cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical tomography for biomedical applications

Nonionizing optical tomography is a new and active research field although projection-light imaging was investigated as early as 1929. The optical properties of normal and diseased tissues are usually different despite the large variation of values in optical properties of the normal tissues alone. Therefore, it is possible to detect some breast cancers based on measurements of optical properties. In summary, optical techniques have the following advantages: (1) the use of nonionizing radiation, (2) the capability of measuring functional (physiological) parameters, (3) the potential high sensitivity to pathologic state of biological tissues, and (4) low cost. However, biomedical optics is a challenging research field requiring the participation of many diverse, talented scientists and engineers.
The Role of Stillbirth Prevention and Late Preterm (Near-Term) Births

Stillbirth remains an important cause of fetal loss in both the term and late-preterm (near-term) pregnancy. As ongoing research further elucidates the causes of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD), strategies can be tested to reduce its occurrence. Currently, reduction of IUFD in the term and late preterm infants should focus on reduction or elimination of risk factors (eg, smoking and control of medical conditions) and enhanced fetal surveillance in those pregnancies identified to be at increased risk.
Evaluating the effect of feedback from a CSCL problem solving environment on learning, interaction, and perceived interdependence

In this paper, we explore the effect of the form of feedback offered by a computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environment on the roles that students see themselves as taking and that their behavior reflects. We do this by experimentally contrasting collaboration in two feedback configurations, one which is identical to the state-of-the-art in intelligent tutoring technology (Immediate Feedback), and one which is based on a long line of investigation of the use of worked out examples for instruction (Delayed Feedback). While our conclusions remain tentative due to the small sample size, the data reveal a consistent gender by condition interaction pattern across questionnaire, test, and discourse data in which male students prefer and benefit more from collaboration in the Immediate Feedback condition where they are more likely to take on the role of a help provider rather than a help receiver while the patterns is the opposite for females.
Shyness and Communication: Impact on Self and Partner Relationship Satisfaction

The present research explored the importance of shyness and communication-related variables (self-disclosure and expressions of empathy) in the prediction of romantic relationship satisfaction. Couples in established romantic relationships (N = 4,298) completed RELATE (RELATionship Evaluation), a questionnaire designed to evaluate the relationship between romantically linked partners. We hypothesized there would be a direct, inverse relationship between shyness and relationship satisfaction mediated by communication behaviors. We found shyness was associated with lower levels of self and partner relationship satisfaction for both males and females; however, this relationship was mediated by communication behaviors. Clinical implications for couples and therapists are discussed.
Pharmacogenomic testing in a tertiary care outpatient psychosomatic medicine practice.

Background Pharmacogenomic testing (PGT) has applicability in psychosomatic medicine (PM) practice where medical comorbidity and polypharmacy present particularly difficult challenges of drug–drug and drug–disease interactions. No guidelines currently exist for cost-effective use of PGT in PM practice. Objective The authors tested the hypothesis that naturalistically observed PGT ordering patterns and clinical data on test utility derived from a PM practice where PGT is readily available may inform the development of clinical guidelines for cost-effective use of PGT. Method Two sets of data were collected from an outpatient PM practice staffed by seven PM-certified psychiatrists. Psychiatrists were surveyed regarding their indications for ordering PGT. Medical records of patients seen in the PM practice during 2008 were reviewed. Patients who had PGT were compared with two sets of case controls who were not tested, one matched by demographics, the other by ordering psychiatrist. Psychiatrists' ordering indications were compared with clinical data derived from the case-control analyses. Results Psychiatrists listed treatment-resistance as the most common reason for PGT, ahead of intolerance to previous medications. Tested patients differed from controls on measures of both clinical severity and treatment-resistance, including higher self-reported anxiety and depression levels, greater likelihood of family history of mood or anxiety disorders, and larger numbers of prior antidepressant, mood stabilizer, and antipsychotic medication trials. Conclusion Ordering guidelines that emphasize markers of clinical severity and early indicators of treatment-resistance may provide a useful rationale for PGT in outpatient PM practice. Prospective investigations of this proposition are warranted.
Test of current definitions of photosynthetically active radiation against leaf photosynthesis data

Abstract The photosynthetic rates ( P ) of an “average leaf”, in light from 2 natural and 7 artificial sources, were calculated from the action spectrum for photosynthesis (McCree, 1971) and the spectral energy distributions of the light. The flux densities of photosynthetically active radiation ( E ), variously defined as: (1) the energy flux in the waveband 400–700 nm; (2) the energy flux in the waveband 380–710 nm; (3) the incident quantum flux in the waveband 400–700 nm; and (4) the absorbed quantum flux in the waveband 400–700 nm, were also calculated, from the spectral energy distributions. The ratio P/E was then calculated, for all combinations of light source and flux definition, and normalized to 1.00 for sun+sky radiation. For any one flux definition, the deviation of this number from unity is the systematic error involved in an extrapolation to natural sun+sky light, from data obtained in other types of light, due to the mismatch between the flux definition and the action spectrum for leaf photosynthesis. For incandescent light from a quartz-iodine lamp, which is relatively rich in red light, the ratios using the four definitions were: (1) 1.19; (2) 1.19; (3) 1.08; and (4) 1.08. For skylight, which is relatively rich in blue light, the corresponding ratios were: (1) 0.88; (2) 0.86; (3) 0.95; and (4) 0.94. The ratios were slightly smaller for an average growth-chamber-grown leaf than for a field-grown leaf. Non-linearity of the P versus E relationship of the leaf also decreased the deviation; this was shown by experiment. The systematic errors introduced by using the incident quantum flux definition (3) were judged to be acceptable in practice. The paper also includes a table of flux ratios, which can be used (with caution) to convert from one flux definition to another, and a table of “photosynthetic efficacies” showing that the high pressure sodium lamp gives 26% more photosynthetic flux per watt of power consumed than any other lamp tested.
Ultrastructure of the nematode pathogen, Bacillus penetrans

Abstract The ultrastructure and development of Bacillus penetrans in root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., was studied with a transmission electron microscope. Host infection was by a germ tube from the cup-shaped sporangium containing the endospore. The prokaryotic vegetative cells contained septa formed by an ingrowth of the inner layer of the trilaminate cell wall and were associated with mesosomes. Structure of the endospore was similar to other bacteria with a spore protoplast enclosed within two cortical layers and three spore coats. An exosporium which may function in attachment and host specificity surrounded the endospore. Ultrastructural changes accompanying sporulation were similar to those reported for other endospore-forming bacteria but with some parasite specialization. The filamentous vegetative growth was characteristic of some Actinomycetales. Endospore development at the apices of dichotomously branched filaments of the thallus resembled the genus Actinobifida.
Effects of Partial Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Depletion on Calcium Release in Frog Cut Muscle Fibers Equilibrated with 20 mM EGTA

Resting sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca content ([CaSR]R) was varied in cut fibers equilibrated with an internal solution that contained 20 mM EGTA and 0–1.76 mM Ca. SR Ca release and [CaSR]R were measured with the EGTA–phenol red method ([Pape et al. 1995][1]. J . Gen . Physiol . 106:259–336). After an action potential, the fractional amount of Ca released from the SR increased from 0.17 to 0.50 when [CaSR]R was reduced from 1,200 to 140 μM. This increase was associated with a prolongation of release (final time constant, from 1–2 to 10–15 ms) and of the action potential (by 1–2 ms). Similar changes in release were observed with brief stimulations to −20 mV in voltage-clamped fibers, in which charge movement ( Q cm) could be measured. The peak values of Q cm and the fractional rate of SR Ca release, as well as their ON time courses, were little affected by reducing [CaSR]R from 1,200 to 140 μM. After repolarization, however, the OFF time courses of Q cm and the rate of SR Ca release were slowed by factors of 1.5–1.7 and 6.5, respectively. These and other results suggest that, after action potential stimulation of fibers in normal physiological condition, the increase in myoplasmic free [Ca] that accompanies SR Ca release exerts three negative feedback effects that tend to reduce additional release: ( a ) the action potential is shortened by current through Ca-activated potassium channels in the surface and/or tubular membranes; ( b ) the OFF kinetics of Q cm is accelerated; and ( c ) Ca inactivation of Ca release is increased. Some of these effects of Ca on an SR Ca channel or its voltage sensor appear to be regulated by the value of [Ca] within 22 nm of the mouth of the channel. [1]: #ref-37
Deformation Induced Alpha and Epsilon Martensites in Fe-Ni-Cr Single Crystals

The orientation dependence of an applied tensile stress on the formation of specific ..cap alpha.. martensite variants of the Kurdjumov-Sachs (K-S) orientation relationship in Fe-15 Ni-15 Cr single crystals are presented. Test temperatures were 185, 242 and 273 K, i.e., above M/sub s/. Quantitative volume fraction measurements of deformation induced ..cap alpha.. and epsilon martensite were made on crystals with the (100)/sub ..gamma../, (1 anti 10)/sub ..gamma../, (anti 1 anti 12)/sub ..gamma../ and (anti 2 anti 13)/sub ..gamma../ tensile axes. ..cap alpha..-martensite was only observed after 5 pct strain at 185 K in all orientations, but the total volume fraction of ..cap alpha.. martensite varied from < 0.002 to 0.07 for the (100)/sub ..gamma../ and (anti 2 anti 13)/sub ..gamma../ tensile axes respectively. The distribution of the K-S variants was also found to be sensitive to the direction of the applied stress, and 80 pct of the ..cap alpha.. martensite present in crystals oriented for easy glide had the same K-S variant. Epsilon martensite was found in all specimens but occurred only in the (111) planes which had slipped.
Pattern classification approach to underwater acoustic communications based on the Wigner-Ville distribution

ABSTRACTThis paper describes an approach and preliminary results associated with the use of pattern recognition techniques to identify transmitted information (symbols) in a temporally variant acoustic channel. The method allows the observation of the transmitted signal simultaneously in both time and frequency space and does not necessarily rely on the application of adaptivealgorithms for reception. The observation of the symbol energy from the Wigner-Ville Distribution as two-dimensional patterncan allow the determination of channel characteristics over short symbol sequences and can provide a means for symboldetection. For the QPSK modulation used, wavelet filtering provides a basis for noise reduction and WVD cross tem separation.The process used for development of the pattern classifier is described and results are presented for shallow water acoustic dataon a limited data set. 1. INTRODUCTION In underwater acoustic communication, (ACOMMs), ocean surface and bottom conditions create multipath propagation for thetransmitted signal that result in Intersymbol Interference (ISI) at the receiver. Equalization, Diversity I
A G-like trisomy with a major 15 proximal supernumerary component derived from a D/E balanced maternal interchange.

The patient was initially seen at the age of 4 months for failure to gain weight and bilateral inguinal hernias. He was the first-born child of an 18-year-old mother and a 20-year-old father. The pregnancy was term and uncomplicated. Birth weight was 2,410 gm after a breech delivery. Development was apparently normal in the first three months but later leveled off; at 16 months he was unable to sit unassisted or to utter words. Growth and head circumference were in the fifth and tenth percentile, respectively. Pertinent physical findings included a height of 62.4 cm, weight of 5,795 gm, and head circumference of 38 cm. The head and face were abnormal: there were low-set, rounded, protruding ears with poorly developed anti-helix; a higharched, narrow palate; marked micrognathia; and a beaked nose (Fig. 1). The patient had bilateral inguinal hernias, a small penis, and a poorly developed scrotum. The fifth finger of each hand was incurved with a partial single crease on the right palm. There were syndactyly of the second and third toes on the right and of the third and fourth toes on the left. The hips could not be completely abducted (Roentgenograms revealed asymmetry of proximal femoral epiphyses.) An intravenous pyelogram demonstrated pelvocaliectasis and ureterectasis on the right, and a voiding cystourethrogram showed bilateral reflux of the low pressure type.
Mediating Among Scientists: A Mental Model of Expert Practice

Despite the considerable research on mediator behavior, the cognitive structures and processes that presumably guide the strategic and tactical choices of professional mediators are poorly understood. The current study made use of a reflective case study method to explore in considerable detail the strategic thinking of five experienced mediators. The project was conducted at the National Institutes of Health whose Office of the Ombudsman (OO) mediates disputes among the institute’s scientists. Eighteen cases were studied. The thinking of the mediators in these cases displayed regularities that are described in terms of the ombuds team’s working mental model of mediation. The mental model consists of two strongly contrasting intervention scripts: a deep problem-solving script (DPS) focused on identifying and addressing latent issues of an interpersonal or systemic kind and a tactical problem-solving script (TPS) focusing instead on the issues as presented by the parties. The tactical script was applied in either an integrative bargaining mode or a more distributive quasi-arbitration approach. The choice of which script to follow in a given case is determined by first order decision rules concerning the existence and nature of any latent problems that may be present, and second order decision rules concerning the parties’ capacity to engage in “deep” problem-solving. Despite their very different foci, both DPS and TPS appear to follow the same metascript of problem-solving stages, beginning with an intensive diagnostic phase during which the decision rules are applied and a script “selection” is made. DPS is the preferred intervention mode of team members. Every case began with at least a preliminary effort to search for and address latent causes, and team members expressed dissatisfaction if they could not apply DPS in cases where latent problems were thought to be fueling the conflict. However, ombudsmen used the scripts flexibly and switched to TPS if DPS was unnecessary or impractical. Both scripts produced agreements that were useful to the parties and to the institution’s scientific purposes, particularly the fostering of scientific competence. The mental model is heavily shaped by the social context in which the ombudsmen function. Thus, the primacy of DPS in the model appears to be due to the fact that the ombudsmen are “repeat players” in the life of the NIH and therefore in a position to become adept at recognizing the latent sources of its dysfunctional conflicts, are under a strong role mandate as ombudsmen to pay attention to covert patterns of organizational dysfunction, and deal with disputants pressed to address latent issues blocking scientific work.
Process Drama and Professional Development

For teachers to embrace process drama as a teaching strategy, they may need support. This study chronicles more than 3 years of a researcher working with teachers interested in learning how to incorporate process drama into their social studies and science curricula. The codes that emerged were a tremendous enthusiasm for process drama, scheduling difficulties, attempts to increase teacher ownership, and assessment.
DYNAMIC EXERCISE RESPONSE IN HYPERTENSIVE ADOLESCENTS

The cardiovascular response to dynamic exercise in adolescents with borderline hypertension (H) was compared to normotensive adolescents (C). All subjects exercised to exhaustion (HR=200) on a treadmill utilizing the Bruce protocol. Heart rate (HR) systolic (S) and diastolic (D) pressure were monitored. The study population included 7H girls, 8C girls, 8H boys and 8C boys. The mean age was: H girls 16.1 yr., C girls 14.1 yr., H boys 14.2 yr. vs C boys 14.9 yr. H girls and H boys were heavier (p <.05). Absolute HR and S were greater in H girls than C at baseline, exercise, and recovery (p <.01). The product (HRxS) was greater in H than C (boys and girls) at baseline exercise and late recovery. The sharp decline of (HRxS) at onset of recovery was similar in all subjects. D was greater in H than C (boys and girls) at baseline and late recovery (p < .01). During vigorous exercise D decreased in all subjects with no difference between H and C. Conclusions: Adolescents with borderline hypertension have higher HR and S at rest and exercise consistent with a hyperkinetic circulatory state. However, they have a normal diastolic pressure response to exercise and (HRxS) recovery rate. These findings suggest possible benefits from conditioning programs in adolescent hypertension.
Monopolar electrosurgery and Nd:YAG Contact Laser in laparoscopic intestinal surgery

In a prospective randomized study using a canine model, we compared the use of monopolar electrosurgery (EC) (n=23) and the Nd:YAG Contact Laser™ (CL) (n=21) on intra- and postoperative morbidity in laparoscopic large-bowel resection.
Contraceptive Development for Developing Countries: Unmet Needs

A significant number of advances in fertility regulation is now under development. These advances in technology represent modest gains rather than dramatic breakthroughs; they frequently involve a bio-engineering input, include collaboration between public agencies and industry, and are closely related to the needs of developing countries. Such advances are the result of the existence of specialized programmes whose major objective is the development of new technology. As yet a similar specialized public mechanism to undertake the wide range of activities associated with product development and introduction of the new technology into family planning programmes does not exist. The three major phases of the contraceptive development process are defined (biomedical development, product development, and product introduction-market development) and four areas requiring greater attention identified. A product development laboratory that would accept responsibility for dosage form development, stability testing, quality control procedures, product and packaging modifications, and the production of supplies for biomedical research would increase the acceptability of existing methods and accelerate new developments. A contraceptive information service that would provide ‘full disclosure’ product related information to managers of family planning programmes is also needed. A patent and licensing administration for the public sector would assure that new contraceptives developed with public funds would be made widely available to family planning programmes at a reasonable cost. A contraceptive introduction planning unit that would consider the programme implications of new methods of fertility regulation and assist countries in planning for their introduction also needs to be established as part of the ongoing international research programmes or as a new mechanism. The availability of a specialized capacity to assume responsibility for public leadership in these four areas would contribute significantly to the development of new contraceptive methods tailored to the needs of developing countries and to the success of current international contraceptive research and development efforts.
Static and Dynamic Productivity Among Yugoslav Enterprises: Components and Correlates

Abstract This paper calculates both static and dynamic measures of productivity for a sample of Yugoslav enterprises over the five-year period 1975–1979 using Farrell measures of efficiency and the frontier Malmquist index of productivity change. The influences of market share, export orientation, joint ventures, labor groupings, capital intensity, and regional development on the static efficiency measures and on the dynamic Malmquist index and its components are also examined. We find that the analysis of single-period efficiency scores does not necessarily provide much insight into performance over time. J. Comp. Econom., December 1998, 26(4), pp. 805–821. University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701; University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406; and University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701.
Separation of the oscillatory current from other currents in cardiac Purkinje fibres

An oscillatory current (Ios) can be recorded after depolarising clamps of a given amplitude and duration. To determine whether Ios depends on other currents activated during the clamp, the Ios was investigated in the absence and in the presence of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and cesium (Cs). The following results were obtained. 4-AP, as expected, markedly reduced the early outward current Iqr, and this effect was fully reversible. The Ios persisted when Iqr was suppressed by 4-AP and in fact became greater. Also, several procedures (progressive increase in clamp duration, two step repolarisation, repetitive clamps) affected Ios similarly whether Iqr was present or not. Ios does not depend on the plateau current Ix1 since with 4-APIos increased while the tail of Ix1 were unaffected. Cesium abolished the pacemaker current but not Ios, demonstrating that Ios does not result from an oscillatory behaviour of the pacemaker current. Often Cs reduced the amplitude of Ios: prolonging the depolarising clamp increased Ios but did not restore the pacemaker current. It is concluded that the oscillatory current is independent of either the early outward current Iqr or the pacemaker current. Also, while the action of 4-AP and Cs on Iqr and the pacemaker current are confirmed, it appears doubtful that these two agents act specifically on these two currents alone.
perceived social competence and rape myth endorsement

Survey responses from 1,023 “john” are used to ascertain the explanatory power of perceived social competence for rape myth endorsement. Ordinary least squares regression was utilized to empirically test this hypothesis while controlling for client demographic characteristics. Perceived social competence, in addition to client race, was demonstrated to be a significant predictive factor of rape myth endorsement. Limitations of the present study and suggestions for methodological improvement are discussed.
Technique to measure the temperature of agglomeration of coal ash

Abstract Examination of deposits from gasification pilot units indicates that agglomerates of fused ash appear to form at temperatures below the initial deformation temperature as defined by the ASTM ash fusion test. A simple method was developed to estimate the temperature at which coal ash will begin to fuse or agglomerate in process equipment. This test confirms that fusion of ash occurs at temperatures below those of the ASTM ash fusion test. The test also offers a method to compare the fusion properties of ashes for several coals.
Objective and personalized longitudinal assessment of a pregnant patient with post severe brain trauma.

Background: Following severe trauma to the brain (whether internally generated by seizures, tumors or externally caused by collision with or penetration of objects) individuals may experience initial coma state followed by slow recovery and rehabilitation treatment. At present there is no objective biometric to track the daily progression of the person for extended periods of time. Objective: We introduce new analytical techniques to process data from physically wearable sensors and help track the longitudinal progression of motions and physiological states upon the brain trauma. Settings and Participant: The data used to illustrate the methods were collected at the hospital settings from a pregnant patient in coma state. The patient had brain trauma from a large debilitating seizure due to a large tumor in the right pre-frontal lobe. Main Measures: We registered the wrist motions and the surface-skin-temperature across several daily sessions in four consecutive months. A new statistical technique is introduced for personalized analyses of the rates of change of the stochastic signatures of these patterns. Results: We detected asymmetries in the wrists’ data that identified in the dominant limb critical points of change in physiological and motor control states. These patterns could blindly identify the time preceding the baby’s delivery by C-section when the patient systematically brought her dominant hand to her abdominal area. Changes in temperature were sharp and accompanied by systematic changes in the statistics of the motions that rendered her dominant wrist’s micro-movements more systematically reliable and predictable than those of the non-dominant wrist. Conclusions: The new analytics paired with wearable sensing technology may help track the day-by-day individual progression of a patient with post brain trauma in clinical settings and in the home environment.
Parkinson's Disease-associated α-Synuclein Is a Calmodulin Substrate

α-Synuclein is a neuronal protein thought to be central in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) because it comprises the fibrillar core of Lewy bodies, one of the histologically defining lesions of PD, and because mutations in α-synuclein cause autosomal dominant PD. Although its physiologic role is uncertain, α-synuclein is a synaptic protein that may contribute to plasticity. We produced synuclein with incorporated photoprobes to identify and purify novel synuclein-interacting proteins both to begin to clarify the physiology of synuclein and to identify factors that may regulate synuclein conformation. We detected several cross-links and purified and identified one as calmodulin (CaM). CaM binds to both wild type and PD-associated mutant α-synucleins in a calcium-dependent manner. We further demonstrate that CaM and α-synuclein interact in intact cells in a calcium-dependent manner and that activated CaM accelerates the formation of synuclein fibrils in vitro. We hypothesize that the known calcium control of synuclein function is mediated through CaM interaction and that CaM potentially alters synuclein conformation.
Vascular mechanisms of increased arterial pressure in preeclampsia: lessons from animal models.

Normal pregnancy is associated with reductions in total vascular resistance and arterial pressure possibly due to enhanced endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation and decreased vascular reactivit...
Studies of the production and subsequent reduction of swelling in primate cerebral cortex under isosmotic conditionsin vivo

1. The swelling of intact primate cerebral cortex perfused under isosmotic conditionsin vivo, like swelling of slices of mammalian cerebral cortex incubatedin vitro, is a linear function of the concentration of K+ in the extracellular fluid over the range 20–120 mM. 2. The simultaneous presence of the Cl− ion is required for the development of K+-dependent swelling of cerebral cortex under various experimental conditionsin vivo andin vitro. 3. The maintenance of previously established K+-dependent swelling of cerebral cortex bothin vitro andin vivo requires the relative concentrations of both K+ and Cl− in the extracellular fluid to remain constant. A reduction in the concentration of either ion is associated with an absolute loss of fluid of swelling of cerebral cortex. 4. The content of Cl− in cerebral cortex is a function of the magnitude of K+-dependent swelling even though the concentration of Cl− in the extracellular fluid is maintained constant. 5. The mechanism of swelling in primate cerebral cortex following cerebral circulatory arrest is discussed in the light of the experimental findings, as a model of the type of brain injury encountered in massive clinical stroke.
IMM/MHT solution to radar multisensor benchmark tracking problems

The benchmark problem addresses the efficient allocation of an agile beam radar in the presence of highly maneuverable targets and radar ECM. The multisensor benchmark tracking solution s aided by the presence of a scanning IRST. This paper presents methods for applying an IMM/MHT tracker to this multiple sensor tracking and resource allocation problem. The paper discusses the manner is which IMM/MHT tracking and data association methods lead to efficient agile beam radar allocation and presents results showing that this approach is significantly more efficient than previously proposed methods when only radar data are used. It presents a hybrid multisensor tracking architecture in which an IMM/MHT tracker operating on IRST data provides the global IMM/MHT tracker with selected observations. Simulation results quantify the potential improvement from the use of advanced tracking methods and IRST data to enhance agile beam radar tracker capability.
A Technique for Pressure Measurement in the Active Electrical Zone of a Wire-Cylinder Electrostatic Precipitator

Probe techniques are discussed which have proven useful in the measurement of the current induced pressure distribution in the active electrical zone of a wire-cylinder electrostatic precipitator. The cylindrical electrode configuration is somewhat unique in that the pressure distribution is exactly known in the case of negligible axial flow and thus provides a check on the experimental technique. The measurement strategy combines alignment of the probe on an equipotential surface, control of probe current drainage to a level consistent with the probe's size and location in the field, and use of a guard electrode near the probe insertion point. Pressure measurements made with probe electrical characteristics indicating a minimally perturbed electric field are in close agreement with analytical prediction, and the experimental techniques appear to be applicable to other types of flow measurement in cylinder and duct precipitators.
On the stability of the Taub universe

An analysis of the stability of the Taub universe for arbitrary, initially small perturbations is carried out. It is found that the perturbations decrease during the expansion and increase during the contraction of the unperturbed space. In the process we obtain the general solution to a system of six coupled, linear, partial differential equations in six unknown functions of four variables.
HYDRODYNAMIC COUPLING AND NON-EQUILIBRIUM DISTRIBUTION IN PORE DIFFUSION OF NONSPHERICAL FINE PARTICLES

ABSTRACT A detailed investigation is presented of a model problem describing diffusion of a thin rod between parallel walls. Analysis proceeds by formulation of the exact diffusion equation in spatial and angular coordinates, and therefore accounts for all translational and rotational modes of transport. It is shown that the presence of a longitudinal concentration gradient produces cross-sectional forcing because of hydrodynamic anisotropy, and thereby leads to a steady-state, configuration-dependent distribution that does not relax to the uniform equilibrium distribution. A general formula derived for the effective dif-fusivity D¯ shows that the configuration-average longitudinal diffusivity is modified by an additive contribution arising from hydrodynamic coupling. Calculation of the latter term requires solution of a transtational-rotational diffusion problem. Thus, determination of D¯ cannot generally be achieved by integration alone. Boundary-layer analysis, augmented by a finite-difference calculat...
Quantifying Shared Corridor Wheel Loading Variation Using Wheel Impact Load Detectors

A sustained increase in heavy axle loads and cumulative freight tonnages, coupled with increased development of high speed passenger rail, is placing an increasing demand on railway infrastructure. Some of the most critical areas of the infrastructure in need of further research are track components used in high speed passenger, heavy haul, and shared infrastructure applications. In North America, many design guidelines for these systems use historical wheel loads that may not necessarily be representative of those seen on rail networks today. Without a clear understanding of the nature of these loads, it is impossible to adequately evaluate the superstructure to make design improvements. Therefore, researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) are conducting research to lay the groundwork for an improved and thorough understanding of the loading environment entering the track structure. Wheel impact load detectors (WILDs) have been used in North America for decades to identify bad-acting wheels that could damage the rail infrastructure or result in a rolling stock failure. The WILD measures vertical and lateral rail loads imparted by the wheel at the wheel-rail interface, along with other pertinent information related to the specific wheel, car, and train passing the instrumented site. This information can be used to identify and classify trends in the loading features and other characteristics of the rolling stock. These trends not only provide a clearer picture of the existing loading environment created by widely varied traffic characteristics, but can be used in future design and maintenance planning of infrastructure according to the anticipated traffic. This paper will discuss the current trends in wheel loads across the North American rail network while investigating the effects of speed on dynamic and impact loads. Ultimately this work should lead to useful distinctions of loads for improved design methodologies that are specific to the intended type of traffic traversing a given route or network.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The reoperative potential of infrainguinal bypass: long-term limb and patient survival.

Abstract The present study reviews the fate of patients undergoing reoperation after failure of infrainguinal bypass grafts. During a 10-year period, 202 patients with failed distal bypass grafts had 389 infrainguinal reoperative procedures, an average of 1.9 reoperations per patient. Including the initial procedure and subsequent reoperations, a total of 591 operations were performed in this group. Secondary bypass was performed in 101 patients, a tertiary procedure in 51, a fourth bypass in 30, and more than four operations were required in 20 patients. Reoperation was performed to treat severe ischemia (rest pain, ulceration, or gangrene) in 377 of 389 cases (97%). Repetitive bypass was performed with autogenous vein in 21 cases (7.4%), composite grafts in 16 patients (5.6%), and polytetrafluoroethylene in 247 cases (87%). The remaining 105 reoperations were thrombectomy in 77 cases, thrombectomy plus distal angioplasty in 20 cases, and profundaplasty in eight cases. The distal anastomosis was to the popliteal artery in 14% of reoperative cases and to the tibial or peroneal artery in 59%. Mean follow-up for all patients was 70 months. Four operative deaths occurred in 389 reoperations (1.0%), and there were 35 late deaths. The cumulative life-table 5-year survival rate for all patients was 80%. The operative morbidity rate was 12.3%, including wound infection in 3.1% and hematoma in 6.4%. Sixty-seven cases required major amputation, below-knee in 48 (72%) and above-knee in 19 (28%). The 5-year limb salvage rate was 59%. Cumulative graft patency was 37% at 5 years. The 80% 5-year survival rate may reflect aggressive management of associated carotid and coronary artery disease. The demonstrated long survival indicates that recurrent ischemia after distal bypass failure requires attention. In this study, reoperation provided long-term limb salvage in most cases without significant compromise in patient safety or amputation level if amputation was required. (J VASC SURG 1987;5:170-9.)
Pond age-water column trophic relationships in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus production ponds

Abstract Long-term temporal succession changes in nutrients, phytoplankton and zooplankton have not been previously investigated in aquaculture ponds. This study analyzed relationships of pond age with nutrients, zooplankton and phytoplankton populations, and incidence of off-flavor occurrence. Nutrient levels (iron, silica, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen), phytoplankton community composition, off-flavor compounds, and zooplankton community composition were determined for 10–11 replicate commercial channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus production ponds of ages 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 or 15 years postconstruction. Data were analyzed using canonical discriminant function analysis, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and multiple regression approaches. Nutrients (N and P) accumulated in ponds during the first 3 years postconstruction; however, concentrations of these nutrients leveled off after this time. The continual addition of nutrients (as feed) makes standard chlorophyll–P relationships reported from natural lakes unable to account for variation in aquaculture data. Algal composition became dominated by filamentous cyanobacteria after year 4; zooplankton composition also was dominated by larger copepods and cladocerans in older ponds. Younger ponds had lower incidence and intensity of off-flavor relative to older pond water. If ponds are drained/reworked every 3–4 years, incidence of off-flavor should decline.
A Randomized Trial of Pressure Patching for Epithelial Defects After Keratoplasty

A prospective randomly controlled trial of the effectiveness of pressure patching in the treatment of epithelial defects after keratoplasty in 41 patients (19 in the patched group and 22 in the unpatched group) showed no significant differences in healing between the two groups (P 2 ) than those without (20.1 mm 2 ) but the time needed for healing did not differ significantly (2.35 days vs 1.9 days; P
Neural network approach to retrieve the inherent optical properties of the ocean from observations of MODIS

Retrieving the inherent optical properties of water from remote sensing multispectral reflectance measurements is difficult due to both the complex nature of the forward modeling and the inherent nonlinearity of the inverse problem. In such cases, neural network (NN) techniques have a long history in inverting complex nonlinear systems. The process we adopt utilizes two NNs in parallel. The first NN is used to relate the remote sensing reflectance at available MODIS-visible wavelengths (except the 678 nm fluorescence channel) to the absorption and backscatter coefficients at 442 nm (peak of chlorophyll absorption). The second NN separates algal and nonalgal absorption components, outputting the ratio of algal-to-nonalgal absorption. The resulting synthetically trained algorithm is tested using both the NASA Bio-Optical Marine Algorithm Data Set (NOMAD), as well as our own field datasets from the Chesapeake Bay and Long Island Sound, New York. Very good agreement is obtained, with R2 values of 93.75%, 90.67%, and 86.43% for the total, algal, and nonalgal absorption, respectively, for the NOMAD. For our field data, which cover absorbing waters up to about 6 m−1, R2 is 91.87% for the total measured absorption.
Interpopulation variation in HIV testing promptness may introduce bias in HIV incidence estimates using the serologic testing algorithm for recent HIV seroconversion.

Objectives The serologic testing algorithm for recent HIV seroconversion (STARHS) calculates incidence using the proportion of testers who produce a level of HIV antibody high enough to be detected by ELISA but low enough to suggest recent infection. The validity of STARHS relies on independence between dates of HIV infection and dates of antibody testing. When subjects choose the time of their own test, testing may be motivated by risky behaviour or symptoms of infection and the criterion may not be met. This analysis was conducted to ascertain whether estimates of incidence derived using STARHS were consistent with estimates derived using a method more robust against motivated testing. Methods A cohort-based incidence estimator and two STARHS methods were applied to identical populations (n=3821) tested for HIV antibody at publicly funded sites in Seattle. Overall seroincidence estimates, demographically stratified estimates and incidence rate ratios were compared across methods. The proportion of low-antibody testers among HIV-infected individuals was compared with the proportion expected given their testing histories. Results STARHS estimates generally exceeded cohort-based estimates. Incidence ratios derived using STARHS between demographic strata were not consistent across methods. The proportion of HIV-infected individuals with lower antibody levels exceeded that which would be expected under independence between infection and testing. Conclusions Incidence estimates and incidence rate ratios derived using methods that rely on the changing antibody level over the course of HIV infection may be vulnerable to bias when applied to populations who choose the time of their own testing.
A GLASS ELECTRODE APPARATUS FOR MEASURING THE pH VALUES OF VERY SMALL VOLUMES OF SOLUTION

A glass electrode apparatus is described with which pH measurements can be made with as small volumes as 2 drops (about 0.14 cc.) of solution. Using this apparatus the change of pH of the vacuolar sap of Nitella, due to the penetration of brilliant cresyl blue, has been readily followed. The sap and the dye have been found to poison the usual type of hydrogen electrode.
Multiexcitons squeezed into the sub-excitonic volume of a colloidal quantum dot

Spectroscopic and dynamical measurements of multiexciton states in CdSe colloidal quantum dots (QDs) reveal room-temperature stable biexcitons and triexcitons. Strong spatial confinement in "ultrasmall" colloidal QDs results in enhanced multiparticle effects and, specifically, in "giant" multiexciton interaction energies.
Detecting an elusive invasive species: a diagnostic PCR to detect Burmese python in Florida waters and an assessment of persistence of environmental DNA

Recent studies have demonstrated that detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) from aquatic vertebrates in water bodies is possible. The Burmese python, Python bivittatus, is a semi-aquatic, invasive species in Florida where its elusive nature and cryptic coloration make its detection difficult. Our goal was to develop a diagnostic PCR to detect P. bivittatus from water-borne eDNA, which could assist managers in monitoring this invasive species. First, we used captive P. bivittatus to determine whether reptilian DNA could be isolated and amplified from water samples. We also evaluated the efficacy of two DNA isolation methods and two DNA extraction kits commonly used in eDNA preparation. A fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from P. bivittatus was detected in all water samples isolated with the sodium acetate precipitate and the QIAamp DNA Micro Kit. Next, we designed P. bivittatus-specific primers and assessed the degradation rate of eDNA in water. Our primers did not amplify DNA from closely related species, and we found that P. bivittatus DNA was consistently detectable up to 96 h. Finally, we sampled water from six field sites in south Florida. Samples from five sites, where P. bivittatus has been observed, tested positive for eDNA. The final site was negative and had no prior documented evidence of P. bivittatus. This study shows P. bivittatus eDNA can be isolated from water samples; thus, this method is a new and promising technique for the management of invasive reptiles.
On the bimodal dynamics of the turbulent horseshoe vortex system in a wing-body junction

The turbulent boundary layer approaching a wall-mounted obstacle experiences a strong adverse pressure gradient and undergoes three-dimensional separation leading to the formation of a dynamically rich horseshoe vortex (HSV) system. In a pioneering experimental study, Devenport and Simpson [J. Fluid Mech. 210, 23 (1990)] showed that the HSV system forming at the leading edge region of a wing mounted on a flat plate at Re=1.15×105 exhibits bimodal, low-frequency oscillations, which away from the wall produce turbulent energy and stresses one order of magnitude higher than those produced by the conventional shear mechanism in the approaching turbulent boundary layer. We carry out numerical simulations for the experimental configuration of Devenport and Simpson using the detached-eddy-simulation (DES) approach. The DES length scale is adjusted for this flow to alleviate the well known shortcoming of DES; namely that of premature, laminar-like flow separation. The numerical simulations reproduce with good acc...
Illusion of the public philosophy related to a new energy supply

The public philosophy is examined in respect to beliefs, alleged here to be irrational, concerning the lastingness of coal, acid rain, alternatives to energy sources which cause environmental damage, the dangers of hydrogen, a dependence upon a supposed ‘government energy overseer’ and the individual's powerlessness to affect energy progress. Energy scientists are alleged to believe that a nuclear base to the energy supply can avoid plutonium; that fusion would lack environmental hazards, and that ‘energy costs are small’ so that, for instance, doubling them will not greatly affect the economy. Such thinking is short term: it lacks an ecological component; suffers from inertia, and from projecting the position of the seller, never that of the buyer. Barriers to a change to inexhaustible energy sources are socio-political, and economic. A positive step is suggested for remedying this situation.
Appendix A—Report of the subcommittee on the physics of the infiltration process

This Subcommittee was commissioned to report on the nature of the infiltration process from the standpoint of physical principles. Many excellent papers have been written describing the influence of various factors on infiltration, However, as yet, no generalization has boon developed that has wide application. It would be desirable, of course, to develop an Invariant relationship, if one exists, into which soll-paramcters could be substituted In order to evaluate the infiltration rate under a particular set of conditions,