cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Airway muscle in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: response to treatment.

Abstract Background/Purpose: Airway muscle hyperactivity and chronic lung disease frequently follow congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the quantity of airway muscle and alveolar ductal artery muscle in CDH infants after various treatments. Methods: Five groups were studied postmortem: CDH, died within 24 hours, without high ventilatory assistance ( n = 3); CDH, various extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) durations, without high ventilatory assistance ( n = 4); CDH, various ECMO durations, with high ventilatory assistance ( n = 7); no CDH, without high ventilatory assistance ( n = 12); and no CDH, with high ventilatory assistance and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) ( n = 5). Sections from standardized fixed lungs were immunohistochemically stained for α-smooth muscle actin. Muscle surrounding conducting airways from small preterminal bronchioles to bronchi was quantitated in both the ipsilateral and contralateral lungs with computerized image analysis. Similarly, muscle mass was quantitated in alveolar ductal arteries. Results: CDH infants with low ventilatory assistance, regardless of postnatal age, had the same quantity of airway muscle as low ventilatory assistance controls. Infants with CDH and prolonged high ventilatory assistance had significantly more muscle throughout the conducting airways, similar to BPD infants without CDH, even though the CDH infants had significantly less exposure to high ventilatory assistance. With both low and high ventilatory assistance, the quantity of muscle in both the ipsilateral and contralateral lungs was similar. In contrast, small acinar arteries in CDH infants have increased muscle mass at birth. This muscle is decreased by ECMO but persists in CDH infants with high ventilatory assistance. Conclusions: The authors show that postnatally, CDH infants acquire increased muscle quantity throughout the conducting airways, in both the ipsilateral and contralateral lungs, with relatively short exposure to high ventilatory assistance. The normal decrease in acinar arterial mass that occurs postnatally is delayed in CDH infants with high ventilatory assistance.
School-based sexual abuse prevention programs: A review

In response to the alarmingly high incidence and negative consequences of child sexual abuse, an increasing number of school-based prevention programs have appeared in communities across the United States. In this paper, programs which have been implemented in grades K-6 are summarized according to mode and content of presentation, audience and trainer characteristics, and program length. While many creative and entertaining prevention programs are available for children, empirical validation of these programs has lagged behind their actual development and implementation. Several research questions need to be addressed before we can confidently assert that such programs are effective in preventing the sexual exploitation of children. Evaluation efforts must be expanded in order to improve existing materials, obtain funding, and ensure public and professional support for school-based sexual abuse prevention programs.
An analogue to the Fulton-Gouterman transformation for the Peierls-Hubbard-Holstein dimer

Abstract Recently the spectrum of a two-electron two-oscillator system (Peierls-Hubbard-Holstein dimer) was determined exactly. Here, we show that this system can be diagonalized with respect to the electronic degrees of freedom by means of a unitary transformation. This leads to a reduction of the original electron-phonon to a purely vibrational one, which is analogous to the effect of the Fulton-Gouterman transformation for a two-level system.
Photovoltaics and electric utilities: An evaluation of utility attitudes and expectations

Abstract The U.S. Department of Energy has argued that the long-term market potential for photovoltaics (PVs) lies in central-station utility applications. Based on results of a nationwide survey of U.S. electric utilities, this study evaluates utility experience and information about PVs, utility perceptions of the viability of both central-station and dispersed applications, and utility expectations about the future prospects for PVs in the power systems market. While a number of utilities are actively involved with PV demonstration projects and remote applications, the attitudes and investment plans of most utilities are not supportive of central-station PV applications. Moreover, while some utilities anticipate growth in dispersed applications in their markets, most utilities are unprepared to deal with the challenges or business opportunities created by the introduction of dispersed systems. In general, limited knowledge and uncertainty characterize the general state of utility thinking about PVs as a power source.
Systematic approach for PID controller design for pitch-regulated, variable-speed wind turbines

Variable-speed, horizontal axis wind turbines use blade-pitch control to meet specified objectives for three regions of operation. This paper focuses on controller design for the constant power production regime. A simple, rigid, non-linear turbine model was used to systematically perform trade-off studies between two performance metrics. Minimization of both the deviation of the rotor speed from the desired speed and the motion of the actuator is desired. The robust nature of the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is illustrated, and optimal operating conditions are determined. Because numerous simulation runs may be completed in a short time, the relationship of the two opposing metrics is easily visualized. 2 refs., 9 figs.
Recommmended cross sections for electron capture and ionization in collisions of Cq+ and Oq+ ions with H, He, and H2

An evaluation has been made of the existing experimental and theoretical cross-section data for electron capture and ionization in collisions of C/sup q//sup +/ and O/sup q//sup +/ ions (1less than or equal toqless than or equal toZ) with H, He, and H/sub 2/. Sets of recommended cross-section data with specified accuracies are presented in the energy range of interest to controlled thermonuclear fusion research. Chebyshev polynomial fits to the recommended data are also given. copyright 1988 Academic Press, Inc.
Na,K-ATPase characterized in artificial membranes. 2. Successive measurement of ATP-driven Rb-accumulation, ouabain-blocked Rb-flux and palytoxin-induced Rb-efflux

SummaryThe Na,K-ATPase is a multifunctional system anchored in the membrane of eukaryotic cells; it is responsible for the establishment and regulation of the Na/K balance of cell and organism by a stoichiometric mechanism linking Na extrusion to K uptake and ATP hydrolysis. The receptor for cardioactive steroids such as digoxin and ouabain is located at the extracellular surface of the system. Conversely, palytoxin, the most potent animal toxin, exerts its toxic effect by creating non-specific leaks in the cell membrane leading to K-efflux and influx of Na and Ca ions. Ouabain prevents the pore-forming action of palytoxin in cells and therefore Na,K-ATPase is suspected to be the common receptor of ouabain and palytoxin. We have developed an artificial membrane system to determine structure-function relationships and ligand interactions of purified Na,K-ATPase: two-sided, bi-directional ATP-filled liposomes. In this system, ATP-driven 86Rb accumulation, arrest of 86Rb-uptake by ouabain, and palytoxin-indu...
A causality test of the relationship between bank and credit union lending rates in local markets

Abstract This article investigates the relationship between banks and credit unions using the Granger-causality technique. For two types of consumer loans in 33 local markets in the US both credit union and bank loan rates are found to cause the other.
Quantum mechanical treatment of particle transfer between heavy ions near the Coulomb barrier in the presence of Coulomb excitation

Abstract The theory of particle transfer between heavy ions when Coulomb excitation of the ions can take place has been formulated quantum mechanically. It is pointed out that the large l and r spaces required for a quantum mechanical treatment of Coulomb excitation alone are not required for transfer reactions even when the former process plays an important role. This makes the quantum description of the transfer process calculationally possible.
The determination of uric acid in biological fluids: I. A modification of the method of Bergmann and Dikstein

Abstract A simplified, generally applicable modification of Bergmann and Dikstein's method for uric acid analysis is proposed which has been verified by means of Kalckar's uricase method when applied to urine and blood plasma. Recovery of 95.1 ± 3.4% has been obtained with 5 μg uric acid/ml added to an extract of cockroach feces containing 3 μg uric acid/ml, and equally good results with the addition of 2.5 or 1.25 μg. Similar recoveries were obtained from urine and plasma.
Preliminary evidence for reduced posterror reaction time slowing in hyperactive/inattentive preschool children.

Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been associated with deficits in self-regulatory cognitive processes, some of which are thought to lie at the heart of the disorder. Slowing of reaction times (RTs) for correct responses following errors made during decision tasks has been interpreted as an indication of intact self-regulatory functioning and has been shown to be attenuated in school-aged children with ADHD. This study attempted to examine whether ADHD symptoms are associated with an early-emerging deficit in posterror slowing. Method: A computerized two-choice RT task was administered to an ethnically diverse sample of preschool-aged children classified as either “control” (n = 120) or “hyperactive/inattentive” (HI; n = 148) using parent- and teacher-rated ADHD symptoms. Analyses were conducted to determine whether HI preschoolers exhibit a deficit in this self-regulatory ability. Results: HI children exhibited reduced posterror slowing relative to controls on the trials sel...
Radiation dose and excess risk of cancer in children undergoing neuroangiography.

OBJECTIVE. The primary goal of this study was to determine the radiation dose received during diagnostic and interventional neuroangiographic procedures in a group of pediatric patients. A second goal was to approximate the total average radiation dose from all angiographic and CT studies that pediatric patients underwent during the study period and to estimate the increased risk of cancer incidence in this patient group.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study subjects were pediatric patients who had undergone one or more neuroangiographic procedures at Harborview Medical Center between December 1, 2004, and April 30, 2008. Recorded radiation doses were converted to entrance skin dose (ESD) and effective dose (ED) to indicate deterministic and stochastic damage, respectively. The Biologic Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) VII, phase 2, report was used to estimate the expected increased risk of cancer in the study population.RESULTS. For diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, a mean ED of 10.4 and 34.0 mSv per...
Imagery, memory, and size-distance invariance.

The size-distance invariance hypothesis (SDIH) was examined for remembered and imaged stimuli. In Experiment 1, subjects gave remembered and imaged distances of familiar objects and imaged distance of nondescript rods. The relationship between stated size and distance is more adequately described by power functions with exponents less than I than by the more restricted SDIH (exponent of 1). In Experiment 2, subjects gave distance estimates to recalled and imaged familiar objects and described the visual context in which each object was situated. A different group then sorted the contexts into categories based on general similarity. There were no significant differences between distance estimates based on memory and those based on imagery, and the visual contexts were not sorted according to whether they were generated in the memory or in the imagery conditions. In Experiment 3, subjects estimated the distances to objects in an outdoor setting. A linear relationship was found between estimated and physical distance, suggesting that the lower exponents obtained in Experiments 1 and 2 were not artifacts of the distance judgment procedure.
Soviet Espionage and the Cold War

Book reviewed in this article: Harvey Klehr, John Earl Haynes, and Fridrikh Igorevich Firsov. The Secret World of American Communism Harvey Klehr, John Earl Haynes, and Kyrill M. Anderson, The Soviet World of American Communism John Earl Haynes and Harvey Klehr, Venona: Decoding Soviet Espionage in America Robert Louis Benson and Michael Warner, eds., Venona: Soviet Espionage and the American Response Allen Weinstein and Alexander Vassiliev, The Haunted Wood: Soviet Espionage in America – The Stalin Era James G. Ryan. Earl Browder: The Failure of American Communism Joseph Albright and Marcia Kunstel, Bombshell: The Secret Story of America's Unknown Atomic Spy Conspiracy Ted Morgan, A Covert Life: Jay Lovestone, Communist, Anti-Communist, and Spymaster Ellen Schrecker, Many are the Crimes: McCarthyism in America Harvey Klehr and Ronald Radosh, The Amerasia Spy Case: Prelude to McCarthyism Daniel P. Moynihan, Secrecy: The American Experience
Optimal real and reactive power dispatch

Abstract This paper presents a method for optimal real and reactive power dispatch for the economic operation of power systems. As in other methods, the problem is decomposed into a P-optimization module and a Q-optimization module, but in this method both modules use the same generation cost objective function. The control variables are generator real power outputs for the real power module; and generator reactive power outputs, shunt capacitors/reactors, and transformer tap settings for the reactive power module. The constraints are the operating limits of the control variables, power line flows, and bus voltages. The optimization problem is solved using the gradient projection method (GPM) which is used for the first time in the power systems study. Among other advantages, the GPM allows the use of functional constraints without the need for penalty functions or Lagrange multipliers. Mathematical models are developed to represent the sensitivity relationships between dependent and control variables for both (real and reactive power) optimization modules, and thus eliminate the use of B-coefficients. Results of two test systems are presented and compared with conventional methods.
A Liquid-State Theory of Dense Star Polymer Fluids

A liquid-state theory is presented for the conformational properties and intermolecular structure of concentrated solutions and bulk melts of purely repulsive star-branched polymers. The theory generalizes earlier work on linear chains and is based on a solvation potential, expansion of the single-chain free energy to second order in monomer interactions, and interaction-site integral equation theory. Information about the chemical structure of polymers, in particular intra- and intermolecular interaction potentials with a finite excluded volume per monomer, may be included straightforwardly. The theory does not assume incompressibility in the melt and suffers no loss of accuracy in the short-chain, small-arm-number limit. Also presented here is a study of conformational properties, including radius of gyration, mean arm end-to-end distance, monomer density profile, and local persistence length, for concentrated solutions and melts of a hard-sphere, branched-pearl-necklace model of star polymers with a moderate (4-12) number of arms. Stretching of the star arms near the branch point is found, and a concomitant swelling of the star with respect to the fully ideal state is predicted, even at meltlike densities and even in the few-arm limit. Measures of the swelling are compared with experimental measurements, the Daoud-Cotton blob model, and the exclusion zone model of Boothroyd and Ball. The physical origin of the stretching is also discussed in detail.
Transonic flow computations using nonlinear potential methods

This presentation describes the state of transonic flow simulation using nonlinear potential methods for external aerodynamic applications. The presentation begins with a review of the various potential equation forms (with emphasis on the full potential equation) and includes a discussion of pertinent mathematical characteristics and all derivation assumptions. Impact of the derivation assumptions on simulation accuracy, especially with respect to shock wave capture, is discussed. Key characteristics of all numerical algorithm types used for solving nonlinear potential equations, including steady, unsteady, space marching, and design methods, are described. Both spatial discretization and iteration scheme characteristics are examined. Numerical results for various aerodynamic applications are included throughout the presentation to highlight key discussion points. The presentation ends with concluding remarks and recommendations for future work. Overall. nonlinear potential solvers are efficient, highly developed and routinely used in the aerodynamic design environment for cruise conditions. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
“Carry‐on” dermal baggage: a nodule from a dog

A 2-year-old intact female Australian Cattle Dog presented with a 1-cm diameter nonexudative dermal nodule on the medial aspect of the right thigh. Fine-needle aspiration revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation and many ovoid, 2-4 microm diameter, thin-capsulated, basophilic bodies that appeared to be fungal spores or yeast. Results of CBC, serum chemistry panel, lymph node palpation, and radiographs were unremarkable. Excisional biopsy and histopathology revealed pyogranulomatous folliculitis, furunculosis, and perifolliculitis. Rare fungal hyphae and spore forms were intimately associated with, and occasionally within, hair shafts. A morphologic diagnosis of dermatophytosis was made and Microsporum canis infection was confirmed by fungal culture. M canis is a common infectious agent found within the follicles and superficial keratin layers of canine skin. The kerion-type clinical presentation observed in the dog of this case is uncommonly observed with M canis. Additionally, the cytologic finding of multiple arthroconidia without hyphae is unusual. In the absence of hyphae, M canis arthroconidia may be confused with other fungal yeast bodies; therefore close scrutiny of a cytologic sample for arthroconidia associated with keratin, hair fragments, or hyphal structures is recommended.
Imaging and nanodissection of individual supercoiled plasmids by atomic force microscopy

Abstract The atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to image supercoiled plasmid DNA deposited on a mica surface in either a hydrated or desiccated state. Hydrated plasmid was precisely cut by the scanning tip at a location determined by the instrument operator. Small pieces of DNA (100-150 nm in length) were excised and deposited adjacent to the dissected plasmid, demonstrating that it is possible to remove and manipulate genomic DNA fragments, unresolvable by light microscopy, from defined chromosomal locations by AFM.
A perturbation method for finite element modeling of piezoelectric vibrations in quartz plate resonators

When the piezoelectric stiffening matrix is added to the mechanical stiffness matrix of a finite element model, its sparse matrix structure is destroyed. A direct consequence of this loss in sparseness is a significant rise in memory and computational time requirements for the model. For weakly coupled piezoelectric materials, the matrix sparseness can be retained by a perturbation method which separates the mechanical eigenvalue solution from its piezoelectric effects. Using this approach, a perturbation and finite element scheme for weakly coupled piezoelectric vibrations in quartz plate resonators has been developed. Finite-element matrix equations were derived specifically for third-overtone thickness-shear, SC-cut quartz plate resonators with electrode platings. High-frequency piezoelectric plate equations were employed in the formulation of the finite element matrix equation. Results from the perturbation method compared well with the direct solution of the piezoelectric finite element equations. This method will result in significant savings in the computer memory and computational time. Resonance and antiresonance frequencies of a certain mode could be calculated easily by using the same eigenpair from the purely mechanical stiffness matrix. Numerical results for straight crested waves in a third overtone SC-cut quartz strip with and without electrodes are presented. The steady-state response to an electrical excitation is calculated. >
Evolution population thinking and essentialism.

Ernst Mayr has argued that Darwinian theory discredited essentialist modes of thought and replaced them with what he has called "population thinking". In this paper, I characterize essentialism as embodying a certain conception of how variation in nature is to be explained, and show how this conception was undermined by evolutionary theory. The Darwinian doctrine of evolutionary gradualism makes it impossible to say exactly where one species ends and another begins; such line-drawing problems are often taken to be the decisive reason for thinking that essentialism is untenable. However, according to the view of essentialism I suggest, this familiar objection is not fatal to essentialism. It is rather the essentialist's use of what I call the natural state model for explaining variation which clashes with evolutionary theory. This model implemented the essentialist's requirement that properties of populations be defined in terms of properties of member organisms. Requiring such constituent definitions is r...
Time and frequency domain methods to evaluate grounding strategies for medium voltage DC shipboard power systems

Several key performance parameters of shipboard power systems are affected by the grounding scheme applied. The grounding scheme impacts the nature of voltage transients during switching events and faults, identifiability and locatability of ground faults, fault current levels, and power quality. Power system simulations play an important role in choosing an appropriate grounding scheme and optimizing its components. The tools typically used for power system analysis need to be carefully tested to determine if they are appropriate for modeling effects of different grounding schemes and in particular the high frequency transients. This paper sheds light on modeling and validation techniques specific to grounding models. Furthermore, insight is provided to present research into new types of power system modeling techniques based on scattering parameters for improved accuracy at higher frequencies of interest. A testbed designed to study the impact of different types of grounding schemes is also introduced and first characterization measurements in the frequency domain provided. The paper concludes with an outlook to future work, which will focus on rigorous validation of the models developed.
Can social desirability interfere with success in a behavioral weight loss program

Social desirability is an individual difference characteristic that extends beyond biased responding to questionnaires. Social desirability has the potential to negatively impact treatment outcome including weight loss. This study examines the association between social desirability and percent body weight loss in thirty-six obese participants completing a behavioral weight loss program (BWLP). At baseline, higher social desirability was associated with: (1) greater reported weight control competence and weight loss self-efficacy, (2) the reported consumption of fewer calories, and (3) fewer reported dietary lapses and more positive attitudes toward their diet as recorded in lapse diaries. Higher social desirability was significantly associated with less weight lost at the end of the 6-month intervention. Weight control competence, self-efficacy, and abstinence violation effects mediated the social desirability and weight loss association. Individuals high in social desirability may overestimate their abi...
Diurnal torpidity in the California pocket mouse.

The California pocket mouse, Perognathus californicus, compensates for food supplies which are less than the normal requirement by undergoing a variable period of daily torpor. At an ambient temperature of 15°C, the body temperature of a torpid mouse drops to 16°C, and the metabolism falls to 15 percent of the basal rate. Several other species of pocket mice also show this phenomenon.
Gamma ray slush hydrogen monitor

Mass attenuation for 109Cd radiation have been measured in mixtures of phases and in single phases of five chemical compounds. As anticipated, the mass attenuation coefficients are independent of the phases of the test chemicals. It is recommended that a slush hydrogen monitoring system based on low energy gamma ray attenuation be developed for utilization aboard the NASP.
Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Positive Pressure Therapy

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a highly prevalent disorder, has historically been under-recognized. As its diagnosis and recognition increases, physicians other than sleep specialists will need to gain familiarity with the management of this disorder, which is so closely tied to increased morbidity, mortality, and an overall health care burden. Most patients with OSA have been managed primarily with positive airway pressure, which is the focus of this review. The technology of positive airway pressure devices has advanced in order to improve adherence. For example, devices are now more compact and lighter in weight, less noisy, have heated humidification capability to diminish nasal dryness and congestion, have an increased variety of mask interfaces, and have modalities to minimize issues of pressure intolerance. In our practice, a multifaceted management model consisting of behavioral modification incorporating weight loss education, sleep hygiene education, and avoidance of exacerbating factors such as alcohol is usually employed in addition to positive airway pressure. A key component to effective treatment is close follow-up with troubleshooting if positive airway pressure adherence issues arise. Observance of early adherence issues is key, so that problems can be addressed sooner and long-term compliance is assured. Also crucial in managing patients with OSA is education regarding potentially improved cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and better quality of life with improved alertness and less drowsy driving. Other therapies specific to OSA, such as oral appliances or upper airway surgery, are discussed as alternatives to positive airway pressure, but these are typically pursued only if the patient has a strong preference or if positive airway pressure therapy is unsuccessful. As current therapies improve and emerging therapies continue to develop into viable treatment strategies, the successful management of OSA will likely demonstrate further progress.
Patterns and Predictors of Noninstitutional Health Care Utilization by Older Adults in Rural and Urban America

Noninstitutional long-term care is not often included in policy studies or recommendations in the United States even though there have been recent efforts to include this type of care in health reform proposals. This study was designed to provide insight into the patterns and predictors of noninstitutional medical, home-, and community-based services utilization by older adults in rural and urban America. The National Long Term Care Survey (NLTCS) was used to explore the relationship between residential setting and subsequent noninstitutional services utilization. Weighted logistic regression procedures for complex survey designs were used to guide the analysis. Living in the Northeast and residence in moderately densely populated areas (towns, small cities, and suburbs) were significant positive predictors of subsequent medical, home-, and community-based services utilization. Because some differentials were found in access to and use of services by regional and geographic setting, policy-makers need to develop alternative strategies to eliminate inequities in the distribution of noninstitutional long-term care services in more remote areas.
An Empirical Assessment of Taxic Paleobiology

The analysis of major changes in faunal diversity through time is a central theme of analytical paleobiology. The most important sources of data are literature-based compilations of stratigraphic ranges of fossil taxa. The levels of error in these compilations and the possible effects of such error have often been discussed but never directly assessed. We compared our comprehensive database of trilobites to the equivalent portion of J. J. Sepkoski Jr.'s widely used global genus database. More than 70% of entries in the global database are inaccurate; however, as predicted, the error is randomly distributed and does not introduce bias.
An Experimental and Computational Investigation of the Enantioselective Deprotonation of Boc-piperidine

The asymmetric deprotonation of N-Boc-piperidine (3) by the 1:1 complex of a sec-alkyllithium and (−)-sparteine has been investigated both experimentally and computationally. The lithiation of 3 with sec-BuLi−(−)-sparteine at −78 °C, which is a much slower process than is the analogous deprotonation of N-Boc-pyrrolidine (1) and a minor reaction relative to the competing addition of sec-BuLi to the carbamate, proceeds with a moderate degree of selectivity (er = 87:13) for removal of the pro-S hydrogen of 3. The related deprotonation of N-Boc-4-tosyloxypiperidine (6) with two molar equiv of sec-BuLi−(−)-sparteine also involves preferential transfer of the pro-S hydrogen. The computational study of the deprotonation of (3) by i-PrLi−(−)-sparteine found that the proton that is preferentially transferred within three-component intermediate complex is the thermodynamically least acidic α-hydrogen of 3. The asymmetric deprotonation of 3 is calculated to proceed with poor enantioselectivity and to have an activat...
Evidence: Fundamental Concepts and the Phenomenal Conception

The concept of evidence is among the central concerns of epistemology broadly construed. As such, it has long engaged the intellectual energies of both philosophers of science and epistemologists of a more traditional variety. Here I briefly survey some of the more important ideas to have emerged from this tradition of reflection. I then look somewhat more closely at an issue that has recently come to the fore, largely as a result of Williamson's Knowledge and Its Limits: that of whether one's evidence supervenes on one's non-factive mental states.
Formulation and implementation of a singular anisotropic finite element

Abstract The formulation and implementation of a singular finite element for analyzing homogeneous anistropic materials is presented in this paper. Lekhnitskii's stress function method is used to formulate the boundary value problem with the stress function expressed as a Laurent series. The development of the element stiffness matrix and the method of integrating the element to conventional displacement based finite element programs is shown. The stiffness matrix generation is based on a least squates collocation technique to satisfy displacement continuity boundary conditions at the element interface. Implementation of the element is demonstrated for cracked anisotropic materials subjected to inplane loading. Center cracked, on and off-axis coupons under tensile loading are analyzed using the element. It is shown that the stress distributions and intensity factors compare well with those obtained using other methods.
Tension–compression asymmetry and size effects in nanocrystalline Ni nanowires

We investigate size effects in nanocrystalline nickel nanowires using molecular dynamics and an EAM potential. Both compressive and tensile deformation tests were performed for nanowires with radii ranging from 5 to 18 nm and a grain size of 10 nm. The wires contained up to four million atoms and were tested using a strain rate of 3.33 × 108 s−1. The results are compared with similar tests for a periodic system, which models a bulk macroscopic sample size of the same nanocrystalline material. The importance of dislocation-mediated plasticity decreases as the wire diameter is decreased and is more relevant under compression than under tension. A significant tension–compression asymmetry was observed, which is strongly dependent on the wire size. For the bulk nanocrystalline samples and larger wire radii, the flow stresses are higher under compression than under tension. This effect decreases as the wire radius decreases and is reversed for the smallest wires tested. Our results can be explained by the inte...
Investigation of bendamustine HCL in a phase 2 study in women with resistant ovarian cancer.

We investigated the safety and efficacy of 90 mg/m2 bendamustine HCL, administered intravenously on days 1 and 2 every 28 days in 10 women with platinum and taxane resistant epithelial ovarian cancer. There were no objective tumor responses observed; 2 patients had stable disease. Plasma samples collected at pre-treatment and end of cycle one were analyzed for changes in circulating total cytokeratin 18 and caspase cleaved cytokeratin 18 as exploratory early biomarkers of bendamustine-induced tumor cell death. All patients had measureable levels of both total and cleaved caspase 3 cytokeratin 18, but no relationship with response was possible due to the lack of clinical benefit in treated patients. Due to the high incidence of adverse events and absence of objective responses, only ten patients were treated as predefined by the Simon Two-Stage Design in the protocol. Overall, the regimen was not well tolerated and was associated with fatigue and a greater number of gastrointestinal side effects as compared to previously reported experiences in different patient populations. However, our study subjects did experience less bone marrow suppression. The lack of tolerability could reflect the degree of tumor burden within the peritoneal cavity as well as the high number of prior regimens (median of 5) received by the patients participating in this study.
Hierarchical Model Composition updates

A summary of the status of the hierarchical model composition package for SBML Level 3, and of its current implementation.
Pendulum testing as a means of assessing the crash performance of longitudinal barrier with minor damage

Abstract Longitudinal barriers such as w-beam guardrails are subjected to a series of full-scale crash tests to determine their impact performance before being considered acceptable for use on the nation’s highways. Once longitudinal barriers are installed along a roadway, however, they often sustain minor damage in various ways. Since barriers are exclusively tested in an undamaged condition, there is very little known regarding the crash performance of barriers that have sustained minor damage. Transportation agencies responsible for deploying and maintaining these barrier systems need a better understanding of damaged barrier performance to make timely and cost-effective barrier maintenance decisions under the constraints of limited resources. This study is believed to be the first evaluation of the crash performance of strong post w-beam barrier that has sustained minor damage. A pendulum impact testing methodology was developed for the evaluation of two-post sections of strong post w-beam barrier. Pendulum tests were then conducted on barrier sections with five types of damage: (1) vertical tear, (2) horizontal tear, (3) splice damage, (4) twisted blockout, and (5) missing blockout. Based on these tests, vertical tears were found to be a significant threat to the structural adequacy of the barrier section with a high likelihood for rail rupture. A missing blockout at the splice location was found to result in marginal performance with one test resulting in a large rail tear at the splice. Mid-span horizontal tears and splice damage, with one of eight bolts lacking bearing capacity, were found to have a less significant threat on the structural adequacy of the barrier. Twisted blockout damage was found to have no effect on the structural crash performance of the strong post w-beam barrier.
Size Distributions of Gold Nanoclusters Studied by Liquid Chromatography

The authors report high pressure liquid chromatography, (HPLC), and transmission electron microscopy, (TEM), studies of the size distributions of nanosize gold clusters dispersed in organic solvents. These metal clusters are synthesized in inverse micelles at room temperature and those investigated range in diameter from 1--10 nm. HPLC is sensitive enough to discern changes in hydrodynamic volume corresponding to only 2 carbon atoms of the passivating agent or metal core size changes of less than 4 {angstrom}. The authors have determined for the first time how the total cluster volume (metal core + passivating organic shell) changes with the size of the passivating agent.
Influence of Supplemental Chromium on Concentrations of Liver Triglyceride, Blood Metabolites and Rumen VFA Profile in Steers Fed a Moderately High Fat Diet

This study evaluated the effects of supplemental Cr on liver triglycerides and blood metabolites in Holstein steers fed a moderately high fat (approximately 5.6% of dry matter) diet. Fourteen Holstein steers were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to a basal diet (control) or control diet supplemented with 0.8 mg/kg of Cr as chromium picolinate. Supplemental Cr had no effect on dry matter intake, average daily gain, serum glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and molar proportions of ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA). Steers fed the diet supplemented with chromium picolinate had smaller concentrations of serum triglycerides at wk 3, plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations at wk 6, and liver triglycerides at wk 9. An in vitro mixed ruminal microorganism fermentation study was conducted to examine the effect of Cr on in vitro VFA production. Ruminal fluid from animals fed fescue hay and 1.1 kg of concentrate twice daily was added into a mixture containing 5 g of concentrate diet formulated to contain one of five concentrations of Cr (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, or 1.6 mg/kg of Cr). The culture was incubated for 12 or 24 h. The molar proportion of propionate decreased, whereas butyrate and isobutyrate increased linearly with increasing Cr content at 12 h of incubation. Molar proportion of valerate alone increased linearly with increasing Cr content at 24 h of incubation. A second in vitro study evaluated the supplementation of Cr at concentrations of 0, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, 6.4, 12.8, or 25.6 mg/kg. Molar proportions of acetate, propionate, and isovalerate, and total VFA production responded quadratically with increasing Cr content at 24 h. Results suggest that supplemental Cr may alter systemic lipid metabolism. In vitro fermentation altered VFA production with graded concentration of Cr and was not toxic to ruminal microorganisms at concentrations up to 25.6 mg/kg.
Stretching the rubber sheet: a metaphor for viewing large layouts on small screens

We propose the metaphor of rubber sheet stretching for viewing large and complex layouts within small display areas. Imagine the original 2D layout on a rubber sheet. Users can select and enlarge different areas of the sheet by holding and stretching it with a set of special tools called handles. As the user stretches an area, a greater level of detail is displayed there. The technique has some additional desirable features such as areas specified as arbitrary closed polygons, multiple regions of interest, and uniform scaling inside the stretched regions.
Long-Term Clinical Improvement in MPTP-Lesioned Primates after Gene Therapy with AAV-hAADC

Dopamine, the major neurotransmitter depleted in Parkinson disease, can be synthesized and regulated in vivo with a combination of intrastriatal AAV-hAADC gene therapy and administration of the dopamine precursor l-Dopa. When tested in MPTP-lesioned monkeys, this approach resulted in long-term improvement in clinical rating scores, significantly lowered l-Dopa requirements, and a reduction in l-Dopa-induced side effects. Positron emission tomography with [(18)F]FMT confirmed persistent AADC activity, demonstrating for the first time that infusion of AAV vector into primate brain results in at least 6 years of transgene expression. AAV-hAADC restores the ability of the striatum to convert l-Dopa into dopamine efficiently. Introduction of this therapy into the clinic holds promise for Parkinson patients experiencing the motor complications that result from escalating l-Dopa requirements against a background of disease progression.
Improved Radar Ice Water Content Retrieval Algorithms Using Coincident Microphysical and Radar Measurements

Airborne radar reflectivity measurements at frequencies of 9.6 and 94 GHz, with collocated, in situ particle size distribution and ice water content measurements from the Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers (CRYSTAL) Florida Area Cirrus Experiment (FACE) in Florida in July 2002, offer one of the first opportunities to evaluate and improve algorithms for retrieving ice water content from single-wavelength spaceborne radar measurements. Both ice water content and radar reflectivity depend on the distribution of particle mass with size. It is demonstrated that single, power-law, mass dimensional relationships are unable to adequately account for the dominating contribution of small particles at lower reflectivities and large particles at higher reflectivities. To circumvent the need for multiple, or complex, mass dimensional relationships, analytic expressions that use particle ensemble mean ice particle densities that are derived from the coincident microphysical and radar observations are developed. These expressions, together with more than 5000 CRYSTAL FACE size distributions, are used to develop radar reflectivity–ice water content relationships for the two radar wavelengths that appear to provide improvements over earlier relationships, at least for convectively generated stratiform ice clouds.
Evaluating food availability and nest predation risk as sources of bias in aural bird surveys

Theuseofauralsurveystoestimatepopulationparametersiswidespreadinavianstudies.Despite efforts to increase the efficacy of this method, the potential for ecological context to bias population estimates remains largely unexplored. For example, food availability and nest predation risk can influence singing activity independent of density and, therefore, may bias aural estimates where these ecological factors vary systematically among habitats or other categories of ecological interest. We used a natural fire event in a mixed-conifer forest that experienced variation in fire severity (low, intermediate, and high) to determine if aural surveys produce accurate density estimates of Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) independent of ecological context. During the first 2-yr postfire, we censused junco populations in each burn type with intensive spot-mapping and nest searching, locating 168 nests. Simultaneously, we conducted fixed-radius point-count surveys and estimated food availability and nest predation risk in each burn type to test whether ecological context may influence aural detection probability independent of actual density. We found no difference in nesting densities among patches burned at different severity. Arthropod food availability was inversely related to fire severity during the first postfire breeding season, but increased to higher levels across all severities during the second. In both years, aural detections were significantly greater in intermediate severity patches that consistently represented the habitat with the lowest nest predation risk. These results suggest that nest predation risk may significantly bias aural estimates of avian populations. Although traditional aural survey methods such as the Breeding Bird Survey measure habitat attributes, our findings highlight the difficulty in assessing relevant covariates in estimates of avian population. Future research must consider the potential for nest predation and other ecological factors to drive interannual or interhabitat variation in avian population estimates independent of true changes in population size.
Tri-pyramid Robot: Stiffness modeling of a 3-DOF translational parallel manipulator

This paper presents a 3-DOF (degree of freedom) translational parallel manipulator named the Tri-pyramid Robot. Compared to the developed 3-DOF translational parallel manipulators, the Tri-pyramid Robot is designed based on conical displacement subset to exhibit better kinematic characteristic. The inverse position solution is obtained through closed-loop constraint analysis and used to formulate the overall Jacobian matrix of constraints and actuations based on the theory of reciprocal screws. Furthermore, by considering the stiffness of all links, joints, actuators, fixed, and moving platforms, the output stiffness matrix of the Tri-pyramid Robot is derived by the transformations of loads and deformations in the closed-loop form. The relations between the virtual input-output displacements are analyzed by the overall Jacobian matrix and used to build the manipulator's stiffness model. Stiffness performance is evaluated by the extreme eigenvalues of the output stiffness matrix in the reachable workspace. By considering the variations of the structural parameters and the distribution of the output stiffness, the maximal stiffness workspace is obtained through numerical optimization, providing, thereby, basic constraints for the parametric design of the Tri-pyramid Robot.
An all-capacitive sensing chip for temperature, absolute pressure, and relative humidity

This paper presents an all-capacitive sensing chip for temperature, absolute pressure, and relative humidity. The temperature sensors are based on a Si/Au bimorph structure contacting a fixed electrode and produce a sensitivity of 14fF//spl deg/C from 20 to 100/spl deg/C. The absolute pressure sensors have a sensitivity of 15fF/Torr and can be combined to span 500-1200Torr. The relative humidity sensor responds with 39fF/%RH from 20-95%RH. The three-transducer chip uses a bulk- and surface- micromachined silicon-on-glass process and combines anodic bonding with silicon/gold eutectic solder to realize vacuum-sealed cavities along with low-impedance (6/spl Omega/) electrical feedthroughs.
Localization of ground targets using a flying sensor network

In this paper we propose a novel cooperation control method for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to search, detect, and locate ground targets. We assume that our UAVs are only equipped with rudimentary angle of arrival sensors and the ground targets are mobile radio frequency (RF) emitters. In addition to the mobility, we assume our targets emit signals with random duration and frequency. Our cooperative UAVs function as a reconfigurable sensor network whose goal is to minimize target localization time and the target location error. The proposed control method extends our previous work on distributed control architecture for multiple UAVs by introducing localized hierarchical control structures. Such structures are dynamically established by local leaders that autonomously emerge in response to individual sensor readings, allowing efficient coordination of activities among nearby UAVs. The sensor network uses Kalman filtering techniques to minimize the target location error and the target localization time by combining current and past captured sensor values from multiple UAVs. We validate our proposed control method with simulation results that illustrate its performance under varying levels of cooperation among the members of the sensor network.
Benchmarks on Japanese and American Supercomputers&#8212;Preliminary Results

A partial summary of preliminary benchmark results on Japanese and American supercomputers is given. While the results indicate similar scalar capabilities between the Fujitsu VP-200 supercomputer and the one-CPU XMP, they give the Fujitsu VP-200 a clear edge over the one-CPU XMP in vector performance.