cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Motion Estimation for a Compact Electrostatic Microscanner via Shared Driving and Sensing Electrodes in Endomicroscopy

In this article, we present a method to estimate high-frequency rotary motion of a highly compact electrostatic microscanner using the same electrodes for both actuation and sensing. The accuracy of estimated rotary motion is critical for reducing blur and distortion in image reconstruction applications with the microscanner given its changing dynamics due to perturbations such as temperature. To overcome the limitation that no dedicated sensing electrodes are available in the proposed applications due to size constraints, the method adopts electromechanical amplitude modulation to separate motion signal from parasitic capacitance feedthrough, and a novel nonlinear measurement model is derived to characterize the relationship between large out-of-plane angular motion and circuit output. To estimate motion, an extended Kalman filter and an unscented Kalman filter are implemented, incorporating a process model based on the microscanner's parametric resonant dynamics and the measurement model. Experimental results show that compared to estimation without using the measurement model, our method can improve the rotary motion estimation accuracy of the microscanner significantly, with a reduction of root-mean-square error (RMSE) in phase shift of 86.1%, and a reduction of RMSE in angular position error of 78.5%.
5.535 – Cartilage Regeneration in Reconstructive Surgery

This chapter describes the current state of cartilage tissue engineering and its application in reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery. It explains why tissue engineering is a promising approach to solving the problem of tissue deficit for reconstructive procedures, the desired properties of the created neotissue, and the advances that have been made in the field to date. It then outlines important considerations in the selection of cell sources and scaffolding materials, including donor morbidity and recipient compatibility. The results of using different scaffolding materials in both in vitro and in vivo studies are presented. Finally, some of the current challenges in the field of cartilage tissue engineering, as well as considerations for its future trajectory, are discussed.
Where Are We Headed? Why Are We Complacent?

This chapter dwells on ideological connections related to our “shared patterns of existence” as the works underscore the artists’ social activism and anxiety. Fernando Llanos’ videointervenciones and Eugenio Tisselli’s El 27/The 27th are social and political critiques in a networked existence. Llanos’ videos constitute recordings of urban spaces, sights, and sounds that interfere with the mundane, established signifiers, and projected images. With these artistic and poetic intrusions, videoman assumes the role of cultural activist. Tisselli’s generative poetry examines meaning through a chain of semantic relations through sounds and images of words. These works draw attention to the networks that we engage in socially, politically, and even historically. The artists make no reservations about their own social activism and political engagement, calling out the reader’s complicity.
Status and Distribution of Cisco (Coregonus artedi) and Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) in Inland Lakes of Wisconsin

Coregonus artedi (Cisco) and Coregonus clupeaformis (Lake Whitefish) are coldwater fishes native to some inland lakes in Wisconsin. We conducted a statewide assessment of Cisco and Lake Whitefish status using experimental-mesh vertical gillnets during the summers of 2011–2014. Cisco and Lake Whitefish relative abundances varied from 0 to 137 and 0 to 3 fish/net night, respectively. About 29% of the Cisco and 33% of the Lake Whitefish populations were potentially extirpated from inland lakes in Wisconsin; most potential extirpations were from southern Wisconsin, but extirpations occurred statewide. Invasive species, climate change, land-use change, and excess nutrient loading may have contributed to causing extirpations of Cisco and Lake Whitefish. Conservation of remaining populations of Cisco and Lake Whitefish will require efforts to minimize these perturbations.
Lynching in Times of Suffocation: Toward a Spatiotemporal Politics of Breathing

Drawing from theories of race and time, this article examines how discourse policing the continuities of lynching’s past and present manifests temporally to construct the hegemony of white national...
Windowed region-of-interest non-uniformity correction and range walk error correction of a 3D flash LiDAR camera

We present experimental methods and results for photo-response non-uniformity correction (PRNUC) in range for a 3D flash LiDAR camera from non-optimal static-scene calibration data. Range walk is also corrected. This method breaks up the camera’s focal plane array (FPA) into 16 × 16 windowed regions of interest that are incrementally captured and stitched together in post-processing across the entire FPA. The illumination was not uniform, thus requiring additional methods described by our paper to create an acceptable correction. We present the results from a full non-uniformity correction and range walk error correction processed for a set of independently collected validation frames; these validation frames used identical experimental conditions and the same target as was collected for the corrections. We will show that this experimental approach improves range accuracy and range precision of the corrected validation frames despite the sub-optimal conditions of the data used to compute the corrections; the single shot range precision is corrected to 33 cm, as compared to a modeled precision of 15.65 cm, while the accuracy is corrected to 252 cm. This method has implications for simplification of characterization of non-uniformity and range walk error, and its subsequent correction, in 3D flash LiDAR cameras.
Covid-19 and the mundane practices of privilege

Moving between the 2015 elections, Covid-19 and the sustained social justice protests in the United States in this essay, I question where and how the pursuit of joy, remedies for boredom and pract...
Bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) survival, pollen usage, and reproduction are not affected by oxalate oxidase at realistic concentrations in American chestnut (Castanea dentata) pollen

Transgenic American chestnut trees expressing a wheat gene for oxalate oxidase (OxO) can tolerate chestnut blight, but as with any new restoration material, they should be carefully evaluated before being released into the environment. Native pollinators such as bumble bees are of particular interest: Bombus impatiens use pollen for both a source of nutrition and a hive building material. Bees are regular visitors to American chestnut flowers and likely contribute to their pollination, so depending on transgene expression in chestnut pollen, they could be exposed to this novel source of OxO during potential restoration efforts. To evaluate the potential risk to bees from OxO exposure, queenless microcolonies of bumble bees were supplied with American chestnut pollen containing one of two concentrations of OxO, or a no-OxO control. Bees in microcolonies exposed to a conservatively estimated field-realistic concentration of OxO in pollen performed similarly to no-OxO controls; there were no significant differences in survival, bee size, pollen use, hive construction activity, or reproduction. A ten-fold increase in OxO concentration resulted in noticeable but non-significant decreases in some measures of pollen usage and reproduction compared to the no-OxO control. These effects are similar to what is often seen when naturally produced secondary metabolites are supplied to bees at unrealistically high concentrations. Along with the presence of OxO in many other environmental sources, these data collectively suggest that oxalate oxidase at field-realistic concentrations in American chestnut pollen is unlikely to present substantial risk to bumble bees.
The Role of DMP1 in CKD-MBD.

Chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) has become a global health crisis with very limited therapeutic options. Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is a matrix extracellular protein secreted by osteocytes that has generated recent interest for its possible involvement in CKD-MBD pathogenesis. This is a review of DMP1 established regulation and function, and early studies implicating DMP1 in CKD-MBD. Patients and mice with CKD show perturbations of DMP1 expression in bone, associated with impaired osteocyte maturation, mineralization, and increased fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) production. In humans with CKD, low circulating DMP1 levels are independently associated with increased cardiovascular events. We recently showed that DMP1 supplementation lowers circulating FGF23 levels and improves bone mineralization and cardiac outcomes in mice with CKD. Mortality rates are extremely high among patients with CKD and have only marginally improved over decades. Bone disease and FGF23 excess contribute to mortality in CKD by increasing the risk of bone fractures and cardiovascular disease, respectively. Previous studies focused on DMP1 loss-of-function mutations have established its role in the regulation of FGF23 and bone mineralization. Recent studies show that DMP1 supplementation may fill a crucial therapeutic gap by improving bone and cardiac health in CKD.
The Relation of Muslim and Christian Community: Hermeneutic Contribution to Create the Third Space in the Communities

One of the social conflicts caused by the false understanding of religion often occurs, making horizontal and vertical conflicts in social life. Nevertheless, there is a way to resolve the inter-religious conflict called a ‘third space community.’ This article seeks to answer how we should interpret Jesus in two different religious communities (Islam and Christian)? With Martin Buber’s hermeneutic approach to ‘I-Thou,’ this paper describes an understanding of the “term of religions” to interpret each other in the two religious communities. Multicultural communication as a form of interpretation of the “third space” is a middle way to resolve conflicts. Thus, this paper is expected that the understanding of Jesus is not a source of division but rather a limitation of religion, culture, and horizons for its adherents. Referring to Gadamer’s concept, a one-sided understanding will prevent each society (Islam and Christian) from interpreting Jesus. Afterward, this article suggests that the understanding of Jesus let the community fully interpret it.
Vacuum Permeator Analysis for Extraction of Tritium from DCLL Blankets

It is envisioned that tritium will be extracted from DCLL blankets using a vacuum permeator. We derive here an analytical solution for the extraction efficiency of a permeator tube, which is a function of only two dimensionless numbers: one that indicates whether radial transport is limited in the PbLi or in the solid membrane, and another that is the ratio of axial and radial transport times in the PbLi. The permeator efficiency is maximized by decreasing the velocity and tube diameter, and increasing the tube length. This is true regardless of the mass transport correlation used; we review several here and find that they differ little, and the choice of correlation is not a source of significant uncertainty here. The PbLi solubility, on the other hand, is a large source of uncertainty, and we identify upper and lower bounds from the literature data. Under the most optimistic assumptions, we find that a ferritic steel permeator operating at 550 °C will need to be at least an order of magnitude larger in volume than previous conceptual designs using niobium and operating at higher temperatures.
Analyzing Fluid Flows via the Ergodicity Defect

The ergodicity defect, a relatively new approach for analyzing fluid flows, is presented. The technique combines tools and concepts from ergodic theory and wavelet theory, and we briefly consider this theoretical background. The ergodicity defect provides a measure of the complexity of individual fluid particle trajectories and this measurement is used to identify Lagrangian coherent structures in the flow. Results for both idealized and realistic ocean flows are compared and contrasted with other methods for identifying coherent structures. Other possible applications for the technique are also discussed.
Copper Chromite–Quinoline

[12053-18-8] Cr2Cu2O5 (MW 311.07) InChI = 1S/2Cr.2Cu.5O InChIKey = JGDFBJMWFLXCLJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N [91-22-5] C9H7N (MW 129.16) InChI = 1S/C9H7N/c1-2-6-9-8(4-1)5-3-7-10-9/h1-7H InChIKey = SMWDFEZZVXVKRB-UHFFFAOYSA-N (decarboxylation catalyst) Physical Data: see the entries for Copper Chromite and Quinoline. Form Supplied in: both components are widely available. The frequently-used ‘barium-promoted’ copper chromite contains varying amounts (ca. 10%) of BaO. Preparative Methods: see the entries for the individual components. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the copper chromite catalyst is air- and moisture-stable; however, it should be kept as dry as possible to avoid spattering at elevated temperatures. Both reagents are toxic irritants and should be handled in a well-ventilated fume hood.
Estimation of the Bivariate Stable Spectral Representation by theProjection Method

A method of estimating the spectral representation of a generalized bivariate stable distribution is presented, based on a series of maximum likelihood (ML) estimates of the stable parameters of univariate projections of the data. The corresponding stable spectral density is obtained by solving a quadratic program. The proposed method avoids the often arduous task of computing the multivariate stable density, relying instead on the standard univariate stable density. The paper applies this projection procedure, under the simplifying assumption of symmetry, to simulated data as well as to foreign exchange return data, with favorable results. Kanter projection coefficients governing conditional expectations are computed from the estimated spectral density. For the simulated data these compare well to their known true values.
CEPP(B): an effective and well-tolerated regimen in poor-risk, aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Eighty-three patients with intermediate- or high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated with CEPP(B) (cyclophosphamide, etoposide [VP-16], procarbazine, and prednisone with or without bleomycin) chemotherapy at Stanford University Medical Center (Stanford, CA) from January 1982 through June 1989. Sixty-nine received CEPP(B) as second-line or subsequent therapy after relapse from previous combination chemotherapy, and 14 patients received CEPP(B) as first-line therapy. Of 75 patients evaluable for response, 30 patients (40%) achieved a complete response (CR) and 24 patients (32%) achieved a partial response (PR), providing an overall response rate of 72%. Complete responses were recorded on 21 of 61 (34%) patients with recurrent disease and 9 of the 14 patients who received CEPP(B) as first line therapy (64%). Myelosuppression was the major side effect of treatment, resulting in eight neutropenic-febrile episodes from a total of 253 courses. A single fatal toxic event occurred on a patient who developed adult respiratory distress syndrome. Overall, CEPP(B) was well-tolerated and proved to be effective palliative therapy for patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after relapse. As such, CEPP(B) may be considered for cytoreduction before ablative therapy and bone marrow transplantation. CEPP(B) may also be considered for initial therapy in selected patients who cannot tolerate doxorubicin-containing regimens.
Lachman's ACL test: A multibody simulation

Diagnosing a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) of the knee is a difficult task which is usually performed by physical therapist using physical manipulation of the knee. To help training physical therapy students recognizing the difference between an intact and torn ACL this work proposes a simplified physical model to be fabricated. The model is proposed to replicate the Lachman's test which measures the anteroposterior displacement between the femur and the tibia in a specific knee configuration. In preparation for fabrication a set of in-silico experiments were performed using SimWise software. Including the ACL constraint in the simulation provided a forward displacement of 7.29mm between femur and tibia. Simulations without the ACL produced a displacement of 12.65mm. These results are in agreement with the literature and provide a solid theoretical basis for the fabrication of the physical prototype.
Pharmacogenomics of Pain Management

Medicine has been continuously challenged, as well as stimulated, by the extraordinary variability in patient response to pharmacotherapy. The new age of identification of risk factors associated with pharmacotherapy using the methods of molecular medicine focuses on generating predictions regarding clinical outcome on the basis of each individual’s unique DNA sequence. This new field has been coined pharmacogenomics. The goal of pharmacogenomics is to use information provided by advances in human genetics to identify patients at risk for significantly altered response during pharmacotherapy. The field of pharmacogenomics represents the major drive behind the introduction of the concept of personalized medicine in which the medical treatment is customized according to the individual patient genomic signature.
Inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase increases aggressive behavior in mice.

Background Mice with targeted disruption of the gene for the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) display exaggerated aggression. Behavioral studies of mice with targeted gene deletions suffer from the criticism that the gene product is missing not only during the assessment period but also throughout development when critical processes, including activation of compensatory mechanisms, may be affected. To address this criticism, we have assessed aggressive behavior in mice treated with a specific pharmacological inhibitor of nNOS.
Transplantation: Early hospital readmissions after kidney transplantation

A new study reports that 30.5% of kidney transplant recipients have an early hospital readmission (EHR; defined as within 30 days of discharge). As EHR is a strong independent risk factor for allograft loss and mortality, efforts should be made to implement and improve systems to minimize risk of EHR in these patients.
PEP-X: Concepts for a Future Light Source for SSRL

In a world where new storage ring light sources are pushing electron beam emittances to the nanometer-radian scale and below, producing photon beam brightness exceeding 1021 (ph/s/mm2/mrad2/0.1% BW) for multi-keV photons, the long-term future of the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) may depend on a much higher performing light source than that provided by the 3-GeV SPEAR3 storage ring. SPEAR3, having an emittance of 10 nm-rad and commissioned in 2003, produces an order of magnitude lower brightness than these new sources, although with 500-mA stored beam current it is a prodigious source for flux-limited applications such as many spectroscopy applications. Incremental improvements to the machine over the next few years, which include reducing the emittance by another factor of two, will enhance science capabilities even further. Nevertheless, the lab is looking forward to a future source that far exceeds the performance of SPEAR3, enabling advanced capabilities in imaging and other areas m...
Mathematical existence of crystal growth with Gibbs-Thomson curvature effects

This paper introduces and studies a mathematical evolution process which models one type of growth of a crystal as it freezes from a cold melt. The crystal freezes (melts) as rapidly as it can anywhere along its interface where the temperature is below (above) the local freezing temperature so that rate of growth is governed by the rate at which latent heat of fusion can diffuse. The model incorporates general Gibbs-Thomson relations between freezing temperatures and interface surface tension and general heat capacities and conductivities.
Greenhouse irrigation method influences growth and quality of in vitro propagated Cryptocoryne wendtii plantlets

Effects of free-draining, non-draining and hydroponic tank culture on ex vitro establishment and quality of micropropagated microcuttings of the ornamental aquarium plant Cryptocoryne wendtii De Wit. were examined. After 16 weeks microcutting survival and shoot production was similar between treatments. Plants cultured hydroponically in either non-draining flats or tanks exhibited significantly greater leaf production and elongation than those grown in free-draining plugs. Root production and elongation were significantly reduced in free-draining plugs, presumably due to increased water stress. Plantlet growth and quality was increased when microcuttings were maintained in truly hydroponic systems. This presumably resulted from reduced water stress.
Superantigens in demyelinating disease

Autoreactive T cells are part of the normal lymphocyte repertoire of healthy individuals [4]. In the immune system of healthy individuals, potent regulatory mechanisms control T and B cell tolerance to self antigens. While genetic factors influence susceptibility to autoimmunity in humans and experimental animals, environmental factors contribute to disease penetration. For autoimmune disease to occur, autoreactive lymphocytes have to be activated in vivo or in vitro. This process leads to the clonal expansion of autoreactive cells. In addition, during the initiation phase of demyelinating disease, only activated autoreactive lymphocytes migrate through the endothelial cell layer of the intact blood-brain barrier (BBB).
Mobile elements bounded by C4A4 telomeric repeats in oxytricha fallax

A novel family of micronuclear elements termed telomere-bearing elements (TBEs) is described. All 1900 family members are eliminated during macronuclear development. We conclude that they are transposons, first because the members are moderately conserved in sequence and probably dispersed in the genome. Second, in two cases, sequence comparison of the termini and flanks of the element with the corresponding empty site indicate that elements cause 3 bp target duplications (AAT) upon insertion; the 3 bp are part of the 5 bp target sequence, AATGA. Lastly, both elements carry 77 or 78 bp inverted terminal repeats. The tip of each inverted terminal repeat is the 17 bp telomere-like sequence 5' C1A4C4A4C4. At least half of the elements have these 17 bp or an extremely similar sequence. One possible pathway for transposition into new micronuclear sites starts in the developing macronucleus with excision to create a free linear form to which telomeres are added, followed by a low frequency of movement to the micronucleus, and insertion into the germ-line micronuclear DNA.
The Effect of Weight Loss on Reproductive Hormones in Obese Men

The effects of weight reduction on reproductive hormones were investigated in 24 moderately obese men, 18-108% above ideal body weight. Serum estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), percent free T (%FT), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) capacity, and, in 9 subjects, androstenedione (A) were measured serially before and during an outpatient supplemented fasting program (320 kcal/day) for 8-20 weeks. In the baseline state mean E1 was elevated to 100 +/- 7 pg/ml (normal, 30-60 pg/ml). The E2 was slightly elevated to 36 +/- 3 pg/ml (normal, 8-35 pg/ml). The mean T of 400 +/- 20 ng/dl was at the lower end of normal (400-1000 ng/dl). The mean %FT was elevated to 4.1 +/- 0.2% (normal 1.6-3%). The calculated free T was normal. The mean SHBG binding capacity was 0.99 +/- 0.05 micrograms dihydrotestosterone bound/dl (normal, 1.0-1.8 micrograms/dl). The mean A of 52 +/- 5.8 ng/dl was normal. These data were in accord with previous findings in much heavier men. Eight weeks of weight loss (mean, 19.5 kg) were associated with normalization of all the measured parameters. The mean E1 decreased to 48 +/- 23 pg/ml, E2 to 28 +/- 2.1 pg/ml. T increased to 536 +/- 35 pg/dl and %FT fell to 3.2 +/- 0.2%. Data on men remaining on the program for 16 or 20 weeks showed a continued fall of estrogens and stabilization of T and %FT. SHBG and A did not change significantly over the entire time period. In conclusion, increased circulating estrogens and reduced androgen binding were found in moderately obese men, which were completely corrected with weight loss.
An Evaluation of Fuel Motion in Recent TREAT Experiments with Liquid-Metal Fast Breeder Reactor Fuel

In the past few years since the introduction of the 1.2-m-high Hodoscope Collimator, a number of TREAT experiments have been conducted with liquid-metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) fuel having 864- to 914-mm-long active fuel columns. The purpose of this study was to examine the fuel-motion results obtained from the hodoscope for some of these tests by relating the importance of the fuel motion to the associated LMFBR safety issues. The experiments discussed here represent the current limit in the state-of-the-art in LMFBR safety testing in the TREAT reactor. 8 refs.
The potential for sea-level-rise-induced barrier island loss: Insights from the Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana, USA

Abstract As sea level rises and hurricanes become more intense, barrier islands around the world become increasingly vulnerable to conversion from self-sustaining migrating landforms to submerging or subaqueous sand bodies. To explore the mechanism by which such state changes occur and to assess the factors leading to island disintegration, we develop a suite of numerical simulations for the Chandeleur Islands in Louisiana, U.S.A., which appear to be on the verge of this transition. Our results suggest that the Chandeleurs are likely poised to change state, leading to their demise, within decades depending on future storm history. Contributing factors include high rates of relative sea level rise, limited sediment supply, muddy substrate, current island position relative to former Mississippi River distributary channels, and the effects of changes in island morphology on sediment transport pathways. Although deltaic barrier islands are most sensitive to disintegration because of their muddy substrate, the importance of relative sea level rise rate in determining the timing of threshold crossing suggests that the conceptual models for deltaic barrier island formation and disintegration may apply more broadly in the future.
Size‐dependent crystal growth—A manifestation of growth rate dispersion in the potassium alum‐water system

Growth of potassium alum crystals was characterized by the advance rates of crystals on the leading edge of population distributions and by the advance rates of the modes of these distributions. Growth rates of crystals on the leading edge appeared to follow size-dependent kinetics, but the observed spread of the distribution about the average size was much greater than would be expected from size-dependent growth alone. The spread of the distribution was correlated with the extent of growth determined from the net advance of the average crystal size. These quantitative and qualitative results show that what has often been referred to as size-dependent growth is in fact a manifestation of growth rate dispersion.
Structural Changes for π-Radicals of Free-Base Tetraphenylbacteriochlorin: A Model for the Electron Donor and Acceptor in Bacterial Reaction Centers

Resonance Raman spectra are reported for electrochemically generated radical cations and anions of tetraphenylbacteriochlorin free-base, H2TPBC, and also for the photogenerated triplet state T1. Is...
PARANEOPLASTIC HYPERCALCEMIA ASSOCIATED WITH ADENOSQUAMOUS CARCINOMA OF THE ENDOMETRIUM

Paraneoplastic hypercalcemia associated with adenosquamous carcinoma of the endometrium is described. This is the first reported case of a gynecologic cancer in which the paraneoplastic syndrome has been conclusively shown by immunohistochemical analysis to be due to ectopic parathormone.
Molecular cloning, expression and characterization of the first three genes in the mevalonate-independent isoprenoid pathway in Streptomyces coelicolor

The mevalonate-independent biosynthetic pathway to isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate, the universal precursors to the isoprenoids, operates in eubacteria, including Escherichia coli, in algae, and in the plastids of higher plants. A search of the Sanger Centre Streptomyces coelicolor genome database revealed open reading frames with ca. 40--50% identity at the deduced amino acid level to the first three E. coli enzymes of this pathway, corresponding to deoxyxylulose phosphate synthase, deoxyxylulose phosphate reductoisomerase and 2-C-methyl erythritol 4-phosphate cytidylyltransferase. The S. coelicolor genes have been cloned and expressed in E. coli, and the recombinant proteins characterized physically and kinetically. The presence of the corresponding enzyme activities in extracts of S. coelicolor CH999 further supports the operation of the mevalonate-independent pathway in this organism.
Fabrication and properties of ceramic 1D nanostructures from preceramic polymers: a review

AbstractAbstractThis paper reviews different methodologies for the fabrication of various ceramic one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures (nanotubes/fibres/wires/belts, etc.) produced by using preceramic polymers. Diverse processing approaches together with a wide range of precursor types enable the fabrication of 1D nanostructures with varied morphology, composition, purity as well as yield. The strategies used are based on three different methods; starting with the utilisation of decomposition gases which are released upon pyrolysing the preceramic polymer precursors at high temperatures, with the absence or presence of a catalytic metal source. The second is the template modulated synthesis routes (i.e. infiltration of the polymeric precursor melt or solution inside a template porosity, polymer to ceramic conversion followed by the removal of the template), and the last strategy discussed is electrospinning.
Complete delete vs. time machine computing

Users are increasingly demanding two contradictory system properties - the ability to absolutely, positively erase information so that it cannot be recovered, and the ability to recover information that was inadvertently or intentionally altered or deleted. Storage system designers now need to resolve the tension between complete delete and time machine computing.
Agroforestry and Grass Buffer Effects on Pore Characteristics Measured by High-Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography

Agroforestry and grass buffers can improve infiltration and reduce runoff from row-crop agriculture. The objective of this study was to examine buffer effects on soil porosity using high-resolution x-ray computed tomography (CT). Treatments studied were agroforestry buffer, grass buffer, and row crop (RC) on a Putnam silt loam (fine, smectitic, mesic Vertic Albaqualf). A no-till corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation was established in 1991, with buffers implemented in 1997. Agroforestry buffers, 4.5 m wide and 36.5 m apart, consisted of pin oak (Quercus palustris Munchh.) trees planted among redtop (Agrostis gigantea Roth) and brome (Bromus spp.) grasses and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.). Two replicates of intact soil cores (76-mm diam. by 76-mm long) were collected from the 0- to 100-mm depth. Cores were scanned at a voxel size of 73 by 73 by 84 μm. Images were analyzed with Three-Dimensional Medial Axis (3DMA) software. The average pore paths for grass and agroforestry buffer samples were three and five times greater, respectively, than for RC. On average, buffer samples had a 33% higher characteristic coordination number than RC samples. Buffer samples had a higher characteristic path length constant (2.18 times the RC treatment) and an average lower path tortuosity (89% of the RC treatment) relative to values for RC. Average nodal pore volume and throat radii of buffers were 1.8 and 2.9 times larger, respectively, than for RC. Results show that three-dimensional structural differences caused by variations in root growth or organic matter accumulation discriminated between buffer and row crop soil, allowing better quantification of management effects on soil porosity.
Development and application of an integrated framework for small UAV flight control development

This paper presents an integrated framework for small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flight control development. The approach provides a systematic procedure for flight control design process with a set of design tools that enables control engineers to rapidly synthesize, analyze and validate a candidate controller design. A model-based environment integrated with control synthesis, off-line and real-time simulation is developed for flight control synthesis, analysis and testings. The effectiveness of the proposed integrated framework is demonstrated by applying the framework approach to a small UAV testbed. Software-in-the-loop, processor-in-the-loop and flight testings are conducted with the synthesized controller implemented. Closed-loop performance and robustness results obtained are presented.
A Study of Word Processing Experience and its Effects on Student Essay Writing

This study investigates how word processing experience influences student performance on a direct writing assessment. We investigated factors influencing a student's decision about using word processors for writing; whether students with less experience writing with word processors receive lower scores on word processed essays; and differences in length, neatness, mechanical correctness, and tone of the student writing as related to experience with word processors. In this study, students with different levels of experience using word processors wrote two essays: one with word processors and one with pen and paper. Students with less experience using word processors scored considerably higher on our writing assessment when their writing was done with pen and paper. Only small differences were observed between pen and paper and word processed essays for students with more word processing experience. Content analyses revealed that word processed essays appeared neater and longer than handwritten essays but ...
Histamine-induced hypocalcemia in the rat

The effect of histamine and betazole hydrochloride (Histalog) on serum calcium homeostasis in the rat was studied in these experiments. Either histamine base, histamine phosphate, betazole, or the appropriate control solution was injected intravenously into fasted, anesthetized 80-100 g male rats. Venous blood was collected before and at 30 and 60 min postinjection. Histamine base in doses of 0.5-2.0 mg/rat induced a significant hypocalcemic response 30 min postinjection which returned to baseline by 60 min. Likewise, the administration of 1.375 mg/rat of histamine phosphate (equivalent to 0.5 mg histamine base) also resulted in a significant fall in serum calcium concentration. However, betazole administration, in doses as high as 10 mg/rat, did not lower the serum calcium concentration. In the histamine experiments neither total protein nor hematocrit values differed from control at the time of hypocalcemia. Therefore the changes in serum calcium concentration cannot be explained by hemodilution. These experiments demonstrate that in the rat the administration of histamine results in a hypocalcemic response similar to that previously observed with gastrin.
Passive Enumeration of Secret Information in LMAP and M2 AP RFID Authentication Protocols

AbstractAs RFID tags gain popularity for everyday use, issues related to privacy and security of RFID-tagged objects become important. However, the memory and processing power constraints in low-cost RFID tags make securing these tags difficult, if not impossible. Light-weight protocols have been proposed to address this issue. Li and Wang (2007) report security vulnerabilities in two recently proposed ultra-lightweight RFID mutual authentication protocols - LMAP and M2 AP. Fairly similar in structure, these two protocols use ⊕, ∧, ∨, and sum mod m operations. We use m = 2 in sum mod m operation which is realistic in low-cost tags and, using a passive observer adversary, enumerate the entire set of secret information in two consecutive rounds of authentication.
Enzymatic Synthesis and Purification of Uridine Diphosphate [14C] Galacturonic Acid: A Substrate for Pectin Biosynthesis

Abstract Pectins are complex polysaccharides that contain 1,4-linked α-D-galactosyluronic acid residues found in the primary wall of all higher plant cells. The pectic polysaccharides play critical roles in cell wall structure and in plant growth and development. As a first step in studying pectin biosynthesis a method was developed to routinely generate and purify UDP-[U-14C]galacturonic acid (UDP-[14C]GalA), the nucleotide sugar substrate for homogalacturonan biosynthesis. UDP-[14C]GalA was enzymatically synthesized by 4-epimerization of commercially available UDP-[U-14C]glucuronic acid (UDP-[14C]GlcA) using a particulate preparation from radish roots. The resulting mixture of UDP-[14C]GalA and UDP-[14C]GlcA was separated by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography using a Dionex CarboPac PA1 anion-exchange column. The UDP-sugars were detected by their absorbance at 262 nm or by pulsed amperometric detection following postcolumn addition of NaOH. The yield of UDP-[14C]GalA obtained using this procedure was 16% of the starting UDP-[14C]GlcA. Establishment of a reliable method to synthesize and purify UDP-[14C]GalA will facilitate the identification and purification of the galacturonosyltransferase(s) involved in pectin biosynthesis.
Magnetic properties of random-mixture-FeCl3 graphite BI-intercalation compounds

Abstract The magnetic properties of Cu c Co 1-c Cl 2 -FeCl 3 GBICs have been studied using DC and AC magnetic susceptibility measurements. The Curie-Weiss temperature is positive for all concentration c . The AC magnetic susceptibility shows two broad peaks at T cu and T cl due to the spin orderings in the Cu c Co 1-c Cl 2 layers and the FeCl 3 layers, respectively. These spin orderings are coupled to each other through an interplanar exchange interaction, leading to the decrease of T cu and T cl with increasing Cu concentration. The smearing of phase transitions at T cu and T cl can be qualitatively explained in terms of the random field effects.
Pocket-sized ultrasonic nebulizer for inhalation drug delivery

Silicon-based MHz ultrasonic multiple Fourier horns in resonance are capable of producing high-throughput micrometer-sized droplets at low drive power. The centimeter-sized nozzles together with low power requirement enabled most recent realization of the first pocket-sized ultrasonic nebulizer (8.6 × 5.6 × 1.5 cm3) that contains nozzle, IC electronic driver, cell-phone battery, micro pump, drug reservoir, and liquid feed. A variety of common drugs for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetics, cyanide poisoning, pulmonary fibrosis, etc. such as albuterol, Humulin U-100, cobinamide, interferon-γ, and budesonide suspension have been nebulized with desirable aerosol size and throughput.
Microwave System Loading

This paper addresses the problem of establishing maximum levels within the capability of contemporary microwave-carrier equipment to operate with all channels fully loaded with continuous tones. A review of the problem, tutorial information and primary information are presented. The conclusions with recommended tone level tables to provide optimum loading of a microwave system will be useful to all microwave users having data channel requirements.
The Coupled Cyclotron Project at the Nscl

Abstract The NSCL has proposed an upgrade to its facility to provide primary beams of significantly higher intensity and higher energy needed for studies of nuclear reactions and nuclear structure, particularly to provide those primary beams needed to produce intense secondary beams. The project consists of building a high current injection line, refurbishing the existing K500 cyclotron for stable high intensity operation, coupling to the existing K1200 cyclotron, and replacing the A1200 fragment separator with a new high acceptance device (called the A1900). The new fragment separator will connect on to the existing beamlines and provide the higher intensity beams to the experimental equipment. Large gains in primary beam intensity, typically two or three orders of magnitude, will result from accelerating low charge-state ions in the first accelerator followed by stripping and further acceleration in the second machine. Additional large gains in the intensity of the secondary beams will come from the very high acceptance of the A1900 fragment separator. The new separator, relying on large superconducting magnets, will accept over 90% of a variety of secondary beams. The ready availability of intense beams over the entire range of atomic number and masses will open new vistas in nuclear structure through the production and study of many new and previously inaccessible nuclei. Research into the production and transport of intense beams from the ion source is underway as is the design of the A1900 superconducting quadrupoles and dipoles. An overview of the project will be presented.
Implications of recent total atmospheric ozone measurements for biologically active ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface

Recent satellite measurements of total atmospheric ozone were analyzed to deduce the changes in biologically active ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth's surface from 1979 to 1989. The calculated increases are on average substantially larger than earlier estimates, particularly at mid and high latitudes of both hemispheres.
Comparing the Long-Term Impacts of Different Anthropogenic Disturbance Regimes on California Sage Scrub Recovery

California sage scrub (CSS) is a highly threatened vegetation community in coastal Southern California, 90 percent of which has been lost. Understanding CSS recovery is critical to its survival. This study compares long-term effects of grazing, cultivation, and mechanical disturbance in Southern California by tracking the extent of exotic grassland in two valleys in the Santa Monica Mountains over sixty years using aerial image analysis. Native shrubs returned to the grazed valley over one and one-half times faster than they did in the cultivated valley. Cultivation might result in a type conversion of CSS to exotic annual grassland that resembles a new steady state.
Monte carlo technique to simulate aflatoxin testing programs for peanuts

A computer model that accounts for sampling, subsampling, and analytical variability was developed to simulate aflatoxin testing programs. Monte Carlo solution techniques were employed to account for conditional probabilities that arise from multiple samples, subsamples, and/or analyses being used in testing programs. The aflatoxin testing program to be used on the 1974 peanut crop was evaluated by use of the described model.
Atypical Meigs' syndrome in a neonate with ovarian torsion associated with an ovarian dermoid cyst.

We describe a female neonate with ovarian torsion, ovarian follicular and dermoid cysts, congenital ascites, pleural effusions, and respiratory distress. Her symptoms were consistent with atypical Meigs’ syndrome and resolved after unilateral oophorectomy. This is the first report in a neonate of this syndrome in association with congenital ovarian disease.
Simultaneous Cerebral Hemodynamics and Blood Flow Measurements to Quantify Cerebral Metabolism in Infants by Near-infrared Spectroscopy

We combine a Continuous-wave NIRS (CWNIRS) system with a Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy (DCS) system to simultaneously measure hemoglobin concentrations and blood flow to quantify cerebral metabolism changes in infants
Conducting HIV Outreach and Research Among Incarcerated Drug Abusers: A Case Study of Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas

Abstract This case involves the examination of an ethically problematic event that arose while we were conducting an outreach/early intervention research demonstration project targeted at women who exchange sex for drugs. Subjects were drug abusers—primarily crack-cocaine smokers—recruited by outreach workers on "the street" and in jail. Participants were offered counseling, HIV and syphilis screening, and risk-reduction education. A woman who was a jail inmate tested positive for HIV. In order to obtain medical and other assistance, she would have to reveal her serostatus to jail officials. This could result in isolation and the possibility of harm from others in the jail once the information about her circulated. The case highlights the problems inherent in HIV testing of incarcerated drug abusers, especially in low HIV seroprevalence areas. We recommend that a community empanel a committee composed of substance abuse treatment and medical professionals, civil rights advocates, criminal justice personnel, and ethicists to formulate humane and effective policy in light of its drug abuse and HIV problems and its resources.
A portable IR system for observing fire thru smoke

A comparatively recent development in electronic technology holds promise for providing a practical means for locating and following the progress of forest fires. Early tests indicate that a prototype system has advantages and a sensitivity that surpass conventional television systems.
Management of acute peripheral vestibular disorders.

The practice of Neurology has always been diverse and challenging. Each day, clinicians face problems, issues, decisions, and conundrums. Texts, lectures, and even practice guidelines often do not provide significant practical help to the clinician. Judgement and experience are often needed. In European Neurology I plan to highlight some of thse common important recurrent practise tissues. I have asked experienced clinicians to share their own individual views and approaches to these issues
Surfactant Ligand Removal and Rational Fabrication of Inorganically Connected Quantum Dots

A novel method is reported to create inorganically connected nanocrystal (NC) assemblies for both II–VI and IV–VI semiconductors by removing surfactant ligands using (NH4)2S. This surface modification process differs from ligand exchange methods in that no new surfactant ligands are introduced and the post-treated NC surfaces are nearly bare. The detailed mechanism study shows that the high reactivity between (NH4)2S and metal–surfactant ligand complexes enables the complete removal of surfactant ligands in seconds and converts the NC metal-rich shells into metal sulfides. The post-treated NCs are connected through metal–sulfide bonding and form a larger NCs film assembly, while still maintaining quantum confinement. Such “connected but confined” NC assemblies are promising new materials for electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Food and History

This essay deals with three ambitious recent contributions to food history, and with more specialized work. It focuses on the growing range of sources used in this history; the increasing attention to processes of diffusion and to cultural reactions to "other" foods; and the examination of cuisine and manners as part of food history. Findings about nutrition, issues of periodization and the widening range of topics round out the comments on a field that is clearly gaining momentum in social history more generally.