cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phosphorous removal improvements and cost reductions leveraging cationic polymers and anionic polyacrylamides in Chemically Enhanced Treatment Wetland (CETW) systems

Abstract Many wetland systems worldwide struggle with high nutrient influx from urban and agricultural inputs that often disturbs ecosystem balance. In the Florida Everglades, concentrations above 15 μg P L−1 have been shown to affect ecosystem balance and have long term effects on downstream periphyton, detritus, soil and macrophyte. Current Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) have been shown to effectively lower P levels on average to 41 μg P L−1 (SD of 31 μg P L−1). These levels, released into downstream Water Conservation Areas, exceed a long-term goal of 10 μg L−1 total P targeted for STA outflow concentrations. Here, we look at enhancing P removal through chemical addition to treatment wetland systems through a series of in-situ mesocosm studies informed through laboratory jar tests. In-situ mesocosm results showed Fe and Al metal-based coagulants lowered filtered total phosphorus (FTP) levels but they did not create settleable flocs, thus resulting in no change or even higher unfiltered total phosphorus (UTP) levels when compared to non-dosed control mesocosms. Proprietary cationic polymer blends and anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) added post coagulant dosing were tested to enhance P-removal performance. Cationic polymer addition significantly lowered FTP when combined with Al-based coagulants, suggesting enhanced charge neutralization, and improved UTP removal when combined with Fe-based coagulants, signifying improved bridging or electrostatic patch formation to create larger/denser floc. The addition of PAM after coagulant dosing generally did not improve FTP removal but did improve UTP removal when dosed at levels >0.5 mg L−1. For Fe-based systems, doubling PAM dosage (from 0.5 to 1.0 mg L−1) was slightly more beneficial for UTP removal than doubling coagulant blend dosage. For Al-based systems, doubling coagulant blend dosage was slightly more effective for UTP removal than doubling PAM dosage, but the difference was not significant. The chemical cost savings from utilizing PAMS were large: doubling coagulant blend dose increased chemical costs by $28,000–$100,000 per 1B L of water treated depending upon blend, while doubling PAM dose marginally increased chemical costs by $1700. Wetlands enhanced with chemical addition achieved levels as low as 20–25 μg L−1 UTP and
Restraining Judicial Application of the "Safe Harbor" Provision in the Electoral Count Act

The Electoral Count Act of 1887 includes a “safe harbor” to states in resolving disputes in their choice of presidential electors. Congress will treat as “conclusive” a “determination” about “any controversy or contest concerning the appointment” of presidential electors, if that determination is made “at least six days” before the time the electors are to meet. This is a rule governing how Congress handles “the counting of electoral votes as provided in the Constitution.” It is not a judicially-enforceable rule for courts to heed. And it is a rule that state legislature may, not must, heed. In the aftermath of Bush v. Gore, however, federal courts have wrongly construed the "safe harbor" as a timing mandate placed on courts. A proper understanding of the “safe harbor,” rightly understood through Bush v. Gore, reserves its influence to Congress and, occasionally, to state legislatures. Federal courts should take heed in the event of closely contested elections or recounts in the 2020 presidential election and beyond.
Nanobodies as non-invasive imaging tools

Antibodies and antibody fragments have found wide application for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Single-domain antibody fragments, also known as ‘heavy-chain variable domains' or ‘nanobodies', are a recent addition to the toolbox. Discovered some 30 years ago, nanobodies are the smallest antibody-derived fragments that retain antigen-binding properties. Their small size, stability, specificity, affinity and ease of manufacture make them appealing for use as imaging agents in the laboratory and the clinic. With the recent surge in immunotherapeutics and the success of cancer immunotherapy, it is important to be able to image immune responses and cancer biomarkers non-invasively to allocate resources and guide the best possible treatment of patients with cancer. This article reviews recent advances in the application of nanobodies as cancer imaging agents. While much work has been done in preclinical models, first-in-human applications are beginning to show the value of nanobodies as imaging agents.
Fair Hate Speech Detection through Evaluation of Social Group Counterfactuals.

Approaches for mitigating bias in supervised models are designed to reduce models' dependence on specific sensitive features of the input data, e.g., mentioned social groups. However, in the case of hate speech detection, it is not always desirable to equalize the effects of social groups because of their essential role in distinguishing outgroup-derogatory hate, such that particular types of hateful rhetoric carry the intended meaning only when contextualized around certain social group tokens. Counterfactual token fairness for a mentioned social group evaluates the model's predictions as to whether they are the same for (a) the actual sentence and (b) a counterfactual instance, which is generated by changing the mentioned social group in the sentence. Our approach assures robust model predictions for counterfactuals that imply similar meaning as the actual sentence. To quantify the similarity of a sentence and its counterfactual, we compare their likelihood score calculated by generative language models. By equalizing model behaviors on each sentence and its counterfactuals, we mitigate bias in the proposed model while preserving the overall classification performance.
Adjoint-based sensitivity analysis for high-energy density radiative transfer using flux-limited diffusion

Abstract Uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analyses are a vital component for predictive modeling in the sciences and engineering. The adjoint approach to sensitivity analysis requires solving a primary system of equations and a mathematically related set of adjoint equations. The information contained in the equations can be combined to produce sensitivity information in a computationally efficient manner. In this work, sensitivity analyses are performed on systems described by flux-limited radiative diffusion using the adjoint approach. The sensitivities computed are shown to agree with standard perturbation theory and require significantly less computational time. The adjoint approach saves the computational cost of one forward solve per sensitivity, making the method attractive when multiple sensitivities are of interest.
Risk Factors for Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome in Pediatric Lung Transplant Recipients

Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe the survival of pediatric patients who develop bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after lung transplant (LTx) and to identify the risk factors leading to the diagnosis. Methods The UNOS Registry was queried to identify pediatric LTx recipients (age Results 900 lung transplant recipients were identified. 48% (n=431) of these patients were diagnosed with BOS in the post-transplant period. These patients developed BOS after a median of 4.6 years (95% CI: 4.3-5.0). Compared to non-BOS patients, those who developed BOS were less often infants (9% vs. 15%, p=0.008), more frequently aged 2-11yrs (28% vs. 22%, p=0.049), less frequently ventilator dependent at time of LTx (14% vs. 22%, p=0.001), and more frequently experienced graft rejection within 1-yr post-LTx (38% vs. 23%, p Conclusion BOS remains a significant cause of mortality in children after LTx. Adolescent age, OB (non-retransplant) diagnosis, and graft rejection within 1-yr post-LTx are significant predictors of developing BOS. Early development of BOS (within 3yrs post-LTx) resulted in significantly worse graft survival than later development.
The Oklahoma City Bombing: Institutional Practices by Journalists Covering the Biggest Story of Their Lives

This historical case study looks at the Oklahoma City bombing through the eyes of the local journalists who covered it. This study examined how theory concerning institutional codes and rules trans...
Chemical Synthesis of Diverse Phenolic Compounds Isolated From Olive Oils

Publisher Summary The phenolic constituents of virgin olive oil have long been associated with the numerous health benefits conferred with the Mediterranean diet. Most cardioprotective properties are attributed to the high concentrations of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. Recently, however, minor phenolic constituents have been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic activity. Many of these constituents also provide high quality virgin olive oils with their characteristic organoleptic properties (i.e., bitterness, pungency, and astringency). Although numerous variables affect the concentrations in each olive fruit, ranges are generally from 100 to 300 mg kg–+. However, concentrations as high as 1000 mg kg–+ have been observed in some oils. These minor phenolic compounds can be classified into six groups: phenolic acids, phenethyl alcohols, hydroxyisochromans, flavanoids, lignans, and secoiridoids. In part due to the attention given to the Mediterranean diet in the last decade, a number of research groups have published either total or partial syntheses of some of these constituents. Most research has focused on the hydroxyisochromans, flavanoids, lignans, and secoiridoids, as the hydroxybenzoic acids and phenethyl alcohols are readily available from commercial sources. This chapter focuses on synthetic efforts directed at the minor phenolic constituents. The phenolic extracts isolated from olive oils contain a wealth of individual compounds that range in complexity from simple hydroxybenzoic acids to larger, structurally diverse secoiridoids. The simpler of these constituents generally derive from one of two carbon frameworks, either hydroxycinnamic or hydroxybenzoic acid, while the secoiridoids contain both an elenolic acid region and an esterified side chain containing either a tyrosol or hydroxytyrosol group.
Biological Toxins in Warfare and Terrorism

Toxins are harmful biological agents produced by bacteria, plants and animals. They differ from chemical agents in that they are naturally occurring, are nonvolatile and, except for mycotoxins, are not dermally active. Toxins can be much more toxic than chemical agents. They are also not persistent in the environment and are not transmittable from person to person. Toxins that are stable in the environment, highly toxic and easy to produce are candidates for use as biological weapons. Some toxins, such as mycotoxins and ricin, require much larger quantities than toxins such as botulinum to be effective in an open-air aerosol exposure; however, they can be effectively used in an indoor release. In this chapter, we will discuss the four toxins that are considered most likely to be used as biological weapons either by state entities or terrorist organizations. The list includes one highly lethal toxin, botulinum, two fairly lethal toxins, ricin and mycotoxins, and one that is considered primarily an incapacitating agent, staphylococcal enterotoxin B. Botulinum is a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Category A agent, while the other toxins are CDC Category B agents. Keywords: bioterrorism; biological weapons; biological toxins; botulinum toxin; ricin; staphylococcal enterotoxin B; mycotoxins
The Chemistry of Perchlorate in the Environment

The persistence of perchlorate in groundwater can be understood from its chemical and physical properties and its chemical reactivity. Although perchlorate is a powerful oxidizing agent, its notorious lack of reactivity can be understood from the requirement that reduction involves oxygen atom transfer. Because perchlorate is relatively unreactive, remediation schemes involving direct chemical or electrochemical reduction are not effective. The low hydration energy of perchlorate anions favors sorption on organic anion exchange resins. Remediation methods involving collection on such resins prior to reduction or some other means of disposal are feasible. Biological systems that naturally reduce and degrade perchlorate are also a potentially practical means of remediating perchlorate-contaminated groundwater in a cost-effective manner.
Light treatment enhances photoreceptor survival in dystrophic retinas of Royal College of Surgeons rats.

Purpose To determine whether treatment with bright light elicits a protective response that enhances photoreceptor survival in Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats with inherited retinal degeneration. Methods RCS rats were illuminated for 10 to 12 hours with 130 foot-candles (fc) of white or green light. Untreated littermates that were kept under low cyclic light levels were used as control subjects. Photoreceptor survival was determined by quantitative analysis of photoreceptor nuclei and ultrastructural assessment of cellular organization. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) gene expression were determined at the mRNA and protein levels. Results Treatments of RCS rats with a single dose of bright light on postnatal day 23 (P23) greatly enhanced photoreceptor survival. Ultrasturctural analysis revealed intact inner segments in light-treated retinas, whereas in untreated retinas only remnants of inner segments were observed. By P42, numerous viable nuclei were counted in the posterior retina of light-treated rats, whereas most of the remaining nuclei in untreated RCS rat retinas were highly pyknotic. At 2.5 days after treatment with a single dose of bright light, bFGF gene expression was significantly higher than in untreated RCS rat retinas. By P42, bFGF protein levels were still significantly higher in the treated retinas. Conclusions Exogenous bFGF has been shown to promote photoreceptor survival in the RCS rat retina. Thus, the increased bFGF expression that was measured in the light-treated RCS rat retinas may be a protective response to light stress, which supports the observed rescue of photoreceptors in light-treated RCS rat retinas.
An Evaluation of the Nutritional Value of a Soy Protein Concentrate in Young Adult Men Using the Short-Term N-Balance Method

Eight healthy young men participated in a metabolic balance study designed to assess the protein quality of soy protein concentrate (STAPRO-3200). Subjects received varying intakes of the test protein [0.35, 0.45, 0.55 and 0.65 g protein (N X 6.25) per kilogram body weight per day] during 10-day experimental periods. Each was preceded by a 1-day protein-free diet. A final diet period with a 0.65 g milk protein intake was included for comparative purposes. During this period and that with the 0.65 g test intake of soy concentrate the stable isotopes 70Zn and 58Fe were added to the diet for 2 days to obtain initial data on the absorption of zinc and iron when soy concentrate was the sole source of protein intake. Mean (+/- SEM) intake of soy concentrate determined to be sufficient for N balance (including allowance of 5 mg N/kg per day for integumental and miscellaneous losses) was 95 (+/- 7) mg N/kg per day. Absorption of the extrinsic doses of labeled iron and zinc did not differ between the soy protein- and milk-based diets. Comparison of these data was made with findings obtained previously with other protein sources evaluated in the same way. The conclusion is that the capacity of the soy concentration to support short-term nitrogen equilibrium in adult protein nutrition is the same as that for good quality animal protein sources. Thus, well-processed soy concentrates can make a nutritionally significant contribution to meeting adult human protein needs.
Heterotrophic potential for amino acid uptake in a naturally eutrophic lake.

The uptake of sixteen 14C-labeled amino acids by the indigenous heterotrophic microflora of Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, was measured using the kinetic approach. The year-long study showed a seasonal variation in the maximum uptake velocity, Vmax, of all the amino acids which was proportional to temperature. The maximum total flux of amino acids by the heterotrophic microflora ranged from 1.2 to 11.9 μmol of C per liter per day (spring to summer). Glutamate, asparagine, aspartate, and serine had the highest Vmax values and were respired to the greatest extent. The percentages of the gross (net + respired) uptake of the amino acids which were respired to CO2 ranged from 2% for leucine to 63% for glutamate. Serine, lysine, and glycine were the most abundant amino acids found in Upper Klamath Lake surface water; at intermediate concentrations were alanine, aspartate, and threonine; and the remaining amino acids were always below 7.5 × 10-8 M (10 μg/liter). The amino acid concentrations determined chemically appear to be the sum of free and adsorbed amino acids, since the values obtained were usually greater than the (Kt + Sn) values obtained by the heterotrophic uptake experiments.
A note on the dating of the clay smoking pipes collected in the course of two archaeological surveys conducted in Saudi Arabia: the Comprehensive Survey of Saudi Arabia (1976–1981) and Michael Gilmore’s survey of the Darb al‐Hajj

Several clay smoking pipes (chibouks) were recovered during the course of two archaeological surveys conducted during the late 1970s and early 1980s in Saudi Arabia. At the time these projects took place, no published clay tobacco pipe typologies existed, forcing the participants to assign a cursory date of ‘Ottoman period’ to the pipes. Since then, considerable archaeological research has been done on the Ottoman clay pipe. The following concerns the refining of the dates of these tobacco pipes in light of new studies.
Clinical trials in traumatic brain injury. What can we learn from previous studies

Many compounds have now been tested that were expected to ameliorate the secondary ischemic brain damage after severe head injury. Thus far, none of these have been clearly successful. This review is an attempt to identify factors that could be responsible for some of these failures. Recommendations are made that could help to avoid these pitfalls in the future. The usefulness and criteria for use of animal models for traumatic brain injury to depict human head injury are discussed. Clearly, it has now become widely accepted that mechanism-driven trials, in which individual pathophysiological mechanisms are targeted, are preferable in this heterogeneous patient population. Other factors, such as the effect of brain penetration, safety and tolerability of the compound, and the interface between the pharmaceutical industry and academics are a major influence in the success of these trials. Furthermore, different ways of analyzing trials such as sequential analysis and newer, alternative end points should be considered. Pharmacological agents will never be the "magic bullet" for a process as heterogenous in pathophysiological mechanisms as traumatic brain injury. This does not imply that the role of neuroprotective compounds will not be important in the future. New approaches in developing, conducting and analyzing these expensive clinical trials must be devised in the future.
The Impact of Finite-Differencing Errors on Binary Black Hole Merger Templates

We study the impact that inaccuracy of numerical templates can have on the detection of gravitational waveforms via matched filtering. As a first step toward the analysis of templates from binary black hole mergers we use numerical ringdown templates generated by a Zerilli code for several resolutions. In case of this toy model, we find that the inaccuracies only affect the detection at higher thresholds, causing a reduction and a drift in the signal parameter space spanned by the template.
Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases/Ketosteroid Reductases (HSD/KSR)

This article has no abstract. Keywords: hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases/ketosteroid reductases (HSD/KSR)
A Comparison of Harvesting Systems for Western Juniper

Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) is considered a relatively untapped source of woody biomass with potential to serve as a significant feedstock for regional woodtoenergy systems. A barrier to further development of this market is a lack of information concerning the productivity and costs of juniper harvesting systems. One published study and three unpublished case studies of harvesting western juniper are compared using consistent stand and site variable values and machine costs. Felling, skidding, and log processing processes are compared across a range of conditions. Stump to landing harvesting costs for average conditions ranged from approximately $35/tonne($32/ton) to $96/tonne($87/ton), averaging $74/tonne($67/ton). A lack of robust estimators of juniper volume is identified as a critical research need to aid in the development of western juniper as a woody biomass feedstock.
Sex differences result in increased morbidity from hyponatremia in female rats.

The development of symptomatic hyponatremia in otherwise healthy young women can result in death or permanent brain damage. The reasons for the increased female susceptibility to complications from...
A comprehensive multimedia control architecture for the Internet

The Internet and intranets have been used to deliver continuous media, both stored and live, for a number of years. Most of the attention has focused on providing guaranteed quality of service (RSVP) and end-to-end data transport (RTP), with every application using its own control protocol. The author describe a control architecture that offers most standard advanced telephony features and integrates stored and conference multimedia. The protocol re-uses much of the "infrastructure" of HTTP, including its security and proxy mechanisms. The architecture is instantiated by two related, but independent protocols: the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) for inviting participants to a multimedia session and the Real-Time Stream Protocol (RTSP) to control playback and recording for stored continuous media.
The Course of Functional Impairment in Older Homeless Adults: Disabled on the Street.

Over the past 25 years, the proportion of the homeless population 50 years of age and older has increased rapidly, from 11% in 19901 to nearly 50% today.2 Older homeless adults experience early onset of age-related conditions relative to the general population, including difficulty performing basic self-care activities that are considered essential for independence, such as bathing and dressing.3 Such difficulty, or “functional impairment,” occurs in 30% of homeless adults in their fifties and early sixties, a prevalence exceeding that of housed adults 20 years older.3 However, it is unknown if functional impairment among older homeless adults is transient or persistent, and thus what types of interventions are needed to address these deficits. If functional impairment persists or worsens in a substantial number of older homeless adults, more units of accessible permanent supportive housing and personal care attendants may be needed. In contrast, if most functional impairment is transient in this population, different types of interventions may be appropriate. We examined the characteristics and persistence of functional impairment in a cohort of homeless adults age 50 and older and identified risk factors for persistent or worsened functional impairment.
Surrogates, Slips, and Incidental Intrusions: The Tale of Raja Bakaléwat's Dog

Questions ofintentionality, mastery, disclosure, and verisimilitude have been raised by practices of ethnographic writing as well as by critiques of ethnographic fieldwork. Less attention has been paid to ethnographic and narrative mishaps, like the slip that put me in touch with the story of Raja Bakalewat. This article offers a retelling of that story, a literal cliff-hanger, as a reflection on the relation between artistry and accident in ethnographic storytelling.
Predictive Validity of the MMPI–2 Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales in a Batterers' Intervention Program

We examined the convergent and discriminant validity of the MMPI-2 Restructured Clinical (RC) scales in predicting relevant historical variables, treatment success, and recidivism in offenders enrolled in a batterers' intervention program. We used a sample studied previously by Petroskey, Ben-Porath, and Erez (2002), which included an ethnically diverse group of 483 men enrolled in a psychoeducational batterer's intervention program. We coded various historical variables (e.g., criminal history, substance abuse problems, mental health treatment, anger problems, and amount of partner violence), treatment dismissal, and recidivism up to 1 year posttreatment. Correlational analyses with the historical variables provided evidence of convergent and discriminant validity of the RC scales in this forensic sample. Regression analyses showed that these scales added to the historical variables in predicting treatment failure and recidivism. Relative risk analyses indicated the extent to which individuals entering treatment with elevated scores on RC4 and RC9 were at increased risk for these negative outcomes.
An animal-centered, causal-system approach to the understanding and control of behavior

Abstract In a world of increasing demands and diminishing resources, the understanding and control of behavior is likely to be a key to successful relations between human and nonhuman animals. The traditional laboratory study of animal behavior, centered on systematic manipulation of single variables, has provided powerful causal laws connecting manipulations to effects, but these laws have proved surprisingly difficult to transport to field and applied settings. The recent increase in anthropomorphic interpretations of behavior has the advantage of emphasizing the contribution of the animal rather than the experimenter, but by itself anthropomorphism holds little possibility of improved understanding and prediction. I argue for development of a causal-system approach that captures an animal's point-of-view without unnecessary assumptions of a human-like mental life. By realizing this approach within the structural framework and regulatory processes of behavior systems, it should be possible to develop a model of animal behavior that integrates and expands data from laboratory, field, and applied settings, and may contribute to successful relations between human and nonhuman animals.
Lipid synthesis in the adult dog heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis.

Abstract 1. 1. Incorporation studies with three labelled substrates—[ 14 C]2-glycerol, [ 14 C]1-acetate and [ 14 C]1-oleic acid—demonstrated that adult dog heartworms can synthesize all classes of complex lipids present, including free cholesterol. 2. 2. Diacylglycerols and phosphoglycerides were most rapidly labelled regardless of the precursor employed. 3. 3. 14 C from glycerol was found in the aqueous phase of saponified lipids, whereas that from oleic acid was in the fatty acid portion. 4. 4. Tag from acetate was predominantly in the fatty acid portion of saponified lipids and also occurred in the unesterified fatty acids. 5. 5. Acetate and unesterified fatty acids, as represented by oleic acid, were more readily used for lipid synthesis than was glycerol.
Modelling inoculum dispersal and Sclerotinia stem rot gradients in canola fields

Abstract Dispersal of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum ascospores and sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) incidence were studied in commercial canola fields in two North Dakota locations from 2005 to 2007. Ascospores were collected on dishes containing a semi-selective medium that were placed on the soil, within plant canopies, at various distances from an area source of inoculum. SSR incidence was recorded at the end of the growing season. SSR incidence and inoculum gradients declined with distance from the area source in 2005 and 2007. In 2006, neither ascospores nor SSR were detected. The number of S. sclerotiorum colonies per dish (COL) declined between 30% and 75% within 40 m from the source, whereas SSR incidence declined by 50% within 12–17 m from the source. Ascospore dispersal and SSR gradients across years and locations were best described by Lambert's model (pseudo-R2 ≥ 0.98; P < 0.001) although the negative exponential model also provided a good fit for both (R2 ≥ 0.81; P ≤ 0.001). Every unit increase in the w...
Photoreduction of aromatic compounds via amine exciplexes

Abstract Many cata and peri condensed polynuclear aromatic compounds were reduced smoothly by sodium borohydride in absolute ethanol in the presence of a tertiary amine to give products in good yields.
Decreased physical activity attributable to higher body mass index influences fibromyalgia symptoms

Background Although previous studies report associations between increased body mass index (BMI) and fibromyalgia symptoms, there is uncertainty as to whether this relationship is driven by physical factors, psychological factors, or both. Objective To assess these relationships in a clinical sample of patients with fibromyalgia. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Tertiary care facility. Patients A total of 686 patients from an existing national fibromyalgia registry. Methods Patients completed a demographic form and self-report questionnaires including the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire–Revised (FIQ-R), the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form–36 (SF-36), the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and the 30-item Profile of Mood States (30-item POMS). Main Outcome Measurements FIQ-R overall impact subscale. Results BMI was significantly correlated with fibromyalgia impact ( P Conclusions Despite patient report that pain hinders physical activity, clinicians who encounter patients with fibromyalgia, particularly patients with increased BMI, should be cognizant of the need to invest time and resources to counsel patients on physical factors (ie, physical activity) that could improve the patients' symptom experience.
Plasma Lens for Optical Path Difference Control

This research investigated the feasibility of a plasma lens for wave front control of coherent light sources. The approach is based on the relation between a plasma electron density and its index of refraction. The plasma was encapsulated in a hollow glass cylinder with flat optical glass at its ends. Air in the glass cylinder was ionized using a dielectric barrier discharge. The wave front distortion produced by the ionized air was characterized by placing the plasma lens in one arm of a Michelson interferometer setup. The effect of gas pressure and plasma power were investigated. The results were compared with a derived analytic model that related the electron density and optical path difference to the plasma power. The agreement between the experiment and analytic model was very good, especially at the higher plasma power levels. The maximum optical path difference increased with the gas pressure inside the lens. A maximum optical path difference of approximately 1.5 μm was achieved in the experiments. This brackets optical path difference levels that are typical of aero-optic applications, and otherwise corrected using electromechanical deformable mirrors. Although air was used as the gas in the plasma lens in these feasibility experiments, the use of Penning mixtures would further increase possible optical path difference levels and provide greater dynamic range.
T‐cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia and hereditary hemochromatosis: A fortuitous association?

We describe a patient with hereditary hemochromatosis (homozygous for C282Y mutation) and neutropenia who was found to have underlying T-cell large granular lymphocytic (T-LGL) leukemia. The diagnosis was confirmed by demonstrating T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Multiple quantitative and qualitative defects have been described for the T cells of patients with hemochromatosis. Although the association between the two may be fortuitous, this case report raises the possibility that the T cells in these patients may be susceptible to leukemic transformation as well.
Glucocorticoid endangerment of hippocampal neurons is NMDA-receptor dependent.

Abstract The adrenal stress hormones glucocorticoids (GCs) impair the ability of hippocampal neurons to survice neurological insults, including hypoxia-ischemia and seizure. These insults are thought to be toxic via a cascade of excessive synaptic concentrations of excitatory neurotransmitters (e.g. glutamate), activation of the NMDA receptor, and pathologic mobilization of cytosolic calcium post-synaptically. We tested whether GCs exacerbate these insults by exacerbating this ‘NMDA cascade’. We sought a toxin which damaged independently of the NMDA cascade, and whose toxicity was enhanced by GCs. After testing a number of neurotoxins, we found that the antimetabolite 3-acetylpyridine (3AP) fit this requirement. We then tested if blockade of the NMDA receptor blocks the ability of GCs to enhance 3AP toxicity. Hippocampi were microinfused with 160 μg of 3AP. Elevating circulating GC concentrations to the range seen during major stresses for a week before and after microinfusion caused a significant in 3AP-induced damage (when compared to adrenalectomized rats kept GC-free for the same period). Infusing the NMDA receptor blocker APV with 3AP did not alter the toxicity in adrenalectomized rats. However, APV reduced 3AP-induced damage in GC-treated rats to levels seen in adrenalectomized rats. This suggests that GCs endanger hippocampal neurons by enhancing glutamatergic signals and/or enhancing vulnerability to such signals. As a possible explanation for this observation, GCs inhibit glucose uptake into hippocampal neurons, and numerous steps in the NMDA cascade are exacerbated when neuronal energy stores are diminished.
Computer simulation study of multi-detector size- exclusion chromatography of branched molecular mass distributions

Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) provides a rapid method for determining molecular mass distributions relative to standard calibration materials. If light-scattering and viscosity detectors are used independent measurements of molecular mass and size can be obtained directly, and these can be used to estimate the distribution of branching across the molecular mass distribution. In order to study the effect of branching on the detector signals and the calculated results a computer simulation of the multiple detector SEC analysis of randomly branched polymers was developed. The model is described and results for different amounts of branching, different extents of reaction, and different models of the hydrodynamic size are discussed.
Rigorous Estimation of Local Accuracies

This technical note introduces a rigorous calculation of “local accuracies.” The term local accuracies refers to the relative error between two arbitrary points (uncertainty of one point with respect to the other), expressed in a local horizon three-dimensional reference frame ( e,n,u ) , that were connected using any geodetic-surveying methodology [optical procedures, global positioning system (GPS), etc.]. It is calculated as a function of the full global Cartesian variance-covariance matrix of the ( x,y,z ) coordinates of the points defining the spatial network.
Natural occurrence of higher thiadiamondoids and diamondoidthiols in a deep petroleum reservoir in the Mobile Bay gas field

Abstract A series of higher thiadiamondoids and diamondoidthiols, including thiatetramantanes, tetramantanethiols, thiapentamantanes, pentamantanethiols, thiahexamantanes, hexamantanethiols and thiacylcohexamantane, was discovered in a gas condensate produced from a very deep (6274 m, 20,585 ft) petroleum reservoir in the Bon Secour Bay in the Mobile Bay gas field, located offshore Alabama in the northern Gulf of Mexico, USA. This appears to be the first reported natural occurrence of these compounds. Several isomers of higher thiadiamondoids and diamondoidthiols were identified using full scan gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) coupled with GC–sulfur chemiluminescence detection (GC–SCD) and GC × GC-time of flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC–TOFMS). These higher thiadiamondoids and diamondoidthiols are associated with abundant lower homologs including thiaadamantanes, thiadiamantanes, thiatriamantanes and their thiol groups. The origin of these compounds in petroleum has not been reported. It is speculated that similar to lower thiadiamondoids and diamondoidthiols, higher ones are possibly formed from the sulfurization of their precursor diamondoids during TSR, a conclusion supported by the occurrence of open-cage higher diamondoidthiols and sulfur isotopic data of higher thiadiamondoids and diamondoidthiols isolated from the Mobile Bay condensate. The presence of higher thiadiamondoids and diamondoidthiols is indicative of the occurrence of TSR and can be used to predict sour gas production.
HIGH FREQUENCY MODULATION OF MONOENERGETIC NEUTRONS WITH A QUARTZ PIEZOELECTRIC CRYSTAL.

Abstract A sine-modulated beam of monoenergetic neutrons was produced by reflecting a collimated thermal beam from a quartz piezoelectric crystal. The modulation frequency was 1 Mc/s, twice the value of the piezoelectric resonance frequency. With the maximum driving voltage on the crystal, a peak to background ratio of approximately 10 was obtained.
Nonlinear infinite networks and related open problems

A brief survey is made of the current research status of the theory of nonlinear infinite electrical networks. Special attention is paid to the computational methods of solving for currents and voltages and to how such networks arise as realizations of the finite-difference approximations of nonlinear partial differential equations with infinite domains. Various open problems are described.
Optimal Path Planning for Helical Gear Profile Inspection with Point Laser Triangulation Probes

New commercial Point Laser Triangulation (PLT) probes enable Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to take faster, noncontact, accurate measurements. In this paper, we address how to apply this technology to inspect helical gears. Traditionally, gears are inspected with slow, costly, and dedicated machines. The proposed flexible inspection system with a fast measuring probe can significantly reduce capital equipment costs and inspection times. Integrating PLT probes on CMMs has been limited partly because of the difficulty in generating optimal inspection paths, and partly because of the highly reflective gear surfaces. Complex sensor-to-surface orientation and obstacle-avoidance requirements of these unique probes are the main cause of the difficulty. This paper presents a geometrical approach for obtaining an optimal path plan for helical gear profile inspection with PLT probes. Models for the orientation parameters and the allowable operating regions for the PLT probe are developed. A collision avoidance strategy is also presented. Although this new method was developed and demonstrated while creating an optimal path plan for inspecting helical gears, the developed models and principles can also be applied to optimal inspection plan generation for other parts.
An analytical method for butyltin species in shellfish

Abstract A method for analysing tributyltin (TBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) in shellfish is presented that places modest requirements on equipment and supplies. It is based on capillary gas chromatographic analysis of hexyl derivatives of any extractable organotin species present. Two internal standards are used. Data are presented showing that the precision and accuracy of the method are generally better than ±20%.
The integration of forecasting and strategic planning

Abstract The paper analyzes the use of information in companies planning strategically versus those which are not. This contrast is used to build the case for developing strategic forecasting capability which focuses on a variety of environments, is proactive and interactive, and creates a need for different kinds of data bases and forecasting techniques.
Computer simulation of flagellar movement VIII: Coordination of dynein by local curvature control can generate helical bending waves

Computer simulations have been carried out with a model flagellum that can bend in three dimensions. A pattern of dynein activation in which regions of dynein activity propagate along each doublet, with a phase shift of approximately 1/9 wavelength between adjacent doublets, will produce a helical bending wave. This pattern can be termed “doublet metachronism.” The simulations show that doublet metachronism can arise spontaneously in a model axoneme in which activation of dyneins is controlled locally by the curvature of each outer doublet microtubule. In this model, dyneins operate both as sensors of curvature and as motors. Doublet metachronism and the chirality of the resulting helical bending pattern are regulated by the angular difference between the direction of the moment and sliding produced by dyneins on a doublet and the direction of the controlling curvature for that doublet. A flagellum that is generating a helical bending wave experiences twisting moments when it moves against external viscous resistance. At high viscosities, helical bending will be significantly modified by twist unless the twist resistance is greater than previously estimated. Spontaneous doublet metachronism must be modified or overridden in order for a flagellum to generate the planar bending waves that are required for efficient propulsion of spermatozoa. Planar bending can be achieved with the three-dimensional flagellar model by appropriate specification of the direction of the controlling curvature for each doublet. However, experimental observations indicate that this “hard-wired” solution is not appropriate for real flagella. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 53:103–124, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
GEOGRAPHY OF MASCHALOCEPHALUS DINKLAGEI

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Effect of Carbohydrates and Heat on the Amino Acid Composition and Chemically Available Lysine Content of Casein

Casein, casein-starch, casein-sucrose, and casein-glucose mixtures were heated under conditions modeling storage, autoclaving, baking/broiling and charring (37–300°C). Losses in total and chemically available lysine content were measured by fluorodinitrobenzene (FDNB) and dye-binding methods. The lysine and arginine content decreased up to 99%. Changes in amino acid profiles were accompanied by the appearance of at least five new ninhydrin-positive compounds. The relative potencies of the three carbohydrates effecting these changes were different at the four temperatures studied. The available lysine contents of the samples measured by the two independent methods were identical within experimental error. The results show different susceptibilities of casein to heat- induced damage in the presence of different carbohydrates.
Safety and Tolerability of Gabapentin for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) Headache and Meningismus

Headache after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is very common and is often described as the “worst headache imaginable.” SAH-associated headache can persist for days to weeks and is traditionally treated with narcotics. However, narcotics can have significant adverse effects. We hypothesize that gabapentin (GBP), a non-narcotic neuropathic pain medication, would be safe and tolerable and would reduce narcotic requirements after SAH. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, radiographic, and laboratory data of SAH patients at the neuroscience intensive care unit at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, from January 2011 through February 2013. Headache intensity was quantified by a visual analog scale score. Total opioid use per day was tabulated using an intravenous morphine equivalents scale. Cerebrospinal fluid was also reviewed when available. There were 53 SAH patients who were treated with GBP along with other analgesics for headache. Among these SAH patients, 34 (64 %) were women, with a mean age of 54 years (SD 12.3). Severe headache was observed in all SAH patients. GBP dosing was rapidly escalated within days of SAH up to a median of 1,200 mg/day, with a range of 300 mg three times a day to 900 mg three times a day. Approximately 6 % of patients treated with GBP had nausea (95 % CI 1–16 %), and only one patient (1.8 %) had to discontinue GBP. GBP appears to be relatively safe and tolerable in SAH patients with headache and may be a useful narcotic-sparing agent to prevent narcotics-associated complications, such as gastrointestinal immobility, ileus, and constipation.
A discrete element method study on the evolution of thermomechanics of a pebble bed experiencing pebble failure

Abstract The discrete element method (DEM) is used to study the thermal effects of pebble failure in an ensemble of lithium ceramic spheres. Some pebbles crushing in a large system is unavoidable and this study provides correlations between the extent of pebble failure and the reduction in effective thermal conductivity of the bed. In the model, we homogeneously induced failure and applied nuclear heating until dynamic and thermal steady-state. Conduction between pebbles and from pebbles to the boundary is the only mode of heat transfer presently modeled. The effective thermal conductivity was found to decrease rapidly as a function of the percent of failed pebbles in the bed. It was found that the dominant contributor to the reduction was the drop in inter-particle forces as pebbles fail; implying the extent of failure induced may not occur in real pebble beds. The results are meant to assist designers in the fusion energy community who are planning to use packed beds of ceramic pebbles. The evolution away from experimentally measured thermomechanical properties as pebbles fail is necessary for proper operation of fusion reactors.
Mathtype, Version 3.0

MathType is a mathematical equation editor in the Windows 3.1 environment. It lets you build up any kind of mathematical expression by using simple point-and-click techniques and then insert them into any Windows 3.1 compatible word processor; for instance, Word Perfect 5.1/5.2 for Windows, Word 2.0 for Windows, and AMI Pro 3.0 for Windows. An expression designed by MathType can be transferred into a word processor by using standard Cut and Paste commands or by using Object Linking and Embedding techniques.