cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface and Subsurface Tillage Effects on Mine Soil Properties and Vegetative Response

Soil compaction is an important concern for surface mine operations that require heavy equipment for land reclamation. Excessive use of rubber-tired equipment, such as scraper pans, may cause mine soil compaction and hinder the success of revegetation efforts. However, information is limited on management strategies for ameliorating the potential compacting effects of scraper pans, particularly during site preparation for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations. Three forms of tillage and one control were replicated five times on surface mined land in the west Gulf Coastal Plain: no tillage (NT), disking (D), single-ripping + disking (R+D), and cross-ripping + disking (CR+D). Mine soil physical properties were investigated at 0 to 30, 30 to 60, and 60 to 90 cm. Percent cover and aboveground biomass of an herbaceous winter cover crop, and survival and growth of loblolly pine seedlings were assessed after one growing season. Herbaceous species biomass was highest on the R+D and CR+D plots and lowest on the NT control. Pine seedling survival was highest on the tilled plots (>90%) compared to NT (85%). The highest intensity combination tillage treatment (CR+D) was superior in terms of lowering soil bulk density (mean 1.36 Mg m–³) and soil strength (mean 2220 kPa) and increasing pine seedling volume index growth (mean 32 cm³). Surface tillage (D) alone improved herbaceous cover and pine seedling survival, while CR+D provided the most favorable responses in mine soil physical properties and vegetative growth.
Design of Logical Topologies for Wavelength Routed Networks

A virtual topology over a wavelength routed WAN consists of clear optical channels between nodes called lightpaths. These carry traffic end-to-end without electronic switching, creating an optical layer of the topology. Virtual topology design aims at combining the best of optical switching and electronic routing abilities. Designing a virtual topology on a physical network consists of deciding the lightpaths to be set up in terms of their source and destination nodes and wavelength assignment.
Stress Assisted Corrosion in Boiler Tubes - Failure Analysis

Stress assisted corrosion (SAC) of carbon steel boiler tubes is one of the major causes of waterside failure in industrial boilers. SAC is a major concern for kraft recovery boilers in the pulp and paper industry as any water leak into the furnace can cause a smelt-water explosion in the boiler. Failed carbon steel boiler tubes from different kraft recovery boilers were examined to understand the role of carbon steel microstructure on crack initiation and SAC crack morphology. A number of carbon steel tubes showed a deep decarburized layer on the inner surface (water-touched) and also an unusually large grain size at the inner tube surface. SAC cracks were found to initiate in these areas with large-graineddecarburized microstructure. Tubes without such microstructure were also found to have SAC cracks. It was found that the decarburization and large grained microstructure may facilitate initiation and growth but is not necessary for SAC of carbon steel boiler tubes.
HIV and Sexuality Stigma Reduction Through Engagement in Online Forums: Results from the HealthMPowerment Intervention.

HIV and sexuality stigma impede HIV prevention and care efforts. HealthMpowerment.org (HMP) is an interactive mobile phone- and web-based HIV prevention and care intervention for young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM; ages 18–30) in the United States. HMP included three forums where participants could share their experiences. In this study, we explored whether engaging in stigma-related discussions was associated with changes in YBMSM’s stigma-related scores throughout the trial. YBMSM (ages 18–30; N = 238) participating in HMP completed surveys at baseline, and 3 and 6 month follow-ups that included a series of scales focused on HIV and sexuality (internalized homophobia; sexual prejudice) stigma. Sixty-two participants contributed to the forums (1497 posts). We coded instances where YBMSM’s conversations were stigma related (915 posts, 61.1%), including discussions of anticipated (74/915, 8.1%), experienced (125/915, 13.7%), internalized (410/915, 44.8%), and/or challenged (639/915, 69.8%) stigma regarding sexuality and HIV. Using a mixed methods approach, we examined whether changes in YBMSM’s stigma scores were associated with stigma-related discussions within the forum. We controlled for age, HIV status, income, and educational attainment in these multivariable models. YBMSM who discussed experiencing HIV stigma in the forums reported decreases in perceived HIV stigma over time (b = − 0.37, p ≤ 0.05). YBMSM whose forum posts indicated anticipated HIV stigma reported increases in HIV stigma over time (b = 0.46, p ≤ 0.01). Participants who challenged sexuality-related stigma in forums had lower internalized homophobia (b = − 0.68, p ≤ 0.01) at baseline. YBMSM whose discussions focused on experiencing sexuality-related stigma reported increases in internalized homophobia (b = 0.39, p ≤ 0.01) and sexual prejudice (b = 0.87, p ≤ 0.05) over time. Developing strategies to combat stigma remains a key priority. HMP created an online space where YBMSM could discuss HIV and sexuality stigma. Although a limited number of HMP participants authored the majority of these forum discussions, the discussions were associated with changes in the sample’s stigma scores over time. Online interventions (e.g., social media, apps) should consider the inclusion of forums to address stigma and test the efficacy of forums to improve YBMSM’s HIV prevention and care continuum outcomes.
Miniaturized Printed Wiring Board Consisting of Polyimide Layers and Three Embedded Integrated Circuit Chips in Stacked Configuration

In the history of electronics packaging, continuous efforts have been made to achieve seemingly conflicting goals of reducing the size of electronic devices and increasing theirfunctionality. With more sophisticated packages, wearable and portable devices in particular are required to be more compact as well as reliable. To reduce the size of a package, embeddingIC (integrated circuit) chips inside is an effective solution instead of placing them on the surface. Based on this thought, we have developed a technology to produce WABE package}}$^{\mathbf{TM}}$(wafer and board level device embedded package). The packages are produced by combining thin polyimide film layers and backgrinded IC chips. WABE Package technology has an unmatched feature thatit can reduce the footprint of a package drastically by stacking IC chips if multiple chips need to be embedded in the package. Even if the package has two or morechips, the increase in the thickness of the chip-stack structure is very limited because each layer is so thin. Another feature of the technology is parallel fabrication of each polyimide-based layer with vias filled with a conductive material for interconnection. The individual and simultaneous preparation of layers enables “one-step” colamination, which has an advantagethat only one-time press is needed even though the number of layers increases due to the chip-stack structure. This report describes the fabrication of aprototype circuit board that consists of 14 copper layers and 3 IC chips embedded vertically in them. The board is less than 0.9 mm in thickness even though it includes a large number of layers. We also report the results of various reliability testing conducted on the package. These results were obtained by electrical measurements of daisy chain patterns formed between some of the layers. The prototype showed high reliability under moisture and heat test conditions simulating those in autoclave sterilization and heat-shock test conditions simulating those in the production process. These results show that the WABE Package technology that allows three chips to be embedded vertically in the package is the most promising packaging technology for extremely miniaturizing electronic circuits for medical and wearable electronics.
External low frequency electric fields maximize the fluorescence enhancement through light-metal-fluorophore interactions of target biomolecules

Biomarker detection and quantification in body fluids is widely utilized in medical diagnosis as it provides useful information for developing treatment strategies. Once attached to target biomarker molecules, fluorescence can be used to detect and quantify the target biomarkers. However, expression of target biomarkers in body fluids is generally weak, and therefore direct utilization of fluorescence for detection with high sensitivity and selectivity is challenging. To address this issue, fluorescence enhancement of target biomarkers has been investigated by several research groups. These studies utilized light-metal-fluorophore interactions and have reported about few thousand-fold fluorescence enhancement. Fluorescence enhancement of few thousand folds enables the detection of molarities up to about nanomolar. However, medical diagnosis, especially early diagnosis, requires detection limit of attomolar. To extend the capabilities of fluorescence enhancement to be applicable in the full range of medical diagnosis, we have used low frequency electric fields (<20 MHz) to further enhance the light-metal-fluorophore interactions. This paper presents the results from our simulation work performed to show how electric fields could modulate the fluorescence enhancement. Moreover, we have found that external electric fields can be used to place the fluorophore molecules outside the quenching regions, align fluorophore dipoles with plasmonic axis of metal and place the fluorophore in the high electric field region of the scattered light. These capabilities could lead to fluorescence enhancement up to about billion-fold that enables attomolar detection. In addition to enhancing the fluorescence, we have also studied the effect of electric fields on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR).
Configuration-Driven Software Debloating

With legitimate code becoming an attack surface due to the proliferation of code reuse attacks, software debloating is an effective mitigation that reduces the amount of instruction sequences that may be useful for an attacker, in addition to eliminating potentially exploitable bugs in the removed code. Existing debloating approaches either statically remove code that is guaranteed to not run (e.g., non-imported functions from shared libraries), or rely on profiling with realistic workloads to pinpoint and keep only the subset of code that was executed.In this work, we explore an alternative configuration-driven software debloating approach that removes feature-specific code that is exclusively needed only when certain configuration directives are specified---which are often disabled by default. Using a semi-automated approach, our technique identifies libraries solely needed for the implementation of a particular functionality and maps them to certain configuration directives. Based on this mapping, feature-specific libraries are not loaded at all if their corresponding directives are disabled. The results of our experimental evaluation with Nginx, VSFTPD, and OpenSSH show that using the default configuration in each case, configuration-driven debloating can remove 77% of the code for Nginx, 53% for VSFTPD, and 20% for OpenSSH, which represent a significant attack surface reduction.
Obstacles to overcome when improving sleep health at a societal level

Abstract Sleep is an important domain of health, and sleep health interventions have the potential to improve health in the population. Yet, these interventions face many challenges. This chapter aims to characterize these challenges, cast these challenges into the context of health behavior models that may help facilitate the development of interventions, and provide recommendations for the development of sleep health interventions. The primary challenges identified are lack of time, unhelpful social norms, interference from the physical environment, the presence of health issues, use of substances that interfere with sleep, and the ever-present distractions (technological and otherwise). Using the frameworks provided by the Health Belief Model, Integrated Behavior Model, and Transtheoretical Model, recommendations for elements to include in sleep health interventions are (1) education, (2) assessment, (3) facilitation, (4) control, (5) socialization, and (6) readiness.
Early-Onset Bilateral Severe Valvular Regurgitation After Mediastinal Radiotherapy in Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors: Should We Screen Prior to 10 Years After Mediastinal Radiotherapy?

Background: Radiation-induced valvulopathy (RIV) is a common complication of mediastinal radiotherapy and usually occurs at least 10 years after exposure to radiotherapy. Case Report: We report the case of a 37-year-old female with a history of stage IIIB Hodgkin lymphoma who was diagnosed with RIV after all other potential causes of shortness of breath and valvular dysfunction were excluded. The patient9s presentation, 6 years after receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma, was earlier than expected after mediastinal radiotherapy. The patient was started on a regimen of lisinopril, nifedipine, and metoprolol, and her symptoms improved significantly within 4 days of starting medical therapy. We review the literature, discuss the risk factors and determinants of developing RIV, and suggest the ideal timing to screen patients. Conclusion: This case is of educational value for internal medicine, oncology, and cardiology healthcare providers who should consider RIV as a cause of shortness of breath in patients who underwent mediastinal radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma.
Local Health and Social Services Spending to Reduce Preventable Hospitalizations.

Upstream spending on social determinants of health can lead to improved downstream population health outcomes but intermediate steps between these end points are unclear. The purpose of this study ...
Gravity and Graves

This short essay is an experiment in narrative history. It explores the convergence of narrative tense and commentary tense, the role of ‘history’ in Henry Fielding’s novels, the nature of empathy ...
Review of gas migration and wellbore leakage in liner hanger dual barrier system: Challenges and implications for industry

Abstract Robust dual barrier systems are crucial for well integrity. Regulators and industry have consistently raised the concerns in such systems regarding the leak pathways and its failure modes prediction, testing, and qualification. Liner hanger is an example of dual barrier system in which seal assembly and cement sheath act as two barrier elements. The liner hanger system is usually employed in complex operating environments such as high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT), deep-water, and ultra-deep-water. In these harsh environments, the gas migration through such system has been attributed to several well control incidents. To investigate this problem, a thorough review of underlying complexities, leakage mechanisms, liner hanger seal assembly materials, dominant failure mechanisms in seal and cement, and the gap in current standards and regulations is conducted. Overall, the objective of this paper is to understand the nuances of the liner hanger dual barrier system and to identify the risks of failures that could compromise the wellbore integrity.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Grit as a Predictor of Academic Success: A Pilot Study

Abstract Purpose Grit and resilience are considered non-cognitive traits associated with motivation, attitude and temperament rather than intellect and have been increasingly recognized as important skills to identify and develop in medical professionals. The purpose of this study was to investigate grit scores as well as the relationship of grit and other factors to academic success in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Students. Method Forty-four 2nd year DPT students from the US, were surveyed utilizing the 12-Item Grit Scale prior to the start of semester 4, composed of an 8-week didactic module followed by an 8-week clinical internship. Cognitive traits including Pre-admission Grade Point Average, Graduate Readiness Exam scores, age, as well as descriptive statistics were extracted from admission data. Cumulative GPA and semester GPA from the 8-week didactic portion of the semester were gathered post semester completion. Results The mean grit score for 2nd year DPT students was 3.74 (SD ± .48). Moderate correlation between grit score and cumulative GPA, r = .501, P = .001 was found. A multiple regression analysis found grit score and age as predictors of cumulative GPA, explaining 41.4% of the variance. Discussion Among 2nd year DPT students at a teaching and learning institution in the southeast United States, grit and age appear to be associated with DPT program cumulative GPA scores. Non-cognitive factors such as grit and age may assist in predicting academic success among entry-level DPT students. Grit has not been examined previously as a non-cognitive trait contributing to academic success among entry-level DPT students but may serve as a helpful addition for admission profile to assist in predicting academic success.
Updating the Fourth Amendment Analysis of U.S. Person Communications Incidentally Collected Under FISA Section 702

In 2019, the Second Circuit published its opinion in United States v. Hasbajrami, a case about the use of U.S. person communications incidentally collected as part of FISA Section 702 surveillance. The court concluded that this incidental collection and its use in the prosecution of Hasbajrami was lawful under the Fourth Amendment because it was not subject to the warrant requirement and the collection was reasonable. This piece provides an alternative analysis of incidental collection under Section 702 using the underlying principles advanced by the Supreme Court in Carpenter v. United States. After looking at some issues with the Second Circuit panel’s analysis, this piece suggests that requiring a warrant for law enforcement to access the contents of incidentally collected U.S. person communications for the purposes of criminal investigation would provide a framework more compatible with the Fourth Amendment.
Feeling Uncertainty during the Lockdown That Commenced in March 2020 in Greece

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in significant uncertainty for the global population. However, since not all population groups experience the impacts of the pandemic in the same way, the objective of this study was to identify the individual characteristics associated with the feeling of uncertainty during the lockdown that commenced in March 2020 in Greece. The study used data from the “Public Opinion in the European Union (EU) in Time of Coronavirus Crisis” survey. The sample consisted of 1050 individuals aged between 16 and 54 years. According to the analysis, which was based on a logistic regression model, the emotional status of older individuals, those who experienced income and job losses since the beginning of the pandemic, and middle-class and high-class individuals, is more likely to be described as a feeling of uncertainty. In addition, the emotional status of individuals with less concern for their own health and that of family and friends is less likely to be described as a feeling of uncertainty. Although the results related to age, income, and job losses, as regards concern for health, agree with the international literature, the limited health literacy of lower-class individuals may explain the reduced likelihood of their experiencing feelings of uncertainty. The results confirm the international literature describing several aspects of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Managing Sales Force Product Perceptions and Control Systems in the Success of New Product Introductions

Abstract Given the importance of new products, firms may be prone to overmanage sales personnel by using behavior-based control systems that dictate the performance of particular activities related to the introduction. Such controls may be especially tempting given the findings that favorable salesperson product perceptions actually yield less effort on the new product, and behavior-based controls can offset this tendency. However, using longitudinal data from a sample of 226 salespeople, along with external ratings from customers and archival measures of effort and sales performance, the authors demonstrate that such a strategy is shortsighted. Behavior-based controls constrain a salesperson's ability to appropriately allocate effort across his or her customer base, negatively affecting customer product perceptions and, ultimately, new product sales. In contrast, outcome-based control systems enable salespeople to work smarter, and their corresponding effort on behalf of the new product has a more positi...
Biomarkers and Cognitive Function in Children and Adolescents During Maintenance Therapy for Leukemia

Objectives To explore the relationship between biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflmmation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and cognitive function in children receiving maintenance therapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Sample & setting 30 participants aged 4-17 years receiving ALL maintenance therapy at two pediatric cancer centers in the United States. Methods & variables F2-isoprostane (F2-ISoP) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were evaluated in CSF samples, and cognitive function measures were completed during the first and last cycles of ALL maintenance. The Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test (Flanker) and Dimensional Change Card Sort were completed during the last cycle. Results During maintenance therapy, IL-8 decreased, and parent reports of children's cognitive function improved. Higher IL-8 was associated with better parent reports of children's cognitive function at each timepoint. Higher F2-ISoP levels were associated with lower Flanker scores. Implications for nursing F2-ISoP may be a useful biomarker in evaluating cognitive dysfunction in children with ALL and merits further investigation.
Breech deliveries in private practice.

Abstract Out of 10,555 consecutive deliveries in private practice 471 patients were delivered of 480 infants presenting as breech. Our findings in breech presentation as regards incidence, duration of labor, positions, types, complications, birth injuries, weights of infants, period of gestation, incidence of cesarean section, fetal and maternal mortality rates are compared with those of others. Missed diagnoses and external version are discussed. Our methods of delivery are presented. The indications for cesarean section and Voorhees bags are given.
Fate of Thermally Polluted Surface Water in Rivers

By means of the time- and space-averaging processes, the general longitudinal thermal energy equation for nonuniform flow is derived from the three-dimensional instantaneous equations of continuity and of thermal energy for flow of incompressible Newtonian fluid. The equation so formulated includes the longitudinal heat dispersion term and can be used to describe mathematically the average temperature distribution in a natural stream at every instant and at all points of the stream after the injection of thermal pollutant. Analytical solution is sought for a typical thermal pollution problem in a natural stream. An accurate evaluation of the longitudinal heat dispersion coefficient that depends on bulk flow parameters and environmental factors is proposed.
Nucleosynthesis of CNO Isotopes

The origin of the seven stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen remains an unsolved problem. Current views as to the mechanisms of nucleosynthesis of these nuclei indicate a collective history which is extremely complex. Theoretical studies have revealed that quite varied astrophysical sites can contribute significantly to their production, including CNO-cycle hydrogen burning, core helium burning, thermal relaxation oscillations associated with double-shell-burning configurations in red giants, nova explosions, and supernova explosions. The relevance of detailed quantitative estimates of contributions from these diverse sites is clear from the discussions presented throughout this session: coupled to increasing observations of CNO elemental and isotopic abundances, such studies can yield important inferences concerning the history of the interstellar medium, the evolution of our galaxy and of other galaxies, the sources of cosmic rays, stellar evolution, and the mechanisms of nova and supernova explosions.
Property in the Horizon: The Theory and Practice of Sign and Billboard Regulation

This article is the first piece of legal scholarship to address the land use issues associated with signs and billboards in a comprehensive and systematic manner. Although other scholars have addressed signs as a category of First Amendment law, the land use side of the sign issue has been neglected. Signs are a pervasive form of land use, and they pose distinctive practical and theoretical problems for land use law and policy. Yet, the land use literature has rarely treated signs as such. This article seeks to fill the void. The article has three principal aims. First, it provides a comprehensive history of sign and billboard disputes, using one city's century-long experience as a case study. The article relies on original research from primary sources to explain how and why patterns of sign land use and sign regulation have evolved over time. It pays special attention to the economics of signs and the public choice aspects of sign regulation. Secondly, the article uses lessons gleaned from this history to construct a framework for thinking about sign regulation. It examines how signs relate to concerns about nuisance, aesthetics, information, and expression. It also corrects certain conceptual mistakes made by judges and policymakers. Finally, the article evaluates the regulatory tools available for controlling sign land use. It critiques some common approaches to regulating signs, and it argues that sign regulation should embrace alternative regulatory tools, such as nuisance law and taxation, which have so far been underutilized and underappreciated.
Hyperpressure gas chromatography, III: Gas chromatography of porphyrins and metalloporphyrins

Abstract A number of porphyrins and metalloporphyrins have been separated by hyperpressure gas chromatography (HPGC), using dichlorodifluoromethane as the solvent gas and an epoxy resin (Epon 1001) as the selective liquid phase, at pressures up to 3100 psi and temperatures of 140–170°C. The separations effected were: Cu (or Mg), Ni, and vanadyl etioporphyrins II from each other; Sn etioporphyrin II, which is insoluble under the experimental conditions, is sharply separated from the above chelates; etioporphyrin II, mesoporphyrin IX diethyl ester, mesoporphyrin IX dimethyl ester, deuteroporphyrin IX dimethyl ester, and desoxophyllerythrin methyl ester from each other. Etioporphyrin II and desoxophyllerythroetioporphyrin were separated in a Versamid 900 column. Attempts to separate etioporphyrins II and III have failed but slightly different retention characteristics have been observed and the pyrolytically prepared etioporphyrin III could be resolved into the monomeric compound and the byproducts of the reaction. For porphyrins insoluble in CCl2F2, the addition of small amounts of a liquid solvent to the carrier gas is proposed. The above results indicate that hyperpressure gas chromatography is suitable (1) for nonvolatile compounds, which cannot be gas chromatographed by conventional methods, and (2) for the elution of compounds decomposed thermally at the temperatures suitable for their conventional gas chromatography. In conclusion, the first application of hyperpressure gas chromatography showed that the method is a powerful analytical tool for both inorganic and organic chemistry.
Learning, optimizing, and distributed decision making based on experience

We present a short and simplified "derivation" and discussion of perturbation analysis (PA), Markov decision problems (MDP), and reinforcement learning (RL) based on the sample path approach.
Vitiligo in an urban academic setting

Background Vitiligo is a depigmenting disease of unknown etiology. A more complete understanding of vitiligo and associated conditions will provide better insight into the etiology and potential treatment options for this condition. We sought to gather information regarding associated conditions and other epidemiologic data on vitiligo. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of 135 patients with vitiligo seen between July 1, 2002 and June 30, 2005 at an academic medical center. Epidemiologic characteristics were recorded. Results The patient population consisted of 80 women and 55 men with mean age of presentation of 36.8 years and average disease duration of 5.7 years. Vitiligo vulgaris was the predominant type of vitiligo and hypothyroidism was the most common co-morbidity. Anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were found in 37% and 18% of patients, respectively. The highest proportion of thyroid abnormalities was found in age of onset category 21–30. Anti-nuclear antibodies were found in 33% of patients. Conclusion The prevalence of anti-nuclear and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies was higher in our vitiligo study than that reported elsewhere. In addition, autoimmune thyroid disease may be more common in adult-onset vitiligo.
Straddle Obligations Under Prepetition Contracts – Prepetition Claims, Postpetition Claims or Administrative Expenses

This article looks at straddle obligations of a debtor - those obligations that arise after a bankruptcy filing under a prepetition contract. Unfortunately, these obligations are not readily classifiable as either prepetition claims or as administrative expense claims. The party to whom the obligation is owed invariably seeks to label it as an administrative expense under section 503(b), the contours of which are far from clear. Judges who conclude that these contractual claims are not administrative expenses often leap erroneously to the conclusion that they must, therefore, be prepetition claims even if they arose postpetition. In this article I suggest that an appropriate application of the Supreme Court's analysis of administrative expense claims in Reading Co. v. Brown requires that postpetition straddle obligations under prepetition contracts should be classified as an administrative expense when they are subject to discharge in the bankruptcy case, or if the holder will have no recourse to the debtor after the case is over because the debtor's entire estate is liquidated.
Stabilization of steady motions of an underwater vehicle

We show how to stabilize underwater vehicle dynamics for a six degree-of-freedom vehicle modeled as a neutrally buoyant, submerged rigid body in an ideal fluid. Stabilization is achieved by applying external torques to the vehicle that mimic the kind of torques that are naturally induced when the vehicle's center of gravity is lower than its center of buoyancy. This approach makes the controlled system resemble the uncontrolled system in structure, and we can mimic our analysis of open-loop stability of a bottom-heavy underwater vehicle to study closed-loop stability of the controlled vehicle. We show that the closed-loop system has Lie-Poisson form and prove closed-loop stability using extensions to the energy-Casimir method. A resulting property of the control law is robustness to model parameter uncertainty.
Purification of arabitol from fermentation broth of Debaryomyces hansenii using glycerol as substrate

BACKGROUND Arabitol has many potential industrial applications and it can be produced by fermentation from glycerol, a major byproduct of biodiesel industry. This work aims at developing a new process for collecting and purifying arabitol from the broth of osmophilic Debaryomyces hansenii containing arabitol, unconsumed glycerol, and other minor impurities. RESULTS: The process developed and optimized in this study had the following steps: first, the broth supernatant was treated with 8 g L−1 activated carbon at 30°C and pH 6 for removal of colored organics and some impurities. Then glycerol was selectively removed by acetone extraction at 30°C. The acetone amount was optimized according to the measured solubility data of simulative glycerol-xylitol-acetone systems and real fermentation broth. The glycerol-removed remainder was next extracted for arabitol with butanol (90% of supernatant volume) at 90 °C. White arabitol crystals were collected from the cooled butanol extract. The overall recovery and purity of arabitol crystals were 66% and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSION Successful arabitol purification was achieved with an optimized process. Fundamental phase equilibrium data of glycerol-xylitol-acetone systems were obtained. The process developed would prove valuable for arabitol production and potentially for separation of other polyols. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Regulation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase in vivo by glucagon and insulin

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT total) activity and synthesis increase in states where the insulin/glucagon ratio is low, such as starvation and diabetes [Brady & Brady (1987) Biochem. J. 246, 641-646]. However, the effect of glucagon and insulin on CPT synthesis is unknown. The present experiments were designed to determine the effect of glucagon, cAMP [8-(chlorophenylthio) cyclic AMP], and insulin + cAMP on CPT transcription and mRNA amounts over time after injection. The CPT protein that was purified, used to generate antibody, and cloned in these studies was the 68 kDa mitochondrial protein described previously [Brady & Brady (1987) Biochem. J. 246, 641-646; Brady, Feng & Brady (1988) J. Nutr. 118, 1128-1136; Brady & Brady (1989) Diabetes 38, in the press]. Saline-injected control rats exhibited a 2-fold increase in hepatic CPT transcription rate and CPT mRNA over the 5 h experiment from 09:00 to 14:00 h. The effect was most probably due to the fasting state of the rats during the day. Glucagon injection caused an 8-fold increase in transcription rate by 90 min and a 4-fold increase in CPT mRNA by 90-120 min. The cAMP effect had reached a peak by the first time point taken (15 min). Transcription rate was increased 4-fold and CPT mRNA was increased 3-fold at this time. The combination of cAMP + insulin injection did not produce any significant increase in transcription rate or CPT mRNA over the saline-injected controls. CPT mRNA and transcription rate showed a clear dose-response to glucagon injection from 0 to 150 micrograms/100 g body wt. Total CPT activity and immunoreactive CPT were not increased during these experiments. The data indicate that glucagon and insulin interact in control of transcription rate and amount of CPT mRNA, but that increases in CPT immunoreactive protein and activity are temporally delayed. This lag probably relates to the half-life of the CPT protein in vivo, which has been estimated as 2-7 days.
Selective incorporation of (15S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in phosphatidylinositol of human neutrophils: agonist-induced deacylation and transformation of stored hydroxyeicosanoids.

Abstract The uptake and mobilization of (15S)-hydroxy-5,8,11-cis-13-trans-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), a major product of arachidonic acid metabolism, was examined with human neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes; PMNs). Upon exposure to labeled 15-HETE, PMNs rapidly (15 sec to 20 min) incorporated approximately 20% of the label into phosphatidylinositol, while less than 4% was associated with other phospholipid classes and neutral lipids. This pattern was distinct from that of either labeled arachidonate or labeled(5S)-hydroxy-8,11,14-cis-6-trans-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), which within 20 min were predominantly associated with triglycerides and phosphatidylcholine. After reversed-phase HPLC, greater than 98% of the label in phosphatidylinositol, isolated from PMNs, was released with phospholipase A2. Upon exposure to either chemotactic peptide (FMLP), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, or an ionophore (A23187), 15-HETE-labeled PMNs released 15-HETE from phosphatidylinositol and displayed an impaired ability to generate leukotriene B4 (LTB4), 20-OH-LTB4, and 20-COOH-LTB4. Deacylated [3H]15-HETE was converted to (5S,15S)-dihydroxy-6,13-trans-8,11-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid (5,15-DHETE), lipoxin A4, and lipoxin B4, each carrying 3H label. PMNs labeled with 5-HETE also released and transformed this HETE when stimulated. However, the profile of labeled products differed between PMNs with either esterified 15-HETE or 5-HETE. When activated, 5-HETE-labeled PMNs generated both 5,20-DHETE and 5,15-DHETE but not labeled lipoxins. Threshold aggregation induced by FMLP with 15-HETE-labeled PMNs was inhibited (approximately 2 orders of magnitude), while the threshold response was relatively unimpaired with either A23187 or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced aggregation. Results indicate that 15-HETE is rapidly esterified into phosphatidylinositol of PMNs, which can be mobilized and transformed upon exposure of the cells to a second signal. Moreover, they suggest that eicosanoid intermediates other than arachidonic acid can be stored by cells, released via signal transduction, and oxygenated to generate alternative profiles of eicosanoids.
Metabolic support during coronary reperfusion.

The limitation of infarct size by thrombolysis could potentially be improved by an early metabolic intervention. We therefore evaluated the effects of a 48-hour infusion of glucose-insulin-potasslum (GIK) in patients with anterior infarctions. Seventeen patients were randomized to receive intravenous GIK (n = 10) or placebo (n = 7). All patients additionally received streptokinase. Changes in left ventricular function were assessed by comparing the global ejection fractions and the regional infarct area ejection fractions of the first ventriculogram with the 10-day second ventriculogram. There was a significantly greater improvement in the global ejection fraction of patients receiving GIK (↑0.07 ± 0.04) than in those randomized to placebo (↓0.08 ± 0.04) (p < 0.02). There was also a much greater improvement in the area ejection fractions of the group receiving GIK vs the group receiving placebo in the anterolateral (↑0.24 ± 0.07 vs ↓0.02 ± 0.04 [p < 0.02]) and diaphragmatic (↑0.08 ± 0.08 vs ↓0.17 ± 0.05 [p < 0.005]) segments. Thus in patients with anterior infarctions receiving streptokinase, GIK improves ventricular function and reduces the size of the segmental wall motion abnormality.
Production and study of heavy rp-process nuclei with fragmentation of heavy ions

Abstract The production and study of mid-mass nuclei important for the rp-process is reviewed. A key technique used to produce these nuclei is projectile fragmentation. Experimental results on the production of proton drip-line nuclei up to the Tin region are presented. Results from the decay studies and half-life measurements of a few of these nuclei, and techniques for studying the decays of a small sample of nuclei are also presented. Finally, a few comments are made on the new high resolution S800 magnetic spectrograph.
Assessment of Membrane Deformation Continuum Elastic Models Based on Molecular Simulations of Gramicidin A

We have assessed the continuum elastic model (CEM) for membrane deformations by comparison with all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results of gramicidin A (gA) dimers inserted into four different lipid bilayers formed by DLPC, DMPC, DOPC, and POPC. The CEM based on the smectic liquid crystal assumption for lipid membrane has been reported to efficiently model the protein-induced membrane deformation. In this description, the hydrophobic mismatch is assumed to be the dominant non-specific physical interaction between protein and lipid bilayer, and the deformation energy is modeled by compression-expansion, splay-distortion, and surface tension contributions. Using various boundary conditions (constrained, relaxed, and MD-based) and elastic modulus profiles (uniform and space-dependent), the deformation profile and the resulting energy were calculated and compared with the MD simulation results. Good agreement of the CEM and MD results is obtained for bilayer thickness profiles beyond the first lipid shell region from the gA channel when the MD-based boundary condition is used at lipid-protein contact. However, the continuum membrane representation near the protein contact, in the first shell, does not capture the atomic-level protein-lipid interactions. Thus careful/separate treatment of the first lipid shell region is required for the CEM to fully represent the realistic lipid bilayer deformation, as deduced from MD simulations. Introducing a space-dependent modulus profile has little effect on the deformation profile, but the calculated deformation energy depends strongly on the modulus profile.
Neonatal corticosterone treatment increases submissiveness in adulthood in mice

Mice were treated with either a placebo, 100 or 300 mcg/day corticosterone during postnatal Days 3-5 and tested for submissiveness in adulthood. Neonatal corticosterone treatment, regardless of dosage level, resulted in increased adult levels of submissiveness. This effect cannot be ascribed to differences in adult resting corticosterone levels, since neonatal corticosterone- and placebo-treated mice did not differ in the levels of this hormone. Some alternative explanations of this effect of neonatal corticosterone treatment on adult social behavior are discussed.
Helmet treatment for plagiocephaly and congenital muscular torticollis

Plagiocephaly usually originates in late fetal life through aberrant constraint of the fetal head and is often associated with sternocleidomastoid torticollis. In some patients the obligue head shape may become a permanent, cosmetic disability. Individually fitted plastic helmets, similar in style to football helmets, have been successfully used to remold the deformed heads of four infants. Each helmet is designed to fit snugly against the prominent aspects of the infants' cranium and to be loose fitting where the head is shallow. As the brain grows, the head is molded to fit the helmet and thus acquires a more usual shape. The treatment has been safe and effective. When torticollis is persistent after the initiation of treatment, rubber straps can be fixed to the outside of the helmet and attached to the side rails of the crib. While the infant sleeps, the straps can be tightened to stretch the shortened sternocleidomastoid muscle.
The hemodynamics of venous ulceration

Venous ulceration is the result of progressive chronic venous insufficiency, the pathophysiology of which is complex and incompletely understood. Ambulatory venous hypertension in this disease has been well-documented; however, relatively little attention has been directed toward other parameters of venous function. This study evaluates a spectrum of hemodynamic variables and the degree to which they are altered in patients with venous ulceration, and correlates ambulatory venous pressure (AVP) with the noninvasive estimate of this parameter. Air-plethysmography was used to evaluate 36 ulcerated extremities from 30 patients with chronic venous disease and 80 asymptomatic extremities from 54 patients. This technique measures the functional venous volume (VV), assesses valvular function [Venous Filling Index (VFI)], evaluates the efficiency of the calf muscle-pump [Ejection Fraction (EF)], and provides an estimation of ambulatory venous pressure [Residual Volume Fraction (RVF)]. In addition, AVP's were recorded in 13 asymptomatic extremities from 10 patients and 16 ulcerated extremities from 14 patients with chronic venous disease. Significant differences existed between the two groups for all of the hemodynamic parameters. Ulcerated extremities had greater venous volumes, displayed marked deterioration in valvular competence and calf musclepump function, and showed significant ambulatory venous hypertension compared to the asymptomatic group. Additionally, the relationship between RVF and AVP appeared linear, with a correlation coefficient of 0.87. Air-plethysmography currently provides the most complete evaluation of venous hemodynamics and should improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic-venous disease.
Inverse engineering perspective on nonimaging optical design

We present an inverse engineering topological-axiomatic approach applicable to nonimaging optical design. The reflective and/or refractive surfaces of the optics are sequentially modified within a given parametrization scheme and a constraint set until performance objective global optimality, evaluated upon a system radiometric model is achieved. This formalism permits the study of non-concave, re-entrant, and piecewise continuous reflector and lens configurations that can constructively exploit multiple reflections for maximal energy transfer, beam shaping, or irradiance redistribution. We derive, under a single-reflection approximation, a new variational principle for constructing axially symmetric reflector forms that maximizes energy transfer and can be extended to provide optimal beam shaping. Our derivation accounts for generally shaped sources with arbitrary radiance distributions and for reflection losses. We compare known edge-ray designs with our solutions and find that the 3D CPC concentrator and the 3D involute CPC reflector (operated in reverse as a projector) can be improved upon. We present a projective design, employing a spherical source which makes use of source re-energization through retroreflection. This design achieves a beam radiance greater than that of the (naked) source and requires a re-entrant component, if a requirement for continuity of the reflective surface is imposed.
Proposed Aharonov-Casher interference measurement of non-Abelian vortices in chiral p -wave superconductors

We propose a two-path vortex interferometry experiment based on the Aharonov-Casher effect for detecting the non-Abelian nature of vortices in a chiral $P$-wave superconductor. The effect is based on observing vortex interference patterns upon enclosing a finite charge of externally controllable magnitude within the interference path. We predict that when the interfering vortices enclose an odd number of identical vortices in their path, the interference pattern disappears only for non-Abelian vortices. When pairing involves two distinct spin species, we derive the mutual statistics between half quantum and full quantum vortices and show that, remarkably, our predictions still hold for the situation of a full quantum vortex enclosing a half quantum vortex in its path. We discuss the experimentally relevant conditions under which these effects can be observed.
Molecular Transformations on Single Crystal Metal Surfaces

One of the primary objectives of modern surface chemistry of transition metals is the synthesis of surface compounds and complexes and the understanding of their reactivity, structure, and bonding. Such considerations are paramount for advancing understanding of catalysis, adhesion, organic thin-film growth, and electrocatalysis. On selected metals, particularly copper, silver, and gold, selective scission of X-H bonds (where X is oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, or sulfur) by surface-bound atomic oxygen occurs to form moderately stable species that can be isolated for further study. Selective oxidation reactions may occur heterogeneously by means of this novel oxygen- activated route. Furthermore, this selective chemistry offers a paradigm for synthesis of a wide variety of surface organometallic complexes, whose formation can be predicted from acid-base principles. These subjects are discussed in this article with emphasis on their role in catalytic oxidation cycles.