cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigating the minimum post-burst energy required to function an exploding bridgewire detonator

The minimum energy required after bridge-burst to function a commercially available RP-1 exploding bridgewire detonator with a gold bridgewire was investigated using two capacitor discharge units (CDUs) making use of state-of-the-art on/off high-voltage high-current switches. Both switches are capable of shutting off the current flow in ≈ 100 ns and the conduction time was varied systematically to limit the duration of electrical energy delivered from the CDU until a detonation go/no-go threshold was reached. It was found that the minimal extra electrical energy required for a soft-fire (a statistically marginal go) was approximately half that required for a hard-fire (a definite go). The measured energy required to function the RP-1 detonator from the 11.5 kV CDU was approximately 20 mJ greater than for the 600 V CDU, and it is postulated that this was due to arcing across the detonator terminals and an associated current shunt that was not efficient at depositing energy conducive to detonator functioning. Measurements of the bridgewire temperatures bursting in air showed that the maximum temperature reached was consistent ( ≈ 18 kK) when sufficient energy was delivered that the detonator functioned (either soft- or hard-fire), but that the temperature for a sub-threshold bridgewire burst was significantly cooler at approximately 8 kK. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the intensity of the light emitted at burst scaled with deposited energy. A related finding is that the light emission from the bridgewire peaks some tens of nanoseconds after both peak voltage and peak electrical power.
Combustion-relevant aerosol phosphor thermometry imaging using Ce,Pr:LuAG, Ce:GdPO4, and Ce:CSSO

Abstract Aerosol phosphor thermometry (APT) is a promising temperature-imaging diagnostic that is currently being developed for combustion applications. To date, gas-phase APT measurements have been limited to temperatures below 1000 K due to thermal quenching and poor sensitivity at high temperatures. In this work, three phosphor compositions are investigated for application at flame relevant temperatures: Ce,Pr:LuAG, Ce:GdPO4, and Ce:CSSO. The phosphors were characterized in a temperature-controlled furnace, and measurements of gas temperature were performed in a seeded air jet after mixing with the products of an atmospheric methane-air flame. Furnace and flame measurements demonstrate that two of the phosphors are capable of temperature imaging at over 1000 K, with an upper temperature limit of at least 1400 K. Temperature precision estimates indicate 20-K or better single-shot precision from 500 to 1300 K for a seeding density corresponding to an added heat capacity of less than 1% of that of air at 1200 K at a spatial resolution of 1.12 line pairs per millimeter. This work represents the highest reported temperature measurements made using any APT technique for gas temperature measurements, and represents the highest measured quenching temperature of any phosphor exhibiting fast allowed emission for APT. These results extend the capabilities of APT for single-shot gas-phase temperature imaging up to at least 1400 K. This new capability will allow APT to be applied in combustion environments to study problems such as low-temperature ignition in engines.
The HIV Care Continuum in Small Cities of Southern New England: Perspectives of People Living with HIV/AIDS, Public Health Experts, and HIV Service Providers

The HIV care continuum (HCC), comprised of five steps (screening, linkage to care, treatment initiation, retention, and viral suppression), is used to monitor treatment delivery to people living with HIV (PLWH). The HCC has primarily focused on large urban or metropolitan areas where the situation may differ from that in smaller cities. Three themes (i.e., knowledge, stigma, stability) that shaped HCC outcomes were identified from analysis of two qualitative studies involving HIV service providers, public health experts, and PLWH in smaller cities of southern New England. The findings suggest that enhancing HCC outcomes require a multiprong approach that targets both the individual and organizational levels and includes interventions to increase health literacy, staff communication skills, universal screening to assess patients' religiosity/spirituality and supplemental service needs. Interventions that further ensure patient confidentiality and the co-location and coordination of HIV and other healthcare services are particularly important in smaller cities.
Investigating corrosion behavior of Ni and Ni-20Cr in molten ZnCl2

Abstract Corrosion of Ni and Ni-20Cr in molten ZnCl2 under argon atmosphere at 593 K was investigated using cyclic polarization in combination with various electron microscopy techniques. Cyclic polarization measurements yielded significantly lower corrosion rates for pure Ni than for Ni-20Cr. Corrosion of the Ni-20Cr alloy is attributed to selective anodic dissolution of Cr, which forms a chromium chloride film at the metal-salt interface. The corrosion in Ni and Ni-20Cr is accelerated by grain boundary attack through intergranular corrosion, followed by the formation of pore-salt network regions. The related corrosion mechanisms and dissolution kinetics are discussed.
The supply and demand model of civic education: evidence from a field experiment in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Can democratic orientations and political participation in fragile democracies be fostered through civic education? Early evaluation work reported generally positive effects, though recent work has...
By the Crowd and for the Crowd: Perceived Utility and Willingness to Contribute to Trustworthiness Indicators on Social Media

This study explores how people perceive the potential utility of trustworthiness indicators and how willing they are to consider contributing to them as a way to combat the problem of misinformation and disinformation on social media. Analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from the survey (N=376) indicates that a majority of respondents believe trustworthiness indicators would be valuable as they can reduce uncertainty and provide guidance on how to interact with content. However, perceptions of how and when these indicators can provide value vary widely in detail. A majority of respondents are also willing to contribute to trustworthiness indicators on social media to some extent due to their sense of duty and personal expertise in information verification practices but are very wary of the effort or burden it would place on them. Respondents who did not want to use or contribute to trustworthiness indicators attributed it to their lack of faith in the concept of trustworthiness indicators stemming from perceived inherent and unsurmountable biases on social media. Together our findings highlight the complexity of designing, structuring and presenting trustworthiness indicators keeping in mind the diverse set of user attitudes and perceptions.
Investigating the Impact of Design Thinking, Content Strategy, and Artificial Intelligence: A “Streams” Approach for Technical Communication and User Experience

Technical and professional communication (TPC) and user experience (UX) design are often seen as intertwined due to being user-centered. Yet, as widening industry positions combine TPC and UX, new ...
Automatic non-rigid registration of preoperative MRI and intraoperative US for US-guided neurosurgery - A preliminary study

Image guidance aids neurosurgeons in making critical clinical decisions to achieve a safe maximal resection of diseased tissue. The brain however undergoes significant nonlinear structural deformation due to multiple factors, including dura opening, fluid shifts, and tissue resection. While ultrasound (US) has shown promise in monitoring brain deformation and as a navigation image source in its own right, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) generally provides better contrast between tumor and brain tissue and pre-operative imaging can provide functional and connectivity information not available in US. Mapping pre-operative MRI (pMRI) onto intraoperative US (iUS) is therefore desirable for multimodal neurosurgical guidance. In this work, we present a novel approach that uses T1 intensity gradients to non-rigidly register pMRI to iUS. The method was validated on 22 datasets from the MICCAI CuRIOUS Challenge 2018 and an average landmark error of 4.89mm was achieved.
Glued Laminated Wood Construction in Europe

History and current status of wood laminating industry in Europe; adhesives, wood species and production methods varying from United States practices; more efficient design by use of I-beams enables European engineers to save up to 25% lumber and still provide stiffer construction than comparable American rectangular beam designs.
Sentiment Analysis Using Social Multimedia

Sentiment analysis is one of the most active research areas in natural language processing, web/social network mining, and text/multimedia data mining. The growing importance of sentiment analysis coincides with the popularity of social network platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr, which provide a rich repository of people’s opinion and sentiment about a vast spectrum of topics. Moreover, the fact that we are exposed to a tremendous amount of data in different forms including text, images, and videos makes sentiment analysis a very challenging task due to its nature of multimodality. In this chapter, in order to provide a big picture of sentiment analysis, we will discuss some of the latest works on topics of sentiment analysis based on visual content and textual content.
Effects of pH and Anions on Functional Properties of Hemoglobin from Lemur fulvus fulvus

Abstract Hemoglobin of the prosimian primate Lemur fulvus fulvus is quite similar to human hemoglobin in its primary structure but is significantly different in its functional behaviour. Equilibrium and kinetic studies show that the sequence differences in Lemur hemoglobin do not affect cooperativity, but do produce a decreased oxygen affinity, a decreased Bohr effect, and a decreased response to organic phosphates. The decreased effect of organic phosphates on Lemur hemoglobin may be partially accounted for by the presence of leucine at the β2 position. This constitutes the first experimental verification of the involvement of β2 histidine in 2,3-diphosphoglycerate binding (proposed on the basis of a recent x-ray crystallographic study). The other functional differences cannot be readily accounted for in terms of the current stereochemical model. Tetramers of Lemur hemoglobin have an increased tendency to dissociate into dimers relative to human hemoglobin. In addition, there are greater functional differences between the α and the β chains within tetramers of Lemur hemoglobin than in human hemoglobin tetramers. Kinetic analysis shows that only one type of chain, tentatively identified as β, contributes to the pH dependence of deoxygenation of Lemur hemoglobin. This is the major kinetic expression of the pH dependence of oxygen binding observed in equilibrium studies. Comparative studies show that the exaggerated chain differences and low oxygen affinity of stripped Lemur hemoglobin are closely paralleled by the behavior of human hemoglobin in the presence of saturating amounts of inositol hexaphosphate.
Structural studies by nuclear magnetic resonance—XXIII : Conformational analysis of substituted phenylacetaldehydes

Abstract The vicinal spin-spin coupling constants between the aldehydic and α-protons of phenylacetaldehyde, p-methylphenylacetaldehyde, p-methoxyphenylacetaldehyde, p-chlorophenylacetaldehyde, and 2,6-dichlorophenylacetaldehyde were studied at 60 MHz as a function of temperature and solvent. The following conclusions were drawn. (1) A threefold barrier to rotation about the sp2-sp3 carbon-carbon bond best fits the data for the substituted phenylacetaldehydes. (2) The stability of the rotamer, where the phenyl group eclipses the carbonyl group, increases with increasing solvent dielectric constant. (3) The free energy and enthalpy values for 1⇌2 are solvent dependent, being more negative in solvents of high dielectric constant. (4) Local dipole-dipole interactions are more important than overall dipole-dipole interactions in determining rotamer stability.
Measuring health related quality of life among women living with HIV

Although women had been under recognized in the literature on HIV/AIDS, increasing numbers of studies have focused on the lives and experiences of women living with HIV/AIDS. Areas of research in which the study of women and HIV continues to be noticeably lacking include health related quality of life (HRQOL). This paper describes HRQOL in an inner city sample of 287 HIV positive non-pregnant women, interviewed as part of a larger multi-site CDC funded study of the reproductive health of women. The average age of the respondents was 33 years and women had known their HIV status an average of 41 months. HRQOL was assessed using a 17-item modified version of the Medical Outcomes Study-HIV Health Survey and demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (0.64-0.89) and variability. Women in our study were similar to other HIV-positive female samples and reported lower levels of well-being and functioning than some HIV-positive male samples. Women's responses to individual items and areas of potential need for health care are discussed. Examination of HRQOL in women with HIV can aid in the comparison of how women and men are affected by HIV and can help health care professionals identify needed services and include possible interventions to promote quality of life.
Comparison of Ultrasound with Tensile Testing of Thermally Damaged Polyimide Insulated Wiring (MIL‐W‐81381)

Ultrasonic measurements were performed on MIL‐W‐81381/7, /12, and /21 wire, a polyimide (Kapton®) insulated wire. The phase velocity for the 20‐gauge MIL‐W‐81381/7 wire had a baseline value of 3023 ± 78 m/s. After exposure to high temperatures, the wire’s phase velocity rapidly increased, and reached an asymptotic value of 3598 ± 20 m/s after 100 hours exposure. Similar responses were measured in other gauges. The baseline measurements of Young’s moduli resulted in values of 5636 ± 486, 7714 ± 505, and 8767 ± 292 KSI for the 20 ga, 16 ga, and 12 ga. wires respectively.
Transcapillary fluid shifts in tissues of the head and neck during and after simulated microgravity.

To understand the mechanism, magnitude, and time course of facial puffiness that occurs in microgravity, seven male subjects were tilted 6 degrees head-down for 8 h, and all four Starling transcapi...
Confounding factors in diagnosing brain death: a case report

Brain death is strictly defined medically and legally. This diagnosis depends on three cardinal neurological features: coma, absent brainstem reflexes, and apnea. The diagnosis can only be made, however, in the absence of intoxication, hypothermia, or certain medical illnesses. A patient with severe hypoxic-ischemic brain injury met the three cardinal neurological features of brain death but concurrent profound hypothyroidism precluded the diagnosis. Our clinical and ethical decisions were further challenged by another facet of this complex case. Although her brain damage indicated a hopeless prognosis, we could not discontinue care based on futility because the only known surrogate was mentally retarded and unable to participate in medical planning. The presence of certain medical conditions prohibits a diagnosis of brain death, which is a medicolegal diagnosis of death, not a prediction or forecast of future outcome. While prognostication is important in deciding to withdraw care, it is not a component in diagnosing brain death.
A Study of the Acquisition of Fricatives by Three-Year-Old Children Learning Mexican Spanish.

Spontaneous picture naming and imitated-sentence responses of six three-year-old monolingual Spanish speaking Mexican children were examined for their sound patterns in the acquisition of the frica...
BIASED ESTIMATORS AND OBJECT-SPECTRUM ESTIMATION IN THE METHOD OF DECONVOLUTION FROM WAVE-FRONT SENSING

The method of deconvolution from wave-front sensing (DWFS), which is a method for improving the quality of astronomical images measured through atmospheric turbulence, uses simultaneous short-exposure measurements of both an image and the output of a wave-front sensor exposed to an image of the telescope pupil. The wave-front sensor measurements are used to reconstruct an estimate of the instantaneous generalized pupil function of the telescope, which is used to compute an estimate of the instantaneous optical transfer function (OTF). This estimate of the OTF is then used in a deconvolution procedure. We point out the existence and origin of an unnoticed bias in the estimator for the DWFS method. This bias leads to nonrandom errors in the estimated object spectrum beyond those expected to arise by virtue of low-pass filtering and noise, including the possibility of an overall system transfer function greater than unity at some spatial frequencies. An alternative measurement and postprocessing scheme to overcome this source of error is suggested.
Real-time dynamic simulation of vehicles with electronic stability control : modelling and validation

This paper presents an approach to real-time dynamic simulation of vehicles with electronic stability control (ESC). The approach involves the integration of ESC software into the powertrain and brake models of the real-time vehicle dynamic simulation environment of the National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS). The ultimate goal of this integration is the use of ESC equipped vehicles in simulator based, human factors experimentation, assessing the effectiveness of ESC in avoiding 'loss of control' accidents. The effectiveness of this approach in simulating ESC is demonstrated through the development and validation of two vehicle models, one for a 2003 Ford Expedition and the other for a 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, both equipped with ESC. Results show close correlation of vehicle behaviour between the test data and the simulation data. In addition, the timing and magnitude of the simulated ESC activity correlates closely with the test results.
The Mechanics of Ideal Forming

In this paper, the mechanics of ideal forming theory are summarized for general, three-dimensional, nonsteady processes. This theory has been developed for the initial stages of designing deformation processes. The objectives is to directly determine configurations, both initial and intermediate, that are required to ideally form a specified final shape. In the proposed theory, material elements are prescribed to deform along minimum plastic work paths, assuming that the materials have optimum formabilities in such paths. Then, the ideal forming processes are obtained so as to have the most uniform strain distributions in final products without shear tractions. As solutions, the theory provides the evolution of intermediate shapes of products and external forces as well as optimum strain distributions. Since the requirement of ideal forming to follow minimum work paths involves an over determination of the field equations, the theory places constraints on constitutive and boundary conditions. For example, tool interfaces must be frictionless and yield conditions must have vertices to achieve self-equilibrating three-dimensional deformations in most cases. Despite these constraints, the theory is believed to provide a useful starting point for deformation process design.
The Influence of EDTA on Blood Antibiotic Levels Following Oral Administration of Tetracycline Compounds

Abstract CONSIDERABLE effort has been devoted to increasing the concentration of tetracycline compounds in the blood when a given level of the antibiotic is administered orally. Techniques used to date have not proven entirely satisfactory and thus the search has continued for a practical means of potentiating broad spectrum antibiotics in poultry rations. Price et al. (1959) demonstrated that the calcium ion inhibited absorption of orally administered tetracycline compounds. Reduction of the dietary calcium level from 1.18 to 0.18% resulted in more than a two-fold increase in serum levels of oxytetracycline (OTC) or chlortetracycline (CTC). Harms and Waldroup (1961) reported maximum blood OTC levels when the diet contained a suboptimum level of calcium. Peterson (1958) reported that the addition of terephthalic acid to a poultry mash containing CTC resulted in a four-fold increase in serum antibiotic levels. A report by Eisner et al. (1953) indicated that oral administration of certain organic . . .
Location-based tracking using long-range passive RFID and ultrawideband communications

Reliable positioning capability is a crucial need for first responders in emergency and disaster situations. Lack of a dependable positioning system can result in disruptions in the situational awareness between the local responders in the field and the emergency command and control centers. Indoor localization and navigation poses many challenges for search and rescue teams (i.e. firefighters) such as inability to determine their exact location and communicate with the incident commander outside the building. Although RF navigation and tracking systems have many advantages over other technologies, the harsh indoor RF environment demands new ways of developing and using RF sensor and communication systems. A new approach, proposed recently [1-4], employs passive RFID for geo-location and tracking of a first responder. However, because conventional passive RFID tags have limited communications ranges, a very large number of these tags will be required to fully cover a large multi-storied building without any dead spots. Another technical challenge for conventional RF communications is the transmission of data from the mobile RFID platform (the tag reader) to the outside command and control node, as the buildings walls impose challenges such as attenuation and multipath. In this paper, we introduce a mobile platform architecture that makes optimal use of long-range passive tags, and takes advantage of the frequency diversity of Ultra-wideband (UWB) communication systems for a reliable, robust and yet low-cost infrastructure.
Treatment of pituitary adenomas.

Patients with pituitary adenomas present with diverse clinical syndromes related to the secretory activity of the tumor and the amount of residual normal pituitary tissue. Thyrotropin-producing pituitary adenomas are rare, but patients with this problem may be difficult to treat. The report by Comi and coworkers1 in this issue of the Journal contains evidence that a somatostatin analogue provides effective medical therapy for this uncommon hormone-producing pituitary adenoma. Several investigators, including those at the National Institutes of Health,2 3 4 have successfully used the long-acting somatostatin analogue SMS 201–995 in the treatment of patients with acromegaly. Comi and colleagues document the value . . .
Techniques of urinary undiversion surgery in children

During the past eight years, reestablishment of previously diverted urinary tracts has become more frequent. During the past three years, 11 patients have been evaluated and 7 subsequently operated on to reestablish continuity of the urinary tract. Four patients were eliminated from surgical consideration because of the extent of renal disease. The surgical procedures involve the use of ileum as well as the transureteroureterostomy with the psoas hitch procedure to reestablish urinary continuity. Examination of the over-all results illustrates urinary undiversion surgery in children is worthwhile. The initial results with neuropathic bladder disease has been a little discouraging, and more data will be required before a conclusion can be reached.
Very low thermal expansion in TaO2F

Abstract X-ray diffraction data for TaO2F from 20 to 400 K show a thermal expansion so low that we cannot be certain whether it is positive or negative. We estimate the absolute value of the thermal expansion coefficient to be less than 6×10−7/K. This then is comparable to that of amorphous SiO2 and is apparently unique behavior for a cubic material over such a large temperature range.
DW-MRI as a biomarker to compare therapeutic outcomes in radiotherapy regimens incorporating temozolomide or gemcitabine in glioblastoma.

The effectiveness of the radiosensitizer gemcitabine (GEM) was evaluated in a mouse glioma along with the imaging biomarker diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) for early detection of treatment effects. A genetically engineered murine GBM model [Ink4a-Arf−/− PtenloxP/loxP/Ntv-a RCAS/PDGF(+)/Cre(+)] was treated with gemcitabine (GEM), temozolomide (TMZ) +/− ionizing radiation (IR). Therapeutic efficacy was quantified by contrast-enhanced MRI and DW-MRI for growth rate and tumor cellularity, respectively. Mice treated with GEM, TMZ and radiation showed a significant reduction in growth rates as early as three days post-treatment initiation. Both combination treatments (GEM/IR and TMZ/IR) resulted in improved survival over single therapies. Tumor diffusion values increased prior to detectable changes in tumor volume growth rates following administration of therapies. Concomitant GEM/IR and TMZ/IR was active and well tolerated in this GBM model and similarly prolonged median survival of tumor bearing mice. DW-MRI provided early changes to radiosensitization treatment warranting evaluation of this imaging biomarker in clinical trials.
Excited-State Self-Quenching Reactions of Square Planar Platinum(II) Diimine Complexes in Room-Temperature Fluid Solution.

The rates of fluid solution emission decay (kobs) for planar Pt(diimine)X2 complexes (X = CN, aryl(acetylide), 1/2 toluene-3,4-dithiolate(tdt)) decrease with increasing concentration indicative of self-quenching. Values of kobs are obtained from a modified Stern−Volmer expression and approach the diffusion limit by association of excited- and ground-state monomers, possibly via Pt···Pt interaction. For Pt(phen)(CCPh)2, self-quenching is accompanied by excimer emission.
Simultaneous presentation of acute myelomonocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma

A patient with acute myelomonocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma occurring simultaneously prior to initiation of chemotherapy is described. Possible mechanisms for this occurrence are discussed.
Intumescing multilayer thin film deposited on clay-based nanobrick wall to produce self-extinguishing flame retardant polyurethane

Significant loss of life and property results each year from fires fueled by polyurethane found in household furnishings. Established layer-by-layer flame retardant systems were combined to produce a stacked nanocoating for flame retarding polyurethane foam. A bilayer system of chitosan (CH) and vermiculite provides a nanobrick wall exoskeleton, protecting the polyurethane long enough for an intumescing system of CH and ammonium polyphosphate to activate and form a bubbled char layer. Stacking these two recipes allows the foam to self-extinguish when exposed to a butane torch without any flame spread or shrinking of the foam, two things commonly observed with either coating alone. Cone calorimetry revealed a significant peak heat release rate reduction of 66 % relative to the uncoated foam. This study demonstrates the ability to combine flame retardant mechanisms sequentially. This nanocoating acts as an environmentally benign template for flame retarding various complex substrates, especially those found in household furnishings.
Phytoplankton Growth Balanced by Clam and Zooplankton Grazing and Net Transport into the Low-Salinity Zone of the San Francisco Estuary

We estimated the influence of planktonic and benthic grazing on phytoplankton in the strongly tidal, river-dominated northern San Francisco Estuary using data from an intensive study of the low salinity foodweb in 2006–2008 supplemented with long-term monitoring data. A drop in chlorophyll concentration in 1987 had previously been linked to grazing by the introduced clam Potamocorbula amurensis, but numerous changes in the estuary may be linked to the continued low chlorophyll. We asked whether phytoplankton continued to be suppressed by grazing and what proportion of the grazing was by benthic bivalves. A mass balance of phytoplankton biomass included estimates of primary production and grazing by microzooplankton, mesozooplankton, and clams. Grazing persistently exceeded net phytoplankton growth especially for larger cells, and grazing by microzooplankton often exceeded that by clams. A subsidy of phytoplankton from other regions roughly balanced the excess of grazing over growth. Thus, the influence of bivalve grazing on phytoplankton biomass can be understood only in the context of limits on phytoplankton growth, total grazing, and transport.
Structure-function analysis in nuclear RNase P RNA

Eukaryotic ribonuclease P (RNase P) enzymes require both RNA and protein subunits for activityin vivo andin vitro. We have undertaken an analysis of the complex RNA subunit of the nuclear holoenzyme in an effort to understand its structure and its similarities to and differences from the bacterial ribozymes. Phylogenetic analysis, structure-sensitive RNA footprinting, and directed mutagenesis reveal conserved secondary and tertiary structures with both strong similarities to the bacterial consensus and distinctive features. The effects of mutations in the most highly conserved positions are being used to dissect the functions of individual subdomains.
Multivariable Curve Interpolation

The problem of defining a smooth surface through an array of points in space is well known. Several methods of solution have been proposed. Generally, these restrict the set of points to be one-to-one defined over a planar rectangular grid (X, Y-plane). Then a set of functions Z = F(X, Y) is determined, each of which represents a surface segment of the composite smooth surface. In this paper, these ideas are generalized to include a much broader class of permissible point array distributions: namely (1) the point arrangement (ordering) is topologically equivalent to a planar rectangular grid, (2) the resulting solution is a smooth composite of parametric surface segments, i.e. each surface piece is represented by a vector (point)-valued function. The solution here presented is readily applicable to a variety of problems, such as closed surface body definitions and pressure envelope surface definitions. The technique has been used successfully in these areas and others, such as numerical control milling, Newtonian impact and boundary layer.
Impact of Treating Sleep Apnea in a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Sleep disorders can affect daytime functioning in a variety of neurologic conditions, including autism spectrum disorder. This report describes improvements in sleep, social communication, attention, repetitive behaviors, and hypersensitivity after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea in a 5-year-old female with an autism spectrum disorder. Improvements were documented via pre- and postsurgical measures of parent report, polysomnography, validated sleep and behavior scales, and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. Identification and treatment of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, may improve daytime behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders.
Antioxidative efficacy of alkali-treated tilapia protein hydrolysates: a comparative study of five enzymes.

The antioxidant activities of alkali-treated tilapia protein hydrolysates were determined by their ability to inhibit the formation of lipid hydroperoxides (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in a washed muscle model system and by their ability to inhibit DPPH free radicals and chelate ferrous ion in an aqueous solution. Protein isolates were prepared from tilapia white muscle using alkali solubilization at pH 11.0 and reprecipitation at pH 5.5. Protein hydrolysates were prepared by hydrolyzing the isolates using five different enzymes, Cryotin F, Protease A Amano, Protease N Amano, Flavourzyme, and Neutrase, to 7.5, 15, and 25% degrees of hydrolysis (DH). All of the protein hydrolysates significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the development of TBARS and PV. The antioxidant activity of the hydrolysates increased with the DH. Also, the antioxidant activity of the hydrolysates varied significantly (p < 0.05) among the different enzymes. The ability of different enzyme-catalyzed protein hydrolysates to scavenge DPPH radicals was not reflected in their ability to inhibit oxidation in a washed tilapia model system. In a washed muscle model system, the hydrolysates prepared using Cryotin F were most effective and the hydrolysates prepared using Flavourzyme and Neutrase were least effective in inhibiting the development of TBARS and PV, whereas in an aqueous solution, hydrolysates prepared using Flavourzyme were most effective in scavenging DPPH radicals and chelating ferrous ions. Enzymatic hydrolysis decreased the size of tilapia protein hydrolysates and, in general, tilapia protein hydrolysates with low molecular weights were better antioxidants than those with high molecular weights.
Supporting and Sustaining Grassroots Youth Organizations: The Case of New Detroit

Grassroots organizations have a central place in service provision within many urban communities, particularly as they work with young people. Enhancing the potential of youth serving organizations is vital as many of these small groups lack infrastructure and resources. One organization has gone beyond grant making to organizations to include providing technical assistance, then moving to a model of capacity building to improve their ability to fulfill their mission. This paper describes the efforts of New Detroit to improve the infrastructure of youth serving grassroots organizations through a multi-faceted model and the outcomes evidenced from the first cohort. In addition we explore the contradictions inherent in working with small groups. How do you improve effectiveness without destroying the “homegrown” character these groups possess? The model presented here shows the value of empowering small grassroots groups to build capacity.
Expectancy effects upon self-recorded eye-blinking behavior

The effects of self-recording and expectancy upon eye blinking were assessed in an ABAB design with 37 undergraduates. Members of a control group did not record their eye blinks during four 4-min periods. Members of three experimental groups self-recorded their eye blinks during the second and fourth 4-min periods. One experimental group was told to expect an increase in eye-blinking rates over base rate as a result of the self-recording requirement, one group was told to expect a decrease, and one group was not given an expectancy. All subjects were required to respond to serial-learing word lists throughout each of the 4-min periods in order to standardize the experimental session and to focus the subjects' eyes upon one spot for easy videotaping. Eye-blink data (taken from videotape recordings of the experimental sessions) indicate that self-recording had a reactive effect upon the rate of eye blinking, but expectancy did not have an effect. The results were compared with previous experimental and correlational studies of expectancy effects upon self-recording. Further analysis of expectancy is necessary, and the advantages of the experimental paradigm utilized in the present study are pointed out.
Control of current-mode second breakdown in transistors through use of double-graded collectors

Abstract Bipolor transistors with double-graded collectors offer the prospect of achieving a substantial measure of protection against device failure from current-mode second breakdown, which cannot be achieved from a uniformly doped epitaxial transistor where the scope for improvement is fundamentally limited by a need to support the required blocking voltage. Optimal values of double-graded collector parameters of transistors are numerically computed, and empirical expressions for optimal parameters are found.
On convex relaxations for quadratically constrained quadratic programming

We consider convex relaxations for the problem of minimizing a (possibly nonconvex) quadratic objective subject to linear and (possibly nonconvex) quadratic constraints. Let $$\mathcal{F }$$ denote the feasible region for the linear constraints. We first show that replacing the quadratic objective and constraint functions with their convex lower envelopes on $$\mathcal{F }$$ is dominated by an alternative methodology based on convexifying the range of the quadratic form $$\genfrac(){0.0pt}{}{1}{x}\genfrac(){0.0pt}{}{1}{x}^T$$ for $$x\in \mathcal{F }$$. We next show that the use of "$$\alpha $$BB" underestimators as computable estimates of convex lower envelopes is dominated by a relaxation of the convex hull of the quadratic form that imposes semidefiniteness and linear constraints on diagonal terms. Finally, we show that the use of a large class of D.C. ("difference of convex") underestimators is dominated by a relaxation that combines semidefiniteness with RLT constraints.
Water pollution in Lake Michigan by trace elements from pollution aerosol fallout

Certain trace elements which are strongly associated with air pollution sources in the Lake Michigan basin may be contributing significantly to lake water pollution by an atmospheric fallout route. In this paper a partial inventory of air pollution emissions for 30 trace elements is presented for the Chicago, Milwaukee, and northwest Indiana metropolitan areas, based on available published information. The inventory is then compared with actual stream inputs measured for Zn, Cu, and Ni and with estimates of pre-industrial unpolluted stream inputs for 28 elements. Evidence indicates that the atmosphere may now be a major source of Zn in Lake Michigan, and atmospheric inputs of Cu and Ni may also be considerable. Moreover, the evidence suggests that air pollution probably exceeds expected unpolluted stream inputs for many additional elements in Lake Michigan, highlighting the need for more comprehensive chemical data to quantify the evaluation.
Lessons from the FNIH-NIA-FDA sarcopenia consensus summit.

This 4-day consensus definition conference was co-organized by the Foundation of National Institutes of Health (FNIH), National Institutes of Aging (NIA) and the Federal Drug Adminstration (FDA), and was co-sponsored by five pharmaceutical companies (Abbott, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Merck and Novartis). Importantly, a consensus definition of sarcopenia, is gradually being enabled through the FNIH Biomarkers Consortium Sarcopenia Project, led by Dr Stephanie Studenski, that has been acting as a neutral convener for academia, industry, FDA, NIH and related professional societies. The Sarcopenia Project came to the 2012 Sarcopenia Consensus Summit prepared with data from thousands of individuals on several major aging longitudinal studies conducted in the United States in the past several decades in hopes of facilitating the definition of sarcopenia.
Integration of non-time-resolved PIV and time-resolved velocity point sensors for dynamic estimation of velocity fields

We demonstrate a three-step method for estimating time-resolved velocity fields using time-resolved point measurements and non-time-resolved particle image velocimetry data. A variant of linear stochastic estimation is used to obtain an initial set of time-resolved estimates of the flow field. These estimates are then used to identify a linear model of the flow dynamics. The model is incorporated into a Kalman smoother, which provides an improved set of estimates. We verify this method with an experimental study of the wake behind an elliptical-leading-edge flat plate at a thickness Reynolds number of 3,600. We find that, for this particular flow, the Kalman smoother estimates are more accurate and more robust to noise than the initial, stochastic estimates. Consequently, dynamic mode decomposition more accurately identifies coherent structures in the flow when applied to the Kalman smoother estimates. Causal implementations of the estimators, which are necessary for flow control, are also investigated. Similar outcomes are observed, with model-based estimation outperforming stochastic estimation, though the advantages are less pronounced.
Debate on the lack of evidence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Crohn's disease.

patients with Crohn’s disease. Furthermore, there was no mention of how long the cultures were incubated and whether polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or nested PCR was used for the identification of MAP. Freeman’s group used 10-mL whole blood samples for culture instead of buffy coat preparation from 4 mL of whole blood samples, as stated by Naser et al. Although the intention may seem to increase the chances of detecting MAP if present, the culture medium was saturated with hemoglobin, which is known to be a serious inhibitor of Taq polymerase during PCR analysis. The belief that all members of the M. avium complex behave similarly in the laboratory setting demonstrated by Freeman and colleagues may in part be a consequence of the microbial nomenclature in use today. Because of the unusual fastidious nature of MAP, the name Mycobacterium paratuberculosis may be more appropriate to use than the term M. avium spp. paratuberculosis. We wholeheartedly agree with Freeman’s conclusion that ‘‘further studies in Crohn’s disease from similar hospitals with access to expert clinical microbiological expertise are essential.’’ What gastroenterologists must recognize, however, is that most human medicine laboratories do not have ‘‘a great deal of experience and expertise in routine detection of MAP.’’ If they seek to isolate this pathogen, microbiological expertise outside the normal clinical laboratory settings may be needed. Using the correct methodology is critical for the successful isolation of MAP, especially from human clinical samples.
NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN ALKALI ALLOY SYSTEMS, NaK AND NaRb

Abstract The Knight shift K in liquid NaK and NaRb systems is a linear function of the relative Na-concentration 1− C . The relative variation K -1 ( ∂K ∂C ) = 0.361 for Na 23 in NaK, = 0.518 for Na 23 in NaRb and = 0.270 for Rb 87 in NaRb. An interpretation in terms of the scattering theory of conduction electrons is given. The line width of the Na 23 and Rb 87 resonances is a non-linear function of C . It is about a factor 5 larger in the Rb-rich alloys than at the Na-rich end. This result can be explained by the electron-coupled spin exchange interaction between different nuclei. The remarkable fact that these spin-spin interactions do not average to a small value in the liquid metals necessitates the postulate of a long range character for the electron-coupled interaction. The Knight shift and line width in solid terminal solutions have also been observed and compared with theory. The experiments show that nuclear magnetic resonance is particularly well suited to determine phase diagrams of alkali alloy systems.
THE RANGE OF A CENTRAL GOOD IN THE INDIAN PUNJAB

WHY do consumers travel varying distances in order to purchase a given commodity? Christaller, in Die Zentralen Orte in Suddeutschland, suggested four groups of factors: (a) the size and importance of the central place, (b) the "price-willingness" of a consumer, (c) the subjective economic distance, and (d) the type, quantity, and price of a good.1 This paper, based on field study in the Indian Punjab in 1957-58, attempts an empirical evaluation of the classification suggested by Christaller.2 The portion of Christaller's study dealing with the role of a good's range in determining central-place distributions is known through the work of Lbsch, Isard, Berry, Garrison, and others.3 David Huff has reviewed studies relating to consumer behavior,4 but his work does not include a discussion of Christaller's views on that subject.
Development of a cloning system in Mycoplasma pulmonis

A system suitable for recombinant DNA manipulation in mycoplasmas was developed using the cloned antibiotic-resistance genes of Tn4001 and Tn916. An integrative plasmid containing one of the resistance markers was inserted into the genome of Mycoplasma pulmonis to form a recipient strain. This was accomplished by transformation and homologous recombination between chromosomal DNA sequences cloned onto the integrative plasmid. A second vector, the cloning vector, containing the same plasmid replicon and alternate resistance marker, carried cloned foreign DNA. When transformed into mycoplasmal recipients, homologous recombination between plasmid sequences resulted in integration of the cloning vector and foreign DNA. A Brucella abortus gene coding for a 31-kDa protein and the P1 structural gene and operon from Mycoplasma pneumoniae were introduced to examine the feasibility of developing mycoplasma as cloning hosts. Recombinant plasmids as large as 20 kb were inserted into M. pulmonis, and the integrated foreign DNA was stably maintained. The maximum size of clonable DNA was not determined, but plasmids larger than 22 kb have not been transformed into mycoplasmas using polyethylene glycol. Also the size of genome (800-1200 kb) may affect the stability of larger inserts of foreign DNA. This system is applicable to any mycoplasma capable of transformation, homologous recombination and expression of these resistance markers. Because of their lack of a cell wall, mycoplasmas may be useful cloning hosts for membrane or excreted protein genes from other sources.
Expanding Yeast Knowledge Online

The completion of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome sequencing project 11 and the continued development of improved technology for large-scale genome analysis have led to tremendous growth in the amount of new yeast genetics and molecular biology data. EYcient organization, presentation, and dissemination of this information are essential if researchers are to exploit this knowledge. In addition, the development of tools that provide eYcient analysis of this information and link it with pertinent information from other systems is becoming increasingly important at a time when the complete genome sequences of other organisms are becoming available. The aim of this review is to familiarize biologists with the type of data resources currently available on the World Wide Web (WWW). ? 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethanol, Acetaldehyde and Cardiac Protein Synthesis: the relation to cardiomyopathy

Summary The occurrence of cardiomyopathy in chronic alcoholism has been well documented, but the cause of the myopathy is still unclear. Some of the mechanisms described have included accumulation of triglycerides, altered fatty acid extraction1,2, membrane alterations with decreased response to Ca2+ and to catecholamines 3,4 and alterations in cardiac protein synthesis.5 The present article briefly reviews the effects of ethanol or its primary metabolite, acetaldehyde, on cardiac protein synthesis and possible relation to cardiomyopathy.
Distributed compressive sensing and communications in wireless sensor networks

This work proposes a novel distributed joint communication-acquisition scheme for the compressive sensing (CS)-based wireless sensor networks (WSN)s over fast fading wireless communication channels. The proposed scheme requires a sensor to transmit its measurement only on a fraction of the available transmission times. This work investigates the optimization of this transmission time fraction with respect to the minimal latency and total transmit energy. The resulting scheme, which naturally uses the fast fading wireless channels for generating random sensing projections required in the CS framework, is simple to implement, completely distributed, and other than a rough time synchronization, involves no additional overhead costs, such as scheduling. The efficiency of the proposed scheme in sensing the global environmental phenomena is evaluated via analysis and simulations assuming practical half duplex radios, and generic channel estimation procedure.
The Colpocephalum of the Cuculiformes

A redescription is given for Colpocephalum ignotum, the only previously recognized species from cuckoos. Two new species are described: Colpocephalum phasianini from Centropus phasianinus from Papua and Colpocephalum sinensis from Centropus sinensis from India.