cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Penalty methods in finite element analysis of fluids and structures

Abstract This paper discusses the use of penalty techniques in finite element Galerkin equations. It shows that earlier results relating penalty methods to mixed and Lagrange multiplier methods through the use of reduced-selective numerical integration formulas extend to problems in which there is no extremum principle. It is also shown that penalty techniques can be employed in nonlinear dynamical problems and can lead to the substantial computational benefits arising from the ability to impose constraints without Lagrange multiplier unknowns. But they also may lead to costs involving the illconditioning of certain matrices and the complication of some iterative solution procedures. Nevertheless in many problems the benefits well outweigh the costs.
To Use or Not to Use: Factors That Influence the Selection of New Treatment Approaches.

Clinicians are often faced with decisions concerning whether to use a new or different treatment approach. What factors influence these decisions? Are clinicians more influenced by treatment effica...
College Adjustment, Relationship Satisfaction, and Conflict Management A Cross-Lag Assessment of Developmental “Spillover”

Emerging adulthood is a period in the life course that consists of several developmental tasks, including occupational and relationship exploration. Consistent with the developmental tasks of this period, we tested a model of individual development. Using a sample of emerging adults in romantic relationships (N = 267), we examined the longitudinal association between conflict management and relationship satisfaction and subsequent college adjustment using two cross-lag path analyses. In the first path analyses, results indicated conflict management and social adjustment are mutually influential over time. In this second path analyses, conflict management is related to academic adjustment through relationship satisfaction. Implications for romantic relationship education for emerging adults and future research are discussed. Language: en
Managing values in personal food systems.

People in post-industrial societies are faced with many food products and diverse eating situations that can make food-choice decisions complex. This study examined the ways that people managed values in making food choices in various contexts. An analysis of 86 semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews from a diverse population of urban adults living in upstate New York revealed that all participants used a personal food system, which was a dynamic set of processes constructed to enact food choices. Within these personal food systems people managed the five main food-related values of taste, health, cost, time and social relationships, and other less prominent values of symbolism, ethics, variety, safety, waste and quality. The salience of these values varied among the participants as well as across the eating situations that confronted each participant. Participants used three main processes in their personal food systems: (i) categorizing foods and eating situations; (ii) prioritizing conflicting values for specific eating situations; and (iii) balancing prioritizations across personally defined time frames. Understanding the personal food systems people use to help them make food choices can be useful for developing theories about eating behavior and communicating health messages related to food and eating.
Initial test and evaluation of the millimeter-wave holographic surveillance system

A test and evaluation pilot study was conducted in January 1996 at Sea-Tac International Airport in Seattle, Washington to determine the initial effectiveness of the Millimeter- wave Holographic Weapons Surveillance System. This is a new personnel surveillance systems for the detection of concealed metal, plastic, and ceramic weapons and other threatening materials. Two different frequency bands were used in the study: Ku band and Ka band. Over 7000 Millimeter-wave (MM-wave) holographic images were obtained on 21 different models. The 7000 images were used to produce simulated real-time surveillance system videos. The videos were constructed by obtaining 36 images of the models at 10 degree increments for 360 degree coverage. A library of two hundred videos were produced for this pilot study: 100 at Ku band and 100 at Ka band. The videos contained either a threat or no threat. The threats were concealed at different locations on the models. Various innocuous items and different clothing combinations were also used n the construction of these videos. Twenty-nine certified Sea-Tac screeners were used in the initial test and evaluation of this new surveillance technology. Each screener viewed 160 MM-wave videos: 80 Ku band and 80 Ka band. The ratio of non- threat to threat videos per band was three to one. Test and evaluation software was developed to collect data from the screeners on-line for the type and location of threat detected. The primary measures of screener performance used to evaluate this new technology included, the probability of detection, the probability of a false alarm, measures of screener sensitivity and bias, and threat detection time.
Abstract 2820: Vorinostat abrogates ridaforolimus-induced activation of Akt in synovial sarcoma cells: A possible rationale for their synergism

Background: Curative treatments for patients with metastatic synovial sarcoma (SS) do not exist and such patients have a poor prognosis. Previously, we demonstrated that the combination of the mTOR inhibitor ridaforolimus and the HDAC inhibitor vorinostat exhibited synergism in a variety of cell lines. Here, we explore whether the Akt pathway is potentially involved in mediating the synergistic effects of ridaforolimus and vorinostat. Methods: Two SS cell lines (HS-SY-II and SYO-I) were treated with the single agents or with combinations of ridaforolimus and vorinostat. After 72 hours, cell viability was measured using the cell proliferation assay (MTS). Combination Indices (CI) were calculated to determine whether each combination was synergistic, additive, or antagonistic. Western Blot analysis assessed alterations in total and phospho-Akt protein levels in response to drug treatment. Results: Ridaforolimus IC50 was 10.9nM in HS-SY-II and 23.1nM in SYO-I; vorinostat IC50 was 440nM in HS-SY-II and 561nM in SYO-I. CI were 0.28 and 0.63 in HS-SY-II and SYO-I, respectively, indicating synergism between the two agents. The ridaforolimus/vorinostat combination was assessed in other tumor types, including osteosarcoma (U2OS), metastatic melanoma (Stew1 and Stew2), pancreatic cancer (Panc1 and BxPC3), and lung cancer (A549). The combination was synergistic in all cell lines: CI ranged from 0.37 to 0.77, except in Panc1, where it was additive (CI=0.92). As previously observed with other mTOR inhibitors, ridaforolimus alone increased pAkt-ser473 levels in SS cell lines; this effect was abrogated by the addition of vorinostat. Conclusions: The combination of ridaforolimus and vorinostat demonstrates in vitro synergism in SS as well as in a variety of other tumor types. The addition of vorinostat prevented ridaforolimus-induced Akt activation, a possible mechanism of resistance to mTOR inhibition. Adding HDAC inhibition to mTOR inhibitors may be a route to circumvent Akt-mediated resistance to mTOR inhibitors. Our results also indicate that this combination may demonstrate broad anti-neoplastic activity. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2820. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2820
Management of unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer: the role of combined chemoradiation.

Until the late 1980s, thoracic radiation therapy (TRT) was considered the standard of care for patients with stage III disease despite extremely poor 5-year survival rates. Several studies evaluating TRT combined with chemotherapy showed a survival advantage. Based on these data, combined modality therapy became accepted as the standard of care in this group of patients with good performance status and made the treatment of locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) a multidisciplinary endeavor. Recent studies have shown that concurrent chemoradiotherapy offers a significantly greater survival advantage than sequential chemoradiotherapy and should be considered standard of care in stage III inoperable NSCLC. Although numerous Phase III trials have clearly demonstrated a survival benefit in those patients who receive combined modality therapy, many questions remain. The most effective combination of drugs, their optimal mode of administration, the use of either induction or consolidation therapy in addition to a backbone of concurrent therapy, and the details of TRT, including total dose, fractionation, acceleration, treatment volumes, and tumor targeting remain important issues to define. Although progress has been made in treatment for locally advanced NSCLC, the majority of patients still die within 5 years either from locoregional or distant progression of disease. This article will review the current data regarding treatment of this heterogeneous group of patients. In addition, a brief summary of new molecular therapies and chemotherapeutics will be presented.
Partial Pressures of PCB-11 in Air from Several Great Lakes Sites

Relatively high concentrations of 3,3′-dichlorobiphenyl (PCB-11) have been reported in water and air, and it has been suggested that this compound did not come from commercial PCB products. We report here data on atmospheric partial pressures of PCB-11 and of total PCBs at five sites around the Great Lakes and demonstrate that both total PCBs and PCB-11 track human population density. In addition, we show that, with the exception of Chicago, the PCB congener pattern at our sampling sites is best represented by Aroclor 1242; in Chicago, the pattern is best represented by a 1:1 mixture of Aroclors 1242 and 1254. With the possible exception of Sturgeon Point, New York, the levels of PCB-11 in air have not changed between January 2004 and December 2007. The source of PCB-11 may be related to yellow pigments, to the degradation of more highly chlorinated PCB congeners, or to both.
Phase change and stress wave in picosecond laser–material interaction with shock wave formation

When background gas is present in pulsed laser–material interaction, a shock wave down to the nanoscale will emerge. The background gas will affect the phase change and explosion in the target. This study is focused on the void dynamics and stress wave in a model material (argon crystal) under picosecond pulsed laser irradiation. Our results show that existence of ambient gas and the shock wave significantly suppresses the void formation and their lifetime. Void dynamics, including their growing rate, lifetime, and size under the influence of ambient gas are studied in detail. All the voids undergo an accelerating and decelerating process in the growth. The collapsing process is almost symmetrical to the growing process. Higher laser fluence is found to induce an obvious foamy structure. Stress wave formation and propagation, temperature contour, and target and gas atom number densities are studied to reveal the underlying physical processes. Although the interaction of the plume with ambient gas significantly suppresses the void formation and phase explosion, no obvious effect is found on the stress wave within the target. Very interestingly, secondary stress waves resulting from re-deposition of ablated atoms and void collapse are observed, although their magnitude is much smaller than the directly laser-induced stress wave.
Extra-appendiceal findings in pediatric abdominal CT for suspected appendicitis

Much has been written regarding the incidence, types, importance and management of abdominal CT incidental findings in adults, but there is a paucity of literature on incidental findings in children. We sought to determine the prevalence and characteristics of extra-appendiceal and incidental findings in pediatric abdominal CT performed for suspected appendicitis. A retrospective review was performed of abdominal CT for suspected appendicitis in a pediatric emergency department from July 2010 to June 2012. Extra-appendiceal findings were recorded. Any subsequent imaging was noted. Extra-appendiceal findings were divided into incidental findings of doubtful clinical significance, alternative diagnostic findings potentially providing a diagnosis other than appendicitis explaining the symptoms, and incidental findings that were abnormalities requiring clinical correlation and sometimes requiring further evaluation but not likely related to the patient symptoms. One hundred sixty-five children had abdominal CT for suspected appendicitis. Seventy-seven extra-appendiceal findings were found in 57 (34.5%) patients. Most findings (64 of 77) were discovered in children who did not have appendicitis. Forty-one of these findings (53%) could potentially help explain the patient’s symptoms, while 30 of the findings (39%) were abnormalities that were unlikely to be related to the symptoms but required clinical correlation and sometimes further work-up. Six of the findings (8%) had doubtful or no clinical significance. Extra-appendiceal findings are common in children who undergo abdominal CT in the setting of suspected appendicitis. A significant percentage of these patients have findings that help explain their symptoms. Knowledge of the types and prevalence of these findings may help radiologists in the planning and interpretation of CT examinations in this patient population.
Catalytic cracking of heavy crude on a zeolite catalyst

The authors study catalytic cracking of the 280–460°C fraction of Upper Cretaceous Chechen-Ingush oil on CaHX zeolite without a binder. The zeolite was 6.6–7.5% more active and 8.4–9.4% more selective than a commercial aluminosilicate catalyst under moderate cracking conditions.
Auslegung von SCR-Systemen zur Stickoxidreduktion bei Dieselmotoren

Zur Erfullung zukunftiger NOx-Grenzwerte auf dem europaischen, US-amerikanischen und japanischen Pkw-Markt stellt die SCR-Technologie die primar verfolgte Strategie dar. Die optimale Auslegung der SCR-Systeme erfordert neben fundierter Erfahrung den Einsatz innovativer Entwicklungswerkzeuge. Die Emcon Technologies Germany setzt hierbei auf virtuelle Designoptimierung mittels CFD-Simulation in Verbindung mit der Validierung auf Basis einer speziell angepassten Messtechnik.
Stereotypes Focus Defensive Projection

Defensive projection is the process of perceiving one's undesirable qualities in others. The present research shows how stereotypes guide and justify the projection of specific traits onto specific group members. In four studies, the authors demonstrated that people who experienced a threat to a specific dimension of their self-concept selectively activated this dimension in a stereotype and derogated stereotyped others on this dimension. They further showed that stereotyped individuals are more likely to serve as targets of projection than are nonstereotyped individuals. These results demonstrate the functional role of stereotypes in guiding and constraining motivated self-enhancement.
Hyperfiltration is associated with the development of microalbuminuria in patients with sickle cell anemia

This is the pre-peer reviewed version of the following article: Vazquez, Benjamin, et al. "Hyperfiltration is associated with the development of microalbuminuria in patients with sickle cell anemia." American journal of hematology 89.12 (2014): 1156-1157., which has been published in final form at American Journal of Hematology © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fate of acid-adapted and non-adapted Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated post-drying on beef jerky treated with marinades before drying

Abstract The objective of the present study was to investigate survival of acid-adapted and non-adapted E. coli O157:H7 inoculated after drying on beef jerky that was treated with marinades before drying. Beef slices were not marinated before drying (control—C), or subjected to the following marinades (24 h, 4°C) prior to drying at 60°C for 10 h: (1) traditional marinade (TM), (2) double the amount of TM modified with added 1.2% sodium lactate, 9% acetic acid, and 68% soy sauce with 5% ethanol) (MM), (3) dipping into 5% acetic acid followed by TM (AATM), and (4) dipping into 1% Tween 20 and then into 5% acetic acid followed by the TM (TWTM). Dried slices were inoculated with acid-adapted or non-adapted E. coli O157:H7 (c. 6.2 log cfu cm−2) prior to aerobic storage at 25°C for 60 days. Survivors were determined using tryptic soy agar with 0.1% pyruvate, modified eosin methlylene blue agar, and sorbitol MacConkey agar. Results indicated that bacterial populations decreased during storage in the order of predrying marinade treatments TWTM⩾AATM>MM>C⩾TM. Populations decreased faster on jerky inoculated with acid-adapted cultures than with non-adapted cultures in all treatments. A 5.0 log reduction in bacterial counts was achieved within 7 days (TWTM and AATM) or never achieved during the 60 days storage period (C, TM). The earliest elimination (enrichment negative) of the pathogen occurred by 28 days (TWTM, ATTM and MM) in products inoculated with acid-adapted cultures and by 42 days (TWTM and AATM) in products inoculated with non-adapted cultures. It is concluded that under the conditions of this study, modified marinades and low water activity provide antimicrobial effects against possible post-processing contamination of beef jerky with E. coli O157:H7. Acid adaptation of cultures enhanced their inactivation during storage.
Incorporation of conceptual and parametric uncertainty into radionuclide flux estimates from a fractured granite rock mass

Detailed numerical flow and radionuclide simulations are used to predict the flux of radionuclides from three underground nuclear tests located in the Climax granite stock on the Nevada Test Site. The numerical modeling approach consists of both a regional-scale and local-scale flow model. The regional-scale model incorporates conceptual model uncertainty through the inclusion of five models of hydrostratigraphy and five models describing recharge processes for a total of 25 hydrostratigraphic–recharge combinations. Uncertainty from each of the 25 models is propagated to the local-scale model through constant head boundary conditions that transfer hydraulic gradients and flow patterns from each of the model alternatives in the vicinity of the Climax stock, a fluid flux calibration target, and model weights that describe the plausibility of each conceptual model. The local-scale model utilizes an upscaled discrete fracture network methodology where fluid flow and radionuclides are restricted to an interconnected network of fracture zones mapped onto a continuum grid. Standard Monte Carlo techniques are used to generate 200 random fracture zone networks for each of the 25 conceptual models for a total of 5,000 local-scale flow and transport realizations. Parameters of the fracture zone networks are based on statistical analysis of site-specific fracture data, with the exclusion of fracture density, which was calibrated to match the amount of fluid flux simulated through the Climax stock by the regional-scale models. Radionuclide transport is simulated according to a random walk particle method that tracks particle trajectories through the fracture continuum flow fields according to advection, dispersion and diffusional mass exchange between fractures and matrix. The breakthrough of a conservative radionuclide with a long half-life is used to evaluate the influence of conceptual and parametric uncertainty on radionuclide mass flux estimates. The fluid flux calibration target was found to correlate with fracture density, and particle breakthroughs were generally found to increase with increases in fracture density. Boundary conditions extrapolated from the regional-scale model exerted a secondary influence on radionuclide breakthrough for models with equal fracture density. The incorporation of weights into radionuclide flux estimates resulted in both noise about the original (unweighted) mass flux curves and decreases in the variance and expected value of radionuclide mass flux.
A random 1-011-011-01algorithm for depth first search

In this paper we present a fast parallel algorithm for constructing a depth first search tree for an undirected graph. The algorithm is anRNC algorithm, meaning that it is a probabilistic algorithm that runs in polylog time using a polynomial number of processors on aP-RAM. The run time of the algorithm isO(T MM(n) log3 n), and the number of processors used isP MM (n) whereT MM(n) andP MM(n) are the time and number of processors needed to find a minimum weight perfect matching on ann vertex graph with maximum edge weightn.
Water Quality Modeling for the Raccoon River Watershed Using SWAT

The Raccoon River watershed (RRW) in west-central Iowa has been recognized as exporting some of the highest nitrate-nitrogen loadings in the U.S. and is a major source of sediment and other nutrient loadings. An integrated modeling framework has been constructed for the 9,400 km2 RRW that consists of the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model, the interactive SWAT (i_SWAT) software package, the Load Estimator (LOADEST) computer program, and other supporting software and databases. The simulation framework includes detailed land use and management data, such as different crop rotations, and an array of nutrient and tillage management schemes, derived from the USDA National Resources Inventory (NRI) databases and other sources. This article presents the calibration and validation of SWAT for the streamflow, sediment losses, and nutrient loadings in the watershed, and an assessment of land use and management practice shifts in controlling pollution. Streamflow, sediment yield, and nitrate loadings were calibrated for the period 1981-1992 and validated for the period 1993-2003. Limited field data on organic nitrogen, organic phosphorus, and mineral phosphorus allowed model validation for the period 2001-2003. Model predictions generally performed very well on both an annual and monthly basis during the calibration and validation periods, as indicated by R2 and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (E) values that exceeded 0.7 in most cases. A set of land use change scenarios depicting conversion of cropland into land set-aside resulted in large reductions of sediment yield at the watershed outlet. A second scenario set found that reductions in nutrient applications of 10% to 20% resulted in similar predicted percentage reductions in nitrate loadings at the watershed outlet and in corresponding corn yield reductions of 3% to 6%.
Screening for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) utilizing combined mini-mental-cognitive capacity examinations for identifying dementia prodromes.

Objective To test correctness of results when combining Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Cognitive Capacity Screening Examination (CCSE) for identifying mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among non-demented elderly subjects at risk for developing dementia. Methods A retrospective study was conducted among consecutively referred volunteers with memory complaints to a research out-patient clinic. Two cognitive screening tests (MMSE and CCSE) were performed according to established protocol. Resulting combined screening test (termed by acronym as CMC) combined the non-overlapping test items derived from both MMSE and CCSE. Conversion to dementia at follow-up served as the ‘gold-standard’ for evaluating correctness of CMC for identifying MCI. Results Of 351 subjects completing cognitive assessments and meeting requirements for study protocol, 84 (23.9%) developed dementia of different types within 3–6 years (3.89 ± 2.17) of follow-up. Among these, 47 met criteria for probable Alzheimer disease (AD), 22 for probable vascular dementia (VaD), 12 for mixed AD/VaD and three for probable frontotemporal dementia. When final diagnosis of AD was used as the ‘gold standard’ for testing correctness of MCI identified by cognitive screening tests, sensitivities of MMSE, CCSE and CMC for identifying MCI were relatively 61.0%, 74.3% and 83.1% with minimum specificity set at 80%. When diagnosis of all types of dementia was used as the standard for testing predictive correctness of MCI, CCSE emerged as an optimal MCI screening test. Conclusion Combining the CCSE and MMSE screening tests resulted in higher sensitivity than was achieved by MMSE alone and maintained specificity at comparable levels for identifying MCI. The results confirmed that CMC has optimal correctness and utility as a brief cognitive test for screening MCI as a prodrome for dementia among non-demented elderly populations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relict sheetflood bed forms on late Quaternary alluvial-fan surfaces in the southwestern United States

Late Pleistocene and early Holocene alluvial-fan surfaces in southeastern California are locally mantled by narrow, widely spaced, transverse-to-slope bands of fine gravel and coarse sand. These features are interpreted to be relict bed forms of high-magnitude sheetfloods that inundated abandoned alluvial-fan surfaces. The majority of these sheetflood events apparently occurred in the latest Pleistocene to middle Holocene and produced meso–bed forms with wavelengths of 2–6 m. These flood events mobilized sediment with mean grain sizes of 2–8 mm on inactive fan surfaces under calculated velocities of 30–60 cm/s and may be responsible for increased dissection of upper piedmonts and widespread alluvial-fan deposition in the lower piedmont regions. An older sheetflood event produced macro-bed forms with wavelengths of 20–80 m on a pedogenic CaCO 3 -cemented piedmont in southwestern Arizona. Both scales of bed forms display characteristics of confined-flow fluvial bed forms which form under diverse flow regimes that cause either megaripples or transverse ribs.
The embedding problem for predistance matrices

A fundamental problem in molecular biology is the determination of the conformation of macromolecules from NMR data. Several successful distance geometry programs have been developed for this purpose, for example DISGEO. A particularly difficult facet of these programs is the embedding problem, that is the problem of determining those conformations whose distances between atoms are nearest those measured by the NMR techniques. The embedding problem is the distance geometry equivalent of the multiple minima problem, which arises in energy minimization approaches to conformation determination. We show that the distance geometry approach has some nice geometry not associated with other methods that allows one to prove detailed results with regard to the location of local minima. We exploit this geometry to develop some algorithms which are faster and find more minima than the algorithms presently used.
An exploratory study of day care children and reunion time in an adapted version of the strange situation experiment

This exploratory study examined the length of reunion time in the final episode of an adapted version of the strange situation experiment. The specific question raised was whether the brief reunion period used in the strange situation is sufficient to determine attachment in preschool children. Forty day care children were observed at reunion with their mothers. The reunion period was extended to 20 minutes from the customary 3–5 minutes to allow the children more time to reunite. Results indicated that day care children who scored less than the maximum at 3 minutes showed less resistance and avoidance over time (3–20 min.). Thus, these children seemed to show more positive attachment behaviors at reunion when given an extended period of time to do so.
An Invariant Volume-Mean-Value Property

If ƒ is harmonic and integrable over the open unit disc U then so is ƒ ∘ ψ for every Moebius transformation ψ of U, and therefore 1π ∫ U (ƒ ∘ ψ) d A = ƒ(ψ(0) for every ψ. Conversely, does this mean-value property imply that ƒ is harmonic? A more general question, with the unit ball Bn of C (for arbitrary n≥ 1) in place of the disc, is investigated in the present paper. The answer is found to be affirmative if n ≤ 11, negative if n ≤ 12.
Thermo-Chemical Energy Conversion Using Supplementary Animal Wastes With Coal

Researchers at Texas A&M University have studied properties of cattle biomass (CB or manure) fuels and their possible utility in combustion systems. Larger, more concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) and farms make manure disposal more difficult. At the same time, due to the concentration of the manure, the CAFOs can be a source of a more feasible and reliable CB feedstock for fossil fuel supplementation and emissions reduction technologies. This paper reviews the history of work conducted on animal biomass fuels and current research and experiments undertaken by Texas A&M University (TAMU) System research personnel. Feedlot biomass (FB), dairy biomass (DB), and chicken litter biomass (LB) are considered here. When cofiring with coal under rich conditions, the CB has the potential to reduce NOx and Hg emissions. Reburning coal with CB can be just as effective as and possibly more economical than reburning with conventional fuels like natural gas. In addition to cofiring and reburning, another possible energy conversion method is gasification of cattle biomass with air and air-steam oxidizing agents that can produce synthetic gases which can then be used in a variety of different combustion systems. The economic feasibility of utilizing animal-based biomass on existing coal-fired power plants is greatly dependent on the relative cost of coal, the biomass transportation distance to the combustion facility, and numerous other factors. Even though most of the methodologies and procedures, in this paper, deal with CB, similar schemes can be undertaken for most other animal or solid wastes.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Real-time monitoring of nanoparticle retention in porous media

Nanoparticles are not specifically targeted in conventional treatment schemes; consequently, typical wastewater treatment systems are ineffective for nanoparticles removal. With rapidly increasing concern over their health effects, improved understanding of nanoparticle transport and retention in porous media filters is critical because of its application in new wastewater treatment methods and for assessment of the fate of the discharged nanoparticles in soil. In this study, a unique and robust integrated method is developed and validated. Experimentally, this approach uses an on-line, real-time, and in situ method for measuring nanoparticle retention dynamics, eliminating the laborious and less accurate sampling and off-line analysis. The data analysis part is a process simulator which provides both kinetic properties of the retention process as well as the overall capacity and loading. This technique is validated by application to the transport and retention of TiO2 nanoparticles in two vastly different porous filtration media—activated carbon and sand. TiO2 retained concentrations ranged from 0.24 to 0.37 mg g−1 for activated carbon and 0.01–0.014 mg g−1 for sand. The integrated method presented here is useful for both comparison of the filtration effectiveness of various porous materials as well as for process optimization and scale-up for industrial applications.
Calcium binding properties of rat heart plasma membrane and inhibition by structural analogues of dl-propranoloL

The isolation and characterization of a plasma membrane preparation from rat heart is described. Enzymatic, chemical, and electron microscopic analysis revealed a relative lack of contami- nation with nuclear, mitochondrial, ribosomal, and sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. One calcium binding site (I& = 265 pM, B,,, = 65 nmoIes/mg protein) was detected by equilibrium diaiysis. Mono- valent metal ions exhibited ItSlOO-fold less inhibition potency than divalent metal ions when analyzed by competitive inhibition of calcium binding. The range of K, values found for divalent metal ions was similar to the K, value for calcium. La+3 produced a potent non-competitive inhibition, A large variety of structural analogues of d,l-propranolol, many of which have been shown to lack B-adrenergic blocking activity, were competitive inhibitors of the calcium binding activity, with Ki values ranging from 40-W pM. Electrophilic, hydrophobic, and diamino substituents greatly increased the inhibitory activity. There was no significant difference between related tertiary and quaternary amines. The experi- mental antiarrhythmic agent UM 272 had the least ability to inhibit calcium binding to the cardiac plasma membrane preparation (Ki = 795 PM). However, UM 424, another experimental antiarrhythmic agent, had an inhibitory activity similar to df-propranolol (Ki = 115pM and 108pM, respectively),
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Regulation of Glucose Transporter (GLUT1) mRNA Turnover: CONTRIBUTION OF THE 3ʹ-UNTRANSLATED REGION OF THE GLUT1 MESSAGE

In the current study we report on the contribution of the GLUT1 3ʹ-untranslated region (UTR) to the stability of the GLUT1 mRNA. To facilitate these investigations, a hybrid construct was prepared by insertion of the GLUT1 3ʹ-UTR into a normally stable reporter gene coding for preproinsulin. The GLUT1 3ʹ-UTR conferred lability to the otherwise long lived construct and transferred an ability to be stabilized in response to treatment with the cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF). The destabilizing element has been mapped to a region located between bases 2242 and 2347 of the GLUT1 3ʹ-UTR; this same region also mediates the stabilization response to TNF. In vitro RNA-protein binding assays using protein extracts from control and TNF-treated cells demonstrated that two proteins, one of 37 kDa and the other of 40 kDa, recognized sequence elements within the stability-determining region and were up-regulated in response to TNF treatment. The RNA-binding activity of these proteins coincides with the stabilization of the GLUT1 message, suggesting that they may be involved in regulation of the turnover of this message.
Spin tunneling in a swept magnetic field

We present a theory whose goal is to account for the recent exciting hysteresis experiments on the spin cluster crystal Mn12-acetate that indicate the occurrence of spin tunneling. We have found the tunneling probability P for the tunneling of spin from one spin state into another at a spin level crossing in response to a swept applied magnetic field H. It is shown that P is a function of only one parameter, the dimensionless sweep rate ρ given by ρ ≡ 2/Δ20, where 2 is the rate at which the two energy levels approach each other as the field is swept (being proportional to the sweep rate dH/dt). Δ0 is the minimum energy gap at the anti-crossing, Δ0/ being the tunneling rate thereat. Numerical integration leads to P(ρ) = 1 − exp [ − [(π)/(2ρ)]]. We find that, contrary to widespread belief, the experiments cannot be understood in terms of tunneling of individual spin clusters in the presence of a static applied transverse field. Rather, the required transverse field must have dynamic nuclear spins and other dynamic spin clusters as its source.
A computational model and classification framework for social navigation

Social navigation is the process of making navigational decisions in real or virtual environments based on social and communicative interaction with others. A computational model for social navigation is presented as an extension to an existing framework for general navigation, reducing decision-making to the minimization of cognitive costs. Consideration for social navigation gives rise to a classification framework based on the synchronicity, directness, and social presence during social interaction, each of which has direct effect on the cognitive costs of navigational tasks. Finally, a new recommender system, TRAILGUIDE, is presented as a tool that facilitates social navigation by allowing authors to explicitly publish "trails" within and between World Wide Web pages.
Plasma polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene. IV. Comparison of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene by measurement of electron temperature and density of positive ions

The double probe method was applied to plasma of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and ethylene and the electron temperature (Te) and density of positive ions (np) were measured at various discharge wattages. The probe current-probe voltage diagrams for TFE were different from those for ethylene. The shape of its diagram indicates that a considerable number of negative ions exist in TFE plasma. The levels of np for TFE were also nearly six times greater than those for ethylene at the same discharge current. The dependence of TFE polymer deposition and the chemical structure of the polymer, based on ESCA data on discharge current, was related to Te and np measured by the probe method. The values of Te and np may not be directly related to the polymer formation in a plasma; the method provides a direct measure of plasma energy density where plasma polymerization takes place, whereas it cannot be accurately estimated by the input energy of a discharge. It was found that plasma energy density based on (npTe) for TFE plasma and that for ethylene differ significantly at the same level of input parameter (W/FM), where W is the discharge wattage, F is the volume flow rate, and M is the molecular weight of the monomer.
Hysteresis-loop overskewing in the light of a novel nucleation mode

It is demonstrated that the magnetostatic demagnetizing factor is not the only sample-shape dependent contribution to the hysteresis loop. There are also exchange contributions, which lead to interesting effects, particularly in nanostructures. An example is the recently discovered bulging mode in two-phase nanomagnets. The bulging mode exhibits the angular symmetry of the coherent mode, but it is incoherent due to its radial variation and gives rise to negative demagnetizing factors.
Sodium chloride equivalents, cryoscopic properties, and hemolytic effects of certain medicinals in aqueous solution. V: Supplemental values.

Abstract A supplemental table of sodium chloride equivalents and freezing-point depressions at various concentrations for 44 different substances in aqueous solution is presented. Also given in the table is the isosmotic concentration of each material that can form such a solution. The degree of hemolysis of human erythrocytes was determined in 24 different isosmotic solutions, and the data are presented in a table to supplement the previously published values. Eleven isosmotic solutions prevented hemolysis, and 13 others failed to prevent hemolysis.
Silicon-VO 2 hybrid electro-optic modulator

We demonstrate electro-optical modulation in a silicon-vanadium dioxide hybrid device. A combined effect from applied electric field and Joule heating is used to switch a microscopic vanadium dioxide patch deposited on top of a silicon single-mode ridge waveguide.
Sampling the Spatial Patterns of Cancer: Optimized Biopsy Procedures for Estimating Prostate Cancer Volume and Gleason Score

Prostate biopsy is the current gold-standard procedure for prostate cancer diagnosis. Existing prostate biopsy procedures have been mostly focusing on detecting cancer presence. However, they often ignore the potential use of biopsy to estimate cancer volume (CV) and Gleason Score (GS, a cancer grade descriptor), the two surrogate markers for cancer aggressiveness and the two crucial factors for treatment planning. To fill up this vacancy, this paper assumes and demonstrates that, by optimally sampling the spatial patterns of cancer, biopsy procedures can be specifically designed for estimating CV and GS. Our approach combines image analysis and machine learning tools in an atlas-based population study that consists of three steps. First, the spatial distributions of cancer in a patient population are learned, by constructing statistical atlases from histological images of prostate specimens with known cancer ground truths. Then, the optimal biopsy locations are determined in a feature selection formulation, so that biopsy outcomes (either cancer presence or absence) at those locations could be used to differentiate, at the best rate, between the existing specimens having different (high vs. low) CV/GS values. Finally, the optimized biopsy locations are utilized to estimate whether a new-coming prostate cancer patient has high or low CV/GS values, based on a binary classification formulation. The estimation accuracy and the generalization ability are evaluated by the classification rates and the associated receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves in cross validations. The optimized biopsy procedures are also designed to be robust to the almost inevitable needle displacement errors in clinical practice, and are found to be robust to variations in the optimization parameters as well as the training populations.
A comparison of least squares and gradient adaptive equalization for multipath fading in wideband digital mobile radio

The tracking behavior of least-mean-square (LMS) and exponentially weighted recursive least-squares (RLS) algorithms in adaptive equalizers for digital communications is examined. A simple multiple-ray model is employed to describe the channel characteristics, which vary in a deterministic fashion. The abilities of various equalizer structures (operating in reference-directed mode) to adaptively track the time-varying optimal channel equalizer are compared on the basis of squared error magnitude. It is found that, for the channel model considered, the least-squares techniques provide a tracking advantage over the gradient techniques, when the time variation of the optimal equalizer is rapid (with respect to the additive Gaussian noise in a specified sense). Also, while in the static channel case the extra parameters of a fractionally spaced equalizer often provide a significant performance advantage over a symbol-spaced structure, this is not necessarily the case in tracking applications. >
THE PREVALENCE OF INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM USE BY HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS

Background The use of injury prevention programs (IPPs) during organized warm-up activities is encouraged to reduce lower extremity injury risk. However, the prevalence of structured IPP use by high school teams in Oregon is unknown. Objective 1) Describe the warm-up practices of Oregon high school teams; and 2) evaluate if these behaviors are influenced by team access to a medical professional (Athletic Trainer-AT) at the school. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting High school. Participants Athletic directors from all 287 Oregon School Activity Association schools were asked to forward survey invitations to their head girls9 and boys9 basketball, soccer, and volleyball coaches. Coaches reported information about 276 teams. Interventions Independent variable was team access to an AT. Main outcome measurements Team use of: 1) any organized warm-up at least three times per week; 2) a scientifically proven IPP; and 3) activities from the five categories common to efficacious IPPs. Results Student-athletes on 248/276 (89.9%) teams performed an organized warm-up, but only 27/248 (10.9%) teams used a structured IPP; and just 6/248 (2.4%) used a proven IPP as designed. Teams reported using 3.7±1.2 of the five categories common to IPPs (Flexibility=96%, Balance=48%, Strengthening=79%, Plyometrics=62%, Agility=88%). Access to an AT (AT:129 teams, No AT:147 teams) did not influence organized warm-up use ( X 2 =0.189, P=.664), the types of activities performed ( X 2 =0.014–0.842, P=.359-.907), or the distribution of the total number of IPP categories performed (Mann-Whitney U =0.354, P=.723). Conclusions The use of IPPs in Oregon high schools is extremely rare. However, irrespective of access to an AT, most teams perform an organized warm-up using activities from several categories common to IPPs. Modification of current IPPs and/or the method for IPP delivery to address factors currently limiting program adoption is likely necessary to improve implementation effectiveness.
THYROID EPITHELIUM IN TISSUE CULTURES1: OBSERVATIONS ON THE MORPHOLOGY AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITIES OF EMBRYO CHICK THYROIDS1

Chick embryo thyroid fragments were cultivated in special tissue culture chambers designed primarily for cytological investigations of the living cell. Employing time-lapse techniques three secretory phenomena were observed. These were associated with (1) cytoplasmic droplets which were equivocally PAS positive and (2) cytoplasmic phase contrast green granules, thelocalization sites for I131. Chicken whole egg ultrafiltrates stimulated the epithelial outgrowths to a marked degree but this was not apparent for the fibroblastoid stromal elements.
Forest Stand Dynamics and Livestock Grazing in Historical Context

Livestock grazing has been implicated as a cause of the unhealthy condition of ponderosa pine forest stands in the western United States. An evaluation of livestock grazing impacts on natural resources requires an understanding of the context in which grazing occurred. Context should include timing of grazing, duration of grazing, intensity of grazing, and species of grazing animal. Historical context, when and under what circumstances grazing occurred, is also an important consideration. Many of the dense ponderosa pine forests and less-than-desirable forest health conditions of today originated in the early 1900s. Contributing to that condition was a convergence of fire, climate, and grazing factors that were unique to that time. During that time period, substantially fewer low-intensity ground fires (those that thinned dense stands of younger trees) were the result of reduced fine fuels (grazing), a substantial reduction in fires initiated by Native Americans, and effective fire-suppression programs. Especially favorable climate years for tree reproduction occurred during the early 1900s. Exceptionally heavy, unregulated, unmanaged grazing by very large numbers of horses, cattle, and sheep during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries occurred in most of the U.S. West and beginning earlier in portions of the Southwest. Today, livestock numbers on public lands are substantially lower than they were during this time and grazing is generally managed. Grazing then and grazing now are not the same.
Optical binary de Bruijn networks for massively parallel computing:design methodology and feasibility study

The interconnection network structure can be the deciding and limiting factor in the cost and the performance of parallel computers. One of the most popular point-to-point interconnection networks for parallel computers today is the hypercube. The regularity, logarithmic diameter, symmetry, high connectivity, fault tolerance, simple routing, and reconfigurability (easy embedding of other network topologies) of the hypercube make it a very attractive choice for parallel computers. Unfortunately the hypercube possesses a major drawback, which is the complexity of its node structure: the number of links per node increases as the network grows in size. As an alternative to the hypercube, the binary de Bruijn (BdB) network has recently received much attention. The BdB not only provides a logarithmic diameter, fault tolerance, and simple routing but also requires fewer links than the hypercube for the same network size. Additionally, a major advantage of the BdB network is a constant node degree: the number of edges per node is independent of the network size. This makes it very desirable for large-scale parallel systems. However, because of its asymmetrical nature and global connectivity, it poses a major challenge for VLSI technology. Optics, owing to its three-dimensional and global-connectivity nature, seems to be very suitable for implementing BdB networks. We present an implementation methodology for optical BdB networks. The distinctive feature of the proposed implementation methodology is partitionability of the network into a few primitive operations that can be implemented efficiently. We further show feasibility of the presented design methodology by proposing an optical implementation of the BdB network.