-specific RNAi (4). This technique involves the selective design of a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) trigger that is complementary to a specific alternative exon (see Fig. 1). We have shown that in cultured Drosophila cells, these exon-specific dsRNA triggers specifically induce the degradation of mRNA isoforms containing the targeted exon, but they do not affect the stability of mRNA isoforms synthesized from the same gene that lack the targeted exon. Thus, it should be possible to use this technique to determine the function of proteins encoded by alternatively spliced mRNAs. Open in a separate window Fig. 1 Overview of exon-specific RNAi The hypothetical gene shown contains four exons, two of which—B and C—are alternatively spliced in a mutually exclusive manner. dsRNAs corresponding to a common exon, such as exon A, would induce the degradation of all mRNA isoforms synthesized from this gene. In contrast, dsRNAs corresponding to the alternative exons would specifically induce the degradation of mRNAs containing the targeted exon without affecting the stability of mRNAs lacking the targeted exon.
Does state-mandated reporting work? The case of surgical site infection in CABG patients

ABSTRACTThis paper is the first empirical study to explore the relationship between the state-mandated reporting of surgical site infections (SSIs) and changes in infection rates, length of stay an...
Transition from selexipag to oral treprostinil in a patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Prostacyclins are the mainstay treatment for patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. This case highlights the transition from selexipag to oral treprostinil. Our patient improved both subjectively and objectively. Cardiac output and index, as measured by the echocardiogram, improved 12% and 7.7%, respectively. Invasive hemodynamic data revealed greater improvements: cardiac output improved by 25% and cardiac index by 28%. Mixed venous oxygen saturation improved from 65% to 71%. A possible explanation is that selexipag has a maximal dose, whereas there is no recommended maximum dose of oral treprostinil. Another theory is oral treprostinil has higher affinity to the IP receptor, though selexipag has a higher specificity. However, there are no bio-equivalency data, and data comparing pharmacodynamics of both drugs are lacking. Furthermore, no head-to-head trials comparing these agents exist.
Controlled Release Dinoprostone Insert and Foley Compared to Foley Alone: A Randomized Pilot Trial.

Objective The aim of study is to compare, in a pilot study, combined dinoprostone vaginal insert and Foley catheter (DVI + Foley) with Foley alone (Foley) for cervical ripening and labor induction at term. Study Design In this open-label pilot randomized controlled trial, women not in labor, with intact membranes, no prior uterine incision, an unfavorable cervix, gestational age ≥37 weeks, and a live, nonanomalous singleton fetus in cephalic presentation were randomly assigned, stratified by parity, to DVI + Foley or Foley. Oxytocin was used in both groups after cervical ripening. Primary outcome was time to vaginal delivery. Results From April 2017 to January 2018, 100 women were randomized. Median (25–75th percentile) time to vaginal delivery for nulliparous women was 21.2 (16.6–38.0) hours with DVI + Foley (n = 26) compared with 31.3 (23.3–46.9) hours with Foley (n = 24) (Wilcoxon p = 0.05). Median time to vaginal delivery for parous women was 17.1 (13.6–21.9) hours with DVI + Foley (n = 25) compared with 14.8 (12.7–19.5) hours with Foley (n = 25) (Wilcoxon p = 0.21). Results were also analyzed to consider the competing risk of cesarean using cumulative incidence functions. Conclusion Compared with Foley alone, combined use of the dinoprostone vaginal insert and Foley for cervical ripening may shorten time to vaginal delivery for nulliparous but not parous women.
Authentic Leadership Development in the Life of Moses

Moses experienced several trigger moments (Avolio, 2005) that developed him as an authentic leader. Through an examination of key events in Moses’s life, we can observe God’s emphasis on development of authentic leadership values. The selected passages provide the scholar with detailed conversations that occurred as God called Moses to lead the Hebrews out of Egyptian slavery and as Jethro mentored Moses in leadership skills. Through these intimate exchanges, Moses is motivated to shift his perspective, a necessary step to his development to lead the Hebrew children out of Egyptian slavery and prepare them for the Promised Land.
Massive Star Formation Rates and Radial Distributions from Halpha Imaging of 84 Virgo Cluster and Isolated Spiral Galaxies

The massive star formation properties of 55 Virgo Cluster and 29 isolated S0-Scd bright (M(B) < -18) spiral galaxies are compared via analyses of R and Halpha surface photometry and integrated fluxes as functions of Hubble type and central R light concentration (bulge-to-disk ratio). In the median, the total normalized massive star formation rates (NMSFRs) in Virgo Cluster spirals are reduced by factors up to 2.5 compared to isolated spiral galaxies of the same type or concentration, with a range from enhanced (up to 2.5 times) to strongly reduced (up to 10 times). Within the inner 30% of the optical disk, Virgo Cluster and isolated spirals have similar ranges in NMSFRs, with similar to enhanced median NMSFRs for Virgo galaxies. NMSFRs in the outer 70% of the optical disk are reduced in the median by factors up to 9 for Virgo Cluster spirals, with more severely reduced star formation at progressively larger disk radii. Thus the reduction in total star formation of Virgo Cluster spirals is caused primarily by spatial truncation of the star-forming disks. The correlation between HI deficiency and R light central concentration is much weaker than the correlation between HI deficiency and Hubble type. ICM-ISM stripping of the gas from spiral galaxies is likely responsible for the truncated star-forming disks of Virgo Cluster spirals. This effect may be responsible for a significant part of the morphology-density relationship.
A prospective study of reproductive factors in relation to risk of systemic lupus erythematosus among black women.

ObjectiveSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) occurs most commonly among reproductive age women, compatible with a potential role of reproductive factors, although past studies including women of mai...
Characterization of milk and soy phospholipid liposomes and inflammation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Abstract Milk phospholipids (PL) are valuable dairy components that appear to impart human health benefits, including improved cognitive function in infants and adults. The commercial food industry uses primarily plant-based sources of PL, such as soy lecithin. However, it remains unclear whether different compositions of PL from different dietary sources, such as milk, convey the same benefits. We hypothesized that PL derived from bovine milk or soy have differing physiological effects in terms of inflammation due to their differences in composition. The objectives of this study were to characterize milk and soy liposomes by their physicochemical properties and composition and to evaluate their effects in vitro by means of inflammatory gene expression analyses. Milk and soy phospholipid large unilamellar vesicles (MPL-LUV and SPL-LUV, respectively) prepared using thin-film hydration coupled with extrusion were similar in terms of structure, size, and stability; however, they differed significantly in composition. The 3T3-L1 adipocytes were selected for this work because adipocytes are the main site of uptake, synthesis, modification, and breakdown of lipids and are important inflammatory mediators in mammalian systems. In this work, these cells exposed to both liposome varieties showed high biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity up to concentrations of 0.5 mg/mL as measured by colorimetric MTT and lactate dehydrogenase assays. Furthermore, SPL-LUV showed trends toward stimulating inflammation compared with MPL-LUV as measured by expression of 2 proinflammatory cytokines, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and IL-6. Expression of MCP-1 significantly increased 1.82-fold relative to the control upon SPL-LUV treatment, with similar trends for IL-6 (increased 1.59-fold). The MPL-LUV showed relatively no change in cytokine expression. The results obtained in this work suggest that the methodology used to prepare LUV and the composition and proportion of milk PL are important in measuring cell physiology changes and inflammatory status in mammalian cells.
A Deep-Bayesian Framework for Adaptive Speech Duration Modification.

We propose the first method to adaptively modify the duration of a given speech signal. Our approach uses a Bayesian framework to define a latent attention map that links frames of the input and target utterances. We train a masked convolutional encoder-decoder network to produce this attention map via a stochastic version of the mean absolute error loss function; our model also predicts the length of the target speech signal using the encoder embeddings. The predicted length determines the number of steps for the decoder operation. During inference, we generate the attention map as a proxy for the similarity matrix between the given input speech and an unknown target speech signal. Using this similarity matrix, we compute a warping path of alignment between the two signals. Our experiments demonstrate that this adaptive framework produces similar results to dynamic time warping, which relies on a known target signal, on both voice conversion and emotion conversion tasks. We also show that our technique results in a high quality of generated speech that is on par with state-of-the-art vocoders.
Lymph node FNA cytology: Diagnostic performance and clinical implications of proposed diagnostic categories.

Background Despite widespread clinical use, lymph node fine-needle aspiration cytology (LN-FNAC) lacks universal acceptance for definitively diagnosing lymphomas. This is likely due to reports of lower diagnostic performance, inconsistent terminology use in cytopathology diagnostic reports, and only limited data on the clinical implications of LN-FNAC diagnoses. Recently, a uniform LN-FNAC cytopathological diagnostic reporting system was proposed (the Sydney System). This study evaluated LN-FNAC diagnostic performance and risks of malignancy associated with the proposed diagnostic categories. Methods LN-FNAC specimens obtained in 2018-2019, with and without concurrent core biopsy, to evaluate for suspected lymphoma were analyzed (n = 349). LN-FNAC diagnoses were compared with final diagnoses obtained via subsequent tissue biopsy and/or clinical assessment. Results The mean patient age was 57.6 years, and 41% were female. LN-FNAC was the initial diagnostic test in 223 (63.9%), and it was used to evaluate for recurrence in 126 (36.1%). LN-FNAC diagnosed 202 hematological malignancies (57.9%), 23 nonhematological malignancies (6.6%), and 124 reactive processes (35.5%). Subsequent tissue biopsy was performed in 42 (12%). The risks of malignancy per diagnostic category were as follows: inadequate, 58.3%; benign, 6.4%; atypical, 69.2%; suspicious, 96.7%; and malignant, 99.3%. LN-FNAC demonstrated up to 96.3% sensitivity, 91.91% specificity, and 87.35% accuracy. Optimal specimen quality and the use of intradepartmental consultation reduced diagnostic error rates in FNA cases without concurrent core biopsy (P = .029 and P = .0002 respectively). Conclusions LN-FNAC is accurate and reliable for the diagnosis of lymphoma. Inadequate LN-FNAC samples should be resampled due to a significant associated risk of lymphoma. The diagnostic performance of LN-FNAC may be improved with good specimen quality and reviews by multiple pathologists. Understanding the risks of malignancy associated with LN-FNAC diagnostic categories will help to guide optimal patient management.
Cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment of production and consumption of pulses in the United States.

Abstract Environmental impact associated with production and consumption of pulses in the United States was evaluated using life cycle assessment (LCA). The system boundary was set to cradle-to-grave with a functional unit of 60 g (dry basis) of pulses consumed in a US household. Varieties of pulses modeled in the study included field pea (Pisum sativum), lentil (Lens culinaris), chickpea (Cicer arietinum), and dry bean. Three methods of cooking pulses at the consumer stage tested in the study were cooking in open vessel on electric cooking range (OVC), cooking in stovetop pressure cooker on electric cooking range (SPC), and cooking in electric pressure cooker (EPC). OVC formed the base scenario against which all other scenarios were compared. The environmental impact of pulses varied with type of pulse crop, cooking method, and the batch size. Consumption of approximately 60 g of dry pulses resulted in the greatest environmental impact for OVC. The consumer stage contributed at least 83, 81, 76, 75, and 87 percent for global warming potential (GWP), fossil resource scarcity (FRS), water consumption (WC), freshwater eutrophication (FE), and marine eutrophication (ME), respectively for this scenario. EPC resulted in the greatest decrease in the environmental impact, compared to OVC, for GWP, FRS, FE, and ME for all pulse varieties, which was validated in the uncertainty analysis. SPC, on the other hand, decreased the impact across these categories only for chickpea and dry bean. The uncertainty analysis suggested that the differences associated with cooking methods in the mean land use and water consumption scores of pulses were statistically non-significant. The impact categories were also highly sensitive to the mass of pulses cooked in a batch. Increasing the reference flow in OVC to 1 kg decreased the environmental impact of pulses by 49–87 percent for all impact categories, excluding land use. Overall, the study identified the consumer stage as the hotspot for environmental impact in the supply chain of pulses in the United States. The large contribution of the consumer stage to the overall environmental impact of pulses was attributed to electricity consumption for cooking and associated upstream emissions.
SURVIVAL OF SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM IN COLD-PACK-CHEESE FOOD DURING REFRIGERATED STORAGE

Fourteen batches of cold-pack cheese food were contaminated with Salmonella typhimurium during manufacture. Cheese food stored at 4.4 and 12.8 C was tested at weekly intervals and salmonellae were enumerated by means of a Most Probable Number technique. A rapid decline in number of salmonellae occurred during the first week of storage regardless of temperature or composition of the product. Survival beyond this time was more closely related to both conditions. Viable salmonellae could not be recovered, after 3 weeks at 12.8 C or 5 weeks at 4.4 C, from cheese food adjusted to pH 5.0 with lactic acid and fortified with 0.24% potassium sorbate. Substituting sodium propionate for sorbate resulted in 14 and 16 weeks of survival by salmonellae when cheese food was held at 12.8 and 4.4 C, respectively. Partial or complete replacement of lactic acid by acetic acid was accompanied by somewhat longer survival of salmonellae than when only lactic acid was used. Elimination of added acid from the cheese food resulted...
Stochastic Volatility Regression for Functional Data Dynamics

Although there are many methods for functional data analysis (FDA), little emphasis is put on characterizing variability among volatilities of individual functions. In particular, certain individuals exhibit erratic swings in their trajectory while other individuals have more stable trajectories. There is evidence of such volatility heterogeneity in blood pressure trajectories during pregnancy, for example, and reason to suspect that volatility is a biologically important feature. Most FDA models implicitly assume similar or identical smoothness of the individual functions, and hence can lead to misleading inferences on volatility and an inadequate representation of the functions. We propose a novel class of FDA models characterized using hierarchical stochastic differential equations. We model the derivatives of a mean function and deviation functions using Gaussian processes, while also allowing covariate dependence including on the volatilities of the deviation functions. Following a Bayesian approach to inference, a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is used for posterior computation. The methods are tested on simulated data and applied to blood pressure trajectories during pregnancy.
Grandinetti, Philip J.: Potius Sero Quam Nunquam

A historical perspective and reminiscences by Philip J. Grandinetti is presented on his education and career in magnetic resonance, touching upon his undergraduate and graduate education at West Virginia University and the University of Illinois, his post-doc years at Berkeley, and his early career as a Professor of Chemistry at Ohio State University. Keywords: average Hamiltonian theory; dynamic-angle spinning; high-pressure NMR; KDP-type ferroelectrics; magic-angle flipping; multiple-quantum magic-angle spinning; optical pumping; hyperpolarization; overtone NMR; NMR of glass; quadrupolar nuclei; rotor-assisted population transfer; aatellite-transition magic-angle spinning; shifted-echo acquisition
Dual effects of theophylline on spontaneous transmitter release from frog motor nerve terminals

Alkylxanthine drugs, such as theophylline, block adenosine receptors, inhibit phosphodiesterases and other enzymes, and cause the release of calcium from intracellular stores. Adenosine receptor blockade occurs at low micromolar concentrations of the drugs, while other effects occur in the millimolar concentration range. The effects of theophylline were tested on spontaneous transmitter release at the frog cutaneous-pectoris neuromuscular junction (NMJ). A change in the frequency, but not the amplitude, of miniature endplate potentials (mepps) was interpreted as a change in spontaneous transmitter release. In normal Ringer's, theophylline, at concentrations of 100 microM and 1 mM, theophylline had no consistent effect on spontaneous release. In contrast, theophylline produced dual effects on mepp frequency in hyperosmotic Ringer's. At 10 microM, theophylline depressed mepp frequency, while, at 100 microM and 1 mM, theophylline increased mepp rate. Since low micromolar concentrations of theophylline depressed spontaneous transmitter release, this action may result from adenosine receptor blockade and inhibition of a tonic, stimulatory effect of adenosine. This hypothesis was supported by the following experimental results: (1) Micromolar concentrations of theophylline reversed the effects of applied adenosine on neuromuscular transmission. (2) The inhibitory effect of theophylline was mimicked by 2 other alkylxanthines, 8-phenyltheophylline and 8-p-sulfophenyltheophylline. These drugs may be more specific adenosine receptor antagonists than theophylline. (3) The inhibitory effect of theophylline was mimicked by adenosine deaminase, an enzyme that breaks down and inactivates adenosine. (4) The depressant action of theophylline was masked by the addition of adenosine deaminase to the hyperosmotic Ringer's. Application of adenosine to the frog NMJ reduces spontaneous transmitter output.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Acute allergic reactions induced in subjects with hay fever and asthma by the intravenous administration of allergens with observations on blood clot lysis

Abstract Six patients with allergic disease of the respiratory tract were given intravenous extracts to which they were sensitive both clinically and by skin test. Amounts which were sufficient to evoke respiratory manifestations produced little apparent circulatory or cutaneous change. No change was observed in skin sensitivity or in circulating skin-sensitizing antibody or complement. An unexpected finding was the lysis of clot formed in blood drawn after the induced reactions (fibrinolysis) in three instances.
Experience of Designing and Manufacturing a BattleBot to Compete

Students working toward a baccalaureate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology at the University of Cincinnati are required to complete a “Design, Manufacturing, and Test” senior capstone design project. One of these capstone design projects was to design and manufacture a battle robot to participate in the BotsIQ national competition. This robot was built to meet the BotsIQ 120 lb weight class specifications. A BattleBot is a robot which possesses fighting capabilities and competes against other BattleBots with the intent to disable them. The weapon is the main component of the BattleBots. BattleBots compete one on one and the winner is determined by the amount of damaged inflicted to the other using the weapon. In the 2007–2008 academic year, a team of four Mechanical Engineering Technology students at the University of Cincinnati built a BattleBot as their senior capstone design project. As with all capstone projects, expertise and knowledge acquired from their coursework and co-op were utilized. This project gave them an opportunity to showcase their abilities as well as develop additional skills needed to be successful in a team oriented business world. This team also enjoyed the personal satisfaction of working on a technically complex project from concept-to-design, manufacture, test, and compete against other university participants in the competition. This paper will describe students’ experiences in designing, manufacturing, and competing their robot in the national competition and team experience of the participants.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Overview of Fish Consumption Rates in the United States

ABSTRACT Contaminants that accumulate in fish may pose health risks and have raised concerns among consumers. Contaminated finfish and shellfish are possible routes of human exposure to toxic chemicals. Fish advisories are established to protect local populations from the consumption of contaminated commercial and non-commercially caught fish. Children, women of childbearing age, and subsistence fishermen or other highly exposed individuals who for socioeconomic or cultural reasons consume more fish than the general population are among the populations of concern from the ingestion of contaminated fish. Estimating exposure to a toxic chemical among fish-consuming populations requires knowledge about intake rates of fish and shellfish. Data on fish consumption rates come from various sources, including national, state, and local government studies. Although these data have their limitations, they serve as a source for deriving fish consumption rates that may be used by exposure assessors. Data on specific ...
Metabolism and effects of progesterone in the human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line HEC-1.

Abstract Human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells (HEC-1 line) were incubated with 14 c-progestarone. Four major labeled metabolites, 3β-hydroxy 5α-pregnan-20-one, 5α-pregnane-3β,20α-diol, 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen- 3-one and 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione were separatedby thin layer chromatography, further purified by high pressure liquid chromatography and finally identified by addition of carriers and crystallization to constant specific activity. Among these metabolites, 5α-pregnane- 3β, 20α-diol seems characteristic of this cell line since its formation from labeled progesterone was not detected in normal endometrium or in 2 specimens of endometrial adenocarcinoma. The growth of HEC cells was unaffected by either progesterone or medroxyprogesterone acetate, a slowly metabolized progestin, at about 1C −6 M levels but was inhibited by about 10 −5 M concentrations of these compounds.
Analysis of fumonisin B1 by negative‐ion thermospray mass spectrometry

Thermospray mass spectrometry was used to analyze fumonisin B1 (FB1) from two corn samples that were known to contain fumonisins, and from a FB1-spiked meat sample. The mass spectrometer was operated in the negative-ion discharge-on, filament-off, mode with the fragmentor set at 200 V. Selected-ion monitoring (SIM) was used for quantitative analysis. The mobile phase was CH3CN (containing 1% CICH2CN, v/v)+0.1M ammonium acetate, pH 3.65 (65:35, v/v). Quantitative analysis was done by integrating the peak areas traced by ion currents of 5 selected ions in SIM, and by the method of standard additions. Responses to the selected ions were linear within the range of 2-200 ng. Fumonisins were easily identified in the corn and muscle tissue matrices without any apparent matrix interferences and were detectable down to 0.1 μ/mL (2 ng injected).
Antisocial media: Digital dystopianism as a normative project

This article examines the normative underpinnings of dystopianism in popular writing about the internet. Through textual analysis, dystopian concerns are shown to be motivated by shared normative preoccupations: that internet users are irresponsible, that they do not sufficiently value work, and that the pursuit of pleasure online interrupts and impedes users’ desire and ability to become responsible subjects. Building on the antisocial thesis in queer theory and recent work on anxiety in affect studies, the article argues that dystopian anxieties work to produce discursive space for responsible subjecthood that readers are invited to occupy. In this way, it is proposed that digital dystopianism is not simply a descriptive project; it is also, and perhaps more fundamentally, a normative project linked to domination, insofar as it aims to reverse the transformations it describes, soliciting readers to assume responsibility for their bodies, minds, families, communities, and nations.
A Structured-Grid Quality Measure for Simulated Hypersonic Flows

A structured-grid quality measure is proposed, combining three traditional measurements: intersection angles, stretching, and curvature. Quality assesses whether the grid generated provides the best possible tradeoffs in grid stretching and skewness that enable accurate flow predictions, whereas the grid density is assumed to be a constraint imposed by the available computational resources and the desired resolution of the flow field. The usefulness of this quality measure is assessed by comparing heat transfer predictions from grid convergence studies for grids of varying quality in the range of [0.6-0.8] on an 8'half-angle sphere-cone, at laminar, perfect gas, Mach 10 wind tunnel conditions.
Growth inhibition of Cryptococcus neoformans by human alveolar macrophages.

Macrophage cytotoxicity for Cryptococcus neoformans was investigated by culturing human alveolar macrophage (AM) with a thin-capsuled clone of C. neoformans in a polypropylene culture tube assay system. Yeast replication was quantitated by electronic particle counting after detergent lysis of AM and viability by quantitative plate counts. Under appropriate conditions, fungal replication was inhibited in the presence of human AM. This effect persisted over the 48-h time course that was evaluated. During this period, organisms in medium alone proliferated rapidly, doubling their number every 4 h. Human AM did not require endotoxin, fetal calf serum, or specific rabbit anticryptococcal antibody for fungistasis. Under these conditions, microscopic evaluation of a cytocentrifuge preparation of AM-yeast cocultures, stained by a modified Giemsa technique, revealed all the fungi to be extracellular. In the presence of 10% fresh human serum, AM phagocytized C. neoformans and exhibited fungicidal activity. Tumor ne...
Trade in Fremont society: contexts and contrasts

Marine shell, turquoise, exotic ceramics, and toolstone, and raw minerals are common in archaeological assemblages generated by the Fremont, small scale farmers and foragers who occupied the eastern Great Basin and Colorado Plateau of western North American between AD 400 and 1300. Although researchers routinely describe such artifacts, little attention been paid to the means whereby these items were acquired or the implications those mechanisms have for understanding Fremont socio-economic patterns and relations. This paper presents the spatial patterning of both local and exotic goods from Fremont occupations and offers a range of social contexts for exchange as well as contrasts with Virgin Anasazi contexts for such goods. A trade fair/festival model is proposed as an important mechanism or context for the distribution of exotics at Fremont sites.
Distributed Stochastic Online Learning Policies for Opportunistic Spectrum Access

The fundamental problem of multiple secondary users contending for opportunistic spectrum access over multiple channels in cognitive radio networks has been formulated recently as a decentralized multi-armed bandit (D-MAB) problem. In a D-MAB problem there are M users and N arms (channels) that each offer i.i.d. stochastic rewards with unknown means so long as they are accessed without collision. The goal is to design distributed online learning policies that incur minimal regret. We consider two related problem formulations in this paper. First, we consider the setting where the users have a prioritized ranking, such that it is desired for the K-th-ranked user to learn to access the arm offering the K-th highest mean reward. For this problem, we present DLP, the first distributed policy that yields regret that is uniformly logarithmic over time without requiring any prior assumption about the mean rewards. Second, we consider the case when a fair access policy is required, i.e., it is desired for all users to experience the same mean reward. For this problem, we present DLF, a distributed policy that yields order-optimal regret scaling with respect to the number of users and arms, better than previously proposed policies in the literature. Both of our distributed policies make use of an innovative modification of the well-known UCB1 policy for the classic multi-armed bandit problem that allows a single user to learn how to play the arm that yields the K K-th largest mean reward.
Catheter Ablation of Ectopic Atrial Tachycardia Originating from the Left Atrial Appendage using CARTOMERGE® System

A 70-year-old woman was referred because of drug resistant and daily incessant palpitation attack. She had undergone two previous unsuccessful radiofrequency catheter ablations at another hospital. The physical examination, chest X-ray, and echocardiogram were all normal. The 12-lead ECG during tachycardia showed narrow QRS, short PR tachycardia and negative polarity of the P wave in leads I and aVL (Fig. 1A). The ECG monitor showed incessant tachycardia with warming-up phenomenon. Three dimensional electroanatomical map integrated with CT imaging (CARTOMERGE®, Biosense Webster Inc.) clearly revealed the radial activation pattern originating from the basalo-postero-inferior aspect of the left atrial appendage. Radiofrequency energy application at this site eliminated tachycardia permanently.
EXAMINING LINGUISTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PARAPHRASE IN TEST‐TAKER SUMMARIES

This annotation study is designed to help us gain an increased understanding of paraphrase strategies used by native and nonnative English speakers and how these strategies might affect test takers' essay scores. Toward that end, this study aims to examine and analyze the paraphrase and the types of linguistic modifications used in paraphrase in test-taker responses and differences that may exist between native and nonnative English speakers. We are also interested in how these factors might influence final essay score. Outcomes discussed in this report can be used to inform the development of new e-rater® scoring engine features that capture information related to paraphrase, specifically in nonnative speaker responses to the TOEFL® exam integrated writing task.
The SO2(3B1) photosensitized isomerization of cis- and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene

The photolysis of SO2 at 3712 A in the presence of the 1,2-dichloroethylenes has been investigated at 22deg;C. The data are consistent with the SO2(3B1) photosensitized isomerization of the 1,2-dichloroethylene isomer. A kinetic treatment of the initial quantum yield data was consistent with the formation of a polarized charge-transfer intermediate whenever SO2(3B1) molecules and one of the 1,2-dichloroethylene isomers collide which ultimately decays unimolecularly to the cis-isomer with a probability of 0.70 ± 0.26 and to the trans-isomer with a 0.37 ± 0.16 probability. Quenching rate constants for removal of SO2(3B1) molecules by cis- and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene have been estimated from quantum yield data and from laser excited phosphorescence lifetimes using an excitation wavelength of 3130 A. Estimates of the quenching rate constant (units of 1./mole ± sec) are for the cis-isomer, (1.63 ± 0.71) × 1010, quantum yield data, and (2.44 ± 0.11) × 1010, lifetime data; and for the trans-isomer,(2.59 ± 0.09)×1010, lifetime data, and (2.35 ±0.89) × 1010, quantum yield data. An experimentally determined photostationary composition,[cis-C2Cl2H2]/[trans-C2Cl2H2] = 1.8 - 0.1, was in good agreement with a value of 2.00 - 1.15 which was predicted from rate constants derived in this study.