cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Excitatory amino acid receptor subtype binding following traumatic brain injury

Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a moderate level (2.2 atm) of traumatic brain injury (TBI) using fluid percussion. Injured animals were allowed post-trauma survival periods of 5 min, 3 and 24 h. Regional glutamate receptor subtype binding was assessed with quantitative autoradiography in each group for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), quisqualate and kainate receptor subpopulations at approximately the -3.8 bregma level and compared to a sham control group. [3H]glutamate binding to the NMDA receptor was significantly (P less than 0.05) decreased at 3 h post-TBI in the hippocampal CA1 stratum radiatum, the molecular layers of the dentate gyri and the outer (layers 1-3) and inner (layers 5 and 6) overlying neocortex. NMDA receptor binding was significantly reduced in layers 5 and 6 of the neocortex at all post-trauma survival times but no further differences were seen in the hippocampi. No significant changes were observed with [3H]AMPA binding to quisqualate receptors and [3H]KA binding was significantly reduced only in layers 5 and 6 of the neocortex at 24 h after TBI. These data further confirm the pathological involvement of the NMDA receptor complex in brain regions selectively vulnerable to moderate levels of TBI in this model.
Quantitative evaluation of atomic absorption error functions

Abstract The variation in standard deviation with transmittance for a large number of elements has been expressed in terms of four component error functions, each one characteristic of one (or more) possible sources of noise associated with the measurement of transmittance (or absorbance). The magnitude of the contribution of each of the component functions has been measured quantitatively, and it is shown that the major component in nearly every case is that related to noise associated with the dynamic nature of the flame. For many elements, the smallest relative error occurs at an absorbance between 0·35 and 0·61 units; the range from 0·2 to 0·7 absorbance units (50 × to 200 × the observed analytical sensitivity) is suggested as the most precise working range for a wide variety of elements.
Spinal Epidural Abscess: Diagnosis and Treatment

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is an uncommon entity, with an incidence of 0.2 to 2 per 10,000 hospital admissions. It is associated with potentially devastating neurological consequences. The incidence is increasing with the increase in intravenous drug use and increasing spinal procedures. SEA is classically described as presenting with fever, focal back pain, and progressive neurological symptoms. However, patients rarely fulfill all the characteristics of this pathognomonic triad. The key in diagnosis is a high level of suspicion when patients present with back pain. MRI is highly accurate in the evaluation. Empiric antibiotics for SEA must include coverage for staphylococci (vancomycin pending organism identification and susceptibility testing) and gram-negative bacilli (e.g., ceftazidime, cefepime, or meropenem), and antibiotics should continue for at least 8 weeks. Surgical evacuation remains the standard treatment in patients who present with neurologic signs on physical examination or who have failed medical management. The prognosis depends on the presenting neurologic status. Despite recent efforts, SEA is associated with a high mortality rate, most likely a result of delayed diagnosis and poor neurologic status at presentation. Therefore, high suspicion and early diagnosis remain the most important factors in the management of SEA.
For the southern half of the globe

Abstract The proposal is made that an international design school is set up for peripheral countries. This postgraduate school would be staffed originally by Faculty members from metropolitan countries. Students would be graduates with ‘real world’ experience. Schools would be small, based at regional centres, and possibly periphatetic in nature.
Translational Dynamics of Diblock Copolymers

A study of the translational diffusion of a symmetric A-B diblock copolymer into homopolymer, A and B, host is reported. The segmental mobilities of homopolymer A into homopolymer B, A into A, B into A, and B into homopolymer B hosts were independently determined. These segmental mobilities were observed to differ by orders of magnitude. Using a straightforward formalism based entirely on reptation, reliable predictions of the magnitude of the diffusivity of the diblock were made using these independently determined mobilities. Current theories which address the diffusion of diblock copolymer chains all assume, in the absence of any experiments in this area, that a single, constant, friction factor characterizes the diffusion of diblock chains. It is anticipated that the incorporation of such differences in the relative magnitudes of the segmental mobilities might alter quantitative conclusions of such theories.
Effect of Incorporation on the Efficacy of Selected Pyrethroids for Control of Black Cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Laboratory-reared black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), larvae were used to determine if incorporating fenvalerate and permethrin in the soil to a depth of 8 cm would alter efficacy. Laboratory bioassays were done 0, 7, 14, and 21 d after application. Results of second- and fourth-instar bioassays show that second instars are more sensitive to fenvalerate and permethrin but require 89% more handling time than fourth instars. Incorporation significantly reduced the efficacy of fenvalerate and permethrin. Decreased efficacy from incorporating permethrin was counteracted by increasing the application rate from 0.113 kg(AI)/ha to 0.226 kg(AI)/ha, the maximum labeled rate. Incorporation of fenvalerate reduced efficacy to an unacceptable level even at the maximum labeled rate. Limited data suggest that incorporation also affects cyfluthrin and esfenvalerate adversely.
Purification and properties of cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase isolated from a larval crustacean, Artemia salina

The cytoplasmic isozyme of malate dehydrogenase (s-MDH) has been isolated from brine shrimp nauplii to a state of high purity. The purified enzyme is free of glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase activities and has specific activities of 550–570 μM NAD+/min/mg protein (oxaloacetate reduction) or 115 μM NADH/min/mg protein (malate oxidation). Nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis resolved at least three catalytically active s-MDH subforms with no observable non-MDH protein present. The enzyme displays a single uniform boundary in sedimentation velocity centrifugation which yields a S20,w value of 4.4. From sedimentation equilibrium a molecular weight of 75,300 is calculated, and a break in the plot of In C versus r2 is evident for the low protein concentration portion of the boundary, suggesting a dimer–monomer dissociation and/or a low molecular weight microcontaminant. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels give an apparent molecular weight of 36,000–38,000 for the s-MDH subunit. The cytoplasmic isozyme has a pH optimum of 8.0 for oxaloacetate reduction and exhibits low susceptibility to thermal denaturation, with less than 10% loss of catalytic activity observed at 48°C in 1 hour. An Arrhenius plot gives a linear relationship with no transitions and an estimated molar activation energy of 9.75 Kcal/mole for the overall catalytic step. Michaelis constants in 0.05 M Tris/HCL buffer, pH 8.0, at 25°C are 4.2 × 10−5 M for oxaloacetate and 1.5 × 10−5 M for NADH, and the molecular activity (kcat) is 42,000. Substrate inhibition by oxaloacetate or malate is not observed at low concentrations, but begins at 7–10 mM and 20–30 mM, respectively.
Get Back TFIIF, Don't Let Me Gdown1

In this issue of Molecular Cell, papers by the Price and Roeder labs reveal how the Gdown1 protein antagonizes the general transcription factor TFIIF during RNAPII initiation and elongation and how the Mediator complex intervenes in this molecular tug-of-war to activate RNAPII.
A Widely Tunable Narrow Linewidth RF Source Utilizing an Integrated Heterogeneous Photonic Module

Generating RF signals over the entire spectrum, from hundreds of MHz to the hundreds of GHz, typically requires the use of multiple oscillators which operate only for specific bands within that spectrum. By mixing two lasers together, it is possible to generate RF signals over that entire band. Through the use of a narrow linewidth low frequency oscillator, optical modulator, and injection locking, much higher frequency outputs can be produced that still retain the narrow linewidth of the low frequency oscillator. Here we present the results of our efforts to develop an integrated version of this system based on a silicon-photonic integrated circuit coupled to III-V semiconductor gain chips. Towards that effort, we have successfully demonstrated an integrated module and shown tunable RF generation with a 1 Hz linewidth.
An evaluation of nebulized ammonium fluorescein as a laboratory aerosol

Abstract For many laboratory studies in aerosol research as well as for the calibration of size-relating aerosol measuring equipment, a suitable model aerosol should consist of spherical particles of uniform density at airborne concentrations which facilitate a convenient method of mass determination of an aerosol fraction sampled within a reasonable period of time. These and other requirements are met by aerosols generated with a nebulizer from dilute solutions of fluorescein in aqueous ammonia. The present study shows that, similar to procedures described for uranine, the original droplets emerging from the nebulizer dry up and form spherical particles of uniform density within a very short time after mixing with clean air of low humidity. In contrast to uranine aerosols, the ammonium fluorescein aerosols show no hygroscopicity. Their solubility in water is low, but by dissolving them in aqueous ammonia, a sensitive mass determination by fluorometric measurements under u.v. irradiation is feasible in the same way as for uranine. The density evaluation was made with the spiral centrifuge aerosol size spectrometer under operating conditions for high size resolution. The results indicated that the particle density of the new aerosol substance was independent of the particle size and had an average value of 1.58 g cm −3 . This value is probably too high due to a slight systematic calibration error of the centrifuge. Conventional density measurements gave a value of 1.35 g cm −3 . By employing the spiral centrifuge for the evaluation of the new aerosol, the study also reconfirmed the excellent optimal size resolution achievable with this instrument. A value of better than 2.5 per cent for sizes above 0.3 μm in aerodynamic diameter was found. For smaller sizes the study revealed a worsening of the resolution to 11 per cent at 0.08 μm, which is qualitatively in keeping with theoretical expectations.
Genipatriol, a New Cycloartane Triterpene from Genipa spruceana

Genipatriol (1), a new 2α,3β-dihydroxylated cycloartane triterpene, was isolated from the aerial parts of Genipa spruceana. The structure of genipatriol was determined by a combination of spectrosc...
Geographically targeted spending: exploring the electoral strategies of incumbent governments

Pork-barrel politics is traditionally associated with presidentialism, strong parties, candidate-centered elections, and/or developing democracies. This paper argues that vote-purchasing behavior by incumbent governments analogous to pork-barreling is likely to be universal. This paper develops a rationale according to which incumbent governments use their partisan ties to lower levels of government to pork-barrel effectively. This argument is tested and corroborated with original data on local government grant allocation from four Nordic countries – traditionally considered to be systems that are least prone to localism. Furthermore, the study also provides preliminary evidence that pork-barreling by incumbent governments is electorally rewarded and thereby a fully rational electoral strategy.
Activation of Lithium Iodide by Europium

A SINGLE crystal of lithium iodide activated with an impurity of 0.05 mol. per cent europous chloride has been grown from the melt and found to be a relatively efficient scintillator. The crystal is clear and transparent except for a slight non-uniform purple coloration. Under 2537 A. ultra-violet excitation the luminescence is a strong blue very like that of anthracene. A section of the boule was cut and finished with 320-grit abrasive paper into a cylinder of 2 cm. diameter by 1.5 cm. long. The finished crystal was mounted in an atmosphere of dry nitrogen within a polished aluminium reflecting-cup1 sealed at the open end with a ‘Lucite’ light-piper and joined to a 5819 photomultiplier.
851 EXERCISE-INDUCED HEMOLYSIS IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Investigation of a patient with sickle cell disease (SS) and hemoglobinuria led us to realize that SS patients may develop exercise-induced hemoglobinemia. 6 patients: 4 SS and 2 Hgb SC (SC) were studied before and after exercise. All had plasma Hgb <5ng% initially. After exercise plasma Hgb in SS patients rose 10-16 mg% but remained <5 mg% in SC. To see if patient's RBCs were abnormally fragile when exposed to shear forces that could be generated in the small vessels of exercising muscles, we exposed them to physiologic shear rates in a coneplate viscometer (Hct 70, 37°C, pO2 100) for 2 min. Normal and SC RBCs had no hemolysis at shear stresses less than 2000 dynes/cm2 (d/cm2) and 1% at 2300 d/cm2. Hemolysis of SS RBCs began at 700 d/cm2 and continued linearly to 7% at 2300 d/cm2. This shear/hemolysis profile is comparable to that of xerocytes and artificially dehydrated RBCs. SS RBCs separated on Stractan gradients had populations of dehydrated cells that were increasingly shear fragile with increasing dehydration. The abnormal shear/hemolysis profile of these dehydrated layers was normalized by in vitro rehydration using nystatin and a high K buffer. Such dense and fragile layers were not found in SC or normal blood. These data suggest that the exercise-induced hemolysis in SS patients is related to lysis of dehydrated, shear-sensitive cells. This same process may also contribute to the chronic hemolysis of SS - a phenomenon known to correlate with numbers of dehydrated, irreversibly sickled cells.
Stochastic models for viscoelastic materials

A sound general method is formulated for stochastic process descriptions of viscoelastic behavior. In this development, much use is made of the microstructural behavior of common viscoelastic materials such as soils and polymer plastics. In addition, parallel features of classical viscoelasticity are described to increase intuition.
Understanding electronic effects in organometallic complexes. Influence of methyl substitution on hafnocene dihalides

A series of hafnocene dihalides was synthesized in which the total methyl substitution on the two cyclopentadienide moieties was 0, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 10. Each of these methyl-substituted hafnocene derivatives was analyzed by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Placement of a subdural evacuating port system for management of iatrogenic hyperacute subdural hemorrhage following intracranial monitor placement

A 22-year-old man was admitted with a severe traumatic brain injury developed a hyperacute subdural hematoma (SDH) following attempted brain tissue oxygen monitor placement. This patient was successfully treated by placement of a subdural evacuation portal system (SEPS). The patient presented to a Level I trauma center after a severe bike versus auto accident. On admission, he was found to have a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3. The patient had small areas of intraparechymal hemorrhage as well as suspicion for diffuse axonal injury in the midbrain. Based on the patient’s GCS score, neurological monitoring was indicated as a part of his intensive care unit treatment, however a SDH occurred during an attempted placement of a brain tissue oxygen monitor. This iatrogenic hyperacute SDH after burr hole monitoring device placement was treated with a SEPS drain. The SEPS drain has been shown to provide complete and/or temporary decompression of liquefied SDH. To our knowledge, this is the first report of using the SEPS to treat iatrogenic SDH associated with an intracranial monitoring device. This technique should be added to the armament of treatment options for a neurosurgeon to treat or temporize a hyperacute SDH with increased intracranial pressure in specific patients.
The Mechanism of the Oxidation of Propene to Acrolein over Copper Oxide

Abstract The oxidation of stereo-labeled propene to acrolein over copper oxide was studied to obtain information about the nature of the intermediates involved in the second hydrogen abstraction and oxygen incorporation process. Experiments with ( E )CHDCHCH 3 and ( Z )CHDCHCH 3 gave deuterated acrolein product ratios which were independent of the stereochemistry of the starting material. The amounts of ( E -acrolein-3- d 1 , ( Z )-acrolein-3- d 1 , and acrolein-1- d 1 were in the ratio of 1:1:1.6 which are consistent with irreversible conversion of a π-allyl to a σ-allyl intermediate. They exclude a geometric discrimination effect in the second H abstraction step. The reaction of ( E )-CHDCDCH 3 was also consistent with irreversible formation of a σ-allyl species and gave a discrimination isotope effect of 0.37 ± 0.06 for the second H abstraction. The results from the oxidative dehydrogenation of D- and 18 O-labeled allyl alcohol show no end-to-end deuterium scrambling and partial loss of 18 O in the acrolein. This suggests that a σ-allyl species bonded to the surface through oxygen does not equilibriate between the end carbon atoms before desorbing to acrolein. The differences in behavior of the σ-allyl intermediates over copper oxide and molybdate catalysts are discussed.
Recommendation algorithms for implicit information

Collaborative filtering (CF) methods are popular for recommender systems. In this paper we focus on exploring how to use implicit and hybrid information to produce efficient recommendations. We suggest a new similarity measure and rating strategy for neighborhood models, and extend original matrix factorization (MF) models to explore implicit information more efficiently. By the mean time, We extend the new MF models to integrate user or item features and obtain a new hybrid model and a corresponding algorithm. Finally we compare our new models with some well known models in our experiments.
Quantized thermal transport in the fractional quantum Hall effect

We analyze thermal transport in the fractional quantum Hall effect ~FQHE!, employing a Luttinger liquid model of edge states. Impurity mediated interchannel scattering events are incorporated in a hydrodynamic description of heat and charge transport. The thermal Hall conductance KH is shown to provide universal characterization of the FQHE state, and reveals nontrivial information about the edge structure. The Lorenz ratio between thermal and electrical Hall conductances violates the free-electron Wiedemann-Franz law, and for some fractional states is predicted to be negative. We argue that thermal transport may provide a unique way to detect the presence of the elusive upstream propagating modes, predicted for fractions such as n52/3 and n53/5. @S0163-1829~96!07548-0#
An analytical model for the power bipolar-MOS transistor

Abstract This paper presents an analytical model for the I–V characteristics of the bipolar-MOS power transistor, also known as IGT or COMFET. Good agreement between this model and experiments is found over a wide range of carrier lifetime and current density. The predicted trade-off between the forward voltage drop and device turn-off time (0.4–10 μsec) has been verified by experiment. For even shorter switching time, the model predicts only a moderate increase in VF. Adding a more heavily doped buffer epitaxial layer is shown to only slightly increase VF but offers several important benefits. The comparison between n-channel and p-channel devices is discussed using the model and the forward voltage drops for the two types of devices are shown to differ by only a small percentage in spite of the large difference in electron and hole mobilities.
Exploring the Chemical Sensitivity of a Carbon Nanotube/Green Tea Composite

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) possess unique electronic and physical properties, which make them very attractive for a wide range of applications. In particular, SWNTs and their composites have shown a great potential for chemical and biological sensing. Green tea, or more specifically its main antioxidant component, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has been found to disperse SWNTs in water. However, the chemical sensitivity of this SWNT/green tea (SWNT/EGCG) composite remained unexplored. With EGCG present, this SWNT composite should have strong antioxidant properties and thus respond to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here we report on fabrication and characterization of SWNT/EGCG thin films and the measurement of their relative conductance as a function of H(2)O(2) concentrations. We further investigated the sensing mechanism by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and field-effect transistor measurements (FET). We propose here that the response to H(2)O(2) arises from the oxidation of EGCG in the composite. These findings suggest that SWNT/green tea composite has a great potential for developing simple resistivity-based sensors.
Getting started on software metrics

The principles on which the Software Management Metrics system is based are discussed. The system collects metrics at regular intervals and represents current estimates of the work to be done, the work accomplished, the resources used, and the status of products being generated. The lessons learned in the eight years since Software Management Metrics were first imposed on the US Air Force's software contractors are reviewed. >
Generalized Tertiary Rainbow of Slightly Oblate Drops: Observations with Laser Illumination

The tertiary rainbow of acoustically levitated water drops was observed in the laboratory. Nontrivial caustics were observed for relatively small values of eccentricity. The angular locations of caustics were modeled with matrix methods of generalized ray tracing. Photographs of the scattering were in general agreement with models. Possible effects on the appearance of natural tertiary bow features are discussed.
Effect of Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration Dose on Achievement of Adequate Vancomycin Trough Concentrations

The vancomycin dose necessary for the achievement of target serum trough concentrations during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) remains to be elucidated. This was a retrospective cohort study of critically ill adults at a tertiary medical center on concurrent CVVH and vancomycin between 2006 and 2010 with a steady-state vancomycin trough concentration. The 87 included patients were grouped according to low (≤30 ml/kg/h; n = 10) or high (>30 ml/kg/h; n = 77) CVVH hemofiltration rate (HFR) for analysis. Vancomycin goal trough achievement occurred in only 32 (37%) patients. The primary endpoint of trough attainment significantly differed between HFR subgroups: 90% versus 30% in low- and high-HFR individuals, respectively (P < 0.001). Patients with subtherapeutic trough concentrations had a median (interquartile range) HFR of 40 ml/kg/h (range, 37 to 47 ml/kg/h) compared to 36 ml/kg/h (range, 30 to 39 ml/kg/h) in those who achieved the trough goal. Irrespective of goal trough, an inverse correlation existed between HFR and serum vancomycin concentration (r = -0.423; P < 0.001). In the subgroup of 14 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) patients, trough achievement was similar to the aggregate cohort (36%). Mortality at 28 days was unrelated to trough achievement in both the overall sample (P = 0.516) and in culture-positive MRSA patients (P = 0.396). Critically ill patients undergoing CVVH therapy may experience clinically significant reductions in goal vancomycin troughs. The results of the present study justify prospective evaluations in this population to determine the optimal vancomycin dosing strategy for attainment of goal trough concentrations.
Using Information Technology To Optimize Operations Of Third-Party Logistics Provider

Advancement in information technologies has brought substantial benefits to logistics service providers, e.g. third-party logistics (3PL) companies. The development and application of these technologies such as global positioning system (GPS) are especially important and helpful in transportation and logistics activities that are integral components in any Supply Chain system. Understanding the impact and potential issues brought by using these technologies are of significant importance in global supply chain management. In this research, we investigate the application of GPS-based information technologies to optimize operations of companies providing third-party logistics service. We discuss how these technologies help to enhance the effective and efficient management of their businesses and analyze the interaction of GPS implementation and several key characteristics of the logistic distribution context. We address major benefits and challenges, and provide important insights.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Bacterial Disinfection by Chlorine Dioxide

Survival data are presented for a fecal strain of Escherichia coli exposed to three concentrations of chlorine dioxide at four temperatures. Chick's first-order reaction equation is generalized to a pseudo nth-order model. Nonlinear least squares curve-fitting of the survival data to the nth order model was performed on an analogue computer. The data were observed to follow fractional order kinetics with respect to survival concentration, with an apparent activation energy of 12,000 cal/mole. Initial experiments support the thesis that the mechanism of chlorine dioxide kill occurs via disruption of protein synthesis.
Observers for Tracking of Synchronous Machine Parameters and Detection of Incipient Faults

An algorithm for construction of an observer is presented. The inputs to this observer are the operating data of the generator obtained during system transients and its outputs are the estimates of unmeasurable damper winding currents for a given instant of time. The observer parameters are functions of the machine steady state conditions and are time-varying. Computer simulation results show that accurate estimates of the damper winding currents can be obtained by this observer, A parameter estimation algorithm which uses the outputs of this observer to recursively estimate the parameters of the machine is also presented. This algorithm estimates the parameters' trajectories as the machine moves from one operating condition to another. The possibility of using the trajectories obtained for the machine parameters in detecting incipient faults is also discussed.
Effect of adenosine A2 receptor stimulation on platelet activation-aggregation : Differences between canine and human models

Abstract Introduction Adenosine A2 agonists improve arterial patency in experimental models of recurrent thrombosis, an effect purportedly triggered by stimulation of platelet A2 receptors and subsequent down-regulation of platelet function. However: (i) there is no direct evidence to substantiate this premise; and (ii) given the recognized differences among species in platelet signaling, it is possible that the mechanisms of A2 receptor stimulation may be model-dependent. Accordingly, we applied an integrated in vivo and in vitro approach, using both canine and human models, to test the hypothesis that the anti-thrombotic effects of A2 agonist treatment are due in part to inhibition of platelet activation. Methods In Protocol 1, recurrent coronary thrombosis was triggered in anesthetized dogs by application of a stenosis at a site of arterial injury. Coronary patency and flow cytometric indices of platelet activation (P-selectin expression; formation of heterotypic aggregates) were compared in dogs pre-treated with the A2 agonist CGS 21680 versus controls. In Protocols 2 and 3, blood samples were obtained from dogs and human volunteers. In vitro aggregation and platelet activation (assessed by impedance aggregometry and flow cytometry, respectively) were quantified in paired aliquots pre-incubated with CGS versus vehicle. Results In the canine models, CGS improved in vivo coronary patency and attenuated in vitro aggregation but, contrary to our hypothesis, did not evoke a down-regulation in platelet activation. In contrast, in human blood samples, CGS attenuated both in vitro aggregation and flow cytometric markers of platelet activation–aggregation. Conclusion The mechanisms contributing to the anti-thrombotic effect of A2 agonist treatment are species-dependent: adenosine A2 receptor stimulation inhibits platelet activation in human, but not canine, models.
System-on-a-programmable-chip development platforms in the classroom

This paper describes the authors' experiences using a system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) approach to support the development of design projects for upper-level undergraduate students in their electrical and computer engineering curriculum. Commercial field-programmable gate-array (FPGA)-based SOPC development boards with reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor cores are used to support a wide variety of student design projects. A top-down rapid prototyping approach with commercial FPGA computer-aided design tools, a C compiler targeted for the RISC soft-processor core, and a large FPGA with memory is used and reused to support a wide variety of student projects.
Survey design and model appraisal based on resolution analysis for 4D gravity monitoring

SUMMARY Time-lapse gravity surveys directly detect mass changes and offer unique means for monitoring the dynamics of the subsurface. As wider application of the method is emerging, survey design and model appraisal are key steps in developing a meaningful interpretation. We first examine what the optimal station spacing should be, in theory and in inversion-based simulations given a scale-length feature. We then examine the resolving power if the data spacing has been established in order to have an appropriate model mesh.
Reliable and cost-effective electrical heating of pipelines with self-regulating heating cables

A method is proposed for using the cable resistance of self-regulating cable for pipeline temperature feedback and control. A controller is described which accomplishes this control without any external temperature sensors. The use of a computer program to design heating circuits and provide setup instructions is reviewed. The workings of this program are developed in some detail, and results of a typical calculation are presented. A brief summary of the advantages of standardizing on high-temperature high-voltage cables is presented. >
Semiempirical theory of surface tensions of pure normal alkanes and alcohols

A comparison of experimental and theoretical surface tensions leads to a correlation between homogeneous fluid parameters and the inhomogeneous influence parameter c. From this correlation, it is possible to predict, to within excellent agreement with experiment, the surface tensions of normal alkanes and alcohols from bulk data only.
A Modal Description of Multiport Antennas

This paper presents a modal description of multiport antennas that leads directly to a rigorous network representation and simple quadratic expressions for gain, efficiency, and effective area. The analysis shows that the transmitting and receiving properties of an 𝑁 element antenna array are exactly described by a 2𝑁×2𝑁 element scattering matrix together with a set of 𝑁 orthonormal mode functions and accounts for effects such as mutual coupling, scattering, reflection, and losses. The approach is quite general, only requiring that the antenna be finite and reciprocal. The scattering network description simplifies accounting of power flow while retaining a close connection to the physical antenna characteristics. The orthonormal mode functions provide a complete basis for radiated and received fields, facilitating beamforming. The theory provides rigorous definitions of input-output signals and links them to the underlying electromagnetics in a straightforward manner.
2,012 total hip arthroplasties. A study of postoperative course and early complications.

The postoperative course and early complications after total hip arthroplasty were evaluated by reviewing the records of 1,684 patients who underwent 2,012 arthroplasties. Arthroplasty-related complications (after 6 per cent of the operations) included dislocation, spontaneous subluxation, loosening of acetabular or femoral components, sciatic and femoral-nerve palsy, and superficial and deep wound infections. Medical complications (in 25 per cent of the patients) included urinary-tract infections, acute renal failre, myocardial infarction, cardiac failure, pneumonitis and atelectasis, thrombophlebitis, hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal disturbances. The intrahospital mortality was 0.4 per cent (nine patients). Based on these findings, it was concluded that certain technical considerations are important, including correct use of methylmethacrylate, positioning of prosthetic components, trochanteric wiring, and the configuration of the tissues and cement adjacent to the joint.
Trends in the Study of Public Administration: Empirical and Qualitative Observations from Public Administration Review, 2000–2009

What are the apparent research and methodological trends in PAR’s content over the past decade? From the perspective of the journal’s 70-year history, with its aim to “mesh” practitioner and academic knowledge creation, topical coverage since 2000 reflects striking continuity, emphasizing many of the “bread and butter” administrative issues such as planning, human resources, budgeting, and public management. A marked increase in coverage is apparent in the application of more sophisticated quantitative statistical methodology, as well as in the number of female authors, while the number of practitioner authors declined sharply. Throughout the first turbulent decade of the twenty-first century, three intellectual themes stood out: evaluations of New Public Management, connections between practitioners and academicians, and responsiveness to immediate social, economic, and political challenges. Given the constant demand for usable knowledge, scholars seem to have marginalized attention to the historical context and epistemological foundations of the study. The central challenge in the years ahead will be to effectively use research methods in response to the big questions of government and society that defy measurement. Since many [empiricists], especially the younger, do not know very much about epistemology, they tend to be quite dogmatic about the one set of canons that dominate them. —C. Wright Mills, 1959
Freshness maintenance of cherries ready for consumption using convenient, microperforated, bio-based packaging

BACKGROUND Current consumer demand for high-quality ready-to-eat fresh fruit in convenient bio-based packaging was met utilizing sanitized stem-free sweet cherries and a polylactic acid (PLA) cup with a PLA peelable microperforated lid. The newly developed packaging system was compared with the petroleum-based macroperforated bag currently used for retail. RESULTS After 27 days of storage at 1 °C, the PLA package maintained the cherry firmness, compared with a 50% reduction of the controls. No fungal decay was detected in the cherries stored in PLA, while the controls were non-marketable after 21 days. The PLA package allowed minimal weight loss (0.8%), compared with a weight loss of approximately 16% in the controls. Differences in the cherry aroma, color, acidity, soluble solids content, pH and quality index were also caused by the packaging type. A consumer sensory evaluation showed that cherries stored in PLA packages were more acceptable than those of the controls for appearance, texture, flavor and overall acceptability. CONCLUSION The new package matched both the consumer demand for high-quality fresh fruit ready for consumption in convenient bio-based packaging and the extended fruit marketability and consumer satisfaction desired by industry. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Finite-Element Analysis of Ex Vivo and In Vivo Hepatic Cryoablation

Cryoablation is a widely used method for the treatment of nonresectable primary and metastatic liver tumors. A model that can accurately predict the size of a cryolesion may allow more effective treatment of tumor, while sparing normal liver tissue. We generated a computer model of tissue cryoablation using the finite-element method (FEM). In our model, we considered the heat transfer mechanism inside the cryoprobe and also cryoprobe surfaces so our model could incorporate the effect of heat transfer along the cryoprobe from the environment at room temperature. The modeling of the phase shift from liquid to solid was a key factor in the accurate development of this model. The model was verified initially in an ex vivo liver model. Temperature history at three locations around one cryoprobe and between two cryoprobes was measured. The comparison between the ex vivo result and the FEM modeling result at each location showed a good match, where the maximum difference was within the error range acquired in the experiment (< 5 degC). The FEM model prediction of the lesion size was within 0.7 mm of experimental results. We then validated our FEM in an in vivo experimental porcine model. We considered blood perfusion in conjunction with blood viscosity depending on temperature. The in vivo iceball size was smaller than the ex vivo iceball size due to blood perfusion as predicted in our model. The FEM results predicted this size within 0.1-mm error. The FEM model we report can accurately predict the extent of cryoablation in the liver.
Prevalence and correlates of unhealthy weight control behaviors: findings from the national longitudinal study of adolescent health.

A recent study examined the prevalence, clinical correlates, age trends, and stability of unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCB; purging and diet pill use) in a nationally representative sample of Norwegian boys and girls. The purpose of this study was to provide similar, comparative analyses for a nationally representative sample of American youth. Data were extracted from the restricted use data files of survey Waves I, II, and III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), selecting all participants who at Wave I had provided information on age, sex, and UWCB. Using UWCB information, three groups were created (purging, diet pill use, and no recent UWCB “controls”) and compared on indicators of adverse health or mental health. Girls consistently were more likely than boys to report UWCB. UWCB were significantly associated with higher body mass index, self-perception of being overweight, low self-esteem, depression, and delinquency. Prevalence estimates for purging remained relatively constant across the three survey waves; in contrast, diet pill use was especially common at Wave III. Age trends, gender differences, and clinical correlates of change in the likelihood of UWCB between Waves I-III were all identified in analyses comparing purging and diet pill use in American adolescents. Females and older adolescents were specifically more likely to engage in pill use than purging, and individuals with increased weight dissatisfaction, a history of delinquent behaviors, more depression symptoms, or lower self-esteem were more likely to engage in an unhealthy weight control behavior over time. While the Norwegian study found that prevalence of purging was lower among young adult participants, our results suggested that there were no significant differences in prevalence between age groups.
COMO: a program for combined molecular replacement

The combined molecular-replacement protocol uses a limited six-dimensional search to solve a structure by the molecular-replacement method, with the sampling of the rotational degrees of freedom guided by the rotation function. This protocol therefore automatically combines the information on the rotational and translational parameters of the search model. The combined molecular-replacement protocol has been implemented in a new computer program, COMO. The calculation of the Patterson correlation translation function has been optimized to improve its speed performance. A packing check is implemented that automatically removes impossible solutions and thereby increases the signal in the calculation. A family of atomic models can be used as the search model; the program will automatically select the model that gives the best result. The command interface is well organized and requires the definition of only a few critical parameters by the user. In addition, a graphical user interface has been constructed for the program. The program has been used to solve several difficult molecular-replacement problems. A case is presented where the program automatically determined the orientation and position of five copies of a search model in a high-symmetry space group.
Rejecting Others' Influence: Negative Sentiment and Status in Task Groups

Sentiment has been shown to affect status processes, but the mechanism is unclear. This article presents evidence in support of one of two competing approaches—sentiments as constituent elements of expectations or sentiments as moderators of expectations—that conceptualize the effect of interpersonal sentiments on status behaviors, as studied within the framework of expectations states theory. I create an experimental design, based on the standard experimental setting developed by expectations states theorists, to adjudicate between these two approaches. Subjects' levels of responsibility for team outcome and sentiment vary between the four experimental conditions, in accordance with the Camilleri and Berger model for decision making. Data reveal support for the “sentiment as moderator” model. I propose further directions for formalizing these findings.
Gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus infection in a homosexual man with severe acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

A 44-yr-old white homosexual man with a history of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia developed watery diarrhea and fever. Flexible sigmoidoscopy revealed yellow plaques in the sigmoid colon suggestive of pseudomembranous colitis. Stool examination for ova and parasites, Clostridium difficile toxin, and cultures for pathogens, including Clostridium difficile, were negative. Infection with multiple organisms, including Mycobacterium avium intracellulare, Toxoplasma gondii, herpes simplex, and cytomegalovirus, was demonstrated. Postmortem examination showed esophageal and colonic ulcerations with cytomegalic inclusions, and cytomegalovirus was cultured from the colonic lesions. This report describes a case of disseminated cytomegalovirus infection with esophageal and colonic involvement in a homosexual man with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) Feeding and Phenology on Early-Maturing Soybean in Minnesota.

The invasion by Halyomorpha halys (Stal) and an increasing abundance of native Pentatomidae pose a threat to soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, production in northern states. A risk assessment framework was used to provide an initial assessment of the risk of Pentatomidae affecting soybean production in northern states. A caged field study was performed over two years to assess the response of soybean to H. halys feeding. Cages placed over R4 soybean were infested with 0, 1, 2, 4, or 8 fourth-instar H. halys nymphs per 0.3 row-m, and the insects were allowed to feed for 15 to 16 days. Feeding by H. halys on soybean affected yield components, maturity, and quality (i.e., seed injury). Season-long monitoring of soybean fields was performed via sweep net sampling to assess the likelihood of herbivorous Pentatomidae occurring on soybean during plant growth stages susceptible to feeding injury. Adults of herbivorous species were collected at low densities in fields in mid- to late July before collection of herbivorous nymphs. Herbivorous nymphs were first collected in the R3 and R4 soybean growth stages and their abundance peaked during the R6 soybean growth stage. This preliminary assessment indicates that if populations of exotic and native herbivorous Pentatomidae continue to increase in abundance, they will pose a threat to northern soybean production.
Identification of Compounds with Efficacy against Malaria Parasites from Common North American Plants

Some of the most valuable antimalarial compounds, including quinine and artemisinin, originated from plants. While these drugs have served important roles over many years for the treatment of malaria, drug resistance has become a widespread problem. Therefore, a critical need exists to identify new compounds that have efficacy against drug-resistant malaria strains. In the current study, extracts prepared from plants readily obtained from local sources were screened for activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Bioassay-guided fractionation was used to identify 18 compounds from five plant species. These compounds included eight lupane triterpenes (1–8), four kaempferol 3-O-rhamnosides (10–13), four kaempferol 3-O-glucosides (14–17), and the known compounds amentoflavone and knipholone. These compounds were tested for their efficacy against multi-drug-resistant malaria parasites and counterscreened against HeLa cells to measure their antimalarial selectivity. Most notably, one of the new lupane triterpenes ...
Improved 239Pu (n, f) Evaluation below 20 MeV

A new improved covariance analysis of neutron-induced fission reactions on 239Pu has been conducted for neutron incident energies between 0.1 and 20 MeV. Plutonium-239 is a very important isotope in the US nuclear spent fuel stockpile, where it is considered as a waste and eventually a proliferation problem. Recently available experimental data sets, both absolute and in ratio to the standard 235U, have been included in this new study. A Bayesian inference approach has been used to infer cross sections and associated uncertainties and correlations. The evaluated errors are significantly reduced compared to the previous ENDF evaluation. The importance of the choice of the 235U (n, f) standard is revealed through a comparison with the most recent Japanese evaluation. Finally, we introduce new ideas and techniques that will be used in our forthcoming cross sections evaluations for other actinides of importance for ADS.
Terahertz optical properties of carriers in silicon

The dynamics of carriers in semiconductors is most interesting at frequencies comparable to either the plasma frequency or the carrier damping rate. Unfortunately, this usually occurs in the submillimeter region, which is difficult to reach with microwave as well as with far IR techniques. With microwave techniques the low frequency behavior of semiconductors has been studied up to 0.1 THz on a single frequency basis. With classical far IR spectroscopy the high frequency (above 2-THz) behavior of semiconductors has been thoroughly Investigated. However, the investigation of the most important frequency range from 0.1 to 2 THz has remained incomplete.
IUS capability for earth orbital spacecraft

A basic element of the Space Transportation System (STS) is the Interim Upper Stage (IUS) currently being planned by the USAF. The prime use of the basic two-stage IUS vehicle by both NASA and DoD will be to place satellites in geosynchronous orbit. High energy missions such as planetary will be accomplished by three- and four-stage vehicles. Various other configurations such as tandem vehicles in a single Shuttle and multiple spacecraft are being planned. Also under study is a smaller stage that can be flown with other payloads on a space available basis. The various concepts being studied offer economical transportation alternatives to potential users. This paper describes details of the IUS program status, design requirements, concepts and applications to Earth orbital spacecraft.