cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of complications on outcomes after revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background Revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) reliably improves shoulder pain and function in patients with failed shoulder arthroplasty, although it can lead to significant postoperative complications. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of postoperative complications on shoulder pain and function after revision RTSA. Methods We evaluated 36 patients at an average of 4.3 years (range, 2-8.6 years) after revision of a shoulder arthroplasty to RTSA. Of these patients, 9 had a failed anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, 23 had a failed hemiarthroplasty, and 4 had a failed RTSA. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were evaluated postoperatively, and patients with and without postoperative complications were compared. Results The final ASES score and VAS pain score were 61 ± 23 and 2.4 ± 2.3, respectively. A major postoperative complication occurred in 7 patients (19%) (infection in 3, hematoma in 1, instability in 1, and acromial and/or scapular spine fracture in 2). Further surgical treatment was required in 5 patients (14%) (irrigation and debridement and component exchange for infection in 3, irrigation and debridement for hematoma in 1, and open reduction–internal fixation of scapular spine fracture in 1). On comparison of clinical outcomes between patients with and patients without complications, the ASES score and VAS pain score were significantly worse in patients with complications vs. those without them (ASES score, 43 ± 24 vs. 66 ± 21 [P = .04]; VAS pain score, 4.3 ± 2 vs. 2 ± 2.2 [P = .03]). Conclusion Revision RTSA resulted in postoperative pain and shoulder function comparable to primary RTSA reported in the literature, although postoperative complications led to clinically significant declines in function and increases in pain.
On the effects of pointing jitter, actuator drift, telescope rolls, and broadband detectors in dark hole maintenance and electric field order reduction

Space coronagraphs are projected to detect exoplanets that are at least 1010 times dimmer than their host stars. Yet, the actual detection threshold depends on the instrument’s wavefront stability and varies by an order of magnitude with the choice of observation strategy and postprocessing method. We consider the performance of the previously introduced observation strategy (dark hole maintenance) and postprocessing algorithm [electric field order reduction (EFOR)] in the presence of various realistic effects. In particular, it will be shown that under some common assumptions, the telescope’s averaged pointing jitter translates into an additional light source incoherent with the residual light from the star (speckles), and that jitter “modes” can be identified in postprocessing and distinguished from a planet signal. We also show that the decrease in contrast due to drift of voltages in deformable mirror actuators can be mitigated by recursive estimation of the electric field in the high-contrast region of the image (dark hole) using electric field conjugation. Moreover, this can be done even when the measured intensity is broadband as long as it is well approximated by an incoherent sum of monochromatic intensities. Finally, we assess the performance of closed-loop versus open-loop observation scenarios through a numerical simulation of the Wide-Field Infra-Red Survey Telescope. In particular, we compare the postprocessing factors of angular differential imaging with and without EFOR, which we extended to account for possible telescope rolls and the presence of pointing jitter. For all observation parameters considered, closed-loop dark hole maintenance resulted in significantly higher postprocessing accuracy.
Mucoidy, a general mechanism for maintaining lytic phage in populations of bacteria.

We present evidence that phage resistance resulting from overproduction of exopolysaccharides, mucoidy, provides a general answer to the longstanding question of how lytic viruses are maintained in populations dominated by bacteria upon which they cannot replicate. In serial transfer culture, populations of mucoid Escherichia coli MG1655 that are resistant to lytic phages with different receptors, and thereby requiring independent mutations for surface resistance, are capable of maintaining these phages with little effect on their total density. Based on the results of our analysis of a mathematical model, we postulate that the maintenance of phage in populations dominated by mucoid cells can be attributed primarily to high rates of transition from the resistant mucoid states to susceptible non-mucoid states. Our tests with both population dynamic and single cell experiments as well as genomic analysis are consistent with this hypothesis. We discuss reasons for the generalized resistance of these mucoid E. coli, and the genetic and molecular mechanisms responsible for the high rate of transition from mucoid to sensitive states responsible for the maintenance of lytic phage in mucoid populations of E. coli.
Mindfulness and Self-Regulation in a Summer Camp Setting: An EBP Project.

Abstract Background Guidelines for pediatric mental/behavioral health promotion call for preventative mental health services. Previous studies have found mindfulness an effective approach to addressing self-regulation/behavior concerns. Behavioral and self-regulation concerns had been identified in a summer camp program held in a large urban setting. Camp directors sought methods to address concerns, nurture the whole child and improve the overall program. Purpose The purposes of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project in a summer day-camp setting were to (1) implement an evidence-based mindfulness program for children and (2) evaluate the impact on child self-regulation skills and behavior. Methodology Two questions consistent with the purpose guided this project: 1) How can a mindfulness program be implemented in a summer camp setting 2) What impact does a mindfulness program have on self-regulation of school age participants in a camp setting? To achieve the purpose of this EBP project, an eight-week program guided by the Mindful Schools© curricula was implemented in a summer day camp program in a large urban setting. Descriptive statistics and qualitative methods were used for evaluation of the program. Results We were able to show a decrease in emotional distress and assess the mindful strategies which most connected with a school age population. In addition, camp counselor responses illuminated the value of dyad instruction approach in which child and counselors engaged in the Mindful Schools© guided program. Conclusions Use of an evidenced-based programs allows for sustainability of programs in community settings outside of schools setting to broaden the reach of mental health promotion in a pediatric population.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Asthma: More Than Chance?

To discuss the current evidence regarding the association and mechanistic interaction between asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The co-existence of OSA is highly prevalent in asthmatics and significantly associated with increased severity, decreased control, more frequent exacerbations, and hospitalizations despite medical management. Pre-existing asthma may also be a risk factor for new onset OSA. Rhinitis, obesity, and gastro-esophageal reflux are risk factors in both conditions. The obese asthmatic with OSA may present a unique phenotype. Positive airway pressure in severe asthma improves outcomes. Pathophysiologic mechanisms and co-morbidities overlap between OSA and asthma, but the exact link has yet to be confirmed. Screening for OSA is recommended in those with severe asthma. Further investigations are needed to delineate the cellular processes with therapeutic targets. Similarly, prospective investigations are needed to evaluate the longitudinal relationship in pre-existing asthma and the development of OSA.
Towards Offloadable and Migratable Microservices on Disaggregated Architectures: Vision, Challenges, and Research Roadmap.

Microservice and serverless computing systems open up massive versatility and opportunity to distributed and datacenter-scale computing. In the meantime, the deployments of modern datacenter resources are moving to disaggregated architectures. With the flourishing growths from both sides, we believe this is high time to write this vision paper to propose a potential research agenda to achieve efficient deployments, management, and executions of next-generation microservices on top of the emerging disaggregated datacenter architectures. In particular, we envision a critical systems research direction of designing and developing offloadable and migratable microservices on disaggregated architectures. With this vision, we have surveyed the recent related work to demonstrate the importance and necessity of researching it. We also outline the fundamental challenges that distributed systems and datacenter-scale computing research may encounter. We further propose a research roadmap to achieve our envisioned objectives in a promising way. Within the roadmap, we identify potential techniques and methods that can be leveraged.
Tax Exempt Property and the Cities: Striking a Balance

All states grant a property tax exemption to certain non-profit organizations. Tax-exempt property further erodes many cities’ tax bases. Connecticut has recently adopted legislation in an attempt to solve this problem. This legislation, proposed by Professor Richard D. Pomp, provides municipalities with state subsidies for property taxes lost due to tax-exempt hospitals and colleges. This article is the reprinted testimony of Professor Pomp before the Connecticut State Finance Committee. Professor Pomp outlines the proliferation of tax-exempt property in Connecticut, which contributes to forgone revenue for major cities. Tax-exempt property not only results in diminished tax revenue, but also imposes additional costs on cities. Professor Pomp further explains that tax-exempt organizations provide no greater net economic impact than businesses that pay the property tax. Professor Pomp analyzes three relevant questions that must be asked when considering alternatives to the current system. He concludes by proposing seven alternative options: (1) municipal permission before any taxable property can be purchased by a tax-exempt organization, (2) phase in the exemption whenever taxable property is bought by a tax-exempt organization, (3) phase out the exemption after a certain period, (4) limit the number of acres qualifying for the exemption, (5) set a dollar limit on the amount of property that can be exempt, (6) impose a user charge, or (7) state payments to jurisdictions containing tax-exempt property in excess of the state average.
An assessment of different approaches for measuring crack sizes in fatigue and fracture mechanics specimens

Abstract Several fatigue and fracture mechanics test standards prescribe the use of fatigue precracked specimens, and measured initial and final crack sizes are required for the analyses. All these test methods utilize the X-Point Average Method, with X = 2 ÷ 9, for measuring crack sizes, but another approach, the Area Average Method, is also often used for the same purpose. This investigation compared the two measurement approaches on 140 fracture toughness tests performed on various materials and specimen types, both in the ductile-to-brittle transition (Master Curve) and upper shelf (J-R tests) fracture regimes. Results obtained fully support the inclusion of the Area Average Method in all test standards requiring crack size measurements.
Additively Coupled Sum Constrained Games

We propose and analyze a broad family of games played by resource-constrained players, which are characterized by the following central features: 1) each user has a multi-dimensional action space, subject to a single sum resource constraint; 2) each user’s utility in a particular dimension depends on an additive coupling between the user’s action in the same dimension and the actions of the other users; and 3) each user’s total utility is the sum of the utilities obtained in each dimension. Familiar examples of such multi-user environments in communication systems include power control over frequency-selective Gaussian interference channels and flow control in Jackson networks. In settings where users cannot exchange messages in real-time, we study how users can adjust their actions based on their local observations. We derive sufficient conditions under which a unique Nash equilibrium exists and the best-response algorithm converges globally and linearly to the Nash equilibrium. In settings where users can exchange messages in real-time, we focus on user choices that optimize the overall utility. We provide the convergence conditions of two distributed action update mechanisms, gradient play and Jacobi update.
Disk Test for the Differentiation of Pneumococci from Other Alpha-Hemolytic Streptococci

One hundred twenty-five strains of Diplococcus pneumoniae and one hundred twenty-five strains of other alpha-hemolytic streptococci were planted on horse red cell-Brucella agar, and a disk of methicillin was placed on each inoculated plate. All strains were incubated anaerobically at 37 C for 24 h and then exposed to air at 6 C for 48 h. All strains of pneumococci produced a ring of beta-hemolysis surrounding the zone of inhibition produced with the methicillin disk, whereas no strain of alpha-hemolytic streptococci produced beta-hemolysis. It is suggested that this new criterion is useful for the differentiation of pneumococci from other alpha-hemolytic streptococci in those cases where other characteristics were insufficient for an unequivocal identification.
Investigation of Lazy S Feature in Self‐reacting Tool Friction Stir Welds

The current research is an examination of the “Lazy S” feature found in self-reacting tool (SRT) friction stir welds. The research objectives are to characterize the feature using scanning electron and optical microscopy and determine its effect on the mechanical properties of the welded material. Welds were conducted in 2024-T4 aluminum. Welding parameters were varied in an attempt to influence the size and location of the feature. Tensile tests were performed on each weld and were correlated with the total length of the feature. Preliminary results indicate that there is a correlation between decreasing feature length and decreasing tensile strength.
Space walking [topological manifold visualization]

Proposes an interactive method for exploring topological spaces based on the natural local geometry of the space. Examples of spaces appropriate for this visualization approach occur in abundance in mathematical visualization, surface and volume visualization problems, and scientific applications such as general relativity. Our approach is based on using a controller to choose a direction in which to "walk" a manifold along a local geodesic path. The method automatically generates orientation changes that produce a maximal viewable region with each step of the walk. The proposed interaction framework has many natural properties to help the user develop a useful cognitive map of a space and is well-suited to haptic interfaces that may be incorporated into desktop virtual reality systems.
An Analysis of the EPA's Proposed Lead Hazard Standards For Homes

Exposure to lead in homes poses such large risks to children's health that reducing it is a major public health priority. To limit these risks, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed national standards to identify hazardous levels of lead dust and lead in soil, as well as hazardous conditions for lead-based paint. Meeting those standards would require controls that would cost an average of thousands of dollars per home in 21 million homes where lead-based paint is present, according to the EPA. Although the EPA believes its proposed standards reflect an appropriate balancing of benefits and costs, a proper assessment of its proposal suggests otherwise. Each of the EPA's proposed standards for paint, soil and dust would result in measures to control lead that have costs in excess of benefits. Together those costs, less the associated benefits, are likely to exceed $20 billion. Estimates of net costs would be still greater if based on an analysis that corrects remaining deficiencies in the EPA's work. The EPA's proposal would likely increase unnecessarily the premature abandonment of housing in instances where control costs are large relative to the market value of homes. Such abandonment is especially undesirable because it will occur mostly in low-income neighborhoods of older homes. Standards with lower costs would result in less abandonment. The EPA's media-specific, national standards would have other undesirable consequences. Perversely, about half of all the homes that do not meet the standards have risks of elevated blood-lead less than at other homes in full compliance with the standards. In addition, all homes built before 1978 would be subject to the same national standards, although exposure, risk and the cost of controls vary substantially among different households. As a consequence, the EPA's standards would result in controls in homes of more than one million middle-income families whose children face risks lower than the risks for children of poor families living in homes that meet the standards. Controls to reduce low risks are not likely to be cost-effective and are unfair to families facing lower risks who would bear the brunt of the control costs. The EPA can set standards that would offer greater net benefits and avoid controls in lower-risk homes. To provide greater net benefits, the EPA should set less stringent standards based on a more careful reappraisal of the benefits and costs of controlling residential lead hazards. To avoid control measures in lower-risk homes, the EPA should set standards based on lead levels in all media and establish a range of lead levels where recommendations to control lead depend on risk factors specific to individual homes
Functional Fusion Proteins by Random Transposon‐Based GFP Insertion

Fusions with fluorescent proteins are usually created by fusing the ends of two coding sequences. Appending the coding region of a fluorescent protein to the N- or C-terminus of another protein is typically the easiest way of creating a functional, fluorescent fusion protein. Another strategy involves placing the fluorescent protein in the middle of another protein. Such sandwich fusions are feasible, and there are many reasons for creating these fusion proteins. For example, sandwich fusions can be used to place two fluorescent proteins close to one another for optimization of a biosensor based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer, or they can be used to place the fluorescent protein in a region that moves during conformational changes of the host protein. Designing a sandwich fusion that produces a functional, fluorescent fusion protein is often challenging. This protocol describes an alternative approach. A simple, in vitro, transposon reaction is used to randomly insert the sequence encoding a fluorescent fusion protein into a target protein. This random labeling strategy makes it possible to create a small library of sandwich fusion proteins that can then be screened for activity. The approach makes it possible to test many possible solutions to the complex problem of building new biosensors.
Immersed boundary smooth extension

The Immersed Boundary method is a simple, efficient, and robust numerical scheme for solving PDE in general domains, yet it only achieves first-order spatial accuracy near embedded boundaries. In this paper, we introduce a new high-order numerical method which we call the Immersed Boundary Smooth Extension (IBSE) method. The IBSE method achieves high-order accuracy by smoothly extending the unknown solution of the PDE from a given smooth domain to a larger computational domain, enabling the use of simple Cartesian-grid discretizations (e.g. Fourier spectral methods). The method preserves much of the flexibility and robustness of the original IB method. In particular, it requires minimal geometric information to describe the boundary and relies only on convolution with regularized delta-functions to communicate information between the computational grid and the boundary. We present a fast algorithm for solving elliptic equations, which forms the basis for simple, high-order implicit-time methods for parabolic PDE and implicit-explicit methods for related nonlinear PDE. We apply the IBSE method to solve the Poisson, heat, Burgers', and Fitzhugh-Nagumo equations, and demonstrate fourth-order pointwise convergence for Dirichlet problems and third-order pointwise convergence for Neumann problems.
Autoradiographic Cytokinetics of Colonic Mucosal Hyperplasia in Mice

Abstract The cytokinetics of a naturally occurring hyperplastic disease of the colon in mice were determined by autoradiography and compared to kinetic changes seen by others in nonneoplastic and neoplastic colonic disease. Cell cycle parameters were determined using the fraction-labeled mitosis method. Labeling index, labeling pattern, and migration rates were also evaluated. During colonic hyperplasia, there was an increase in variation of DNA synthesis times, resulting in prolongation of the S phase. There also was prolongation of the total cell cycle time and G1 phase. In addition, labeling index was increased 2-fold, the proliferative zone was extended to include the entire crypt column and surface mucosa, and the migration rate was accelerated. These findings parallel the “atypical” cytokinetics found in human and murine neoplastic and preneoplastic disorders of the colon and may be a typical proliferative response of mucosa to a variety of stimuli.
Automatic application of warmth and expression – a breakthrough in physical therapy of dry eye

The most common form of dry eye disease is evaporative dry eye resulting from meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) based on obstructed MG. A prospective, randomized, crossover, multicenter clinical study employed a single treatment with the automated computer controlled LipiFlow thermal pulsation system (LTPS). Improvement in signs & symptoms and its duration in patients with evaporative dry eye secondary to MGD was investigated over several time points. Initial results verified significant improvement of MG secretion at 2 & 4 weeks compared to conventional warm compress method. This was based on evaluation of tear film break up time (TF-BUT), ocular surface staining, patient symptoms (OSDI & SPEED test). The secretion score improved significantly from baseline (4.4 ± 4.0) to 1-month post-treatment (11.3 ± 6.2; p < 0.0001) and this improvement was maintained with no significant regression at 9 months (11.7 ± 5.9) and even at 3-years (18.4±6.2) after therapy. Treatment with the Lipiflow device is a technological advance that exceeds any known form of dry eye therapy in duration and efficacy, since it is efficacious even for extended durations (9-mos, 1-, 2- and 3-years) following a single 12-minute treatment.
Occurrence of the wax cetyl palmitate in stomachs of the corallivorous butterfly fish Chaetodon trifascialis

Various organs of the butterfly fish Chaetodon trifascialis, which has been reported to feed exclusively on coral polyps, were analyzed for their content of lipid and of the wax cetyl palmitate which has been found to occur in various corals. Cetyl palmitate was isolated from stomachs containing food. The total lipids accounted for 12% of dry weight of stomachs and contents, with cetyl palmitate making up 30% of total lipids. Two stomachs contained a total of 315 mg of cetyl palmitate. No significant amounts of the wax were found in heads, ovaries, swim bladders and intestines of the fish, indicating an exogenous source of the cetyl palmitate present in the stomach. This finding supports the view that the butterfly fish feeds on corals, which contain cetyl palmitate. The butterfly fish does not appear to store wax.
Detection of equine herpesvirus in horses with idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis and comparison of three sampling techniques.

Objectives To determine the role of equine herpesvirus (EHV) in idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis in horses and to determine whether sample collection method affects detection of EHV DNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Animals studied Twelve horses with idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis and six horses without signs of ophthalmic disease. Procedures Conjunctival swabs, corneal scrapings, and conjunctival biopsies were collected from 18 horses: 12 clinical cases with idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis and six euthanized controls. In horses with both eyes involved, the samples were taken from the eye judged to be more severely affected. Samples were tested with qPCR for EHV-1, EHV-2, EHV-4, and EHV-5 DNA. Quantity of EHV DNA and viral replicative activity were compared between the two populations and among the different sampling techniques; relative sensitivities of the sampling techniques were determined. Results Prevalence of EHV DNA as assessed by qPCR did not differ significantly between control horses and those with idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis. Sampling by conjunctival swab was more likely to yield viral DNA as assessed by qPCR than was conjunctival biopsy. EHV-1 and EHV-4 DNA were not detected in either normal or IKC-affected horses; EHV-2 DNA was detected in two of 12 affected horses but not in normal horses. EHV-5 DNA was commonly found in ophthalmically normal horses and horses with idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis. Conclusions Because EHV-5 DNA was commonly found in control horses and in horses with idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis, qPCR was not useful for the etiological diagnosis of equine keratoconjunctivitis. Conjunctival swabs were significantly better at obtaining viral DNA samples than conjunctival biopsy in horses in which EHV-5 DNA was found.
ULTRASTRUCTURE AND SYSTEMATICS OF TWO NEW FRESHWATER RED CRYPTOMONADS, STOREATULA RHINOSA, SP. NOV. AND PYRENOMONAS OVALIS, SP. NOV.

The ultrastructure and systematics of two red colored freshwater cryptomonads, Storeatula rhinosa, sp. nov. and Pyrenomonas ovalis, sp. nov., are described for the first time. Storeatula, which had been described from marine waters only, has a single inner periplast sheet and a fibrous surface periplast component. Cells lack a furrow but possess a gullet, a bilobed chloroplast connected by a pyrenoid and a nucleomorph located in an indentation of the pyrenoid. This freshwater Storeatula possesses the same general features as the marine species, but it has a contractile vacuole and lacks the lobed chloroplast of S. major. P. ovalis has the generic characteristics described for marine species of Rhodomonas. These characteristics include a short furrow, a deep gullet, square inner periplast plates with beveled corners, a slightly fibrillar surface periplast component, a single chloroplast with two lobes connected by a pyrenoidal bridge and a nucleomorph located in an indentation of the pyrenoid.
Analytical Performance of Polymer-Based Microfluidic Devices Fabricated By Computer Numerical Controlled Machining

A study comparing the electrophoretic separation performance attainable from microchips molded by masters fabricated using conventional CNC machining techniques with commercial microchips, wire imprinted microchips, and microchips from LIGA molding devices is presented. An electrophoresis-based detection system using fluorescence microscopy was used to determine the analytical utility of these microchips. The separation performance of CNC microchips was comparable to commercially available microchips as well as those fabricated from LIGA masters. The important feature of the CNC machined masters is that they have rapid design-to-device times using routinely available machining tools. This low-cost prototyping approach provides a new entry point for researchers interested in thermoplastic microchips and can accelerate the development of polymer-based lab-on-a-chip devices.
Neutron time-of-flight measurements on the national ignition facility

Neutron time-of-flight (nToF) instruments are used to provide data on the performance of National Ignition Facility (NIF) fusion experiments. Detectors are located at 4.5 and 20 meters from the center of the target chamber with a 3.9 meter detector to be installed soon. These instruments are used to measure the total neutron emission, temperature of the fuel, time of peak emission (bang time), and areal density of the compressed fuel ρr). This talk will focus on data from the 20 meter detectors which are Xylene based liquid scintillators coupled to micro-channel plate photomultipliers. A figure of merit defined by the ratio of number of neutrons from 10 to 12 MeV divided by the number of neutrons between 13 and 15 MeV, called the down-scatter-ratio (DSR), is used to infer ρr. Analysis techniques using both time domain and energy domain data are discussed showing limitations and error analysis of both methods. Simulated data for an improved detector based on an organic crystal scintillator show that improvements to both scintillator decay and recording fidelity improve the precision of the DSR measurement
Negative affectivity and job satisfaction: Cognitive processes underlying the relationship and effects on employee behaviors.

Abstract Two studies were conducted to examine some issues regarding the influence of dispositional negative affectivity (Watson & Clark, 1984; Clark & Watson, 1991) on task/job satisfaction and self-reported employee behaviors, as well as the cognitive processes underlying these relationships. In Study 1, data were collected from 165 individuals representing a variety of jobs in four organizations. Data from a second study were obtained in a laboratory setting from 150 subjects who performed either an "enriched" or an "unenriched" task. Results indicate that: (1) negative affectivity is a significant predictor of satisfaction unless task conditions are quite aversive, (2) individuals with higher negative affectivity report performing a greater frequency of withdrawal behaviors than individuals with lower negative affectivity when both dissatisfied and satisfied with their jobs, and (3) individuals higher in negative affectivity recall the negative features of tasks while individuals lower in negative affectivity recall more descriptive aspects of tasks. We suggest that future research focus on the nature of the dispositional affectivity construct and on the cognitive processes underlying the linkages among dispositions, attitudes, and behaviors.
On-Line Computers in Optimal Reactor Shutdown

The buildup of xenon-135 following the shutdown of high-flux thermal reactors with low excess reactivity may render these reactors subcritical for many hours. It has long been known that preshutdown power variations can modify the xenon-135, iodine-135 transients to correct this problem. Recently the techniques of Pontryagin and others have been used to optimize power programs which control the xenon buildup. Point reactor models have always been used. This paper reviews the solution associated with a minimum time optimality criterion. The effect of spatial variations in power, xenon, and iodine are shown to affect greatly the optimal power trajectories. Numerical comparisons between point and one-dimensional models are presented for a bare sphere reactor. The role of a digital computer in analyzing and controlling the shutdown procedure is discussed.
In Favor of Conjugate Directions: a Generalized Acceptable-point Algorithm for Function Minimization

Abstract A generalization of the conjugate directions minimization technique enables utilization of a coarse univariate subsearch to identify acceptable points (as opposed to a minimizing line search) and performs better than commonly-used conjugate directions algorithms. It performs comparably to and has many desirable properties of recent variable-metric algorithms, but with the simpler procedures of conjugate direction methods. Conjugate directions are always generated and simple checks for progress are presented. As implemented, a golden section univariate subsearch with relative interval reduction of 0.1-0.01 is used, for reasons which are given in the paper. Questions of accuracy of search and reset are addressed. Numerical comparisons are given.
Computer Modeling of Pore Space in Zeolites

Abstract A simple and efficient method is presented here to visualize empty regions—cavities and channels—in zeolites by using computers. With the help of these visualization programs one can learn more about the geometry of the pore structure of these periodic microporous solids. Important physical parameters such as cavity sizes and channel connectivities can also be determined during the process. By using statistical analysis additional information can be obtained about the porosity of these systems.
Development of a heat shock inducible expression cassette for plants: Characterization of parameters for its use in transient expression assays

A heat-inducible expression cassette has been constructed to study the conditional expression of sense or antisense orientations of any sequence of interest in transgenic plants or plant tissues. The construct includes the promoter and all but 5 bases of the mRNA leader from the soybean Gmhsp17.5-E gene, the polylinker from pUC18 (modified to remove the ATG), and a fragment that contains the polyadenylation signal and site from the nopaline synthase gene. Analysis of transient expression of a construct containing the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) coding sequence cloned in the cassette and introduced into Nicotiana plumbaginifolia protoplasts by electroporation shows that the promoter has high expression at heat shock temperatures. This construct is expressed at a roughly 80-fold higher level per unit time than a cauliflower mosaic virus 35S gene promoter-GUS construction. The heat shock promoter is regulated positively by supercoiling in this transient assay system. The level of expression of HS-GUS constructions with the polyadenylation sites from either the nopaline synthase gene or the Gmhsp17.5-E gene was similar. Constructs with a perfect fusion at the 5' end had higher levels of expression than those with the corresponding nonperfect transcriptional fusion.
Response of calves to diets that varied in amounts of ruminally degradable carbohydrate and protein.

Holstein calves were used wk 1 to 12 after birth to evaluate three sources of nonstructural carbohydrates that differed in ruminal degradability (corn, barley, and dried whey) with two sources of CP (normal and extruded soybean meal) that also differed in ruminal degradability. Nonstructural carbohydrates were most degradable in the dried whey diets and least degradable in the corn diets, and protein was more degradable in soybean meal than in extruded soybean meal. Pelleted diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous at 18% CP and contained (DM basis) 20% ground alfalfa hay, the respective carbohydrate and protein sources, vitamins, minerals, and antibiotic premix. All calves received 4.5 kg/d of milk during wk 1 to 4 and 2.3 kg/d during wk 5. The BW gains during wk 1 to 12 were higher (.80, .70, and .70 kg/d) for calves fed corn than for those fed barley and dried whey, respectively, and were slightly higher for calves fed extruded versus normal soybean meal (.76 and .71 kg/d). Corresponding DMI (1.47, 1.34, and 1.31 kg/d) were higher for calves fed corn than for those fed barley and dried whey and were higher for calves fed extruded versus normal soybean meal (1.43 and 1.32 kg/d). Trends in BW gains and feed intakes for wk 1 to 5 and 6 to 12 were similar. Feed to gain ratio was similar for all diets in all periods. The BW gains of calves tended to be greater when they were fed diets containing nonstructural carbohydrates and protein that was less ruminally degradable.
Silicon dreams of cells into symbols.

Diverse mathematical models combine to create a comprehensive whole-cell computational model of a human pathogen.
Tertiary and Cretaceous Ocean Temperatures: ABSTRACT

Oxygen-isotope paleotemperature studies of marine microfossils, primarily from DSDP cores at several laboratories, have in the past few years yielded a great deal of information about the three-dimensional temperature structure of the oceans and its evolution during the past 100 m.y. As expected, because of problems of sample preservation, climatic information is progressively less detailed for successively older times. The general trend of ocean temperatures since middle Cretaceous time has been downward. However, the downward trend has not been uniform, but has been punctuated by frequent intervals of rising temperatures. Temperatures fell and then rose again near the time of transition from Tertiary to Cretaceous, but the magnitude of the temperature decline was much smaller than other temperature declines observed in the marine isotopic record of the past 100 m.y. Two striking features End_Page 700------------------------------ of the record are (1) a rapid drop of both high- and low-latitude temperatures at approximately Eocene-Oligocene time, and (2) a drop in high-latitude temperature correlated with a warming in low latitudes in early middle Miocene time. The latter probably corresponds to the onset of major Antarctic icecap development. The steepness of the thermocline in low latitudes has varied. The vertical thermal structure of Oligocene oceans resembled that of the modern ocean most closely, and the thermal structures of Paleocene and Late Cretaceous times differed most from the modern structure. Causes of the observed climatic variations are not known, but the variations may be related at least in part to changes in oceanic circulation resulting from changing continental positions, and to changes in eustatic sea level. End_of_Article - Last_Page 701------------
MOLECULAR AND METABOLIC ASPECTS OF MAMMALIAN HIBERNATION

713eat seeds from cones and are toolarge to use the subnivian space; forthese animals, winter can be a longseason without foraging opportuni-ties, and they have therefore evolvedthe ability to pass winter by while ina torpid state of lethargy.A highly regulated sequence ofphysiological events beginningmonths in advance of winter coordi-nates entrance into the suspendedstate of animation known as hiber-nation. However, with the exceptionof bears, which become only moder-ately hypothermic, no hibernatingmammal remains deeply hypother-mic for longer than several weeks.Instead, for reasons that are not yetknown, they expend significantamounts of energy to periodicallyrewarm back to normal body tem-peratures for less than a day beforerecooling.The seasonal changes in body tem-perature that occur in an arctic groundsquirrel (
Diffusion-based path planning in mobile actuator-sensor networks (MAS-net): some preliminary results

In this paper we present preliminary results related to path-planning problems when it is known that the quantities of interest in the system are generated via a diffusion process. The use of mobile sensor-actuator networks (MAS-Net) is proposed for such problems. A discussion of such networks is given, followed by a description of the general framework of the problem. Our strategy assumes that a network of mobile sensors can be commanded to collect samples of the distribution of interest. These samples are then used as constraints for a predictive model of the process. The predicted distribution from the model is then used to determine new sampling locations. A 2-D testbed for studying these ideas is described. The testbed includes a network of ten robots operating as a network using Intel Motes. We also present simulation results from our initial partial differential equation model of the diffusion process in the testbed.
Association of antibodies to beta2-glycoprotein 1 with pregnancy loss and pregnancy-induced hypertension: a prospective study in low-risk pregnancy

Abstract Objective: To determine whether higher levels of anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 before 25 weeks’ gestation are independently associated with either pregnancy loss or pregnancy-induced hypertension. Methods: Serum samples for the immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM isotypes of anti-β2-glycoprotein 1, anticardiolipin antibody, and antiphosphatidylserine were collected from 325 low-risk nulliparas who presented for prenatal care before 25 weeks’ gestation. This cohort was followed prospectively for the development of pregnancy loss and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Results: The adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of elevated antiphospholipid antibody levels for pregnancy loss were: IgG anti-β2-glycoprotein 1, OR 1.2 (CI 0.5, 2.8); IgG anticardiolipin antibody, OR 8.4 (CI 2.3, 31); and IgG antiphosphatidylserine, OR 5.2 (CI 1.4, 18.7). The relative risks of pregnancy loss for all IgG antiphospholipid antibodies were higher among women who had blood collected after 10 weeks’ gestation compared with those studied before 10 weeks’ gestation. However, there were only marginal differences in the attributable risks, suggesting that the impact of elevated levels of antiphospholipid antibodies might be similar in early and later stages of pregnancy. None of the antiphospholipid antibodies was associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Conclusion: In this study, elevated levels of IgG anticardiolipin and IgG antiphosphatidylserine antibodies were markers of pregnancy loss, but an elevated level of anti-β2-glycoprotein was not a strong predictor of fetal loss.
Behavioral role of hippocampal connections.

Abstract The functions of particular afferent and efferent connections of the hippocampus were evaluated in a sequence of learning tasks. Rats with damage to the fornix were impaired in learning to reverse a position habit, learning to alternate position, learning to extinguish running for water reward, and in learning a passive avoidance habit. A lesion of the subiculum or of the cingulum produced an impairment in avoidance learning only. Exploration of an open field, learning of the original position habit, and running latencies in performing the maze habits were not significantly affected by any lesion treatment. The results of this study support the position that the hippocampus is involved in separable functions. “Response suppression” may be one of its activities, but the hippocampus also appears to have a special role in the storage and recall of spatial habits.
Relative Humidity in Tropical Weather Systems

Abstract Relative humidity and temperature information is presented for satellite-observed western Pacific and West Indies summertime cloud clusters, cloud cluster environments, clear regions, typhoons, and pre-typhoon cloud clusters. Information is stratified by weather system, region, and time of day. Data are presented as differences from the Jordan (1958) mean summertime West Indies sounding. Inner weather system deviations of humidity and temperature are also given.
Influence of Nutrient Channels on Development of Engineered Cartilage Properties

It has been shown that chondrocyte-seeded agarose constructs of large dimensions develop spatially inhomogeneous material properties with stiffer outer edges and a softer central core [1]. This axial (depth-dependent) inhomogeneity was observed for constructs with relatively large diameter (4mm) and thickness (2.3mm) and suggests nutrient diffusion limitations to the central region of the constructs. Our previous study also showed that by reducing the thickness of the agarose construct (to 1mm) more homogenous construct properties can be obtained as a result of the reduced diffusion distance [2]. In this study we hypothesized that more homogeneous constructs of better mechanical properties could be achieved by creating channels running through the depth of the thick constructs (2.3mm), thereby facilitating nutrient diffusion into the central region of the constructs.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Almost Newton method for large flux steady-state of 1D Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations

Problems of charge-carrier transport from many different fields converge in mathematics, where they are modeled by a system of Poisson's and Nernst-Planck's equations (PNP) for the electro-static potential and particle dynamics. In this paper, we study a computational steady-state problem of charge-carrier transport. In the case of Dirichlet boundary conditions for the electro-static potential at all locations with given particle densities, the Gummel method (IEEE Trans. Electron Devices 11 (1964) 455) is known to converge to the steady-state solution rapidly, and to high accuracy, so long as the steady-state flux densities remain small. We wish to predict the far from equilibrium, large flux, steady-state of a charged particle system with two compartments, separated by a semi-permeable membrane, in which the electro-static potential is unknown at all but one location with given particle densities. In this case all but one Dirichlet boundary conditions on the electro-static potential are replaced by Neumann boundary conditions. We derive a modified Gummel method (MG) capable of solving such a Dirichlet-Neumann boundary problem. We investigate its difficulties with large steady-state flux densities by comparing it to the full Newton method (FN). Since problems with FN at large steady-state flux densities have been reported (IEEE Trans. Comput. Aid D 7 (2) (1988) 251; J. Appl. Phys. 68 (3) (1990) 1324), we propose, derive, and compare to MG and FN, an almost Newton method (AN) based upon a partial linearization of the problem. AN achieves the same accuracy as MG and FN in only one fifth of the number of iteration steps and retains these qualities even at very large steady-state flux densities.
Magnetic-field density-functional theory

We discuss the formal basis and general advantages of magnetic-field-and-density functional theory (BDFT) for the ground-state magnetic properties of many-electron systems. The ground-state density \ensuremath{\rho}(r) and the magnetic field B(r) are the variables appearing in the energy functionals that are the fundamental elements of BDFT. This is in contrast to the energy functionals of current-and-density functional theory (CDFT), the most general density-functional way of treating systems in a magnetic field, where the variables are \ensuremath{\rho}(r) and the ground-state paramagnetic current ${\mathbf{j}}_{\mathit{p}}$(r). Explicit calculations of magnetic properties have already been made that can be recognized as belonging to the BDFT paradigm, which this work therefore puts on a formal foundation. There are also aspects of BDFT discussed here that may make it an attractive alternative to the more general CDFT in some situations. In particular, we show that Kohn-Sham equations may be derived that use purely real orbitals and for which the energy does not separate into para- and diamagnetic contributions. We also show that in BDFT the zero-field electron density alone is sufficient to calculate the energy to second order in the magnetic field. Thus calculation of, e.g., diamagnetic susceptibilities or chemical shifts can in principle be made directly from zero-field electron distributions, without any need for the calculation of first-order corrections.
Determination of C60 and C70 fullerenes in geologic materials by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract It is demonstrated that high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is an excellent and reliable analytical method for the determination of the C 60 and C 70 fullerenes extracted from geologic samples because the analysis is carried out at room temperature, is non-destructive (fullerenes can be recovered), and is easily calibrated with synthetic fullerenes. The determination of fullerenes in geologic materials is greatly empowered by the preseparation of fullerenes from organics on a “big” HPLC column.