cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Power Plant Testing of Ultrasonic Measurements of Temperature Distributions and Heat Fluxes to Heat Exchange Surfaces

Extreme environmental conditions are common in energy conversion applications, in which the most hardened insertion sensors often do not perform reliably for long. On the other hand, ultrasonic measurements can be acquired noninvasively, with sensitive components kept away from the damaging environment. We have previously developed the ultrasonic method for measuring the spatial distribution of temperatures in solid materials applicable when large thermal gradients are present. In the developed approach, we use the echogenically segmented ultrasound propagation path, structured to contain engineered or naturally occurring echogenic features, to produce a train of echoes in response to an external pulse of ultrasonic excitation. This paper outlines the testing results of this approach applied to the temperature distribution measurements to a waterwall of a 500 MW power-plant utility boiler. The validation results obtained over the prolonged power plant test show that the estimated temperature profile is correctly captured, and the measurement accuracy can be comparable with traditional insertion sensors, such as thermocouples. Overall, the testing has confirmed that the developed approach has matured to become an attractive alternative to conventional sensing in solving challenging problems of longterm temperature measurements in extreme environments. Heat fluxes and thermal stresses in the structure can then be characterized noninvasively using the measured temperature distribution as the basis.
Assessment of Long-Range Reliability of Ceramic Products

Fracture mechanics provides the foundation necessary for making failure predictions to assure the reliability of ceramic materials in structural applications. The parameters necessary for making these predictions can be obtained directly from crack velocity measurements or, indirectly, from stress rupture or stressing rate experiments. These techniques of predicting the lifetime of ceramic components have been tested experimentally for several materials and agreement between theory and experiment is good. The application of this theory to assuring the lifetime of a ceramic product is described.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

Research is automated structural optimization has been actively conducted in the United States for two decades. This paper attempts a critical review of this activity and examines some examples of successful applications in civil engineering design. The question of fully stressed versus mathematical programming approach to proportioning the force distribution in a structure, which has received much research attention, is placed in proper perspective. The emphasis in this paper is on methods and programs applicable to the design of structural elements with a criterion that the program be economically attractive for use. Examples include welded box girders, wide-flange beams and columns, gabled frames, reinforced concrete beams, shear walls, continuous highway bridge girders, and pile foundations. A distinction is made between design problems for which mathematical programming tools are directly applicable and those for which heuristic or intuitive design schemes must be augmented.
The District! and the Autonomous Story Zone

Abstract: Aron Gauder’s 2004 film The District! makes use of some rather unconventional animation techniques. The faces of the characters are rotoscoped (in the manner of Waking Life) while the bodies are completely animated. This rather odd combination actually reflects a deep process of negotiation with recent trends within western comedic media, namely what I term narrative externalization and internalization. These processes involve characters, ideas, scenarios, etc. from one diegetic space entering into another and either (in the case of internalization) rearranging the events and sensibilities of the latter space to fit those of the former or (in the case of externalization) themselves becoming subject to its tendencies and attitudes. The District! strategically and self-consciously resists such comic maneuvers, though it does so not in revolt but in such a way as to negotiate a space for mutual recognition. Abstract: Le film d’Aron Gauder The District! (2004) utilise quelques techniques d’animation plutot non-conventionnelles. Les visages des personnages sont produits par rotoscopie (dans le style de Waking Life) alors que les corps memes sont completement obtenus par animation. Cette combinaison peu commune renvoie en derniere instance a un dialogue avec certaines tendances profondes des medias occidentaux, que l’on peut appeler l’externalisation et l’internationalisation narratives. Ces processus affectent des personnages, mais aussi des idees ou des scenarios qui passent d’un espace diegetique a l’autre, que ce soit pour reorganiser les evenements ou les sensibilites du premier espace afin de mieux les integrer aux attentes du second (internationalisation) ou pour les transformer eux-memes en suivant ces memes attentes. The District ! s’oppose de maniere strategique et autoreflexive a ces manoeuvres comiques, quand bien meme le film ne le fait pas dans un esprit de revolte mais afin de trouver de nouvelles voies a une recognition mutuelle.
Real and virtual coarse-fine robot bracing strategies for precision assembly

Previous work on coarse-fine robots has emphasized improved positioning resolution or improved compliant behavior. The authors stress the use of the coarse-fine system's redundant degrees of freedom for bracing of either the coarse or the fine manipulator to execute an assembly task reliably. They refer to real bracing if the constraining forces and torques are supplied by mechanical means, and to virtual bracing if they are supplied by a control system. An application of the coarse-fine robot bracing approach to precision laminate registration and stacking for electronic packaging is presented. Results show that assembly errors of only a few microns can be readily obtained, approximately an order of magnitude improvement over the unbraced coarse-fine case, and nearly two orders of magnitude better than those attainable by coarse manipulation alone. >
Two-Point Mooring System for Spar Buoy

A 181-ft long spar buoy was anchored in 1,800 ft of water off the coast of Oregon with a two-point mooring by the Department of Oceanography at Oregon State University. A single mooring line was not used because it can create large downward loads on the buoy due to horizontal drag forces from wind and current. Such a condition is undesirable because of the inherently small reserve buoyancy relative to the total displacement. The two-point mooring consists of two lines, pretensioned with submerged spring buoys, which are attached to two widely spaced anchors. Two chain catenaries lead from the spring buoys to the spar buoy. The design of the mooring was based on a hydraulic model study and a structural analogue and it was to withstand a 10-yr storm. It was shown that the type of mooring had no undesirable influence on the stable dynamic action of the buoy in wind and waves. Experimental information and data are presented which support the prototype design.
The baobab tree: a good source of ascorbic acid.

A CAJM article on the nutritional and medicinal values of the baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata) of Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe.)
Precomputation in a complex object environment

Certain analytical results are established about precomputation in a complex object environment. The concept of 'intervals' is introduced and it is shown that object-identifier caching might be beneficial provided the frequency of updates to the set of subobjects associated with an object is not too high. However, in most cases, procedures with value caching outperformed other forms of representations. Certain performance characteristics of a knapsack-based algorithm are established which can be used to optimally decide which of the precomputed results to cache. Simulation results demonstrate how well this scheme performs. In particular, a binary search strategy seems ideally suited for caching. >
Nutritional requirements for synthesis of heat-labile enterotoxin by enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli.

Optimal growth conditions have been established for production of heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) by both porcine and human strains of enterotoxigenic (ENT+) Escherichia coli. There were no unusual growth factor requirements, and some strains produced fairly high levels of LT in a basal salts medium containing 0.5% glucose if the pH was carefully controlled. Several amino acids markedly stimulated LT synthesis when added to the basal salts-glucose medium. Methionine and lysine were the most stimulatory for both human and porcine strains. Either aspartic acid or glutamic acid further enhanced LT synthesis in the presence of methionine and lysine, with aspartic acid being more stimulatory for porcine strains and glutamic acid more stimulatory for human strains. There were no apparent vitamin requirements and no unusual cations needed for toxin synthesis except that Fe3+ was slightly stimulatory for porcine strains. The stimulation by Fe3+ was observed only in the presence of the three amino acids, suggesting that the effect was indirect rather than on toxin synthesis. The carbon source also influenced the yield of LT. Glucose supported maximal synthesis, but other carbon sources which exhibit a high degree of catabolite repression also supported high levels of synthesis. Little or no LT was released below pH 7.0; therefore, because the pH drops during growth from 7.5 to 6.8, even in highly buffered media, it was necessary to adjust the pH to 8.0 to effect complete release of cell-associated toxin. The defined medium containing three amino acids reduced the amount of UV-absorbing material in culture supernatants about fivefold and increased LT activity for various strains from two- to fivefold over a complex Casamino Acids-yeast extract medium. Conditions found to be optimal for synthesis of LT were inhibitory for the heat-stable enterotoxin.
Estimates of the Spatial Extent of Sediment Toxicity in Major U.S. Estuaries

Acute laboratory toxicity tests were performed on surficial sediments collected from 1176 locations throughout 22 estuarine areas in the United States. Toxicity was determined with three standardized procedures : 10-day amphipod survival tests with solid-phase (bulk) sediments ; 5-min microbial bioluminescence tests with organic solvent extracts of the sediments ; and either 1-h sea urchin fertilization tests or 48-h mollusc embryo tests with the porewater of the sediments. Test results were weighted to the sizes (km 2 ) of the geographic strata in which samples were collected. Selected bays and estuaries were sampled along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts and in southern California along the Pacific coast of the United States. The individual survey areas ranged in size from <1.0 km 2 to over 550 km 2 . Collectively, approximately 2532 km 2 were sampled in the 22 surveys. Toxicity was observed in the amphipod survival tests of bulk sediments in approximately 10.9% of the combined area. These data suggest that acute toxicity as measured with adult crustaceans was restricted to small portions of these urbanized estuaries, principally maritime harbors and industrialized bayous and waterways. Toxicity was much more pervasive in the tests of solvent extracts and 100% porewater, indicating that approximately 61% and 43%, respectively, ofthe combined areas sampled were toxic. The spatial extent of toxicity decreased to 11% and 5% in tests of 50% and 25% porewater, respectively. In most areas each test indicated different patterns in toxicity, and consequently, the concordance in estimates oftoxicity among different tests was very small. Estimates of the spatial extent of toxicity probably would differ if tests were performed elsewhere and/or with different organisms.
From the Arm to the Test Tube: Laboratory's New Role in Tuberculosis Testing

Abstract For over 100 years, the only diagnostic test for tuberculosis was the tuberculin skin test (TST), which has poor specificity. Individuals who were Mycobacterium bovis BCG-vaccinated often produced a response similar to that induced by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Approximately 10 years ago, a new method was introduced to determine the in vitro cellular immune responses to M. tuberculosis to aid in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis. Currently, there are two blood-based gamma interferon-release assays (IGRAs), QFT-Gold assays and T-SPOT.TB. In studies on adults, these assays appear to have greater sensitivity and specificity than the TST. This change in testing has shifted the labor of testing for tuberculosis from the clinical site to the laboratory. This article evaluates the performance of IGRAs as screening tools for latent disease in all patient populations, including children and immunosuppressed adults.
Stable transfection of rat preproinsulin II gene into rat hematopoietic stem cells via recombinant adeno-associated virus

Abstract We investigated the ability of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV), to mediate the transfer of rat preproinsulin II ( rI 2 ) gene into rat hematopoietic stem cells in vitro and expression of rI 2 following intra-venous (i.v.) injection of infected stem cells into syngeneic rats. The pLP-1 recombinant plasmid containing rI 2 was engineered as follows: rI 2 with RSV-promoter was released from pBC12BI (ATCC), purified, and inserted into BamH1 site of rAAV vector plasmid pWP-19. Plasmid pLP-1, together with pAAVAD (Somatix Corp.), was used to co-transfect cell line 293 (ATCC). The rAAV genome was rescued using helper adenovirus and packaged into mature rAAV virions (vLP-1). Bone-marrow from female Wistar-Furth rats was enriched for stem cells by using plastic adherence and negative selection with monoclonal anti-rat CD3 and CD45RA to deplete T and B cells. The remaining cells were exposed to vLP-1 (moi = 50:1) for 2 hours. Transfection was confirmed by PCR of neomycin resistance gene (neo R ) after 8 days in culture. For in vivo studies, ten million exposed stem cells were injected i.v. into syngeneic rats (n = 3). The results represent 3 identical experiments. Expression of neo R and rI 2 was analyzed by RT-PCR. At week 1, neo R and rI 2 were expressed in liver, spleen, thymus, peripheral blood lymphocytes and bone marrow. At week 2, neo R was expressed in spleen and brain, while at week 6, thymus, lymph nodes, bone-marrow, liver, spleen, and brain expressed neo R . rI 2 was not detected after week 1. In summary, we showed that rAAV was efficient for transferring neo R and rI 2 into rat hematopoietic stem cells.
Presentations in FAM-C And FDM-A Methods and Some Problems of a Signals Theory

The FDM-A diagnostic method [2, 4] based on a frequency modulation measurement of a pulsation component as well as the FAM-C method of an alternating current frequency have been elaborated in Air Force Institute of Technology. These methods to define a level of an assembly abrasive wear as well as its localization during a normal work of a power unit. A diagnostic signal is derived from onboard generators or alternators. Each damaged part of the generator’s or alternator’s power unit is a vibration generator or modulator. The vibration is turned into oscillation in onboard generators or alternators. After many years of the FAM-C and FDM-A methods’ using it is possible to localize and define value of many faults of power units: a coupling eccentricity, a shaft skew, extender longitudinal clearances of turbine engine’s rotor assembly, a frictional resistance of bearings, a smoothness of bearing’s rolling and a bearing cage, a break of rolling bearing’s separator, a misalignment of a rotor assembly’s support, etc. In FAM-C and FDM-A methods two kinds of presentations are used: first a presentation as characteristic patterns (analogous to Fourier spectrum lines but providing to observe periodical and stochastical phenomena) as well as the presentation of the frequency versus time. From the point of view of authors in many cases they are similar to presentations known from a theory of a radio signals transmission. It is possible to find carrier wale and side spectrum lines, beats caused by summation of two signals with approximate frequencies as well as many others. If analogy is so univocal, it is possible to use many systems and dependences used in telecommunication. For example: coherence demodulation (synchronous), which authors intend to use for separation characteristic patterns of two different mechanical assemblies with approximate vibration frequencies. At the end there are presented authors’ considerations, related to superposition of signals and beats as well as reflection of these phenomena in observed power units.
The function of the mental hygiene clinic in regard to juvenile conduct disorders

Frequently in the intermediate type of delinquency the psychiatric approach can be used, personality studies are of value, a period of readjustment can be planned, coordination between agencies can be secured and the community can accept this type. The two cases presented above are representative. However, there are cases in this group which present therapeutic obstacles similar to those mentioned in the previous communication in regard to the protracted juvenile delinquent.
Measurement of the fourth O-H overtone absorption cross section in acetic acid using cavity ring-down spectroscopy.

We report the absolute absorption cross sections of the fourth vibrational O−H (5νOH) overtone in acetic acid using cavity ring-down spectroscopy. For compounds that undergo photodissociation via o...
Facilties of the Kresge Engineering Library at the University of California, Berkeley

A description is given of the history, planning, development and features of the Kresge Engineering Library of the University of California at Berkeley.
ANDROGEN DEPRIVATION WITH SALVAGE SURGERY FOR RADIORECURRENT PROSTATE CANCER: RESULTS AT 5-YEAR FOLLOWUP

AbstractPurpose: We studied the effect of the combination of androgen deprivation with salvage surgery in patients with radiorecurrent prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: Salvage cystoprostatectomy or radical prostatectomy was performed in 29 patients with radiorecurrent prostate cancer. Of the 29 patients 24 had been treated with neoadjuvant hormonal therapy before salvage surgery, while in 5 an initial trial of androgen deprivation had failed preoperatively.Results: The positive surgical margin rate for all patients was 31%. Margin involvement correlated strongly with disease specific and disease-free survival. At a mean followup of 5.3 years disease specific survival was 95% in men with negative surgical margin compared with 44% in those with positive surgical margins (p = 0.002). Similarly, clinical and biochemical disease-free survival was 80% in patients with negative surgical margins, while only 44% of those with positive surgical margins remained disease-free (p = 0.05). Surgical margins were p...
Stability of ranitidine and thiamine in parenteral nutrition solutions.

Abstract Our objectives were to ascertain the stability of thiamine HCl (3 mg/L) and ranitidine HCl (150 mg/L) at room and refrigeration temperatures in a central vein formula of parenteral nutrition (PN) solution (containing 6% amino acid, 25% carbohydrate, macro- and microminerals, and multivitamins) and to determine the effect of ranitidine on the stability of thiamine. Stability of thiamine and ranitidine in PN solutions was also compared with PN salt solutions, which contained no amino acids or carbohydrates, to indirectly ascertain the impact of these macronutrients on the stability of these moieties. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods were developed to measure thiamine and ranitidine in the PN mixture. Stability studies were conducted in triplicate and each sample was assayed in duplicate using newly developed HPLC methods. Refrigeration provided stability for both ranitidine and thiamine for extended periods of time. At room temperature, ranitidine was also shown to be stable for about 188 h; there was, however, significant degradation of thiamine at 24 h with, and without, addition of ranitidine. The time required for 10% of thiamine to degrade was calculated to be 12.9 h for the PN mixture containing multivitamins and ranitidine; 11.1 h for the PN mixture containing multivitamins alone; and 33.4 h for the PN mixture containing only thiamine HCl. This work suggests that the concentration of thiamine in this central vein PN formula, with or without ranitidine, falls below the 90% acceptable stability within 24 h.
Revisiting broken windows theory: A test of the mediation impact of social mechanisms on the disorder–fear relationship

Abstract Purpose Broken windows theory predicts that disorder signals a lack of neighborhood control, sparks fear of crime, and sets off a chain reaction ultimately resulting in crime. Support has been found for the disorder–fear link, but the present study argues that this link is actually intended to be indirect—perceived loss of control is what should cause fear. Methods Hierarchical linear models and structural equation models test four hypotheses regarding whether social cohesion and expectations for social control mediate the disorder–fear relationship. Results Results support partial mediation. Conclusion Results suggest confirmation of a portion of broken windows theory, in that disorder may inspire fear partially as a result of its detrimental impact on neighborhood cohesion and shared expectations for social control.
Reconstructing Nutrient and Energy Flows Through Terrestrial Ecosystems Of the Holocene

Lacustrine sediment records contain a wealth of paleoenvironmental information. The main source of information on terrestrial vegetation change during the Holocene has been detailed regional analyses of pollen from terrestrial plants preserved in lacustrine sediments (Whitmore et al., 2005). The quantification and interpretation of pollen preserved in sediment has yielded valuable insights, such as the dynamic nature of the prairie-forest border in North America (Umbanhowar et al., 2006), the individualistic migration paths of tree species following deglaciation (Davis, 1981), and the potential responses of plant communities to future climate change (Williams et al., 2007). In recent decades, interpretation of lacustrine sediment records has become increasingly sophisticated, utilizing a multiproxy approach with several types of paleorecords to reconstruct environmental change. These paleorecords often include pollen, macrofossils, charcoal, diatom assemblages, and concentrations of elements in sediments. The multiproxy approach is most successful when independent records of climate and biological change can be obtained and deciphered. Despite the widespread availability of paleoecological information, vegetation change during the Holocene is still seen as primarily determined by climate change (e.g., Clark et al., 2001; Booth et al., 2005; Brown et al., 2005). Thus, the endogenous dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems are obscured because of the focus on exogenous factors such as climate. Additionally, although we have independent records of climate and biota, robust proxy records for ecosystem properties are almost completely undeveloped. The construction of a theoretical framework now allows for the advent of the field of paleoecosystem ecology, which reconstructs the form and function of past ecosystems. Two major themes have dominated modern ecosystem ecology since its inception: (1) flows of material and (2) flows of energy (Chapin et al., 2003). Research on material flows has focused on nutrient cycles, particularly limiting nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). A particular nutrient …
Functionally-graded fiber-reinforced cement composite: Processing, microstructure, and properties

A functionally-graded material system has been developed with a spatially tailored fiber distribution to produce a four-layered, functionally-graded fiber-reinforced cement composite (FGFRCC). Fiber volume fractions were increased linearly from 0% in the compression zone to 2% in the tensile zone so that more fibers were available to carry tensile stress in a bending beam experiment. Extrusion was used to produce single homogeneous layers of constant fiber volume fraction and highly oriented fibers. The FRCC layers with different fiber volume fractions were stacked according to the desired configuration and then pressed to produce an integrated FGFRCC. Polished cross-sections of the FGFRCC were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to measure the fiber distribution. Flexural tests were carried out to characterize the mechanical behavior and to evaluate the effectiveness of the designed fiber distribution. No delamination between layers was observed in the fractured specimens. Compared to homogeneous FRCC with the same overall fiber volume fraction, the FGFRCC exhibited about 50% higher strength and comparable work of fracture.
Application of infrared spectroscopy in solid-solid separation processes

Abstract Infrared (IR) spectroscopy can reveal the nature of the adsorbed species in the solid—liquid interfacial region and hence the underlying adsorption mechanisms. Efficiency of physico-chemical separation processes such as flotation and selective flocculation is strongly influenced by the nature of the adsorbed species. The role of IR spectroscopy in understanding the nature of the adsorbed species at the apatite/dolomite-surfactant/polymer interface is discussed. Also, the application of Fourier transform IR spectroscopy in analyzing trace amounts of impurities, and its potential for quantitative analysis of powders is outlined.
Die Ellenbogenluxation – Therapie und Behandlungsergebnisse

Geschlossene Ellenbogenluxationen ohne neurovascularen oder knochernen Begleitschaden werden in unserer Klinik nach erfolgter Reposition bei fehlender Reluxationstendenz konservativ behandelt. Irreponible oder nicht retinierbare Ellenbogenverrenkungen sowie solche mit begleitendem offenen Weichteilschaden oder knochernen bzw. neurovascularen Begleitverletzungen werden operativ angegangen. Innerhalb von 10 Jahren wurden 113 Patienten entsprechend diesem Therapieregime versorgt. Dabei handelte es sich in 46 Fallen um Luxationen ohne knocherne Begleitverletzung, in 67 Fallen um Luxationsfrakturen. 95 Patienten konnten nach durchschnittlich 55 Monaten nachuntersucht werden. Wir fanden in uber 3/4 der Falle funktionell exzellente und gute Ergebnisse; die schlechten Ergebnisse traten nur bei Patienten mit Luxationsfrakturen auf. Bis auf eine Ausnahme lag am Ende der Behandlung ein stabiles Ellenbogengelenk vor.
A novel adaptive backstepping design of turbine main steam valve control

The problem of transient stability for a single machine infinite bus system with turbine main steam valve control is addressed by means of a novel adaptive backstepping method in this paper. The recursive design procedure of the proposed controller is much simpler than that of the existing controller based on conventional adaptive backstepping method. In the system, the damping coefficient is measured inaccurately, and the reactance of transmission line also contains a few uncertainties. A nonlinear robust controller and parameter updating laws are obtained simultaneously. The system does not need to be linearized, and the closed-loop error system is guaranteed to be asymptotically stable. The design procedure and simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design.
Investigating Nonlinear Models for Health Monitoring in Vibrating Structures

This paper investigates a method of nondestructive health monitoring based on mapping variations in a system’s estimated nonlinear parametric model. The studied system is a slender cantilever beam harmonically excited around its second natural frequency. Known significant nonlinear parameters for this system including quadratic damping and terms due to bending and inertia are considered. This study uses the Continuous Time based nonlinear system identification technique. The method used here has advantages over mappings of the system’s linear parameters, such as natural frequency whose apparent value is shown to change as the amplitude of excitation is increased for physical systems behaving nonlinearly. Crack initiation and growth was effectively identified, but the effectiveness of the method was shown to be a function of the number and nature of the terms included in the model, and the number of records used in the identification process. The use of a simple nonlinear stiffness term and frequency records near resonance produced the best results. This method is shown to identify changes in the system’s behavior well before the failure of the system being studied, suggesting the method may lead users to avoid catastrophic failure in practice.© 2009 ASME
Computational Modeling of Roughness-Based Laminar Flow Control on a Subsonic Swept Wing

A combination of parabolized stability equations and secondary instability theory has been applied to a low-speed swept airfoil model with a chord Reynolds number of 7.15 million, with the goal of evaluating this methodology in the context of transition prediction for a known configuration for which roughness-based crossflow transition control has been demonstrated under flight conditions. Nonlinear parabolized stability equations computations indicate that progressive reduction in the growth of the linearly most amplified stationary crossflow mode can be achieved via increasingly stronger control input corresponding to the first harmonic of the target mode. The reduction in the target mode amplitude is accompanied by reduced linear growth rates of the high-frequency secondary instabilities that lead to rapid breakdown of the laminar flow. The secondary instability predictions based on secondary instability theory are shown to agree well with those based on the parabolized stability equations. The possibility of overcontrol is also assessed, and it is found that premature transition due to excessive control can be avoided by keeping the control amplitude below a certain threshold. The nonlinear development of the most unstable Z-mode secondary instability is traced using the parabolized stability equation method, so as to yield physics-based prediction of crossflow-dominated transition.
Capillary supercritical fluid chromatography and microwave-induced plasma detection of cyclic boronate esters of hydroxy compounds.

A Surfatron microwave-induced plasma was used for selective detection after capillary supercritical fluid chromatography of various biologically important compounds. Cyclic boronates were formed by esterifying catechols, monosaccharides, and cortisone, with an alkyl- or aryl-substituted boronic acid. An available spectroscopic system was modified so that the third-order boron emission line at 749.4 nm was utilized. Sensitivity for boron in catechol boronate was 25 pg s−1, and the molar selectivity was >5,000 for both carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide mobile phase. Some comparisons were made with flame ionization detection.
Diabetic foot infections.

Diabetic foot problems are a major cause of hospitalization, with immense personal and economic consequences. Twenty percent of all diabetic patients enter the hospital due to foot problems at a certain point in their lifetime. Foot ulcers are the most representative lesions and are responsible for one out of four hospitalizations in subjects with diabetes (1-4). These lesions are most often the result of peripheral neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, and peripheral vascular disease. Infection is a very frequent component of them and it is certainly a significant determinant of outcome. In a case control study by Reiber et aI., infection was a significant predisposing factor for amputation in 68% of the cases (5). In a study conducted by Pecoraro et al, in a series of 80 male veterans, it was determined that infection played a role in the need for lower extremity amputation in 59% of the cases (6). Therefore, infected ulcers, especially in combination with peripheral vascular disease, can sometimes evolve to limbor life-threatening events which frequently result in amputation of the lower extremity. The risk of amputation is in fact 15-40 times higher in diabetic patients than in the nondiabetic population, and 40%-45% of patients undergoing nontraumatic amputation are diabetic (1). Surgical complications and mortality are also increased in diabetic patients: Half of those who undergo amputation die within 3 years (2). The economic costs associated with diabetic foot complications and amputations are astronomical. Direct hospital costs alone in the United States exceeded $200 million a year in 1980. This figure does not include other direct medical expenses or indirect costs due to disability
A process oriented simulation model specification and documentation language

We present a language for specifying and documenting discrete event simulation models, designed to facilitate communication during model design, implementation and maintenance. The systems from which models are developed are viewed as collections of communicating elements. Each element is specified separately in a module consisting of attributes, axioms and a scenario. The model's specification consists of each model element's specification and some systemwide attributes and axioms. Synchronization among model elements (model dynamics) is specified within the model elements rather than globally. Each language control structure has a monitor associated with it. Appropriate changes are made in the model's state in response to a monitor's sensing an attribute change. The language contains a library of specifications for common simulation model entities such as the priority queue. The syntax and semantics of the language are presented through examples. Examples of a library specification and a model specification are included.
The GABAergic striatonigral neurons of the cat: demonstration by double peroxidase labeling.

Abstract GABAergic striatonigral neurons were demonstrated in the adult cat by the specific double peroxidase labeling of a transmitter marker with an agranular appearance (GAD, the synthetic enzyme of GABA) anda connectivity marker with a granular appearance (WGA-HRP). Each marker was associated with different organelles confined to the perikaryal cytoplasm of neurons. GABAergic striatonigral neurons were of medium size, high frequency and wide location in the rostral caudate nucleus and putamen based on correlative light and electron microscopic identification. These cells had somatic and/or proximal dendritic spines and folded nuclear envelopes in some cases. They received GABAergic axosomatic and axodendritic inputs with symmetric synaptic specializations. They were also contacted by axosomatic, axodendritic and axospinous terminals with asymmetric synaptic specializations. These results indicate that the GABAergic striatonigral neurons are, for the most part, medium spiny cells that also emit intrastriatal axonal collaterals. Their intra- and extrastriatal axons mediate inhibitory postsynaptic influences on their targets. Their degeneration might contribute to the GABAergic deficits found in the basal ganglia in Huntington's disease.
The molecular biology of glucose transport: Relevance to insulin resistance and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Abstract The structure of the glucose transporter and the characteristics of the identified members of the facilitative glucose transporter gene family (GLUT1–5) are reviewed. The role of glucose transport in insulin resistance and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is discussed. The potential contributions of genetic mutation and disruption of short- or long-term regulation of glucose transporters, particularly GLUT4, in insulin-sensitive tissues to the etiology of NIDDM are examined.
Interaction of Al clusters with the (0001) surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite

Interfacial reaction of Al clusters with the (0001) surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was examined using soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Clusters were deposited at 300, 573 and 773 K. The most striking observation is that no chemical reaction occurs at any temperature. Reactions were only observed if the surface integrity was compromised. This may indicate that upon deposition of Al, there is little, if any, adatom-induced surface reconstruction on the HOPG surface. This result should resolve discrepancies that have arisen in previous experimental and theoretical studies.
Challenges in the diagnosis and management of renal artery stenosis

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a common cause of secondary hypertension, with the activation of the reninangiotensin-aldosterone system being the pathophysiologic hallmark of the disease. Renovascular hypertension, ischemic nephropathy, proteinuria, and flash pulmonary edema are the main clinical syndromes associated with RAS. The prevalence of RAS is on the rise, owing to an increasing prevalence of diabetes and atherosclerotic disease among our aging population. This rise in RAS prevalence poses major challenges for clinicians making diagnostic and treatment decisions. Although renal angioplasty is of proven benefit in fibromuscular dysplasia, randomized trials in atherosclerotic RAS have not shown any advantage for revascularization over medical therapy in terms of blood pressure control or renal function preservation. Angioplasty and surgical interventions should be reserved for patients with preserved kidney size and hemodynamically significant stenosis.
Abadie's Constraint Qualification, Metric Regularity, and Error Bounds for Differentiable Convex Inequalities

In this paper we study differentiable convex inequalities and prove that metric regularity and Abadie's constraint qualification (CQ) are equivalent for such inequalities. For convex quadratic inequalities, we show that metric regularity, the existence of a global error bound, and Abadie's CQ are mutually equivalent. As a consequence, we derive two new characterizations of weak sharp minima of a convex quadratic programming problem.
Technology and Innovation in Library Instruction Management

Summary Faced with new educational technologies, the changing nature of access to information, and advances in understandings of how people learn, instruction managers seek strategies for incorporating technology into teaching and learning. This article presents theoretical frameworks relating to technological change and innovation, and then discusses how those theories can be applied to the management of instruction programs in libraries. The theories are also applied to understanding the integration of technology into teaching and learning. Discussion of specific examples highlights both the incorporation of technology into teaching and learning, as well as the use of technology to manage instruction programs.
A Molecular Dynamics Study of Amyloid-β (1-42) Peptide Dimer Formation on the Surface of Phospholipid Bilayers

The Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide is an integral aggregate species in the progression and neurotoxicity of Alzheimer's disease. While Aβ fibrils were historically considered the toxic species in Alzheimer's disease, recent evidence has shifted the focus towards oligomers as the most dangerous aggregate structure for neurons. In this aggregation process, the conversion of monomeric Aβ into a dimer constitutes the first step in oligomer formation. Further work has shown that cell membranes may play a substantial role in promoting aggregation through facilitating the protein-protein interactions that drive aggregation. We have used extensive replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations to demonstrate that monomeric Aβ does not adopt stable secondary structure over timescales that have allowed for significant structure formation in solution. Further, to characterize dimer formation on the surface of a model lipid bilayer, we have used a thermodynamic cycle to indirectly calculate free energies of dimerization on the bilayer surface. Use of a thermodynamic cycle helps to decrease bias due to initial conditions that would occur through directly calculating a dimerization free energy. We have calculated the free energies of dimerization for a preformed dimer containing a single antiparallel β-sheet or a pair of β-hairpin monomers. While these structures are representative of predicted fibril structures, comparison of dimerization free energies provides insight into the effect of the bilayer on the dimerization process. We have found that the bilayer does affect dimerization free energy depending on the dimer structure and bilayer surface charge. Our work demonstrates that a lipid bilayer is able to substantially hinder Aβ monomer structure formation and influence Aβ dimer formation.
ExoSensor 517: A Dual-Analyte Fluorescent Chemosensor for Visualizing Neurotransmitter Exocytosis

A dual-analyte fluorescent chemosensor (ExoSensor 517) for the direct visualization of neurotransmitters released upon exocytosis is presented. The sensor exploits the high concentration of neurotransmitters (e.g., glutamate, norepinephrine, and dopamine) and the pH gradient between the vesicle and synaptic cleft. The cooperative recognition elements require both binding and a change in environmental pH to afford a fluorescence response which makes ExoSensor 517 one of the first integrated molecular logic gates to be used for biological applications.
Molecular architecture of bacteriophage T4 capsid: vertex structure and bimodal binding of the stabilizing accessory protein, Soc

T4 encodes two dispensable proteins that bind to the outer surface of the mature capsid. Soc (9 kDa) stabilizes the capsid against extremes of alkaline pH and temperature, but Hoc (40 kDa) has no perceptible effect. Both proteins have been developed as display platforms. Their positions on the hexagonal surface lattice of gp23*, the major capsid protein, were previously defined by two-dimensional image averaging of negatively stained electron micrographs of elongated variant capsids. We have extended these observations by reconstructing cryo-electron micrographs of isometric capsids produced by a point mutant in gene 23, for both Hoc+.Soc+ and Hoc+.Soc- phages. The expected T = 13 lattice was observed, with a single Hoc molecule at the center of each gp23* hexamer. The vertices are occupied by pentamers of gp24*: despite limited sequence similarity with gp23*, the respective monomers are similar in size and shape, suggesting they may have the same fold. However, gp24* binds neither Hoc nor Soc; in situ, Soc is visualized as trimers at the trigonal points of the gp23* lattice and as monomers at the sites closest to the vertices. In solution, Soc is a folded protein ( approximately 10% alpha-helix and 50-60% beta sheet) that is monomeric as determined by analytic ultracentrifugation. Thus its trimerization on the capsid surface is imposed by a template of three symmetry-related binding sites. The observed mode of Soc binding suggests that it stabilizes the capsid by a clamping mechanism and offers a possible explanation for the phenotype of osmotic shock resistance.
Hydrogen/liquid vapor radio frequency glow discharge plasma oxidation/hydrolysis of expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (ePTFE) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) surfaces

Through this multitechnique analysis of both expanded PTFE and PVDF treated surfaces, a model is supported which illustrated surfaces possessing both high and low energy regions comprising both oxygen and fluorine functionnality in close molecular proximity
The weak Lindelöf degree and homogeneity

Abstract In this note a unifying closing-off argument is given (Theorem 2.5) involving the weak Lindelof degree wL ( X ) of a Hausdorff space X and covers of X by compact subsets. This has among it corollaries the known cardinality bound 2 wL c ( X ) χ ( X ) for spaces with Urysohn-like properties (Alas, 1993, [1] , Bonanzinga, Cammaroto, and Matveev, 2011, [9] ), the known bound cardinality bound 2 wL ( X ) χ ( X ) for spaces with a dense set of isolated points (Dow and Porter, 1982, [14] ), and two new cardinality bounds for power homogeneous spaces. In particular, it is shown that (a) if X is a power homogeneous Hausdorff space that is either quasiregular or Urysohn, then | X | ⩽ 2 wL c ( X ) t ( X ) pct ( X ) , and (b) if X is a power homogeneous Hausdorff space with a dense set of isolated points then | X | ⩽ 2 wL ( X ) t ( X ) pct ( X ) . These two bounds represent improvements on bounds for power homogeneous spaces given in Carlson et al. (2012) [11] , as wL c ( X ) ⩽ aL c ( X ) for any space X. These results establish that known cardinality bounds for spaces with Urysohn-like properties, as well as spaces with a dense set of isolated points, are consequences of more general results that also give “companion” bounds for power homogeneous spaces with these properties.
Drug use, health, family and social support in "crack" cocaine users.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore and describe “crack” cocaine use, health, family and social support in adult users. A nonprobability, convenience sample was used comprising 100 inpatients, 77 men and 23 women, from a drug treatment program. Gender differences, though not found in areas related to drug consumption, were found with respect to where and with whom subjects smoked, as well as perceptions of significant others. This initial, exploratory study should provide a foundation for future investigations concerning crack cocaine users.
Purine Functionalized Congeners as Molecular Probes for Adenosine Receptors

Abstract The effects of distal structural changes on biological activity may be studied, using a “functionalized congener” strategy, in which suitably placed chemically reactive chains lead to biologically active conjugates. Probes for photoaffinity labeling, chemical affinity labeling, spectroscopic characterization and affinity chromatography of adenosine receptors have been derived from purine amine congeners (XAC, ADAC for At-receptors and APEC for Ap-receptors). Also, drug conjugates, including prodrugs and lipids, have been designed as potential Pharmacological agents.
Measurements of particulate acoustic attenuation

Important implications of the theory of the attenuation of sound by suspended particles to the stabilization of solid propellant combustion are discussed An experimental study of the attenuation of acoustic waves by suspended particles with emphasis on dimensionless size range of greatest interest in the study of rocket instability is described Acoustic attenuation by an aerosol composed of oleic acid particles of controlled size and concentration is measured in an acoustic impedance tube Mean particle size and concentration are measured by optical transmission and sampling tests of the aerosol in situ Results of measurements made to date indicate fair agreement with theory and show that the efficiency of the particles as a source of acoustic attenuation decreases at small dimensionless sizes The present data combined with the previous data due to Zink and Delsasso confirm the existence of an optimum particle size to attenuate sound waves of a given frequency
Witchcraft with a Novgorodian Flair? A Research Note

This article surveys the few witchcraft trials from the Novogrod region that survive in central archives of the Razriadnyi prikaz from the seventeenth century to determine whether or not there is some particular skew to the cases from that region. Although the number of cases is very small, they all show an uncommon willingness on the part of community members to accept benign, medical explanations for the use of roots and grasses instead of attributing malevolent supernatural powers to those ingredients and their users.