cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of thermally driven circulation on PM10 concentration in the Salt Lake Valley

Abstract Ground level and vertical measurements of aerosols (PM10) and meteorological parameters in the Salt Lake Valley were conducted as a part of the Vertical Transport and MiXing in the atmospheric boundary layer (VTMX) experiment, conducted during the period 1–18 October 2000. This component of the VTMX experiment was directed toward developing a deeper understanding of the factors affecting the distribution and transport of pollutants in urban areas within complex terrain. The present study focused on the temporal (diurnal) and vertical variation of PM10 concentration during the stable nighttime period as well as the morning and evening transition periods. The temporal variations in the aerosol concentration during these periods was dominated by thermally driven diurnal winds, with only minor influences from background synoptic winds. The increased aerosol concentration between sunrise and the afternoon was associated with the westerly up-slope winds that advected PM10 from the nearest source, the downtown area of Salt Lake City. In mid-afternoon the PM10 concentration decreased significantly due to the arrival of a northwesterly lake breeze near the ground. The lowest aerosol concentrations during the period from late afternoon to early morning are the result of the draining of cleaner air from the mountain slope after the wind shifted from westerly to easterly. The temporal variations in the wind direction and aerosol levels during the nighttime are discussed. A hypothesis is advanced, with some supporting evidence, that periodic variations of the nighttime PM10 concentrations owe to the shedding of vortices from the Wasatch mountain range bordering the lake. The vertical distribution of aerosols is sensitive to the thermal forcing, which exerts the driving influence on thermal circulation within the Salt Lake Valley.
EVALUATING PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE

Professional competence evaluation should involve attention to its intellectual and social context, and not just worry about technical fine points. The author frames professional competence evaluation broadly, containing sections on social issues, conceptual problems, and technical matters. The author uses illustrations from podiatric medicine and from other professions that have similar concerns about the evaluation of practitioner competence. Several suggestions are given for improving evaluating practices.
Seawater permittivity model function with new L-band seawater measurements at 33psu

Seawater salinity measurements are currently being made at L-band (1.413 Ghz) by NASA's Aquarius instrument (on the Aquarius/SAC-D observatory). The goal of Aquarius mission is to measure the salinity of seawater to an accuracy on the order of 0.2 psu; this requires a model function of seawater permittivity with a high accuracy. Since 2011, the George Washington University (GW) has employed a cavity technique to determine the complex permittivity of seawater at 1.413 GHz. In this paper, a new seawater dielectric model function is introduced including the latest permittivity data for seawater with salinity 33 psu. Finally, the validation of the end-effect, measurement variance and data fitting will be discussed.
Holographic Raman/Rayleigh lidar for all-atmosphere thermal profiles

We present a holographic lidar system, designed to give complete temperature profiles of the atmosphere. The lidar uses rotational Raman scattering (RRS) from 0-30km and Rayleigh scattering (RS) from 30-100km. The main feature of our lidar is a holographic optical element (HOE) which allows individual lines in the nitrogen rotational RRS to be extracted with high efficiency, along with the Rayleigh return. Due to the effectiveness of the holographic filters we have constructed, our lidar can achieve levels of performance far above existing systems using narrowband filters. The system requires no calibration to radiosondes and has nominal susceptibility to environmental fluctuations.
Shape factors for conductive heat flow

Application of shape factors to problems of conductive heat flow eliminates the need for lengthy calculations by numerical approximation methods. Shape factors for several systems, determined bvy electrical analogues, are given in the accompanying article.
Nutrient Manipulation to Control the Toxic Alga Prymnesium parvum: Verification of Treatments and Resolution of the Issue of Elevated pH

Abstract In previous mesocosm experiments simulating aquaculture ponds, we found that fertilization with inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) eliminated the toxigenic alga Prymnesium parvum. However, the effective inorganic fertilization regimes (three applications of 300 μg N/L plus 30 μg P/L or 117 μg N/L plus 15 μg P/L per week) produced high pH and un-ionized ammonia (UIA) levels known to reduce the survival of sensitive fish species. In follow-up studies, lower UIA levels were achieved, but the issue of high pH remained unresolved. In the present study, we used hatchery ponds to examine the effects of the most effective inorganic fertilization regimes in combination with a standard cottonseed meal fertilization regime on P. parvum, pH, water quality, chlorophyll a, and zooplankton. Cottonseed meal was used to counter the elevated pH caused by inorganic fertilization. The results confirmed the efficacy of inorganic fertilization in controlling P. parvum in ponds, but the effect was dependent on t...
A Study of Electrochemical Ostwald Ripening in Pt and Ag Catalysts Supported on Carbon

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are electrochemical devices which convert chemical energy of oxidation of hydrogen into electrical energy. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have applications in transportation, distributed power, and portable power. While considerable progress has been made over the past two decades in PEMFC, it is well known that degradation in performance occurs over time. One of the main reasons for degradation is catalyst degradation on the cathode side. Several mechanisms of cathode degradation have been reported. They include: (a) detachment of catalyst particles from carbon support thus rendering them electro-catalytically inactive. (b) Ostwald ripening of particles. (c) Agglomeration and associated growth (sintering) of particles. (d) Dissolution of the catalyst at the cathode, its transport and precipitation into the membrane.
Contribution of laminar myofiber architecture to load-dependent changes in mechanics of LV myocardium.

The ventricular myocardium consists of a syncytium of myocytes organized into branching, transmurally oriented laminar sheets approximately four cells thick. When systolic deformation is expressed ...
Interaction of κ receptor agonists with Ca2+ channel antagonists in the modulation of hypothermia

Administration of the opiate U-50,488H (3-20 mg/kg s.c.), a selective kappa receptor agonist, produced a dose-dependent decrease of rectal temperature in rats. This hypothermic effect of U-50,488H was accompanied by an enhanced activity of Ca2+/Mg2+ ATPase in crude synaptosomal (P2) fractions obtained from hypothalamus but not from cortex or cerebellum. Mg2+ ATPase activity in these regions was not altered by U-50,488H (15 mg/kg s.c.). Naloxone (5 mg/kg) partially and MR2266 (5 mg/kg) completely reversed the temperature and enzyme changes. Pretreatment with the calcium channel blockers nimodipine (1 mg/kg s.c.), diltiazem (10 mg/kg s.c.) and verapamil (2.5 mg/kg s.c.) potentiated the hypothermic effect of U-50,488H as well as the stimulation of Ca2+/Mg2+ ATPase in hypothalamus. These observations suggest that kappa agonists may produce opiate receptor mediated hypothermia through changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels in the hypothalamus.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor nephrotoxicity in neonates with cardiac disease.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) are commonly used for pediatric cardiology patients. However, studies examining their safety for neonates with cardiac disease are scarce. The current study aimed to test the hypothesis that ACEi-mediated nephrotoxicity occurs in neonates and may be underappreciated in this population. A retrospective review of 243 neonates with cardiac disease between 2007 and 2010 was performed. Demographic data, weight, length, captopril and enalapril dosing, serum [K+], serum creatinine, and concomitant medications during ACEi therapy were recorded and analyzed. Body surface area (BSA), creatinine clearance (CrCl), and change in [K+] were calculated. The age range of neonates at ACEi initiation was 15.9–18.1 days. The inclusion criteria was met by 206 neonates: 168 term (82 %) and 38 preterm (18 %) newborns. Of these neonates, 42 % were female, and all the patients had a BSA smaller than 0.33 m2 (a group known to have relative renal insufficiency). The mean dose of enalapril was 0.08 ± 0.007 mg/kg for the preterm neonates and 0.08 ± 0.003 mg/kg for the term neonates. The mean dose of captopril was 0.07 ± 0.009 mg/kg for the preterm neonates and 0.13 ± 0.019 mg/kg for the term neonates. A significant decrease in CrCl occurred for both the preterm (p < 0.01) and term (p < 0.001) neonates while they were receiving ACEi. However, the two groups did not differ significantly (p = 0.183). Nearly 42 % of all the patients showed renal risk, with approximately 30 % demonstrating renal failure by modified pRIFLE (pediatric risk, injury, failure, loss, and end-stage renal disease) criteria. Despite the lack of significantly different CrCl, the premature neonates were more likely to experience ACEi-related renal failure by pRIFLE (55 %) than their term counterparts (23 %; p < 0.001). Despite its common use for term neonates with cardiac disease, ACEi should be used cautiously and only when indications are clear. These results also raise the question whether ACEi should be used at all for preterm neonates.
A DNA−Silver Nanocluster Probe That Fluoresces upon Hybridization

DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (DNA/Ag NCs) are an emerging set of fluorophores that are smaller than semiconductor quantum dots and can have better photostability and brightness than commonly used organic dyes. Here we find the red fluorescence of DNA/Ag NCs can be enhanced 500-fold when placed in proximity to guanine-rich DNA sequences. On the basis of this new phenomenon, we have designed a DNA detection probe (NanoCluster Beacon, NCB) that “lights up” upon target binding. Since NCBs do not rely on Forster energy transfer for quenching, they can easily reach high (>100) signal-to-background ratios (S/B ratios) upon target binding. Here, in a separation-free assay, we demonstrate NCB detection of an influenza target with a S/B ratio of 175, a factor of 5 better than a conventional molecular beacon probe. Since the observed fluorescence enhancement is caused by intrinsic nucleobases, our detection technique is simple, inexpensive, and compatible with commercial DNA synthesizers.
Problems associated with selecting the most sensitive species for toxicity testing

When the field of aquatic toxicity testing began its first major expansion about 40 years ago, it was uncommon to use more than one test species (usually a fish). Later, it became customary to use individual microorganisms (usually algae) and macroinvertebrates as well. Most attention was then given to the response of the most sensitive species in that test series when calculating the ‘biologically safe’ concentration acceptable for use in natural systems. However, in recent years, there has been an attempt to equate the most sensitive species in a laboratory test series to the most sensitive species in natural systems. Since laboratory test species represent only a tiny part of natural systems and since response variability is well established, that can be a dangerous assumption. The purpose of this discussion is to re-examine the scientific support for this practice.
Determinations of some hydrogen molecular constants

Abstract This paper reports an investigation of pressure perturbations of the fundamental rotation-vibration band of hydrogen. Both the electric field induced dipole spectrum and the stimulated Raman spectrum of hydrogen have been used to measure spectral line frequencies at gas densities extending up to 280 amagat. Linear pressure shifting coefficients have been obtained for the lines Q (0), Q (1), Q (2), Q (3), and S (1). The quadratic pressure shifting coefficient has been determined for the line Q (1). These data were combined with spectroscopic data available in the literature to obtain the zero density frequencies of eight lines in the 1-0 band and two lines in the 2-0 band. Precise molecular constants for the first few vibrational states were calculated. The pressure broadening coefficient and integrated absorption coefficient have been determined for the line Q (1). Experimental values of the matrix element of the expectation value of the polarizability ∥ α 01 ∥ and the matrix element of its anisotropy ∥ γ 01 ∥ have been obtained.
Regulatory functions of protein multisite phosphorylation

In recent years it has become apparent that an increasing number of proteins can be phosphorylated at several different sites. In this article protein multisite phosphorylation is discussed with reference to the enzymes glycogen synthase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, and phosphorylase kinase. Each of these enzymes contains three or more different phosphorylation sites on one or more subunits. Activation and inactivation of the enzymes appear to correlate quite well with phosphorylation of a few key sites on the protein. The other phosphorylation sites may influence other kinetic properties of the enzymes or regulate the rates of dephosphorylation of the key sites by the appropriate phosphatase. Thus, multisite phosphorylation may represent an important mechanism for regulating several functions of complex proteins.
Wall distance search algorithm using voxelized marching spheres

Minimum distance to a solid wall is a commonly used parameter in turbulence closure formulations associated with the Reynolds Averaged form of the Navier Stokes Equations (RANS). This paper presents a new approach to efficiently compute the minimum distance between a set of points and a surface. The method is based on sphere voxelization, and uses fast integer arithmetic algorithms from the field of computer graphics. Using a simple test case where the number of points (N"p) and surface elements (N"b) can be independently specified, the present method is empirically estimated to be O(N"p^0^.^8N"b^0^.^5). An unstructured grid around an aircraft configuration (DLR-F6) is chosen as the test case for demonstration and validation. Multi-processor computations (up to 256 processors) are conducted to study efficiency and scalability. Encouraging results are obtained, with the sphere voxelization algorithm demonstrated to be more efficient than all of the alternate methods for computing minimum distances. However, a load imbalance does exist, which negatively impacts the scalability for large number of cores. A simple method for load re-balancing is formulated and tested, which results in significant improvements in both efficiency and scalability.
STUDIES ON THE LEUKOCYTOSIS AND LYMPHOCYTOSIS INDUCED BY BORDETELLA PERTUSSIS III. THE DISTRIBUTION OF TRANSFUSED LYMPHOCYTES IN PERTUSSIS-TREATED AND NORMAL MICE

Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated from normal mice and mice undergoing pertussis-induced lymphocytosis. After labeling in vitro with tritiated uridine the cells were transfused into normal or pertussis-treated mice. It was found that the lymphocytes from pertussis-treated mice entered the lymph nodes of both normal mice and pertussis-treated mice to a significantly lesser extent than did normal lymphocytes which had been transfused into either class of recipient. In addition, an interdependence of changes in the various body compartments examined was found when normal lymphocytes were injected into either type of recipient. However, when pertussis lymphocytes were injected into normal mice there was no interrelationship between the changes in the node with those in the blood, liver, lung, or spleen. In the case of pertussis lymphocytes transfused into pertussis-treated mice no interrelationship between any two compartments was observed. It was concluded that in pertussis-treated mice there is an inhibition of lymphocyte emigration which is primarily the consequence of an effect on the cell.
Decreasing first-admission rates of schizophrenia among males in Denmark from 1970 to 1984. Changing diagnostic patterns?

: The first-admission diagnoses of schizophrenia in males aged 15 years and over for the 15-year interval 1970–84, based on annual reports from the Danish Psychiatric Register, showed a highly significant decrease from 12.6 to 8.5 per 100,000, amounting to 37% by regression analysis. The decrease is almost entirely caused by the age group 15–24 years, in which the incidence fell from 30.7 to 14.6 per 100,000. During the same period a remarkable increase in the corresponding first-admission rates of “borderline states” (ICD-8: 301.83, Danish version) and paranoid and unspecified psychoses (ICD-8: 297, 298.9, and 299) was observed, particularly for the age groups 15–24 and 25–34 years. Changes in diagnostic habits accounting for the decreasing schizophrenia incidence among males are discussed.
Contagion and the State in Europe, 1830-1930

1. Preventive variations 2. Enter cholera 3. Cholera comes of age 4. Smallpox faces the lancet 5. Syphilis between prostitution and promiscuity 6. The politics of prevention Bibliography.
Nonequilibrium stretching dynamics of dilute and entangled linear polymers in extensional flow

Abstract We propose an extension of the FENE-CR model for dilute polymer solutions [M.D. Chilcott, J.M. Rallison, Creeping flow of dilute polymer solutions past cylinders and spheres, J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech. 29 (1988) 382–432] and the Rouse-CCR tube model for linear entangled polymers [A.E. Likhtman, R.S. Graham, Simple constitutive equation for linear polymer melts derived from molecular theory: Rolie–Poly equation, J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech. 114 (2003) 1–12], to describe the nonequilibrium stretching dynamics of polymer chains in strong extensional flows. The resulting models, designed to capture the progressive changes in the average internal structure (kinked state) of the polymer chain, include an ‘effective’ maximum contour length that depends on local flow dynamics. The rheological behavior of the modified models is compared with various results already published in the literature for entangled polystyrene solutions, and for the Kramers chain model (dilute polymer solutions). It is shown that the FENE-CR model with an ‘effective’ maximum contour length is able to describe correctly the hysteretic behavior in stress versus birefringence in start-up of uniaxial extensional flow and subsequent relaxation also observed and computed by Doyle et al. [P.S. Doyle, E.S.G. Shaqfeh, G.H. McKinley, S.H. Spiegelberg, Relaxation of dilute polymer solutions following extensional flow, J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech. 76 (1998) 79–110] and Li and Larson [L. Li, R.G. Larson, Excluded volume effects on the birefringence and stress of dilute polymer solutions in extensional flow, Rheol. Acta 39 (2000) 419–427] using Brownian dynamics simulations of bead–spring model. The Rolie–Poly model with an ‘effective’ maximum contour length exhibits a less pronounced hysteretic behavior in stress versus birefringence in start-up of uniaxial extensional flow and subsequent relaxation.
The XY model with random p-fold anisotropy: Dynamics and statics near two dimensions

Abstract The phase structure and renormalization group behavior of the XY model with p -fold random anisotropy is studied via time-dependent Langevin formulation. The statics and dynamics of the model are derived in two dimensions and extended to 2 + ϵ dimensions without the use of replicas. The connection with previous replica treatments is discussed. In two dimensions and above we show that a would-be spin glass phase is destroyed at large distances by the topological defects viz. vortices. The mechanism is: random interactions generate random Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya bond interactions which unbind the vortices and this in turn renders the glass phase paramagmetic at large scales. In two dimensions and p 2 > 8 there is a re-entrant transition from an intermediate XY phase into the glass phase. In 2 + ϵ dimensions and p 2 > 8 there is a transition governed by the pure XY fixed point from a paramagnetic phase into a low-temperature glass phase, paramagnetic at large length scales.
Ignition mechanism of nickel-coated aluminum particles

Abstract The use of nickel-coated aluminum particles (10–100 μm) as a fuel component in propellants is expected to improve the performance characteristics of solid rocket motors. They can also be used for combustion synthesis of nickel aluminides. The ignition mechanism of such particles, however, is not well understood. In this study, to provide sufficient spatial and time resolution, single ∼2.5-mm Ni-coated Al particles were laser-heated in argon and carbon dioxide atmospheres. The ignition process was investigated using a high-speed digital video camera, thermocouple measurements, and analysis of particles quenched at different preignition stages. It was shown that the particle ignition temperature is ∼1325 °C and does not depend on atmosphere (Ar or CO 2 ) or Ni content. The established ignition mechanism includes exothermic intermetallic reactions and phase transformations of different Ni–Al compounds. Specifically, the melting of NiAl 3 at 854 °C plays a critical role in particle ignition.
The Coupled Thermal and Mechanical Influence on a Glassy Thermoplastic Polyamide: Nylon 6, 6 Under Vibro-Creep

The vibro-creep behavior of pure Nylon 6, 6 samples subjected to tensile-tensile cyclic loading conditions within the linear elastic region (25% of yield stress at 30 °C) was studied by examining their viscoelastic response. All tests were performed at controlled temperatures, and humidity was kept as low as possible. The test protocol included three frequencies and two amplitudes. The results from all tests show that vibro-creep behavior may be divided into three stages: (a) Primary thermally dominated regime (b) Transition or coupled regime (c) Tertiary damage dominated regime. The sample temperature was observed to rise 2–2.5 °C during the cyclic loading process, which significantly contributed to the early mechanical response of the sample. Two sets of quasi-static tests were completed at 30 °C and 32.5 °C to give references for vibro-creep effects. The relationship between engineering strain for the cyclic loading process (at 30 °C) and the quasi-static creep at 32.5 °C suggests the boundaries for different mechanisms dominating the vibro-creep behavior. This is also evident from the postmortem analyses of sample surfaces using AFM. Both the exterior sample surfaces and the interior cross-sectional surfaces were checked for the evolving damage. Mean roughness and dimensions of the cracks were measured in the damaged samples. Cracks of dimensions 2–4 μm on the exterior surface and 1–2 μm on the interior cross-sectional surface were observed in pure Nylon 6, 6 samples subjected up to 2 × 106 cycles.
Visual Fits in the Teaching of Regression Concepts

Abstract This article describes the pedagogical benefits of a classroom exercise that involves interactive graphical techniques on the personal computer. In the exercise, a microcomputer-based software routine termed LINEFIT is used in a statistics course to enhance student understanding of regression concepts. LINEFIT allows the student to visually fit a simple linear regression model to a screen display of points plotted on an (x—y) coordinate system. The comparison of these visual fits to the fits produced by standard statistical procedures such as ordinary least squares or minimum absolute deviation provides the basis for a discussion of the problem of fitting a straight line to a set of points.
Rabies Virus Is Recognized by the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Activates Interleukin-1β Release in Murine Dendritic Cells

Inflammasome activation is important for the development of an effective host defense against many pathogens, including RNA viruses. However, the mechanism by which the inflammasome recognizes RNA viruses and its role in rabies virus (RABV) pathogenicity and immunogenicity remain poorly defined. To determine the function of the inflammasome in response to RABV infection, we infected murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) with RABV. Our results indicate that the infection of BMDCs with RABV induces both the production of pro-interleukin-1β (pro-IL-1β) and its processing, resulting in the secretion of active IL-1β through activation of the NLRP3-, ASC-, and caspase-1-dependent inflammasome. As previously shown for the induction of type I interferon by RABV, the induction of pro-IL-1β also depends upon IPS-1. We demonstrate that both the production of pro-IL-1β and activation of the inflammasome require viral replication. We also demonstrate that increased viral replication in BMDCs derived from IFNAR-deficient mice resulted in significantly more IL-1β release. Additionally, IL-1 receptor-deficient mice show an increase in RABV pathogenicity. Taken together, these results indicate an important role of the inflammasome in innate immune recognition of RABV.
Rapid Pituitary Apoplexy Regression: What Is the Time Course of Clot Resolution?

A 29-year-old male patient with a functioning pituitary macroadenoma is discussed. The pituitary mass was detected by MRI after the patient presented with sudden onset of headache, suggestive of an apoplectic event. The headache resolved with analgesic medications. Within a follow-up period of one week, the pituitary mass had spontaneously regressed to nearly half its original size without any therapy. The patient never reported any visual complaints and displayed no signs of hypopituitarism. Elevated prolactin levels were present. Seven weeks after the initial event, the pituitary mass showed continued regression on MRI. Prolactin levels remained elevated. This case provides a unique look at the rapid spontaneous regression of mass effect that may occur following apoplexy of a pituitary adenoma.
Metastatic, sarcomatoid, and PSA‐ and PAP‐negative prostatic carcinoma: Diagnosis by fine‐needle aspiration

Fine-needle aspiration of prostatic carcinoma usually yields an acinar carcinoma that is immunoreactive for prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP). We report on two FNAs of metastatic sarcomatoid prostatic carcinoma that were PSA- and PAP-negative. Our methods included a review of the medical records and pathology results. Both cases presented with elevated serum PSA levels and prostate needle biopsies with Gleason score 8 and 9 tumors, respectively. Both cases developed retroperitoneal/pelvic lymphadenopathy, and fine-needle aspirations were performed. These showed high-grade, sarcomatoid tumors with marked anisonucleosis. Immunocytochemical staining for PSA and PAP was negative in both cases. Clinical and radiologic evaluation failed to reveal any other potential primary sites. Metastatic, sarcomatoid, PSA- and PAP-negative prostatic carcinoma is a rare diagnosis of exclusion that should be considered in the characteristic clinical setting.
Electron tunneling characteristics of a cubic quantum dot, (PbS)32.

The electron transport properties of the cubic quantum dot, (PbS)32, are investigated. The stability of the quantum dot has been established by recent scanning tunneling microscope experiments [B. Kiran, A. K. Kandalam, R. Rallabandi, P. Koirala, X. Li, X. Tang, Y. Wang, H. Fairbrother, G. Gantefoer, and K. Bowen, J. Chem. Phys. 136(2), 024317 (2012)]. In spite of the noticeable energy band gap (∼2 eV), a relatively high tunneling current for (PbS)32 is predicted affirming the observed bright images for (PbS)32. The calculated I-V characteristics of (PbS)32 are predicted to be substrate-dependent; (PbS)32 on the Au (001) exhibits the molecular diode-like behavior and the unusual negative differential resistance effect, though this is not the case with (PbS)32 on the Au (110). Appearance of the conduction channels associated with the hybridized states of quantum dot and substrate together with their asymmetric distribution at the Fermi level seem to determine the tunneling characteristics of the system.
Design optimization of intraoperative radiotherapy cones.

Abstract Purpose Electron intraoperative cones (EIORCs) commonly used for intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) often generate high-dose regions at superficial depths. This study was performed to optimize the use of rings in the EIORC design that reduces the high-dose region while minimizing the loss of the treatment volume at the prescribed depth. Methods and materials Monte Carlo simulations were performed to study the dosimetry properties of various EIORC designs. Simulations were conducted with EIORCs of various internal radii, lengths, and material compositions irradiated by available electron beam energies. The data were analyzed in terms of volume receiving > 105% and Results The high-dose volume increases with the EIORC size and the electron beam energy. The use of a ring inside the EIORC reduces the 105% dose volume but also increases the sub-90% volume. The degree of change of these volumes depends on the ring thickness and position. Conclusion The optimal ring position is about 10 cm from the bottom of the EIORC, regardless of the EIORC material, geometry, or electron energy. The optimal thickness of the ring is dependent on its material composition, the beam energy, and the preferred compromise between a uniform dose profile and a loss of treatment volume.
Antigenic regions for the humoral response to myelin basic protein

Abstract The major encephalitogenic sites in myelin basic protein (BP) † differ among animals tested. In order to define further the antigenic features of BP and to explore the possibility that antigenic sites recognized for antibody production might also differ among species, the contribution of regions of BP to the total antigenic activity of the molecule was examined in guinea pigs and rabbits. Twenty-one guinea pigs, 13 Hartley and 8 strain 13, were given a series of immunizations with bovine or guinea pig BP administered with large amounts of Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Eleven New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with bovine or guniea pig BP alone or conjugated to albumin. Antisera were tested by double antibody radioimmunoassay for reactivity with BP and BP peptides. Antisera from all guinea pigs reacted with BP and peptide 89–169 but had little or no reactivity with peptides 1–36 and 43–88. All rabbit antisera reacted well with BP, peptide 89–169 and peptide 1–36. Reactivity of rabbit antisera with peptide 43–88 was variable. It was present, usually in low titers, in 5 animals. The pattern of reactivity of rabbit antisera to BP and BP peptides was established early during the course of immunization. Rabbit antisera reactive with BP peptide 43–88 showed limited, if any, activity toward peptide 79–88, thus providing additional information about the inaccessibility or conformational dependence of the antigenic site in the molecular region of residues 79–88.
Reverse-phase HPLC of DNA restriction fragments and ribooligonucleotides on uncoated Kel-F powder

Uncoated Kel-F powder offers some unique features as a support for reverse-phase HPLC of oligonucleotides and DNA restriction fragments. Compounds are eluted from the column by a gradient of acetonitrile (0 tto 18% v/v) in 0.1 M aqueous triethylammonium acetate. In contrast to RPC-5 chromatography, oligonucleotides are not eluted by aqueous salt solutions alone, and the separation of restriction fragments depends only on the chainlength. The packing material is cheap, easy to pack, chemically inert, and does not bleed, so that separations are highly reproducible. The DNA loading capacity for Kel-F is presently inferior to RPC-5, but recovery of microgram amounts of material is typically better than 50%.
The surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a highly prevalent disorder that significantly increases mortality when it is moderate to severe. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) provides excellent relief to sleep apnea in the majority of patients. Unfortunately, many patients cannot tolerate CPAP and seek surgical alternatives. The reported surgical success rates range between 25 and 100% with most studies achieving a 50-70% success rate. The severity of the sleep apnea, as well as the patient's physical features influence the surgical success rate. Patients with mild sleep apnea should be treated if systematic. Treatment should be encouraged for patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea because of the decrease in life expectancy and other associated morbidities. Current surgical procedures include uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, genioglossus advancement, radiofrequency ablation to the base of tongue, tongue suspension, maxillomandibular advancement, and tracheostomy.
Interpolation Method for Adapting Reduced-Order Models and Application to Aeroelasticity

Reduced-order models are usually thought of as computationally inexpensive mathematical representations that offer the potential for near real-time analysis. Although most reduced-order models can operate in near real-time, their construction can be computationally expensive, as it requires accumulating a large number of system responses to input excitations. Furthermore, reduced-order models usually lack robustness with respect to parameter changes and therefore must often be rebuilt for each parameter variation. Together, these two issues underline the need for a fast and robust method for adapting precomputed reduced-order models to new sets of physical or modeling parameters. To this effect, this paper presents an interpolation method based on the Grassmann manifold and its tangent space at a point that is applicable to structural, aerodynamic, aeroelastic, and many other reduced-order models based on projection schemes. This method is illustrated here with the adaptation of computational-fluid-dynamics-based aeroelastic reduced-order models of complete fighter configurations to new values of the freestream Mach number. Good correlations with results obtained from direct reduced-order model reconstruction, high-fidelity nonlinear and linear simulations are reported, thereby highlighting the potential of the proposed reduced-order model adaptation method for near real-time aeroelastic predictions using precomputed reduced-order model databases.
Managing shrimp pond water to reduce discharge problems

Abstract The excessive feed used in intensive and semi-intensive shrimp production systems is the basic cause for shrimp pond water quality problems, which are currently resolved by flushing. Flushing is not only wasteful of water resources, but also creates effluent discharge problems. The two major contributors to pond water quality problems are the over-population of algae and the presence of suspended solids. Algae can be removed by bivalves and suspended solids can be removed by sedimentation devices. With algae and suspended solids removed, a large portion of the water can be returned to the shrimp pond. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of a shrimp/oyster co-production system which uses shrimp pond water to feed oysters, while using oysters to remove small suspended solids (including algae) from the water and using sedimentation devices to remove the larger suspended solid particles. The production process produces two high-priced products while sharing many of the production inputs, such as feed, water, energy and ponds.
Remote Video Sensing of Highway Pavements at Road Speeds: Using the Motorola 68020 Microprocessor

This article presents microprocessor measurement techniques for a multi-cameera video system mounted in a van type vehicle that will observe a 12-foot lane of road surface. Because of the high speed processing requirement of the vision system, several 68020 microprocessors are employed to handle data and detect various cracking patterns while the vehicle is in motion at highway speeds. As the image processing system collects the data, a host microprocessor computes an instantaneous and cumulative pavement score that will be used by the operator and the Pavement Management System, PMS, for further analysis and maintence considerations. The article presents an overview of the microprocessor driven PMS using high speed hardware circuitry for real-time processing. Development of the system is underway by the Earth Technology Corporation and Louisiana Tech University.
Synthesis and Characterization of Resorcinarene-Encapsulated Nanoparticles

A new strategy for stabilizing inorganic nanoparticles in nonpolar solutions is described. Resorcinarenes 1-3 were synthesized and evaluated as surfactants because of their large concave headgroups with multiple contact sites. Au nanoparticles ranging from 3-20 nm in diameter were generated in the vapor phase and dispersed into dilute hydrocarbon solutions of 1-3, where they were stabilized for up to several months. Chemisorption is most likely mediated by multiple Au-O interactions, as indicated by several control experiments and by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The resorcinarenes were readily displaced by dodecanethiol, which resulted in the precipitation of particles >5 nm as determined by absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. This suggests that the mobility of the resorcinarene tailgroups are important for maintaining the larger nanoparticles in a dispersed state. Resorcinarene surfactants with stronger chemisorptive properties are currently being explored.
Iterative solution of the Lyapunov matrix equation

Iterative solution of the Lyapunov matrix equation AX + XB = C using ADI theory described in [1] is reviewed here. A procedure for implementing this technique when A and B are sparse is introduced in this paper.
Imaging subducted slab structure beneath the Sea of Okhotsk with teleseismic waveforms

The structure of subducted slabs is not well imaged in most global tomographic models with anomalies typically less than 1%. Synthetic waveforms for such models are not noticeably different from their 1D reference models. In contrast, we find that observed teleseismic waveforms sampling slabs in the down-dip direction display multipathing features indicative of substantial structure. Such waveform complexity patterns appear distinctly different for various source locations with outer-rise events generally displaying relatively simple waveforms. Here, we model these waveform patterns for a portion of the Kuril subduction zone. The best fitting slab models have relatively fast cores (∼5%) with smooth edges compatible with thermal modeling in shape. Complete seismograms for these 2D models indicate that multibounce P and S waves are slab-sensitive and can be used in refining models.
Age-related benefits of digital noise reduction for short-term word learning in children with hearing loss.

Purpose To determine the rate of word learning for children with hearing loss (HL) in quiet and in noise compared to normal-hearing (NH) peers. The effects of digital noise reduction (DNR) were exa...
Dominant Strategy Adoption and Bidders' Experience with Pricing Rules

Truthful revelation is a dominant strategy in both English (oral ascending bid) and second-price sealed-bid privatevalues auctions. Controlled observations of English auctions are largely consistent with the dominant strategy prediction, but laboratory second-price auctions exhibit substantial and persistent overbidding, even with prior experience. However, the experience of having bid in an English auction has a significant learning effect, moving bidding in subsequent second-price auctions closer to the dominant strategy. I explore two treatments isolating facets of the lessons learned from English auction participation, leading me to the following conclusions. Part of the lesson carried over appears to be considering prices one-by-one, but most of it appears to be a crude awareness that overbidding leads to losses. A claim that English auction experience teaches subjects to recognize the dominant strategy in second-price auctions seems overly optimistic. I introduce a nonparametric technique to test coefficient restrictions when the assumption of normally distributed errors is untenable.
Vertical-cavity ring laser

A new type of laser diode structure is proposed, in which a ring type structure is implemented with the plane of the ring perpendicular to the surface of the semiconductor. Emitting beams both parallel and perpendicular to the surface, this structure could be useful for coupling into fiber or adjacent optoelectronic devices. By injection-locking a series of these lasers, a phased array of surface emitting lasers is made possible. Losses are expected to be significantly less than those reported for grating-coupled surface emitting arrays, with from 8% to 31% coupling plus absorption loss compared to 50%-73% refraction plus absorption loss for grating coupled arrays. >
THE INTERACTION IN VITRO BETWEEN POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES AND MYCOPLASMA

The interaction, between mycoplasma (PPLO) and human or rabbit leukocytes was examined in vitro. Upon incubation of M. hominis or M. arthritidis for 2 hr with rabbit peritoneal exudate granulocytes or leukocytes from human peripheral blood, no killing of mycoplasma was observed either in the presence or absence of type-specific antiserum. However, 14CO2 production from glucose-1-14C was stimulated up to 10-fold in the presence of live or heat-killed PPLO. The extent of stimulation depended upon the number of organisms and the presence of type-specific antiserum. The stimulation of 14CO2 production seems not because of tight adherence of PPLO to the leukocytes, since PPLO were quantitatively recovered in the medium after sedimenting the granulocytes. The enhanced conversion of medium lysolecithin to cellular lecithin that accompanies phagocytosis of polystyrene particles was significantly reduced when PPLO were also present. Mycoplasma alone elicited no stimulation of lecithin formation. Killing of E. coli, a microorganism readily engulfed and killed by leukocytes in vitro, was diminished when the leukocytes were preincubated with mycoplasma. These findings indicate that M. hominis and M. arthritidis are not ingested by granulocytes to any detectable extent, but that these organisms affect the leukocytes' metabolism and also impair phagocytosis of E. coli.
Immunogenicity of influenza A virus N2 neuraminidase produced in insect larvae by baculovirus recombinants

Influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) from A/Udorn/72 (H3N2) was expressed by recombinant baculovirus-infected insects. The recombinant NA was enzymatically active. Enzyme activity was neutralized by polyclonal antisera raised against virion-extracted NA. NA produced in whole insects by a baculovirus expression system is antigenically indistinguishable from virion NA by polyclonal antisera in functional assays (NI) and in ELISA, and is highly immunogenic without adjuvant. It is equivalent in immunogenicity to NA purified from influenza virus. Our results indicate that baculovirus-produced NA could be used as a source for large quantities of purified N2-NA for vaccine use.
Metabolism of Amino Acids in the Bovine Rumen

Summary Catabolic intermediates of l-arginine, l-lysine, and dl-tryptophan in vivo were compared with previously determined dissimilation products of these amino acids in vitro. The relative concentrations of amino acids and amines of jugular vein-blood plasma were examined at 0, 1, 2, and 4 hr after administration of each amino acid, and rumen ingesta was assayed for amino acids, ammonia, indole, and skatole for a 24-hr period. dl-tryptophan (265.5g), l-arginine · HCl (274g), or l-lysine · HCl (237g) dissolved in one liter of water was mixed with the rumen ingesta of one of two rumen-fistula cows 2 hr after feeding 12lb hay and 8lb grain. Rumen ammonia concentrations were the largest 6 hr following arginine administration (32mg NH 3 -N/100ml), whereas tryptophan and lysine yielded smaller, but detectable, amounts of ammonia. Arginine yielded ornithine; the ruminal concentration of these two amino acids became equal within 6 hr after arginine administration. The ruminal lysine concentration decreased 50% within 6 hr of administration and this decrease was accompanied by an increase in delta-amino valeric acid concentration. Ruminal tryptophan concentrations were not markedly reduced until 8 to 10 hr after administration, at which time indole and skatole concentrations were 3 to 5 μ g/ml rumen fluid. Plasma indole and skatole did not exceed 0.25 μ g/ml through 4 hr. Arginine and lysine supplementation increased the concentration of several plasma amino acids within 1 hr after addition to the rumen, whereas tryptophan had little or no effect. Plasma lysine was markedly increased 4 hr after lysine administration.
An exercise prescription course to improve pharmacy students' confidence in patient counseling.

Objectives. To create, implement, and evaluate an elective course on the foundational aspects of exercise prescription to increase pharmacy students' knowledge about exercise and confidence in offering exercise advice in pharmacy practice. Design. A course was designed as an elective using the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for exercise prescription for healthy and clinical populations. Assessment. Surveys of students who did and did not take the elective were conducted over 2 years to assess the impact of the course on students' confidence in knowledge and counseling. Students' confidence in counseling patients about exercise increased after taking the course and remained higher after 6 months. Conclusions. This course increased pharmacy students' knowledge and confidence in incorporating exercise prescriptions in their advice to various patient populations.
The Construction of Public and Domestic Spheres in the Preclassic Maya Lowlands

There exists a significant theoretical imbalance in the archaeological study of domestic and public domains. Although the domestic has been an important focus of theoretical discussion, there is not an adequate archaeological theory on the public, and the study of the public is often confused with that of elite strategies. We believe that this theoretical imbalance strongly shapes interpretations of early Maya society, leading to the problematic assumption that the domestic existed before the public. Jurgen Habermas's concept of public sphere provides a logical starting point for the exploration of this issue. At the lowland Maya site of Ceibal, Guatemala, a public ceremonial complex was built around 1000 B.C.E. when some groups began to adopt a sedentary and agricultural way of life, but some populations probably maintained residential mobility and a mixed economy for the next few centuries. During this period of profound social change, the new public sphere probably served as an arena of negotiation between diverse groups through communal rituals. The construction of minor temples and the disappearance of figurines several centuries later signal a transformation of domestic ritual through its integration into a more homogeneous system of ritual practice rooted in earlier public rites. [public sphere, political process, Maya, archaeology]
Density Determination of Thin Coatings by X‐ray Methods

A method is proposed and demonstrated for measuring the area density of coatings of known chemical composition on poly crystalline-substrates by means of an X-ray technique. The method is based on measuring the absorption in the coating by comparing intensities of substrate Bragg reflections from uncoated and coated substrates at varying angles of incidence. From these measurements, in conjunction with beam-path geometry and the mass absorption coefficient, the coating area density is determined. Densities are determined for coatings of alumina, boehmite, gold, and other materials.
Lysosomal Targeting and Trafficking of Acid Sphingomyelinase to Lipid Raft Platforms in Coronary Endothelial Cells

Objective— The purpose of this study was to determine whether lysosome trafficking and targeting of acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) to this organelle contribute to the formation of lipid raft (LR) s...