cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introduction to Control Theory

A brief introduction to control theory for linear time-invariant systems is presented in this chapter. The basic concepts and results in classical and modern control theory are introduced here, which will help understand the design and implementation of the AMB rotor levitation and surge controllers in the later chapters. The material presented in this chapter are based on some of the most popular textbooks used in systems and control courses, from well-known authors such as C.T. Chen, G.F. Franklin, T. Kailath, K. Ogata, and K. Zhou, among many others. Here we attempt to summarize and present a small part of the materials found in these textbooks that we considered to be relevant for describing the design and implementation of AMB control systems. Furthermore, at the end of each section we direct the reader to the appropriate literature for a more in-depth discussion of the different topics.
On the Relation between Insider Trading and Going Concern Opinions

SUMMARY Recent research suggests that insiders of distressed firms, fearing legal jeopardy, pressure auditors not to issue going concern opinions (GCOs) for periods in which they undertake abnormal...
Calculation of the Atomic Oxygen Fluence on the Van Allen Probes

The Van Allen Probes Mission consists of two identical spacecraft flying in highly elliptical orbits, with perigee altitudes originally near 600 km. During the low altitude periods of the orbits, t...
Predicting and Communicating Geriatric Trauma Outcomes

To provide an overview of the most recent research in geriatric trauma outcomes, specifically highlighting advances in risk prediction for the elderly injured patient. Geriatric-specific evidence and best practices continue to evolve for older adult trauma patients. There are a number of risk stratification systems that offer insights into prognosis for elderly patients, and newer models using machine learning methods show promise in this population as well. These non-linear models can provide useful prognostic information to guide communication with patients and families, including the incorporation of palliative care interventions and geriatric-specific pathways that have been shown to be of benefit to this patient population. Key aspects of care for geriatric trauma patients include knowing the best clinical practices for this population, along with up-to-date research on risk prediction in this group. While there has been some success with the use of risk stratification systems to guide implementation of palliative care interventions, further implementation-based research is needed on specific programs in order to make this more widespread.
How Racial Threat Motivates Partisan Differences in Anti-Democratic Attitudes

A great deal of concern has been raised recently about anti-democratic support among the American public. Across two surveys on large samples of Americans, I find that Republicans are, in orders of magnitude, more supportive of anti-democratic norms and practices, such as violence against political opposition, than Democrats and Independents. Second, I find that racial threat primarily motivates these attitudes only among Republicans. Lastly, taking a parsimonious approach to threat, I find that these anti-democratic sentiments among Republicans are temporally driven. Future senses of minority threat are the only predictors of their anti-democratic attitudes. Overall, I confirm that a main current which underpins partisan politics is the changing demographic landscape of the United States.
The Effect of Child Health Insurance Access on Schooling: Evidence from Public Insurance Expansions

Public health insurance programs comprise a large share of federal and state government expenditures. Although a sizable literature analyzes the effects of these programs on health care utilization and health outcomes, little prior work has examined the long-term effects and resultant health improvements on important outcomes, such as educational attainment. We contribute to filling this gap in the literature by examining the effects of the public insurance expansions among children in the 1980s and 1990s on their future educational attainment. Our findings indicate that expanding health insurance coverage for low-income children increases the rate of high school completion and college completion. These estimates are robust to only using federal Medicaid expansions, and mostly are due to expansions that occur when the children are older (i.e., not newborns). We present suggestive evidence that better health is one of the mechanisms driving our results by showing that Medicaid eligibility when young translates into better teen health. Overall, our results indicate that the long-run benefits of public health insurance are substantial.Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.
Surgeon Postures during Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction Procedures: A Pilot Study:

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is a surgical procedure using tissue harvested from the abdominal area to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy. Primary surgical phases include ...
Lithium-ion battery physics and statistics-based state of health model

Abstract A pseudo-2d model using COMSOL Multiphysics® software simulates performance degradation of Li-ion batteries when subjected to peak shaving grid service. Multiple degradation pathways are considered, including solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and breakdown, cathode dissolution and its effect on SEI formation. The model is validated by simulating commercial cell performance. We develop a global model simulating performance across all chemistries, along with a model treating chemistries individually. There is good agreement between these two models for various optimization parameters such as SEI equilibrium potential, cathode dissolution exchange current density, solvent diffusivity in the SEI and SEI ionic conductivity. To circumvent time constraints related to the COMSOL model, a 0d global model is developed, which fits data well. Good agreement for various optimization parameters is obtained among the COMSOL global & individual chemistry models and the 0-d model. A top-down, statistics-based model using current, voltage, and anode expansion rate as degradation predictors is developed using insights from the physics-based model. This model predicts degradation for multiple grid services and electric vehicle drive cycles with high accuracy and provides the pathway to develop an efficient battery management system combining machine learning and findings from computationally intensive physics-based algorithms.
The optimal quantity of money: A reconciliation

Abstract Despite the apparent disagreement of Samuelson's (1958) overlapping generations model and Townsend's (1980) turnpike model on the optimal quantity of money, in both: (i) those endowed at the start with goods prefer a constant money stock, and (ii) those endowed at the start with fiat money prefer deflation.
Corticosteroid Aerosols in the Treatment of Asthma

Since the 1950s, corticosteroid aerosols have proved useful in the treatment of asthma. Although their precise mechanism of action is not known, these topical agents have beneficial antiinflammatory and decongestive effects on the bronchial tree in both the allergic and nonallergic forms of this disease. Four of the newer aerosolized steroids--beclomethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, flunisolide and budesonide--have been evaluated in clinical trials. The last drug is still investigational. Their side effects are minimal, the major ones being oral candidiasis and dysphonia. They are most effective when used prophylactically and should not be administered during acute asthmatic attacks, as insufficient amounts of drug are inhaled when the airways are obstructed. Patients must be instructed in the correct techniques of administering steroid aerosols to ensure optimal therapy.
Inactivation of Giardia Cysts by Chlorine

Cysts of Giardia lamblia from symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers had similar resistances to chlorination.
Human Water and Electrolyte Balance

Abstract : Humans demonstrate a remarkable ability to regulate daily body water and electrolyte balance so long as food and fluid are readily available. The imposition of exercise and environmental stress can, however, challenge this ability. Most circumstances involving physical exercise require the formation and vaporization of sweat as the principle means of heat removal in man. Sweat losses, if not replaced, reduce body water volume and electrolyte content. Excessive body water or electrolyte losses can disrupt physiological homeostasis and threaten both health and performance. Persons often dehydrate during physical activity or exposure to hot weather because of fluid non-availability or a mismatch between thirst and body water losses. In these instances, the person begins the task with normal total body water and dehydrates over a prolonged period. This scenario is common for most athletic and occupational settings, however, in some situations the person might begin exercise with a body water deficit. For example, in several sports (e.g., boxing, power lifting, wrestling) athletes frequently dehydrate to compete in lower weight classes. Also, persons medicated with diuretics may be dehydrated prior to initiating exercise. If sodium chloride deficits occur then the extracellular fluid volume will contract and cause "salt depletion dehydration." A sodium chloride deficit usually occurs due to sweat sodium losses combined with excessive water consumption, but a sodium deficit can also occur without excessive water intake owing to high sweat sodium losses. Both of these scenarios produce sodium dilution more commonly known as hyponatremia or "water intoxication". This chapter reviews the physiology, needs, and assessment of human water and electrolyte balance. The extent to which water and electrolyte imbalances affect temperature regulation and exercise performance are also considered.
Tomographic imaging with terahertz pulses

Summary form only given. Conventional lenses are based on refraction, while a Fresnel binary lens operates by diffraction. Fresnel lenses offer the ability to perform unique beam manipulation and frequency-dependent focusing. The linearly frequency-dependent focal length of a Fresnel lens allows tomographic imaging of a target using multiple frequencies. Objects at various locations along the beam propagation path are uniquely imaged on the same imaging plane using a Fresnel lens with different frequencies of the imaging beam. This procedure allows the reconstruction of an object's tomographic contrast image by assembling the frequency-dependent images, and provides a new tomographic imaging modality.
Switching control for multi-input cascade nonlinear systems

In this paper we extend earlier work on switching control of single-input nonlinear systems to the multi-input case. We consider the control of partially linear cascade systems and give sufficient conditions under which feedback of the linear states with switching gains guarantees both exponential stability of the linear subsystem and positive invariance of a compact region in state space. Asymptotic stability follows under some additional assumptions which, in many cases, are weaker than ISS or growth assumptions on nonlinearities. Simulation results are presented showing the performance of the controller. The extension to non-cascade systems is briefly discussed at the end.
IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LAMP-1 AS AN ACTIVATION-DEPENDENT PLATELET SURFACE GLYCOPROTEIN

Platelets normally circulate in a quiescent state. When activated, they undergo biochemical and morphological changes which greatly alter their function and contribute to their role in thrombosis and hemostasis. We have identified, cloned, and sequenced a cDNA from a human unbilical vein endothelial cell library that encodes a 110-kDa integral membrane protein. This protein is present on the surface of activated but not resting platelets and has previously been identified as lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1). Half-maximal surface expression of platelet LAMP-1 was induced by concentrations of thrombin that resulted in lysosome enzyme release, not alpha-, or dense granule release. Also consistent with lysosome enzyme studies, there was little surface expression of LAMP-1 in response to the weak agonists ADP and epinephrine. In addition, sucrose density gradient fractionation of platelet granules showed colocalization of LAMP-1 with the lysosomal enzyme, beta-galactosidase, and not with markers of alpha- or dense granules. While we found virtually no LAMP-1 on the resting platelet surface (0-90 molecules/cell), we estimated a mean of 1175 LAMP-1 molecules on the thrombin-activated platelet surface. The translocation of this heavily glycosylated protein to the platelet surface upon stimulation may play a role in the adhesive, prothrombic nature of these cells.
A gas lift bioreactor for removal of contaminants from the vapor phase.

The cometabolic degradation of trichloroethylene (TCE) as a vapor by two aromatic-metabolizing pseudomonads was evaluated in an airlift reactor. These microorganisms were able to degrade 90 to 95% of TCE in air at concentrations at the reactor inlet of 300 to 4,000 μg/liter. Although exposure of the cells to high inlet concentrations of TCE (4 mg/liter) caused a decline in enzyme-specific activity and TCE removal efficiency, this loss in activity could be prevented or delayed by increasing the rate of cosubstrate addition. Under the appropriate operating conditions, the microorganisms were able to degrade even high concentrations of TCE and activity of the cells in the reactor could be maintained for periods of at least 2 weeks.
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli and from a “High-Level” Mutant

Abstract Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase has been purified to near homogeneity from wild-type Escherichia coli K-12 and from a mutant previously found to contain substantially more of the enzyme. The two enzymes are the same in all characteristics studied thus far: specific activity, kinetics, specificity, and subunit size.
Interaction of outcomes assessment and accreditation

Accreditation of our professional programs in engineering and outcomes assessment now seem to be inextricably linked. As educators, we know we should be measuring and evaluating the “product” of our educational system, not simply monitoring the process. This observation is easily made, but doing it is not easy. It requires no less than a major cultural change for educators, university administrators, and the various publics we serve, including industry, parents, high school teachers and counselors, and our governing boards. All have a role to play in the process. Last year at this conference, Deans Bill Durgin of Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Neil Schmitt, of the University of Arkansas, described for us how they had prepared themselves and their faculties for the first two pilot ABET Criteria 2000 visits. Those in attendance learned a lot, as some of their fears were replaced by knowledge. Their experiences were quite recent, and they did not know the outcomes of their visits. These two speakers, with colleagues Lance Schacterle, John F. Carney III, and Otto Loewer, have agreed to return for this year’s conference and share with us more of their insights after a year’s reflection. They tell us what went well and what they wish they had done differently. Both are, however, true pioneers in this process, and all of us are indebted to them for the contributions they have made to this process. Two additional papers round out the session. The first, by Dayne Aldridge and Larry Benefield of Auburn, describe a planning model that institutions preparing for accreditation can use. It is certain to be a landmark paper for engineering programs across the country. Dayne Aldridge has been one of the leaders who have moved Criteria 2000 from a well planned idea to a working process, and this paper shows the effects of his work. The final paper, by David Soldan of Kansas State University, describes an outstanding alumni feedback program that he and his colleagues have put into place. Alumni feedback will be quite important to institutions preparing for Criteria 2000 visits, and this paper will help all of us design better measurement systems. We are grateful to all of these authors for their pioneering work and their willingness to share it with us.
Extraordinary synapses of the unipolar brush cell: An electron microscopic study in the rat cerebellum

A neglected type of neuron, termed the unipolar brush cell, was recently characterized in the granular layer of the mammalian cerebellar cortex with several procedures, including light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry utilizing antibodies to calretinin and neurofilament proteins. Although certain features of the unipolar brush cells were highlighted in these studies, the internal fine structure was partially obfuscated by immunoreaction product. In this study, rat cerebella were prepared for electron microscopy after perfusion fixation and Araldite embedding, and folia of the vestibulo-cerebellum, where unipolar brush cells are known to be enriched, were studied by light microscopy in semithin (0.5-1 micron) sections and by electron microscopy in ultrathin sections. Unipolar brush cells were easily identified in semithin sections immunostained with antibodies to GABA and/or glycine, and counterstained with toluidine blue. The unipolar brush cells have a pale cytoplasm and are GABA and glycine negative, while Golgi cells are darker and appear positive for GABA and, for the most part, also for glycine. Sets of identification criteria to differentiate unipolar brush cells from granule and Golgi cells in standard electron micrographs are presented. The unipolar brush cells possess many distinctive features that make them easily distinguishable from other cerebellar neurons and form unusually conspicuous and elaborate synapses with mossy rosettes. The unipolar brush cell has a deeply indented nucleus containing little condensed chromatin. The Golgi apparatus is large and the cytoplasm is rich in neurofilaments, microtubules, mitochondria, and large dense core vesicles, but contains few cisterns of granular endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, unipolar brush cells contain an unusual inclusion, which invariably lacks a limiting membrane and is made up of peculiar ringlet subunits. The cell body usually emits a thin axon and is provided with a single, large dendritic trunk that terminates with a paintbrush-like bunch of branchlets. Numerous nonsynaptic appendages emanate from the cell body, the dendritic stem, and the branchlets. The appendages contain rare organelles and lack neurofilaments. The branchlets contain numerous mitochondria, neurofilaments, large dense core vesicles, and clusters of clear, small, and round synaptic vesicles. They form extensive asymmetric synaptic junctions with one or two mossy fibers, which indicates minimal convergence of excitatory inputs. Under the postsynaptic densities, the branchlet cytoplasm displays a microfilamentous web. Besides their contact with mossy rosettes, the branchlets form symmetric and asymmetric synaptic junctions with presumed Golgi cell boutons that contain pleomorphic synaptic vesicles, indicating that the unipolar brush cells receive an inhibitory modulation. Some of these junctions are unusually extensive.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Geodetic evidence for aseismic reverse creep across the Teton fault, Teton Range, Wyoming

The valley block (hanging wall) of the central segment of the Teton fault rose 8 {plus minus} 0.7 mm during 1988 and 1989, relative to the mountain block west of the fault, a displacement opposite to that expected on a normal fault. The height change is based on first-order leveling data over a 21.2 km-long fault-crossing line of 42 permanent bench marks established and initially surveyed in 1988 and resurveyed in 1989. The rapid height change took place across a 1,200 m-wide zone coincident with the steep escarpment at the base of the range front including the surface trace of the east-dipping Teton fault, a major, active, range-front normal fault bounding the east side of the Teton Range at the northeastern edge of the Basin and Range province. The total stratigraphic offset across the fault, as much as 9 km, accumulated over the last 7 to 9 million years. Quaternary fault scarps, up to 52 m in height, cut Pinedale (about 14,000 yr) glacial and younger fluvial-alluvial deposits, indicating that the Teton fault has been the locus of several large, scarp-forming earthquakes in the past 14,000 years, and it exhibits up to 25 m of latest Quarternary displacement where crossedmore » by the level line. Although the relative uplift of the hanging wall may be local and unique to the Teton fault, this unexpected observation of aseismic, reverse creep may have a variety of tectonic and non-tectonic causes, including hydrologic effects, aseismic fault creep or tilt, and pre-seismic dilation.« less
Measuring the competitiveness of state and local economic development incentives

Abstract American states and cities now regularly give tax and discretionary incentives to firms. This paper describes a method to quantify, in a precise and theoretically sound manner, the impact of incentives on firm location decisions. The “hypothetical firm” technique measures the impact of incentives on a firm's long-term after-tax income. The computational complexities of implementing this method in Excel 5.0, VBA and MapInfo are discussed. Finally, problems raised by the geographical targeting of incentives by states and cities (usually at poorer communities) are examined, in particular the need to integrate hypothetical firm modeling with information managed by a GIS.
Functional mock-up unit for co-simulation import in EnergyPlus

This article describes the development and implementation of the functional mock-up unit (FMU) for co-simulation import interface in EnergyPlus. This new capability allows EnergyPlus to conduct co-simulation with various simulation programs that are packaged as FMUs. For example, one can model an innovative Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system and its controls in Modelica, export the HVAC system and the control algorithm as an FMU, and link it to a model of the building envelope in EnergyPlus for run-time data exchange. The formal of FMUs is specified in the functional mock-up interface (FMI) standard, an open standard designed to enable links between disparate simulation programs. An FMU may contain models, model description, source code, and executable programs for multiple platforms. A master simulator – in this case, EnergyPlus – imports and simulates the FMUs, controlling simulation time and coordinating the exchange of data between the different FMUs. This article describes the m...
Substrate affinity of photosensitizers derived from chlorophyll-a: the ABCG2 transporter affects the phototoxic response of side population stem cell-like cancer cells to photodynamic therapy.

Photosensitizers (PS) synthesized with the aim of optimizing photodynamic therapy (PDT) of tumors do not always fulfill their potential when tested in vitro and in vivo in different tumor models. T...
Lithospheric flexure and the evolution of the dichotomy boundary on Mars

[1] The boundary of the Martian crustal dichotomy in the eastern hemisphere is one of the most striking topographic features on the planet. The long wavelength topography of much of the boundary is expressed by a broad rise and an arched ramp that slopes downward from the southern highlands into the northern lowlands and often ends in a steep scarp. Lithospheric flexure of the southern highlands for both a continuous and broken plate boundary with the northern lowlands lithosphere is modeled. We find that the long wavelength topography of the boundary is best fit by a lithospheric deflection profile of a broken lithosphere for reasonable values of the flexural parameter. The lithosphere near the dichotomy boundary may have been weakened by tectonic stress associated with the formation of the crustal dichotomy by subcrustal transport caused by overturn of an early magma ocean.
Novel spectropolarimeter employing fixed polarizers for the determination of optically active samples.

A novel spectropolarimeter, based on modification of an ordinary, inexpensive, multiwavelength ultraviolet (UV)–visible–near-infrared (NIR) spectrophotometer, is described and applied to the determination of sucrose, sucrose inversion, and enantiomeric composition of solutions of (R)-(+)-limonene and (S)-(−)-limonene. The instrument has no moving parts, and optical rotation measurements are encoded as an apparent absorbance. Apparent absorbance measurements can be combined with multivariate statistical analysis over a wide spectral range, and a background correction technique that employs the sample as its own blank provides an effective means of correcting for the presence of chromophores that also absorb over the wavelengths of interest. The instrument was tested against an ordinary polarimeter and showed good performance with both colorless and colored samples.
Neuropsychological Profile of Executive Function in Girls with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

The majority of research on neurobehavioral functioning among children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is based on samples comprised primarily (or exclusively) of boys. Although functional impairment is well established, available research has yet to specify a neuropsychological profile distinct to girls with ADHD. The purpose of this study was to examine performance within four components of executive function (EF) in contemporaneously recruited samples of girls and boys with ADHD. Fifty-six children with ADHD (26 girls) and 90 controls (42 girls), ages 8-13, were administered neuropsychological tests emphasizing response inhibition, response preparation, working memory, and planning/shifting. There were no significant differences in age or SES between boys or girls with ADHD or their sex-matched controls; ADHD subtype distribution did not differ by sex. Compared with controls, children with ADHD showed significant deficits on all four EF components. Girls and boys with ADHD showed similar patterns of deficit on tasks involving response preparation and working memory; however, they manifested different patterns of executive dysfunction on tasks related to response inhibition and planning. Girls with ADHD showed elevated motor overflow, while boys with ADHD showed greater impairment during conscious, effortful response inhibition. Girls, but not boys with ADHD, showed impairment in planning. There were no differences between ADHD subtypes on any EF component. These findings highlight the importance of studying boys and girls separately (as well as together) when considering manifestations of executive dysfunction in ADHD.
Protein Solubility, In Vitro Ammonia Concentration, and In Situ Disappearance of Extruded Whole Cottonseed and Other Protein Sources

Abstract Whole cottonseed extruded at temperatures (°C) and rates (kg/h) of 131, 314; 135, 182; 146, 195; and 156, 286 was evaluated by protein solubility, in vitro ammonia concentration, and in situ disappearance techniques. These techniques were used to estimate potential of extruded whole cottonseed for protein escape from the rumen. In addition, raw whole cottonseed, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, and whole cottonseed and soybean meal heated for 4h at 127, 138, and 149°C were used for comparison. Solubility was by three methods: cold water mixed for 30min, cold water homogenized for 5s, and hot water refluxed for 1h. In vitro ammonia concentration was measured after 2, 4, and 6h of incubation. Dry matter and CP disappearance was estimated using nylon bags suspended in the rumen for 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24h. Extrusion reduced solubility of cottonseed as measured by all three methods. There was no difference in ammonia concentration due to extrusion. Whole cottonseed responded similarly to extruded products at all time intervals. Extruded products differed over time with the in situ technique. The two highest extrusion temperatures resulted in mean DM and CP disappearance rates of 1.32 and 1.32%/h compared with whole cottonseed (1.52, 6.08) and the other extrusion treatments (1.96, 2.92).
Surgical management of ventricular tachycardia

Abstract Background . Ventricular tachyarrhythmias are the leading cause of death from coronary artery disease. A small percentage of these arrhythmias originate in chronically ischemic myocardium, rather than acutely ischemic myocardium, and can be refractory to medical management. Epicardial mapping and focal cryoablation of foci demonstrating early activation may provide definitive therapy when pharmacologic management fails. We report a series of 42 consecutive patients with refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) who were treated with open epicardial mapping and focal cryoablation after pharmacologic management failed. Methods . We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent surgical treatment of malignant VT. For patients not recently seen in the clinic, we conducted telephone interviews. At the time of operation, epicardial mapping was performed to locate foci of early electrical activation. These foci were then cryoablated, using 2-minute applications of liquid nitrogen-cooled probes. All patients underwent postoperative electrophysiologic studies to test for inducible VT. Results . Of these 42 patients, 34 (81%) were male, 8 (19%) female. Average age was 62.9 ± 10.6 years; ejection fraction, 0.20 (range, 0.04 to 0.50); and number of foci ablated, 2.1 ± 1.1 (range, 1 to 6). At the time of cryoablation, all patients underwent additional procedures, including aneurysmectomy, coronary artery bypass, or valve replacement. The 30-day operative mortality was 9.5% (4 of 42). Of the 38 survivors, 36 (94.7%) were clinically free of VT; the remaining 2 had spontaneous or inducible VT. Conclusions . Open cryoablation of foci propagating VT appears to be safe and effective. It may be the most definitive treatment for malignant VT. (Ann Thorac Surg 1997;63:1589–91)
Plasma-spray-quenched martensitic stainless steel coatings

Abstract Plasma spraying was employed to form coating with the characteristics of liquid-quenched alloys. To achieve ultrarapid quenching (i.e. splat cooling) of the type 431 stainless steel alloys, melt-atomized powder was plasma sprayed onto copper substrates cooled with liquid nitrogen (LN). Three different quenching conditions were employed, including continous coverage of the substrate with a flowing film of LN, and quenching into LN intermittently during the actual spray coating process. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to analyze the sprayed coatings, and their adhesion and microhardness were determined. It was found that increased quench rates give rise to finer grain and second-phase distributions as well as a tendency toward cubic and austenite phases. Increased quench rates resulted in both enhanced microhardness and tensile adhesion strength. The underlying reasons for these effects will be discussed.
Transfer functions for a one-dimensional fluid–poroelastic system subject to an ultrasonic pulse

Abstract A one-dimensional model of an in vitro experiment, in which a specimen of cancellous bone is immersed in water and insonified by an ultrasonic pulse, is considered. The modification of the poroelastic model of Biot due to Johnson et al. [D.L. Johnson, J. Koplik, R. Dashen, Theory of dynamic permeability and tortuosity in fluid-saturated porous media, J. Fluid Mech. 176 (1987) 379–402] is used for the cancellous bone segment. By working with series expansions of the Laplace transform in terms of travel-time exponentials, a series of transfer functions for the reflection and transmission of fast and slow waves at the fluid–poroelastic interfaces are derived. The approach obviates numerical solution beyond the discretization involved in the use of the fast Fourier transform.
The Relationship Between Chinese Students’ Subject Matter Knowledge and Argumentation Pedagogy

Science education in China is Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) oriented in that SMK understanding is the major benchmark to assess students’ achievement in science learning. Such an orientation causes students to overemphasize the memorization of SMK and neglect other indispensable components of science, such as scientific attitudes and research skills. The central government in China launched an educational innovation known as New Curriculum Reform in 2003. Considerable progress has been made in the past 11 years in regard to theoretical understandings and administrative priorities, but little progress has been made in terms of classroom instruction and scientific literacy cultivation at the secondary level. Under the pressure of nationwide standardized exams, any educational innovations are unlikely to be accepted unless there is robust evidence suggesting their efficacy in promoting students’ achievements on exams, or even attempted unless teachers are assured such attempts will not negatively impact suc...
Depolarization of membrane potentials in oat roots treated with victorin

Abstract The effects of victorin, the toxin produced by Helminthosporium victoriae , on membrane potentials of susceptible and resistant oat roots were investigated. Treatment of susceptible roots with 50 units victorin/ml caused a measurable depolarization within 2 to 5 min and averaged approximately 30% depolarization within 10 min. No changes were detected when susceptible roots were treated with deactivated victorin or when resistant roots were treated with victorin. Although heterogeneity in the cell population was indicated by differences in both the normal and depolarized potentials, the results indicate a similar response to the toxin, namely depolarization.
Correcting time-of-flight neutron diffraction data for chopped delayed neutron backgrounds: the action of a drum chopper in a pulsed neutron beam

Abstract Delayed neutron choppers in pulsed source neutron beams serve to reduce the background caused by delayed neutrons in pulsed source instruments. We analyze the effect of a drum chopper placed in an incident pulsed beam which contains delayed neutrons and compute its influence on the detector counting rate. Expressions are found for the time and wavelength dependence of the counting rates for both prompt and delayed neutrons, in both the monitor and the scattered neutron detectors. On the basis of these results, an exact method for determining the delayed neutron background is suggested for use in measuring and correcting pulsed-source diffractometer data, by operating the chopper in random phase with respect to the source. Other approximate methods are investigated. We report measurements which confirm the analysis.
A few words from the new Editor-in-Chief

In physical sciences, where experiments and data drive the scholarly work, short letter formats are favored over lengthy papers. It is common practice to have online supporting material associated with the paper to describe more thoroughly the experiments done. Most of the treatment in the paper is dedicated to establish the context of the research that allows to maximally highlight the significance of the result presented. The element of surprise and the noteworthy nature of what has been observed, is what drives these short letter articles. The author also thinks less can be more in our field as well. We all know that a well-written short paper can be a delightful learning experience for the reader. These are the papers that we would like to read and that we should more often strive to write. The author is looking forward to receiving these gems. She hopes that candidate authors will be brave and will venture in new topics and will distill their understanding, submitting eloquent papers that are a delightful learning experience for the readers. In return, the new EIC will show her appreciation by vowing to help highlight the letters in our community. In the spirit of letting the result carry the paper, she will study the possibility of adding supplementary material to our publications, particularly software that can improve the reproducibility of the research.
Genetic Variation in Base Excision Repair Genes and the Prevalence of Advanced Colorectal Adenoma

Base excision repair (BER) corrects DNA damage caused by oxidative stress and low folate intake, which are putative risk factors for colorectal neoplasia. To examine the relationship between genetic variation in BER genes and colorectal adenoma risk, we conducted a case-control study of 767 cases of advanced colorectal adenoma and 773 controls from the baseline screening exam of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. Cases included participants diagnosed with advanced left-sided adenoma, and controls were subjects without evidence of a left-sided polyp by sigmoidoscopy, frequency-matched to cases on race and gender. Twenty single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in four BER genes ( APEX1, PARP1, POLB , and XRCC1 ), and conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association with colorectal adenoma. Two variants with possible functional significance were associated with risk. The APEX1 51H variant was associated with a borderline significant decreased risk of colorectal adenoma (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.44–1.00), and the XRCC1 399Q variant was inversely associated with risk among Caucasians (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.64–0.99). Homozygotes at two PARP1 loci ( A284A and IVS13+118G>A ) were also associated with a decreased risk of colorectal adenoma compared with wild-type carriers (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.49–0.98 for both), which was restricted to advanced adenomas displaying histologically aggressive characteristics (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.33–0.78, P = 0.002 for PARP1 A284A ). This study suggests that polymorphisms in APEX1, XRCC1 , and PARP1 may be associated with advanced colorectal adenoma. [Cancer Res 2007;67(3):1395–404]
1578 DOCUMENTATION AND PROGRESSION OP INTRACRANIAL HEMOR-RHAGE (ICH) BY 2-D ECHOENCEPHALOGRAM

115 infants weighing 0.45 - 2.5 kilograms were screened for ICH using the Mark III A.T.L. 90° scanner with a 5 MHz transducer. Head scans were obtained on day 1, 3-5, 14, and more frequently as indicated. ICH was divided into 3 classes: Germinal Matrix (GM), Germinal Matrix with Ventricular Extension (VE) and Germinal Matrix with VE and/or Parenchyma Extension (PE). All surviving infants were followed to resolution or hydrocephalus. VE was treated with serial taps and if progressive hydrocephalus developed, ventricular peritoneal shunts were placed. 38 infants were identified as having ICH, 21 (55%) survived. 11/21 (52%) progressed to hydrocephalus, 5/11 (45%) of which required a V-P shunt. All ICH's began as GM bleeds, 14/38 (37%) remained so with 11/14 (80%) surviving. 13/38 (34%) progressed to VE; 8/13 (62%) surviving. 11/38 progressed to PE, 2/11 (18%) surviving. Shunt obstruction occurred in one infant requiring replacement. Mean age for documentation of initial bleed was 3 days post-birth, progression occurring within 24 - 48 hours. 12/38 (32%) were detected in the first day, 9/12 (75%) expired. Resolution of GM hemorrhage varied over 1 - 4 weeks, depending on size, and only 1/11 (9%) showed transient ventricular dilatation. Resolution of VE hemorrhage varied from 2-8 weeks. 6/13 scans (46%) revealed acute dilatation with 3/13 (23%) progressing to V-P shunts. 9/11 infants with PE expired (82%). Both survivors required V-P shunts.
Elevated levels of homologous DNA recombination activity in the regenerating rat liver

We have characterized homologous DNA recombination activity in nuclear protein extracts prepared from quiescent and regenerating rat livers. Activity measured in regenerating liver extracts was elevated approximately 35-fold above control, and its appearance closely mirrored the first wave of DNA synthesis, peaking 24 hours after a regenerative stimulus, and returning fairly rapidly to basal levels. We also identified a strand-transferase protein of approximately 100 kDa whose presence in these extracts correlates with homologous recombination activity. Recent evidence suggests that mammalian somatic cells possess a recombinational DNA repair mechanism analogous to that described in the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Our results indicate that this recombinational repair process may be regulated in vivo by, or play a role in, progression through the cell division cycle.
Hypothermia decreases ethanol MAC in rats.

Despite the known capacity of hypothermia to increase anesthetic potency (decrease the partial pressure required to produce anesthesia), many in vitro studies examine the effects of ethanol and other anesthetics in oocytes or isolated neurons at room temperature. We tested whether, as predicted for potent inhaled anesthetics, a proportionate increase in solubility with hypothermia matched a decrease in ethanol minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), and thereby made the use of a single anesthetic concentration appropriate regardless of temperature. We determined ethanol MAC in normothermic (37.3°C) and hypothermic (28.5°C) rats, and, at the two temperatures, also determined ethanol solubilities in olive oil and saline. Ethanol MAC decreased, while olive oil/gas and saline/gas partition coefficients increased. However, the increase in the saline/gas partition coefficient did not match the decrease in MAC, and thus the aqueous-phase partial pressure producing absence of movement in 50% of rats (EC50) values for ethanol decreased by 17%. Although this decrease is not large, it may be important for comparative estimates of the in vitro effects of ethanol at different temperatures.
Benign clear cell tumor (“sugar tumor”) of the lung

The light microscopic and fine structural features of a benign clear cell tumor of the lung are reported. The tumor contained an abundance of glycogen which was present both free and membrane-bound. The resemblance of this glycogen distribution to that seen in type II glycogenosis (Pompe's disease) is noted. In some tumor cells, dense-core (neurosecretory) type granules and modification of the endoplasmic reticulum were noted similar to those reported in pulmonary carcinoid tumors. The fine structural features of this tumor may be helpful in its differential diagnosis. The pulmonary clear cell tumor appears to belong to that family of pulmonary neoplasms derived from the Kultschitzky cell.
Hippocampal “Time Cells” Bridge the Gap in Memory for Discontiguous Events

The hippocampus is critical to remembering the flow of events in distinct experiences and, in doing so, bridges temporal gaps between discontiguous events. Here, we report a robust hippocampal representation of sequence memories, highlighted by "time cells" that encode successive moments during an empty temporal gap between the key events, while also encoding location and ongoing behavior. Furthermore, just as most place cells "remap" when a salient spatial cue is altered, most time cells form qualitatively different representations ("retime") when the main temporal parameter is altered. Hippocampal neurons also differentially encode the key events and disambiguate different event sequences to compose unique, temporally organized representations of specific experiences. These findings suggest that hippocampal neural ensembles segment temporally organized memories much the same as they represent locations of important events in spatially defined environments.
A metallothionein-like gene from maize (Zea mays) Cloning and characterization

A differentially expressed maize gene has been cloned and sequenced. Transcriptional and translational start sites have been mapped and 2.5 kb of 5′ flanking DNA were sequenced. The 8 kDa protein encoded by this gene shows striking similarity to the metallothionein-like proteins recently described in Pisum sativum [1] and Mimulus guttatus [2]. The maize MT-L gene message is very abundant in roots without exposure to high levels of metals, present at lower concentration in leaves and pith, and at very low concentration in seed.
Use of Steroids in Neonates Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation(ECMO): Results of a Survey. 833

Use of Steroids in Neonates Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation(ECMO): Results of a Survey. 833
A Plate Assay for Elastase

SINCE Balo and Banga1 described the pancreatic enzyme elastase, its dissolving effect on elastin, and its possible implications in atherosclerosis, a considerable amount of interest has been focused on the quantitative measurement of its enzymatic activity.
Context-sensitive half-times and other decrement times of inhaled anesthetics.

The length of anesthetic administration influences the rate at which concentrations of anesthetics decrease after their discontinuation.This is true for both intravenous (IV) and inhaled anesthetics. This has been explored in detail for IV anesthetics using computer simulation to calculate context-s
Thermal Transport across Solid Interfaces with Nanoscale Imperfections: Effects of Roughness, Disorder, Dislocations, and Bonding on Thermal Boundary Conductance

The efficiency in modern technologies and green energy solutions has boiled down to a thermal engineering problem on the nanoscale. Due to the magnitudes of the thermal mean free paths approaching or overpassing typical length scales in nanomaterials (i.e., materials with length scales less than one micrometer), the thermal transport across interfaces can dictate the overall thermal resistance in nanosystems. However, the fundamental mechanisms driving these electron and phonon interactions at nanoscale interfaces are difficult to predict and control since the thermal boundary conductance across interfaces is intimately related to the characteristics of the interface (structure, bonding, geometry, etc.) in addition to the fundamental atomistic properties of the materials comprising the interface itself. In this paper, I review the recent experimental progress in understanding the interplay between interfacial properties on the atomic scale and thermal transport across solid interfaces. I focus this discussion specifically on the role of interfacial nanoscale “imperfections,” such as surface roughness, compositional disorder, atomic dislocations, or interfacial bonding. Each type of interfacial imperfection leads to different scattering mechanisms that can be used to control the thermal boundary conductance. This offers a unique avenue for controlling scattering and thermal transport in nanotechnology.
The Evolution of a Bilingual Discourse Marking System: Modal Particles and English Markers in German-American Dialects.

Previous studies (Clyne, 1972, 1987; Salmons, 1990) have shown that German dialects in long-term contact with English have both borrowed key English discourse markers (well, you know, and so on) and lost much of the native discourse- marking system of German (most notably the “modal particles”). For the study of language- contact change, discourse markers are particularly interesting, first as items in a sense on the boundary between ordinary lexical items and structural borrowing, and second because they are typically salient to bilingual speakers. This paper uses Myers-Scotton's Matrix Language- Frame model to examine new evidence on the diachronic process leading to this contemporary situation. We draw on the representation of spoken language in two German-language dramas written around the turn of the 20th century, one in Wisconsin and the other in Texas. The data suggest that English markers first entered German speech as emblematic codeswitches and eventually became established borrowings, which then paved the way for loss of the native system.