cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The laryngeal mask airway. An unusual complication.

Summary The laryngeal mask airway is an important addition to the anaesthetist's armamentarium, but its use is not without the possibility for misfortune. We encountered an unusual and potentially serious complication. A patient's epiglottis became trapped between the pliable grates in the mask portion of the laryngeal mask and partially obstructed his airway. Should this problem occur and remain unnoticed, in addition to the problem of airway obstruction during the anaesthetic, the oedematous epiglottis could be severely injured upon removal of the laryngeal mask. This, in turn, could result in airway obstruction requiring emergency treatment.
Intramedullary Nailing of Humeral Shaft Fractures with a Locking Flexible Nail

Background: Studies on intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures in the orthopaedic literature have shown mixed results. The purpose of this investigation was to document the clinical outcome and complications associated with the use of a new flexible, locking intramedullary nail that can be implanted in the humerus in either a retrograde or an antegrade manner without violating the rotator cuff mechanism or damaging the articular surface of the humeral head. Methods: Fifty consecutive patients with fifty-one humeral shaft fractures were entered into our prospective clinical outcome study. The fracture was classified on the basis of the anatomic location and pattern. Implant positioning and fracture alignment were assessed postoperatively. Complications were recorded, and the time to union was measured. Shoulder function was evaluated with use of a combination of the Constant shoulder score, Short Form-36 (SF-36) clinical outcome data, range-of-motion measurements, and a subjective pain-rating scale. Results: Forty-one patients with forty-two fractures had an adequate duration of clinical follow-up (a mean of twenty-two months) for analysis. Thirty-nine fractures healed, with a mean time to clinical union of twelve weeks (range, four to fifty weeks). Thirty-eight of the forty-two shoulders had minimal or no pain. Thirty-six shoulders had a full range of motion. The mean Constant shoulder score was 90 points. Four patients had five complications, which included two nonunions, two hardware failures, and one wound infection. All four patients had been managed with a 7.5-mm nail. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that an age of more than fifty years was associated with a lower Constant score and that the occurrence of a complication was associated with a lower physical component score on the SF-36. Conclusions: The flexible humeral nail allows both retrograde and antegrade implantation and static locking. Nail insertion can be accomplished without violating the rotator cuff or damaging the articular surface of the humeral head. Although the nail functioned well in most of our patients, the use of a small-diameter (7.5-mm) nail was associated with a higher complication rate. This implant should be used with caution in any patient with a medullary canal diameter of ≤8 mm. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series [no, or historical, control group]). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Alteration of methotrexate toxicity in rats by manipulation of dietary components.

Abstract Administration of a chemically defined, elemental diet to rats given 20 mg/kg of methotrexate intraperitoneally has consistently resulted in a 100% mortality from severe enteritis within 156 h. This study examined the importance of specific dietary components in the etiology of this enhanced toxicity. Rats were given their respective diets for 7 days, whereupon methotrexate (20 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally, and percent of survivors was recorded. Varying the concentration of carbohydrate as polysaccharide (0%, 50%, 100%) (n = 30) had no effect on survival. An increase in the percent of protein as polypeptide (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) (n = 50) in the elemental diet resulted in a progressively significant increase in percent survival. Addition of either fat or bulk to this elemental diet had no effect on survivorship. Serum and bile methotrexate levels of rats fed an elemental liquid diet (whether or not all of the protein was provided as polypeptide) were significantly increased from 12 to 72 h (p
In vivo alkaline secretion by mammalian esophagus

Alkaline secretion (AS) was sought in vivo in the rabbit and opossum esophagus, using a recirculated unbuffered saline solution and pH stat technique. The rabbit and opossum were used because both have stratified squamous epithelium; however, only the opossum has, in addition, an extensive network of submucosal glands. Mean basal AS in the rabbit was 0.02 +/- 0.005 muEq/h . cm2, with one-third of the animals having no AS. Basal AS was present in all opossums with a mean value 20-fold greater than in rabbits (0.39 +/- 0.03 muEq/h . cm2). Basal AS in both species was found by titration methodology to be comprised almost entirely of secreted bicarbonate ions. In the rabbit, AS could not be stimulated by luminal HCl, i.v. carbachol, or i.v. NaHCO3. In contrast, luminal HCl stimulated AS in opossums three- to fourfold above basal values, and neither the acid-stimulated nor basal AS in the opossum was blocked by i.v. atropine. Acid clearance by AS was monitored in both species in vivo. In the rabbit, pH increased from 2.0 to 3.6 in 1 h, with a steady rate of rise after equilibration of 0.1 pH units/10 min. In the opossum, pH increased from 2.0 to 6.4 in 1 h, with a steady rate of rise five times faster than rabbits (0.5 pH units/10 min). These results indicate that the mammalian esophagus can secrete a bicarbonate-containing fluid with the capacity to clear acid from the esophageal lumen. The major source of this secretion is not the squamous epithelium, but probably the submucosal glands. Because the human esophagus has both submucosal glands and a mechanism for acid clearance consistent with the presence of AS, the findings in opossums may have relevance to protection against reflux disease in humans.
Looking at tardigrades in a new light: using epifluorescence to interpret structure.

Summary The use of epifluorescence microscopy coupled with ultraviolet (UV) autofluorescence is suggested as a means to view and interpret tardigrade structures. Endogenous fluorochromes are a known component of tardigrade cuticle, claws and bucco-pharyngeal apparatus. By imaging the autofluorescence from tardigrades, it is possible to document these structures in detail, including the subdivisions and boundaries of echiniscid (heterotardigrade) plates and the nature and spatial relationships of the texture (pores, granules, papillae and tubercles) on the various plates. This allows the determination of taxonomic features not easily seen with other microscopic techniques. Lay Description Here we describe the advantages of using UV autofluorescence to image the cuticle, claws and buccopharynx of water bears or tardigrades. Tardigrades are identified by their cuticle's surface, the shape of their mouth and buccopharynx, and the size and shape of their claws. Because the cuticle autofluoresces in proportion to its thickness, this method can tell pores and bumps apart when other light microscope techniques cannot. Some tardigrades, known as echiniscids, are armor-plated on their backs. These echiniscids are separated by the texture and shape of these plates and cannot be identified unless we know if a pore or a bump is present. Thus UV autofluorescence is a very useful tool for anyone wishing to look at tardigrades.
Reappraisal of digitalis. Part II. Hemodynamic effects of the cardiac glycosides

Abstract The administration of the cardiac glycosides will result in a reduction in filling pressures, increase in cardiac output, diuresis, and symptomatic improvement in most patients in congestive heart failure, irrespective of cardiac rhythm. Although they exert direct effects on the peripheral arterial and venous beds and on kidney function, the improvement in heart failure that the cardiac glycosides produce is due primarily to an increase in contractility of ventricular muscle. The degree of increase in contractility is related to dosage in the therapeutic range.
Stochastic models and statistical analysis for clock noise

In this primer we first give an overview of stochastic models that can be used to interpret clock noise. Because of their statistical tractability, we concentrate on fractionally differenced (FD) processes, which we relate to fractional Brownian motion, discrete fractional Brownian motion, fractional Gaussian noise and discrete pure power law processes. We discuss several useful extensions to FD processes, namely, composite FD processes, autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average processes and time-varying FD processes. We then consider the statistical analysis of clock noise in terms of how these models are manifested via the spectral density function (SDF) and the wavelet variance (WV), the latter being a generalization of the well-known Allan variance. Both the SDF and the WV decompose the process variance with respect to an independent variable (Fourier frequency for the SDF, and scale for the WV); similarly, judiciously chosen estimators of the SDF and WV decompose the sample variance of clock noise. We give an overview of the statistical properties of estimators of the SDF and the WV and show how these estimators can be used to deduce the parameters of stochastic models for clock noise.
Integrating human and natural systems in community psychology: an ecological model of stewardship behavior.

Community psychology (CP) research on the natural environment lacks a theoretical framework for analyzing the complex relationship between human systems and the natural world. We introduce other academic fields concerned with the interactions between humans and the natural environment, including environmental sociology and coupled human and natural systems. To demonstrate how the natural environment can be included within CP’s ecological framework, we propose an ecological model of urban forest stewardship action. Although ecological models of behavior in CP have previously modeled health behaviors, we argue that these frameworks are also applicable to actions that positively influence the natural environment. We chose the environmental action of urban forest stewardship because cities across the United States are planting millions of trees and increased citizen participation in urban tree planting and stewardship will be needed to sustain the benefits provided by urban trees. We used the framework of an ecological model of behavior to illustrate multiple levels of factors that may promote or hinder involvement in urban forest stewardship actions. The implications of our model for the development of multi-level ecological interventions to foster stewardship actions are discussed, as well as directions for future research to further test and refine the model.
Moving ‘social reform’ to center stage: lessons from higher education in Ecuador

Systemic reform of Latin America's ‘social sectors’, such as higher education, has progressed at a much slower rate than economic reform. The reason is that such reform efforts are derivative or ‘finance-driven’, and have been undertaken only as a reflection of economic reform policies. This outcome is explainable using the observations on Latin American reform formulated 40 years ago by Albert Hirschman. The experience of Ecuador with higher education reform provides the empirical basis for this case. All recent reform programs have followed Hirschman's ‘Route C’, which suggests they will not have support necessary for enactment and if enacted will have minor impact. There are other experiences of more effective, Route B, reforms in higher education. This study concludes that only if a new understanding of the role of higher education in development is brought to maturity will systemic reform occur, guided by the implications of this new conceptualization. It must also be guided by new conceptualizations of how the social sectors, and higher education in particular, can help realize this new understanding.
Fourier spectroscopy on PbS quantum dots

The manuscript summarizes our current research on PbS quantum dots. The emission and transmission features in the temperature range of 5 K - 300 K of 4.7 nm PbS quantum dots were investigated and theoretically analyzed with the Fan model, which is based upon the phonon-electron interaction. The model - although designed for bulk semiconductors - apply for quantum dots with the potential to determine fundamental properties such as the Debye temperature.
THE REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF CUPANIA GUATEMALENSIS RADLK. (SAPINDACEAE).

Intraspecific floral polymorphism is of widespread occurrence in flowering plants. Perfect, staminate, and pistillate flowers may be found on the same or different plants in diverse combinations as exemplified by monoecy, dioecy, androdioecy, gynodioecy, polygamy and the like; in addition, within perfect-flowered species, polymorphism may exist in the form of distyly and tristyly. It is generally presumed that floral polymorphisms increase the probability of outcrossing. The level of outcrossing, however, has not been measured in any zoophilous species with polymorphic flowers except for some heterostylous species (Ornduff, 1971, 1975). Floral polymorphism, by introducing spatial variation in floral rewards, also influences the foraging behavior of pollinators. The foraging behavior of pollinators, in turn, is likely to influence not only gene flow but also the evolution of floral polymorphism itself. Yet it is somewhat surprising that the effect of floral polymorphism on the foraging behavior of pollinators has not so far been examined. This paper describes the reproductive biology of a monoecious species, Cupania guatemalensis Radlk. (Sapindaceae), a small tree found in lowland tropical forests of Central America. It examines the pattern of spatial and temporal variation in the relative frequencies of staminate and pistillate flowers at the individual and population levels; differences in floral reward of staminate and pistillate flowers; differences in the foraging behavior and visitation rates of pollinators on staminate and pistillate flowers; and the effect of flowering behavior and floral polymorphism on the foraging behavior of pollinators and the degree of outcrossing. In addition, the floral phenology of some other members of the Sapindaceae is interpreted in the light of findings reported here. The investigations are part of a wider study of the breeding systems of lowland tropical forest trees (Bawa, 1974; Bawa and Opler, 1975).
Concentration of organic micropollutants in the atmosphere of Trieste, Italy

PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PAHs, ubiquitous environmental pollutants which are part of the POPs, are mainly produced by anthropogenic activities as well as by natural processes. Occurrences of these pollutants in different sites in Trieste are presented. PCDD/Fs distribution and their possible emission sources are discussed. Air samples were collected in different sites near the industrial area, in the city center, and in a background area, using a high-volume sampler equipped with a quartz fiber filter and a PUF. Each sampling lasted a week. The concentrations of the organochlorinated pollutants are consistent with literature data (ΣPCDD/Fs and Σdl-PCBs were 5–38 fg TEQ/Nm3 and 4–31 fg TEQ/Nm3, respectively), and an apparent seasonal trend was found with slightly higher concentrations in the winter and lower levels in both summer campaigns. Moreover, the isomer profile of each sampling campaign was compared to the fingerprint of a sintering plant, a cement plant, and an incinerator, the main industrial activities in Trieste. The organic micropollutants were detected in levels consistent with literature data. The results show that the pollutants are uniformally distributed in the atmosphere of Trieste. PCDD/F fingerprints in each site remained almost identical during summer and winter, confirming the yearly prevalence of the emissions from the nearby sintering plant.
Ultraprecision machining of polymers

Abstract The single-point diamond machining of several polymeric materials has been investigated. The final surface structure and roughness of the workpiece is determined by well-established fundamentals of polymer mechanics. Material is removed via ductile, brittle, or transitional mechanisms that depend on polymer properties such as glass transition temperature, relaxation time, degree of crosslinking, and viscosity. For some materials, the mechanism could be changed from ductile to brittle with a change of operating and tool parameters. In brittle materials, the surface roughness is largely controlled by the rake face angle of the diamond. For ductile workpieces, the melt viscosity of the polymer is important. Crosslinked materials are restricted from ductile behavior by the presence of chemical bonds. As a result, material removal occurs by rupture or an extreme fracture process. With an understanding of polymer behavior, suitability of new materials for single-point diamond machining can be assessed. The change of successful processing within the operating range of the tool can be determined with a minimum number of trial and error experiments.
Supplemental oxygen improves resolution of injury-induced pneumothorax.

Abstract Background/Purpose: Traditionally, supplemental oxygen is administered to patients with asymptomatic pneumothorax to accelerate spontaneous resolution. However, this practice is based on models that did not include injury to the visceral pleura and ongoing pleural air leak. This study evaluated the effects of increased inspired oxygen concentration on pneumothorax resolution in a visceral pleural injury model. Methods: A total of 27 New Zealand white rabbits were divided randomly into 3 groups: room air (RA), 40% F 2 (40%), and 60% F 2 (60%). A complete unilateral pneumothorax was created in each animal by a thoracoscopically guided visceral pleural puncture. The animals were then housed in designated oxygen chambers, and observers were blinded to the inspired oxygen concentration. Cross table anteroposterior chest x-rays were obtained preoperatively, postoperatively, and twice a day until the pneumothorax resolved. Time to resolution between the 3 groups was analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Twenty of 27 (74%) of the animals completed the study successfully. Mean time to resolution in the RA group (n = 7; 111.2 ± 30.8 hours) was longer than in the 40% group (n = 6; 71.8 ± 22.3 hours) and the 60% group (n = 7; 39.4 ± 14.2 hours). The time to resolution also was longer in the 40% group than in the 60% group. Seven rabbits died before completion of the study of tension pneumothorax (3 of 7) or anesthetic complications (4 of 7). Conclusions: Supplemental oxygen improves resolution of injury-induced pneumothorax. The tradition of administering supplemental oxygen to patients with asymptomatic pneumothorax should be continued even if there is ongoing pleural air leak. J Pediatr Surg 35:998-1001. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.
A reexamination of the free energy of droplet formation and dependence of surface tension on radius

Abstract The free energy of formation of droplets is reexamined taking into account the dependence of the surface tension on the radius.
On the metastable γ-phase uranium-molybdenum alloys

Abstract The experimental data of C handrasekhar and H ulm (resistivity), of B erlincourt (Hall effect) and of G oodman et al . (specific heat) are examined within the framework of the band model suggested by F riedel . It is shown that all available data are consistent with a reasonable density of states curve, and the qualitative features ofthat curve are in agreement with those deduced by F riedel from the properties of pure uranium. Attention is directed to the thermoelectric power of these alloys as a means of further defining the band structure. Moreover, the thermoelectric power of certain uranium alloys may be large enough to be of practical interest.
A SOCIOLOGY OF JEALOUSY

In this paper, I sum up more than 20 years of research and reflection on jealousy. A chronological account of this work is followed by a thematic summary of the findings and some discussion of the relationship between sociology and psychology. Sociological analysis shows that jealousy and other emotions are shaped by social situations, social processes, and social forces. Micro‐sociology reveals that jealousy is learned. Jealousy reflects the life experience of the individual. Meso‐sociology reveals that jealousy is socially useful, indeed, indispensable to social order. Jealousy reflects the institution of marriage and the prohibition of adultery. Macro‐sociology reveals that jealousy is shaped by society and culture. Jealousy reflects the history and the values of a people—and the relevant values vary from time to time and place to place. In the United States, for example, a new and more negative view of jealousy emerged after about 1970 as a result of the sexual revolution and the women's movement.
Interesting locations in natural scenes draw eye movements

802 different individuals selected the 5 points in each of 15 – 75 scenes, from the same set, that they found most interesting. They participated via the internet. Results Convolution of Saliency, Interest and Fixation maps. Corresponding pixels between two images were multiplied, and these values were summed. Actual values were compared to the 95% value of the random distribution to determine significance. Saliency & Interest Point Values. Values of interest, saliency and fixation maps extracted at the x,y coordinates of the first five fixation, and all interest point, locations. Shuffle: Map values from each other image at the location of fixations or interest points of comparison image. Random: Map values from random x,y coordinates of comparison image. Actual Shuffle Random
Truncated error correction for flexible approximate multiplication

Binary logarithms can be used to perform computer multiplication through simple addition. Exact logarithmic (and anti-logarithmic) conversion is prohibitively expensive for use in general multipliers; however, inexpensive estimate conversions can be used to perform approximate multiplication. Such approximate multipliers have been used in domain-specific applications, but existing designs either offer superior efficiency or flexibility. This study proposes a flexible approximate multiplier with improved efficiency. Preliminary analyses indicate that this design provides up to a 50% efficiency advantage relative to prior flexible approximate multipliers.
Macular Thickness Assessment in Healthy Eyes Based on Ethnicity Using Stratus OCT Optical Coherence Tomography

PURPOSE To assess the variation in macular thickness measurements in healthy Caucasian and African American men and women through Stratus OCT optical coherence tomography (OCT-3). METHODS One hundred sixty-six eyes of 83 healthy patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination in this prospective study. Exclusion criteria included a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, intraocular pressure (IOP) greater than 21 mm Hg, history of eye surgery or trauma, or evidence of eye disease. For analysis purposes, the authors excluded those participants in whom OCT signal strength was <7 in each eye. A fast macular thickness protocol consisting of a 6-mm radial scan centered on the fovea was used for the analysis, and the data were analyzed using the t-test for independence and linear regression. Both eyes of each patient were analyzed using the OCT-3, and analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between right and left eyes. Therefore, only one eye from each patient was randomly selected for final correlation and analysis. RESULTS Mean foveal thickness (MFT) for Caucasians was 32 microm greater than for African Americans (217 vs. 185 microm, respectively; P < 0.001). The MFT was significantly thicker in males than in females (220 vs. 197 microm, respectively; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The fovea is significantly less thick in African Americans and females than in Caucasians and males. Racial and sexual differences should be considered when interpreting an OCT scan.
Planning Secondary Road Network for Low-Speed Vehicles in Small or Medium-Sized City with Google Earth

The use of low-speed vehicles (LSVs) on public roadways has gradually increased in recent years as a short-range alternative to fossil-fueled vehicles. Primarily designed for protected environments and gated communities, LSVs have a maximum speed limit of 25 mph and are not held to the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards required for passenger cars. This paper presents a comprehensive planning methodology for developing a secondary low-speed roadway network primarily for use by LSVs in small or medium-sized cities with closely located activity spaces. Because small or medium-sized cities typically have limited planning or construction resources, the objective was to base the low-speed network on the existing city road system, with minimal infrastructure modifications. The city of Corvallis, Oregon, was selected for the study area because of its size and need for a road network to accommodate safe movement of LSVs. Corvallis had a number of LSVs, other electric vehicles, and nonmotorized vehicles u...
Polymorphisms of the dopamine D2 receptor, serotonin transporter, and GABAA receptor β3 subunit genes and alcoholism in Mexican-Americans

Abstract The etiology of alcohol dependence is a complex interaction of psychosocial and biologic factors. To study the impact of genetic factors that play an important role in an individual's vulnerability to alcohol abuse and dependence, we examined the genetic variations of the major neurotransmitter genes, including the dopamine D2 receptor ( DRD2 ) Taq I A , B , and -141C insertion/deletion ( Ins/Del ) polymorphisms, the serotonin transporter–linked polymorphic region ( 5-HTTLPR ), and the gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABA A ) receptor β 3 subunit gene ( GABRβ3 ), for 130 Mexican-American alcoholic men and 251 nonalcoholic control subjects (105 men and 146 women). The genotype frequency for the DRD2 -141C Ins/Del allele was significantly different between alcoholic and control subjects ( P =.007). The frequency of the 5-HTTLPR short ( S ) allele was significantly higher in alcoholic individuals (61.5%) than in nonalcoholic control subjects (52.8%; P =.021). When smokers were excluded from both control and alcoholic groups, the association between the DRD2 -141C Ins allele, as well as between the 5-HTTLPR S allele, and alcoholism became significant at both genotypic and allelic levels. No positive association was found between alcoholism and the DRD2 Taq I A or B , or the GABRβ3 , genotype. Our findings indicate that the DRD2 -141C Ins allele and the 5-HTTLPR S allele are genetic risk factors for alcoholism in Mexican-Americans, and that smoking modulates the association between genetic risk factors and alcoholism.
Papaya Polygalacturonase and its Role in Thermally Injured Ripening Fruit

The polygalacturonase (E.C. 3.2.1.15) (PGase) activity in papayas increased with fruit ripeness. PGase activity was highest in the placenta with the activity decreasing outwardly from the placenta to the exocarp. Extended hot water treatments (46°C for 65 and 90 min) caused delayed softening of the fruit tissue which was correlated to a decrease in PGase activity. The decrease in PGase activity after the heat treatments was more severe in the riper fruits (quarter and half ripe) than the less ripe fruits (colorbreak stage).
Researchers, sex differences, and the Holtzman Inkblot Technique: a reply to Rice, Greenfield, Alexander, and Sternbach.

Two aspects of a previous article by Rice, Greenfield, Alexander, and Sternbach (1976)—their errors with regard to a previous article by Thorpe and Swartz, and their statement regarding sex differences on Holtzman Inkblot Technique variables—are described and discussed.
Traumatic calcific nonconstrictive pericarditis

Abstract A 65 year old woman is described who, 22 years after a steering wheel injury to the chest, was found to have a severe pectus excavatum, a heart completely torn free of its diaphragmatic attachments and with heavy pericardial calcification. Despite evidence of severe cardiac damage, she had only minimal impairment of cardiac function. Angiocardiographic findings are presented. Cardiac catheterization revealed no evidence of restriction, but there was a small systolic pressure gradient from right ventricle to pulmonary artery. Possible causes of the anatomic and functional findings are discussed.
Effects of slice selection and diffusion on T2 measurement.

This study examines slice selection and diffusion as sources of systematic error in T2 estimates obtained from imaging experiments. The selective refocusing pulses in a multislice, two-echo, spin-warp experiment cause slice profiles of sequential echoes to change in shape. This results in bias in T2 images calculated from the two-echo data set. A method to correct the bias is presented. The effect of diffusion on T2 images obtained with typical two-echo imaging sequences was found to be negligible. © 1987 Academic Press, Inc.
Viscous Dissipation in Non-Newtonian Flows: Implications for the Nusselt Number

This article considers the effects of viscous dissipation on convection heat transfer rates in thermally developing, power-law fluid flows in constant wall temperature tubes. The finite difference solution is based upon the use of asymptotic boundary-layer scales, and the results maintain high accuracy (errors ±°° as z —> finite nonzero value). At the same axial locations, the wall temperature gradient remains well-behaved. This demonstrates that Nu, as usually defined, is an extremely poor measure of the local heat transfer rate in this region.
Use of indirect conductimetry for predicting growth of food spoilage yeasts under various environmental conditions

Four variables (temperature,aw, pH and potassium sorbate concentration) at three levels were studied to determine their effects on the growth of six yeasts (Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Debaryomyces hansenii, Pichia membranaefaciens, Saccharomyces cerevisiae andZygosaccharomyces bailii) isolated from spoiled food products. The detection time (DT) and the maximum change in conductance (MRC) were measured by indirect conductimetry using a Malthus instrument. Temperature,aw and potassium sorbate concentration were the most important variables individually and in combination that affected yeast growth. Shelf life of fruit juice ataw≤0.96, pH≤3.8 and containing≤0.03% potassium sorbate, when stored at ≤10°C, would be predicted to be greatly extended.Z. bailii was the most resistant of the yeasts in terms of ability to tolerate stress conditions and is proposed as a test species to develop a predictive model for spoilage.
Study of the flow mixing in a novel ARID raceway for algae production

A novel flow field for algae raceways has been proposed, which is fundamentally different from traditional paddlewheel-driven raceways. To reduce freezing and heat loss in the raceway during cold time, the water is drained to a deep storage canal. The ground bed of the new raceway has a low slope so that water, lifted by propeller pump, can flow down in laterally-laid serpentine channels, relying on gravitational force. The flow rate of water is controlled so that it can overflow the lateral channel walls and mix with the main flow in the next lower channel, which thus creates a better mixing. In order to optimize the design parameters of the new flow field, methods including flow visualization, local point velocity measurement, and CFD analysis were employed to investigate the flow mixing features. Different combinations of channel geometries and water velocities were evaluated. An optimized flow field design and details of flow mixing are presented. The study offers an innovative design for large scale algae growth raceways which is of significance to the algae and biofuel industry.
Fine-scale specificity of cortical networks depends on inhibitory cell type and connectivity

Excitatory cortical neurons form fine-scale networks of precisely interconnected neurons. Here we tested whether inhibitory cortical neurons in rat visual cortex might also be connected with fine-scale specificity. Using paired intracellular recordings and cross-correlation analyses of photostimulation-evoked synaptic currents, we found that fast-spiking interneurons preferentially connected to neighboring pyramids that provided them with reciprocal excitation. Furthermore, they shared common fine-scale excitatory input with neighboring pyramidal neurons only when the two cells were reciprocally connected, and not when there was no connection or a one-way, inhibitory-to-excitatory connection. Adapting inhibitory neurons shared little or no common input with neighboring pyramids, regardless of their direct connectivity. We conclude that inhibitory connections and also excitatory connections to inhibitory neurons can both be precise on a fine scale. Furthermore, fine-scale specificity depends on the type of inhibitory neuron and on direct connectivity between neighboring pyramidal-inhibitory neuron pairs.
Kinematics, equilibrium, and shape in Hamiltonian systems: the "LAB" effect.

We demonstrate that a system of a finite number of particles in a container with a “typical” shape does not get mixed in the sense that in an (asymptotic) steady state distribution the particles are not equally likely to occupy (almost) any position inside the container. Our incomplete mixing result should be contrasted with the complete mixing of noninteracting or elastically colliding particles in a box, which does occur because the box is not a “typical” shape. The effect we describe does not disappear in the limit of infinitely many particles. However, it is unlikely to be observed in nature but rather in laboratory (the “LAB” effect) experiments. Ideal gas in a container, which is a product of billiards, serves as a transparent model to understand the “LAB” (look at billiards) effect.
ORGANIZATION OF THE VISUAL PROJECTION UPON THE OPTIC TECTUM OF A REPTILE (ALLIGATOR MISSISSIPPIENSIS).

Electrical responses were recorded from the optic tectum of the alligator with steel microelectrodes, and the receptive field for each of a series of systematically spaced recording sites was delineated on a transparent plastic hemisphere positioned in front of the contralateral eye. A precise retinotopic relationship was determined with the inferior portion of the retina projecting onto the dorsal surface of the tectum, and the superior portion of the retina represented on the lateral and ventral aspects of the tectum. The equatorial line of the hemisphere is situated laterally and runs obliquely across the tectum from the rostrolateral pole to the caudomedial corner. The center of the visual field occupies a disproportionate amount of tectal space providing for functional magnification. Receptive field size and spacing diminish for the representation of the central region implying a retinal area for increased visual acuity. It is suggested that this alinearity between the visual field and the tectum is expressed in its fiber architecture and is probably a consequence of specialization of the eye rather than an evolutionary modification within the reptilian central nervous system.
Characterizing nanoparticle interactions: Linking models to experiments

Self-assembly of nanoparticles involves manipulating particle interactions such that attractions are on the order of the average thermal energy in the system. If the self-assembly is to result in an ordered packing, an understanding of their phase behavior is necessary. Here we test the ability of simple pair potentials to characterize the interactions and phase behavior of silico tungstic acid (STA), a 1.2 nm particle. The strength of interaction is controlled by dispersing STA in different background salt concentrations. The experimental variables used in characterizing the interactions are the osmotic compressibility (dΠ/dρ), the second virial coefficient (B2), relative solution viscosity (η/ηc), and the solubility (ρσ3)sat. Various techniques are then developed to extract the parameters of square well, the adhesive hard sphere (AHS), and the Yukawa pair potentials that best describe the experimental data. The AHS model describes the solution thermodynamic behavior only where the system is weakly attra...
On errors in published formulas for the noise-response integrals I n

At least four of the formulas for the noise-response integrals I n in Seifert and Steeg [2] are shown to be incorrect. A simple computer program for evaluating any order of I n is proposed as an alternative.
Evaluation of Edge Injection Errors in the Floating Leaf Disk Method of Measuring Leaf Tissue Water Deficit

where Wt is the original sample weight, wd is the sample dry weight, and wt is the sample weight after it has absorbed water until fully turgid. WD is usually determined by immersing the cut petiole end of a whole leaf in water, floating whole leaves on water, or floating disks cut from whole leaves on water until the tissue becomes fully turgid as determined by monitoring sample weight. At least four sources of error are possible when the leaf disk method is used: (a) systematic errors; (b) weight changes caused by respiration or photosynthesis; (c) weight changes caused by expansion growth; and (d) intracellular injection of water into cut tissue disk edges. The significance of the first three errors has been observed to vary with tissue species and type (1-6) while little quantitative information is available relating to the magnitude of the fourth source of error. Another commonly used measure of tissue water content is relative water content which is directly related to WD: 1.00 RWC1 = WD. RWC is determined from the same measurements as WD and is subject to the same sources of error. This paper demonstrates the presence of injection error and a method of evaluating and minimizing it in a herbaceous species, Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. "Condor." Theory. Assuming leaf tissue of uniform thickness and anatomical character, error due to injection of water into the cut edges of the sample disk should increase as the ratio of cut edge (sample perimeter, P) to sample area (A) increases with decreasing disk diameter (D). In other words, the injection error is inversely related to D and becomes less significant as D increases. The error appears as an observed WD (WDo) greater than actual WD due to an error weight (w,) of injected water in the observed turgid weight (w10):
How flying got smarter

Most flying activities today are based on extensive knowledge, embodied in smart devices and algorithms to supplement and sometimes supplant pilots. Control developed in five principal stages. Initially flying was a pure craft, with high variability and low safety. In the 1930s, rules were developed, and instruments replaced human senses. Rule-based control proved inadequate to handle the complexity of WW II aircraft, and the result was the development of standard procedures. These three stages all used the human pilot to do the actual control. Two further stages use automated control. But higher stages of flying control revert to lower stages in some situations.
Hypoglossal and phrenic motoneuron responses to serotonergic active agents in rats

5-Hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5-HT) affects upper airway and chest wall inspiratory muscle control. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative interaction of serotonergic agents on these two muscle groups. We measured the responses of the hypoglossal and phrenic nerves to the systemic administration of serotonergic-active agents and determined the receptor types through which these agents act in anesthetized, vagotomized, paralyzed and artificially ventilated rats. The serotonin precursor, L-5-hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP) produced equivalent stimulation of phasic inspiratory activity of the hypoglossal and phrenic nerves. General serotonin antagonists produced significant and equivalent diminution of both motoneuron pools. Specific 5-HT1A stimulation and 5-HT1C/2 antagonism enhanced ventilatory activity. We conclude: (1) a baseline level of serotonergic input to hypoglossal and phrenic motoneuron pools was present, (2) different 5-HT receptors had different effects on ventilatory neural activity, and (3) hypoglossal and phrenic motoneuron pools responded similarly to the serotonergic agents given.
Is it inherently prejudicial to try a juvenile as an adult

Given only information that a youth who could have been tried as either an adult or as a juvenile was being tried as an adult for murder, 218 undergraduate mock jurors were able to form consistent impressions of the defendant. A very high percent of our mock jurors included a criminal or juvenile justice history as part of that impression. A very large majority of the mock jurors also said that knowledge of that criminal history would be relevant to their vote of guilty. Almost all mock jurors said they would be influenced toward voting guilty by knowledge of a previous criminal history. Few of the other components of the impression were so closely correlated with a judgment of relevance, or with a judgment that they would be influenced toward voting guilty by the knowledge of that component of the stereotype. The effect is relatively specific to knowledge of a previous criminal history. The study has limited ecological validity. Nonetheless, we raise questions about whether the fact that a youth is put on trial as an adult is inherently prejudicial, and violates the Sixth Amendment right to an impartial jury.
Application of a maximum entropy method to estimate the probability density function of nonlinear or chaotic behavior in structural health monitoring data

Bridges and other civil structures can exhibit nonlinear and/or chaotic behavior under ambient traffic or wind loadings. The probability density function (pdf) of the observed structural responses thus plays an important role for long-term structural health monitoring, LRFR and fatigue life analysis. However, the actual pdf of such structural response data often has a very complicated shape due to its fractal nature. Various conventional methods to approximate it can often lead to biased estimates. This paper presents recent research progress at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center of the FHWA in applying a novel probabilistic scaling scheme for enhanced maximum entropy evaluation to find the most unbiased pdf. The maximum entropy method is applied with a fractal interpolation formulation based on contraction mappings through an iterated function system (IFS). Based on a fractal dimension determined from the entire response data set by an algorithm involving the information dimension, a characteristic uncertainty parameter, called the probabilistic scaling factor, can be introduced. This allows significantly enhanced maximum entropy evaluation through the added inferences about the fine scale fluctuations in the response data. Case studies using the dynamic response data sets collected from a real world bridge (Commodore Barry Bridge, PA) and from the simulation of a classical nonlinear chaotic system (the Lorenz system) are presented in this paper. The results illustrate the advantages of the probabilistic scaling method over conventional approaches for finding the unbiased pdf especially in the critical tail region that contains the larger structural responses.
Accurate passivity-enforced macromodeling for RF circuits via iterative zero/pole update based on measurement data

Passive macromodeling for RF circuit blocks is a critical task to facilitate efficient system-level simulation for large-scale RF systems (e.g., wireless transceivers). In this paper we propose a novel algorithm to find the optimal macromodel that minimizes the modeling error based on measurement data, while simultaneously guaranteeing passivity. The key idea is to attack the passive macromodeling problem by solving a sequence of convex semi-definite programming (SDP) problems. As such, the proposed method can iteratively find the optimal poles and zeros for macromodeling. Our experimental results with several commercial RF circuit examples demonstrate that the proposed macromodeling method reduces the modeling error by 1.31–2.74× over other conventional approaches.
Use of indwelling right atrial catheter in gynecological oncology: A preliminary report

Experience with the utilization of an indwelling right atrial catheter in patients with gynecological cancer is reviewed. The technique of placement is described and the complications in 21 patients are presented. Fever was the major complication in 5 out of 21 patients of whom 2 had positive blood cultures. The catheter had to be removed in 3 patients. The median duration of catheter placement was 45 days, the shortest being 8 hr and the longest being 1 year. Most of the patients were myelosuppressed or had no other venous sites accessible. A safe regimen for management of the catheter and indication for its removal are presented.
Assessing Czech consumers' reactions to western marketing practices: A conjoint approach

Abstract Conjoint analysis is used to assess the joint effects of country-of-origin information and two marketing variables (price-discount level and advertising-intensity) on the decision-making behavior of consumers in the Czech Republic. Study participants evaluated conjoint profiles in one of two product categories — color TV sets and automobiles. The results indicated that although Czech consumers were sensitive to the pricing and advertising practices used to sell these products, they were most sensitive to information about the product's country-of-origin. This analysis holds important implications for western firms seeking to market their goods in the Czech Republic and in other Eastern and Central European countries and suggests several potentially fruitful directions for future research.
Sensitivity study of Cr-39 Plastic Track Detectors

Abstract With the goal of increasing the sensitivity of CR-39 plastic track-recording detectors, samples of plastics that contain antioxidant additives were made by Tastrak (Bristol, U.K.) and evaluated by us with a Bevalac exposure at the University of California, Berkeley. The results show that CR-39 containing 100 ppm Naugard additives but no plasticizer DOS has higher sensitivity than standard CR-39 plastic in the tested range of Z eff /β = 7–12. However, no nuclei with Z ≦5 were recorded in any of the samples, indicating that the detection threshold of the calibrated CR-39 samples ( Z eff /β) threshold was ≧6.1.
The hyphal tip structure of Basidiobolus sp.: a zygomycete fungus of uncertain phylogeny.

To date, among the zygomycete fungi that have been examined, a Spitzenkorper has not been reported. In this paper, the cytoplasmic order of hyphal tip cells of Basidiobolus sp., a zygomycete genus of uncertain phylogeny, has been examined using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy methods. With phase-contrast light optics, a phase-dark body was observed at the tips of growing hyphae of Basidiobolus sp. The hyphal apex also showed high affinity for FM4-64 labelling resulting in an intense fluorescence signal. The phase-dark inclusion exhibited independent motility within the hyphal apex and its presence and position were correlated to the rate and direction of hyphal growth. The hyphal apex of Basidiobolus sp. did not contain γ-tubulin. Ultrastructural observations revealed a dense cluster of vesicles at the hyphal apex. These results suggest that the growing hypha of Basidiobolus sp. contains a Spitzenkorper, a character generally attributed to members of the ascomycete and basidiomycete fungi and not to zygomycete fungi.
A unique wireline re-entry system for seafloor wells at Kepiting field, Indonesia

This paper presents the work performed in developing and testing a unique re-entry system for wireline work on two seafloor wells in 295 feet of water at Kepiting field in the Natuna Sea of Indonesia. This system does not require the use of a floating drillship for conventional wireline work in a seafloor well. This paper discusses the components, installation and performance of this wireline re-entry system.