cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application method and rate of Trichoderma species as a biological control against Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitzp. in the production of microgreen table beets (Beta vulgaris L.)

Abstract Seed balls of ‘Early Wonder Tall Top’ table beet (Beta vulgaris L.) were incubated for 2 days at 21 °C in moist exfoliated grade 3 vermiculite (3 g seed balls [168 seed balls] and 1.1 g vermiculite) containing equal weights of Trichoderma harzianum Rifai strain KRL-AG2 G41 and T. virens strain G-41 (ThTv) at 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 or 1.00 mg ThTv per seed ball. ThTv also was applied to the peat-lite growth medium 14 days before planting, at the same rates per seed ball as the seed ball treatments. Four days before planting, the peat-lite was inoculated with Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitzp. (Pa) at 0, 0.5 and 1.0× the rate that resulted in 96% damping-off when non-ThTv-treated dry seed balls were sown in peat-lite containing 1.0 Pa. Increasing ThTv level per seed ball decreased percentage damping-off, with 1.0 Pa giving greater percentage damping-off than 0.5 Pa. At 1 mg ThTv per seed ball, damping-off was 5% and 19% at 0.5 and 1.0 Pa, respectively. Including Agro-Lig UF (mostly humic acids) in the incubating seed-ball-ThTv mixture further decreased damping-off by an average 13 and 10 percentage points in 0.5 and 1.0 Pa, respectively. Increasing ThTv per seed ball in growth media decreased percentage damping-off, but not to the extent achieved with seed ball treatment, with 1 mg ThTv per seed ball giving 20% and 55% damping-off in 0.5 and 1.0 Pa, respectively. Decreasing incidence of damping-off with increasing ThTv application to seed balls or growth media was associated with increasing shoot fresh weight m−2 at 14 days after planting, a response attributable to increased percentage plant survival and not to a ThTv growth-promoting effect.
Random-sequential-packing simulations in three dimensions for spheres

The goal of one three-dimensional random-parking (occupation) -limit problem is to determine the mean fraction of space that would be occupied by fixed equal-size spheres, created at random locations sequentially until no more can be added. No analytical solution has yet been found for this problem. Our earlier simulations, done for ratios of cubic-region side length (L) to sphere radius (R) up to L/R=20, predicted a parking-limit volume fraction (as volume becomes very large) of 0.37--0.40, using regression equations that indicated the approach to this limit as a function of the ratio of the volume of spheres tried to the volume of the region and the ratio L/R. Our results for random parking in a volume with penetrable walls can be adjusted with a multiplicative correction factor to give the results for the same volume with impenetrable walls. An improved algorithm, almost an order of magnitude faster than our earlier one, was used to extend our simulations to L/R=40 and confirm the original predictions, for a series of six runs totaling 9\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{6}$ attempts at sphere placement. The results supported a narrower estimate of the parking-limit volume fraction: 0.385\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.010.
A pilot trial of integrated behavioral activation and sexual risk reduction counseling for HIV-uninfected men who have sex with men abusing crystal methamphetamine.

Abstract Crystal methamphetamine use is a major driver behind high-risk sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM). Prior work suggests a cycle of continued crystal methamphetamine use and high-risk sex due to loss of the ability to enjoy other activities, which appears to be a side effect of this drug. Behavioral activation (BA) is a treatment for depression that involves learning to reengage in life's activities. We evaluated a novel intervention for crystal methamphetamine abuse and high-risk sex in MSM, incorporating 10 sessions of BA with integrated HIV risk reduction counseling (RR). Forty-four subjects were screened, of whom 21 met initial entry criteria. A total of 19 participants enrolled; 16 completed an open-phase study of the intervention. Behavioral assessments were conducted at baseline, 3 months postbaseline, and 6 months postbaseline. Linear mixed effects regression models were fit to assess change over time. Mean unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) episodes decreased significant...
Eypnosis in children: An experimental approach

Abstract Based on the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, the Children's Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, a standardized induction procedure for children five years and older, WM developed. Interscorer reliability ranged from +.90 to +.96, and retest reliability was found to be +.92. Two scoring systems are simultaneously employed, one measuring overt behurrior, the other allegedly measuring subjective involvement. Comparing children to college atudents on items, children were found significantly more susceptible. A linear relationship was found between age and simulation ability (r = +.67). The author speculates that a suspected curvilinear relationship of age and susceptibility may be a function of the confounding of differential simulation ability and motivation with hypnotic behavior. Further studies are suggested.
CACM: past, present, and future

The French adage "Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose," or, the more things change, the more they stay the same, still rings true today. Reading over the essays of my predecessors, one recognizes the thread that runs through all of them, which is the constant need of CACM to reinvent itself. In fact, I discovered an April 24, 1964 report from a Commission of Thoughtful Persons to the ACM Council that stated "It was felt that Communications was becoming too much of a journal and that a re-evaluation is in order." I suspect this ongoing need to rethink CACM, a flagship publication for professionals working in a fast-moving and ever-changing field, will stay with us for the foreseeable future.
Le traitement des effluents de Fukushima

Apres le passage du tsunami les sous-sols des bâtiments de la centrale etaient envahis par de l’eau de mer plus ou moins contaminee. L’eau d’arrosage des reacteurs accidentes s’y ajoutant, l’operateur de la centrale s’est trouve face a la menace d’un debordement general a breve echeance. Les groupes francais AREVA et Veolia ainsi que la societe americaine Kurion sont intervenus pour realiser sur site et dans l’urgence une installation de decontamination de grande capacite. Kurion a fourni le premier etage du traitement, par echangeurs mineraux en cartouches blindees. AREVA et Veolia ont associe leurs competences pour mettre en œuvre le procede chimique de decontamination de Marcoule et La Hague dans des machines Veolia prevues pour le traitement d’effluents non radioactifs. Malgre l’ampleur des innovations necessaires, et les conditions de travail sur site difficiles et changeantes, le traitement des effluents est devenu operationnel en moins de trois mois, et a permis d’eviter le debordement.
GABAB receptor-mediated heterosynaptic depression of excitatory synaptic transmission in rat frontal neocortex

Neocortical synapses display several forms of short-term plasticity including paired-pulse facilitation and depression. The mechanisms underlying this diversity are unclear. Synaptic currents in response to paired stimulation were recorded from layer II/III pyramidal neurons in rat frontal neocortical slices using the whole-cell patch-clamp method. Both paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) and paired-pulse depression (PPD) were observed in control saline. In the presence of 10 microM bicuculline (BIC), prominent PPD was consistently elicited. The maximal depression of the second EPSC occurred around 100 ms although PPD was still observed at intervals up to 1500 ms. Manipulations that reduced the probability of transmitter release significantly affected PPD. Both conditioning (C)- and test (T)-EPSCs were reduced when the extracellular Ca(2+) concentration was lowered from 3 to 1 mM. The decrease was greater in the C-EPSC resulting in a decrease in PPD. The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)(B) receptor agonist baclofen (10 microM) reduced the amplitude of both evoked EPSCs and changed PPD to PPF. In the presence of the GABA(B) antagonists 2(OH)-saclofen (200-400 microM) or SCH50911 (10 microM), PPF was commonly observed. The metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist MCPG (500 microM) had no effect on neocortical PPD. Brief stimulus trains induced a progressive depression that was insensitive to GABA(B) antagonists. Paired-pulse depression of excitatory synaptic transmission is a prominent phenomenon in frontal neocortex. At least two components of depression were observed. They may play an important role in regulating the balance between excitation and inhibition, therefore maintaining stability in cortical circuits.
Allosteric effect of 2′-adenylic acid on the Pseudomonas pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase☆

In highly purified Pseudomonas pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase, allosteric activation by 2′-adenylic acid is accompanied by changes of reactivity and sedimentation resulting from alterations in protein conformation. The requirement for 2′-adenylic acid is specific for the activation of the enzyme-catalyzed oxidation of DPNH by TPN+. Direct effect of the 2′-adenylic acid on the dissociation of the protein is demonstrated by a decrease in the sedimentation coefficients, from S20,W = 110 s to a lower S20,W = 28 s. A shift in the rate of attainment of equilibrium is observed as a result of the 2′-adenylie acid activation. High-resolution electron microscopic studies reveal the structural details of the protein. The enzyme exists as an unbranched filament of 500 A to 5000 A in length and 80 A to 100 A in width. The polymeric forms appear to be helical in structure. Activation by 2′-adenylic acid induces a dissociation of the filamentous form into cylindrical subunits of 100 A to 200 A in diameter. Each unit appears to consist of 6 to 8 lobes regularly arranged at the periphery. These results are discussed in relation to the chemical and physical characteristics of this macromolecular system.
Cardiac Performance in Infants After Repair of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection

Abstract Hemodynamic and metabolic data were obtained from 9 infants aged 4 months or younger early after repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) in an effort to determine the cause of continuing mortality. A review by Barratt-Boyes [2] of recent experience from a number of centers shows that hospital mortality from repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection during the first 6 months of life is still 31% (16 of 51 patients). By contrast, in such centers the risk of repair of ventricular septal defect or tetralogy of Fallot, for example, is less than 10% in the same age group. Immediately after repair the stroke index in all infants was lower than the mean for the entire study, but a significant positive trend with increasing postoperative time was noted in all early survivors. The cardiac and stroke indexes in the 2 patients who died early were significantly below normal but were similar to values obtained early after repair in a variety of other congenital heart diseases in infants of similar age. Abnormal phasic fluctuations in the left atrial pressures of these patients undergoing TAPVC repair indicated that the left atrium was small in relation to ventricular stroke volume (inadequate reservoir function). Thus, ventricular filling and cardiac performance may have been impaired.
Perceptions of couple HIV counseling and testing in Botswana: a stakeholder analysis.

Abstract Objective To explore stakeholder's perceptions of Couples HIV Counseling and Testing (CHCT) as opposed to individual testing and potential couples’ preferences for CHCT promotion and service provision. Methods Study was conducted as formative research for a phase III clinical trial of Herpes (HSV-2) suppression to prevent HIV transmission among HIV discordant couples. We used non-probability purposive sampling and snowballing techniques to identify study participants. Data were collected using key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Systematic textual data analysis was used. Two independent coders coded and compared their codes for agreement. Data was categorized by emerging themes. Results The general themes from both key informant interviews and focus group discussions were a preference for CHCT as opposed to individual counseling in HIV prevention and the need for a client-centered approach to promotion and provision of couple HIV testing services. Conclusion CHCT is important in HIV prevention and should be integrated in existing HIV testing programs. The study also demonstrates the challenges of HIV status disclosure and discordance among sexual partners who test as individuals. Practice Implications Current low HIV status disclosure rates imply that reducing HIV incidence rates will require integrating CHCT into current testing programs. Increasing CHCT uptake however, requires improving access, training providers and addressing social, cultural, political and logistical barriers.
Velocity Profiles in Stenosed Tube Models Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A time-of-flight MRI velocity measurement technique is evaluated against corresponding LDV measurements in a constriction tube model over a range of physiologic flow conditions. Results from this study show that MR displacement images can: 1) be obtained within both laminar and turbulent jets (maximum stenotic Re≅4,200), 2) measure mean jet velocities up to 172 cm/s, and, 3) detect low forward and reverse stenosis (0≤L/D≤2). Regions between the jet termination point and re-establishment of laminar flow (Re≥1500, ≥1000, and ≥110 downstream of 40, 60, and 80 percent stenosis, respectively) cannot presently be detected by this technique.
TREE INVASION IN MEADOWS OF LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA*

The causes of tree invasion into meadows in Lassen Volcanic National Park were investigated by dating invasive trees and associating age structure patterns with regional variations in fire history, grazing, and climate change. Massive invasion was associated primarily with cessation of livestock grazing and burning between 1905 and 1933, but climatic change may also have contributed. Maintenance of meadows may require continued use of unnatural processes due to uncertainties about pre-European fire regimes and other resource considerations.
Factors Affecting the Heat Aggregation of Proteins in Selected Skimmilk Sera

Abstract A simple, low-speed (1,000× g ) centrifugal method was developed and utilized to determine the protein destabilization in acid-prepared (pH 4.6) and ultracentrifugal skimmilk sera heated at temperatures up to 118C. The serum proteins in acid-prepared serum were much less stable to heat than those in ultracentrifugal serum. Special pH-dialysis treatments, which lowered the calcium phosphate content of acid-prepared serum, reduced the amount of heat-induced protein destabilization. A colloidal phosphate-free (CPF) serum was developed in which the proteins responded to heat in a manner similar to those in skimmilk. Addition of whole casein and various casein fractions to skimmilk sera increased the stability of the proteins to heat, and all casein additives were found to be equally effective. Sephadex G-100 gel filtration results showed that heating acid-prepared serum caused aggregation and destabilization of each of the three protein components; whereas, heating ultracentrifugal serum caused the formation of substantial amounts of intermediate-sized, stable protein aggregates. Heat-induced changes in the elution patterns for these systems agreed well with the centrifugal method results for protein destabilization.
The analysis of optical lithography at 2-dimensional dense structure

New concepts about transistor structure are being introduced for sub-50nm memory products. As the memory cell design is shrinking down, conventional transistor of planar structure can not guarantee safe transistor operation. Newly introduced transistor has to ensure robust transistor operation characteristics and process stability simultaneously. One of the candidates which are being developed recently is vertical transistor. The basic layout to integrate vertical transistor include very dense 2-dimensional features. The new memory cell based on dense structure can also contribute to reduction of cell area compared to conventional memory cell such as 8F2 planar cell. While new memory structure enables the reduction of chip size, its 2-dimensional structure limits resolving performance of optical lithography inevitably. It is very challenging to build 4F2 dense features of sub-50nm node by single exposure technology using hyper NA ArF lithography before the EUV era. In this paper, the feasibility of 2-dimensional dense structure at 50nm node is presented and various techniques are introduced to realize new memory scheme as next generation memory cell structure.
Job Duties of Institutional Researchers in Southern Two-Year Colleges.

The objective of this study was to determine the types of duties being performed by institutional researchers in Southern two‐year colleges. Research was based on a mail survey submitted to all two‐year colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Of 326 colleges surveyed, a total of 301 (92 percent) responded. Respondents completed a survey designed with the assistance of a panel of experts. This included a section posing statements about institutional research tasks in a discrepancy model, and a second section consisting of statements about the overall research function organized in a five‐part, Likert‐type scale The survey found that less than half of Southern two‐year colleges employed an institutional researcher on a half‐time or greater basis. It also identified a number of discrepancies in the job duties now being performed by institutional researchers and the duties those individuals felt they should be performing Among those duties which should not be performed were ex...
Lactic acid fermentation of onions

Abstract Lactic acid fermentation was conducted on sweet, white, and yellow storage onions to produce souronion. The onions were sliced to 0.3 cm thick, salt was added at 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 g/100 g without or with sugar at 1.0 and 2.0 g/100 g, and the fermentation temperature was 18°C. Since onions do not have the necessary lactic acid bacteria for the anaerobic fermentation, onions were inoculated using either brine from sauerkraut or slices of cabbage. The fermentation produced souronion with pH between 3.25–3.35 and 1.2–1.5 g lactic acid/100 ml, which is in the range as that of sauerkraut. Sensory evaluation showed that the yellow storage souronion was a favorable product with respect to color, texture and flavor. The souronion had a tart acidic taste, characteristic of sauerkraut, with onion flavor but without the pungency of raw onions.
MOLECULAR WEIGHT DISTRIBUTIONS OF THE SIDE CHAINS OF RADIATION INITIATED GRAFT COPOLYMERS

Abstract The grafted side chains of cellulose acetate-polystyrene grafts have been separated from the cellulosic backbone by acid hydrolysis. The molecular weight distributions of the polystyrene resulting from a mutual and a pre-irradiation graft polymerization have been determined using a column elution technique. Both samples had unusually broad molecular weight distributions; however, whereas the mutual product had a broad single distribution, the pre-irradiation sample had a two-peak distribution and had a large amount of polymer of very narrow and very high molecular weight. Some reasons for the differences are presented.
Contributions of the non‐α subunit residues (loop D) to agonist binding and channel gating in the muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

The agonist binding site of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor has a loop-based structure, and is formed by residues located remotely to each other in terms of primary structure. Amino acid residues in sites δ57 and δ59, and the equivalent residues in the e subunit, have been identified as part of the agonist binding site and designated as loop D. The effects of point mutations in sites δ57, δ59, e55 and e57 on agonist binding and channel gating were studied. The mutated receptors were expressed transiently in HEK 293 cells and the currents were recorded using the cell-attached single-channel patch clamp technique. The results demonstrate that the mutations mainly affect channel gating with the major portion of the effect due to a reduction in the channel opening rate constant. For both the δ57/e55 and the δ59/e57 site, a mutation in the e subunit had a greater effect on channel gating than a mutation in the δ subunit. In all instances, agonist binding was affected to a lesser degree than channel gating. Previous data have placed the δ57 and δ59 residues in or near the agonist binding pocket. The data presented here suggest that these two residues (and the homologous sites in the e subunit) are not involved in specific interactions with the nicotinic agonist and that they affect the activation of the nicotinic receptor by shaping the overall structure of the agonist binding site.
Nonlinear model predictive control of energy-integrated process systems

Abstract Improving energy efficiency has become particularly important in chemical processes in view of recent increases in energy prices, growing environmental concerns, and regulatory pressure. In this paper, we consider a class of process systems with significant energy recovery. Extending our previous results concerning the two time scale dynamics of such systems, we demonstrate that the fast component of the dynamics is asymptotically stable in practical cases. Using this result, we develop a hierarchical control framework, consisting of a linear control system for the fast dynamics and a MISO nonlinear model predictive controller for the slow dynamics, and prove that it guarantees exponential stability for the overall system. Subsequently, we explore the implications of this approach in economic model predictive control and optimal energy management. We illustrate our theoretical developments with a benchmark chemical process application.
Application of pattern recognition techniques to solids mixing—feature extraction

Abstract Learning algorithms implemented via computers are effective for identifying and classifying patterns in random environments. The fundamental concepts governing the processes of feature extraction are presented. Orthogonal transformations which utilize rotational transformations of the data vectors are described as techniques for feature extraction. These concepts and techniques are applied to identification of the homogeneity of a solids mixture which is sampled by two schemes, namely, spot sampling and contact number sampling. Results show that the features extracted from the mixture pattern by the orthogonal transformation can be used to characterize the homogeneity of the mixture.
Energy Dissipation of Liquids in Nutating Spherical Tanks Measured by a Forced Motion-Spin Table

Abstract : A specially constructed drive table is described that can spin and nutate scale-model propellant tanks. Results of typical tests are given in which the liquid resonant frequencies and liquid forces and moments are presented as a function of spin rate, nutation frequency, nutation cone angle, liquid filling level, and liquid viscosity. Also described is an empirical mechanical model composed of a pendulum, a rotor, and dashpots that simulate the liquid resonances (slosh and inertial waves) and the liquid forces and moments. The parameters of the model are determined from the propellant motions. Keywords: spherical tanks; prolate spinning aircraft.
Diffusion of Dopants in (111) Silicon During High Temperature Heat Treatment in Nitrogen

The diffusion of various dopants(B, P, As, and Sb) in (111) silicon during high temperature(1100°C) heat treatment in nitrogen depends on the capping layers, i.e., SiO2, Si3N4, and SiO2 + Si3N4, layers. The junction motion of all dopants were retarded in the bare silicon compared with that in the SiO2 + Si3N4 capped silicon. The apparently retarded junction motion of As and Sb diffused specimens in the bare silicon is due to the severe out-diffusion loss of dopant atoms and As and Sb diffusion are in fact enhanced during thermal nitridation of silicon in N2.
Elevated Plasma γ-Tocopherol and Decreased α-Tocopherol in Men Are Associated With Inflammatory Markers and Decreased Plasma 25-OH Vitamin D

Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for many diseases of aging. Endogenous oxidants are thought to mediate the effects of inflammation and γ-Tocopherol (γ-Toc) may mitigate damage from nitrogen-based oxidants; however, no physiological requirement for γ-Toc has been established. Regulation of tocopherols and their functional significance are poorly defined, thereby limiting their application in prevention. Using stored plasma samples from 657 male control subjects in a previous study of prostate cancer, we have analyzed associations of the tocopherols, inflammation markers, and 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamin D. Plasma α-Toc and γ-Toc were inversely correlated, whereas δ-Toc and α-Toc levels were positively correlated, suggesting a unique regulatory mechanism. γ-Toc levels were positively and α-Toc negatively associated with plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and urinary isoprostane F2t, which are markers of inflammation and oxidation. Ethnic variability in tocopherols was observed; however, this may be explained ...
Threads: Collecting Cloth in the North American French Colonies

Trade of European-produced cloth and clothing enabled indigenous and non-indigenous inhabitants of colonial New France to rethink the “hand-woven”, impacting how self could be presented through dress. At the same time, objects were being collected in New France for cabinets of curiosities and museums. These different collections resonated in different ways through history, subsequently influencing modern understandings of colonial cloth and clothing. This paper examines colonial experiences of cloth by looking at archaeological remnants of cloth and cloth production as compared to how indigenous and non-indigenous colonial peoples were and are being represented by cloth and clothing in museum collections.
Incidence and Trends of Blastomycosis-Associated Hospitalizations in the United States

We used the State Inpatient Databases from the United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to provide state-specific age-adjusted blastomycosis-associated hospitalization incidence throughout the entire United States. Among the 46 states studied, states within the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys had the highest age-adjusted hospitalization incidence. Specifically, Wisconsin had the highest age-adjusted hospitalization incidence (2.9 hospitalizations per 100,000 person-years). Trends were studied in the five highest hospitalization incidence states. From 2000 to 2011, blastomycosis-associated hospitalizations increased significantly in Illinois and Kentucky with an average annual increase of 4.4% and 8.4%, respectively. Trends varied significantly by state. Overall, 64% of blastomycosis-associated hospitalizations were among men and the median age at hospitalization was 53 years. This analysis provides a complete epidemiologic description of blastomycosis-associated hospitalizations throughout the endemic area in the United States.
General considerations of hearing and hearing impairment

Summary However one defines hearing, it is never an end in itself, nor solely an activity of the end organ. In biologic terms, it is a means of contact between the individual and his environment; in behavioral terms, it is a major pathway to normal development; in social terms, it creates, with speech, the major communicative link with one's fellows. The extent of the handicap imposed by an impairment of hearing is variable. Some children with moderate impairment may be seriously handicapped in the development of speech and language and in other aspects of behavior. Others with more severe deficits may develop very adequate communicative ability. Many children with impaired hearing progress satisfactory in regular school situations but others may require special help as an adjunct to the regular curriculum. What is required can be judged only by a thorough study of each child's status and potential. Early diagnosis offers the only reasonable possibility of preventing a progressive handicap for the child with impaired hearing. The key to prevention is the awareness on the part of the pediatrician that children with impaired hearing have behavioral and developmental patterns that differ from children with normal hearing. A differential diagnosis of deviant behavior must always include a consideration of the auditory and communicative status of the child. The pediatrician's responsibility does not end at the point of referral of the child for otologic or audiologic examination. He must remain an active, contributing member of the group of specialists whose combined efforts are required to delineate clearly all aspects of the problems of the child with an auditory disorder.
Intrasac flow velocities predict sealing of type II endoleaks after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether intrasac spectral Doppler flow velocities can predict whether or not a type II endoleak will spontaneously seal and to relate intrasac flow to preoperative branch vessel anatomy. Methods: Between October 1996 and June 2002, 265 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms underwent endovascular repair. Patients with less than 24 months of follow-up and type I endoleaks were excluded. Type II endoleaks were confirmed with duplex scan and computed tomographic angiography. Two groups were identified: 14 patients with sealed endoleaks ( Results: The two groups were similar in age, demographics, and aneurysm morphology. The mean follow-up times were 29.9 ± 7.9 months for sealed endoleaks and 30.2 ± 8.6 months for persistent endoleaks ( P = not significant). Spectral Doppler velocities were significantly lower in patients with sealed endoleaks compared with persistent endoleaks (75.5 ± 78.8 cm/s versus 138.2 ± 36.2 cm/s; P P P P 100 cm/s) intrasac flow velocities. Three patients with sealed endoleaks had Doppler velocities of 200 cm/s or greater. However, the diameter of the inferior mesenteric artery in these patients was 4 mm or less with no visualized lumbar arteries before surgery. Aneurysm diameter(−4.6 ± 5.6 mm) and volume (−0.9 ± 45.2 mL) decreased in patients with sealed endoleaks. Aneurysm diameter (1.8 ± 4.9 mm) and volume (18.5 ± 33.9 mL) increased slightly in patients with persistent endoleaks ( P Conclusion: Intrasac Doppler velocities can be used to predict whether a type II endoleak will spontaneously seal. High-velocity type II endoleaks are related to preoperative large branch vessel diameter and number and are resistant to endovascular treatment. (J Vasc Surg 2003;37:8-15.)
Electromagnetic wave propagation in a periodically bent nematic liquid crystal

This paper appeared in the February issue of this journal beginning on page 167 but was not included on the contents page. The abstract is printed again for reference purposes.
Use of Buffers in Matrix Capsule Formulations

AbstractRelatively few reports have appeared in the literature on the formulation of the hydrophilic matrix capsule as compared to the matrix tablet. This study was concerned with the development of a matrix capsule formulation to control the release rate of the drug specifically through the incorporation of buffers. One of the characteristics of hydrophylic matrix drug delivery systems is that the initial rate of release is high. The release rate is gradually brought under control as the diffusional barrier of hydrating polymers is established. Many weak bases are more soluble at a gastric pH than at neutrality. Such drugs are generally unsuitable for matrix systems since constant rates of drug release under the dynamic conditions of increasing pH make release rate control difficult. However, by using an appropriate buffer system it was possible to suppress the initial release in acid by decreasing the solubility of the drug within the environment of the capsule matrix thereby controlling the rate of dru...
Electrocardiographic and pathologic changes after cardiac x-irradiation in dogs

Abstract Electrocardiographic and pathologic information is presented on 7 dogs which received precordial x-irradiation of 5,000 to 8,000 roentgens delivered acutely to the heart. The nature of the induced lesions and the concomitant electrocardiographic alterations produced are the subject of this report. Pathologic and electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial necrosis was seen in 5 out of 7 of these dogs. From this information, it is suggested that the sensitivity of the heart to x-irradiation is greater than has been reported previously in the literature.
Estimation of States and Parameters in Chaotic Systems Using Particle Swarm Optimization

A study is presented on the application of particle swarm optimization (PSO) for estimation of states and parameters in chaotic systems. The parameter estimation is formulated as a nonlinear optimization problem using PSO to minimize the synchronization error for the observable states of the actual system and its mathematical model. The procedure is illustrated using a typical chaotic system of Lorenz equations. Results are presented to study the effects of different observable system states and observation noise on parameter estimation. The effectiveness of different variants of PSO on parameter estimation is also studied. The results show the capability of the proposed PSO based approach in estimating the chaotic system parameters with wide search range (50–200%) and in the presence of observation noise.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Fee Speech: Signaling, Risk-Sharing, and the Impact of Fee Structures on Investor Welfare

The fee structure used to compensate investment advisers is central to the study of fund design, and affects investor welfare in at least three ways: (i) by influencing the portfolioselection incentives of the adviser, (ii) by affecting risk-sharing between adviser and investor, and (iii) through its use as a signal of quality by superior investment advisers. In this paper, we describe a model in which all of these features are present, and use it to compare two popular and contrasting forms of fee contracts, the “fulcrum” and the “incentive” types, from the standpoint of investor welfare. While the former has some undeniably attractive features (that have, in particular, been used by regulators to justify its mandatory use in a mutual fund context), we find surprisingly that it is the latter that is often more attractive from the standpoint of investor welfare. Our model is a flexible one; our conclusions are shown to be robust to many extensions of interest. The results are also extended to consider unrestricted fee structures and competitive markets for fund managers.
Modeling piezoceramic twist actuation in a single-cell anisotropic torque box

Replacing articulated flight control surfaces with adaptive controls reduces surface discontinuities, and enhances low observability. Actuation of the aerodynamic surfaces is achieved by an electric field applied to PZT actuators embedded in the top and bottom skins, creating differential strain and shear (torsion) in the host substrate. The torsion of the torquebox was modeled in the presence of a full complement of air-loads by extending the Bredt-Batho theorem. This was accomplished through modifying Libove's method, using a thin-walled, linearly elastic, fully anisotropic, trapezoid cross-section beam. The linear tip twist angles due to a uniform cross-sectional moment were verified using the isotropic Bredt-Batho theorem, and published anisotropic results by applying isotropic, then anisotropic laminate elastic properties. The isotropic solutions were within 3.1%; the anisotropic results were within 6.9-10.9% of the published angles. The PZT actuation of the host structure was achieved by substituting PZT- composite laminate elastic properties into the derived solution and inducing strain and shear of the PZT lamina by composite laminate elastic properties into the derived solution and inducing strain and shear of the PZT laminae, the angular twist as a function of the host lamina orientation angle and applied voltage was recorded. The amount of twist ranged between 0.03 and 0.40 degrees, and 0.12-1.04 degrees for the AFC and G-1195 PZT laminae respectively.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dynamic and spectral properties of semiconductor lasers with quantum-well and quantum-wire effects

Abstract Our recent studies of the dynamic and spectral properties of semiconductor lasers with quantum-well or quantum-wire structures are described. We have predicted a two-fold increase in the modulation corner frequency of a multiquantum-well laser as compared to the conventional laser; a threefold increase in this quantity is predicted for the multiquantum-wire laser. Improvement of the spectral linewidth in the single quantum-well and single quantum-wire cases is also predicted. Enhancement of the modulation corner frequency in a quantum-wire laser is experimentally demonstrated by operation of a conventional laser in magnetic fields up to 20 Tesla. A corner frequency enhancement of 1.5 × has been observed.
DLTS Measurements of Trapping Defects in High Purity Germanium

The greatly enhanced solubility of Cu in Ge containing excess vacancies has been demonstrated, and cleaning procedures which prevent Cu contamination during annealing are described. The energy level of the "80 meV" vacancy-hydrogen complex is found by Hall effect measurements to be 71 ± 1 meV, assuming a degeneracy of 4. Another level of undetermined origin was also observed at Ev + ~35 meV. When Cu is introduced, the Hall effect curves show the presence of the well-known 40 meV level of singly ionized substitutional Cu and another level near 62 meV, again assuming g=4. Eleven defect levels have been detected by DLTS and have been assigned numbers corresponding to the temperatues where they appear using a rate window of ?max = 0.116 ms. Peak 48 is the vacancy-hydrogen complex seen in dislocation-free Ge. Peaks associated with Cu are found at 27, 43, 119, and 167. Another defect which does not involve Cu also shows up prominently at 27. This peak and another at 56 are most frequently observed in material that shows trapping and high concentrations of "smooth pits". A peak at 19 is caused by dislocations. Lesser peaks at 84, 100, 137, and 195 have also been observed. The energy levels, and emission and capture probabilities of the more prominent defects have been measured, enabling their effectiveness as trapping centers to be calculated.
The unit rank classification of a cubic function field by its discriminant

An arbitrary cubic function field can have 0, 1, or 2 for its unit rank. This paper presents the complete classification of unit rank of an arbitrary cubic function field by its discriminant and the polynomial discriminant of its generating polynomial. The notions of Kummer Theory and Cardano’s formula are used.
Species pool size and realized species richness affect productivity differently: A modeling study

Abstract Current and expected decline in biodiversity have motivated a number of experiments studying how biodiversity affects ecosystem functioning. The positive relationship is usually found in experiments where species pool is manipulated; the relationship between productivity and realized species richness does not show any single trend. We constructed a simple competition model for a plant community based on the classical Lotka–Volterra equations, with randomly generated parameters. We varied the species pool size and intensity of competition (range of competition coefficients). Then, we compared two measures of diversity used as predictors of productivity: (1) the size of the species pool and (2) the realized species richness, i.e. the number of species that remained in the system after competitive exclusion. Simulation results showed that productivity was always positively affected by the size of the species pool. With increasing species pool, both the selection effect and complementarity increase. The relationship between realized species richness and productivity was extremely weak within a set of simulations with a fixed species pool (i.e. where the diversity gradient was caused only by differences in the randomly generated parameters). The relationship between realized species richness and productivity was slightly positive for small species pool sizes and slightly negative for larger species pools. A species with high carrying capacity within the generated set of species usually decreases the chance of other species to survive but increases the productivity of the mixture, leading to negative diversity productivity relationship. On the contrary, presence of highly complementary species (i.e. species with low mutual competition coefficients) increases both, the realized species richness and productivity, leading to positive diversity productivity relationship. These two effects mostly counterbalance each other. These trends are not affected by the competition intensity.
Unfrozen water in freezing and thawing soils : Kinetics and correlation

The experimental data indicate that water in freezing or thawing wet soils undergoes a gradual phase change. The mathematical forms of reported correlations of the unfrozen water content of soils varies from researcher to researcher. An improved theoretical treatment of the gradual freezing/thawing process provides insight into the mechanism of the gradual phase change of water in wet soils and a proper means of correlating experimental measurements. Direct numerical solution of the resulting ordinary differential equation may provide accurate prediction of the unfrozen water content of wet soils, when accurate soil property data are available. Two approximate analytical solutions are derived using average thermal properties of the soil constituents. The simpler of these analytical solutions is applied to various data and shown to be sufficient for all practical purposes. The analysis presented in this article demonstrates that the unfrozen water content can be adequately correlated by means of an exponential decay function shifted by the amount of the water adsorbed over the soil grains, which cannot freeze.
COGNITIVE STYLES AND MEMORY FOR FACES1

Accuracy in the incidental recall of photographed human faces can be predicted from the subject's cognitive styles and biases: (a) Subjects who were field-dependent on an embedded figures test recalled more faces correctly than did the field-independent; (b) subjects who were narrow categorizers on the Pettigrew Category-Width Test had better recall than had broad categorizers; and (c) subjects who thought the photographed persons were relatively young did better than those who thought they were older. These three kinds of stylistic consistency were mutually independent. Some of these styles may determine memory for all sorts of stimuli and some may be relatively specific to memory for faces.
On the Realization of an nth-Order G Matrix

Synthesis of a single-element-kind network from a given short-circuit parameter matrix of order n, leading to a topological configuration involving n + 1 nodes, is now known, having been given by the author and several others working on this problem almost simultaneously. This form of realization is, however, not completely general, and therefore it is possible for a given matrix to be physically realizable even though the (n + 1) -node realization procedure fails. The present paper discusses this more general problem and leads to some useful results which do not, however, represent a complete solution.
Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of perillyl alcohol and metabolites in plasma.

Abstract Perillyl alcohol (POH), a metabolite of d-limonene and a component of the lavender oil, is currently in Phase I clinical trials both as a chemopreventative and chemotherapeutic agent. In vivo, POH is metabolized to less active perillic acid (PA) and cis- and trans-dihydroperillic acids [DHPA, 4-(1′-methylethenyl)-cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid]. Previous pharmacokinetic studies using a GC–MS method detected POH metabolites but not POH itself; thus these studies lacked information on the parent drug. The present report describes a sensitive GC–MS method for the quantitation of POH and metabolites using stable-isotopically labeled internal standards. The residue obtained from CH2Cl2 extraction of a plasma sample was silylated. The products were separated on a capillary column and analyzed by an ion-trap GC–MS using NH3 chemical ionization. POH-d3 was used as the internal standard for POH while 13C-PA-d2 was used as the internal standards for the metabolites. The quantitation limits for POH, PA, cis- and trans-DPA were
The symmetric genus of 2-groups

Let G be a finite group. The symmetric genus σ( G ) is the minimum genus of any Riemann surface on which G acts faithfully. We show that if G is a group of order 2 m that has symmetric genus congruent to 3 (mod 4), then either G has exponent 2 m −3 and a dihedral subgroup of index 4 or else the exponent of G is 2 m −2 . We then prove that there are at most 52 isomorphism types of these 2-groups; this bound is independent of the size of the 2-group G . A consequence of this bound is that almost all positive integers that are the symmetric genus of a 2-group are congruent to 1 (mod 4).
The effect of amniotic fluid on the human omental artery in vitro

Abstract Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of amniotic fluid on the in vitro contractility of the human omental artery. Study Design: Amniotic fluid and a segment of omentum were obtained from each of 5 patients at the time of planned cesarean delivery at normal term gestation for the indication of previous cesarean delivery. The omental artery was cleaned and cut into 3-mm rings, which were placed in 10-mL organ chambers for isometric tension recording. The chambers were filled with Krebs-Henseleit solution bubbled with 5% carbon dioxide in air and maintained at 37° C, pH 7.4. The rings were then equilibrated at 1 g passive tension for 90 minutes. The amniotic fluid was centrifuged for 10 minutes at 3000 rpm to remove all debris. Increasing volumes of supernatant (10-2000 μL) were added to the omental artery rings at baseline tone or after contraction with U46619 (10 –7 mol/L) or potassium chloride (60 mmol/L) to detect contractile and relaxant effects, respectively. Time-solvent control preparations were also run in parallel. Results: Amniotic fluid had no effect on the basal tone of omental artery rings. Amniotic fluid had no effect on the tension in rings previously contracted with either U46619 or potassium chloride. Conclusions: Amniotic fluid has no direct effect on isolated human omental artery. The catastrophic hemodynamic changes associated with the syndrome of amniotic fluid embolism are not due to a direct effect of circulating amniotic fluid on vascular tone but rather may be due to secondary responses (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:454-6.)
Subcellular localization of Mitf in monocytic cells

Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf) is a transcription factor that plays an important role in regulating the development of several cell lineages. The subcellular localization of Mitf is dynamic and is associated with its transcription activity. In this study, we examined factors that affect its subcellular localization in cells derived from the monocytic lineage since Mitf is present abundantly in these cells. We identified a domain encoded by Mitf exon 1B1b to be important for Mitf to commute between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Deletion of this domain disrupts the shuttling of Mitf to the cytoplasm and results in its retention in the nucleus. M-CSF and RANKL both induce nuclear translocation of Mitf. We showed that Mitf nuclear transport is greatly influenced by ratio of M-CSF/Mitf protein expression. In addition, cell attachment to a solid surface also is needed for the nuclear transport of Mitf.