cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lean burn. A review of incentives, methods, and tradeoffs.

A summary of theoretical considerations that motivate the development of lean burn systems is presented along with a review of the most common approaches used to implement this technique. An analysis of experimental data from several sources is then introduced in order to substantiate the advantages and indicate drawbacks encountered when implementing lean burn vehicles. It is concluded that at the present state of development, U.S. emission standards present a considerable challenge to the realization of the fuel economy advantages theoretically inherent to lean burn engines
The location linking concept: a basis for verification of code using pointers

While the use of pointers can be minimized by language mechanisms for data abstraction, alias avoidance and control, and disciplined software development techniques, ultimately, any verifying compiler effort must be able to verify code that makes use of them. Additionally, in order to scale, the verification machinery of such a compiler must use specifications to reason about components. This paper follows a natural question that arises from combining these ideas: can the general machinery of specification-based component verification also be used to verify code that uses instances of types that are more traditionally built-in, such as arrays and pointers? This paper answers the question in the affirmative by presenting a Location_Linking_Template, a concept that captures pointer behavior, and uses it to verify the code of a simple data abstraction realized using pointers. In this deployment, pointers have a specification like any other component. We also note that the concept can be extended and realized so that different systems can plug in alternative implementations to give programmers the flexibility to choose, e.g., manual memory management or automatic garbage collection depending on their performance concerns.
The surgical management of bleeding of late pregnancy.

Abstract A review of 589 cesarean sections, including 100 for bleeding, of which 36 were finally proved to be premature separation, is herewith submitted. This covers an eleven-year period from 1939 to 1950, and includes 14,926 births by all methods. The method of choice in the treatment of abruptio placentae obviously depends upon the consideration of the dangers to the mother and her infant. The arguments which have been advanced against cesarean section as the treatment for this condition are those of increased maternal mortality and the limitation of subsequent childbearing. These dangers have been lessened by modern surgical technique, anesthesia, and pre- and postoperative care. The time factor is important to the mother in regard to hemorrhage and shock and to her infant in regard to anoxia. The picture is complicated further by an unavoidable error in the differential diagnosis of abruptio placentae and placenta previa. In this series of moderate and severe cases the fetal survival rate was 37.8 per cent. In these patients with premature separation of the placenta delivered by cesarean section there were no maternal deaths.
Experimental transplacental transmission of St. Louis encephalitis virus in mice.

Transplacental infection of the mouse embryo with St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) virus was produced by injecting the mother with virus at various stages of gestation. Intravenous or subcutaneous injection of the mother with 10(5.9) suckling mouse median lethal dose (SMLD(50)) of SLE virus was found to infect 83 to 96% of the embryos when given at 4 days of gestation or later. Injections at 6 days of gestation or earlier had little effect on the embryo although virus could be recovered at 10 days of gestation when injected at 4 days of gestation, whereas injections at 7 days or later resulted in a high mortality at birth and during the first week of life. Embryos from females injected at 7 to 9 days of gestation were found to have become infected when necropsied 3 days after injection, but no virus could be isolated from the young of similarly infected mothers at birth. A large number of these young died at birth, and some were observed with signs of anoxia and incoordination. Young of mothers injected later in pregnancy usually lived for a few hours to a few days and were then observed to die with signs of encephalitis. Virus was routinely isolated from these mice.
Isolation of hofbauer cells from human term placentas with high yield and purity.

Citation Tang Z, Tadesse S, Norwitz E, Mor G, Abrahams VM., Guller S. Isolation of Hofbauer cells from human term placentas with high yield and purity. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 336–348 Problem Placental villus macrophages (i.e., Hofbauer cells, HBCs) were identified more than 100 years ago. Alterations in their numbers and characteristics are associated with several complications of pregnancy. Although HBCs have previously been isolated and cultured, there is no consensus methodology to obtain these cells with high yield and purity for in vitro studies. Method of study Hofbauer cells were isolated from human term placentas using protocols in which cytotrophoblasts (CTs) and fibroblasts (FIBs), other major villous cell types, were isolated in parallel. Enzymatic digestion, Percoll gradients, and immunoselection were used to isolate the three cell types. Purity was assessed by morphology, flow cytometry, and phagocytosis assays. Results Hofbauer cells were isolated with 98–99% purity and a yield of 130–200 × 106 cells/80–100 g of tissue. HBCs exhibited a pleiomorphic and vacuolated appearance for at least 5 days in culture medium with and without serum. High levels of phagocytosis in HBCs, but not in CTs or FIBs, confirmed macrophage function in HBCs. Phagocytotic activity was maintained across several days in culture. Conclusion Hofbauer cells were isolated from term placenta with high yield and purity using protocols in which CTs and FIBs were also obtained. This methodology will foster future studies that examine the role of HBCs in regulating villus function.
Creative Reception in Urban Space, or the Art of Listening

On January 15, 2011, a group of twenty Bangkok residents embarked on a guided soundwalk through parts of their city.The walk was designed as both instructional and experimental in ways that facilitated new and creative engagements between listener and place. In the middle of the walk, following a brief but serious medical emergency, it also became an exercise in responsive action, and offered the group an opportunity to reflect on the fundamental role of unpredictability in sensory experience. This article describes the planning strategies that went into developing the soundwalk, and summarizes the challenges and successes of the event as it occurred in practice. Finally, participant feedback and general recommendations for soundwalk designers are provided in the last two sections.
Evidence-based librarianship: an overview

Objective: To demonstrate how the core characteristics of both evidencebased medicine (EBM) and evidence-based health care (EBHC) can be adapted to health sciences librarianship. Method: Narrative review essay involving development of a conceptual framework. The author describes the central features of EBM and EBHC. Following each description of a central feature, the author then suggests ways that this feature applies to health sciences librarianship. Results: First, the decision-making processes of EBM and EBHC are compatible with health sciences librarianship. Second, the EBM and EBHC values of favoring rigorously produced scientific evidence in decision making are congruent with the core values of librarianship. Third, the hierarchical levels of evidence can be applied to librarianship with some modifications. Library researchers currently favor descriptive-survey and case-study methods over systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, or other higher levels of evidence. The library literature nevertheless contains diverse examples of randomized controlled trials, controlled-comparison studies, and cohort studies conducted by health sciences librarians. Conclusions: Health sciences librarians are confronted with making many practical decisions. Evidence-based librarianship offers a decisionmaking framework, which integrates the best available research evidence. By employing this framework and the higher levels of research evidence it promotes, health sciences librarians can lay the foundation for more collaborative and scientific endeavors.
On the growth of solutions of certain second-order nonlinear differential equations

Abstract In this paper, we determine the growth of real-valued solutions of certain second-order algebraic differential equations. Our main result, together with a result of G. Valiron, shows that if y0 is an entire function which has only real, nonnegative coefficients in its power series around the origin, and which is a solution of a quadratic second-order algebraic differential equation, then y0 satisfies a growth estimate of the form,y0(x) ⩽ exp(exp xc), where c is a constant, for all sufficiently large x. The determination of the growth of such solutions was an open problem since the Valiron-Wiman theory fails to provide any information on growth, if the equation possesses a solution of infinite order of growth.
Nonenzymatic transformations of enzymatically generated N-acetyldopamine quinone and isomeric dihydrocaffeiyl methyl amide quinone.

We have recently demonstrated that the side chain hydroxylation of N-acetyldopamine and related compounds observed in several insects is caused by a two-enzyme system catalyzing the initial oxidation of catecholamine derivatives and subsequent isomerization of the resultant quinones to isomeric quinone methides, which undergo rapid nonenzymatic hydration to yield the observed products [Saul, S.J. and Sugumaran, M. (1989) FEBS Lett. 249, 155–158]. During our studies on o-quinone/p-quinone methide tautomerase, we observed that quinone methides are also produced nonenzymatically slowly, under physiological conditions. The quinone methide derived from N-acetyldopamine was hydrated to yield N-acetylnorepinephrine as the stable product as originally shown by Senoh and Witkop [(1959) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 81, 6222–6231], while the isomeric quinone methide from dihydrocaffeiyl methylamide exhibited a new reaction to form caffeiyl amide as the stable product. The identity of this product was established by UV and IR spectral studies and by chemical synthesis. We could not find any evidence of intramolecular cyclization of N-acetyldopamine quinone to iminochrome-type compound(s). The importance of quinone methides in these reactions is discussed.
Topology optimization of dielectric substrates for filters and antennas using SIMP

In this paper a novel design procedure based on the integration of full wave Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and a topology design method employing Sequential Linear Programming (SLP) is introduced. The employed design method is the Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) technique formulated as a general non-linear optimization problem. SLP is used to solve the optimization problem with the sensitivity analysis based on the adjoint variable method for complex variables. A key aspect of the proposed design method is the integration of optimization tools with a fast simulator based on the finite element-boundary integral (FE-BI) method. The capability of the design method is demonstrated by two design examples. First, we developed a metamaterial substrate with arbitrary material composition and subject to a pre-specified antenna bandwidth enhancement. The design is verified and its performance is evaluated via measurements and simulation. As a second example, the material distribution for a Thermo-Photovoltaic (TPV) filter subject to pre-specified bandwidth and compactness criteria is designed. Results show that the proposed design method is capable of designing full three-dimensional volumetric material textures and printed conductor topologies for filters and patch antennas with enhanced performance.
Versican G1 Domain and V3 Isoform Overexpression Results in Increased Chondrogenesis in the Developing Chick Limb In Ovo

Previous work has shown that versican proteoglycan is highly expressed in the extracellular matrix of precartilage limb mesenchyme. Although much of versican's role in chondrogenesis has been attributed to its glycosaminoglycan complement, N- and C-terminal G1 and G3 domains of versican have been shown to possess distinct functions when expressed ectopically. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that overexpression of the versican G1 domain and short V3 isoform, comprised of only G1 and G3, in the chick wing in ovo would result in increased chondrogenesis, suggesting function for discrete versican domains in limb skeletal development. Recombinant adenoviruses encoding G1 and V3 proteins were microinjected into proximal HH19-25 chick wing buds which resulted in significant enlargement of humeral primordia at HH35. Enhanced cartilage deposition appeared due to increased chondrogenic aggregation as a result of recombinant G1 or V3 overexpression, further implicating versican in early stages of limb development.
Androgen and concurrent androgen--progesterone maintenance of attack-eliciting characteristics in male mouse urine.

Attack-eliciting characteristics of urine collected from castrated or intact adult male mice, either untreated or receiving progesterone, were examined. No differences were observed in aggression displayed by isolated trained-fighter males when paired with gonadectomized stimulus animals smeared with urine collected from untreated or progesterone-treated intact donors. In a second experiment, castrated urine donors received androgen (testosterone or dihydrotestosterone) or concurrent androgen plus progesterone. Progesterone exerted no inhibitory effects on attack-eliciting characteristics of urine collected from treated donors when smeared on stimulus animals paired with trained fighters. Results of both studies indicate that the relatively low doses of progesterone used do not affect attack-eliciting characteristics of male mouse urine. Testosterone and DHT are equipotent in maintaining such attack-eliciting characteristics, and this ability is not impaired by simultaneous treatment with progesterone.
Epidermal Growth Factor in Mouse Ocular Tissue: Effects of Thyroxine and Exogenous Epidermal Growth Factor

Using a specific and sensitive epidermal growth factor (EGF) radioimmunoassay, we identified radioimmunoassayable EGF both in developing and adult mouse ocular tissues. In neonatal animals ocular EGF concentrations increase during the first 4-9 days and then decline between 9 and 15 days. Thyroxine (T4) administration (0.4 micrograms/g body weight/day from day 0) increased local EGF concentrations in eye and skin of 7-day-old neonatal mouse pups. However, this treatment did not affect submandibular gland EGF concentrations during the 1st wk of life. Both EGF and T4 are known to accelerate eye opening in the neonatal mouse. Exogenous EGF administration (2 micrograms/g body weight/day) during the first 8 days of life elicited precocious eyelid opening as expected but did not alter the serum T4 concentration, suggesting that EGF does not mediate eye opening by T4 dependent mechanism(s). Tissue EGF measurements revealed that the exogenous EGF was localized in skin and eye; however, other tissues including lung, liver, heart and submandibular gland also contained exogenous EGF. Kidney-EGF concentrations did not rise while brain-EGF levels were significantly decreased after exogenous EGF, suggesting that different EGF uptake and regulatory mechanism(s) exist in different tissues during the neonatal period. T4 administration (0.4 micrograms/g body weight/day) for 10 days to adult mice also increased ocular-EGF concentrations. However, this increase was abolished by sialoadenectomy, suggesting in contrast to the newborn, that submandibular gland is an important source of ocular-EGF in adult mice. These studies indicate that ocular EGF in the mouse is thyroxine responsive only during the neonatal period.
Comments on: Goodness-of-fit tests in mixed models

Professors Claeskens and Hart’s paper provides a comprehensive and very interesting review on goodness-of-fit tests for mixed model diagnostics. The review has generated some renewed interest on a problem that one of us tried to address eight years ago. Our discussion focuses on four specific topics, namely, the importance of generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) diagnostics, the model selection approach to goodness-of-fit tests, the simulation example, and bin selection in χ2 goodness-of-fit tests.
Venlafaxine in children, adolescents, and young adults with autism spectrum disorders: an open retrospective clinical report.

Autism is characterized by social deficits, communication and language impairments, narrow restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, inattention, and hyperactivity. While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in treating core symptoms of autism, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). An open, retrospective clinical study with venlafaxine evaluated its effect on core symptoms of autism as well as associated features of ADHD. Ten consecutive subjects meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV), criteria for an autism spectrum disorder were treated with venlafaxine, initiated at 12.5 mg per day and adjusted on a flexible basis. Six of 10 completers were judged to be sustained treatment responders, by scoring 1 (very much improved) or 2 (much improved) on the Clinical Global Impressions improvement scale. Venlafaxine was effective in low dosages (mean, 2...
Geochemical effects of decoupled fractional crystallization and crustal assimilation

Most models of crustal assimilation assume that the amount of assimilant added to the magma is proportional to each infinitesimally small amount of solid removed during crystallization (AFC). In some magmatic systems, however, assimilation and crystallization are not strictly related and the mass assimilated is decoupled from, and therefore varies independently of, the mass crystallized (FCA). The geochemical consequences of FCA are examined and compared to those of AFC. The behavior of incompatible elements is identical during AFC and FCA, and ratios of these elements do not allow discrimination between the two processes. Major-oxide least-squares mass-balance models do not discriminate between AFC and FCA at F ≥ 0.7 (F = fraction of melt remaining). However, FCA yields magmas richer in compatible elements and with higher Sr-isotopic ratios than AFC at a given value of F. Repeated cycles of FCA and AFC combined with magma mixing (FAM) may result in unusual geochemical trends, such as the evolution of a calc-alkaline basaltic parent to a tholeiitic daughter magma, or the evolution of low- and medium-K calc-alkaline basalts to high-K andesites, dacites, trachyandesites or trachydacites. Lavas erupted by the volcano Micro Profitis Ilias on Santorini, Hellenic arc, Greece, provide an example of magmas which evolved by combined fractionation, assimilation by FCA and mixing.
Debating globalization and education after September 11

This article examines some of the ways in which debates about globalization and education have changed since the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and their aftermath. From a postcolonial perspective, I argue that while some of the claims about the world ‘changing for ever’ are clearly simplistic and grossly exaggerated, there are at least three ways in which new elements have been introduced to the debates about globalization. First, there has emerged a new narrative of security, which has major implications for thinking about issues of mobility across national‐boundaries, both of people and of capital. Second, the view that the authority of the nation states is in decline has been shown to be overstated since nation states are now required to perform a range of new administrative, cultural and coercive functions. And finally, the antagonistic relationship between the West and Islam has become a major impediment to the realization of cosmopolitan objectives. Each of these developments has implications ...
Competing in the global higher education marketplace: Outsourcing, twinning, and franchising

This chapter discusses some of the drivers, issues, and risks associated with institutional approaches to globalization.
Cone characterizations of positive semidefinite operators on a Hilbert space

Abstract We extend finite dimensional results of Han and Mangasarian characterizing positive semidefinite matrices. We solve a linear complementarity problem for an operator defined on a Hilbert space, and state a generalization of Moreau's theorem.
Accuracy of Graphical Slope Method versus Deconvolution for the Evaluation of Luminescent Lifetimes Using Various Pulsed Sources

A quantitative evaluation has been made of the errors in luminescent lifetime calculations obtained by the graphical slope method when the data are distorted by the pulsed light source decay characteristics. The fluorophore lifetimes were calculated directly by the graphical slope method and were then deconvoluted to obtain the lifetimes undistorted by the pulsed source decay function. The percent error of the graphical slope method becomes significant (>5%) at luminescent-source lifetime differences of 2 nsec or less for pulsed sources having 1- to 3-nsec lifetimes. As the pulsed source lifetime increases, the percent errors will be greater at the same luminescent-source lifetime differences. As the luminescent lifetime approaches the pulsed source lifetime the percent error of the graphical method increases exponentially. The computer simulation procedure and a quantitative error analysis of the graphical slope and deconvolution methods are presented for a range of pulsed source decay values.
Can’t We Pick our Own Groups? The Influence of Group Selection Method on Group Dynamics and Outcomes:

In today’s business world, the ability to work efficiently and effectively with others in a group is a mandatory skill. Many employers rank “ability to work with a group” as one of the most important attributes for business school graduates to possess. Therefore, it is important for instructors to understand the factors that influence group dynamics and outcomes and students’ attitudes toward group experiences. The objective of this research is to test whether the method of group member assignment (i.e., random or self-selected) affects the nature of group dynamics and outcomes, and students’ attitudes toward the group experience. The results indicate that the method of group member assignment does influence group dynamics, attitudes toward the group experience, and group outcomes.
Clinical Perspectives on Premature Tooth Eruption and Cyst Formation in Neonates

Premature eruption of teeth occurs in 1 of every 2,000 births. The reported association between natal teeth and serious, rare, inherited syndromes suggests that particular caution should be exercised in examination of newborns having prematurely erupted teeth. The ectomesenchyma, from which the orofacial structures develop, undergoes a complex, coordinated series of steps of proliferation and differentiation during the first two months in utero. At approximately seven weeks the presumptive mandibular and maxillary arches show a bandlike ectodermal thickening called the dental lamina. Odontogenesis (tooth development) begins with budding of the dental lamina and continues into the second week of life. Remnants of odontogenic epithelium or of epithelium covering the embryonic facial processes may develop into cystic structures, causing intraoral swellings on the alveolar ridges or palate (i.e., Bohn's nodules and Epstein's pearls). Prematurely erupted natal and neonatal teeth are generally normal deciduous incisors. Hypermobility of these teeth, resulting from poorly formed roots, may stabilize within a short period of time. Extraction of natal and neonatal teeth should not be done precipitously.
Models for the gelling behavior of binary mixtures of hemoglobin variants.

Abstract The phenomenon of “gelation” in concentrated solutions of hemoglobins S (β6 Glu → Val) and CH (β6 Glu → Val, β73 Asp → Asn) and their mixtures with hemoglobin A is considered as a two-step process; step 1 is the linear (or helical) association of monomeric protomer to form rod-like oligomer, and step 2 is the side-by-side association of oligomer to form nematic phase or “gel”. As a first-order approximation, it is assumed that both steps may be treated as reversible equilibria. On this basis, a qualitative description of the compositiondependent behavior of a generalized binary system in the presence of each of the postulated equilibria is developed. It is proposed that an amino acid substitution at one of the positions, β6 or β73, primarily affects one of the two association steps. This proposal leads to two limiting models: in model I the β6 position influences step 1 association and the β73 position influences step 2 association, whereas in model II the roles of the two positions are reversed. By application of the previously developed descriptions of equilibrium behavior in binary mixtures, it is shown that either of these limiting models can account for the experimentally observed composition-dependent gelling behavior of all three binary mixtures of hemoglobins A, S and CH. Additional experimental information will be required to determine which (if either) of the limiting models provides the more appropriate description.
Histologic Transformation of Benign Endometriosis to Early Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Between 1975 and 1990, 79 patients with Stage I epithelial ovarian cancer were treated at Massachusetts General Hospital. Patients were identified from the tumor registry and medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Pathological slides were evaluated for the presence of endometriosis, specifically looking for malignancy arising in endometriosis. Evidence of endometriosis was found in 22 of the 79 cases (28%). In the 23 cases of endometrioid histology, 9 cases (39%) were associated with endometriosis and, in the 17 cases of clear cell tumors, 7 (41%) were associated with endometriosis. All 8 cases of mixed histology had clear cell and/or endometrioid components and 4 cases (50%) were associated with endometriosis. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma accounted for 41% of the tumors associated with endometriosis, clear cell carcinoma 31%, mixed (endometrioid and/or clear cell types) 18%, and other types 9%. Among the 22 patients with associated endometriosis, we found 7 carcinomas (32%) arising in endometriosis. In these 7 cases a spectrum of benign and atypical endometriosis with a transition to clear cell or endometrioid adenocarcinoma were identified. These premalignant changes were characterized by cytologic atypia and architectural proliferation. Endometriosis was frequently encountered among patients with Stage I epithelial ovarian cancer of endometrioid and clear cell histologies. Endometriosis may play a role in the pathogenesis of some early stage malignant ovarian epithelial neoplasms.
Dissociations between interval timing and intertemporal choice following administration of fluoxetine, cocaine, or methamphetamine

The goal of our study was to characterize the relationship between intertemporal choice and interval timing, including determining how drugs that modulate brain serotonin and dopamine levels influence these two processes. In Experiment 1, rats were tested on a standard 40-s peak-interval procedure following administration of fluoxetine (3, 5, or 8 mg/kg) or vehicle to assess basic effects on interval timing. In Experiment 2, rats were tested in a novel behavioral paradigm intended to simultaneously examine interval timing and impulsivity. Rats performed a variant of the bi-peak procedure using 10-s and 40-s target durations with an additional "defection" lever that provided the possibility of a small, immediate reward. Timing functions remained relatively intact, and 'patience' across subjects correlated with peak times, indicating a negative relationship between 'patience' and clock speed. We next examined the effects of fluoxetine (5 mg/kg), cocaine (15 mg/kg), or methamphetamine (1 mg/kg) on task performance. Fluoxetine reduced impulsivity as measured by defection time without corresponding changes in clock speed. In contrast, cocaine and methamphetamine both increased impulsivity and clock speed. Thus, variations in timing may mediate intertemporal choice via dopaminergic inputs. However, a separate, serotonergic system can affect intertemporal choice without affecting interval timing directly. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Associative and Temporal Learning.
Syntheses and characterization of the W(II) and W(III) N2 complexes, [WCl2(PMe3)3]2N2 and [WCl3(PMe3)2]2N2

Abstract Refluxing WCl4(PMe3)3 under a nitrogen atmosphere in the presence of two equivalents of sodium amalgam leads to a reduction to the W(II) complex [cis,mer-WCl2(PMe3)3]2N2 (1), which can be converted to [mer,trans-WCl3(PMe3)2]2N2 (2) via appropriate oxidation/chlorination. Structural data have been obtained for both complexes, and demonstrate significantly increased steric crowding in 1 due to PMe3/PMe3 interactions. The N–N bond distances in the two compounds are similar, at 1.279(4) and 1.243(18) A, respectively.
Esophageal varices in a 60-year-old man with Gaucher's disease

A 60-year-old white male with hepatosplenomegaly, portal hypertension, and esophageal varices was shown to have Gaucher's disease by both histological and biochemical criteria. There was an excess of glucosyl ceramide in the spleen. The patient's white blood cells were unable to hydrolyze the chemically synthesized natural substrate, glucosyl-1-14C-ceramide, but did hydrolyze at a normal rate an artificial substrate, methylumbelliferyl-β-d-glucoside. This latter finding demonstrates the problems that may be associated with the use of artificial substrates in enzymatic screening tests.
A synergetic pretreatment technology for woody biomass conversion

Abstract Conversion of woody biomass to chemicals, materials and energy requires at least three steps: pretreatment, cracking and conversion. Size reduction is the minimum required pretreatment step prior to further processing. Cracking step is the middle step in woody biomass conversion whereby solid woody biomass is reduced to small building blocks (molecules) or intermediates. The last step in woody biomass conversion is the generation of desired products from the building blocks or intermediates. Reactions involve woody biomass usually as a solid. The (solid–liquid or solid–gas) surface reactions have an apparent zeroth order owing to the complete renewal of surfaces during the dissolution. A vast array of products (chemicals, energy and materials) can be produced from woody biomass based on its four major components: extractives, hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose. Each of these four components has a different degree of resistance to chemical, thermal and biological degradation. The pretreatment step is designed to improve the efficiency of the cracking step. Waste products are commonly produced during pretreatment step for a sugar-based biorefinery due in part to the desire to maximize (or degrade cellulose to) glucose production. Non cellulose components in a sugar-based biorefinery were commonly discarded, starting from the pretreatment step. A synergetic approach is to eliminate the waste generation in pretreatment and inserting a step to turn the otherwise waste into value-added product(s). Hot-water extraction can serve this purpose. With a hot-water extraction process as a pretreatment step, size reduction can be enhanced after the high pressure operation. Value-added products can be produced from the hot-water extraction and the treated woody biomass can be more efficiently transformed in the cracking step: either be sugar-based, or gasification, or pyrolysis, or direct conversion to solid wood products. The synergy stems from the selective separation/removal of components from woody biomass. The reaction of solid component dissolutions from the woody biomass is of zeroth order, following a surface renewal mechanism during the bulk of the hot-water extraction process.
Computerized design, generation, and simulation of meshing of rotors of screw compressor

The contents of this paper cover: (i) conjugation of surfaces or rotors, (ii) synthesis of rotor surfaces with two lines of contact, (iii) avoidance of singularities, and (iv) investigation of influence of misalignment on the backlash between the surfaces. The developed theory is illustrated with numerical examples. Computer programs for numerical solutions have been developed.
Small, dense quark stars from perturbative QCD

As a model for nonideal behavior in the equation of state of QCD at high density, we consider cold quark matter in perturbation theory. To second order in the strong coupling constant ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s},$ the results depend sensitively on the choice of the renormalization mass scale. Certain choices of this scale correspond to a strongly first order chiral transition, and generate quark stars with maximum masses and radii approximately half that of ordinary neutron stars. At the center of these stars, quarks are essentially massless.
Assessing Multimedia Influences on Student Responses Using a Personal Response System

To date, research to date on personal response systems (clickers) has focused on external issues pertaining to the implementation of this technology or broadly measured student learning gains rather than investigating differences in the responses themselves. Multimedia learning makes use of both words and pictures, and research from cognitive psychology suggests that using both words and illustrations improves student learning. This study analyzed student response data from 561 students taking an introductory earth science course to determine whether including an illustration in a clicker question resulted in a higher percentage of correct responses than questions that did not include a corresponding illustration. Questions on topics pertaining to the solid earth were categorized as illustrated questions if they contained a picture, or graph and text-only if the question only contained text. For each type of question, we calculated the percentage of correct responses for each student and compared the results to student ACT-reading, math, and science scores. A within-groups, repeated measures analysis of covariance with instructor as the covariate yielded no significant differences between the percentage of correct responses to either the text-only or the illustrated questions. Similar non-significant differences were obtained when students were grouped into quartiles according to their ACT-reading, -math, and -science scores. These results suggest that the way in which a conceptest question is written does not affect student responses and supports the claim that conceptest questions are a valid formative assessment tool.
Noise levels during aerobics and the potential effects on distortion product otoacoustic emissions.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to measure noise levels during aerobics classes and to examine how outer hair cell (OHC) function, using distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), may be affected by this exposure. Fifty individuals (48 women and 2 men, ages 19–41 years) participated in 50-min aerobics classes. Noise levels were measured using noise dosimeters placed on the collar near the test ear. The audiometric protocol consisted of a questionnaire, otoscopy, screening tympanometry, and pre- and post-aerobics DPOAEs. The minute-by-minute peak noise levels varied between 90.5 and 99.7 dBA. The overall mean noise level for the aerobics classes was 87.1 dBA (range = 83.4–90.7 dBA). Mean post-aerobic DPOAE levels were lower at most frequencies with a statistically significant 1.4 dB decrease at 6000 Hz. Results of this project, even with limited statistical significance, should be viewed cautiously. Learning outcomes: The reader will be able to (1) identify the approximate dB SPL measured during aerobics classes, (2) describe what effects, if any, these levels had on DPOAEs, and (3) discuss what specific frequency had a significant decrease in DPOAE level after an aerobics class.
WIDE-ANGLE ELECTRON-PAIR PRODUCTION

An experiment testing quantum electrodynamics at high energies and small distances is described. The photoproduction from carbon of electron-positron pairs was measured at laboratory angles of 4.60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 6.23\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and 7.46\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. Symmetrical electron-positron pairs in the energy range from 1 to 5 BeV were detected with a magnet-counter system which consisted of two mirror-image arms. Extensive internal checks of the apparatus were made and the results were reproducible. The theoretical values for the electron-pair yield were calculated by integrating the differential pair-production cross section over the acceptance of the apparatus using a Monte Carlo technique. The ratio $R=(\mathrm{experimental}\mathrm{yield})/(\mathrm{theoretical}\mathrm{yield})$ was not 1.0. $R$ was approximately given by $R=0.62{(1.00\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05)+\frac{{k}^{2}}{{(4.31\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.17)}^{2}}}$ where $k$ is the energy in BeV of the photon which produced the pair, and by $R=0.67{(1.00\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04)\ensuremath{-}\frac{{{Q}_{f}}^{2}}{{(313\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}13)}^{2}}},$ where ${{Q}_{f}}^{2}$ is the four-momentum of the virtual fermion in ${(\mathrm{MeV})}^{2}$. The apparatus studies and a comparison of the measured single-electron yields with the theoretical yields suggest that an error exists in the absolute normalization of the results. There are no indications that the observed variation of the electron-pair yields with momentum or the large excess of wide-angle electron pairs at high energies is due to any systematic error. The experimental results do not agree with the predictions of quantum electrodynamics; they indicate a breakdown of the theory or the presence of other processes.
Epidermal Langerhans Cells Undergo Mitosis During the Early Recovery Phase After Ultraviolet-B Irradiation

We studied the recovery phase of immune response-associated (Ia)-positive or ATPase-positive epidermal Langerhans cells (ELCs) after ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced depletion by using mouse ear epidermal sheets. An area 3 mm in diameter was irradiated with 300 nm UVB light (40 mJ/cm2). A time sequence study was carried out to 56 days. During this period the Ia-positive ELC population increased stepwise, i.e., first a rapid increase between day 7 and day 14, which we called the early recovery phase, and next a gradual increase between day 42 and day 56, which we called the late recovery phase. During the early recovery phase, we found polymorphous ELCs in the irradiated area which were giant or normal in size, dendritic or round in shape, and single or paired in distribution. Electron microscopy revealed some of round and some of paired ATPase-positive ELCs to be in metaphase or telophase of mitotic division. Within the entire observation period of our study, there was no evidence suggesting migration of ELCs from hair follicles or from the nonirradiated epidermis. These findings indicated that mitosis of ELCs contribute to their repopulation during the early recovery phase.
Cell-Cycle Control of Developmentally Regulated Transcription Factors Accounts for Heterogeneity in Human Pluripotent Cells

Heterogeneity within pluripotent stem cell (PSC) populations is indicative of dynamic changes that occur when cells drift between different states. Although the role of metastability in PSCs is unclear, it appears to reflect heterogeneity in cell signaling. Using the Fucci cell-cycle indicator system, we show that elevated expression of developmental regulators in G1 is a major determinant of heterogeneity in human embryonic stem cells. Although signaling pathways remain active throughout the cell cycle, their contribution to heterogeneous gene expression is restricted to G1. Surprisingly, we identify dramatic changes in the levels of global 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, an unanticipated source of epigenetic heterogeneity that is tightly linked to cell-cycle progression and the expression of developmental regulators. When we evaluated gene expression in differentiating cells, we found that cell-cycle regulation of developmental regulators was maintained during lineage specification. Cell-cycle regulation of developmentally regulated transcription factors is therefore an inherent feature of the mechanisms underpinning differentiation.
Factors influencing the durability of chrome plate

Abstract The bores of many cannon tubes are electroplated with chromium. This is done to provide better resistance to erosion and wear and in the case of naval guns to provide corrosion resistance as well. The resistance of chrome plate to erosion and wear is so good that there is little or no wear of the bore until the chromium begins to spall off the steel substrate. In the present research the effects of various factors on the durability of the plate were investigated using a geared roller test machine. It was found that the important stress is the shear stress in the plane normal to the direction of rolling rather than the maximum shear stress; this corresponds to the maximum shear strain. This result has application to the subcase fatigue or “case crushing” failure of case-hardened gears. The failure on repeated loading was found to be in the substrate steel immediately below the interface rather than at the interface itself. The durability of the plated surface decreased by about half as its thickness was increased from 0.15 to 0.41 mm although most or all of this can be attributed to the increased shear stress near the interface for the thicker electroplates. It was also found that residual compressive stress in the substrate steel had a great effect on durability; even the mild residual compressive stress introduced into the steel surface by sand blasting before plating increased durability many-fold. Finally it was found that a bainite microstructure rather than the usual tempered martensite caused a significant decrease in durability.
NS2 protein of influenza virus is found in purified virus and phosphorylated in infected cells

Purified viral preparations of influenza A virus were examined for the presence of NS2 protein hitherto considered as a viral nonstructural protein that is present only in infected cells. Analysis of purified virus by radioimmunoprecipitation with monospecific antisera to NS2 revealed its presence in the virus particle suggesting that it is a viral structural protein. NS2 protein was also shown to be phosphorylated in infected cells in this study. This brings the number of influenza virus phosphoproteins to three which include NP, NS1, and NS2. These observations raise important questions about the role of NS2 in the replication of influenza virus.
Assessing the Health Behaviors of Texas College Students.

The authors of this study examined the health behaviors of Texas college students, using a telephone survey to assess 1,408 randomly selected students enrolled in 23 institutions of higher education. Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed had consumed alcohol at least once, and nearly one third considered themselves regular smokers. More than 81% reported they had had sexual intercourse at least once, and one fourth of the sexually active men had had more than 10 partners. However, of the 1,148 students who were sexually active, only 40.1% reported using a condom at last intercourse. Almost 59% of the students surveyed had never been taught about HIV or AIDS in any of their college classes. Given the large sample size and the random methods employed, the authors suggest that the results of this study can be used to establish a baseline of information regarding health behaviors of college students that can be extrapolated to college populations across the country.
Electronically modulated two-dimensional plasmons coupled to surface plasmon modes

We present a calculation for a two-dimensional (2D) electron gas layer interacting with a slab of conductive material. We treat the plasmons in the slab in the local limit and obtain the frequency of the coupled mode corresponding to the extended 2D plasmon interacting with the background plasmons in the presence of a conducting surface. The dispersion equation of a double quantum well is obtained and we show how the split symmetric and antisymmetric modes are formed and modified by the localized surface plasmon. For a single layer, we show that when a one-dimensional (1D) periodic electrostatic potential is applied to the surface, each of the symmetric and antisymmetric modes will be further split by the interaction with the 1D modulation, leading to folding of plasmon dispersion curves for different modes. For double layers, we show that the coupled 2D and surface plasmons may result in radiated energy. Our analysis is based on a calculation of the surface response function obtained using a transfer-matrix method.
Essure treatment of hydrosalpinges.

Objective To describe the use of Essure microinsert placement in patients with hydrosalpinges before IVF. Design Retrospective case-series. Setting An advanced endoscopic practice within a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Patient(s) Five women with unilateral or bilateral hydrosalpinges on transvaginal ultrasound, laparoscopy, or hysterosalpingogram who were planning further fertility therapy. In all patients, laparoscopy was felt to be relatively contraindicated because of previous extensive abdominopelvic surgery. Intervention(s) Hysteroscopic placement of the Essure microinsert in four patients under general anesthesia. One patient underwent fluoroscopically guided placement. Main Outcome Measure(s) Placement rates and postoperative recovery, technical challenges in Essure placement, and results of subsequent treatment with IVF when available. Result(s) Successful bilateral Essure placement was confirmed in two of five patients. Unilateral placement was achieved in two of five. There were no postoperative complications. No pregnancies have occurred thus far. Conclusion(s) Hysteroscopic placement of the Essure microinsert is a minimally invasive option for proximal tubal occlusion. In patients requiring occlusion of hydrosalpinges before IVF and with contraindications to abdominal surgery, this technique may offer a safer alternative. Preoperative documentation of proximal tubal patency helps predict placement success. Further research into this unique clinical scenario is required.
Electron stimulated desorption of condensed, branched alkanes☆

Abstract Electron stimulated desorption of H + , CH + 3 , H + 2 and D + has been measured as a function of excitation energy for condensed phase neopentane, tetramethylsilane, 2-methylpropane-l-d 1 , and 2-methylpropane-2-d 1 . The data show that the processes which result in both H + and CH + 3 production are initiated by the same excitation. The excitation which produce H + , Ch + 3 and H + 2 appear to be largely localized on the methyl groups. The results indicate that multi-electron (hole) final states are responsible for H + and CH + 3 desorption.