cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen metabolism in soybean tissue culture: I. Assimilation of urea.

Cultured soybean (Glycine max, Kanrich variety) cells grow with 25 mm urea as the sole nitrogen source but at a slower rate than with the Murashige and Skoog (MS) (Physiol. Plant. 15: 473-497, 1962) nitrogen source of 18.8 mm KNO(3) and 20.6 mm NH(4)NO(3). Growth with urea is restricted by 18.8 mm NO(3) (-), 50 mm methylammonia, 10 mm citrate or 100 mum hydroxyurea, substances which are much less restrictive or nonrestrictive in the presence of ammonia nitrogen source. The restrictive conditions of urea assimilation were examined as possible bases for selection schemes to recover urease-overproducing mutants. Since urease has higher methionine levels than the soybean seed proteins among which it is found, such selections may be a model for improving seed protein quality by plant cell culture techniques.Callus will not grow with 1 mm urea plus 18.8 mm KNO(3). Urease levels decrease 80% within two divisions after transfer from MS nitrogen source to 1 mm urea plus 18.8 mm KNO(3). Hydroxyurea is a potent inhibitor of soybean urease and this appears to be the basis for its inhibition of urea utilization by callus cells.Stationary phase suspension cultures grown with MS nitrogen source exhibit trace or zero urease levels. Soon after transfer to fresh medium (24 hours after escape from lag), urease levels increase in the presence of both MS or urea nitrogen source. However, the increase is 10 to 20 times greater in the presence of urea. NH(4)Cl (50 mm) lowers urease induction by 50% whereas 50 mm methylammonium chloride results in more drastic reductions in urea-stimulated urease levels. Citrate (10 mm) completely blocks urease synthesis in the presence of urea.Ammonia and methylammonia do not inhibit soybean urease nor do they appreciably inhibit urea uptake by suspension cultures. It appears likely that methylammonia inhibits urea utilization in cultured soybean cells primarily due to its "repressive" effect on urease synthesis.Citrate does not inhibit urease activity in vitro and exhibits only a partial inhibition (0-50% in several experiments) of urea uptake. It appears likely that the citrate elimination of urease production by cultured soybean cells is due to its chelation of trace Ni(2+) in the growth medium. Dixon et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 97: 4131-4133, 1975) have reported that jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) urease contains nickel at the active site.
A Parallel Program Tuning Environment

A parallel program tuning environment is descibed to assist shared memory application programmers. The tools rely on a spectrum of underlying support and analysis tools.
A wind tunnel study of the effect of downstream buildings on near-field pollutant dispersion

The effect of near-field pollutant dispersion characteristics for the case of downstream buildings in the urban environment has been presented in this paper. Wind tunnel data were obtained for nine different building configurations, three exhaust momentum ratios (M) and three stack heights (hs), for wind azimuth of 0°. Tracer gas concentrations were measured on the roof, windward and leeward walls of each building. When a tall downstream building was located within the recirculation length of the emitting building, higher rooftop concentration was measured on the emitting building than for the isolated building case. Results also show that the height and across wind dimension of the downstream building, as well as the spacing between buildings are critical parameters in assessing plume dilution. ASHRAE 2007 and ASHRAE 2011, which apply Gaussian-based models for the evaluation of dilution, are unable to model the effect of adjacent buildings; the former yielded lower dilution for all cases examined whilst the latter was found to be suitable only for specific limited cases. Design guidelines for the placement of stack and intakes to avoid or minimize plume re-ingestion are proposed.
Effects of different diets on larval development in a peppermint shrimp (Lysmata sp. (Risso))

Currently, only a handful of marine ornamental species are commercially produced through aquaculture. In order for the marine aquarium industry to continue to grow, a diverse selection of cultured animals is required to offset wild collections. Long and variable larval durations are the major bottleneck for mass production of marine ornamental shrimp. Improving larval diet may reduce the larval duration and enhance the prospects of commercial aquaculture. A laboratory study was conducted to examine the effect of different diets on larval development and survival of the peppermint shrimp, Lysmata (gulf coast variety), a popular aquarium shrimp. The effect of three feeding regimes [Artemia alone (ART), ArteMac™ alone (COMM) and Artemia in combination with ArteMac™ (ART/COMM)] on survival and development were tested. Survival to zoea 5 for both ART and ART/COMM treatments was 99%, but only 62.5% for COMM treatment. ArteMac™ alone treatment shrimp only survived to zoea 7. Survival to postlarvae for ART treatment (72.5%) was significantly lower (P<0.01) than those of treatment ART/COMM (80.5%). Larvae fed ART/COMM had significantly (P<0.01) shorter larval duration than larvae fed ART. Fourteen days after the first postlarva appeared, the rates of settlement (85.4% and 67.5% respectively) and survival (68.8% and 49.0% respectively) were significantly greater (P<0.01) for larvae fed the ART/COMM than those fed ART.
Estimation of hydrazine and three of its methyl derivatives.

This report describes the results obtained by application of three methods (i.e., visual iodate, potentiometric bromate, and colorimetric molybdenum blue) to the determination of hydrazine and its methyl derivatives. In addition, the validity of continuous sampling techniques for vapor concentrations in air was determined by estimating the stability of acidified aqueous solutions of the hydrazines toward prolonged aeration.
Expression of genes associated with fatty acid metabolism during maturation in diploid and triploid female rainbow trout

Abstract To study the effects of sexual maturation on fatty acid metabolism in fish fed to satiation daily, expression of thirty-five genes involved in fatty acid metabolism was determined in sexually maturing diploid (2N; fertile) and triploid (3N; sterile) female rainbow trout. Gene expression was assessed in liver, white muscle, and visceral adipose tissues for fish that were 16 to 24 M of age. Previously, we reported minimal differences in most growth measurements between maturing 2N and 3N fish, but there were disparate changes in muscle proximate composition, visceral fat stores, and fatty acid contents of energy stores at 21 M with 3N females having greater lipid stores. Here, we report that gene expression profiles of liver and white muscle corresponded to the phenotypes with significant differences in expression at 20 M. Triploid females had increased expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis; including gpat , srebp1 , acyl , acc , fas , and scd1 in liver and fas in muscle. Conversely, 2N muscle had increased expression of β-oxidation genes cpt1b , cpt2 , ehhadh , and acat2 and TORC1 inhibitors redd1 , erk , mo25 , and pras40 . Diploid muscle also had increased expression of pparβ along with increased expression of the fatty acid transporter gene cd36 , and β-oxidation genes cpt1a , cpt1c , aco , and acdhvl at 20 M. Additionally, 2N visceral adipose tissue had increased cpt1a expression at 21 M. Overall, data suggest that 3N females are undergoing higher levels of fatty acid synthesis while 2N females have higher levels of β-oxidation during sexual maturation. Phenotypic data supports these findings with decreasing fatty acid stores in 2N females during this time period. Additionally, changes in gene expression are associated with altered expression within the mTOR and PPARβ signaling pathways.
Quantitative immunocytochemistry of pituitary receptors for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone.

In Araldite sections of male rat pituitaries, stained after embedding by the unlabeled antibody enzyme method with antisera to native luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) or LH-RH azo-conjugated to bovine serum albumin, localization is confined mainly to the interior of the large, and to a lesser extent to that of the small, secretion granules of the gonadotrophic cells. Plasma membranes are not demonstrated. Except for weak staining in the granules of corticotrophs, no other pituitary cell is stained. Pretreatment of sections with LH-RH (to dilutions of 4 pg/μl) increases staining intensity in the gonadotrophic granules. Other cells are unaffected. The lesser the gonadotroph staining intensity without pretreatment, the greater the increase (more than 23-fold reactivity). Augmented staining is measurable (P<0.001) to antiserum dilutions of 1∶240 000. Pretreatment with des-Glu-1-LH-RH, porcine corticotropin or rat prolactin has no effect. LH-RH-Gly-10(desamide) inhibits. Rat glycoprotein hormones enhance staining with anti-azo-conjugated LH-RH. With antinative LH-RH these hormones enhance weak staining, but inhibit strong staining. Thick vibrotome sections of male rat or rabbit pituitaries stained before embedding reveal specific localization on plasma membrane and gonadotrophic secretion granules, provided the sections have been pretreated with LH-RH (250 pg/μl). The data show that LH-RH after reaction with receptor is not sterically hindered from binding specific antibodies. Receptor may be found in secretion granules, both in the free state or combined with LH-RH. Plasma membrane receptor, on the other hand, was free under the conditions of the experiments. Immunization with LH-RH elicits not only heteroimmune antibodies specific for LH-RH, but also a group of still ill defined autoimmune antibodies, some of which may conceivably be reactive with glycoprotein hormone α-chains.
Raman studies of molecular-to-nonmolecular transitions in carbon dioxide at high pressures and temperatures

We have studied the molecular-to-nonmolecular phase transformations of carbon dioxide $({\text{CO}}_{2})$ in laser-heated diamond-anvil cells by confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy. Our spatially resolved Raman data across the laser-heated area suggest that two distinct forms of extended phases, phase VIII and disordered phase, coexist with tetrahedrally coordinated phase V above 50 GPa but at somewhat lower temperatures. The existence of these phases are most evident from their characteristic Raman features, which include a strong mode at $1200\text{ }{\text{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for phase VIII and a broad peak at $900\text{ }{\text{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for disordered phase, both of which appear at substantially higher wave numbers than the ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\text{b}}(\text{C-O-C})$ mode of phase V at $\ensuremath{\sim}800\text{ }{\text{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, around 50 GPa. Our Raman data further suggest that phase III is stable to at least 65 GPa at ambient temperatures and thus, emphasize that the stability field of $a$-carbonia, an amorphous extended phase, is only at elevated temperatures at pressures around 50 GPa or at room temperature above 65 GPa. This apparent extended stability of phase III may be due to strong kinetics associated with the molecular-to-nonmolecular transitions.
Intracerebroventricular administration of oxytocin and maternal behavior in rats after prolonged and acute steroid pretreatment.

Abstract The role of oxytocin in the initiation of maternal responsiveness in rats was reexamined. Oxytocin (400 ng in 4 μl saline) or saline alone was infused into the cerebral ventricular system of ovariectomized steroid-primed virgin females. Subjects received 2 weeks of exposure to ovarian steroids via subcutaneously implanted Silastic capsules (Experiment 1) filled with 17β-estradiol (1 mm; from Day 1) and progesterone (15 mm; Days 3–13), or they received a single injection of estradiol benzoate (100 μg/kg) 48 hr before intracerebral infusion (Experiment 2). Behavioral testing began immediately after oxytocin or saline administration. Latencies to retrieve, group, and crouch over foster young were scored. Contrary to previous reports, oxytocin did not stimulate a rapid onset of maternal responsiveness. The mean latencies to exhibit pup-oriented behaviors ranged from 2.8 to 5.1 days in all groups, regardless of treatment.
Intracellular IFNγ production in CD3 negative cells exposed to allo-antigens is an indicator of prior sensitization

Abstract Background Sensitization to HLA antigens (Ags) is a significant obstacle to kidney transplantation and risk factor for antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). Current screening methods to assess HLA Ag exposure include various antibody assays. However, tools to accurately measure cell-mediated immunity to allo-Ags in a clinical setting are lacking. Here we report on an intracellular cytokine flow cytometry (CFC) assay that detects intracellular gamma-interferon (IFNγ) production in non-T cell populations (CD3−) that appears to assess sensitization from previous allo-Ag exposure. Methods Blood from 106 highly-HLA sensitized (HS) patients (pre-, post-IVIG-treatment [Rx] and/or post-transplant) and 14 3 rd party normal controls (3 rd N) were incubated with donor or 3 rd N peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and IFNγ+/CD3− cells were enumerated. Results The percentage of IFNγ+ cells in CD3− cells without stimulation in pre-IVIG-Rx HS patients was similar to normals, but significantly increased with incubation with donor and/or 3 rd N PBMCs. Reactivity in normals was minimal. Reactivity was higher in HS females than HS males. Normal females with previous pregnancy (PG) showed significantly higher response than females without PG or non-sensitized normal males. Donor-specific reactivity in the CFC assay better correlated with donor-specific B cell crossmatch than total anti-HLA antibody levels or PRA. HS patients who developed AMR post-transplant showed significantly higher reactivity than those without AMR. Conclusions The CFC assay measures IFNγ production in CD3− cells that may indicate a memory response to allo-Ags. This response is limited to HS patients and normal females with previous PG. Patients undergoing AMR show significantly higher reactivity. This assay may represent a novel approach to measurement of allo-sensitization with clinical utility in predicting those at risk for AMR.
Physical properties of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus india L.) grown wild in Turkey

Abstract Knowledge of the physical properties of cactus pear, which is grown wild in Turkey, is necessary for the design of equipment for harvesting, transporting, cleaning, packing, storing, processing etc. of the fruit. In this study, some physical properties of cactus pears were determined, and the effects of different water contents on the properties were investigated. At water content levels from 89.91% w.b. to 44.76% w.b., the linear dimensions decreased from 71.93 to 63.27 mm in length, 57.57 to 48.10 mm in width, and 52.08 to 44.99 mm in thickness. The geometric mean diameter and sphericity decreased from 59.68 to 51.08 mm, and 0.831 to 0.809, respectively. The moisture contents considered, the volume, surface area and mass of fruit varied from 89.96 to 61.38 cm 3 , 111.92 to 83.04 cm 2 , and 109.57 to 99.27 g, respectively. The projected area of fruit on the Y – Z and X – Z planes varied from 20.20 to 17.02 cm 2 and from 15.57 to 12.92 cm 2 , respectively. The fruit density, bulk density and porosity varied from 1224.34 to 1766.77 kg/cm 3 , 641.74 to 588.66 kg/cm 3 , and 0.469 to 0.637 kg/cm 3 , respectively for the same water content range. The coefficients of static friction, on galvanized iron steel, plywood and rubber surfaces, varied from 0.243 to 0.219, 0.261 to 0.232, and 0.296 to 0.268, respectively.
Rapid plant-wide screening of solvents for batch processes

Abstract The selection of suitable solvents for chemical processes requires the consideration of many kinds of information (molecular, physico-chemical, safety, health, environmental, regulatory). While experimentally-verified data is clearly the most desirable, there may be many situations in which it is neither available nor readily accessible. In these cases, the only recourse is the use of property-estimation models. We describe SMART (Solvent Measurement, Assessment and Revamping Tool), an integrated software system developed in our research group for rapidly identifying and assessing solvents for batch processes, that employs both empirical data and property-estimation methods. With respect to the latter, we also introduce a new conjugation-based method for the estimation of reaction rates in solution, useful for screening solvents to be employed as reaction media.
Response of secondary production by macroinvertebrates to large wood addition in three Michigan streams

Summary 1. We measured responses in macroinvertebrate secondary production after large wood additions to three forested headwater streams in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. These streams had fine-grained sediments and low retention capacity due to low amounts of in-channel wood from a legacy of past logging. We predicted that wood addition would increase macroinvertebrate secondary production by increasing exposed coarse substrate and retention of organic matter. 2. Large wood (25 logs) was added haphazardly to a 100-m reach in each stream, and a 100-m upstream reach served as control; each reach was sampled monthly, 1 year before and 2 years after wood addition (i.e. BACI design). Macroinvertebrate secondary production was measured 1 year after wood addition in two habitat types: inorganic sediments of the main channel and debris accumulations of leaf litter and small wood. 3. Overall macroinvertebrate production did not change significantly because each stream responded differently to wood addition. Production increased by 22% in the main-channel of one stream, and showed insignificant changes in the other two streams compared to values before wood addition. Changes in main-channel macroinvertebrate production were related to small changes in substrate composition, which probably affected habitat and periphyton abundance. Macroinvertebrate production was much greater in debris accumulations than in the main-channel, indicating the potential for increased retention of leaf litter to increase overall macroinvertebrate production, especially in autumn. 4. Surrounding land use, substrate composition, temperature and method of log placement are variables that interact to influence the response of stream biota to wood additions. In most studies, wood additions occur in altered catchments, are rarely monitored, and secondary production is not a common metric. Our results suggest that the time required for measurable changes in geomorphology, organic matter retention, or invertebrate production is likely to take years to achieve, so monitoring should span more than 5 years, and ecosystem metrics, such as macroinvertebrate secondary production, should be incorporated into restoration monitoring programs.
Heterosynaptic depression: a postsynaptic correlate of long-term potentiation

BRIEF trains of electrical stimulation delivered to any one of several hippocampal pathways often result in immediate and long-lasting enhancement of subsequent postsynaptic responses elicited by that pathway1–5. The unusual characteristics of these effects suggest that theories of long-term potentiation (specifically changes in transmitter release by the presynaptic terminal) which have evolved from work on invertebrate and neuromusclar preparations may not be appropriate to explain synaptic plasticity in hippocampus. We report here the results of experiments intended to examine the postsynaptic consequences of repetitive stimulation. We found that potentiation of one afferent tended to depress the target cell's responses to a second test input.
Single-mode 1.52 µm InAs/InP quantum dot DFB lasers

Single-mode InAs/InP quantum dot DFB lasers with side-mode suppression ratio greater than 62 dB are demonstrated, operating CW up to 80°C. Relative intensity noise was less than −153 dB/Hz from 1 MHz to 10 GHz.
PDGF-BB does not accelerate healing in diabetic mice with splinted skin wounds.

Topical application of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is considered to accelerate tissue repair of impaired chronic wounds. However, the vast literature is plagued with conflicting reports of its efficacy in animal models and this is often influenced by a wide array of experimental variables making it difficult to compare the results across the studies. To mitigate the confounding variables that influence the efficacy of topically applied PDGF-BB, we used a controlled full thickness splinted excisional wound model in db/db mice (type 2 diabetic mouse model) for our investigations. A carefully-defined silicone-splinted wound model, with reduced wound contraction, controlled splint and bandage maintenance, allowing for healing primarily by reepithelialization was employed. Two splinted 8 mm dorsal full thickness wounds were made in db/db mice. Wounds were topically treated once daily with either 3 µg PDGF-BB in 30 µl of 5% PEG-PBS vehicle or an equal volume of vehicle for 10 days. Body weights, wound contraction, wound closure, reepithelialization, collagen content, and wound bed inflammation were evaluated clinically and histopathologically. The bioactivity of PDGF-BB was confirmed by in vitro proliferation assay. PDGF-BB, although bioactive in vitro, failed to accelerate wound healing in vivo in the db/db mice using the splinted wound model. Considering that the predominant mechanism of wound healing in humans is by re-epeithelialization, the most appropriate model for evaluating therapeutics is one that uses splints to prevent excessive wound contraction. Here, we report that PDGF-BB does not promote wound closure by re-epithelialization in a murine splinted wound model. Our results highlight that the effects of cytoactive factors reported in vivo ought to be carefully interpreted with critical consideration of the wound model used.
Diagnostic tools and management strategies for coronary artery disease in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Patients with renal disease often have coexistent coronary artery disease (CAD). The 5-year survival rates are
Reexamination of neomycin B degradation: efficient preparation of its CD and D rings as protected glycosyl donors.

The degradation of neomycin B was reexamined, and a novel protocol was established to prepare the properly masked neomycin CD ring as a glycol donor in excellent yield. Glycosylation of the CD ring...
Drug Courts and Community Crime Rates: A Nationwide Analysis of Jurisdiction-Level Outcomes

Although a substantial number of studies have reported that drug courts reduced the recidivism of graduates (Wilson et al., 2006), a series of recent analyses suggested that drug courts and similar programs were associated with unintended crime outcomes in cities and counties across the nation (Lilley and Boba, 2008; Miethe et al., 2000; Peters et al., 2002; Worrall et al., 2009). Given that over 220,000 offenders participated in this alternative to incarceration and most did not successfully complete the drug court program, jurisdictional crime may have been impacted. A series of panel data analyses were conducted among more than 5,000 jurisdictions nationwide from 1995 to 2002 to assess the impact of drug court implementation grants on UCR Part I felony offenses. Consistent with prior findings, drug court implementation grants were associated with net increases in vehicle theft, burglary, larceny, and some violent offenses. Possible explanations for these unintended outcomes are discussed along with recommendations for adjustments to current drug court programs across the nation.
Integration, Commissioning and Operation of Solar Steam Generator 4 at Kimberlina

AREVA Solar, Inc. constructed, commissioned and operated the first-of-its-kind Once Through Solar Steam Generator (OTSG SSG), SSG4 at the Kimberlina Solar Thermal Power Station. The construction and commissioning of SSG4 was completed in September 2010, culminating in the successful execution of a series of performance tests. This was the first SSG that AREVA Solar, Inc. designed, manufactured and constructed to comply with ASME Section I, and registered with the National Board. SSG4 is the first in its class that produces high-pressure, superheated steam in a once through configuration. Some aspects of the system presented unique commissioning and operational challenges that are not commonly found in conventional fired boilers. These include: i) the use of a first-in-class model predictive control (MPC) system; ii) a steam integration system to blend steam from the once-through superheated SSG4 and the previous-generation, saturated steam SSGs; iii) a steam handling system that delivers the steam to a turbine generator or to a dump condenser; iv) precision optical tracking that is required for optimal boiler performance; v) 1310ft (400 meter) long boiler tube bundle. Unique for field erected boilers, the SSG4 tube bundle was welded at grade. After being inspected, the receiver and tube bundle support structure was placed over the bundles, secured and the entire receiver structure, with boiler tubes, was hoisted to its operating position, 60ft (18m) above grade. Following final connections of feedwater and steam piping, the boiler was inspected by Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance Company, which included hydrostatic test pressurization to 2002.5 psi (13.8MPa), and the stamps were applied to the boiler nameplate (see Figure 1 for a photo of the SSG4 boiler nameplate). Commissioning included standard boiler flushing and tube cleaning program and a comprehensive set of pre-operational tests. There were additional requirements that are unique to Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector (CLFR) solar thermal systems such as reflector alignment and tuning. These and other commissioning activities were scheduled around a constraint unique to solar systems — the availability of sunlight. A comprehensive set of procedures was followed to enable safe and successful integration and commissioning of the model predictive control system. Upon completion of commissioning, the plant was turned over to operations for continued testing. Stable superheated steam delivery was achieved within one week of Mechanical Completion, and Acceptance Testing was completed two weeks later at levels that exceeded the guarantee. This paper will describe the details of the integration, construction and commissioning milestones, distinctive aspects of commissioning solar thermal systems, and organization of the commissioning team to achieve success.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Inelastic tunnelling spectra of chemisorbed atoms

The influence of zero-temperature vibration of an adsorbed atom relative to the metal substrate on a resonance state of the atom is investigated using Green function methods. Penn's approximate model is used to describe the metal-adatom system without vibration. The result is applied to the 6s2 resonance state of a Ba atom chemisorbed on the W(100) surface, and it is shown that while vibrations cause little change in the level position, there is a significant change (about 20%) in the linewidth.
Host Defoliation: a Possible Determinant of Gypsy Moth Population Quality

Gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), were reared in the field on undefoliated and artificially defoliated gray birch, Betula populifolia Marsh, and black oak, Quercus velutina Lam. The effects of defoliation resulted in reduced pupal weights, longer development time, and reduced survival. These effects occurred in the 1st year of defoliation and were magnified during the 2nd year. These data suggest that defoliation alters the nutritional quality of the host and influences the population dynamics of the insect. Differences in pupal weights and development time were noted among gypsy moths from 6 different localities reared on the same host species. Higher survival, shorter development time, and larger pupae were obtained in rearings on black oak.
Some effects of current velocity on periphyton communities in laboratory streams

Some effects of current at velocities of 9 and 38 cm/sec on periphyton communities have been determined in laboratory streams.
Traumatic injury of the diaphragm: Report of seven cases and extensive literature review

Seven proven cases of traumatic rupture of the diaphragm (TRD) following blunt trauma and an extensive 32-article review of 1345 cases of penetrating and blunt trauma are presented. The distribution of TRD was relatively consistent through the decades, with 458 cases of penetrating trauma (34%) and 887 cases of blunt trauma (66%); less than 1% of the cases were iatrogenic. There were 853 left-sided cases (67.2%), 359 right-sided cases (28.3%), and 48 bilateral and 10 central tendon cases (4.5%). In penetrating TRDs, 188 were left-sided (50%), 158 right-sided (42%), and 30 bilateral (8%). In the blunt TRDs, 606 were left-sided (73.1%), 195 right-sided (23.5%), and 18 bilateral and 10 central tendon (3.4%). Over 94% of 926 cases had another organ injured along with the diaphragm. There was an overall mortality of 21.6%; however, no fatalities were directly related to the TRD. Eighty-seven percent of TRDs were diagnosed within 24 hours, 81% within 12 hours, and 72% in less than 6 hours. The location of the laceration along the surface of the diaphragm was imperfectly described in the literature, offering no statistical information. The role of radiographic studies [plain films, barium studies, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] vs. surgical outcome in making the diagnosis of TRD is examined. Emphasis was placed on analyzing TRD in blunt trauma since it poses a more challenging clinical and radiographic dilemma in making a preoperative diagnosis. Plain radiographs were suggestive in 77% and diagnostic in 50% of TRD cases, while 47% were diagnosed at surgery and 3% by other radiologic studies. Barium studies are especially useful following a misdiagnosed TRD where the patient presents with a clinical history suspicious for strangulated abdominal viscera that occurred after herniation into the thorax. Radionuclide scanning may demonstrate liver within the thorax that herniated following a right-sided TRD. The role of CT is uncertain since we found only 32 cases (3.6%) in which CT was utilized, and only six of these (18.2%) were diagnostic for TRD. Early studies using MRI show high accuracy in dignosing TRD; it is especially valuable in uncertain cases. At present, nasogastric tube placement and serial chest radiographs are the recommended initial management for evaluating patients with potential TRD.
An international strategic management/goal programming model for structuring global expansion decisions in the hospitality industry: the case of eastern Europe

Abstract One of the most critical strategic decisions facing executives in the hospitality industry concerns the global expansion of operations. In order for expansion to be successful, executives must identify location sites that offer a good fit with the firm's distinctive competences. Unfortunately little has been written to aid executives in making these types of decisions. This paper presents a model that combines the concept of strategic management, the management science technique of goal programming, and microcomputer technology to provide managers with a more effective and efficient method of making international expansion site decisions in the hospitality industry.
Electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators for planetary applications

NASA is seeking to reduce the mass, size, consumed power, and cost of the instrumentation used in its future missions. An important element of many instruments and devices is the actuation mechanism and electroactive polymers (EAP) are offering an effective alternative to current actuators. In this study, two families of EAP materials were investigated, including bending ionomers and longitudinal electrostatically driven elastomers. These materials were demonstrated to effectively actuate manipulation devices and their performance is being enhanced in this on-going study. The recent observations are reported in this paper, include the operation of the bending-EAP at conditions that exceed the harsh environment on Mars, and identify the obstacles that its properties and characteristics are posing to using them as actuators. Analysis of the electrical characteristics of the ionomer EAP showed that it is a current driven material rather than voltage driven and the conductivity distribution on the surface of the material greatly influences the bending performance. An accurate equivalent circuit modeling of the ionomer EAP performance is essential for the design of effective drive electronics. The ionomer main limitations are the fact that it needs to be moist continuously and the process of electrolysis that takes place during activation. An effective coating technique using a sprayed polymer was developed extending its operation in air from a few minutes to about four months. The coating technique effectively forms the equivalent of a skin to protect the moisture content of the ionomer. In parallel to the development of the bending EAP, the development of computer control of actuated longitudinal EAP has been pursued. An EAP driven miniature robotic arm was constructed and it is controlled by a MATLAB code to drop and lift the arm and close and open EAP fingers of a 4-finger gripper.
Telephone and Face-to-Face Interviews with Low-Income Males with Child Care Responsibilities Support Inclusion as a Target Audience in SNAP-Ed

Federally funded nutrition programs mostly target females. Changes in family dynamics suggest low-income men have an important role in food management responsibilities. The purpose of this study was to inform nutrition education program planning to meet needs of lower-income males. Cross-sectional telephone and face-to-face interviews. Stratified random sample of men (n = 101), 18–59 years of age, with child care responsibilities, living in households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and a convenience sample of adult males (n = 25) recruited from lower income venues. (1) Scripted telephone interviews about health status, eating behaviors, eating competence, food security, technology usage and topics and strategies for nutrition education. (2) In-person cognitive interviews during review of selected online nutrition education lessons. Nutrition education topics of interest, preferred educational strategies, influences on and barriers to intake, eating competence, critiques of online program content, graphics, format. Bivariate correlations, independent t tests, one-way analysis of variance or Chi square, as appropriate. Thematic analyses of cognitive interviews. Of telephone interviewees, 92.1 % prepared meals/snacks for children and 54.5 % made major household food decisions. Taste was the greatest influence on food selection and the greatest barrier to eating healthful foods. Topics of highest interest were “which foods are best for kids” and “how to eat more healthy foods.” Preferred nutrition education strategies included online delivery. Online lessons were highly rated. Interactive components were recognized as particularly appealing; enhanced male centricity of lessons was supported. Findings provided compelling evidence for including needs specific to low-income males when planning, designing, and funding nutrition education programs.
Constant vapor pressure evaporation from emulsions

The evaporation from three phases in equilibrium in a three-component emulsion was investigated. The calculations considered the fact that the composition of three phases and that of the vapor is determined by the system per se, leaving only the gross composition of the emulsion to be varied. The total composition was established for one scenario, the evaporation taking place with no change in the composition of the emulsion. The relative amounts of the three phases to satisfy this condition were calculated using two methods, and the complexity of the methods was compared.
Structural characterization combined with the first principles simulations of barium/strontium cobaltite/ferrite as promising material for solid oxide fuel cells cathodes and high-temperature oxygen permeation membranes.

Mixed ionic-electronic conducting perovskite type oxides with a general formula ABO3 (where A = Ba, Sr, Ca and B = Co, Fe, Mn) often have high mobility of the oxygen vacancies and exhibit strong ionic conductivity. They are key materials that find use in several energy related applications, including solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), sensors, oxygen separation membranes, and catalysts. Barium/strontium cobaltite/ferrite (BSCF) Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ was recently identified as a promising candidate for cathode material in intermediate temperature SOFCs. In this work, we perform experimental and theoretical study of the local atomic structure of BSFC. Micro-Raman spectroscopy was performed to characterize the vibrational properties of BSCF. The Jahn−Teller distortion of octahedral coordination around Co4+ cations was observed experimentally and explained theoretically. Different cations and oxygen vacancies ordering are examined using plane wave pseudopotential density functional theory. We find that cations ...
Solubility determination of barely aqueous-soluble organic solids

Solubility determination of organic molecules having very Sow solubilities is hampered by such problems as slow equilibration during measurement, influence of impurities, and inherent heterogeneity in the energetic content of the crystalline solid. Three approaches to meeting these problems are presented. The first approach involves enhancing the dissolution rate by the addition of a water-immiscible solvent in which the organic solute is more soluble, thereby increasing the surface area available for dissolution. The second method is a combination of experimental data with a group contribution approach that allows the estimation of extremely insoluble solids. This approach involves measurement of the solubility in an organic solvent and calculation of the aqueous gullibility from the estimated partition coefficient and the organic solvent data. The third approach is based on using a large excess of the solid and a highly specific analytical determination of the main component. The first two approaches were explored in detail and tested using norethindrone, norethindrone acetate, methyltestosterone, and methyltestosterone acetate.
An anthropological perspective on the “Emperor’s edict”

I have been following the recent commentary in The Mathematical Intelligencer [7, 3, 6] on plane pattern symmetries. 1 As an anthropologist who uses these symmetries to classify patterns on tiles, ceramics, textiles, and other kinds of material culture I would like to address several of the issues raised, and in so doing 1) clarify how symmetry can be a useful measure of some cultural activities and 2) emphasize that the discussion over the validity of the "Emperor's Edict" has important implications for humanistic as well as mathematical users. There are two ways to consider the role of symmetry in the analysis of pattern: as a descriptive classification tool, and as a concept in the interpretation of cultural activities. In the former case we need to know all the symmetry classes that can be used to structure the parts of a pattern and from this list we can identify the specific symmetries on a given pattern. In the latter case we are concerned with which classes predominate in a given culture, as this tells us something about cultural preferences and traditions.
Experimental flux measurements on a network scale.

Metabolic flux is a fundamental property of living organisms. In recent years, methods for measuring metabolic flux in plants on a network scale have evolved further. One major challenge in studying flux in plants is the complexity of the plant’s metabolism. In particular, in the presence of parallel pathways in multiple cellular compartments, the core of plant central metabolism constitutes a complex network. Hence, a common problem with the reliability of the contemporary results of 13C-Metabolic Flux Analysis in plants is the substantial reduction in complexity that must be included in the simulated networks; this omission partly is due to limitations in computational simulations. Here, I discuss recent emerging strategies that will better address these shortcomings.
Nonstationary Background Removal Via Multiple Camera Collaboration

An algorithm for nonstationary background removal is proposed for calibrated camera networks. Unlike conventional single-view background subtraction methods relying solely on the appearance or models of the background or the foreground, multiple-view networks introduce additional spatial information which can be used for extracting and validating the foreground of interest. At the local processing stage of the proposed algorithm, each camera creates a pseudo-background based on persistence of pixels in the collected image frames over time. For each incoming frame a noisy silhouette is produced by subtracting from the pseudo-background. In the collaborative part of the algorithm, we adopt the 3D voxel construction technique based on the noisy silhouettes to obtain the spatial information of the objects, which allows each camera to distinguish the foreground objects from the background objects, and hence removing the silhouettes corresponding to the background objects. In addition, if a part of the silhouette is created because of the noise on the image plane, inconsistency with observations from other cameras will result in the removal of it during the voxel construction. By removing the moving and stationary background objects, the proposed technique yields the image frames with the desired foreground on them. These foreground images can then be used for other applications such as target tracking or gesture analysis. Experimental results are provided to show that the proposed algorithm can remove the unwanted nonstationary background, and report the desired foreground successfully.
Boundary layer growth on two circular cylinders

This paper deals with the problem of boundary layer growth on two circular cylinders in a flow with large Reynolds and Strouhal numbers. Analytic solutions for the stream function of the inner and outer flow field are obtained to the second order by using the method of matched asymptotic expansions. The dependence of the movement of the detachment points and the drag coefficients of the two cylinders on (i) the distance between them, (ii) the ratio of their radii, (iii) the Reynolds number and (iv) the acceleration parameter of the flow is investigated. The results obtained indicate that the mutual hydrodynamic interaction between two cylinders leads to some new relations and findings.
Application of multilayers of 119SnO2/120SnO2 to a coherent nuclear resonant monochromator for synchrotron radiation: Design

Abstract We have designed multilayered nuclear monochromators of 119SnO2/120SnO2 with a modulation wavelength of 20–40 A and 25–50 bilayers as an alternative method to a grazing-incidence antireflection thin film. Our goal is to fabricate a monochromator for a synchrotron radiation source, and to achieve a nuclear reflectivity of ∼ 0.3 at a relatively high incidence angle of ∼ 7 mrad with an energy resolution of ∼ 0.5 μeV (i.e. 10Γ, where Γ = 5.15 × 10-8eV).
A Method for Identifying Design Principles for the Developing World

Growing awareness of the unique needs and challenges in the developing world has resulted in the development of products for those in poverty. Successful product design focuses development eorts on design principles that are important to a target market. Consequently, the better these principles are understood, the higher the probability is that resulting products will be successful. Recognizing that the identification of these principles is a major challenge, this paper presents a method for identifying them for any target market, but especially for the developing world. The presented methodology uses characteristics of products within the target market to extract information about the underlying design decisions resulting in these characteristics. This information is then used to identify the design principles. To verify the ability of the method to identify these principles, the method is applied to best selling products in the US and then applied to products created for the developing world. The resulting principles from the two markets are then analyzed and compared to highlight the similarities and dierences between the identified principles. The authors conclude that the resulting list of principles will enable designers to better design and develop products for the developing world.
Analytical numerical method for solving nonlinear partial differential equations

Abstract A new technique for solving partial differential equations has been developed and tested. The technique uses step integration over a small interval of the independent variable after applying the finite difference for the partial derivatives. The integration is carried out for each element while using average values for the neighboring elements. These values are modified by iteration. The technique is used here for solving Burgers' equation. The results demonstrate excellent agreement with that of the exact solution.
Ordered array of diamond ultramicroband electrodes for electrochemical analysis

Boron-doped diamond ultramicroband arrays with different array densities and interelement spacings were fabricated using silicon technology and selective diamond deposition (SAD) technique to yield microvoltammetric electrodes. The electroactive ultramicroband elements were designed with one microscopic critical dimension to impart microelectrode behavior while the other dimension was made larger to yield an increase in signal current. Cyclic voltammetry studies in this work showed that with sufficient interelement separation, the ultramicroband arrays display sigmoidal pseudo-steady-state cyclic voltammograms characteristic of microband electrodes. The ultramicroband arrays yielded higher faradaic current per unit area, than either square ultramicroelectrode array or conventional planar diamond electrode from earlier reported work. This is due to enhanced mass transport to the ultramicroband elements at slow scan rates. Larger current density and higher signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio leads to better limits of detection, making it possible to fabricate a more sensitive electrode for applications such as electroanalysis, electrocatalysis, trace element analysis, mechanistic and fast transfer kinetics studies, electrochemistry in highly resistive media, as well as sensors in flow and biological system.
A non-dimensional parametric study of enhanced active constrained layer damping treatments

Abstract The purpose of this research is to extend the previous work of Liao and Wang [1, 2] ( Journal of Smart Materials and Structures 5 , 638–648; Journal of Vibration and Acoustics 120 , 894–900) on the Enhanced Active Constrained Layer (EACL) damping treatments and provide more comprehensive results that can be better generalized. For given strain distributions in the host structure and utilizing a self-sensing control law, closed form solutions to the longitudinal motion of the active cover sheet of the EACL are derived. Active, passive, and hybrid (total) loss factors are defined to discuss the damping properties of the treatments. With a non-dimensionalized formulation, this research identifies and examines the major factors that effect the EACL damping characteristics. These factors are: the bending stiffness ratio between the host structure and the constraining layer, the offset distance of the constraining layer from the host structure, the strain distribution in the host structure, the active control gain, the characteristic length of the EACL, the Viscoelastic Material (VEM) loss factor, and the stiffness distribution of the edge elements. The effects of these factors on open-loop and closed loop damping characteristics of the treatment are discussed. This investigation provides insights and design guideline to generic one-dimensional EACL surface damping treatments.