cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrospun polyimide nanofiber membranes for high flux and low fouling microfiltration applications

Abstract A newly developed electrospun polyimide nanofiber mat/membrane along with three commercial 0.22 µm microfiltration membranes have been investigated for applications within a renewable biorefinery to complete solid–liquid clarification at two locations: (1) following enzymatic hydrolysis (pre-fermentation) and (2) post-ethanol fermentation. Performance was assessed by evaluating process flux, reversible and irreversible fouling, and the ability to completely remove insoluble solids. Lignin (the primary insoluble solid following enzymatic hydrolysis of a biomass feedstock), yeast cells, and cell debris (following fermentation to ethanol), along with soluble phenolic compounds, all being very hydrophobic in nature, caused extensive fouling, which led to permanent irreversible flux decline for the three commercial membranes. In addition, all three commercial membranes showed a small amount of insoluble solids in the permeate, indicating incomplete removal of the insoluble solids. In contrast, the polyimide nanofiber membrane showed virtually no irreversible fouling and complete retention of insoluble solids, suggesting the tremendous potential for biorefinery applications.
Modeling the Effects of Predation, Prey Cycling, and Time Averaging on Relative Abundance in Raptor-Generated Small Mammal Death Assemblages

Raptors concentrate the remains of their small mammal prey in pellets rich in skeletal material. Stratified pellet deposits beneath long-term roost sites should, therefore, represent valuable archives of Holocene faunal change. Accurate paleoecological reconstruction from such deposits, however, requires a complete assessment of factors that may bias the ecological information that such records preserve. Three factors that could bias or obscure the community structure of a small mammal death assemblage relative to the living community include: (1) short-term transient dynamics of prey populations; (2) feeding activity of the raptors; and (3) extent of time averaging represented in individual stratigraphic horizons. Here I model (1) how much summed time is necessary for a raptor-derived small mammal death assemblage to capture a long-term (centennial to millennial) signal of relative abundance; and (2) the accuracy of the relative abundance information preserved in such death assemblages given short-term (decadal) cycling of small mammal prey populations. Results generated from an empirically parameterized model of prey dynamics assuming a multi-species type III functional response of raptors to fluctuations in density of two prey species suggest that the maximum extent of time averaging necessary to capture a stable relative abundance signal in a death assemblage is ∼140 years. This estimate is highly conservative, yet still remains fine enough to analyze phenomena operating at the centennial to millennial time scales critical for addressing long-term community response to habitat transitions through the Holocene. Results also suggest that the mismatch between relative abundance information in the living community and the death assemblage is generally low (<1%), except for a few specific parameter combinations that result in the population dynamics of the prey species being extremely similar to one another.
Modified eversion carotid endarterectomy.

Background Eversion carotid endarterectomy is a well-described technique for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The advantage of this technique is a completely autogenous repair. We describe a modification of eversion endarterectomy (MEE) that expeditiously extracts the plaque through a linear incision over the common carotid artery and the proximal bulbous internal carotid artery (ICA) only, allowing primary closure. Selective shunting can also be performed without difficulty. Methods A retrospective review of CEAs using MEE at two institutions by three vascular surgeons during a 5-year period was performed. Data were collected from the medical records, with institutional review board approval. Information regarding neurologic symptoms, degree of ICA stenosis, CEA technique, ICA clamp time, shunting, electroencephalographic monitoring, and postoperative complications was tabulated. Rate of significant restenosis (stenosis >50% by duplex criteria) was also calculated during the follow-up period. Results Between 2005 and 2009, a total of 221 patients underwent MEE for carotid artery stenosis (CAS): 69 patients (31%) underwent MEE for symptomatic and 152 (68.8%) underwent MEE for asymptomatic CAS. Neuromonitoring in the form of electroencephalography was used in 85 (39%) patients, and an intraluminal shunt was used in 29 patients (13%) who had either severe contralateral disease or a previous ipsilateral cerebral infarction. Postoperative complications included transient ischemic attack (four, 2%), cerebral infarction (three, 1%), myocardial infarction (three, 1%), and hematoma (six, 3%). Four patients (2%) required a return to the operating room (OR). within 24 hours for hematoma (one, 1%) or postoperative neurologic deficit (three, %). The 30-day mortality was 1%. One patient (1%) required patch angioplasty because of the extent of disease and inability to obtain a good end point. Average cross-clamp time for MEE was 12.8 minutes. Two patients (1%) were reported to have hemodynamically significant restenosis within 2 years, with one patient requiring intervention. Conclusions MEE is a safe and effective way of treating CAS, with acceptable morbidity, mortality, and low rate of recurrent stenosis despite the absence of a patch. Given the brief clamp time required, routine shunting and/or neuromonitoring for this technique may have questionable clinical value and expense.
Use of Reciprocating Saw for Alveolar Ridge Reduction in the Anterior Mandible for Immediate Load Implant-Supported Hybrid Dentures

Purpose Alveolar ridge reduction, which is needed to create sufficient room for abutments, metal framework, and acrylic teeth, and a flat bone platform using commonly used burs is a time-consuming procedure and may cause discomfort to the patient. The aim of this study was to describe an alternative technique to fabricate a mandibular hybrid denture in 4 days without making any final impression and to describe the use of a reciprocating saw for alveolar ridge reduction. Patients and Methods Ten patients aged 45 to 75 years were considered for this study. Each patient received 5 implants for the reconstruction of the edentulous mandible after alveolar ridge reduction using a reciprocating saw or burs after the extraction of infected teeth. These implants were placed in the anterior region of the edentulous mandible and restored with final mandibular hybrid prosthesis in 4 days using the Ohio State University acrylic frame requiring no final impression procedure. Results No implants were lost, no technical complications were observed, and only minor marginal bone loss was noted after a year. The overall alveolar ridge reduction using a reciprocating saw after extraction of teeth took fewer than 2 minutes in the 5 patients, whereas a similar reduction took 34 ± 12 minutes (20 to 50) with commonly used burs (round, fissure, or acrylic) in the other 5 patients. Conclusion This study indicates that use of a reciprocating saw is a rapid and efficient method for alveolar ridge reduction in the anterior mandible, and the Ohio State University acrylic frame may be an alternative method to restore any edentulous mandible with an immediate-load mandibular hybrid denture.
The faces of facebookers: Investigating social enhancement and social compensation hypotheses; predicting Facebook™ and offline popularity from sociability and self-esteem, and mapping the meanings of popularity with semantic networks.

This research investigates two competing hypotheses from the literature: 1) the Social Enhancement (“Rich Get Richer”) hypothesis that those more popular offline augment their popularity by increasing it on Facebook™, and 2) the “Social Compensation” (“Poor Get Richer”) hypothesis that users attempt to increase their Facebook™ popularity to compensate for inadequate offline popularity. Participants (n= 614) at a large, urban university in the Midwestern United States completed an online survey. Results are that a subset of users, those more extroverted and with higher self-esteem, support the Social Enhancement hypothesis, being more popular both offline and on Facebook™. Another subset of users, those less popular offline, support the Social Compensation hypotheses because they are more introverted, have lower self-esteem and strive more to look popular on Facebook™. Semantic network analysis of open-ended responses reveals that these two user subsets also have different meanings for offline and online popularity. Furthermore, regression explains nearly twice the variance in offline popularity as in Facebook™ popularity, indicating the latter is not as socially grounded or defined as offline popularity.
24. The Fusion of Anatomic and Physiologic Tomographic Images to Enhance Accurate Interpretation

Purpose: Dedicated PET-(fluorine-18)-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) studies were interpreted with the corresponding anatomic images (MR or CT) using image fusion display to improve spatial accuracy for the interpreter and the referring physician.Methods: The image-fusion display system was designed in-house and allows manual alignment and display of one image volume as an overlay on the other which has improved accurate correlation of physiological and anatomical information for more than 50 patient studies.Results: A case of a patient with left foot recurrent melanoma is presented for which the PET scan showed a large focus of activity just lateral to the urinary bladder. Image fusion confirmed that the PET focus corresponded to an abnormal lymph node on the follow-up CT scan. In a case of bladder carcinoma which included bladder augmentation, altered surgical anatomy rendered interpretation of the FDG-PET images difficult. The fusion with the patient's CT scan allowed evaluation of the altered physiology due to the altered surgical anatomy which permitted accurate image interpretation. In a case of pelvic lymphoma, the FDG-PET scan showed intense activity adjacent to the acetabulum and possibly within it. Image fusion allowed accurate localization of the patient's primary lesion with the additional benefit of showing activity extending into the adjacent bone.Conclusion: Image fusion of tomographic, anatomic and physiologic information permits accurate lesion localization including separation of soft tissue from bone. The image-fusion technique facilitates image-guided biopsy by providing accurate anatomic localization.
Loss of consciousness after emergence from anaesthesia. A case of suspected micturition syncope.

Summary A case of postanaesthesia micturition syncope with respiratory arrest is described. If syncope occurs, the temporary myocardial ischaemia and cerebral hypoperfusion may increase anaesthetic risk in the marginally compensated patient. The loss of airway protection during the syncopal period is also a cause of concern. We recommend the use of an indwelling bladder catheter during any prolonged surgical procedure.
Room-temperature lasing of CdS crystals in a glow discharge

A very compact device has been made for excitation of lasing in CdS at room temperature. A low-pressure glow discharge is produced by high-voltage pulses to pump the CdS crystal. The simple design required to confine the discharge and produce the necessary high density of electrons is described.
Dynamics of the Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor with Reactions A → B → C

Abstract The possible combinations of stable and unstable multipe steady states and bifurcating periodic orbits for the continuous stirred tank reactor with consecutive exothermic chemical reactions A → B → C are found by an extensive numerical search. The resulting response diagrams demonstrate the jump phenomena that are possible during the reactor start-up and shut-down, and they serve as a model for the possible dynamics in other reactor problems, e.g. the tubular reactor and catalyst particle. Furthermore, methods similar to the ones used here for lumped parameter systems apply equally well to distributed parameter systems when certain notational changes are made.
Kringle 5 causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of endothelial cells.

Angiostatin which contains the first four kringle domains of plasminogen has been documented to be a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. More recently, another kringle structure within plasminogen but outside angiostatin, known as kringle 5 (K5), was found to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation and migration. Here, we report the cloning and expression of mouse kringle 5 (rK5) in a bacterial expression system. The protein was purified to homogeneity using a Ni-NTA column. rK5 inhibited both proliferation and migration of endothelial cells with ED50's of 10 nM and < 500 nM, respectively. In addition, we show for the first time that rK5 causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, shedding further insight into rK5′s mechanism of action. Finally, we show that these actions are endothelial cell specific.
A quantitative description of the E-4031-sensitive repolarization current in rabbit ventricular myocytes.

We have measured the E-4031-sensitive repolarization current (IKr) in single ventricular myocytes isolated from rabbit hearts. The primary goal of this analysis was a description of the IKr kinetic and ion transfer properties. Surprisingly, the maximum time constant of this component was 0.8 s at 33–34 degrees C, which is significantly greater than the value of 0.18 s previously reported under similar conditions in the original measurements of IKr from guinea pig ventricular myocytes. The primary, novel feature of our analysis concerns the relationship of the bell-shaped curve that describes the voltage dependence of the kinetics and the sigmoidal curve that describes the activation of IKr. The midpoint of the latter occurred at approximately +10 mV on the voltage axis, as compared to -30 mV for the point on the voltage axis at which the maximum time constant occurred. Moreover, the voltage dependence of the kinetics was much broader than the steepness of the activation curve would predict. Taken together, these results comprise a gating current paradox that is not resolved by the incorporation of a fast inactivated state in the analysis. The fully activated current-voltage relation for IKr exhibited strong inward-going rectification, so much so that the current was essentially nil at +30 mV, even though the channel opens rapidly in this voltage range. This result is consistent with the lack of effect of E-4031 on the early part of the plateau phase of the action potential.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
REGIONAL VARIATION OF MORTGAGE YIELDS AND SIMULTANEITY BIAS

This paper has important methodological implications for the literature on regional variation of mortgage yields. Previous studies typically estimate models of regional disparities in mortgage yields using single-equation regression techniques. It is well known, however, that such methods can lead to biased estimates when simultaneity exists. In this paper it is demonstrated that the single-equation approach, when applied to mortgage data from the 1980s, produces radically different results from the previous literature. It is further demonstrated that simultaneous-equations techniques resolve these apparent anomalies.
The importance of exploration in online marketplaces

Nearly all online marketplaces face the challenge of ensuring the quality of sellers; this is particularly challenging in large marketplaces, where it may be infeasible to pre-screen all sellers. A growing trend in such settings is to use feedback from past transactions to infer the quality of new sellers. However, this process requires that existing buyers—the most valuable users of the platform—be subjected to matching to new, untrusted sellers, potentially leading to a bad experience.
Mathematical algorithm development and parametric studies with the GEOFRAC three-dimensional stochastic model of natural rock fracture systems

This paper presents results from research conducted at MIT during 2010-2012 on modeling of natural rock fracture systems with the GEOFRAC three-dimensional stochastic model. Following a background summary of discrete fracture network models and a brief introduction of GEOFRAC, the paper provides a thorough description of the newly developed mathematical and computer algorithms for fracture intensity, aperture, and intersection representation, which have been implemented in MATLAB. The new methods optimize, in particular, the representation of fracture intensity in terms of cumulative fracture area per unit volume, P32, via the Poisson-Voronoi Tessellation of planes into polygonal fracture shapes. In addition, fracture apertures now can be represented probabilistically or deterministically whereas the newly implemented intersection algorithms allow for computing discrete pathways of interconnected fractures. In conclusion, results from a statistical parametric study, which was conducted with the enhanced GEOFRAC model and the new MATLAB-based Monte Carlo simulation program FRACSIM, demonstrate how fracture intensity, size, and orientations influence fracture connectivity. Display Omitted The GEOFRAC 3D model applies sequential stochastic processes to represent rock fracture systems.We propose new algorithms for modeling fracture intensity, size, aperture, and connectivity.Poisson-Voronoi Tessellation of planes into polygons optimizes fracture intensity modeling.A statistical parametric study shows how fracture intensity and size might affect connectivity.
Apoptotic neutrophils and T cells sequester chemokines during immune response resolution through modulation of CCR5 expression

During the resolution phase of inflammation, the 'corpses' of apoptotic leukocytes are gradually cleared by macrophages. Here we report that during the resolution of peritonitis, the CCR5 chemokine receptor ligands CCL3 and CCL5 persisted in CCR5-deficient mice. CCR5 expression on apoptotic neutrophils and activated apoptotic T cells sequestered and effectively cleared CCL3 and CCL5 from sites of inflammation. CCR5 expression on late apoptotic human polymorphonuclear cells was downregulated by proinflammatory stimuli, including tumor necrosis factor, and was upregulated by 'proresolution' lipid mediators, including lipoxin A4, resolvin E1 and protectin D1. Our results suggest that CCR5+ apoptotic leukocytes act as 'terminators' of chemokine signaling during the resolution of inflammation.
Development of a PCB printer using an ultraviolet laser diode

When electrical engineers are conducting research and development, they often require preliminary testing of their new circuit design. This requires a small production of printed circuit boards (PCBs) to be produced. This could lead to outsourcing to a board house, which adds time and cost to the project. Our goal is to develop a low-cost PCB printer, using an ultraviolet laser, in order to reduce turn-around time and to be cost effective. This project would serve valuable to all electrical engineers, whether it be a student, hobbyist, or full-time employee. Pre-sensitized copper clad boards have been around for several years. Traditionally, the desired circuit design is printed onto a transparency film which is then placed on top of the pre-sensitized board. Then, the board is exposed to a uniform ultraviolet fluorescent light for several minutes. The board then proceeds through the rest of the steps in the fabrication process (developer solution, etchant solution, cleaning, masking, etc.) However, the rise of consumer products such as Blu-Ray players and select home theater projectors has significantly reduced the cost of near-ultraviolet laser diodes in the 400-450nm range. These new diodes have the capability of replacing the ultraviolet lamp typically used in this process. By combining this focused beam of light with some precision mirrors (laser galvanometers) and basic circuits, we propose to “print” the circuit design directly onto the pre-sensitized board. This means no transparency film will be needed, which results in reduced time, cost and materials. By utilizing a new source of ultraviolet light (laser diodes vs. lamps), this project plans to revolutionize the way small scale PCB production takes place. The convenience of having a portable desktop PCB printer can serve useful to every electrical engineer. Without the hassle of transparency film and high-power UV lamps, this project plans to reduce time, waste materials, and power consumption for small scale PCB production.
A retrospective survey of anaesthesia in horses with colic

The purpose of this survey was to identify complications occurring in horses with colic during anaesthesia and recovery from anaesthesia; and to determine any relationships between these complications and drugs used for induction or maintenance of anaesthesia. Two hundred and thirty nine horses were anaesthetised on a total of 250 occasions for colic surgery between January 1985 and May 1987. Of these, 189 recovered from 200 anaesthetic episodes. Most horses received xylazine and guaifenesin with either thiobarbiturate (68 per cent) or ketamine (24 per cent) and anaesthesia was maintained with either halothane (51 per cent), isoflurane (43 per cent), or first halothane then isoflurane (6 per cent). Sixty nine per cent also received an opioid. Hypotension or tachycardia were recorded in 15 and 13 per cent of anaesthesias, respectively. Arterial PO2 was less than 13.3 kPa in 17 per cent of 175 anaesthesias. None of these complications was associated with a specific anaesthetic agent. Hypertension was recorded in 11.5 per cent of anaesthesias and occurred more frequently during isoflurane anaesthesia (P < 0.05). The mean duration of anaesthesia was 126 mins (range, 50-270 mins), and was not different for horses receiving thiobarbiturate or ketamine, halothane or isoflurane. The time taken to stand after anaesthesia recorded on 149 occasions and was 63 +/- 24 mins (range, 15-135 mins). This was not different for the different anaesthetic agents. Horses that were excited or had difficulty standing up during recovery had a significantly longer duration of anaesthesia (165 +/- 51 mins) (P < 0.05) but no specific anaesthetic agent was involved. Of the 189 horses, 148 (75 per cent) survived and were discharged from the hospital. Horses that did not survive had a significantly increased prevalence of anaesthetic complications, and longer durations of anaesthesia.
Effect of false-positive mammograms on interval breast cancer screening in a health maintenance organization.

Among women with no history of breast cancer, having a false-positive mammogram did not adversely affect screening behavior in the next recommended interval. Women with false-positive mammograms, e...
The catalytic effect of geologic samples on the deuterium (tritium)-water exchange reaction as studied with a quadrupole mass filter

Abstract Evidence of exchange reactions between tritium gas and water has been observed in gas sampled from the vicinity of nuclear detonations. The purpose of this investigation, using deuterium gas as a surrogate for tritium, is to determine the catalytic effects of typical underground materials on the exchange reactions between hydrogenic species and water as a function of temperature. The apparatus constructed for these experiments consists of a constant pressure gas inlet system, a fused quartz tube containing the catalyst to be studied, and a quadrupole mass filter. The temperature range of the experiments was from ambient to 900 °C. The two gases, D2 and H2O, were mixed in the inlet system and then allowed to pass through the catalyst bed and into the mass filter through a glass leak. The results obtained can be summarized as follows: (1) the reaction is surface catalyzed; (2) equilibration takes place rapidly at room temperature and above, using platinum sponge as a catalyst; (3) for catalytic samples of tuff, alluvium, sandstone, and shale, the onset of observable reaction was between 400 to 500 °C with large amounts of products formed at 600 °C and above when the temperature was increased from ambient to 900 °C over a 6- to 8-hr period; and (4) deuterium and water appear to exchange at 200–300 °C in outgassed, partially decomposed limestone, presumably due to the catalytic activity of CaO and MgO.
Dynamic, three-dimensional optical tracking of an ablative laser beam

Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for braintumors with infiltrating margins but is currently limited by visual discrimination between normal and neoplastic marginal tissues during surgery. Imaging modalities such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance, positron emission tomography, and optical techniques can accurately localize tumor margins. We believe coupling the fine resolution of current imaging techniques with the precise cutting of midinfrared lasers through image-guided neurosurgery can greatly enhance tumor margin resection. This paper describes a feasibility study designed to optically track in three-dimensional space the articulated arm delivery of a noncontact ablative laser beam. To enable optical tracking of the laser beam focus, infrared-emitting diodes (IREDs) were attached to a handpiece machined for the distal end of the articulated arm of a surgical carbon dioxide laser. Crosstalk between the ablative laser beam and the tracking diodes was measured. The geometry of the adapted laser handpiece was characterized to track an externally attached passive tip and the laser beam focus. Target localization accuracies were assessed for both instrument points-of-interest and the sources of tracking errors were investigated. Stray infrared laser light did not affect optical tracking accuracy. The mean target registration errors while optically tracking the laser handpiece with a passive tip and the laser beam focus were 1.31 ± 0.50 mm and 2.31 ± 0.92 mm , respectively, and were equivalent to the errors tracking a 24-IRED pen probe from Northern Digital in a side-by-side comparison. The majority of error during ablation tracking derived from registration accuracy between physical space and the defined space of the ablation phantom and from an inability to freehand align the laser focus with the target in a consistent manner. While their magnitudes depend on spatial details of the tracking setup (e.g., number and distribution of fiducial points, working distance from the camera, etc.), these errors are inherent to any freehand laser surgery.
Assessment of the reliability of a diet history questionnaire

Abstract The purpose of this study was to estimate the reliability of a self‐administered food frequency questionnaire developed at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) (Bethesda, MD). Food intake information was collected from 48 women with breast cancer and 50 women who had a familial breast cancer risk. These women were participants in a long‐term investigation of diet and breast cancer at the Ohio State University (Columbus, OH). Pearson correlation coefficients were obtained for 29 nutrients. The effect of time between questionnaires, age, weight, and caloric intake was also examined. The results showed moderate reliability coefficients for most of the nutrients (r = 0.5–0.8). For the majority of nutrients, the women with breast cancer had higher coefficients than did the high‐risk women. High‐risk women with shorter elapsed time periods between the first and second questionnaire had higher reliability coefficients as did women who consumed fewer calories. Age and weight (standardized by height) showe...
075 Biospecimen banking research with circulating microRNAs: internal controls and pre-analytic variables

Because of the significance of microRNA (miRNA) in carcinogenesis, circulating miRNAs offer unique opportunities as minimal invasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. To date, more than 200 studies have been reported. However, no single miRNA has been consistently observed across the studies. The wide inconsistency might be due to the fact that a significant amount of pre-analytic variations occurs from blood collection to the molecular analysis, and these variations may significantly contribute to observed inter-individual and intra-individual variations in circulating miRNAs. Little is known about how pre-analytic variations might affect the levels of circulating miRNAs, and there are no reliable internal controls currently available. Therefore, using high-quality biospecimens collected from the DataBank and BioRepository (DBBR) of Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), we performed a study to identify circulating miRNAs which can be used internal controls and then use them to study the effect of selected pre-analytic variables on circulating miRNAs in EDTA-plasma and whole blood collected using PaxGene tubes. Our criteria for internal control miRNAs include: they occur in all tested samples; their expression levels are not significantly different between cancer cases and controls; they show little inter-individual variations among cases and controls. Using exiqon miRNA PCR panel analysis, we performed miRNA profiling in 40 cancer cases and 40 healthy controls. A total of 4 miRNAs in whole blood (miR-134, miR-346, miR-934 and miR-16) and one miRNA in plasma (miR-16) fit our selection criteria for internal control miRNAs. These candidates were further validated in additional 100 cancer cases and 100 healthy controls. Using these identified internal control miRNAs, we next studied the effect of selected pre-analytic variables, including processing delay time, storage conditions, storage durations, and cycles of freeze/thaw. Twenty-four hour processing delay did not affect three tested miRNAs in whole blood, but significantly decreased the levels of miR-16 in plasma (P Source of funding: None declared. Conflict of interest: None declared. hzhao@mdanderson.org
Computer simulation of stem-cell kinetics

Computer simulation of the stem-cell system has been motivated by a desire to provide a device which may assist the experimenter in his development of complex research strategies in the rapidly developing investigative fields that relate to erythropoiesis and granulopoiesis. A simulation program, written in FORTRAN II for the IBM-7094, is being developed with the requirements of flexibility and broad applicability in mind. The biological model for which it originally was developed differs from those previously advanced by visualizing differentiation into the erythrocytic and granulocytic series as occurring during the post-mitotic phase of a stem cell's growth, the cell's susceptibility to erythropoietic and granulopoietic stimuli varying as its biochemical development unfolds. One might test this model by attempting to demonstrate an asymmetrical interference between erythropoietic and granulopoietic challenges to the stem-cell system. A method for establishing an initial stable configuration of the model is presented. The simulation of the introduction of exogenous erythropoietic stimuli is described. And there is a brief description of the feedback mechanism employed to stabilize the size of the stem-cell population.
Simulating hot-carrier effects on circuit performance

Hot carriers cause charge trapping in the gate oxide of MOSFETs and generate interface traps at Si/SiO2 interfaces of MOSFETs and bipolar transistors. Models for N-channel and P-channel MOSFETs and for bipolar transistor degradations have been developed and implemented in an IC reliability simulator BERT. Several comparisons between simulation results and measurements are shown. There remain to be answered questions concerning the presence of excess degradation when the stressing signal frequency is high.
Assessment of the propensity for covalent binding of electrophiles to biological substrates.

Electrophilic character is associated with the ability of external agents to interact with centers of electron density in biological macromolecules and to cause the interruption or alternation of normal activity. With the observation of site specificity in mutagenic events. Pearson's hard/soft acid-based (HSAB) theory is presented as a useful concept in correlating chemical observations in the absence of detailed direct knowledge of the process. Methods for the evaluation of carbon electrophiles (e.g., carbocation character) as reactants are reviewed as potential physical parameters that could be applied in developing quantitative structure-activity relationships.
Forced convection mass transfer: Part IV. Increased mass transfer in an aqueous medium caused by detached cylindrical turbulence promoters in a rectangular channel

Enhanced rates of mass transfer in aqueous systems were studied with an electrochemical technique. Detached turbulence promoters (cylinders supported away from the surface) were shown to cause increases in mass transfer in aqueous systems in a manner similar to that observed in gaseous system. As in air studies, peaks in the local rate of mass transfer were observed directly beneath the cylinders and a wake effect was observed downstream from the cylinders.
Broadband Lumped-Element Integrated $N$ -Way Power Dividers for Voltage Standards

This paper presents a monolithically integrated broadband lumped-element Wilkinson power divider centered at 20 GHz, which was designed and fabricated to uniformly distribute power to arrays of Josephson junctions (JJs) for superconducting voltage standards. This solution achieves a fourfold decrease in chip area, and a twofold increase in bandwidth (BW) when compared to the previous narrowband distributed circuit. A single Wilkinson divider demonstrates 0.4-dB maximum insertion loss (IL), a 10-dB match BW of 10-24.5 GHz, and a 10-dB isolation BW of 13-30 GHz. A 16-way four-level binary Wilkinson power divider network is characterized in a divider/attenuator/combiner back-to-back measurement configuration with a 10-dB match BW of 10-25 GHz. In the 15-22-GHz band of interest, the maximum IL for the 16-way divider network is 0.5 dB, with an average of 0.2 dB. The amplitude balance of the divider at 15, 19, and 22 GHz is measured to be plusmn1.0 dB utilizing 16 arrays of 15 600 JJs as on-chip power detectors.
Native Consumers and Seed Limitation Constrain the Restoration of a Native Perennial Grass in Exotic Habitats

Native consumers and seed limitation may be particularly important in the restoration of native plants where they have been displaced by exotic plants. We used experimental exclosures and seed additions to examine the role of native mammalian consumers and seeding density (500 or 1,000 seeds/m 2 ) in affecting the establishment of a native perennial grass, Purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra), in the grasslands of California. To focus solely on consumers and propagule density, experimental areas were tilled and weeded. Consumers were important determinants of restoration success: averaged across propagule density, consumers reduced N. pulchra seedling recruitment by nearly 30%, reduced seedling height by 44%, reduced plant establishment by 52%, and reduced reproductive tiller length by 43%. Small rodents affected seedling establishment, especially where seeding density was high but did not affect seedling height. Plots accessible by squirrels and rabbits exhibited significantly decreased seedling height and plant establishment, whereas there was no additional impact of allowing large consumers (i.e., deer) access. Despite strong, spatially variable effects of consumers, doubling seed density led to nearly doubled N. pulchra establishment on average. Consumer effects were persistent, shaping N. pulchra abundance in the subsequent growing season and remaining evident over 18 months after the experiment was initiated. Our work suggests that, despite strong consumer effects, seed addition may be a viable strategy for restoration of N. pulchra in invaded areas where it has been displaced by exotic plants, especially when combined with restoration strategies that reduce competition with exotic plants.
RESEARCH METHODS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHERS. Jo McDonough and Steven McDonough . London: Arnold, 1997. Pp. vii + 262. $19.95 paper.

Aimed at pre- and in-service ELT professionals, Research methods for English language teachers introduces basic premises of research in language learning and teaching. The authors approach qualitative and quantitative research from a reflective perspective, emphasizing techniques that guide and shape action research. The book presents an effective, reader-friendly survey of theoretical principles, data collection processes, and analytic procedures.
Active symbols and internal models: towards a cognitive connectionism

There can be little doubt that the connectionist revolution is under way. In the last five years, the class of techniques that fall under the collective heading of “connectionism” has become the single most credible competitor to three decades of research in artificial intelligence (AI). Originally a response to the failures of the “symbolic” paradigm to live up to the expectations of the 1960s and 1970s, connectionist networks have shown promise in areas such as object recognition, pattern completion, speech synthesis and verb conjugation. However, these achievements do not, in and of themselves, constitute revolutionary advances in Al. Their real importance lies not so much in the results, but rather in the means used to achieve them.
Analysis of the Bistable Piezoelectric Inertial Generator by the Harmonic Balance Method

This paper analytically predicts the existence, stability, and changes due to parameter variations on the different oscillations of a bistable piezoelectric generator. Existing work on this type of system has assumed linear piezoelectric behavior and linear damping and has been confined to numerical studies and experimental explorations. This paper improves upon the previous work by incorporating nonlinear dissipation and cubic softening influences in the electroelastic laminates prior to analytical analysis. This analysis provides a framework for theoretical prediction of a variety of empirical observations including potential well escape and optimum impedance loading.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Student Development Studies: A Review of Published Empirical Research, 1973-1987.

This study is a review of 27 published empirical research articles from 1973–1987 that discuss the implementation and evaluation of theory-based student development intervention programs. While findings show that some student development programs have a positive effect, the total amount of empirical research is meager.
Early recognition of acute cardiovascular beriberi by interpretation of hemodynamics

Acute fulminant cardiovascular beriberi is an acute thiamine deficiency, which, if not recognized and treated, can lead to high cardiac output failure and death. The symptoms of acute thiamine deficiency include severe lactacidemia, and the presence of a high cardiac output and extremely low oxygen consumption in a patient who is hemodynamically stable. In this case conference, we describe a patient who was diagnosed with acute cardiovascular beriberi.
Multidimensional Hidden Slow Variable Tracking in a Hierarchical Dynamical System

In this paper, we present a novel method for multidimensional damage identification based on a dynamical systems approach to damage evolution. This approach does not depend on the knowledge of particular damage physics, and is appropriate for systems where damage evolves on much slower time scale then the directly observable dynamics. In an experimental context, the phase space reconstruction and locally linear models are used to quantify small distortions occurring in a dynamical system’s phase space due to damage accumulation. These measurements are then related to the drifts in damage variables. A mathematical model of a harmonically driven cantilever beam in a force field of two battery-powered electromagnets is used to demonstrate validity of the method. It is explicitly demonstrated that an affine projection of the described damage metric accurately tracks the two competing damage processes. For practical damage identification purposes, the tracking data is analyzed using the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and optimal tracking (OT) methods. Both methods correctly identify the two dominant damage modes. However, the OT is more impervious to changes in fast-time dynamics and provides a significantly better signal-to-noise ratio. The OT-based damage observer is demonstrated to be within a linear transformation from the actual damage states.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Nondestructive Methods For Inspection Of Seams Of Single-Ply Roofing Membranes

Investigations were conducted regarding the use of the ultrasonic pulse echo and the infrared thermography nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods for detecting voids and delaminations in adhesive-bonded seams of single-ply roofing membranes. Previous studies had indicated that these defects could be detected using the two NDE methods. In the present study, voids incorporated in 1.2 m (48 in.) long seam test specimens were located by the pulse-echo method using a wheel transducer to scan along the length of the seam. These results indicated that the ultrasonic pulse echo method using a wheel transducer can be useful as a field technique for assisting in the quality assessment of seams. When using the infrared thermography method to evaluate the seam specimens, it was found that, unlike previous studies, only sections of some voids were detected and that other voids were not detected at all. It was suggested that collapse of the voids due to the applied pressure during seam formation might have provided insufficient surface temperature differential between the bonded areas of the seam and the void areas of the seams during transient heat flow. The results raised concerns that the infrared thermography method may not be practical for the general detection of voids of seams in service.
Embryonic lethality in Dear gene-deficient mice: new player in angiogenesis.

The dual endothelin-1/angiotensin II receptor (Dear) binds endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin II (ANG II) with equal affinities in the Dahl S/JRHS rat strain. To elucidate its physiological signif...
A Thermocouple Probe for High-Speed Temperature Measurement in the Ocean

A fast-response chromel‐constantan thermocouple sensor was constructed for use on the microstructure profiler Chameleon and used for 60 ocean profiles off the coast of Oregon. The stability of the thermocouple was compared to that of an FP07 microbead thermistor, and its frequency response was compared to a high-resolution microconductivity probe. Although noisier than the thermistor, the thermocouple was found to be stable, to resolve temperature gradients at least 10 times thinner than the thermistor, and to be sufficiently robust for routine oceanic use.
Why does information-based complexity use the real number model?

Abstract We explain why information-based complexity uses the real number model. Results in the real number model are essentially the same as in floating point arithmetic with fixed precision modulo two important assumptions, namely • we use only stable algorithms, • the approximation error is not too small, compared to the product of the condition number, the roundoff unit of floating point arithmetic, and the accumulation constant of a stable algorithm. We illustrate this by an example of solving nonlinear equations by bisection. We also indicate the possible tradeoffs between complexity and stability, and the need of using multiple or varying precision for ill-conditioned problems.
Requiring an amyloid-β1-42 biomarker for prodromal Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment does not lead to more efficient clinical trials

Abstract Background Low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid-β 1-42 concentration and high total-tau/Aβ 1-42 ratio have been recommended to support the diagnosis of prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD) in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and also to select patients for clinical trials (Shaw et al, Ann Neurol 2009;65:403–13; Dubois et al, Lancet Neurol 2007;6:734–46). Methods We tested this recommendation with clinical trials simulations using patients from the Alzheimer Disease Neuroimaging Initiative who fulfilled the following entry criteria: (1) aMCI, (2) aMCI with CSF Aβ 1-42 ≤192 mg/mL, (3) and aMCI with total-tau/Aβ 1-42 >0.39. For each criterion, we randomly resampled the database obtaining samples for 1000 trials for each trial scenario, planning for 1 or 2 year trials with samples from 50 to 400 patients per treatment or placebo group, with up to 40% dropouts, outcomes after using the AD assessment scale-cognitive subscale and clinical dementia rating scale with effect sizes ranging from 0.15 to 0.75, and calculated statistical power. Findings Approximately 70% to 74% of aMCI patients with CSF measures met biomarker criteria. The addition of the low Aβ 1-42 or high tau/Aβ 1-42 requirement resulted in minimal or no increase in the power of the trials compared with enrolling aMCI without requiring the biomarker criteria. Slightly larger mean differences between the placebo and treatment groups fulfilling biomarker criteria were offset by increased outcome variability within the groups. Interpretations Although patients with aMCI or patients with prodromal AD meeting CSF biomarkers criteria were slightly more cognitively impaired and showed greater decline than patients with aMCI diagnosed without considering the biomarkers, the requirement of biomarker-positive patients would most likely not result in more efficient clinical trials, and trials would take longer because fewer patients would be available. A CSF Aβ 1-42 marker, however, could be useful as an explanatory variable or covariate when warranted by the action of a drug.
Computer integration: a co-requirement for effective inter-organization computer network implementation

Inter-organization computer networks (IONS) provide significant opportunities for improving coordination between firms engaged in mutually dependent activities. This research paper focuses on how IONS affect information processing requirements, and production and transaction costs when they interconnect firms with internally integrated computer systems and when they are used only as substitutes for conventional media. We conclude that significant improvements in inter- organization coordination result when IONS support exchanges between internally integrated firms. However, while IONS reduce production costs, they can simultaneously increase transaction costs including those associated with penetration into another firm's computing resources, and segmentation in the marketplace.
Developing multicultural ethical guidelines for psychology

While psychologists have recognized the importance of cultural differences in many areas, multicultural ethical guidelines for psychology are still lacking. This article will review some of the controversial issues that cultural differences raise and discuss literature published on multicultural ethics. The existing American Psychological Association Ethical Principles will be reviewed with suggestions for specific changes to meet the needs of a multicultural society.
Data association for people tracking using multiple cameras

In this paper, we present a data association algorithm for people tracking in a 3D world using multiple cameras. Our approach expands an independent partitioned particle filter with a data association vector. For the association parameter, we propose a proposal function using likelihood functions based on color and distance. This proposed algorithm solves the data association problem without dramatically increasing the computational complexity even in the case of trajectories that cross.
Thermal conductivity of high polymers - The influence of molecular weight.

Radiation, molecular orientation, crystallinity and molecular weight influences on thermoconductivity of high polymers