cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fabry-Perot fiber optic sensors in harsh environments

A Fabry-Perot fiber optic sensor utilizes a unique interferometric mechanism and signal processing technique. It employs a Fizeau interferometer and a Charge-Coupled Device to locate the position of the maximum interference fringe intensity rather than absolute light intensity, which is most likely affected by external stressors such as irradiation and high pressure/temperature. A Fabry-Perot fiber optic temperature sensor was investigated for potential application in harsh environments expected in nuclear power plants. The sensor design and simulation of its signal processing are fully described in this paper. A methodology was developed based on IEEE-323 and ISA-dS67.06 to evaluate the sensors in normal and abnormal design basis accident environments. The experimental results of radiation and environmental qualification tests are summarized. Two sensors exhibited no failure and acceptable performance when exposed to gamma radiation to doses of 15 kGy and 1.33 MGy, respectively. Three sensors were irradiated to a total neutron fluence of 2.6x10 16 neutrons/cm 2 and a total gamma dose of 1.09MGy. These demonstrated a temperature shift of about 34°F but responded linearly to temperature, and the offset was reduced by approximately 63% through annealing the sensors.
Radiolarian evidence consistent with spreading of the pacific floor.

In sediments west of the East Pacific Rise between the equator and 20°N, Eocene microfossils are recorded no farther east than 134°W; Oligocene, no farther east than 125°W; while Miocene and Pliocene occurrences extend closer to the crest of the rise. This distribution may result from post-Eocene spreading of the sea floor here averaging about 8 centimeters per year.
Spatiotemporal properties of stereoacuity.

This study investigated the effects of spatial and temporal luminance variations on stereoacuity across three experiments. In Experiment 1, the effect of counterphase flicker on performance was examined at five spatial frequencies. Flicker impaired performance at a high spatial frequency, whereas it
Gravity wave fluxes of O3 and OH at the nightside mesopause

A dynamical-chemical model is used to determine concentration fluctuations, fluxes, mixing ratio fluxes, and flux divergences of the minor constituents OH, O3, HO2, H and O driven by gravity waves propagating through the nightside mesopause region. The model includes a five reaction chemical scheme for the production and loss of the minor species and the complete dynamics of linearized gravity waves in a motionless atmosphere. Wave fluxes of O3 and OH are small except for a 5 km thick region at about the level of the mesopause wherein the fluxes are large and downward. Wave-induced transport of O3 and OH opposes diffusive down-gradient transport of these species which would result in upward fluxes above ∼ 75 km for OH and above ∼ 81 km for O3, except for localized regions. Gravity wave fluxes of O3 can cause large changes in O3 number densities in times comparable to the O3 chemical time constant and they are therefore major contributors to the balance that determines O3 concentrations at the mesopause. Because of the short chemical time constant of OH, gravity wave fluxes of OH do not directly change OH concentrations. However, wave fluxes can alter OH concentrations indirectly through the modifications to O3 number densities and the rapid adjustment of OH to O3. By modulating the intensity and intrinsic frequency of gravity wave activity, tides can force diurnal and semidiurnal variations in the divergence of O3 and OH wave fluxes and in the concentrations or O3 and OH. Gravity wave fluxes are able to alter the mixing ratios of O3 and OH as a consequence of the chemistry. The coupling of wave dynamics and chemistry acts to reduce the mixing ratios of O3 and OH around 80 km.
Imaging of VEGF Receptor Kinase Inhibitor-Induced Antiangiogenic Effects in Drug-Resistant Human Adenocarcinoma Model

Small molecule vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosinase kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs) show great promise in inducing antiangiogenic responses in tumors. We investigated whether antiangiogenic tumor responses induced by an experimental VEGFR-TKI (AG013925; Pfizer Global Research and Development) could be reported by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the initial phase of treatment. We used MRI and superparamagnetic nanoparticles for measuring relative vascular volume fraction (rVVF) in a drug-resistant colon carcinoma model. Athymic mice harboring MV522 xenografts were treated with VEGFR-TKI (25 mg/kg, p.o., with a 12-hour interval in between treatments) and were imaged after three consecutive treatments. Relative tumor blood volume fractions were calculated using deltaR2* maps that were scaled by the known VVF value of an in-plane skeletal muscle (1.9%). There was a pronounced and statistically significant (P < .001) decrease of tumor rVVF in treated animals (0.95 +/- 0.24%; mean +/- SEM, n = 66 slices, eight mice) compared to mice that received a placebo (2.91 +/- 0.24%; mean +/- SEM, n = 66 slices, nine mice). Tumor histology confirmed a three-fold decrease of vascular density and a concomitant increase of apoptotic cell index. Hence, we demonstrated that: 1) the VEGFR-TKI resulted in antiangiogenic effects that were manifested by a decrease or rVVF; and 2) iron oxide nanoparticles and steady-state MRI enable an early detection of tumor response to antiangiogenic therapies.
Real-time simulation of meadow

We present a simple method to render outdoor grass meadow in real time. The technique employs vertex shaders to simulate the wagging effect of grass blades in wind blowing. In the vertex shader, a flexible structure for controlling the orientation and animation of grass blades is created. The wagging animation only affects the top vertices of a grass object. This technique achieves convincing results in real-time, and can be applied to other outdoor 3D games or simulations.
Rapid method for the measurement of circulating thyroid hormones in low volumes of teleost fish plasma by LC-ESI/MS/MS

Thyroid hormones are critical regulators of normal development and physiological functioning in all vertebrates. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) approaches have been the method of choice for measuring circulating levels of thyroid hormones in vertebrates. While sensitive, RIA-based approaches only allow for a single analyte measurement per assay, can lack concordance across platforms and laboratories, and can be prone to analytical interferences especially when used with fish plasma. Ongoing advances in liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) have led to substantial decreases in detection limits for thyroid hormones and other biomolecules in complex matrices, including human plasma. Despite these advances, current analytical approaches do not allow for the measurement of native thyroid hormone in teleost fish plasma by mass spectrometry and continue to rely on immunoassay. In this study, we developed a new method that allows for the rapid extraction and simultaneous measurement of total T4 (TT4) and total T3 (TT3) in low volumes (50 μL) of fish plasma by LC/MS/MS. Methods were optimized initially in plasma from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and applied to plasma from other teleost fishes, including fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus), sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Validation of method performance with T4- and T3-spiked rainbow trout plasma at 2 and 4 ng/mL produced mean recoveries ranging from 82 to 95 % and 97 to 105 %, respectively. Recovery of 13C12-T4 internal standard in plasma extractions was: 99 ± 1.8 % in rainbow trout, 85 ± 11 % in fathead minnow, 73 ± 5.0 % in mummichog, 73 ± 1.7 % in sockeye salmon, and 80 ± 8.4 % in coho salmon. While absolute levels of thyroid hormones measured in identical plasma samples by LC/MS/MS and RIA varied depending on the assay used, T4/T3 ratios were generally consistent across both techniques. Less variability was measured among samples subjected to LC/MS/MS suggesting a more precise estimate of thyroid hormone homeostasis in the species targeted. Overall, a sensitive and reproducible method was established that takes advantage of LC/MS/MS techniques to rapidly measure TT4 and TT3 with negligible interferences in low volumes of plasma across a variety of teleost fishes.
Educational advances in artificial intelligence

In 2010 a new annual symposium on Educational Advances in Artificial Intelligence (EAAI) was launched as part of the AAAI annual meeting. The event was held in cooperation with ACM SIGCSE and has many similar goals related to broadening and disseminating work in computer science education. EAAI has a particular focus, however, as the event is specific to educational work in Artificial Intelligence and collocated with a major research conference (AAAI) to promote more interaction between researchers and educators in that domain. This panel seeks to introduce participants to EAAI as a way of fostering more interaction between educational communities in computing. Specifically, the panel will discuss the goals of EAAI, provide an overview of the kinds of work presented at the symposium, and identify potential synergies between that EAAI and SIGCSE as a way of better linking the two communities going forward.
Effect of Centrophenoxine on the Lipofuscin Pigments in the Neurones of Senile Guinea-pigs

CLINICAL and psychological studies indicate that a decline in the functions of the nervous system occurs in old age. Although it is difficult to evaluate the physiopathological changes in the neurones in senescence, the cells nevertheless show changes which they have acquired during functional activities in the past. Neurones are particularly suitable for the study of the effects of time on living cells as these are not generally replaced during life.
Effect of local anesthetics on chloride transport in erythrocytes.

The self-exchange of chloride isotopes across the human erythrocyte membrane was inhibited by tetracaine, benzocaine, and lidocaine. The inhibition by tetracaine was increased at higher pH values, but was not exclusively due to the uncharged form of tetracaine. The inhibition was effective within 5 seconds, was reversible, was noncompetitive with chloride ions, and was not reversed by calcium ions. These findings indicate that local anesthetics react with the erythrocyte chloride carrier at a site separate from the chloride site and cause inhibition of anion transport by a specific mechanism not involving changes in the surface charge density on the erythrocyte membrane.
The Present and Future of Clinical Psychology

Introduces the Special Issue of Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, in which authors address the present and future of each of several different areas within clinical psychology. Topics include major areas of research interest (e.g., assessment, diagnostics, treatment, prevention), matters of training and credentialing, specialty topics (e.g., diversity, clinical child and adolescent psychology), and the settings in which clinical psychologists are employed (e.g., private practice, academic departments of psychology, psychiatry departments).
Response Patterns on the Parent–Child Relationship Inventory in a Simulated Child Custody Evaluation

Custody evaluation likely induces a motivation for parents to distort self-reports of parenting behavior. This study examined thesusceptibility of the Parent–Child Relationship Inventory (PCRI) to exaggeration of positive parenting in an instructional manipulation simulating a custody evaluation versus research study in 64 university students who were parents of children between the ages of 3 and 15. Results suggested that the simulated custody context influenced PCRI scores in the expected direction. However, the social desirability indicator built into the measure was effective at detecting the attempt to present an overly favorable image of the parent–child relationship.
Reforming the Core Clerkship in Internal Medicine: The SGIM/CDIM Project

Dramatic changes in health care have stimulated reform of undergraduate medical education. In an effort to improve the teaching of generalist competencies and encourage learning in the outpatient setting, the Society of General Internal Medicine joined with the Clerkship Directors in Internal Medicine in a federally sponsored initiative to develop a new curriculum for the internal medicine core clerkship. Using a broad-based advisory committee and working closely with key stakeholders (especially clerkship directors), the project collaborators helped forge a new national consensus on the learning agenda for the clerkship (a prioritized set of basic generalist competencies) and on the proportion of time that should be devoted to outpatient care (at least one third of the clerkship). From this consensus emerged a new curricular model that served as the basis for production of a curriculum guide and faculty resource package. The guide features the prioritized set of basic generalist competencies and specifies the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes/values needed to master them, as well as a list of suggested training problems. It also includes recommended training experiences, schedules, and approaches to faculty development, precepting, and student evaluation. Demand for the guide has been strong and led to production of a second edition, which includes additional materials, an electronic version, and a pocket guide for students and faculty. A follow-up survey of clerkship directors administered soon after completion of the first edition revealed widespread use of the curricular guide but also important barriers to full implementation of the new curriculum. Although this collaborative effort appears to have initiated clerkship reform, long-term success will require an enhanced educational infrastructure to support teaching in the outpatient setting.
Seafood Traceability in the United States: Current Trends, System Design, and Potential Applications

Increasing globalization of our food supply combined with recent outbreaks of foodborne disease has heightened concerns over food safety issues around the globe. In response to these growing concerns, both by government and consumers, many nations are looking at food traceability as a means to restore confidence in the food supply and limit damages incurred by the sale and distribution of unsafe products. Traceability, which allows for the tracking of food products through all steps of production, distribution, and sales, can provide information on the nature, origin, and quality of a product; allowing consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions while providing the mechanisms for quick and thorough product recall procedures. Implementing traceablity systems will require improved vertical intergration between entities and the development of standars for the collection and dissemination of traceability data. Fortunately, rapid advances in information technology have made it possible to implement traceability systems within the food industry. This review will explore the current trends toward tracebility in the U.S. seafood industry. Current legislation, both here and abroad, and its effects on the seafood industry will be explored, and the design of a traceability system will be discussed.
Theoretical analysis of a continuous tracking system

Today's radar exploitation system utilize information from both Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) obtained from various airborne platforms. GMTI detects and supports the classification of moving targets, whereas SAR detects and supports the classification of stationary targets. However, there is currently no ability to integrate the information from these two classes of radars in tracking targets that execute sequences of move-stop-move maneuvers. The solutions of this dilemma is the development of a Continuous Tracking (CT) architecture that uses distinctive GMTI and SAR features to associate stationary and moving target detections through move-stop-move maneuvers. This paper develops a theoretical model and present corresponding numeric computations of the performance of the CT syste. This theory utilizes a two- state Markov process to model the successive SAR and MTI detections are derived from typical traffic and sensor behaviors. This analysis of the sensor characteristics and the underlying traffic model provides a foundation in designing a CT systems with the maximum possible performance.
Internal Structure Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Calcium Phosphate Bone Scaffolds: A Micro-Computed Tomographic Study

Micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) was used to examine the fidelity of three-dimensional (3D) bioceramic scaffolds made from dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) cement. The scaffolds were produced with a multi-step indirect solid freeform fabrication method. Accuracy and fidelity were examined after each step. The pre-tracing of the perimeter of a layer in the mold fabrication step caused the round-off of the square channels from the design. However, the overall shape of the scaffold was not significantly different from the wax mold. There is relatively no change in the strut and the channel-size measurements between the computer-generated model and the molds fabricated by 3D printing. The change in volume fraction of DCPD cement scaffolds is higher than biphasic scaffolds due to the internal pores. These results demonstrated that μ-CT is a very useful tool to analyze and evaluate the internal architectural of the complicated 3D scaffold-fabrication process.
Reproductive Variance of Brood Dams and Sires used in Restoration Enhancement of Spotted Seatrout in Texas Bays and Estuaries

AbstractSpawning patterns and reproductive variance of Spotted Seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus dams and sires at two restoration enhancement facilities in Texas were assessed across a spawning year by using parentage analysis based on 12 variable microsatellite loci. In total, 72.6% of all dams and sires contributed to at least one spawning event, although in contrasting patterns. Across all spawning events assayed, more sires contributed to each spawn, on average, than did dams; dams had considerably higher variance in reproductive success than sires. Dams alternatively had a higher average contribution to the number of progeny from a single spawn but also a much higher variance in the number of progeny produced per spawn. The variation in the number of progeny produced per dam and per sire and the number of actual mating combinations led to an average reduction of 64.3% in the genetic effective population size (Ne) per spawn relative to the maximum Ne that would be expected if (1) all possible dam × sire m...
Plasma Alpha-One Acid Glycoprotein and Haloperidol Concentrations in Schizophrenic Patients

Thirty six schizophrenic patients were randomly assigned to placebo or haloperidol treatment for 6 weeks. Blood samples to measure plasma alpha-one acid glycoprotein (AAG), haloperidol and reduced haloperidol concentrations were obtained at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 6. Blood samples were obtained 10-12 h after the evening dose and prior to the morning dose. Haloperidol and reduced haloperidol was assayed by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Plasma AAG levels were assayed by radial immunodiffusion. Patients were clinically assessed by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 6. BPRS scores did not significantly decrease during placebo treatment, although a slight drop in plasma AAG levels was found. Haloperidol produced a significant decrease in BPRS scores and plasma AAG levels. Mean plasma haloperidol levels were 12.9 ± 14.7 ng/ml at week 6. Significant correlations between decreasing BPRS scores and plasma AAG levels were not found with only a strong trend at week 2 (r = 0.445, p = 0.073). The role of AAG and psychotropic drug disposition in psychiatric patients requires further evaluation.
Using electrophoresis to observe the interaction of nitrogenase with ions.

The two protein components of nitrogenase from Klebsiella pneumoniae were shown to interact with metal ions and ADP, altering their electrophoretic mobility in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Both Mg+2 and Mn+2 caused reduced mobility of Fe protein relative to other proteins. The effect was about 50% complete at concentrations around 0.2 mM. Other ions including Fe+2, Ni+2 and Co+2 had no observable effect at levels up to 1 __mM. Both Cd+2 and Zn+2 appeared to interact with the protein; Cd+2 at 0.5 mM dramatically destabilized the protein. The effects of more than a dozen different mutations of the Fe protein on Mg+2 interaction were examined. All mutated proteins appeared to interact with Mg+2 similarly to wild-type. Using relative mobility differences of charge-changed mutants it was estimated that two to three Mg+2 interact with each Fe protein monomer. The MoFe protein also showed interaction with metal ions but the alteration of mobility was much smaller than for the Fe protein because it is larger and less acidic, so that it runs much more slowly than the Fe protein in standard gels. The interaction of ADP with Fe protein was examined in the presence of Mg+2. Increasing ADP partially reversed the mobility decrease observed on Mg+2 binding, and produced a more diffuse protein band indicative of a reaction zone of interconverting conformers. No alteration of MoFe protein mobility was observed with ADP added during electrophoresis.
Simultaneous separation and quantitation of amino acids and polyamines of forest tree tissues and cell cultures within a single high-performance liquid chromatography run using dansyl derivatization

The objective of the present study was to develop a rapid HPLC method for simultaneous separation and quantitation of dansylated amino acids and common polyamines in the same matrix for analyzing forest tree tissues and cell cultures. The major modifications incorporated into this method as compared to previously published HPLC methods for separation of only dansyl amino acids include: use of a 10 cm column to reduce the total run time by approximately 15 min; modification of the dansyl derivatization process and gradient profile to elute amino acids and common polyamines within the same run; addition of steps for column cleaning within each run; shorter re-equilibration time; and finally, column cleaning and physically reversing the column at the end of a loop of samples. These changes improved peak resolution and increased column longevity by several-fold. Over 1000 foliar samples from mature forest trees could be analyzed with the same column as compared to only 200-250 samples before the incorporation of these changes. This method eluted 22 amino acids within 40 min plus all three common polyamines between 44 and 47 min. The total run time is 53.6 min for amino acids only and 55.6 min for both amino acids and polyamines.
Qur'anic Christians: An Analysis of Classical and Modern Exegesis

Acknowledgements Abbreviations Introduction Part I. Qur'anic Commentary and Commentators: 1. Text and tafsir 2. From Tabari to Tabataba'i Part II. Qur'anic Commendation of Christians: 3. Nazarenes of faith and action 4. Followers of the Qur'anic Jesus 5. Steadfast and submissive 6. The promised bounty of piety 7. The praiseworthy amity of Christians 8. Christians as pre-Qur'anic Muslims 9. Compassion, mercy and monasticism Conclusion Works cited Index of Qur'anic verses Index of names and subjects.
Morphology of crystals in calcium oxalate monohydrate kidney stones

Both scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have shown that calcium oxalate monohydrate kidney stones are made up from arrangements of sub micron crystals. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the morphology of these crystals which was obscured by the presence of organic matrix in our earlier study. Sections of stones were treated to remove the protein component of the matrix and then imaged using AFM. Images obtained after proteolysis show that the crystals are in the form of plates stacked on (100) surfaces. These results were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy observations from selected regions of calcium oxalate kidney stone surfaces. The observed crystal sizes are consistent with both the known matrix mass fraction and crystallite growth in the passage through the collecting duct.
Some ways to endanger an endangered language project

The success of programs that are focused on revitalizing an endangered language depends on careful implementation. This paper examines four common mistakes that are made when linguists and anthropologists get involved with documenting endangered languages or participating in revitalization efforts: a failure to appreciate the complexity of the notion of ‘the community’; an overly simple understanding of the notion of ‘the language’; a neglect of the social dynamics and needs that underlie language use; and assuming too much control of the revitalization efforts. In the process of laying out these issues, a framework for how cultural outsiders can participate in an endangered language project will emerge. Fundamental to this framework is the recognition that language is a social practice, and as a consequence, working with an endangered language entails engagement with a range of complex, and often countervailing, social dynamics.
Characterization of atomic hydrogen-etched HgCdTe surfaces

Thermally produced atomic hydrogen is shown to remove both oxides and the Te overlayer left by Br-based etches. While near-surface HgTe depletion occurs, the surface is suitable for subsequent epitaxial growth as demonstrated by the growth of single-crystal CdTe with atomically smooth surfaces. Preliminary device results demonstrate that atomic hydrogen cleaning may be viable for low-temperature HgCdTe processing.
A central role for the lateral prefrontal cortex in goal-directed and stimulus-driven attention

Attention is the process that selects which sensory information is preferentially processed and ultimately reaches our awareness. Attention, however, is not a unitary process; it can be captured by unexpected or salient events (stimulus driven) or it can be deployed under voluntary control (goal directed), and these two forms of attention are implemented by largely distinct ventral and dorsal parieto-frontal networks. For coherent behavior and awareness to emerge, stimulus-driven and goal-directed behavior must ultimately interact. We found that the ventral, but not dorsal, network can account for stimulus-driven attentional limits to conscious perception, and that stimulus-driven and goal-directed attention converge in the lateral prefrontal component of that network. Although these results do not rule out dorsal network involvement in awareness when goal-directed task demands are present, they point to a general role for the lateral prefrontal cortex in the control of attention and awareness.
Meta-Analysis supports Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) as a promising method for improving communication skills of children with autism spectrum disorders

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Flippin, M., Reszka, S., & Watson, L. R. (2010). Effectiveness of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) on communication and speech for children with autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 19, 178–195. Doi: 10.1044/1058–0360(2010/09–0022). Source of funding and disclosure of interest: No source of funding reported, and the original authors of this research report no conflicts of interest.
Continuous electronic spectrum accompanying the beta decay of molecular tritium.

The electronic spectrum of the T/sub 2/..-->../sup 3/HeT/sup +/+nu-bar+e/sup -/ ..beta.. decay is obtained by a Stieltjes-imaging method using Slater and trigonometric basis functions. Except for one strong resonance structure at 68 eV the continuum lacks structure.
Impurity phases of superfluid 3He in aerogel

Abstract Discovery of impurity phases of superfluid 3 He , produced by silica aerogel, provides a new approach to investigate the effect of disorder on unconventional pairing. A simple model that assumes homogeneous, isotropic scattering is in agreement with experiment including suppression of the superfluid transition temperature, the amplitude of the order parameter, and phase diagram of magnetic field, temperature, and pressure, with the feature that the polycritical point vanishes in a 98% porous aerogel. We also find a metastable equal-spin-pairing state in zero field although such a phase does not exist in equilibrium.
A probable case of clicks influencing the sound patterns of some European languages.

In the history of various European languages (Latin, Spanish, English, Swedish, and various dialects of French) there are instances of the cluster mn appearing as mpn. There are philological controversies as to whether this ‘epenthetic’ p was actually pronounced or was just a learned hypercorrect spelling. I offer here a novel phonetic scenario supporting the claim that the p was pronounced and arose in a phonetically natural way: I posit that in the mn cluster there was temporal overlap of the m and n closures. The simultaneous labial and apical closure would create a pocket of air between them which, when the labial closure was released, would undergo a momentary rarefaction of pressure and thus be released with a click-like burst. Listeners would be likely to interpret this stop burst auditorily as a pulmonic [p] and this would be the basis of their own pronunciations.
Stability conditions for a class of distributed-parameter systems

Abstract Open-loop stability in the sense of bounded outputs for bounded inputs, and closed-loop asymptotic stability are considered for a class of distributed parameter systems. This class consists of systems whose dynamics can be represented by a transfer function which is the ratio of the multiple transforms (Hankel and Laplace) of output and input. The closed-loop stability criterion is similar to V. M. Popov's stability criterion for lumped-parameter systems.
THE DIFFERENTIABILITY OF a x

(1975). The Differentiability of ax. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 82, No. 5, pp. 505-506.
Finite element modeling of impulsive excitation and shear wave propagation in an incompressible, transversely isotropic medium

Elastic properties of materials can be measured by observing shear wave propagation following localized, impulsive excitations and relating the propagation velocity to a model of the material. However, characterization of anisotropic materials is difficult because of the number of elasticity constants in the material model and the complex dependence of propagation velocity relative to the excitation axis, material symmetries, and propagation directions. In this study, we develop a model of wave propagation following impulsive excitation in an incompressible, transversely isotropic (TI) material such as muscle. Wave motion is described in terms of three propagation modes identified by their polarization relative to the material symmetry axis and propagation direction. Phase velocities for these propagation modes are expressed in terms of five elasticity constants needed to describe a general TI material, and also in terms of three constants after the application of two constraints that hold in the limit of an incompressible material. Group propagation velocities are derived from the phase velocities to describe the propagation of wave packets away from the excitation region following localized excitation. The theoretical model is compared to the results of finite element (FE) simulations performed using a nearly incompressible material model with the five elasticity constants chosen to preserve the essential properties of the material in the incompressible limit. Propagation velocities calculated from the FE displacement data show complex structure that agrees quantitatively with the theoretical model and demonstrates the possibility of measuring all three elasticity constants needed to characterize an incompressible, TI material.
Reflecting on Adversarial Growth and Trauma through Autoethnography

This autoethnographic narrative seeks to engage the reader through a personal account of a traumatic event that happened in the Cabrini Green neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, in 1980. Twenty-six years later, the author reflects on how strength is revealed during trauma and the role it plays in positive adversarial growth.
The impact of information distribution, ownership; and discussion on group member judgment: The differential cue weighting model

Abstract It is often assumed that groups or teams pool knowledge and consider more information than individuals. However, numerous group decision-making studies have found that groups tend to focus on information that members had in common before group discussion instead of exchanging members’ unique information. This paper extends previous research and introduces the differential cue weighting (DCW) model to explain how group members form and revise their judgments during group discussion. It is proposed that information cues are differentially weighted depending on the combination of three factors: the cue’s initial distribution, its ownership by the member, and its addition to group discussion. An empirical study provides support for the DCW model, demonstrating that, for individual judgment, unique information can be just as influential as common information, but only for the member who contributed it to discussion.
Gadolinium Molybdate, a New Type of Ferroelectric Crystal

Ferroelectric properties in gadolinium molybdate are shown to originate from a new mechanism completely different from that in conventional ferroelectric materials. In this crystal the spontaneous polarization results from an elastic instability which gives rise to a spontaneous strain in the original piezoelectric paraelectric phase. The dielectric permittivity of the clamped crystal ($\ensuremath{\epsilon}_{33}^{x}$) is low and independent of temperature, while the elastic constant ($c_{66}^{E}$) shows a strong temperature dependence with a marked anomaly at the Curie point.
Button Design for Weighted Map Overlays

Buttons or tabs are function keys on a computer screen that are designed to facilitate users' direct manipulations. One increasingly popular application of the button technique in a GIS environment is weighted map overlays for land suitability assessment. Here, buttons are coded with weighting values to indicate maps' importance to their associations. There are, however, a number of flaws in the existing button designs that can affect the quality of land-suitability assessment. In this paper, we first examine two common problems of redundancy and underrepresentation in button design, and then present a button system that is free from these problems.
Initial experience with a stentless porcine bioprosthesis for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in children.

1. Moon MR, Stinson EB, Miller DC. Surgical treatment of endocarditis. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 1997;40:239-64. 2. Arbulu A, Asfaw S. Management of infective endocarditis: seventeen years’ experience. Ann Thorac Surg. 1987;43:144-9. 3. Rao V, Van Arsdell GS, David TE, Azakie A, Williams WG. Aortic valve repair for adult congenital heart disease: a 22-year experience. Circulation. 2000;102(19 Suppl 3):III40-3. 4. Moon MR, Miller DC, Moore KA, Oyer PE, Mitchell RS, Robbins RC, et al. Treatment of endocarditis with valve replacement: the question of tissue versus mechanical prosthesis. Ann Thorac Surg. 2001;71:1164-71. 5. Gordon SM, Serkey JM, Longworth DL, Lytle BW, Cosgrove DM. Early onset of prosthetic valve endocarditis: the Cleveland Clinic experience 1992-1997. Ann Thorac Surg. 2000;69:1388-92. 6. Grunkemeier GL, Hui-Hua L. Epidemiology and risk factors for prosthetic valve endocarditis. In: Vlessis AA, Bolling S, editors. Endocarditis: a multidisciplinary approach to modern treatment. Armonk, NY: Futura Publishing; 1999. p. 85-103.
A rapid method for measuring apoptosis and dual-color immunofluorescence by single laser flow cytometry

A sensitive method for quantification of cells undergoing apoptosis that permits the simultaneous measurement of dual-color cell surface immunofluorescence is presented. Unfixed cells are stained with 7-amino-actinomycin D (7-AAD) for discrimination of live from early apoptotic cells and from cells which have lost membrane integrity (late apoptotic or necrotic, dead cells). Owing to its spectral characteristics 7-AAD can be combined with fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC) and phycoerythrin (PE) cell surface staining. After staining, the samples can be treated with paraformaldehyde (PF) solution to eliminate the risk for exposure of laboratory personnel to biohazardous agents and to preserve the cells through fixation for later analysis on the flow cytometer. The value of the method is shown on the measurement of apoptosis in human thymocytes and in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) exposed to various inducers of active cell death. The method is validated by fluorescent activated cell sorting in combination with morphologic examination of the sorted cells. The technique we are presenting is particularly valuable in a clinical setting because it allows rapid multiparameter analysis of apoptosis in combination with cell surface phenotype on biohazardous samples with single laser instrumentation.
A study of distributed capacitor control for electric power distribution systems

With the current push towards advanced distribution automation, the possibilities for online distributed control are increasing. One component which is currently being upgraded for increased automation capabilities is the switched shunt capacitor. In this work, a study of distributed capacitor control to regulate voltage spread in a distribution network is performed. To implement distributed control, the network is first separated into control areas based on the reactive power domains of each controllable shunt capacitor. A distributed power flow analysis is then employed to estimate the operating state within each control area of the distributed system. A preliminary distributed controller design is presented which computes capacitor control decisions based on a computed reference located within each control area in the system. Results of the distributed control on an example distribution system are presented and compared against local and centralized controls.
Incidence and pattern of cervical spine injury in patients who fall: don't worry about how high, worry about how old

RESULTS: The response rate was 53% (107/201), and the median follow-up was 7 years (range 1.8-18.9). The respondents were 53% male, median age 72 years (median age at surgery was 66). Pathology included: 19 ampullary adenocarcinomas, 17 pancreatic adenocarcinomas, 15 cystadenomas, 17 IPMNs, 6 neuroendocrine tumors, 6 duodenal adenocarcinomas, 3 cholangiocarcinomas, and 24 other lesions. The majority lost weight (median -9.5kg), 46 required pancreatic enzymes, and 25 developed diabetes. Before surgery, 85% reported satisfaction with life, versus 94% after surgery. Of
The Environmentalist and the LULU

(1985). The Environmentalist and the LULU. Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development: Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 7-40.
The United Nations Programme on Space Applications: Status and direction for 2010

Abstract The United Nations Programme on Space Applications was established in 1971 to assist countries in making full use of the benefits of space technology and its applications for social and economic development. Since its inception the programme has organized numerous training courses, workshops, seminars and conferences and provided funding support for more than 10 000 experts, mainly from developing countries, to participate in those activities. The programme has continuously evolved over four decades, taking into account the latest developments in the field of space activities, to best serve the capacity-building needs of countries and to help ensure that space-based solutions contribute to improving life on Earth. This report describes the status and direction of the UN Programme on Space Applications as recommended for approval by the UN’s Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) Scientific and Technical Subcommittee at its 47th session held in Vienna in February 2010.
Hardiness training facilitates performance in college

In 25 years of research and practice, hardiness has emerged as a pattern of attitudes and skills that is a pathway to resilience under stressful circumstances. As such, it is important to determine whether hardiness can be trained, and if such training improves performance and health. The few relevant studies available thus far have suggested this training effectiveness among working adults and students. Furthering this theme, the present study involves a large sample of undergraduate students, comparing those who experienced hardiness training as a regular credit course, with those who went through other courses taught by the same teachers. At the beginning of the courses, these two groups did not differ in demographics, hardiness levels, or grade-point-average (GPA). At the end of the courses, the Hardiness Training Group showed higher levels of hardiness, and GPA than did the Comparison Group. This improvement in GPA for the Hardiness Training Group persisted over the following 2-year period, even cont...
The 1.59 Å resolution structure of the minor pseudopilin EpsH of Vibrio cholerae reveals a long flexible loop

Abstract The type II secretion complex exports folded proteins from the periplasm to the extracellular milieu. It is used by the pathogenic bacterium Vibrio cholerae to export several proteins, including its major virulence factor, cholera toxin. The pseudopilus is an essential component of the type II secretion system and likely acts as a piston to push the folded proteins across the outer membrane through the secretin pore. The pseudopilus is composed of the major pseudopilin, EpsG, and four minor pseudopilins, EpsH, EpsI, EpsJ and EpsK. We determined the x-ray crystal structure of the head domain of EpsH at 1.59 A resolution using molecular replacement with the previously reported EpsH structure, 2qv8, as the template. Three additional N-terminal amino acids present in our construct prevent an artifactual conformation of residues 160–166, present in one of the two monomers of the 2qv8 structure. Additional crystal contacts stabilize a long flexible loop comprised of residues 104–135 that is more disordered in the 2qv8 structure but is partially observed in our structure in very different positions for the two EpsH monomers in the asymmetric unit. In one of the conformations the loop is highly extended. Modeling suggests the highly charged loop is capable of contacting EpsG and possibly secreted protein substrates, suggesting a role in specificity of pseudopilus assembly or secretion function.
Nonlinear theory of defects in nematic liquid crystals; Phase transition and flow phenomena

This is a summary of some recent mathematical advances in the theory of defects in nematic liquid crystals. It also includes some new results concerning disclinations (line defects) which have not been published elsewhere.
Short communication: presynchronization for timed artificial insemination in grazing dairy cows by using progesterone for 14 days with or without prostaglandin F2α at the time of progesterone withdrawal

Progesterone-containing devices can be inserted intravaginally for 14 d to presynchronize the estrous cycle for timed artificial insemination (TAI) in beef heifers ("14-day CIDR-PG" or "Show-Me-Synch" program). The progesterone treatment is effective for presynchronization because cattle develop a persistent dominant follicle during treatment that ovulates within 3 d after progesterone removal. The subsequent estrous cycle can be effectively used for a TAI program. Some cattle will retain a functional corpus luteum (CL) for the entire 14-d treatment period and will not be synchronized effectively because the interval to ovulation depends on the lifespan of their existing CL. The objective was to test the effect of a luteolytic dose of PGF(2α) at progesterone removal for improving synchrony of estrus after treatment and increasing conception rate to a subsequent TAI in dairy cows. Postpartum cows (n = 1,021) from 2 grazing dairy herds were assigned to 1 of 2 presynchronization programs that used a controlled internal drug releasing (CIDR) device containing progesterone: 14dCIDR (CIDR in, 14 d, CIDR out; n = 523) or 14dCIDR+PGF(2α) (CIDR in, 14 d, CIDR out, and PGF(2α); n = 498). Cows were body condition scored (BCS; 1 to 5, thin to fat) and tail painted at CIDR removal. Paint score (PS) was recorded after CIDR removal [PS = 0 (all paint removed, indication of estrus), PS = 3 (paint partially removed), or PS = 5 (no paint removed; indication of no estrus)]. At 19 d after CIDR removal, all cows were treated with PGF(2α), 56 h later treated with GnRH, and then 16 h later were TAI. Treating cows with PGF(2α) at CIDR removal increased the percentage with PS = 0 within 5 d (58.1% vs. 68.9%; 14dCIDR vs. 14dCIDR+PGF(2α)). We found no effect of treatment, however, on conception rate at TAI (41.1% vs. 43.6%; respectively). The TAI conception rate increased with increasing BCS and was greater for cows that had PS = 0 within 5 d after CIDR removal. In summary, treating cows with PGF(2α) at CIDR removal increased the percentage of cows with all tail paint removed but did not increase percentage of pregnant cows after TAI.
Analyzing the function of small GTPases by microinjection of plasmids into polarized epithelial cells.

Epithelial cells polarize their plasma membrane into biochemically and functionally distinct apical and basolateral domains where the apical domain faces the 'free' surfaces and the basolateral membrane is in contact with the substrate and neighboring cells. Both membrane domains are separated by tight junctions, which form a diffusion barrier. Apical-basolateral polarization can be recapitulated successfully in culture when epithelial cells such as Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells are seeded at high density on polycarbonate filters and cultured for several days 1 2. Establishment and maintenance of cell polarity is regulated by an array of small GTPases of the Ras superfamily such as RalA, Cdc42, Rab8, Rab10 and Rab13 3 4 5 6 7. Like all GTPases these proteins cycle between an inactive GDP-bound state and an active GTP-bound state. Specific mutations in the nucleotide binding regions interfere with this cycling 8. For example, Rab13T22N is permanently locked in the GDP-form and thus dubbed 'dominant negative', whereas Rab13Q67L can no longer hydrolyze GTP and is thus locked in a 'dominant active' state 7. To analyze their function in cells both dominant negative and dominant active alleles of GTPases are typically expressed at high levels to interfere with the function of the endogenous proteins 9. An elegant way to achieve high levels of overexpression in a short amount of time is to introduce the plasmids encoding the relevant proteins directly into the nuclei of polarized cells grown on filter supports using microinjection technique. This is often combined with the co-injection of reporter plasmids that encode plasma membrane receptors that are specifically sorted to the apical or basolateral domain. A cargo frequently used to analyze cargo sorting to the basolateral domain is a temperature sensitive allele of the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVGts045) 10. This protein cannot fold properly at 39°C and will thus be retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) while the regulatory protein of interest is assembled in the cytosol. A shift to 31°C will then allow VSVGts045 to fold properly, leave the ER and travel to the plasma membrane 11. This chase is typically performed in the presence of cycloheximide to prevent further protein synthesis leading to cleaner results. Here we describe in detail the procedure of microinjecting plasmids into polarized cells and subsequent incubations including temperature shifts that allow a comprehensive analysis of regulatory proteins involved in basolateral sorting.