cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Equation of State and Transport on Pulsed Plasma Accelerator Modeling

DOI: 10.2514/1.22890 Various equations of state and transport models were used in the study of the time and spatial evolution of the magnetic field in a high power, parallel rail geometry, pulsed plasma thruster. Comparisons were made between magnetic field measurements in the experimental data and modeling results. Assessments are made about the appropriatenessoftheequationofstateandtransportmodelsusedinthisstudy.Themostsignificant findingwasthat the calorically perfect assumption of the ideal gas model led to an overestimate of the plasma temperature and consequently, frozen-in, stationary fields at the breech. Marked improvement in agreement between experimental and modeling data was observed with the use of a tabular equation of state model which accounted for multiple ionization states and electronic excitation modes. Agreement was less sensitive to various transport models. Nomenclature B = magnetic field, T
A phosphorus residence time model: Theory and application

concentration in the lake is identical to the inputconcentration, and the losses from the lake occur onlythrough the outlet. Neither of these conditions apply tomany lakes. Mean annual concentrations in lakes areoften much lower than mean annual inputconcentrations, and the major loss of phosphorusfrequently results from deposition to the sediments, notfrom discharge through the outlet.For non-conservative elements, the validity of themodel is improved if internal losses as well as outwashlosses are taken into account in the mass balance.Thus, equation (1) must be modified to account for thereactivity of the element in the lake. Studies haveshown that the sediments of lakes act as sinks or trapsfor phosphorus. Although there is some release ofphosphorus from sediments, the net flux of phosphorusover an annual cycle is to the sediments. This followsfrom the fact that a significant portion of the organismsthat settle onto the bottom are refractory so thatregeneration of the phosphorus upon mineralization isless than 100 percent (Jewell,
APPARENT PRE-EXCITATION IN TRICUSPID ATRESIA

It was our clinical impression that ECG evidence of pre-excitation (PE) is found more commonly in pts with tricuspid atresia (TA) than previously reported (0.29-1.3%). We attempted to determine a) the incidence of PE by surface ECG in pts with TA and b) if this represents the presence of a true accessory pathway. Surface ECGs from 183 consecutive pts with TA evaluated at the Mayo Clinic between 1981-1986 were reviewed by 3 pediatric cardiologists for evidence of PE. The patients' ages ranged from 4/12 to 21 years. The M:F ratio was 5:4. PE was diagnosed if the PR interval (PR) was ≤.10 seconds, the QRS was ≥.10 seconds and a delta wave was present. Of the 183 pts, 22 (12%) had PR ≤.10 seconds and 9 pts (5%; 6F, 3M) fulfilled criteria for PE, 5 of which had a history of SVT. Four of the 5 pts had invasive electrophysiologic studies (EPS) performed. Only 1 pt had an accessory pathway, but 2 had enhanced AV node conduction and 1 had normal AV node conduction. We conclude: 1) surface ECG evidence for PE in pts with TA is more common (5%) than previously reported. 2) Apparent PE can be due to an accessory pathway or enhanced AV node conduction (in combination with LVH). 3) Patients with TA being considered for intracardiac repair should have their ECG reviewed carefully for apparent PE; if found, especially in the presence of SVT, they should undergo EPS to determine the presence and location of an accessory pathway for surgical ablation.
Phase separation of a binary fluid containing surfactants in a Hele-Shaw cell

The hydrodynamic effect on the phase separation of a two-dimensional binary fluid containing surfactants is studied. When the quench is deep, so that thermal fluctuations are ineffective, it is found that surfactant clusters tend to be trapped in domains of binary fluid when the hydrodynamic effect is included. The trapping of surfactant clusters, however, does not occur when the hydrodynamic effect is absent. It is also found that, contrary to the usual expectation, the domain grows with time algebraically at higher average surfactant concentrations and logarithmically at lower average surfactant concentrations. A simple scaling argument is given to explain this abnormal result.
A 1.05V 1.6mW 0.45°C 3σ-resolution ΔΣ-based temperature sensor with parasitic-resistance compensation in 32nm CMOS

In the multicore era, thermal/power management is essential in order to meet platform-performance and energy-efficiency requirements. Accurate temperature measurements are required to reliably maximize microprocessor performance under a thermal envelope. Furthermore, in a large multicore microprocessor, multiple-location hot-spot temperature measurements are critical to limit leakage through load balancing. The requirements for absolute inaccuracy are modest (≪8°C), but good relative inaccuracy (≪3°C) is needed [1,2]. Increases in transistor variations and switching noise make static measurements difficult, and having multiple local temperature sensors for each hot-spot location is impractical. Besides, trimming a sensor for each hot-spot is costly. This paper presents a temperature sensor for remote temperature sensing that achieves the required resolution and variation tolerances by: 1) chopping the input current to the remote BJT pair; 2) deriving a voltage reference from the same BJTs; 3) making multiple current ratio measurements to eliminate parasitic resistance; and 4) using digital demodulation to eliminate analog offsets.
Information literacy instruction in the library: now more than ever

Purpose – The purpose of this column is to examine the importance of libraries continuing to provide and enhance information literacy instruction to students in a challenging teaching and learning environment.Design/methodology/approach – The approach takes the format of a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by colleague institutions.Findings – The need for the continued development and implementation of information literacy instruction in the library must continue to evolve as a collaborative effort between librarians and faculty to ensure higher levels of student success in library use and research acuity.Originality/value – The value in addressing this issue is to examine the necessity of the professional librarians collaborating with faculty in delivering relevant information literacy instruction in an academic library.
Differential distribution of Mel1a and Mel1c melatonin receptors in Xenopus laevis retina

The hormone melatonin is an output signal of an endogenous circadian clock in retinal photoreceptors. Melatonin may act as a paracrine and/or intracrine neurohormone by binding to specific receptors in the eye. The distribution of Mel(1a) and Mel(1c) melatonin receptors in the Xenopus laevis retina was examined by immunocytochemistry, using antibodies prepared against specific sequences of the Xenopus receptor proteins. Antibodies that label dopaminergic and GABA-ergic amacrine cells were used in double-label experiments with the melatonin receptor antibodies. The distribution of Mel(1a) and Mel(1c) receptor immunoreactivity was similar insofar as the two receptors were localized in the inner plexiform layer. However, the Mel(1c) receptor displayed some immunoreactivity in the photoreceptor cells, whereas the Mel(1a) receptor displayed little if any photoreceptor labelling. The Mel(1c) antibody, but not the Mel(1a), labelled a population of ganglion cells. While both receptors were localized to the outer plexiform layer, they did not appear to localize to the identical cell types. These results demonstrate that the Mel(1a) and Mel(1c) receptor proteins are present in cells of the X. laevis retina, and their distribution in the photoreceptors and inner retina is very similar to that reported in the human retina. The differential pattern of expression of the melatonin receptors suggests that melatonin may convey differential effects on various target cells in the retina.
Delivery of antisense oligonucleotides using poly(alkylene oxide)-poly(propylacrylic acid) graft copolymers in conjunction with cationic liposomes.

Abstract The clinical application of gene silencing is hindered by poor stability and low delivery efficiency of naked oligonucleotides. Here, we present the in vitro and in vivo behaviors of a rationally designed, ternary, self-assembled nanoparticle complex, consisting of an anionic copolymer, cationic DOTAP liposome, and antisense oligonucleotide (AON). The multifunctional copolymers are based on backbone poly(propylacrylic acid) (PPAA), a pH-sensitive hydrophobic polymer, with grafted poly(alkylene oxides) (PAOs) varying in extent of grafting and PAO chemistry. The nanoparticle complexes with PPAA-g-PAO copolymers enhance antisense gene silencing effects in A2780 human ovarian cancer cells. A greater amount of AON is delivered to ovarian tumor xenografts using the ternary copolymer-stabilized delivery system, compared to a binary DOTAP/AON complex, following intraperitoneal injection in mice. Further, intratumoral injection of the nanoparticle complexes containing 1 mol% grafted PAO reduced tumoral bcl-2 expression by up to 60%. The data for complexes across the set of PAO polymers support a strong role for the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance of the graft copolymer in achieving serum stability and cellular uptake. Based upon these results, we anticipate that this novel nanoparticle delivery system can be extended to the delivery of plasmid DNA, siRNA, or aptamers for preclinical and clinical development.
NMR relaxation by the antisymmetric component of the shielding tensor: a longer transverse than longitudinal relaxation time

Abstract The first experimental detection of an antisymmetrical component (σa) in the NMR shielding tensor of a nucleus is reported. The 13C NMR relaxation rates (1/T1 and 1/T2) of the ethylenic carbons in tetrachlorocyclopropene in toluene-d8 at about −90°C are dominated at high fields by shielding tensor modulated by random molecular rotation. We find that T2 is circa 1.1T1 in contrast to that in 13CS2, where σa is zero by symmetry and where the measured T2 is not greater than the maximum (0.857T1) allowed for this case. The present results are in qualitative agreement with previous ab initio IGLO calculations showing that the ethylenic carbons in cyclopropenes have unusually large antisymmetric components in their shielding tensors.
Condition, safety and cost profiles for deteriorating structures with emphasis on bridges

After an enormous investment in construction of highway networks undertaken in the second half of the 20th century, the highway networks of most European and North American countries are now completed or close to completion. As a result, the need in funding changed from building new highway structures to repair, rehabilitation, and replacement the existing ones. In this paper, a model for analyzing the evolution in time of probabilistic performance indicators of existing structures, in terms of condition, safety, and cost under no maintenance, preventive maintenance, and essential maintenance, is presented. This model integrates the current practice in bridge management systems based on visual inspections (condition index) with structural assessment (safety index) during the lifetime of existing structures. The proposed model allows the consideration of uncertainties in the performance deterioration process, times of application of maintenance actions, and in the effects of maintenance actions on the condition, safety, and life-cycle cost of structures by defining all parameters involved in the model as random variables. Interaction between condition and safety profiles is defined through probabilistic and deterministic relations. The probabilistic characteristics of the condition, safety, and cost profiles of deteriorating structures are computed by Monte-Carlo simulation. Several realistic examples, based on data on highway bridge components gathered in the United Kingdom, are presented.
Protein and Ligand Environments of the S2 State in Photosynthetic Oxygen Evolution: A Difference FT-IR Study

Oxidation of water in photosynthetic organisms occurs in a chlorophyll containing enzyme, photosystem II. The catalytic manganese cluster of photosystem II cycles among five redox states called the Sn states. There are two forms of the S2 state, which give rise to different EPR signals and which differ in magnetic coupling among the manganese atoms. We have used difference infrared spectroscopy to obtain more information about the environment of the manganese cluster in these two forms of the S2 state. We present the 1600−1200 cm-1 region of the difference spectrum associated with the generation of the multiline state and the g = 4.1 S2 state. The difference spectrum associated with generation of the S2 multiline state from the dark stable S1 state shows broad spectral features in the 1500−1200 cm-1 region at 1490 (negative), 1331 (negative), 1393 (positive), and 1267 (positive) cm-1. Global 15N labeling has little impact on intensities or frequencies in this region of the spectrum. These vibrational feat...
Mechanical re-equilibration of fluid inclusions in San Carlos olivine by power-law creep

Fluid inclusions in San Carlos olivine stretch via plastic mechanisms when heat-treated at 1400° C and 0.1 MPa in controlled $$f_{O_2 } $$ atmospheres for several days. Measurable changes in both inclusion dimensions and fluid densities occur; densities decrease from ≈1.0 to ≈0.7 g/cc. Stretching is fastest along 〈100〉, and slower along 〈001〉 and 〈010〉. The dislocation microstructure around the inclusions suggests that creep mechanisms operate. Uncertainties in the experimental determinations of stretching rates result from optical resolution limits, errors inherent in measuring homogenization temperatures, uncertainties in the fluid equation of state, and changes in fluid chemistry during the heat-treatment. Inclusion stretching by dislocation creep can be treated using a model developed for hot isostatic pressing. In this model, we assume spherical symmetry of plastic flow, that the material yields by steady-state power-law creep, and that the parameters for the constitutive law and fluid equation of state are known. Stretching rates are predicted to depend on the difference between the fluid pressure and the external pressure, the temperature, the constitutive law governing power-law creep, and geometry. Predicted stretching rates show fair, but not exact, agreement with experimentally measured rates. The amount of stretching predicted by the model is in rough agreement with estimates based on dislocation microstructures around natural inclusions, if xenolith ascent rates are of the order of 1 cm/s or faster.
The role of recalcitrant grain boundaries in cleavage cracking in polycrystals

Recalcitrant grain boundaries offer an important resistance to cleavage crack advance through crack trapping. In this article, this effect is studied based on an energy analysis. It is found that the critical energy release rate is dominated by a single parameter, Q, that collects together factors such as work of separation, grain size, and crack length. For short cracks, the crack trapping effect leads to an increase in fracture resistance by 20–30%. For long cracks, the crack trapping effect is negligible.
Synthesis of a fluorescent arabinofuranosyl disaccharide: a probe for arabinosyltransferase activity in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Abstract (5- N , N -Dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonamidoethyl)-5- O -(α- d -arabinofuranosyl)-α- d -arabinofuranoside 1 was synthesized as a fluorescent probe for the determination of arabinosyltransferase activity in Mycobacterium tuberculosis .
Light-emitting diodes operating above unity efficiency for infrared absorption spectroscopy

Recent work has experimentally demonstrated that heated infrared light-emitting diodes can absorb lattice heat to generate photons above unity efficiency. We present new record-high conversion efficiencies and use these sources for absorption spectroscopy at 2.5µm.
Waging War and Marriage: Military Service and Family Formation, 1940–1950

World War II represented a substantial mobilization of American resources, including human resources. Despite the obvious hindrances it posed to marriage, nuptiality on the whole did not slow down ...
Contemporary Pharmacotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis

Educational objectives: To understand mechanisms of early and late phase allergic reactions and their chemical mediators and to choose the therapeutic regimen for patients with allergic rhinitis more appropriately.
Adaptive Paired Comparison Design

Abstract An important aspect of paired comparison experiments is the decision of how to form pairs in advance of collecting data. A weakness of typical paired comparison experimental designs is the difficulty in incorporating prior information, which can be particularly relevant for the design of tournament schedules for players of games and sports. Pairing methods that make use of prior information are often ad hoc algorithms with little or no formal basis. The problem of pairing objects can be formalized as a Bayesian optimal design. Assuming a linear paired comparison model for outcomes, we develop a pairing method that maximizes the expected gain in Kullback–Leibler information from the prior to the posterior distribution. The optimal pairing is determined using a combinatorial optimization method commonly used in graph-theoretic contexts. We discuss the properties of our optimal pairing criterion, and demonstrate our method as an adaptive procedure for pairing objects multiple times. We compare the performance of our method on simulated data against random pairings, and against a system that is currently in use in tournament chess.
Lattice Schwinger model: Confinement, anomalies, chiral fermions, and all that

In order to better understand what to expect from numerical CORE computations for two-dimensional massless QED (the Schwinger model) the authors wish to obtain some analytic control over the approach to the continuum limit for various choices of fermion derivative. To this end they study the Hamiltonian formulation of the lattice Schwinger model (i.e., the theory on the spatial lattice with continuous time) in A{sub 0} = 0 gauge. They begin with a discussion of the solution of the Hamilton equations of motion in the continuum, they then parallel the derivation of the continuum solution within the lattice framework for a range of fermion derivatives. The equations of motion for the Fourier transform of the lattice charge density operator show explicitly why it is a regulated version of this operator which corresponds to the point-split operator of the continuum theory and the sense in which the regulated lattice operator can be treated as a Bose field. The same formulas explicitly exhibit operators whose matrix elements measure the lack of approach to the continuum physics. They show that both chirality violating Wilson-type and chirality preserving SLAC-type derivatives correctly reproduce the continuum theory and show that there is a clear connection betweenmore » the strong and weak coupling limits of a theory based upon a generalized SLAC-type derivative.« less
Biological Sciences: Role of ATP in DNA Replication

THE bacterial chromosome replicates in a semiconservative manner1. This process may occur at the cell membrane2,3. Efforts to study replication by means of purified DNA polymerases have failed to elucidate the mechanism of the in vivo process. Therefore, recent attempts have been made toward isolation of membrane-containing systems which more nearly approximate the properties of in vivo replication. Two different procedures have been used. One relies on hydrolysis of the cell wall by lysozyme, followed by gentle disruption of the spheroplast membrane so as to avoid shearing the replication apparatus4,5. In a different approach, cells have been made permeable to nucleotides and other small molecules by treatment with toluene6–8 or ether9. This permits incorporation studies with little alteration of the cell interior. Both of these procedures yield preparations that replicate bacterial or phage DNAs semiconservatively in the presence of ATP, as measured by pycnographic analysis of the product9–11. In the absence of ATP6, synthesis appears to be of the repair type12. In these systems, ATP does not merely protect the deoxynucleoside triphosphate pool9,13 or stimulate the rec B, C nuclease6.
The Continental Crust: A Geophysical Approach

Nearly 80 years ago, Yugoslavian seismologist Andrija Mohorovicic recognized, while studying a Balkan earthquake, that velocities of seismic waves increase abruptly at a few tens of kilometers depth , giving rise to the seismological definition of the crust. Since that discovery, many studies concerned with the nature of both the continental and oceanic crusts have appeared in the geophysical literature. Recently, interest in the continental crust has cascaded. This is largely because of an infusion of new data obtained from major reflection programs such as the Consortium for Continental Reflection Profiling (COCORP) and British Institutions Reflection Profiling Syndicate (BIRPS) and increased resolution of refraction studies. In addition, deep continental drilling programs are n ow in fashion. The Continental Crust: A Geophysical Approach is a summary of present knowledge of the continental crust. Meissner has succeeded in writing a book suited to many different readers, from the interested undergraduate to the professional. The book is well documented , with pertinent figures and a complete and up-to-date reference list.
Diamagnetic characterization of carbon fibres from pitch mesophase, pitch and polyacrylonitrile

The room temperature diamagnetic characteristics of carbon fibres from pitch mesophase (PM) have been determined and compared with those of fibres from isotropic pitch (P) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) both in the as-processed condition and as a function of heat-treatment temperature over the approximate range 1000 to 3000° C. These fibre types show quite different magnetic behaviours indicative of different graphitizabilities which may be ranked PM, PAN, P in decreasing order. Microstructural and X-ray diffraction observations are also consistent with this ranking. Magnetic measurements provide a useful tool for characterization of fibre type and/or processing history.
Mystical internationalism in Margaret Cousins's feminist world

Synopsis Another international feminist venue which this issue adds to our historical knowledge is the All Asian Women’s Congress, formed by Indian feminists in 1931. Catherine Candy takes us into the AAWC via the person of Margaret Cousins, the Irish militant suffragist who went on to become a leading Indian patriot. Candy’s portrayal of Cousins carries one of the major messages of this special issue: that an expanded account of international feminism is best understood, not via the simple opposition between imperial domination and colonial resistance, but through the rich subaltern transmutations of European feminist practices and principles and the tension and exchange between diverse and geo-politically unequal national feminisms. A major theme of Candy’s examination is the mystical, non-rational, spiritualized feminist vision on which Cousins relied and which, Candy argues, may have been one of the underlying themes, and secret strengths of non European feminists on an international stage. Cousin’s organizational convictions, and her ability to inspire challenges to European leadership, were motivated in part by a conviction that national female “essences” were at work, under the surface, on an international stage. Asia, she believed, and Asian women especially, could provide the world with an alternative basis of knowledge, empowerment and even “civilization” itself.
In vitro fertilization update

Success rates with in vitro fertilization (IVF) continue to improve as we gain insight into optimal culture conditions for gametes and embryos. New procedures such as in vitro egg maturation, preimplantation genetic testing, single embryo transfer, and oocyte freezing hold the promise of reducing the cost, inconvenience, and risks of IVF, as well as preserving future fertility. We provide an overview of the current and experimental assisted reproductive technology techniques.
Don’t “Waste” Your Time! The Effects of Time Series Errors in Management Research: The Case of Ownership Concentration and Research and Development Spending

The potential effects of “time series errors” in longitudinal analysis are examined empirically. Using a common hypothesis (the relationship between ownership concentration and research and development (RD (2) time series errors can have significant effects on empirical findings; and (3) the linkage between ownership concentration and R&D may not be as clear-cut as previous studies have suggested. Recommendations for how researchers should account, save, and tell their time are offered.
Durability and optical measurements of hardcoats on polycarbonate

Hardcoats are frequently used on polycarbonates and other optical plastics to increase durability by improving scratch and abrasion resistance. The current study compares several commercially available hardcoats, both dip-coated and vacuum-deposited materials. Compatibility of the hardcoat with vacuum deposited optical coats is considered. The successive layers of optical coat and hardcoat on the polycarbonate result in non-uniform spectral content and visible fringing effects due to thickness variation and thin-film interference. Experimental results and model correlation are presented.
Antitumor activity of paclitaxel is significantly enhanced by a novel proapoptotic agent in non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract Background Newer targeted agents are increasingly used in combination chemotherapy regimens with enhanced survival and improved toxicity profile. Taxols, such as paclitaxel, independently potentiate tumor destruction via apoptosis and are used as first line therapy in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Procaspase-3-activating compound-1 (PAC-1) is a novel proapoptotic agent that directly activates procaspase-3 (PC-3) to caspase-3, leading to apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Hence, we sought to evaluate the antitumor effects of paclitaxel in combination with PAC-1. Methods Human NSCLC cell lines (A-549 and H-322m) were incubated in the presence of PAC-1 and paclitaxel. Tumor cell viability was determined by a tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (MTT assay). Western blot and flow cytometric analysis were performed to evaluate expression of PC-3 and the proportion of apoptotic cells, respectively. A xenograft murine model of NSCLC was used to study the in vivo antitumor effects of PAC-1. Results PAC-1 significantly reduced the inhibitory concentration 50% of paclitaxel from 35.3 to 0.33 nM in A-549 and 8.2 to 1.16 nM in H-322m cell lines. Similarly, the apoptotic activity significantly increased to 85.38% and 70.36% in A-549 and H322m, respectively. Significantly enhanced conversion of PC-3 to caspase-3 was observed with PAC-1 paclitaxel combination (P Conclusions PAC-1 significantly enhances the antitumor activity of paclitaxel against NSCLC. The activation of PC-3 and thus the apoptotic pathway is a potential strategy in the treatment of human lung cancer.
Optical Negative-Index Metamaterials: from low to no-loss and from linear to nonlinear optics

Calculations show that matched impedance and compensated losses due to optimized design and gain material, respectively, can lead to 100% transmission. Extraordinary nonlinear-optical properties originating from contra-directed wave and Poynting vectors are discussed.
Treatment of Tardive Dyskinesia

Although the new generation of atypical antipsychotic agents could some day eliminate concerns about tardive dyskinesia (TD), this disorder remains a significant clinical problem for both patients and physicians. Fortunately, many, if not most, cases of TD are mild. For patients with mild to moderate TD, therapeutic efforts are primarily directed at minimizing neuroleptic exposure or, when possible, changing to atypical agents. Most cases of TD do not seem to progress, suggesting that the risk of remaining on typical neuroleptics is probably small. Patients with moderate to severe forms of TD present greater challenges. These patients frequently require medication to suppress their dyskinesias. A variety of suppressive agents have been tried with limited success. No treatment strategy has emerged that is clearly superior or even successful in most patients. Increasing doses of typical neuroleptics may be useful for short-term suppression; however, the long-term efficacy and risk of this strategy have not been studied carefully. Data on atypical neuroleptics are scant. Clozapine's short-term suppressive effects seem, at best, weak, but patients may improve with long-term treatment. Medications with relatively few side effects that may have suppressive efficacy for some patients include calcium channel blockers, adrenergic antagonists, and vitamin E. Gamma-amino-butyric acid agonists agents and dopamine depleters are frequently useful, but have troubling side effects of their own. A variety of other medications have been employed, but are not well studied. For patients with tardive dystonia, anticholinergic agents or botulinum toxin has been particularly effective. Efforts to understand the neurobiology of TD may shed light on this persistent clinical conundrum.
Detection and differentiation of foodborne pathogenic bacteria in mung bean sprouts using field deployable label-free SERS devices

Vancomycin functionalized silver nanorod arrays substrates were used to obtain the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals of six foodborne pathogenic bacteria in mung bean sprouts samples using both a portable and a handheld Raman system. The silver nanorod arrays substrates were optimized to facilitate quantitative, rapid, and sensitive detection of Salmonella enterica serotype Anatum, Salmonella enterica serotype Cubana, Salmonella enterica serotype Stanley, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Substrate optimization was achieved by varying the nanorod length and vancomycin incubation concentration. By combining these substrates with a two-step filtration process we found that the foodborne pathogenic bacteria used in this study can be identified in mung bean sprouts with a limit of detection as low as 100 CFU ml(-1) in less than 4 h using both portable and handheld Raman systems. The results show that SERS spectra can be used to differentiate between bacterial species and serotypes when chemometric methods are employed. The low detection limit and rapid detection time of this biosensing platform for foodborne pathogenic bacteria could be a valuable field detection method for the fresh produce and food processing industries.
Application of Fitts' Law to Foot-Pedal Design

Two experiments on reciprocal foot tapping between pedals showed that a modified version of Fitts' Law can predict movement time for a variety of pedal sizes and separations. Using a relationship between times for reciprocal tapping and single movements found for hand movements, the present results predict closely the movement times obtained under specific conditions by earlier researchers. When pedals are at minimum safe separation it is concluded that pedal widths and direction of movement have only a slight effect on movement time. /Author/
What role does the anterior temporal lobe play in sentence-level processing? neural correlates of syntactic processing in semantic variant primary progressive aphasia

Neuroimaging and neuropsychological studies have implicated the anterior temporal lobe ATL in sentence-level processing, with syntactic structure-building and/or combinatorial semantic processing suggested as possible roles. A potential challenge to the view that the ATL is involved in syntactic aspects of sentence processing comes from the clinical syndrome of semantic variant primary progressive aphasia semantic PPA; also known as semantic dementia. In semantic PPA, bilateral neurodegeneration of the ATLs is associated with profound lexical semantic deficits, yet syntax is strikingly spared. The goal of this study was to investigate the neural correlates of syntactic processing in semantic PPA to determine which regions normally involved in syntactic processing are damaged in semantic PPA and whether spared syntactic processing depends on preserved functionality of intact regions, preserved functionality of atrophic regions, or compensatory functional reorganization. We scanned 20 individuals with semantic PPA and 24 age-matched controls using structural MRI and fMRI. Participants performed a sentence comprehension task that emphasized syntactic processing and minimized lexical semantic demands. We found that, in controls, left inferior frontal and left posterior temporal regions were modulated by syntactic processing, whereas anterior temporal regions were not significantly modulated. In the semantic PPA group, atrophy was most severe in the ATLs but extended to the posterior temporal regions involved in syntactic processing. Functional activity for syntactic processing was broadly similar in patients and controls; in particular, whole-brain analyses revealed no significant differences between patients and controls in the regions modulated by syntactic processing. The atrophic left ATL did show abnormal functionality in semantic PPA patients; however, this took the unexpected form of a failure to deactivate. Taken together, our findings indicate that spared syntactic processing in semantic PPA depends on preserved functionality of structurally intact left frontal regions and moderately atrophic left posterior temporal regions, but no functional reorganization was apparent as a consequence of anterior temporal atrophy and dysfunction. These results suggest that the role of the ATL in sentence processing is less likely to relate to syntactic structure-building and more likely to relate to higher-level processes such as combinatorial semantic processing.
A peer-assisted server-based error recovery approach for IPTV networks

To achieve the desired service quality in IPTV networks, we need effective and resource-efficient error recovery techniques to overcome the problems encountered during the delivery of the IPTV content to the end-users. To enable quick recovery from packet losses, one idea is to utilize an error recovery server (ERServ) that is placed in-between the end-users and the content delivery server. Within this framework, error recovery process is initiated once an end-user sends a repair packet request to the ERServ, and the process is finalized when the repair packet transmitted by the ERServ in response is successfully delivered to the end-user. Even though the use of an ERServ presents an effective solution to improve the perceived quality at the end-users, as the number of users connected to the ERServ increases, we may observe scalability related problems (e.g., dropped requests or increased response times). Consequently, during such overloaded periods, we cannot guarantee the timely delivery of the repair packets, which may lead to significant performance degradations at the end-users. To prevent this from happening, we propose to utilize peer-based error recovery in addition to server-based recovery, for which the main objective is to prevent the ERServ from entering a non-responsive state. We achieve this objective by redirecting the error recovery load towards the end-users during times when the ERServ reaches a critical server-load level.
Driver steering model based on a target & control scheme

This paper aims to develop a driver steering model that can capture driver's key steering mechanisms from a control engineering point of view. Analyses with Double Lane Change (DLC) vehicle test data suggest that, instead of following the traditional concept of trajectory planning, drivers use target points located along the centerline of the lane they are changing to as references for control. The data also suggests that drivers engage steering rate control instead of steering angle control to steer the vehicle. Based on these analyses, this paper proposes a relatively straight-forward driver steering model based on this target & control scheme. Vehicle data of more than 80 DLC runs is used for the model verification. Both the open-loop identification and closed-loop simulations verify that this relatively simple driver steering model is capable of capturing driver's steering behavior and the simulated steering rate matches well with the actual steering rate.
An Elizabethan Age for Pure Trade Theory: 1925–55

Developing science does depend on special individuals. But it is the cooperative and competitive interplay of many contributors that makes the whole greater than the sum of its parts. Also understanding grows temporally in fits and starts. The 1750–1848 Age of Hume–Torrens–Ricardo–J. S. Mill was stellar for trade theory. Later came the Marshall–Edgeworth–Mangoldt–Pareto Age. My generation's luck was to learn from great teachers in the Taussig–Heckscher–Cassel–Pigou–Keynes–Ohlin–Viner–Graham–Haberler age. Blessed was it to be able to bring new trends of math and graphics to crack the open questions that masters left unsolved. By 1930 the time had been over-ripe to go beyond labor-only Ricardo comparative advantage. The baton was carried forward by Lerner–Leontief–Harrod–Meade–M. Samuelson–Stolper–Samuelson–Jones–Kemp. What fun for all! What unsolved issues for post-Johnson students to gnaw at!
Node-Link Mapping as an Alternative to Traditional Writing Assignments in Undergraduate Psychology Courses:

We explored the usefulness of a spatial—verbal technique called node-link mapping as an alternative to traditional uniting assignments. Students in Introductory Psychology (n = 44) and Memory and Cognition (n = 38) courses participated in the study as part of their normal course work. Students worked individually or in groups of two or three on the mapping assignment and then completed an anonymous questionnaire. Students rated the mapping assignment as more interesting, more informative, and no more difficult than a traditional writing assignment. Students also preferred the mapping assignment to a traditional writing assignment. Students' comments suggest that the mapping assignment helped students organize and remember information better than a traditional writing assignment.
Capacity for physical activity predicts weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Despite its overall excellent outcomes, weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is highly variable. We conducted this study to identify clinical predictors of weight loss after RYGB. We reviewed charts from 300 consecutive patients who underwent RYGB from August 1999 to November 2002. Data collected included patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and diet history. Of the 20 variables selected for univariate analysis, 9 with univariate P values ≤ 0.15 were entered into a multivariable regression analysis. Using backward selection, covariates with P < 0.05 were retained. Potential confounders were added back into the model and assessed for effect on all model variables. Complete records were available for 246 of the 300 patients (82%). The patient characteristics were 75% female, 93% white, mean age of 45 years, and mean initial BMI of 52.3 kg/m2. One year after surgery, patients lost an average of 64.8% of their excess weight (s.d. = 20.5%). The multivariable regression analysis revealed that limited physical activity, higher initial BMI, lower educational level, diabetes, and decreased attendance at postoperative appointments had an adverse effect on weight loss after RYGB. A model including these five factors accounts for 41% of the observed variability in weight loss (adjusted r2 = 0.41). In this cohort, higher initial BMI and limited physical activity were the strongest predictors of decreased excess weight loss following RYGB. Limited physical activity may be particularly important because it represents an opportunity for potentially meaningful pre- and postsurgical intervention to maximize weight loss following RYGB.
Revisiting the Cuban Missile Crisis

Book reviewed in this article: Ernest R. May and Philip D. Zelikow (eds.), The Kennedy Tapes: Inside the White House during the Cuban Missile Crisis
Next-generation CMOS active pixel sensors for satellite hybrid optical communications/imaging sensor systems

Given the current choices of (1) an ever increasing population of large numbers of satellites in low-earth orbit (LEO) constellations for commercial and military global coverage systems, or (2) the alternative of smaller count geosynchronous satellite system constellations in high-earth (HEO), of higher cost and complexity, a number of commercial communications and military operations satellite systems designers are investigating the potential advantages and issues of operating in the mid-earth orbit altitudes (MEO) (between LEO and HEO). At these MEO altitudes both total dose and displacement damage can be traded against the system advantages of fewer satellites required. With growing demand for higher bandwidth communication for real-time earth observing satellite sensor systems, and NASA's interplanetary and deep space virtual unmanned exploration missions in stressing radiation environments, JPL is developing the next generation of smart sensors to address these new requirements of: low-cost, high bandwidth, miniaturization, ultra low-power and mission environment ruggedness. Radiation hardened/tolerant Active Pixel Sensor CMOS imagers that can be adaptively windowed with low power, on-chip control, timing, digital output and provide data-channel efficient on-chip compression, high bandwidth optical communications links are being designed and investigated to reduce size, weight and cost for common optics/hybrid architectures.
Metallothioneins and Cisplatin Resistance

Intrinsic and acquired resistance to antineoplastic agents has severely limited our ability to cure solid tumors. Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin) represents one of the most efficacious agents for the treatment of solid tumors especially testicular, ovarian, bladder, and head and neck carcinomas. Once this neutral compound enters cells, the chloride ligands are exchanged for water or hydroxyl moieties and a biologically reactive bifunctional electrophile is produced. Like most of our effective antineoplastic agents, this aquated platinum compound can react with intracellular nucleophiles. Although only approximately 1% of the intracellular drug covalently reacts with DNA, there is extensive evidence implicating genomic DNA as the critical target for its cytotoxicity (Roberts and Thomson, 1979).
Professionals in Search of Work: Coping with the Stress of Job Loss and Underemployment, by H.G. Kaufman. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1982, 359 pp., $28.95.

This article presents a review of the book “Professionals in Search of Work: Coping With the Stress of Job Loss and Underemployment,” by H.G. Kaufman.
Hydrologic imaging of fractured rock

Various geophysical and hydrologic tests were conducted in a cluster of nine wells to image the hydrologic connections of a fractured rock mass. Results of intra-borehole flow surveys and cross-hole radar and seismic tomography surveys correlated very well, and indicated that there is a major feature at a depth of 30m. Systematic injection tests were conducted in all nine wells. Three to four intervals in each well were isolated using pneumatic packers. Each interval was equipped with a high resolution pressure transducer. Some 130 injection tests were conducted, and more than 4, 100 cross-hole transient pressure measurements were obtained. A computer algorithm was developed to analyze such massive interference data systematically. As a result of the analysis, an image of the fracture connections emerged which is consistent with the geophysical data.
H_∞ Control of Hydraulic Variable Pitch Actuator in Wind Power Generation System

Variable wind can cause output power fluctuation in wind power system; however the constant power control with variable pitch can stabilize the output power fluctuation based on that the variable pitch actuator can quickly and efficiently track pitch angle command. Due to the advantages of fast frequency response,big torque,easily focus layout and integration,the hydraulic variable pitch actuator was widely applied. With the conventional PI( Proportional Integral)control,the hydraulic variable pitch actuator had a certain dynamic response performance,but its robust stability was relatively bad. Thus,the H∞controller for the pitch variable pitch actuator was designed,which could quickly and efficiently track pitch angle command,keep system stable under the condition that the parameters of hydraulic variable pitch actuator were uncertain,and have good dynamic performance and robustness. The simulation results show that the performances of H∞control system are superior compared that of PI control. In the design process of H∞controller,a new fast construction method of weighting function was proposed. The research results show that the proposed method can quickly construct needed weighting functions,and provide references for the application of H∞control in industry.
Spectrophotometric analysis of follicular fluid related to oocyte fertilization, embryo cleavage, and follicular fluid protein and hormone content

Spectrophotometric absorbance patterns of follicular fluids (FF) obtained from in vitro fertilization patients were analyzed and compared with oocyte fertilization and embryo cleavage rates. Each absorbance pattern was resolved into three components: delta OD360, delta OD415, and delta OD455. A positive correlation was found between fertilization outcome and delta OD455. The absorbances were not related to embryo cleavage rates. We confirmed the presence of bilirubin and beta-carotene in FF: these pigments absorb at 455 nm and are most likely serum-derived. To explain the association between delta OD455 and fertilization, we hypothesized that the FF delta OD455 is a marker of the degree of vascularization of the follicle that could be assessed by FF protein and hormone concentrations. However, no correlation was found between the delta OD455 and these FF parameters, suggesting an alternative explanation for this association.
Bioorganic Investigation of Multicationic Antimicrobials to Combat QAC-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) have historically served as a first line of defense against pathogenic bacteria. Recent reports have shown that QAC resistance is increasing at an alarming rate, especially among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and preliminary work has suggested that the number of cations present in the QAC scaffold inversely correlates with resistance. Given our interest in multiQACs, we initiated a multipronged approach to investigate their biofilm eradication properties, antimicrobial activity, and the propensity of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) to develop resistance toward these compounds. Through these efforts we identified multiQACs with superior profiles against resistant (MRSA) planktonic bacteria and biofilms. Furthermore, we document the ability of MSSA to develop resistance to several commercial monoQAC disinfectants and a novel aryl bisQAC, yet we observe no resistance to multiQACs. This work provides insight into the mechanism and rate of res...