cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Real Time Producer Gas Generation From Paper Sludge Gasification

Biomass Gasification is incomplete combustion of biomass resulting in production of combustible gases consisting of Carbon monoxide (CO), Hydrogen (H2) and traces of Methane (CH4), the mixture of which is called producer gas. Producer gas can be cleaned and directly used in internal combustion engines or can be converted to various attractive biofuels.The paper sludge is a byproduct produced from recycled cardboard and into pallets. This paper is focused on gasification of paper sludge and its real-time gas evolution through this process. Variables include temperature; equivalence ratio and superficial velocity were tested and analyzed. Results demonstrate that CO2 and H2 formation is favored at higher temperature and higher oxygen concentrations. CO production is ruled by oxidation and water shift reactions but it is difficult to determine from two single variables.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
In what spaces is every closed normal cone regular

It is known ( 13 , p. 92) that each closed normal cone in a weakly sequentially complete locally convex space is regular and fully regular. Part of the main theorem of this paper shows that a certain amount of weak sequential completeness is necessary in order that each closed normal cone be regular. Specifically, it is shown that each closed normal cone in a Frechet space is regular if and only if each closed subspace with an unconditional basis is weakly sequentially complete. If E is a strongly separable conjugate of a Banach space it is shown that each closed normal cone in E is fully regular. If E is a Banach space with an unconditional basis it is shown that each closed normal cone in E is fully regular if and only if E is the conjugate of a Banach space.
Development of a reliability-based fatigue life model for gas turbine engine structures

This paper presents a case study in which structural reliability-based methodologies are used to assess cyclic fatigue life. The study involves the high pressure turbine of a turboprop engine. The response surface approach is used to construct a fatigue performance function. This performance function is used with the first order reliability method (FORM) to determine the probability of failure and the sensitivity of the fatigue life to the engine parameters for the first stage disk rim of a two stage turbine. A hybrid combination of perturbation analysis and Monte Carlo simulation is used to incorporate time dependent random variables. System reliability is used to determine the system probability of failure, and the sensitivity of the system fatigue life to the engine parameters of the high pressure turbine. The variation in the primary hot gas and secondary cooling air, the uncertainty of the complex mission loading, and the scatter in the material data are considered. The analysis incorporates standard modeling techniques used in the deterministic analysis of the fatigue life.
Age distribution of human gene families shows significant roles of both large- and small-scale duplications in vertebrate evolution.

The classical (two-round) hypothesis1 of vertebrate genome duplication proposes two successive whole-genome duplication(s) (polyploidizations) predating the origin of fishes, a view now being seriously challenged2,3,4,5,6,7. As the debate largely concerns the relative merits of the 'big-bang mode' theory8,9,10,11,12,13 (large-scale duplication) and the 'continuous mode' theory (constant creation by small-scale duplications)2,3,4,5,6,7,14, we tested whether a significant proportion of paralogous genes in the contemporary human genome was indeed generated in the early stage of vertebrate evolution. After an extensive search of major databases, we dated 1,739 gene duplication events from the phylogenetic analysis of 749 vertebrate gene families. We found a pattern characterized by two waves (I, II) and an ancient component. Wave I represents a recent gene family expansion by tandem or segmental duplications15, whereas wave II, a rapid paralogous gene increase in the early stage of vertebrate evolution, supports the idea of genome duplication(s) (the big-bang mode). Further analysis indicated that large- and small-scale gene duplications both make a significant contribution during the early stage of vertebrate evolution to build the current hierarchy of the human proteome.
Contribution of side-chain chromophores to the optical activity of proteins: Model compound studies. IV. The indole chromophore of yohimbinic acid.

The optical properties of the indole chromophore of the indole alkaloid yohimbinic acid have been investigated as a function of molecular conformation. Theoretical rotatory strengths have been calculated and compared with experimental circular dichroism spectra. Optical data that may be suitable for calculating the chiroptical properties of the near ultraviolet electronic transitions of the indole chromophores, which occur in tryptophan residues of proteins, have been developed. The far ultraviolet transitions of yohimbinic acid have also been investigated.
Oscillatory pressure drops through a woven-screen packed column subjected to a cyclic flow

Abstract An experiment has been performed to investigate oscillatory pressure drop characteristics in packed columns (composed of three different sizes of woven screen) subjected to a periodically reversing flow of air. It was found that the oscillatory pressure drop factor increases with the kinetic Reynolds number (Re ω ) D h and with the dimensionless fluid displacement ( A o ) D h . Based on 92 experimental runs, correlation equations for the maximum and the cycle-averaged pressure drop factors in terms of these two similarity parameters are obtained. It is found that the value of the cycle-averaged pressure drop of the oscillatory flow in a packed column is four to six times higher than that of a steady flow at the same Reynolds number based on the cross-sectional mean velocity. At small Reynolds numbers, this pressure drop ratio depends only on the geometry of the woven screens and is independent of the Reynolds number (Re gw ) D h and the dimensionless fluid displacement ( A o ) D D h .
In Vitro Gene Delivery with Ultrasound-Triggered Polymer Microbubbles

Abstract In the work described here, gene delivery using polymer microbubbles triggered by ultrasound in vitro was investigated. The effects of pressure amplitude (0–2 MPa), center frequency (1–5 MHz), pulse length (3–12,000 μs), pulse repetition frequency (5–20,000 Hz) and exposure time (0–30 s) on transfection efficiency and cell viability were examined. The effects of radiation force, calcium ion concentration and timing of treatments were also examined. Cells were successfully transfected with pressure amplitudes as low as 250 kPa. Transfection was most efficient at lower frequencies and longer pulse lengths, with a transfection efficiency of 24.2 ± 2.0% achieved using a center frequency of 1 MHz, pressure amplitude of 1 MPa, pulse length of 12,000 μs and pulse repetition frequency of 5 Hz. Gene delivery was also affected by the extracellular calcium ion concentration and the timing of treatments.
Comparative void-volume analysis of psychrophilic and mesophilic enzymes: Structural bioinformatics of psychrophilic enzymes reveals sources of core flexibility

Background Psychrophiles, cold-adapted organisms, have adapted to live at low temperatures by using a variety of mechanisms. Their enzymes are active at cold temperatures by being structurally more flexible than mesophilic enzymes. Even though, there are some indications of the possible structural mechanisms by which psychrophilic enzymes are catalytic active at cold temperatures, there is not a generalized structural property common to all psychrophilic enzymes.
Improved resolution in the gel electrophoresis of proteins by a periodically interrupted electric field

The capability of the commercial gel electrophoresis apparatus with intermittent scanning of fluorescence (HPGE-1000, LabIntelligence) to provide time-dependent zone dispersion allows one to quantitate resolution. Using a model protein separation, that between phycoerythrin and fluorescein-labeled conalbumin, resolution was compared between separations conducted at a constant field strength of 80 V/cm and one conducted in 10-s pulses of the same field strength, interrupted periodically by 120 s in the absence of an electric field. Resolution was improved by a factor of two in the discontinuous application of the electric field compared to that obtained in its continuous application. Similarly, the intermittent application of 80 V/cm for 10 s, followed by 120-s pauses, gave rise to twice the resolution obtained from a continuous application of 7 V/cm.
How widespread is the phenomenon of dosage compensation

Abstract The study of the phenomenon of dosage compensation by classical genetic and cytological means has led in the past to some fundamental observations on the nature and function of the genetic material. Modern molecular techniques applied to the study of the same phenomenon have helped to uncover elements of genetic regulation that have broad biological significance. Given that the vast majority of the work has been and is still performed in three model systems, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the contribution of other organisms to our understanding of this phenomenon and to explore their potential use in future studies.
Donor-recipient age difference and graft survival in living donor kidney transplantation.

Abstract Background In paired living kidney exchange donation from an old donor to a young recipient, it may be argued that elderly donors provide an inferior quality kidney. However, the impact of donors older than recipients on transplant outcomes remains unclear. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of primary living kidney transplantation patients who were divided into two groups based on the age difference between donor and recipient (recipient age subtracted from donor age, donor-recipient Results The mean donor age difference cohorts of Conclusion Although the cohort of a donor-young recipient age difference ≥ 20 years showed a greater risk of an acute rejection episode early posttransplantation, it did not affect graft or patient survivals. When considering paired kidney donation, older age donors should not necessarily be limited.
Seasonal variations and osmoregulation in the red blood cells of the diamondback terrapin Malaclemys centrata centrata (latreille)

Abstract 1. 1. Diamondback terrapins ( Malaclemys centrata ) kept in sea water always have higher hematocrit values and red blood cell counts than when kept in fresh water, at any time of the year. Seasonal variations supervening in the hematological data are different according as to whether the animals are in sea water or in fresh water. 2. 2. The inorganic ion content of the red blood cell is rather similar for animals in both conditions of salinity and it changes in the same fashion during the year. During the summer Na content is much lower; the K content has a tendency to be higher; and the Cl content tends to be lower. 3. 3. Yet just before arousal a special phenomenon takes place in the terrapins in sea water but not in those in fresh water. The hematocrit and the red blood cell count are tremendously augmented. The volume of the red blood cell is greatly increased together with its Na and Cl content.
Effects of Fin Leading Edge Sweep on Shock-Shock Interaction at Mach 6

The effects of fin leading edge sweep on peak heating rates due to shock-shock interaction have been experimentally examined in the Langley 20-Inch Mach 6 Tunnel. The shock interaction was produced by the intersection of a planar incident shock (16.8 deg shock angle relative to the freestream, generated by a 9 deg wedge) with the bow shock formed around a O.5-inch diameter cylindrical leading edge fin. Heating distributions along the leading edge stagnation line have been obtained using densely spaced thin film resistive-type sensors. Schlieren images were obtained to illustrate the very complex shock-shock interactions. The fin leading edge sweep angle was varied from 15-degrees swept back to 45-degrees swept forward for a freestream unit Reynolds number of 2 x 10(exp 6)/ft. Two models were utilized during the study, one with 0.025-inch spacing between gage centers, and the other 0.015-inch spacing. Gage spatial resolution on the order of 0.015-in appeared to accurately capture the narrow spike in heating. Peak heating due to shock interaction was maximized when the fin was swept forward 15 deg and 25 deg, both promoting augmentations about 7 times the baseline value. The schlieren images for these cases revealed Type 4 and Type 3 interactions, respectively.
Tumor Promotion via Injury- and Death-Induced Inflammation

Inhibition of programmed cell death is considered to be a major aspect of tumorigenesis. Indeed, several key oncogenic transcription factors, such as NF-κB and STAT3, exert their tumor-promoting activity at least in part through upregulation of survival genes. However, many cancers develop in response to chronic tissue injury, in which the resulting cell death increases the tumorigenic potential of the neighboring cells. In this review, we discuss a resolution to this paradox based on cell death-mediated induction of tumor promoting inflammatory cytokines, which enhance cell survival and trigger compensatory proliferation in response to tissue injury.
ORAL EXAMINATION IN COLLEGE MATHEMATICS: AN ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUE

ABSTRACT Preparing for an oral examination is an alternative way for students to learn mathematics by working cooperatively in small teams to solve problems. Reformed college mathematics courses are emphasizing the ability to communicate ideas clearly, both orally and in writing [6,7]. The instructor is able to ask probing questions that are not usually possible with the traditional written examination.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibition of follicle-stimulating hormone-induced granulosa cell estradiol secretion in the human does not involve reduction of cAMP secretion but inhibition at post-cAMP site(s).

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) inhibits follicle-stimulating hormone-(FSH) induced estradiol secretion by granulosa cells in several species, including humans. One major inhibitory effect of TNF in rat granulosa cells is at the level of stimulatable adenylyl cyclase, resulting in reduced cAMP concentrations. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether a reduction in cAMP secretion could account for the inhibitory effects of TNF on FSH-induced estradiol in human granulosa cells. Granulosa cells were taken from ovaries of premenopausal women undergoing oophorectomy for reasons unrelated to ovarian pathology. Women in this study were in various stages of the menstrual cycle or exhibited irregular cycles. Granulosa cells from follicles ranging from 5 to 10 mm diameter were subjected to culture for 48 and 96 h. Granulosa cells were cultured with human FSH (2 ng/mL) and testosterone (1 μM) in the presence and absence of human TNF (20 ng/mL). Media were collected at 48 h, fresh media and hormones added, and cultures continued for an additional 48 h. Accumulation of cAMP, progesterone, and estradiol in media were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). FSH induced significant increases in cAMP, progesterone, and estradiol by 96 h of culture. TNF inhibited the secretion of estradiol at 96 h without reducing the accumulation of cAMP and progesterone in media. Similar results were observed in the presence of 0.1 mM isobutylmethylxanthine (D3MX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that would prevent metabolism of cAMP to AMP. To determine whether TNF would inhibit the ability of cAMP to induce estradiol and progesterone secretion, granulosa cells were incubated with 0.1 mM cAMP in the presence and absence of TNF. TNF consistently inhibited the ability of cAMP to increase estradiol secretion. These results indicate that a pathway for TNF inhibition of FSH- or cAMP-induced estradiol secretion in human granulosa cells is at post-cAMP sites rather than inhibition of FSH-stimulatable adenylyl cyclase.
Preschool Children at Risk for Repeat Injuries

Home-related injuries are a major problem in young children. This study investigated maternal and child characteristics related to repeat injuries in preschool children. A secondary data analysis was conducted on a national probability sample of African American and White mothers who participated in the longitudinal study of the National Maternal and Infant Health Survey. Repeat injuries in the African American group were associated with poor maternal health status, maternal use of alcohol, and Ipecac in the home. Significant factors for the White group were male child, unmarried mother, difficulty managing the child, maternal depression, poor maternal health status, and Ipecac in the home. Findings support the need to identify high-risk children and to provide interventions specially aimed at amelioration of those factors related to repeat injuries.
Light scattering from bulk and surface spin waves in opaque ferromagnets; The influence of quadratic coupling terms

Abstract We calculate the light scattering spectrum from spin waves, for backscattering from an opaque ferromagnet with magnetization parallel to the surface. The spectra contain features arising from both bulk and surface magnons. Including the quadratic terms in the spin density in the fluctuating part of the dielectric tensor leads to an asymmetry in the Stokes/anti-Stokes ratio for scattering for both bulk and surface waves. Our calculations give a good account of the data reported by Grunberg and Metawe, for scattering from EuO.
Looking to the future of ventricular assist devices in pediatric cardiomyopathy

Abstract The field of mechanical circulatory support, in particular ventricular assist devices (VADs), has evolved rapidly over the past decade. Recently, experts and investigators with interest in pediatric cardiomyopathy met and discussed the future and challenges of research for pediatric VADs, amongst other topics, at the 3rd International Conference on Cardiomyopathy in Children sponsored by the Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation. In regards to the future research and development of VADs for this population, several priorities were emphasized including 1) the development of integrated registries and databases that would allow for improved understanding across the spectrum of VAD support in children, 2) the design of studies to better understand myocardial recovery and the role of VAD support in myocardial recovery, and 3) collaboration amongst medical experts in the field of pediatric cardiomyopathy, biomedical engineers, and industry to foster development of smaller and improved VADs that meet the needs of pediatric patients. This commentary reviews existing literature and the rationale for such priorities.
Hemodynamic Events during the Development of Cyanosis and Heart Failure in a Patient with Large Ventricular Septal Defect

A patient with large ventricular septal defect experienced cardiac failure in childhood but improved and participated vigorously in competitive athletics during adolescence. Subsequently exertional dyspnea gradually developed, followed by increasing cyanosis and cardiac failure. Repeated cardiac catheterizations during the latter period showed that cardiac output into both the pulmonary and the systemic circuits gradually fell to very low levels while vascular resistance rose progressively. The ratios of flows, pressures, and resistances in the two circuits did not change. Left-to-right shunting always predominated. Right atrial pressure rose but pulmonary artery "wedge" pressure remained unaltered. Progressive reduction in output from both sides of the heart explained the appearance of reduced arterial oxygen saturation, increased cyanosis, and the manifestations of cardiac failure.
PMMA as an X-ray resist for micro-machining application: latent image formation and thickness losses

Abstract This paper reports preliminary results of direct observation of a latent image formed in thick PMMA resist after X-ray exposure.
SOME RESPIRATORY PROPERTIES OF THE BLOOD OF FOUR SPECIES OF ANTARCTIC FISHES

Abstract 1. 1. Fishes in Antarctic seas live at a temperature lower than that at which most other poikilotherms remain active. 2. 2. Hematocrit, absolute oxygen capacity and oxygen equilibrium curves were determined for whole blood from each of four related species of Antarctic fishes. These parameters were related to the habits and activity of each species. 3. 3. Temperature increase was found to have a marked effect on the affinity of the blood for oxygen. This effect was compared with data from other fishes and found to be extreme in the Antarctic species. 4. 4. These fishes are known to be stenothermal and geographically restricted in distribution. It seems likely that the sensitivity of their oxygen transport systems to temperature increase could provide at least some of the physiological basis for this.
Coupling of boundary and finite elements for soil‐structure interaction problems

The investigation of complex soil-structure interaction problems is usually carried out with numerical solution procedures such as the finite element or the boundary element method. It must be noted, however, that the choice of one or the other of these approaches is not just a matter of preferences; depending on the type of the problem under consideration, either boundary or finite elements may be more advantageous. A considerable expansion in the computational power can be obtained, on the other hand, if one resorts to hybrid schemes which retain the main advantages of the two methods and eliminate their respective disadvantages. This paper presents results obtained with a boundary element-finite element coupling procedure, and discusses its applicability to some representative soil-structure interaction problems. The structures considered are elastic systems, such as foundations, tunnels and filled trenches (modelled by finite elements), which are coupled with homogeneous elastic halfspaces (modelled by boundary elements). The examples demonstrate the importance of using a model that includes wave radiation effects. The coupling approach is formulated entirely in the time domain so that an extension of the algorithm to non-linear analyses seems to present no further difficulties.
An integrated fiberoptic–microfluidic device for agglutination detection and blood typing

In this paper, an integrated fiberoptic-microfluidic device for the detection of agglutination for blood type cross-matching has been described. The device consists of a straight microfluidic channel through with a reacted RBC suspension is pumped with the help of a syringe pump. The flow intersects an optical path created by an emitter-received fiber optic pair integrated into the microfluidic device. A 650 nm laser diode is used as the light source and a silicon photodiode is used to detect the light intensity. The spacing between the tips of the two optic fibers can be adjusted. When fiber spacing is large and the concentration of the suspension is high, scattering phenomenon becomes the dominant mechanism for agglutination detection while at low concentrations and small spacing, optointerruption becomes the dominant mechanism. An agglutination strength factor (ASF) is calculated from the data. Studies with a variety of blood types indicate that the sensing method correctly identifies the agglutination reaction in all cases. A disposable integrated device can be designed for future implementation of the method for near-bedside pre-transfusion check.
A Concept of Conglomerate Diversification

This study develops and tests a new concept of conglomerate diversification that reflects afirm's sensitivity to the cyclical behavior and differential amplitude of economic sectors throughout the business cycle. The measure is shown to describe unique aspects of conglomerate diversification that are not captured by other commonly used SIC-based diversification measures or by the Rumelt categorization scheme. The measure is also used to evaluate the association between conglomerate diversification and the reduction of operating risk. The results indicate that conglomerates that diversify the effects of the business cycle through the proper selection of business segments are characterized by lower operating risk than otherfirms.
Stochastic estimation of facies using ground penetrating radar data

Explicitly defining large-scale heterogeneity is a necessary step of groundwater model calibration if accurate estimates of flow and transport are to be made. In this work, neural networks are used to estimate radar facies probabilities from ground penetrating radar (GPR) images, yielding stochastic facies-based models that honour the large-scale architecture of the subsurface. For synthetic GPR images, a neural network was able to correctly identify radar facies with an accuracy of approximately 90%. Manual interpretation of a set of 450 MHz GPR field data from the Borden aquifer resulted in the identification of four radar facies. Of these, a neural network was able to identify two facies with an accuracy of near 80% and one with an accuracy of 44%. The neural network was not able to identify the fourth facies, likely due to the choice of defining facies characteristics. Sequential indicator simulation was used to generate facies realizations conditioned to the radar facies probabilities. Numerical simulations indicate that significant improvements in the prediction of solute transport are possible when GPR is used to constrain the facies model compared to using well data alone, especially when data are sparse.
Benefits of competition for patents

Abstract Patent races combine the common pool externality and nonappropriability of the full social return from a discovery. The former causes competitive researchers to invest more than if they collude. The latter reduces the incentive to invest in R & D. These countervailing incentives blur the social issue as to the desirability of research competition. We show that such competition is desirable where policy makers control the patent life. Research competition also simplifies the calculation of the optimal patent life. Specifically, the demand in the market where the discovery will be used need not be known. Moreover, absent control of the patent life, the desirability of research competition also obtains where policy makers instead control the degree of protection a patent confers.
Design of the optimal industrial symbiosis system to improve bioethanol production

Abstract The emergence of environmental and sustainability regulations, such as Kyoto protocol, Energy Policy Act and the increasingly limited availability of fossil fuels has brought the notion of gradually substituting petroleum products with bioethanol into the limelight. Even though, bioethanol is one of the cleanest sources of energy, a major concern of bioethanol production is its economic feasibility. Industrial symbiosis is one of the sustainable strategies that can help to reduce bioethanol production and logistic costs. In industrial symbiosis, traditionally separate plants collocate in order to efficiently utilize resources, reduce wastes and increase profits for the entire industrial symbiosis and each player in the industrial symbiosis. This paper focuses on developing optimal configurations of bioenergy-based industrial symbiosis under certain constraints, such that the bioethanol production cost (or profit) is reduced (or increased). A decision framework that combines the Linear Programming models and large scale Mixed Integer Linear Programming model is proposed to determine the optimal configuration of bioenergy-based industrial symbiosis and to design the optimal network flows of various products in the bioenergy-based industrial symbiosis. A case study has been conducted to study the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed model and the results suggest significant increase in profitability for biorefinery plant and the rest of the players in the bioenergy-based industrial symbiosis system. Sensitivity analysis is also conducted to provide deep understanding of the proposed bioenergy-based industrial symbiosis system and to identify the factors that might impact the performance of biorefinery plant in bioenergy-based industrial symbiosis.
Single-photon ionization, in situ optical diagnostic of molecular beam epitaxial growth of GaAs

Single-photon ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SPI-TOFMS) is used in situ to monitor desorbing species and surface reactions during molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) of GaAs. In this method, the 1064 nm fundamental output of a Nd:YAG laser is tripled twice to produce 118 nm (10.5 eV) photons. The pulsed light is passed in front of a growing substrate, giving gaseous scattered molecules sufficient energy to ionize, but not fragment, them. Ionized species are detected with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Arrangement of the experiment also allows for simultaneous real time monitoring with reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED). Mass spectra are examined and analyzed to quantify fluxes and relative ionization cross sections of growth species. The real time behavior of arsenic and gallium mass signals during epitaxy is presented as a function of substrate temperature and incident gallium flux. Surface reactions are proposed to elucidate mechanisms of arsenic incorporation and compared to measured RHEED results.
Automated alignment for free-space optical systems based on micro-optical-electro-mechanical systems

The emerging technology of micro-optical-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) offer promise for automating the alignment of free-space optical systems, especially intra-computer optical interconnects. MOEMS-based microlenses and micromirrors have been fabricated for the purpose of providing initial system alignment and dynamic alignment.
Electroconvulsive seizures stimulate glial proliferation and reduce expression of Sprouty2 within the prefrontal cortex of rats.

Background Reductions in cell number are found within the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) in major depression and bipolar disorder, conditions for which electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment. We investigated whether electroconvulsive seizure (ECS) in rats stimulates cellular proliferation in the PFC immediately and four weeks after the treatments. In parallel, we examined if ECS also alters the expression of Sprouty2 (SPRY2), an inhibitor of cell proliferation. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats received 10 days of ECS treatments and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) injections. After a four week survival period, we estimated the density and number of BrdU-, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-, and SPRY2-immunoreactive cells in the medial (infralimbic) PFC (ILPFC). We also determined the percentage of BrdU-labeled cells that were immunoreactive for markers specific to oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, endothelial cells and neurons. Results ECS dramatically enhanced the proliferation of new cells in the infralimbic PFC, and this effect persisted four weeks following the treatments. The percentage of new cells expressing oligodendrocyte precursor cell markers increased slightly following ECS. In contrast, ECS dramatically reduced the number of cells expressing SPRY2. Conclusions ECS stimulates long-lasting increases in glial proliferation within the ILPFC. ECS also decreases SPRY2 expression in the same region, an effect that might contribute to increased glial proliferation.
New-Onset Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia After Cardiac Surgery

Background—The de novo occurrence of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) after CABG has been described, but the incidence, mortality rate, long-term follow-up, and mechanism are not well defined. Methods and Results—This prospective study enrolled consecutive patients undergoing CABG at a single institution. Patients were followed up for the development of sustained VT, and a detailed analysis of clinical, angiographic, and surgical variables associated with the occurrence of VT was performed. A total of 382 patients participated, and 12 patients (3.1%) experienced ≥1 episode of sustained VT 4.1±4.8 days after CABG. In 11 of 12 patients, no postoperative complication explained the VT; 1 patient had a perioperative myocardial infarction. The in-hospital mortality rate was 25%. Patients with VT were more likely to have prior myocardial infarction (92% versus 50%, P<0.01), severe congestive heart failure (56% versus 21%, P<0.01), and ejection fraction <0.40 (70% versus 29%, P<0.01). When all 3 factors wer...
Feeding rhythm in larvae of the gypsy moth.

The feeding rhythm of larvae of Porthetria dispar (L.) was determined from field observations. In stages I through III larvae began feeding at dawn, but not when temperatures were below 45°. The peak of feeding occurred in the morning, with some feeding observed throughout the day. When not feeding, or at night, larvae remained quiescent on the undersides of leaves. At stage IV there was a sharp shift in the feeding rhythm, with feeding initiated in the evening and reaching a peak at sunset. About midnight, feeding activity began to decline, with small increases in feeding noted before sunrise, and between 7 and 8 AM. The numbers of larvae feeding during the day were small.
A Kirkwood‐Buff derived force field for amides

A force field for the computer simulation of aqueous solutions of amides is presented. The force field is designed to reproduce the experimentally observed density and Kirkwood-Buff integrals for N-methylacetamide (NMA), allowing for an accurate description of the NMA activity. Other properties such as the translational diffusion constant and heat of mixing are also well reproduced. The force field is then extended to include N,N'-dimethylacetamide and acetamide with good success. Analysis of the simulations of low concentrations of NMA in water indicates a high degree of solvation with only 15% of the NMA molecules involved in solute-solute hydrogen bonding. There is only a weak angular dependence of the solute-solute hydrogen bonding interaction with a minimum at an angle of 65 degrees for the N-H and C=O dipole vectors. The models presented here provide a basis for an accurate force field for peptides and proteins.
Etching and the Morphology of Cross-Linked Polyethylene Cable Insulation

The techniques of etching by carbon tetrachloride vapor and by permanganic acid are shown to be prone to artifacts, and so earlier conclusions based on these techniques, i.e. that XLPE cable insulation has a large scale (>> 10 ?m) spherulitic texture structure, need to be reexamined. A comparison with XLPE film samples, where spherulite size is readily determinable by small-angle light scattering and optical microscopy, indicates that typical spherulite dimensions are <5 ?m. Examination of freeze-fractured surfaces through XLPE insulation containing water-trees revealed cavities up to 10 pm diameter with no evidence of interconnecting channels. Freeze-fractured surfaces through electrical trees revealed channels several micrometers in diameter with evidence of extensive melting and polymer degradation.
Poland's foreign policy since 1989: the challenges of independence

Abstract In its first decade of post-communist independence, Poland achieved far more than most dared believe in 1989. Despite domestic political and economic turmoil, it has joined Europe as a new member of NATO and a prospective member of the EU. This article traces the evolution of Polish foreign policy since 1989 over four time periods: First, the early uncertainties from 1989 to 1992 when Warsaw — caught between a reunifying Germany and a collapsing USSR — was intent on solidifying its relations with Central European neighbors. Second, the watershed year of 1993, which witnessed changes in every aspect of Poland's external relations — the demise of Visegrad, first moves toward NATO and EU enlargement, the emergence of serious tensions in Warsaw's relations with the East, especially Russia. Third, the years in the anterooms of Europe from 1994 to 1996, when Poland and its central European neighbors lobbied for early accession to the EU and NATO, while relations with Russia remained in the deep freeze. And fourth, the period since 1997, in which Warsaw has been negotiating its “return to Europe”, joining NATO in 1999 and actively pursuing membership in the EU. These gains have not come quickly or easily; rather, they demonstrate a hard earned consistency in Poland's foreign policy agenda, despite numerous changes in domestic politics, as well as an increasingly realistic vision of the country's place in post-Cold War Europe.
Trace Detection of Nitrocompounds by ArF Laser Photofragmentation/Ionization Spectrometry:

A new method for detecting trace vapors of NO2-containing compounds near atmospheric conditions has been demonstrated with the use of one-color-laser photofragmentation/ionization spectrometry. An ArF laser is employed to both photolytically fragment the target molecules in a collision-free environment and ionize the characteristic NO fragments. The production of NO is hypothesized to result from a combination of two NO2 unimolecular fragmentation pathways, one yielding NO in its X2Π electronic ground state and the other in its A2Σ+ excited state. Ionization of ground-state NO molecules is accomplished by resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization processes via its A2Σ+ ← X2Π (3, 0), B2Π ← X2Π (7, 0) and/or D2Σ+ ← X2Π (0, 1) bands at 193 nm. The analytical utility of this method is demonstrated in a molecular beam time-of-flight apparatus. Limits of detection range from the parts-per-million (ppm) to parts-per-billion (ppb) level for NO, NO2, CH3NO2, dimethylnitramine (DMNA), ortho- and meta-nitrotoluene, nitrobenzene, and trinitrotoluene (TNT). Under effusive beam experimental conditions, discrimination between structural isomers, ortho-nitrotoluene and meta-nitrotoluene, has been demonstrated with the use of their characteristic photofragmentation/ionization mass spectra.
Static and dynamic electronic spectroscopy at the interface between water and chemically modified self-assembled monolayers

Molecular dynamics computer simulations are used to study the static and dynamic electronic spectroscopy of a chromophore located at the interface between water and self-assembled organic monolayers terminated by either a methyl group or chlorine atom. The roughness and polarity of the monolayer surfaces are varied to determine the dependence of the spectroscopy on the surface composition. Equilibrium trajectories are used to calculate the static electronic spectrum relative to the gas phase and non-equilibrium trajectories are used to monitor the dynamic solvent response immediately following an electronic transition. Relative to bulk water, the interfaces with methyl-terminated monolayers are less polar, while interfaces with chlorine-terminated monolayers are more polar. This is understood in terms of the contribution from each component of the system to the solvation energy. The dynamic solvent response at each interface studied is slower than bulk water. The rate of water relaxation is correlated with the polarization of interfacial water molecules due to the monolayer.
Stabilizing state-feedback design via the moving horizon method

A stabilizing control design for general linear time varying systems is presented and analyzed. The control is a state-feedback law with gains determined by a standard method employed in optimal regulator problems. The considered cost function is, however, dynamically redefined over a fixed depth horizon. The method is shown to yield a stable closed loop system and computationally efficient recursions for the feedback gain are provided.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Liver Injury

Derangements in apoptosis of liver cells are mechanistically important in the pathogenesis of end-stage liver disease. Vulnerable hepatocytes can undergo apoptosis via an extrinsic, death receptor–mediated pathway, or alternatively intracellular stress can activate the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Both pathways converge on mitochondria, and mitochondrial dysfunction is a prerequisite for hepatocyte apoptosis. Persistent apoptosis is a feature of chronic liver diseases, and massive apoptosis is a feature of acute liver diseases. Fibrogenesis is stimulated by ongoing hepatocyte apoptosis, eventually resulting in cirrhosis of the liver in chronic liver diseases. Endothelial cell apoptosis occurs in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Natural killer and natural killer T cells remove virus-infected hepatocytes by death receptor–mediated fibrosis. Lastly, activated stellate cell apoptosis leads to slowing and resolution of apoptosis. This review summarizes recent cellular and molecular advances in the understanding of the injury mechanisms leading to end-stage liver disease.
Pattern directed extraction and characterization of defect configurations in solid log models

Abstract This paper describes a knowledge based procedure for the automated extraction and characterization of internal defect configurations in hardwood log processing. Before sawmill automation can be realized, the capability to automatically extract and characterize internal defect configurations in each log must be provided. The procedure presented uses a five-stage filtering approach to extract the defect hull, and a three-stage characterization approach to describe the defect configuration type. The logic programming paradigm used to implement the procedure is described, and examples are given. The issues of computer extraction and characterization of internal log defects will find parallel relevance in the interface and integration efforts in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM).
The Development of Afternoon Minisurges of Luteinizing Hormone Secretion in Prepubertal Female Rats Is Ovary Dependent

We have recently disclosed sustained episodes of LH release (minisurges) during the afternoons of the juvenileperipubertal transition period in the female rat. To determine if these LH minisurges are gonad independent, i.e. develop in the absence of the ovaries, animals were ovariectomized when neonates, and the mode of LH release was examined using a 5-min blood-sampling regimen at one of three ages corresponding to the juvenile, peripubertal, or adult phase of development. In no instance was a minisurge of LH secretion detected. We were Concerned, however, that LH minisurges may have been obscured by the exceedingly high level of LH secretion in these long term ovariectomized rats and, therefore, decided to pursue the study employing a short term (48-h) ovariectomy paradigm. Late juvenile rats which had been ovariectomized for 48 h exhibited conspicuous LH pulses, but, again, LH minisurges were not detected, further suggesting that these sustained secretory episodes do not occur in the absence of the ov...
Integrating Emotional Attachment and Sustainability in Electronic Product Design

Current models for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products encourage frequent product replacement with newer versions that offer only minor incremental improvements. This pattern, named planned obsolescence, diminishes user experience and shortens product lifespan. This paper presents the conceptual basis for a two-part integrated approach to combating planned obsolescence in ICT devices. First, design for emotional attachment, which creates products that users enjoy, value, and use for longer. Second, technological adaptability, which anticipates product upgrades and repairs as new technologies emerge. A model interdisciplinary design course in industrial design and sustainability, also described herein, trains students to apply this approach to create innovative ICT products with smaller environmental footprints.
Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the shear bond test.

Abstract Objectives . The purpose of this study was to use finite element analyses to model the planar shear bond test and to evaluate the effects of modulus values, bonding agent thickness, and loading conditions on the stress distribution in the dentin adjacent to the bonding agent-dentin interface. Methods. All calculations were performed with the ANSYS finite element program. The planar shear bond test was modeled as a cylinder of resin-based composite bonded to a cylindrical dentin substrate. The effects of material, geometry and loading variables were determined primarily by use of a three-dimensional structural element. Several runs were also made using an axisymmetric element with harmonic loading and a plane strain element to determine whether two-dimensional analyses yield valid results. Results . Stress calculations using three-dimensional finite element analyses confirmed the presence of large stress concentration effects for all stress components at the bonding agent-dentin interface near the application of the load. The maximum vertical shear stress generally occurs approximately 0.3 mm below the loading site and then decreases sharply in all directions. The stresses reach relatively uniform conditions within about 0.5 mm of the loading site and then increase again as the lower region of the interface is approached. Calculations using various loading conditions indicated that a wire-loop method of loading leads to smaller stress concentration effects, but a shear bond strength determined by dividing a failure load by the cross-sectional area grossly underestimates the true interfacial bond strength. Significance . Most dental researchers are using tensile and shear bond tests to predict the effects of process and material variables on the clinical performance of bonding systems but no evidence has yet shown that bond strength is relevant to clinical performance. A critical factor in assessing the usefulness of bond tests is a thorough understanding of the stress states that cause failure in the bond test and then to assess whether these stress states also exist in the clinical situation. Finite element analyses can help to answer this question but much additional work is needed to identify the failure modes in service and to relate these failures to particular loading conditions. The present study represents only a first step in understanding the stress states in the planar shear bond test.
Using audio in secure device pairing

Secure pairing of electronic devices is an important issue that must be addressed in many contexts. In the absence of prior security context, the need to involve the user in the pairing process is a prominent challenge. In this paper, we investigate the use of the audio channel for human-assisted device pairing. First we assume a common (insecure) wireless channel between devices. We then obviate the assumption of a pre-existing common channel with a single-channel device pairing approach only based on audio. Both approaches are applicable to a wide range of devices and place light burden on the user.
Modeling Earnings Expectations Based on Clusters of Analyst Forecasts

This article introduces an approach to modeling market expectations that captures the benefits of both timelines and aggregation. The intuition behind the earnings expectation measure, referred to as the cluster mean, is that analysts9 forecasts arrive at the market in a sequence of clearly distinguishable forecast clusters. At any time, the cluster mean expectation is simply the mean of all the forecasts issued in the most recent cluster. The tests show the cluster mean forecast has greater forecast accuracy, higher correlation with security returns, and lower serial correlation in forecast revisions than the consensus forecast, both for the entire tests sample and for a number of different subsamples.
The Relationship between Membrane Fatty Acids and the Development of the Rat Retina

The vertebrate rod visual cell is anatomically divided into two compartments, the inner segment and the outer segment (Fig. 1). The rod inner segment contains the cellular organelles responsible for most, if not all, of the biosynthetic activity of the cell. One end of the inner segment makes synaptic contact with horizontal and bipolar cells, while the other is connected to the rod outer segments (ROS) via a short connecting cilium. The ROS are made up of hundreds of membraneous discs. Each is free-floating and apparently does not contact other discs or the plasma membrane.