cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mean molecular weight and hydrogen abundance of Titan's atmosphere

The 200-600/cm continuum opacity in the troposphere and lower stratosphere of Titan is inferred from thermal emission spectra from the Voyager 1 IR spectrometer (IRIS). The surface temperature and mean molecular weight are between 94 and 97 K and between 28.3 and 29.2 AMU, respectively. The mole fraction of molecular hydrogen is 0.002 + or - 0.001, which is equivalent to an abundance of approximately 0.2 + or - 0.1 km amagat.
Changes in the polarization ellipse of random electromagnetic beams propagating through the turbulent atmosphere

During the last few years, changes in the state of polarization of a class of random electromagnetic beams (so-called electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model beams), propagating in free space have been investigated. In the present paper, we extend the analysis to propagation of such beams in homogeneous, isotropic, non-absorbing atmospheric turbulence. We find that the effects of turbulence on the state of polarization are most significant when the atmospheric fluctuations are weak or moderate, whereas in a strong regime of atmospheric fluctuations the state of polarization of the beam returns to its original state. Our results might find possible useful applications for sensing, imaging and communication through the atmosphere.
A New Generalized Likelihood Ratio Formula

A new philosophy for designing detection devices, which embodies some of the better features of the classical generalized likelihood ratio test and the classical Bayes test, is presented. A feature of the new Bayes generalized likelihood ratio test is that it provides a unified procedure for utilizing parameter estimates in detector design. Its use depends on the existence of an asymptotically unbiased estimator for the unknown parameters. If such an estimator is easily implemented, then the new test should be particularly attractive.
Psychosocial correlates of HIV-monoinfection and HIV/HCV-coinfection among men who have sex with men

Rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) appear to be high and rising. In other demographic groups, HIV/HCV-coinfection is associated with poor physical and psychological outcomes. In this study, we examined health-related and psychosocial correlates of HIV/HCV-coinfection in a clinic sample of MSM. Cross-sectional data were collected from 171 MSM. One-third of the sample was coinfected. Higher rates of depressive and PTSD symptoms were observed in coinfected patients. Coinfected men were more likely to report perfect 30-day medication adherence, but exhibited lower CD4 cell counts and more past year emergency room visits. Despite consistent engagement with care and higher rates of medication adherence, HIV/HCV-coinfected MSM exhibited significantly more mental health problems. Medical and mental health providers should be especially attentive to the mental health status of HIV/HCV-coinfected MSM, despite adequate health behaviors and physical health status.
t-butylated hydroxytoluene enhances intracellular levels of glutathione and related enzymes of rat lens in vitro organ culture.

Abstract Studies were undertaken to investigate the effect of t-butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and related enzymes in rat ocular tissues. GSH levels were significantly enhanced when 1 μ m BHT was included in the medium of rat lens cultures. BHT had a dose-dependent effect on GSH levels of lenses in cultures. Inclusion of 10 μ m BHT in the culture medium resulted in a twofold increase in GSH levels of the lens within 24 hr. Increased γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase activity concomitant with the increased amount of [35S]methionine incorporation in GSH strongly suggested that BHT caused enhanced levels of GSH in lenses by increasing de novo biosynthesis. A significant increase was also observed in glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels of lenses in culture containing BHT in the medium. Present studies also demonstrated that rat lens expresses only the μ and π class GST isoenzymes and both these classes of isoenzymes were elevated by BHT. Oral administration of BHT to rats also resulted in enhanced in vivo levels of GSH in lens, retina and cornea. In addition, a significant in vivo increase in the levels of GST, GSH-peroxidase, GSH-reductase, γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was observed in the lens, retina, and cornea of BHT-fed rats.
Collapse arrestors for deepwater pipelines. Cross-over mechanisms

Using finite element models it is possible to determine the cross-over external pressure of different pipeline arrestor designs. In this paper these finite element models are discussed and validated by comparing their results with experimental determinations. The flipping and flattening cross-over mechanisms, that were previously described in the literature, are considered in the experimental validation of the numerical models.
Missing dose from mortality studies of radiation effects among workers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Missing dose is a problem that has not been adequately addressed in the mortality studies of radiation effects among workers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The missing dose is a result of recording a zero for below-detectable doses, especially for frequent (weekly) film badge readings. To make the thorough dosimetry assessment needed in the current Oak Ridge National Laboratory worker studies, it will probably be necessary to consider all data at hand including personnel dose records, daily pocket meter readings used to supplement weekly and quarterly readings from other dosimeters, and monitoring results from both building surveys and fixed stations. The fixed-station data should be extremely useful in developing a better understanding of the unusual temporal variation of the external radiation doses to Oak Ridge National Laboratory workers during the high exposure-rate periods of the 1950s and early 1960s. 13 refs., 2 figs.
Electrolyte effects in electron transfer reactions of 1,8-bis(2-pyridyl)-3,6-dithiaoctane copper(II) with ferrocene in acetonitrile. Specific rate enhancement by tetrafluoroborate ion

Abstract The kinetics of electron transfer between 1,8-bis(2-pyridyl)-3,6-dithiaoctane copper(II), Cu(pdto) 2+ , and ferrocene, FeCp 2 , in acetonitrile have been studied by stopped-flow spectrophotometry, as a function of ferrocene concentration and the concentration of added electrolytes, n-Bu 4 NPF 6 , n-Bu 4 NBF 4 and NaCF 3 CO 2 . The reactions exhibit different rate dependencies with the three salts. The second-order rate constant, k 2 =(2.1±0.2)x10 4 M −1 S −1 , measured in CH 3 CN at 25 °C with excess ferrocene between 1.2x10 −3 and 7.5x10 −3 M is unaffected by n-Bu 4 NPF 6 added up to 0.10 M. A lowered second-order rate constant, k 2 =(1.56±0.15)x10 3 M −1 S −1 is obtained with [NaCF 3 CO 2 ] between 0.01 and 0.10 M. Inner-sphere association of CF 3 CO 2 − with the Cu(II) center is proposed to explain the rate inhibition in trifluoroacetate solutions. Values of 15 and 0.25 M −1 S −1 have been estimated for the Cu(II)/Cu(I) self-exchange electron transfer rate constant in n-Bu 4 NPF 6 and NaCF 3 CO 2 media, using the Marcus cross relations. With added n-Bu 4 NBF 4 , the measured second order rate constant, k 2 , increases with [BF 4 − ] reaching 1.75x10 5 M −1 S −1 at 0.050 M salt concentration. The rate data in BF 4 − solutions is fitted to a rate law involving ion-pair formation between BF 4 − and Cu(pdto) 2+ , with the ion-paired species showing enhanced electron transfer reactivity. Spectral changes that accompany the addition of BF 4 − to Cu(pdto) 2+ solutions suggest that the association of BF 4 − facilitates electron transfer by modifying the energy of the electron acceptor orbital in the redox change.
An Unexpected Heat Engine

It's common knowledge that light can produce chemical and electronic changes (photography is based on those effects); however, many people consider light to have no mechanical effect. Some are familiar with the novelty of a radiometer that spins when placed in the light. Fewer are aware that a cymbal will vibrate audibly if hit by the light from a camera flash.1 It came to our attention that the bubble in an ultra-sensitive level would move toward a flashlight beamed at the level from one end. Our investigations of this phenomenon show that it is thermal in nature and the effect large enough to be demonstrated in a classroom. With the addition of a small heating wire, the bubble level can be converted into a small heat engine.
Recurrence patterns after first resection for stricturing or penetrating Crohn's disease.

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) usually recurs after resection, but the factors associated with this risk remain obscure. We set out to determine the role of stricturing (Montreal Classification B2) versus penetrating (Classification B3) disease behavior in predicting early (<3 years) versus late (≥3 years) postoperative recurrence. Methods: We identified a cohort of 34 patients seen at The Mount Sinai Hospital who had undergone a first ileocolic resection prior to December 31, 2004, who had been clinically thought to have had stricturing (B2) disease, and for whom we could verify 1) the operative and surgical pathology findings; and 2) the time of onset of symptoms attributable to recurrent CD by endoscopy, radiology, or surgery. Cases were reclassified as either “stricturing” (B2) or “penetrating” (B3) on the basis of operative and surgical pathology reports. Recurrences were classified as either “early” (<3 years) or “late” (≥3 years) depending on the first appearance of postoperative symptoms that were verified endoscopically and histologically, radiologically, or surgically as being attributable to anastomotic recurrence of the CD. Results: Among these 34 patients clinically thought to have had B2 disease, 12 had B2 disease confirmed upon review of surgical and pathology reports and none of them had recurrence within 3 years. Among the 22 patients reclassified as B3 disease, 12 (55%) had early recurrence. This difference was significant at the 0.002 level by the Fisher Exact Test. Conclusions: There is a strong proclivity for early postoperative recurrence of penetrating CD compared to stricturing disease, which may not be evident by behavioral classification on clinical grounds alone. Patients with confirmed uncomplicated stricturing obstruction at their first resection seem unlikely to experience a clinical recurrence within the next 3 years. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009)
Biological mechanisms underlying the clinical effects of RU 486: modulation of cultured endometrial stromal cell plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor expression.

The abortifacient and menstrual effects of the potent antiprogestin, RU 486, are associated with both endometrial hemorrhage and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Such processes reflect reduced perivascular decidual cell hemostatic and increased ECM-degrading protease activity. Therefore, we assessed the effects of RU 486 administration on the expression of immunoreactive (ir) endometrial stromal cell urokinase-type (uPA) and tissue-type (tPA) plasminogen activator and their activities as well as levels of ir type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) using a well characterized in vitro model of decidualization. Thus, confluent stromal cell cultures were exposed to vehicle control, 10(-8) mol/L estradiol (E2), 10(-7)-10(-8) mol/L medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), E2 plus MPA, or 10(-6)-10(-7) mol/L RU 486 alone or in combination with MPA or E2 plus MPA for 3-4 days. Compared to the vehicle control, E2 and RU 486 used alone had no effect on levels of ir PAI-1, uPA, or tPA or on PA activity in th...
Maternal Mental Health, Substance Use, and Domestic Violence in the Year After Delivery and Subsequent Behavior Problems in Children at Age 3 Years

CONTEXT: Mental health disorders, substance use, and domestic violence often occur together. However, studies examining the impact of these conditions in mothers on the well-being of their children have focused only on isolated conditions. OBJECTIVE: To examine the cumulative effect of maternal mental health disorders, substance use, and domestic violence on the risk of behavior problems in young children. DESIGN: A birth cohort (1998-2000) followed up to age 3 years. SETTING: Eighteen large US cities. PARTICIPANTS: At 3 years, 2756 (65%) were followed up from the population-based birth cohort of 4242. Thirty-six percent had annual incomes below the poverty threshold. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: One year after delivery, mothers were asked questions about conditions in 3 categories: (1) mental health (major depressive episode and generalized anxiety disorder), (2) substance use (smoking, binge drinking, and illicit drug use), and (3) domestic violence (emotional and physical). At 3 years, mothers completed questions from the Child Behavior Checklist. RESULTS: Fifty percent of mothers had a condition in at least 1 of the 3 categories. The prevalence of child behavior problems increased with the number of categories (0, 1, 2, or 3) in which the mother reported a condition: respectively, 7%, 12%, 17%, and 19% for aggression (P<.001); 9%, 14%, 16%, and 27% for anxious/depressed (P<.001); and 7%, 12%, 15%, and 19% for inattention/hyperactivity (P<.001). This graded risk persisted after adjustment for sociodemographic and prenatal factors and for paternal mental health and substance use. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of child behavior problems increased with the number of areas-mental health, substance use, or domestic violence-in which the mother reported difficulties. Preventing behavior problems in young children requires family-oriented strategies that address the needs of both parents and their children.
The Clinical Management of Acetaminophen Poisoning in a Community Hospital System: Factors Associated with Hospital Length of Stay

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the most common pharmaceutical poisoning. The objective of this study was to examine the management of patients admitted for treatment of APAP overdose. Factors impacting hospital length of stay (LOS) were of particular interest. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals for APAP overdose from July 2003 through December 2007. Medical records were abstracted for patient demographic data, key factors of overdose, California Poison Control System (CPCS) contact, data regarding hospital course, transfer for liver transplantation, and death. Four hundred thirty-five patients were included. The mean hospital LOS was 66.5 h (95% CI 62.1, 71.0). Four patients (0.9%) died. Eight patients (1.8%) were transferred for liver transplantation, but all of these patients later recovered without transplant. Of 289 cases eligible for placement on the Rumack–Matthew nomogram (acute ingestion with known time of ingestion <24 h and normal liver enzymes), 161 (55.7%) had APAP levels above the “200” line and 77 (26.6%) fell below the “150” line. CPCS was contacted in 295 cases (67.8%). Mean LOS in cases with CPCS consultation was 61.9 h (95% CI 57.2, 66.5 h) versus 76.3 h (95% CI 66.6, 86.0 h) in those without. LOS in cases treated with IV NAC was 67.1 h (95% CI 57.7, 76.5 h) versus 66.4 h (95% CI 61.2, 71.5 h) in cases treated with oral NAC. Many patients admitted for APAP overdose had serum APAP levels below the minimum toxicity level. Use of IV NAC did not impact hospital LOS. CPCS consultation appeared to decrease mean hospital LOS.
Using scaffolded examples to teach computational thinking concepts

In this paper we describe a set of computing activities that were used in an outreach enrichment program for middle school girls. The computing activities used a combination of scaffolded exam-ples and minimalist workbooks to introduce and support interaction with computational thinking (CT) concepts, including problem solving, abstraction and basic computational vocabulary. We describe the activities briefly, followed by a discussion of the girls' experiences, drawing primarily from interviews conducted at the end of each activity.
Conversational Topic as a Function of Role and Gender

The frequency of same-sex conversational topics was ascertained by self-reports from 110 men and 166 women. Respondents were asked how often they discussed each of 22 topics with same-sex friends, co-workers, siblings, parents, and children. The most frequent topic in each role was the same for both sexes: the other sex was discussed most often with friends, work with co-workers, and family with siblings, parents, and children. Beyond that, however, there were substantial sex and role differences in popularity of topics.
Does Incarceration Change the Criminal Identity? A Synthesis of Labeling and Identity Theory Perspectives on Identity Change:

This study uses an identity theory framework to fill in gaps left by labeling theory in the explanation of criminal behavior resulting from one's identity. The authors examine the reciprocal relationship between the views of significant others, peers, and guards at the jail, and self-views for changes in the criminal identity, the drug user identity, and the worker identity using an incarcerated population. The findings suggest that identity theory provides a more detailed explanation of the processes by which the views of others can influence criminal behavior than labeling theory does. Identity theory allows for the explanation of different behavioral outcomes in response to the same label, which labeling theory does not provide.
Activation of Intrinsic Afferent Pathways in Submucosal Ganglia of the Guinea Pig Small Intestine

The enteric nervous system contains intrinsic primary afferent neurons that allow mucosal stimulation to initiate reflexes without CNS input. We tested the hypothesis that submucosal primary afferent neurons are activated by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) released from the stimulated mucosa. Fast and/or slow EPSPs were recorded in submucosal neurons after the delivery of exogenous 5-HT, WAY100325 (a 5-HT(1P) agonist), mechanical, or electrical stimuli to the mucosa of myenteric plexus-free preparations (+/- extrinsic denervation). These events were responses of second-order cells to transmitters released by excited primary afferent neurons. After all stimuli, fast and slow EPSPs were abolished by a 5-HT(1P) antagonist, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptophyl-5-hydroxytryptophan amide, and by 1.0 microM tropisetron, but not by 5-HT(4)-selective antagonists (SB204070 and GR113808A) or 5-HT(3)-selective antagonists (ondansetron and 0.3 microM tropisetron). Fast EPSPs in second-order neurons were blocked by hexamethonium, and most slow EPSPs were blocked by an antagonist of human calcitonin gene-related peptide (hCGRP(8-37)). hCGRP(8-37) also inhibited the spread of excitation in the submucosal plexus, assessed by measuring the uptake of FM2-10 and induction of c-fos. In summary, data are consistent with the hypothesis that 5-HT from enterochromaffin cells in response to mucosal stimuli initiates reflexes by stimulating 5-HT(1P) receptors on submucosal primary afferent neurons. Second-order neurons respond to these cholinergic/CGRP-containing cells with nicotinic fast EPSPs and/or CGRP-mediated slow EPSPs. Slow EPSPs are necessary for excitation to spread within the submucosal plexus. Because some second-order neurons contain also CGRP, primary afferent neurons may be multifunctional and also serve as interneurons.
Design and analysis of buck converter with pulse-skipping modulation

In this paper, operation and analysis of synchronous buck converter with pulse-skipping mode are discussed. The pulse-skipping mode is generally employed in switch mode power supplies to improve efficiency at light load condition. The improvement in efficiency is determined by the periods of skipping and active operations, which depend on output filters of the converter. The impact of the output inductance and capacitance on active interval and conversion efficiency is presented.
Strategies and Tactics of Planned Organizational Change: Case Examples in the Modernization Process of Traditional Societies

Traditional societies are caught in a situation that demands wholesale changes in their organizational structures and social dynamics in order to deal with the new complex technological, economic, and political relationships. This being the case, little social science knowledge and technology is available to initiate and manage organizational change in a constructive fashion. Nevertheless, organizational change is an inevitable and universal phenomenon, a characteristic of every human situation. On the other hand, change rarely occurs in a smooth and balanced fashion. Resistance is commonplace with pain and social disorganization generally characterizing the social processes.
Nuclear Gene Variation and Molecular Dating of the Cichlid Species Flock of Lake Malawi

The cichlid fishes of Lake Malawi are famously diverse. However, evolutionary studies have been difficult because of their recent and uncertain phylogenetic history. Portions of 12 nuclear loci were sequenced in nine rock-dwelling species (mbuna) and three representatives of pelagic nonmbuna species. In contrast to the pattern of variation at mitochondrial genes, which do provide phylogenetic resolution at the level of mbuna versus nonmbuna, and among some genera, the nuclear loci were virtually devoid of phylogenetic signal. Only a small minority of variable positions were phylogenetically informative, and no phylogenetic branches are supported by more than one site. From the nuclear gene perspective the Malawian radiation appears to be a star phylogeny, as if the founding of the lake was accompanied by a partial bottleneck. The pattern is different from that found in Lake Victoria, in which nuclear loci share large amounts of ancestral variation. In the case of nuclear genes of Lake Malawi, the absence of phylogenetically informative variation suggests a relative absence of ancestral variation. Nuclear genes also differed from the mitochondria in having nearly twice the amount of divergence from Oreochromis (tilapia). An approximate splitting time between mbuna and nonmbuna lineages was estimated as 0.7 Myr. Oreochromis is estimated to have diverged from the cichlids in Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika about 18 MYA.
Individual Differences in Early Adolescents' Beliefs in the Legitimacy of Parental Authority

Adolescents differ in the extent to which they believe that parents have legitimate authority to impose rules restricting adolescents’ behavior. The purpose of the current study was to test predictors of individual differences in legitimacy beliefs during the middle school years. Annually, during the summers following Grades 5, 6, and 7, early adolescents (n 218; 51% female, 47% African American, 73% in 2-parent homes) reported their beliefs regarding the legitimacy of parents’ rules that restrict and monitor adolescents’ free time activities. Cross-lagged analyses revealed that legitimacy beliefs were bidirectionally associated with independent decision making, psychological control, antisocial peer involvement, and resistance to control. Legitimacy beliefs declined more rapidly during the middle school years for boys than for girls and for adolescents who were older relative to their classmates. More independent decision making in Grades 5 and 6 predicted larger than expected declines in legitimacy beliefs in Grades 6 and 7. In sum, legitimacy beliefs weaken developmentally, and weaker legitimacy beliefs relative to same-grade peers are anteceded by premature autonomous experiences, psychological control, and adolescent attributes.
Cytomegalovirus vaccine strategies

Background: Many patients are at high risk for serious disease caused by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). These include solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients, individuals with HIV infection, and newborn infants, who typically acquire the infection in utero, most commonly via transplacental transmission. Objective: The objective of this review is to provide consideration and overview of the approaches that have been explored to date in design and development of HCMV vaccines. Methods: The literature as well as the United States Patent Office database were reviewed. Conclusion: Considerable effort has been made to develop vaccines at the preclinical level but more effort is required to move these into clinical testing. There is merit in exploring novel technologies and applying these to the design of new vaccine strategies for this significant public health problem.
A NEW MYXOZOAN FROM FERAL GOLDFISH (CARASSIUS AURATUS)

In February 2004, a mass die-off of common goldfish Carassius auratus L., presumptively caused by bacterial coldwater disease (Flavobacterium psychrophilum), occurred at Fern Ridge Reservoir, Oregon. A range of size classes was affected, but all mature fish were female and all fish were infected with a single myxozoan, Chloromyxum auratum n. sp. No histological changes were observed associated with the parasite. Infection was represented by mictosporic plasmodia and free-floating spores in the gall bladder. Parasite spores were nearly spherical, 13.6 μm long × 12.6 μm wide × 13.1 μm thick, and possessed 4 equal-sized polar capsules. Spores had a coglike appearance in apical view because of distinct ridges 2.1 μm high protruding from the valve cells. There were 6–9 extrasutural ridges per valve (15–20 ridges per spore), aligned along the longitudinal axis, with some branching, and convergence at both poles. Morphologically, spores identified most closely with Chloromyxum cristatum Leger, 1906; however, 18S...
Risk Factors for Agricultural Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The objective of this study was to identify significant risk factors for agricultural injury based on the literature. The authors conducted a systematic review of commonly reported risk factors. Studies that reported adjusted odds ratio (OR) or relative risk (RR) estimates for the selected risk factors were identified from PubMed and Google Scholar. Pooled risk factor estimates were calculated using meta-analysis. A total of 441 (PubMed) and 285 (Google Scholar) studies were found in the initial searches; of these, 132 and 78 studies, respectively, met the selection criteria for injury outcomes, and 32 of these reported adjusted OR or RR estimates. One study was excluded because it did not meet the set Newcastle-Ottawa Scale quality criteria. Finally, 31 studies were used for meta-analysis. The pooled ORs for the risk factors were as follows: male gender (vs. female) 1.68, full-time farmer (vs. part-time) 2.17, owner/operator (vs. family member or hired worker) 1.64, regular medication use (vs. no regular medication use) 1.57, prior injury (vs. no prior injury) 1.75, health problems (vs. no health problems) 1.21, stress or depression (vs. no stress or depression) 1.86, and hearing loss (vs. no hearing loss) 2.01. All selected factors except health problems significantly increased the risk of injury, and they should be (a) considered when selecting high-risk populations for interventions, and (b) considered as potential confounders in intervention studies.
Delayed feedback tracking controller for single-input single-output nonlinear systems

Difficulties one faces in designing a satisfactory controller for systems involving stiff nonlinearities are well known. Stictions, Coulomb frictions and backlashes are but a few such examples. Unfortunately, there are few mechanical systems without such nonlinearities. The problem becomes even more complex if some of the state variables are not directly measurable, a situation which occurs not infrequently in practical systems. Unlike in linear systems where the missing state variables may be reconstructed [1], no corresponding methods are available for nonlinear systems. In fact, no general methods are currently available for analyzing and synthesizing controllers for nonlinear systems. At present, the describing function method is perhaps the best tool available for investigating stiff nonlinear systems [2]. A stable system is designed by adjusting the system gain or inserting a simple lead-lag compensation network. The parameter values are determined by graphically examining the Nyquist curve and the describing function. The process becomes very difficult, if not impossible, to apply when the order of the system is high and only the measurable variables are to be used in the feedback. When the reference input is a constant and only the output is available for feedback, the delayed feedback controller was given in [3]. In this paper, preliminary results are presented for the case when the reference input is a polynomial function and a multi-dimensional observable vector is available for feedback. It is based on augmenting the system by additional state variables and then feeding back delayed observable vectors as well as the augmented state variables.
Experiments and analysis of the role of solar power in limiting Mars rover range

A common explanation for the limited distance traveled by NASA's past and planned Mars rovers is the limits of solar power. This paper explores this hypothesis and documents a series of experiments with a solar powered rover. A detailed comparison between our rover and Sojourner, with regards to power usage, is presented. Experiments and analysis clearly show that other factors dominate in limiting the range of NASA's solar powered robots when operating on Mars.
A Simple Silver Solution for Staining Reticulin

A method for staining reticulin in formalin fixed, paraffin embedded sections is described. The steps include oxidation in permangauate, impregnation in a silver solution, reduction in formalin and toning in gold. The permanganate is acidified, enhancing its oxidizing potency and decreasing the stainiig of background elements. The silver solution is prepared volumetrically by mixing solutions of defined concentrations of ammonium nitnte, sodium hydroxide and silver nitrate, instead of the drop by drop titration with ammonium hydroxide usually required. In consequence, the silver solution and the staining procedure as a whole are readily reproducible. The contrast between the deeply stained reticulin and the lightly stained background is marked, and permits an assessment of the distribution of reticulin under low magnification.
Troponin I alterations detected by multiple-reaction monitoring: how might this impact the study of heart failure?

Cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure (HF) represent the leading cause of death and morbidity in the western world. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a key regulator of contraction and relaxatio...
On a new surfactant-driven fingering phenomenon in a Hele-Shaw cell

According to the Saffman–Taylor criterion there is no instability when a more viscous fluid is displacing a less viscous one in a Hele-Shaw cell. Yet an instability was observed experimentally (Chan et al. 1997) in the same classical set-up but with the inner walls of the cell coated with surfactant solution. Linear stability analysis is applied to reveal the basic mechanism of this new instability. Asymptotic theory for low capillary numbers allows us to predict the long-wave instability, along with the dependence of the critical parameters on the material properties of the surfactant.
Survivals and predictive factors of atypical unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (MHCC) treated with doxorubicin drug eluting beads transcatheter chemoembolization (DEB TACE)

Purpose To investigate the survivals of patients (pts) with atypical HCC treated with DEB TACE. Materials and Methods Pretreatment contrast enhanced dynamic abdominal MR or CT studies of 366 consecutive pts treated with DEB TACE over last 82 months were reviewed. HCCs which did not show conventional features were separated and assigned as atypical HCCs by imaging criteria. Morphological imaging features were analyzed and correlated with median overall survival (OS) from 1st DEB TACE. HCCs with heterogeneity, ill-defined extents with invasion of peri or intra-tumoral portal or hepatic veins (PVT) were diagnosed as infiltrative HCC. HCC imaging characteristics were accounted in multivariate analysis. Kaplan Meier estimator by log rank test and Cox Proportional Hazard model were used for survival analysis. Results 71 pts (mean 60.2 years, SD 10.4) had atypical appearance of HCC. The Table shows median OS according to the appearance of HCC HCC containing fat or fibrous scar had highest median OS. 53.5% of pts had PVT with median OS of 4.5 m vs 34 m in pts without PVT (p Conclusion HCC containing fat or fibrous scar had highest median OS. Infiltrative HCC had poorest survival among others. Pts with Child-Pugh class A, Okuda stage I and without PVT or infiltrative HCC benefited most from DEB TACE treatment.
Public Opinion and the Democratic Peace

One of the most striking findings in political science is the democratic peace: the absence of war between democracies. Some authors attempt to explain this phenomenon by highlighting the role of public opinion. They observe that democratic leaders are beholden to voters and argue that voters oppose war because of its human and financial costs. This logic predicts that democracies should behave peacefully in general, but history shows that democracies avoid war primarily in their relations with other democracies. In this article we investigate not whether democratic publics are averse to war in general, but whether they are especially reluctant to fight other democracies. We embedded experiments in public opinion polls in the United States and the United Kingdom and found that individuals are substantially less supportive of military strikes against democracies than against otherwise identical autocracies. Moreover, our experiments suggest that shared democracy pacifies the public primarily by changing perceptions of threat and morality, not by raising expectations of costs or failure. These findings shed light on a debate of enduring importance to scholars and policy makers.
Pulse pressure is associated with walking impairment in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) have reduced gait performance and this is associated with disability and disease progression. The current study sought to test the hypothesis that higher central (aortic and carotid) and peripheral (brachial) pulse pressure (PP), manifestations of ventricular–vascular uncoupling related to increased arterial stiffness and pressure from wave reflections, would be associated with reduced gait performance in persons with MS. Participants consisted of 33 individuals with MS and 33 age/sex matched controls. Central blood pressure (BP) was assessed via applanation tonometry. Brachial BP was measured using an automated oscillometric cuff. PP was defined as systolic BP – diastolic BP. Gait performance was measured as 6-minute walk (6MW) distance. Within the sample with MS, the 6MW distance was significantly associated with brachial ( r =−.49, p r =−.52, p r =−.57, p 0.05 for all). In conclusion, PP is a predictor of gait performance in persons with MS. These findings suggest that vascular senescence and altered ventricular–vascular coupling may contribute, in part, to the deterioration of physical function in persons with MS.
Physiological effects of enteral and parenteral feeding on pancreaticobiliary secretion in humans

In the nutritional management of digestive disorders, it is important to know the relative secretory and metabolic responses to enteral and parenteral feeding. Twenty-seven healthy volunteers were ...
Mechanisms of the Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Vitamin D

Calcitriol, the hormonally active form of vitamin D, is being evaluated in clinical trials as an anti-cancer agent. Calcitriol exerts multiple anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and pro-differentiating actions on various malignant cells and retards tumor growth in animal models of cancer. Calcitriol also exhibits several anti-inflammatory effects including suppression of prostaglandin (PG) action, inhibition of p38 stress kinase signaling, and the subsequent production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibition of NF-κB signaling. Calcitriol also decreases the expression of aromatase, the enzyme that catalyzes estrogen synthesis in breast cancer, both by a direct transcriptional repression and indirectly by reducing PGs, which are major stimulators of aromatase transcription. Other important effects include the suppression of tumor angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. These calcitriol actions provide a basis for its potential use in cancer therapy and chemoprevention. We summarize the status of trials involving calcitriol and its analogs, used alone or in combination with known anti-cancer agents.
Viscous reduction of turbulent damage in animal cell culture

Animal cells are exposed to turbulent fluid flow in many cell culture processes. If the turbulence in the flow is sufficiently strong, the cells will be damaged or killed by fluid-mechanical forces. Through an increase in viscosity, the turbulence can be damped and the hydro-dynamic damage can be reduced. In this article, new experimental results are presented which illustrate the protective effect of thickening agents. The results follow the prediction of a model based on Kolmogorov's theory of universal equilibrium in turbulent flow fields.
Spanish vocabulary-bridging technology-enhanced instruction for young English language learners’ word learning

This study examined preschool and kindergarten English language learners (ELLs) attending a migrant summer programme and their vocabulary word learning during both adult-read and technology-enhanced repeated readings. In a within-subject design, 24 ELLs (four to six years old) engaged in repeated readings in a control and a treatment condition. In the control condition, small groups of children listened to an adult-read storybook, reading in English with incidental vocabulary exposure. In the treatment condition, a technology-enhanced English shared reading with Spanish-bridging vocabulary instruction (TESB) was provided with adult mediation in an electronic book (e-book). TESB consisted of multiple vocabulary strategies including a preview of target vocabulary words and audio-recorded Spanish vocabulary definitions embedded throughout the e-book. Research suggests that even brief vocabulary interventions increase word learning (NICHHD, 2000), and accordingly, results have revealed that children make gain...
Response of Zizia aurea to Seasonal Mowing and Fire in a Restored Prairie

Abstract Zizia aurea (L.) Koch (Apiaceae) planted in a tallgrass restoration near Viola, Wisconsin, declined in numbers in randomly assigned plots left unburned or burned in May (41 to 9 and 63 to 30 individuals, respectively), but tripled in numbers in plots burned in August (72 to 209). Fire intensity varied widely, with a nine-fold range in May (86-782 kW/m) and a 49-fold range in August (58-2831 kW/m). In the August burn treatment, Z. aurea was most common in plots experiencing intense fires that cleared most or all ground litter. These same plots harbored 95% of the Z. aurea that flowered in 1996. A separate mowing experiment removed grass canopies to 10 cm, while leaving litter intact. Zizia aurea numbers did not change in plots mowed in May (76 to 77 individuals), but doubled in plots mowed in August (66 to 121). Zizia aurea is strongly favored by fire that simulates the timing of summer lightning fires thought to be common throughout grasslands and savannas of central North America before European...
TASER® Exposure and Cognitive Impairment

Research Summary This study reports findings from a randomized controlled trial that examined the effects of the TASER® (a conducted energy weapon sold by TASER International, Scottsdale, Arizona) on several dimensions of cognitive functioning. The research demonstrated that in a sample of healthy human volunteer participants, TASER exposure led to significant and substantial reductions in (a) short-term auditory recall and (b) abilities to assimilate new information through auditory processes. The effects lasted up to 1 hour for most subjects, almost all of whom returned to baseline 60 minutes postexposure. Policy Implications The study applies the findings of reduced cognitive functioning among healthy participants in a laboratory setting to criminal suspects in field settings and questions the abilities of “average” suspects to waive their Miranda rights knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily within 60 minutes of a TASER exposure. The study poses the question: What would it cost police to wait 60 minutes after a TASER deployment before engaging suspects in custodial interrogations?
low-voltage vertical-cavity transmission modulator for 1.32 µm

Transmission modulators are under development for free-space bidirectional communications links for applications such as process/sensor monitoring in re- mote/hostile environments, satellite communications, etc. Such systems will utilize transmission modulators in conjunction with comer-cube retroreflectors (rather than just reflection modulators) to accurately return the incident probe beam to its source location. Typically, low power consumption (e.g., from a 5 V battery supply) is required for these applications, but extremely low insertion loss and high contrast ratio are not necessary.
Technology Strategies for Companies Operating in Global Markets

The strategic deployment of technological resources on a global basis has increasingly become a critical determinant of success in many industries. This paper first describes four types of global s...
Electron Spin Resonance Investigation of the Thiyl Free Radical Metabolites of Cysteine, Glutathione, and Drugs

Most biochemicals, as opposed to aromatic drugs and industrial chemicals, are not easily metabolized through free radical intermediates. Cysteine and glutathione (GSH) are among the rather rare exceptions to this rule. The sulfhydryl group of L-cysteine plays many important roles in both the structure and function of proteins. These roles are modulated by the oxidation of L-cysteine. The ease of L-cysteine oxidation is also responsible for the radioprotection of intracellular GSH,1 the bactericidal effect of cysteine,2 and the general toxicity of cysteine. For this reason, N-acetylcysteine, and not cysteine, is used to treat the cases of acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose.3 The oxidation of thiol compounds, including Lcysteine, by ionizing radiation has been studied for a number of years. Sulhydryl compounds have been used to try to prevent radiation damage to normal tissue during radiation therapy. In fact, the high concentration of GSH in tissues provides significant radiation protection naturally. Among the stable products of oxidation of L-cysteine are L-cystine, L-cysteine sulfinic acid and L-cysteine sulfonic acid. These diamagnetic products of oxidation by metal ions or irradiation form via free radical intermediates, with the L-cysteine thiyl radical either dimerizing to form L-cystine, $$RSH\xrightarrow{-{{H}^{\centerdot }}}R{{S}^{\centerdot }}\to 1/2RSSR$$ or reacting with molecular oxygen or hydrogen peroxide to form the oxygen-containing products.
Noninvasive cardiac output estimation by inert gas rebreathing in pediatric and congenital heart disease

Background Inert gas rebreathing (IGR) techniques provide rapid, reliable estimates of cardiac output in adults with structurally normal hearts. Data on IGR reliability in pediatric and congenital heart disease populations are lacking. Our objective was to validate pulmonary blood flow (Qp) measurement by IGR compared with clinical reference tests, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), and indirect Fick. Methods Pulmonary blood flow was measured by IGR and CMR or indirect Fick in 80 patients grouped by presence and type of shunt lesion. Inert gas rebreathing precision was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis, repeatability coefficient, intraclass correlation, and coefficient of error. Agreement with the reference tests was assessed with Bland-Altman plots. For comparison, agreement between the 2 reference tests, CMR and indirect Fick, was assessed in 34 contemporary patients. Results Subjects were aged 7-78 years and had a wide range of cardiac diagnoses. Inert gas rebreathing Qp showed good repeatability (95% limits of agreement for 2 trials = ±22%, repeatability coefficient = 1.2 L/min, intraclass correlation = 0.92, and coefficient of error = 5%). In the absence of left-to-right shunting (n = 67), IGR Qp estimates agreed with CMR and indirect Fick Qp estimates, and the reference tests agreed with each other, with mean bias ≤10% (≤0.5 L/min) and 95% limits of agreement ±33%-38%. Conversely, IGR was unreliable in patients with left-to-right shunt (n = 14), with large bias (−58%, −4.0 L/min) and wide limits of agreement (±76%). Conclusions Inert gas rebreathing reliably estimates Qp in children and adults with congenital heart disease in the absence of left-to-right shunting, with agreement comparable to that seen between CMR and indirect Fick estimates.
Superstorm Sandy: How the New York University Psychiatry Residency Training Program Weathered the Storm.

Objective The teaching hospitals of the New York University psychiatry residency program were evacuated and then closed for a minimum of 3 months in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Faculty and residents were deployed to alternate clinical sites. The authors examine the consequences of Superstorm Sandy and its implications for the New York University psychiatry residency training program.
Virtual Walls

Virtual machines are a technology that was invented in one era, overlooked in a second, and rediscovered in a third.
Technology, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and the Insurance Industry: The Future Has Arrived (Really this Time)

Over twenty years ago, the author of this paper evaluated emerging technologies and predicted how they might impact alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”). Four years later, after the emergence of the internet, he updated his predictions to gauge the impact of this new medium. Now Chairman of the Board of Arbitration Resolution Services, Inc. – the world's first completely cloud-based ADR provider – he measures what really happened and predicts the future of emerging technologies on ADR in general and on insurance industry ADR in particular. • The past: how accurate were prior predictions about email, imaging, electronic fund transfers, computerization, and the “new” fax technologies? What other unforeseen technologies – like the web, digital audio recording, Wi-Fi, mobile apps, and videoconferencing – came upon the scene and impacted the ADR world?• The present: how is technology being used to improve the delivery of ADR services today in the insurance industry? What is the impact on the arbitration and mediation processes? • The Future: Where will we be five years from now? Will cloud-based arbitrations and mediations overtake “brick and mortar” case filings? Will the in-person hearing become a thing of the past? What new technologies will emerge and how will they impact ADR?
Optimal Design of an Electrothermal Microfluidic Pump

AC electrokinetics in microfluidic systems has been extensively investigated for its great potential in microfluidic pumping applications. The oscillating flow pattern in a microchannel with planar floor configuration restricts the pumping capacity due to the fast recirculating vortices over the electrode surface positioned in the microchannel floor. Patterned microgrooved floor in a fluidic microchannel can be employed to modify the flow pattern and make it uniaxial thus increase the net flow rate. Silicon KOH wet etching can be utilized to fabricate the microgrooved floor of the channel for its highly smooth surface quality and precise and reproducible configuration. We have developed an optimization methodology for the design of microgrooved configuration for a microfluidic pump using alternating current electrothermal (AC ET) actuation mechanism. The flow rate for the AC ET pumping system with optimized microgrooved floor can be higher as compared to the planar case without any significant increases of the temperature profile. In this paper, we are presenting the results of an optimum microgrooved floor configuration for an effective pumping application.© 2009 ASME
A conidiobolus-like fungus destroying nematodes in Iowa.

(1968). A Conidiobolus-Like Fungus Destroying Nematodes in Iowa. Mycologia: Vol. 60, No. 2, pp. 440-443.