cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Television and Family Unity in South – South Nigeria

Television plays important role in the family. It serves as source of information, entertainment, cultural propagation, among other functions. It brings family members together and serves as a catalyst for family unity. However, there is the argument that television viewership could also have negative influence on family unity and values. The study therefore investigated the influence of Television viewing on family unity and values in Southern Nigeria. The study adopted the Behavior Imitation, Linkage and Bowen Family Systems theories. The study used survey and questionnaire as method and instrument respectively. The respondents were chosen through a multi-stage sampling process. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results show that majority of the respondents do not watch television together with other family members at home. Also, watching of television is found to have negative influence on family unity and values. The study recommends that family members should watch television together at home; and avoid adopting negative values they watch on television.
Application of the ISG viewing wand for endoscopic procedures

The use of intracranial endoscopy for operative procedures is increasing. Navigation within the ventricular system is straightforward, using known anatomical landmarks. Interactive image-guided surgical systems are helpful for defining the trajectory to the ventricular system and for performing endoscopy within cystic cavities where there are no landmarks for orientation. We have used the Viewing Wand system, a passive mechanical arm, with rigid endoscopes for the following applications: (1) defining the trajectory to the frontal horn for endoscopic III ventriculocisternostomy, colloid cyst removal, arachnoid cyst fenestration, or external ventricular drain placement (n = 5); (2) defining the trajectory to the ventricle from the occipital region for ventriculoperitoneal or cyst-peritoneal shunts (n = 4); (3) defining the trajectory to the frontal horn for shunt placement in cases of benign intracranial hypertension (n = 3); (4) fenestration of multiloculated parenchymal cysts occurring post brachytherapy (n = 3); and (5) placement of an Ommaya reservoir into a parenchymal cyst (n = 1). The system requires the use of rigid lens or fiberoptic endoscopes, custom measuring probes, and adapters to connect different endoscopes to the Viewing Wand. The operating room setup, probe adapters for rigid endoscopes with the Viewing Wand, and a single surgeon experience are presented.
12 – Elastomer Blends

Publisher Summary Blends of elastomers allow the user to access properties of the final blended and vulcanized elastomer that are not accessible from a single, commercially available elastomer alone, and thus, are of technological and commercial importance. These potentially improved properties include chemical, physical, and processing benefits. This chapter shows some of the instances of the uses of elastomer blends. Blends provide an acceptable technological process for accessing properties not available in a single elastomer. Intermolecular changes in blends are not limited by such systemic or synthetic limitations. Blends of elastomers can attain a wide variation in properties. Combinations of elastomers can lead to changes in properties because of either intrinsic differences in the constituents or differences in the reinforcement and vulcanization of the constituents. Miscible blends of elastomers that consist of a single elastomeric phase with microscopically uniform cross-linking and distribution of reinforcing agents reflect a compositionally weighted average of the intrinsic properties of the constituents. Miscible blends are commonly used though they have been very rarely recognized.
Initial Events of Autoxidation

The autoxidation of natural, products remains a very complex matter only partially understood for any given class of compounds despite much study. Several recent monographs [568,983,1024,1542,1895] address the problem to different degrees, but it is clear that the natural air oxidation of organic compounds is still in need of major attention. The present chapter deals with much that is known of the autoxidation of cholesterol but only as regards the first stable products which can be isolated and identified. Very little experimental work has been done on the initiation phase of cholesterol autoxidation, where very low levels of highly excited species undergoing very rapid reactions may be the case.
Phytoremediation: a sustainable environmental technology for heavy metals decontamination

Toxic metal contamination of soil is a major environmental hazard. Chemical methods for heavy metal's (HMs) decontamination such as heat treatment, electroremediation, soil replacement, precipitation and chemical leaching are generally very costly and not be applicable to agricultural lands. However, many strategies are being used to restore polluted environments. Among these, phytoremediation is a promising method based on the use of hyper-accumulator plant species that can tolerate high amounts of toxic HMs present in the environment/soil. Such a strategy uses green plants to remove, degrade, or detoxify toxic metals. Five types of phytoremediation technologies have often been employed for soil decontamination: phytostabilization, phytodegradation, rhizofiltration, phytoextraction and phytovolatilization. Traditional phytoremediation method presents some limitations regarding their applications at large scale, so the application of genetic engineering approaches such as transgenic transformation, nanoparticles addition and phytoremediation assisted with phytohormones, plant growth-promoting bacteria and AMF inoculation has been applied to ameliorate the efficacy of plants as candidates for HMs decontamination. In this review, aspects of HMs toxicity and their depollution procedures with focus on phytoremediation are discussed. Last, some recent innovative technologies for improving phytoremediation are highlighted.
A new blast wave scaling

A new scaling is developed for both air and underwater blast waves based on dimensional analysis. The new length, time, velocity, and pressure scales are based on three control parameters: the energy release of the explosive $$E_{_\mathrm {HE}}$$ , the density of the undisturbed ambient medium $$\rho _{_0}$$ , and the speed of sound in the undisturbed ambient medium $$C_{_0}$$ . The shock wave propagation is divided into two regimes based on its decay characteristics, and the resulting control parameters are different in each regime. For strong shocks with Mach numbers $$M_{_\mathrm {SW}} \gtrsim 5$$ , the increase in the shock wave radius R with time t is approximated by a power law with an exponent of 2/5 as previously described by G. I. Taylor. Shock propagation in this regime is shown to not be a function of the ambient medium sound speed, but only the ambient medium density, explosive energy release, and time. For weak shock waves with Mach numbers $$M_{_\mathrm {SW}} \lesssim 5$$ , the shock wave radius increase with time can be approximated by a linear function plus a logarithmic-type correction which decays to a sound wave at sufficiently long time. Shock propagation in this regime is scaled according to the medium’s ambient density, sound speed, explosive energy release, and time. The new scaling is compared to, and agrees well with, published experimental data for air and underwater blasts, from milligram explosions to nuclear blasts. The new scaling improves upon traditional Hopkinson and Sachs scaling by relating shock propagation in liquid and gas environments, allowing them to be scaled to a single functional relationship. The functional scaling relationships developed here are dimensionless.
Interventions to improve physical activity in colorectal cancer survivors: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Aim To examine the effectiveness of physical activity (PA) interventions on changes in PA among colorectal cancer survivors, including an examination of theoretical versus atheoretical-driven approaches, with a special focus on their effectiveness across ethnic and racial minorities. Design Systematic review with aggregated data meta-analyses. Data sources Using six databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL with full text, Scopus and Web of Science), we will screen for randomized controlled trials written in English from May 1, 1993 up to December 31, 2020. Review methods Dual study-selection and data abstraction will be performed. The Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy (v1) will be used to examine behavior change techniques among selected studies, while the Theory Coding Scheme will be used to assess the extent of theory use. Risk of bias will be assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials, while the strength of the evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation instrument. In addition, intervention delivery will be appraised using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication. Changes in PA from each study will be calculated using the standardized mean difference effect size (Hedge's g). Results will be pooled using the inverse-variance heterogeneity model. Heterogeneity (Cochran's Q) and inconsistency (I2 ) will be examined, while small-study effects (publication bias) will be evaluated using the Doi plot and LFK Index. Meta-regression will also be conducted to examine for potential associations between changes in physical activity and selected covariates (theoretical versus atheoretical-driven approaches, race/ethnicity). Discussion This systematic review will identify specific racial/ethnic minorities for whom interventions are most effective and summarize the evidence of the effectiveness of theoretical vs. theoretical based intervention. Impact This systematic review can direct policymakers and practitioners towards actions that are likely to bring about positive physical activity behaviour change.
Bloodstream infections among intestinal and multivisceral transplant recipients

Objective To examine the etiologies, risk factors, and microbiology of bloodstream infections (BSIs) among intestinal and multivisceral transplant recipients in the 2-year post-operative period. Methods A retrospective medical record review of adult intestinal or multivisceral transplant recipients between 2003 and 2015. Descriptive statistics were used to describe cohort data. Logistic regression was used to assess factors related to BSIs using a backward selection process. Results One-hundred and six intestinal or multivisceral transplants were performed in 103 individuals. Fifty-eight percent (n = 62) developed a BSI in the 2-year post-operative period with a median time to first BSI of 53 days (interquartile range [IQR] 15, 169). The majority of BSIs were catheter related 38% (n = 58) when the source was known. Common microbiological isolates included enterococcus 20% (n = 36/174), coagulase-negative staphylococcus 14% (n = 23), and 12% Klebsiella spp (n = 21). Forty-seven percent (n = 17) of the enterococci were resistant to vancomycin, and 14% (n = 10/70) of the gram negatives were extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers. In adjusted analyses, (OR: 0.200 95% CI: 0.2, 0.514, P = .009) men were less likely to have a BSI. Transplant recipient age, allograft type, comorbidities, rejection, and length of stay were not noted to be risk factors for development of BSIs in our cohort. Mortality at 2-years post-transplant was similar for those who did not develop a BSI and those that developed infection, P = .5028. Conclusions BSIs are a common complication of intestinal transplantation, and central venous catheters were a common source. Interventions such as early catheter removal should be implemented to prevent infections in this population. Female sex association with BSI requires further investigation.
Dust Disks Around Main Sequence Stars

Many nearby main sequence stars are surrounded by cool dust radiating strongly in the far-IR. The characteristics of some of the prototype systems will be discussed. The dust is understood to represent debris related to planet formation, and the known disk systems may be dense analogs of the Kuiper Belt structure in our outer solar system. ISO observing programs plan to address questions regarding how common planetary material is around normal stars and how its amount and location depend on system age. These questions are central to an understanding of the place of the “Vega / β Pic” disks in stellar evolution. Preliminary results from the first year of ISO operation will be reported.
Sensitivity of the gastric mucosa to acid and duodenal contents in patients with nonulcer dyspepsia.

Abstract Nonulcer dyspepsia is a common clinical syndrome whose etiology is unknown. The sensitivity of the gastric mucosa to acid and duodenal contents in 18 patients with nonulcer dyspepsia was studied. The patients had a normal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy specimens were obtained for determination of Helicobacter pylori status. Fifteen of the 18 patients were infected with H. pylori . All patients underwent intubation with a double-lumen tube and collection of cholecystokinin-stimulated pancreticobiliary secretions. Subsequently, normal saline, 0.1N hydrochloric acid, and autologous duodenal secretions were infused into the stomach in a randomized blinded fashion. A positive response was defined as the production of epigastric pain by acid and/or bile but not by saline. By this definition, only 6 patients (33%) had a positive response and none had reproduction of their usual symptoms. In patients with a negative response, only 4 remained asymptomatic during all infusions. The remaining 8 had symptoms during infusion of saline, 7 of whom also had symptoms during infusion of acid and/or duodenal secretions. Two of these patients had reproduction of their usual symptoms. In conclusion, the gastric mucosa in patients with nonulcer dyspepsia is not abnormally sensitive to acid or duodenal contents.
Amici's East Coast Pizzeria

The Amici's East Coast Pizzeria case study presents the history of Amici's East Coast Pizzeria, started by Peter Cooperstein and Mike Forter in 1987. It allows students to evaluate the company's launch in terms of opportunity identification, as well as to evaluate the company's scaling and growth strategy and options: all in the context of an entrepreneurial startup environment.
Attributions About One's HIV Infection and Unsafe Sex in Seropositive Men Who Have Sex With Men

This study of 71 sexually active HIV-positive men who have sex with men found that the likelihood of engaging in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with partners at risk for HIV was directly associated with the strength with which the men attributed blame and responsibility for their HIV infection to other persons. Men who believed that another person intentionally tried to infect them were at especially high risk for engaging in UAI. Self-attributions were not associated with sexual risk behavior. Conceptual explanations and directions for future research are discussed.
Interpolation Schemes in the Control of Systems with Unknown Dynamics

Time Delay Control for systems with unknown dynamics involves estimations. In its present form, these estimations include not only the interpolation of a time varying function but also its derivative between data points. This paper first reformulates the control law taking into account the computation delay. Then, a window-shifting scheme is devised to view n data points as they are sampled in order to perform the function estimation. At each new sampling time the window shifts to include the new data point as well as the last n-1 points. Several interpolation methods are considered. These methods use data points from a sampled function to construct a polynomial estimate of the function. The control system performance was exerimentally tested using a servosystem.
Postnationalism Prefigured: Caribbean Borderlands

Postnationalism Prefigured: Caribbean Borderlands. Charles V. Carnegie. New Brunswick, NJ, and London, UK: Rutgers University Press, 2002. xiv. 242 pp. (Cloth US$60.00; Paper US$25.00)
Ecological Modernization and Its Critics: Assessing the Past and Looking Toward the Future

The theory of ecological modernization has received growing attention over the past decade, but in the process, it has been interpreted in conflicting and sometimes contradictory ways. In this article, we attempt to bring greater clarity to the discussion. Reviewing the works both by the theory's best-known proponents and by its most outspoken critics, we note that difficulties are created not just by the combining of theoretical predictions and policy prescriptions - a point that has already been noted in the literature - but also by the stark and highly significant differences in expectations between ecological modernization and most prevailing theories of society-environment relationships. Perhaps in part because of these differences, disagreements have often been expressed in stark, black-and-white terms. If the problems are to be resolved, there will be a need for greater theoretical precision, developed in conjunction with empirical research that is more focused, more finely differentiated, and more...
Effects of Aerosolized Methylprednisolone on Experimental Neurogenic Pulmonary Injury

We examined the effects of graded doses of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS)--0.05 (low), 0.5 (medium), and 5 mg/kg/hour (high)--on the development of neurogenic pulmonary injury in rabbits. The aerosolized drug was administered intratracheally for 5 hours beginning 10 minutes after a 2-minute elevation of the cerebrospinal fluid pressure (Pcsf) to 250 mm Hg. Compared to untreated control animals, the percentage of increase in pulmonary capillary permeability, as determined by 51Cr-labeled ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid clearance, was significantly less in the low and high dose MPSS groups. However, high dose MPSS was also associated with a significant decrease in compliance and increase in tissue hemorrhage (quantified by visual inspection). These results indicate biphasic effect of MPSS on alveolar capillary integrity after elevated Pcsf. The low dose minimized the extent of lung hemorrhage, pulmonary capillary leakage, and loss of lung compliance. In contrast, the high dose accelerated tissue hemorrhage and compliance loss, even though pulmonary capillary permeability was maintained near base line rates.
PTEN gene silencing prevents HIV-1 gp120IIIB-induced degeneration of striatal neurons

To assess the role of the phosphatase and tensin homologue on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in mediating envelope glycoprotein 120 (gp120)-induced neurotoxicity in the striatum, PTEN was silenced using short interfering RNA (siRNA) vectors. PTEN activity directs multiple downstream pathways implicated in gp120-induced neuronal injury and death. PTEN is a negative regulator of Akt (protein kinase B) phosphorylation, but has also been shown to directly activate extrasynaptic NMDA receptors and dephosphorylate focal adhesion kinase. Rodent striatal neurons were nucleofected with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing siRNA constructs to silence PTEN (PTENsi-GFP) or with negative-control (NCsi-GFP) vectors, and exposed to HIV-1 gp120IIIB using rigorously controlled, cell culture conditions including computerized time-lapse microscopy to track the fate of individual neurons following gp120 exposure. Immunofluorescence labeling showed that subpopulations of striatal neurons possess CXCR4 and CCR5 co-receptor immunoreactivity and that gp120IIIB was intrinsically neurotoxic to isolated striatal neurons. Importantly, PTENsi-GFP, but not control NCsi-GFP, constructs markedly decreased PTEN mRNA and protein levels and significantly attenuated gp120-induced death. These findings implicate PTEN as a critical factor in mediating the direct neurotoxic effects of HIV-1 gp120, and suggest that effectors downstream of PTEN such as Akt or other targets are potentially affected. The selective abatement of PTEN activity in neurons may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for the CNS complications of HIV-1.
Pulmonary Mechanical Responses to Cholinesterase Inhibitor

Lung static and dynamic compliances, and lung and upper airway resistances were measured in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs before and after intravenous administration of 2 LD50 of the organophosphate cholinesterase inhibitor pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate (GD), followed by 1 mg of atropine 8 min later. Dynamic compliances and resistances were estimated by a linear regression model and by a Fourier analysis technique, with the two methods giving comparable results. GD caused a maximum increase in lung resistance of about 20 times control values, and about an 80% decrease in lung dynamic compliance. Frequency dependence of lung compliance and resistance was increased by GD administration. Following GD administration, upper airway opening pressure increased, indicating the presence of laryngospasm. Upper airway resistance during the latter portion of the breath, when the airway was open, decreased after GD administration, concurrent with the increase in carinal pressure that occurred as the result of increased lung impedance. These results suggest that the GD-induced decrease in upper airway resistance was due to passive distension of the upper airway. Physiological deadspace decreased by a maximum of about 65% following GD administration. Administration of atropine resulted in a prompt and almost complete reversal of all of the GD-induced effects on pulmonary mechanical properties and ventilation. The results of this study suggest that the major pulmonary mechanical effects of GD in the dog are caused by constriction of smooth muscle at different levels of the respiratory tract.
Plasma immersion ion implantation for metallurgical and semiconductor research and development

Abstract Plasma Source Ion Implantation, also termed Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation, is a rapidly developing material modification technique for treating the near-surface regions of various kinds of materials. It makes use of high-energy ions which are accelerated by a high voltage pulse from a plasma which wraps the workpiece to be treated. The ions are implanted into the material causing effects similar to those of conventional beam-line ion implantation. Research and development of plasma immersion ion implantation has focused in two main fields, treatment of metals for improved wear and corrosion performance, and modification of semiconductors. The paper discusses examples from both fields, with nitrogen PIII of steels and aluminum, and modification of thin metal films. From the semiconductor field, trenchwall doping, ultra-shallow doping with boron, and oxygen ion implantation for SIMOX formation is treated.
The multibranched higher saturated acids from tubercle bacillus

Abstract The previously reported levorotatory saturated acid isolated from tubercle bacillus, tentatively classified as a C 31 acid, has been subjected to structure determination and characterized as 2,4,6,8-trimethyloctacosanoic acid. This is the C 32 -mycocerosic acid of Stenhagen et al . A new sample of this acid, separated by gas chromatography, was admixed with a normal acid and a non-conjugated unsaturated acid. These components could be separated by use of urea adducts and of counter-current extraction of the sodium salts. An acid at the C 29 level has been isolated and characterized as the 2,4,6-trimethylhexacosanoic acid, hence is the C 29 -phthianoic acid. Gas chromatography is able to distinguish between a phthienoate (2,4,6-trimethyl-2-alkenoate), a phthianoate (2,4,6-trimethylalkanoate) and a mycocerosate (2,4,6,8-tetramethylalkanoate). Contrary to previous reports based on studies of mixtures, analyses of several of the high-boiling ester fractions have indicated that the C 29 -phthianoate is the only acid of this type present in significant amounts in the unhydrogenated lipids. Very small amounts of the C 30 -phthianoate are probably present, but lower homologs could not be detected. The dominant mycocerosate is the C 32 homolog; however, significant amounts of the C 31 homolog are present, together with very small amounts of the C 33 and C 34 homologs, probably the C 28 homolog. There is evidence of a trace amount of the previously undetected C 29 -phthienoate. The significant component with gas chromatography retention time equal that of the C 29 -mycocerosate, near the C 28 -phthianoate, proved to be an essentially homogeneous sample of the n-hexacosanoate; these two branched-chain isomers could not be detected.
Cautious surgery for discoid menisci

Thirty patients were surgically treated for discoid menisci at our institution from 1972 to 1987. All developed Fairbank's changes if followed more than 5 years. Between 1980 and 1987 we saw 25 patients with menisci over 50% of the size of the femoral condyle by magnetic resonance imaging or arthrographic examination. Surgical criteria have been anteroposterior hypermobility and arthroscopic evidence of rupture in patients with disabling symptoms. Of the 21 patients undergoing surgery since 1980, 99 (43%) have developed Fairbank's changes, all having been treated by partial meniscectomy or meniscectomy plus posterior repair. Follow-up arthroscopy in five patients revealed distinctly abnormal but relatively stable menisci. Partial meniscectomy for discoid menisci by the Watanabe classification is recommended if symptoms are disabling and the menisci is significantly torn. Repair must be added if the posterior horn is unstable.
An open cycle gas core fusion rocket for space exploration

Abstract A nuclear propulsion system that utilizes fusion reactions to heat a plasma in a magnetically confined device is examined as a potential rocket. It makes use of a high density plasma in a magnetic mirror geometry with a collision mean free path much shorter than its length. Under these conditions the plasma behaves like a fluid with confinement properties dictated by gasdynamic laws. Accordingly, the plasma escape from the device is analogous to the flow of a gas into vacuum from a vessel with a hole. Such a system is capable of producing a very high specific impulse albeit at modest thrust. One approach for enhancing the thrust is to use an auxiliary hydrogen propellant that could be regeneratively heated before it is introduced into the reactor chamber. As is flows past the fusion plasma it will be further heated by the radiation (bremsstrahlung and synchrotron) emanating from the plasma, and upon emergence from the nozzle it will generate the desired thrust. The system thus functions much like an open cycle gas core rocket with very attractive propulsive capabilities. In this paper we present the underlying physics principles of such a concept and assess its capability by applying the results to a round trip mission to Mars. It is shown that the propulsion parameters exceed those of a gas core fission reactor and without many of major hydrodynamic problems confronted by the latter.
The Development of Procedural Knowledge in Adults Engaged in a Tractor-Trailer Task.

Abstract The purpose of this research was to study the development of procedural knowledge in adults engaged in a novel task. Seven men and 7 women, aged 18 to 35 years, were presented a pivoting, steerable, toy tractor-trailer rig to back up, turn 90°, and park along a demarcated roadway. Their physical actions and comments were examined in detail. Results revealed three phases of development in subjects' knowledge of steering procedures and the rig's movement patterns, and in their use of feedback information. A single transformation was observed in the development of subjects' knowledge of task demands. Subjects also manifested different levels of functioning when addressing different task demands. These findings were discussed in terms of transformations in organization that shape development in the course of a problem-solving experience, and the role that across-modality representation, feedback, error, and knowledge of task demands play in such transformations. Furthermore, several differences that were observed between men and women and among individual subjects were considered.
An upper bound for the largest Lyapunov exponent of a Markovian product of nonnegative matrices

We derive an upper bound for the largest Lyapunov exponent of a Markovian product of nonnegative matrices using Markovian type counting arguments. The bound is expressed as the maximum of a nonlinear concave function over a finite-dimensional convex polytope of probability distributions.
Blocking interleukin-1 receptors.

During inflammation, injury, immunological challenge or infection, interleukin-1 appears to mediate, in part, the pathogenesis, of disease. Most studies on interleukin-1 are derived from experiments in which bacterial products, such as endotoxins from Gram-negative bacteria or exotoxins from Gram-positive organisms, are used to stimulate macrophagic cells. In general, several cytokines are induced by microbes to their products. Although cytokines are thought to play a role in the outcome of disease, only a few have been directly implicated as mediators of the pathogenic mechanisms of the host. Studies on specific inhibition of interleukin-1 activity have employed interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, interleukin-1 receptors blocking antibodies or soluble interleukin-1 receptors. Experiments in vitro, in animal models of disease and in human subjects have shed considerable light on a critical role for interleukin-1 in the pathogenesis of disease. This review focuses on interleukin-1 as a cytokine of strategic importance to the outcome of disease, particularly inflammatory and infectious diseases.
Analysis of twin supersonic plume resonance

Recent experiments conducted at NASA Langley show that twin supersonic jets separating by a distance of approximately two nozzle diameters (center to center) exhibit resonant oscillations under a wide range of operating conditions. In this paper the mechanism responsible for the synchronized resonant oscillations is investigated. A vortex sheet jet model is used in the analysis. The model shows that kinematically two modes of twin jet resonance can occur. One mode involves flapping motion of both jets symmetric with respect to the mid-plane separating the two jets. The other mode involves antisymmetric flapping motion. The symmetric mode is consistent with experimental observations. The vortex sheet jet model is, however, unable to provide quantitative estimates of the shift in screech frequency (as compared to a single jet) due to the resonance phenomenon. The reason for this is discussed. Possible improvement of the model and directions for future work are indicated.
Intersecting faults and sandstone stratigraphy at the cerro prieto geothermal field

Abstract The NW - SE trending Cerro Prieto fault zone is part of a major regional lineament that extends into Sonora, Mexico, and has characteristics of both a wrench fault and an oceanic transform fault. The zone includes a number of separate identified faults and apparently penetrates deep into the basement and crustal rocks in the area. The zone serves as a conduit for both large and rapid heat flow. Near well M-103, where the Michoacan fault obliquely intersects a shorter NE - SW trending fault (i.e., the Patzcuaro fault), large circulation losses during drilling indicate greater permeability and hence increased natural convective fluid flow. Temperature contour maps for the southern portion of the field suggest that a shear fault zone also exists in the vicinity of wells M-48, M-91 and M-101. This shear zone aids in rapidly distributing geothermal fluid away from the Cerro Prieto fault zone, thus enhancing recharge to the western part of the reservoir. We have studied the distribution of lithologies and temperature within the field by comparing data from well cuttings, cores, well logs and geochemical analyses. Across the earliest developed portion of the field, in particular along a 1.25 km NE - SW section from well M-9 to M-10, interesting correlations emerge that indicate a relationship among lithology, microfracturing and temperature distribution. In the upper portion of the reservoir of this section, between 1200 and 1400 m, the percentage of sandstones ranges from 20 to 55. Well logs, calcite isotope maxima, and the Na - K - Ca geothermometer indicate temperatures of 225–275°C. The isothermal high in this vicinity corresponds to the lowest total percentage of sandstones. Scanning electron microphotographs of well cores and cuttings from sandstone and shale units reveal open microfractures, mineral dissolution and mineral precipitation along microfractures and in pores between sand grains. Our working hypothesis is that these sandy shale and siltstone facies are most amenable to increased microfracturing and, in turn, such microfracturing allows for higher temperature fluid to rise to shallower depths in this part of the reservoir. Our ongoing research is aimed at achieving a coherent geological model that provides a basis for estimating reservoir capacity, and that illustrates our understanding of fluid flow along major faults, laterally through fault shear zones, and within predominantly silty and shaley deltaic clastics that have been microfractured.
Bioprospecting for microbial products that affect ice crystal formation and growth.

At low temperatures, some organisms produce proteins that affect ice nucleation, ice crystal structure, and/or the process of recrystallization. Based on their ice-interacting properties, these proteins provide an advantage to species that commonly experience the phase change from water to ice or rarely experience temperatures above the melting point. Substances that bind, inhibit or enhance, and control the size, shape, and growth of ice crystals could offer new possibilities for a number of agricultural, biomedical, and industrial applications. Since their discovery more than 40 years ago, ice nucleating and structuring proteins have been used in cryopreservation, frozen food preparation, transgenic crops, and even weather modification. Ice-interacting proteins have demonstrated commercial value in industrial applications; however, the full biotechnological potential of these products has yet to be fully realized. The Earth’s cold biosphere contains an almost endless diversity of microorganisms to bioprospect for microbial compounds with novel ice-interacting properties. Microorganisms are the most appropriate biochemical factories to cost effectively produce ice nucleating and structuring proteins on large commercial scales.
Trainable optically programmed neural network.

The use of a two-dimensional photoconductive sensor array that is coupled with a liquid-crystal display is examined as a basis for the hardware implementation of neural network architectures. An array of 128 × 128 amorphous-silicon photoconductors of lateral geometry is fabricated and mated to a liquid-crystal device, the latter of which is used to optically program the conductances of the sensor array. Implementation of a three-layer perceptron network that uses the combined sensor and display devices is described. As an example of its operation, the system is trained to recognize images of numeric characters, with excellent results.
The Electrical Characteristics of Impregnated Cable Papers

IN CONNECTION with the investigation of ionization in impregnated paper insulated cables conducted at The Harvard Engineering School under auspices of the impregnated paper cable research committee of the National Electric Light Association, it was found necessary to determine over a considerable range of voltage gradient, temperature, and frequency, the electrical characteristics of cable paper impregnated with different cable oils and compounds. The impregnation was conducted under almost ideal laboratory conditions so that little if any gas was occluded. When the results of the measurements were rationalized and analyzed, it was found that to a remarkable degree they all conformed to the same general laws. These laws and the analyses of the electrical characteristics into components may appear to be only empirical. However, they are results of some fundamental causes, involving probably molecular and intramolecular reactions. Therefore, aside from any value which the results presented may have as engineering data, they may at some time be of value in confirming or in disproving some more fundamental theories of dielectrics. Moreover, it is found that actual cables when impregnated so thoroughly that they manifest no appreciable ionization, have electrical characteristics comparable to those obtained with these samples impregnated under almost ideal conditions. The conclusions presented in this paper are as follows: 1. An abrupt change in the slope of the cooling curves of some cable compounds occurs in the neighborhood of 50 deg C; this may indicate changes in the molecular structure. 2. It appears to be a general law that the power loss in cable compounds varies as a constant exponential power of the voltage gradient, the exponent usually being 2 at room temperature; at higher temperatures it may be greater or less than 2. 3. The power factor characteristics of cable compounds are exponential functions of the voltage gradient, the exponent being related to that for the power characteristics. 4. The power-frequency characteristics are essentially linear, having a positive intercept at zero frequency. 5. The power factor-frequency characteristics are essentially rectangular hyperbolas. 6. The equivalent series resistivity-voltage gradient characteristic is the same type of function as the power factor-voltage gradient characteristic. 7. The equivalent parallel conductivity-voltage gradient characteristic is the same type of function as the power factor-voltage gradient characteristic. 8. The power-temperature characteristics for constant frequency and constant voltage gradient appear to consist of 2 terms, each of which is a constantexponential function of the temperature. (A.I.E.E. paper No. 33–58)
Role of ankle foot orthoses in functional stability of individuals with stroke

AbstractPurpose: Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are frequently prescribed to improve ambulation in individuals with stroke. However, the role of AFOs in balance control is not completely understood. The aim of the study was to evaluate the contribution of the AFOs in functional stability of individuals with stroke. Methods: Twenty three individuals with unilateral hemiparesis due to stroke were assessed using the Functional Reach Test. The subjects performed reaches forward, left and right while standing with or without an AFO. Results: When provided with AFO, individuals with stroke improved the maximal reaching distance in all the directions (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study found that individuals with unilateral stroke clearly demonstrated improvements in functional stability when they were provided with AFOs. This outcome could be used in the optimization of balance rehabilitation of individuals with stroke.Implications for RehabilitationFunctional stability is impaired in individuals with stroke.Functio...
A credit-token-based spectrum etiquette framework for coexistence of heterogeneous cognitive radio networks

The coexistence of cognitive radio (CR) networks in the same swath of spectrum has become an increasingly important problem, which is especially challenging when coexist- ing networks are heterogeneous (i.e., use different air interface standards), such as the case in TV white spaces. In this paper, we propose a credit-token-based spectrum etiquette framework that enables spectrum sharing among distributed heterogeneous CR networks with equal priority. Specifically, we propose a game- auction coexistence framework. Each network acts as either an offerer or a requester, and coexists with other networks via a non-cooperative game and a truthful multi-winner auction. The framework addresses the trade-offs among social welfare and offerer's revenue in the auction and requester's utility in the game. We prove that the framework guarantees system stability. Our simulation results show that the proposed coexistence frame- work always converges to a near-optimal distributed solution and improves coexistence fairness and spectrum utilization.
The association of "food addiction" with disordered eating and body mass index.

Introduction The contribution of an addictive process to elevated body mass index (BMI) and disordered eating is an area of growing interest. Yet, little is known about how “food addiction” may be related to disordered eating and obesity. The ability of addictive-like eating to account for eating pathology not captured by traditional eating disorders is unknown. No prior research has examined the association of “food addiction” with bulimia nervosa (BN). Finally, little is understood about the association of “food addiction” with patterns of dieting and weight gain. The current study was conducted to address these gaps in the literature.
Functional capacity of sex-reversed (XX, Sxr/+) mouse germ cells as shown by progeny derived from XX, Sxr/+ oocytes of a female chimera.

Mice of the genotype X/X, Sxr/ + (Sex-reversed) are sterile phenotypic males. Testis size is reduced and there is a failure of spermatoge-nesis during meiosis I. A female chimeric mouse has been produced whose germ line is entirely composed of X/X, Sxr/ + germ cells. The progeny of this chimera included several XX, Sxr/ + males. The finding that X/X, Sxr/ + germ cells can produce fully functional oocytes has implications for the function of the Sex-reversed gene, the control of germ cell differentiation, and the role of germ cells in primary sex determination.
Design Of A Potassium Selective, Light-gated Glutamate Receptor

A major goal in molecular neuroscience is to understand structure-function relationships of glutamate receptor ion channels (iGluRs) and their role in behavior. In the mammalian central nervous system, iGluRs form non-selective cation channels that generate depolarizing potentials in fast excitatory synaptic processes. Having earlier introduced the light-activated glutamate receptor LiGuR, we went one step further and applied two types of structure-based design to develop a potassium selective, light-gated ion channel. Simple and fast Monte-Carlo simulations allow the rational design of optically-controlled proteins in general and LiGluR variants in particular. Using homology modeling we modified the transmembrane pore-region of LiGluR to create a potassium selective channel that responds to glutamate and light. We demonstrate that rapid pulses of light can hyperpolarize HEK-293 cells and neurons expressing this novel channel, which can be used as a tool in glutamate receptor screening applications and may enable optical neuronal inhibition.
Expanded single-chip principles in practical application

For the past two decades the semiconductor industry has been in a headlong rush to pack more and more features on a single piece of silicon. The creation of the microprocessor as a single LSI device naturally gave inspiration for further advances. The microcomputer on a chip followed quickly and was again a technological stepping point rather than a final goal. New generations and process development variations made possible larger, faster, and more powerful systems on a chip. There is, however, a limit on the amount of CPU, ROM, RAM, and special-purpose devices that can be placed on a single, easily manufactured silicon die with current technology. In order to give the cost-reducing features of a one-chip computer with the flexibility of a multichip set, the expanded single-chip computer was developed. This paper will explain the theory behind that development, and then explore its application in a specific example.
Treating Refractory Cardiogenic Shock With the TandemHeart and Impella Devices: A Single Center Experience

Background: Patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) are routinely treated with intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs). The utility of 2 new percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (PLVADs), the Impella and TandemHeart, is unknown.Â The objective of this study was to describe the use of PLVADs for patients with CS at our institution. Methods: All cases involving PLVADs in patients with CS between between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2010 at a private, tertiary referral hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Results: All 76 cases were identified (50 IABP only, 7 Impella, 19 TandemHeart). Most Impella (5/7) and TandemHeart (10/19) patients were initially treated with an IABP before "upgrading" for increased hemodynamic support. All 76 devices (100%) were initiated successfully.Â Percutaneous revascularization was attempted in 63 patients with angiographic success in 57 (90%). The incidences of major complications were similar between groups, except bleeding occurred less frequently with the IABP. Mean ejection fraction on presentation was 30.4Â±16.5% and increased by a mean of 6.6Â±11.4% (P < 0.001). With the institutional approach of treating patients with CS initially with vasopressors and IABPs, then upgrading to an Impella or TandemHeart device for patients refractory to IABP therapy, the overall mortality rate was 40%. Conclusion: The Impella and TandemHeart devices can be initiated successfully in patients with CS, are associated with high rates of angiographic success during high risk percutaneous interventions and may benefit the myocardium during myocardial infarction. Randomized trials are warranted investigating use of the Impella and TandemHeart devices in patients with CS and in patients refractory to conventional IABP therapy. Cardiol Res. 2012;3(2):54-66 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/cr121w
Specificity of leucine effect on protein degradation in perfused rat heart.

Abstract The primary objective of the present study was to assess whether the inhibitory effect of leucine in rat hearts on protein degration is mediated by leucine itself, α-ketoisocaproate (α-KIC) or the decarboxylated products of leucine. Protein degradation, as measured by the release of phenylalanine, was inhibited by 1 mM leucine in hearts supplied with glucose, despite low intracellular α-KIC concentration (6.3 ± 0.5 μM). The inhibition of protein degradation by leucine occurred in hearts supplied with pyruvate, a substrate that completely abolished leucine decarboxylation. Under this condition, leucine was transaminated to α-KIC. Since the transamination could not be inhibited more than 38% by 10 mM l -cycloserine, it was difficult to exclude that leucine exerted its inhibitory effect via transamination to α-KIC. A clear correlation between protein degradation and intracellular leucine or α-KIC concentration could not be established. However, a high concentration of leucine (1 mM) or α-KIC (0.3 mM) in the perfusate inhibited protein degradation by 30 and 20%, respectively. This suggested that both leucine and α-KIC act on the plasma membrane regulatory sites. Of the various structural analogues of leucine that were tested, only l -leucinol inhibited protein degradation. This inhibition could be attributed to a direct lysosomotropic effect of this amino alcohol. The results indicate that high concentrations of extracellular leucine and α-KIC appear to inhibit heart protein degradation in vitro .