cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A simple extraction procedure for determination of total mercury in crude oil.

The determination of mercury in crude oil and petroleum products is particularly difficult due to the volatile nature of both mercury and the matrix, which may lead to significant loss of the analyte. A simple extraction method for total mercury has been developed to determine total mercury in crude oil using cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The homogenized crude oil sample was diluted to 5, 10, and 20 % (w/w) in toluene. The diluted crude oil samples were spiked with 10 and 40 μg/kg (w/w). The samples were extracted using an oxidant/acid solution, BrCl/HCl. The mercury was extracted into the aqueous phase; the ionic mercury was then reduced to volatile elemental mercury (Hg0) by stannous chloride (SnCl2). The mercury vapor was detected by Merlin cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry at a 253.7-nm wavelength. The average recoveries for mercury in spiked diluted crude oil (10 and 40 μg/kg, w/w) were between 96 and 103 %, respectively, in 5 and 10 % spiked diluted crude oil. Whereas, low recoveries (<50 %) were recorded in 20 % diluted spiked crude oil. The method detection limit was calculated as t (0.01)(n − 1) × SD where t is the student's value for 99 % confidence level and standard deviation estimate with n − 1 degrees of freedom. The method detection limit was found to be 0.38 μg/kg based on 5 g of diluted crude oil sample. The method is sensitive enough to determine low levels of mercury in crude oil.
Effects of external stimuli on environmental bacterial strains harboring an algD-lux bioluminescent reporter plasmid for the study of corrosive biofilms

An alginic acid biosynthesis bioluminescent reporter plasmid, pUTK50, was transconjugated into environmental strains ofPseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas fluorescens, andStenotrophomonas maltophilia. Bioluminescent transconjugates were selected from each strain for investigation of environmental stress factors that promote alginic acid exopolymer biosynthesis in developing biofilms. Environmental stimuli associated with increased levels of alginate synthesis, in a previously developed organism,P. aeruginosa FRD1, were applied to the environmental strains. Increased salt concentrations and higher ratios of nitrate vs ammonium ions as the limiting nitrogen source induced bioluminescence in FRD1 and the environmental strains. However, for environmental strains ofP. putida, P. fluorescens andS. maltophilia, polysaccharides were detected with low uronic acids content and different structural components. When tested within a biofilm,S. maltophilia O46 demonstrated exceptional adhesive and corrosive properties while alginic acid synthesis was not high. In most of the environmental strains, periods of increased bioluminescence were induced by external stimuli, but exopolysaccharides other than alginic acid were expressed. It is hypothesized that the environmental strains have homologous but nonidentical promoter sequences which are responsive to certain environmental stimuli and may control genes necessary for the production of alternative exopolysaccharides.
Production of a monoclonal antibody to enamelins which does not cross-react with amelogenins.

Developing enamel matrix contains a complex mixture of proteins whose characterization is essential to an understanding of amelogenesis. It is not known whether each component is the product of an individual gene, or whether they are interrelated by physiologic or artifactual breakdown. To define these relationships, monoclonal antibodies were prepared to enamel proteins and we have previously reported the characterization of six antibodies to amelogenins which did not react with enamelins (Christner et al. (1985) Arch. Oral Biol. 30:849–854). We now report the isolation of antibody to enamelins which stains the enamel matrix but does not cross-react with amelogenins. These results suggest that amelogenins and enamelins are distinct classes of proteins.
Nitrous Oxide Emissions from a Commercial Cattle Feedlot in Kansas

Emission of greenhouse gases, including nitrous oxide (N2O), from open beef cattle feedlots is becoming a concern. Research measuring emission rates of N2O from open beef cattle feedlots, however, has been limited. This study was conducted to quantify the N2O emission rate from pen surfaces in a commercial beef cattle feedlot in Kansas. Static flux chambers with a diameter of 30 cm were used to measure the flux from the pen surface as affected by pen surface conditions (i.e., moist/muddy, dry and loose, dry and compacted, and flooded) on 10 sampling days from July to November 2010. Air samples were collected from the chambers’ headspace at 0, 15, and 30 min using syringes and analyzed with a gas chromatograph. From the N2O concentrations, N2O emission fluxes were calculated. For each pen surface condition, N2O emission flux varied considerably with sampling day. Emission flux also varied with pen surface condition, with the moist/muddy surface having the largest median emission flux (7.18 mg m-2 h-1), followed by the dry and compacted, dry and loose, and flooded surfaces with median emission fluxes of 0.18, 0.17, and 0.09 mg m-2 h-1, respectively. This study quantified N2O emission rates from pen surfaces in a cattle feedlot; further work is investigating factors that influence emission rates.
Evaluation of Commercial Antiglobulin Sera Over a Two‐ Year Period. Part I. Anti‐Beta 1A, Anti‐Alpha 2D, and Anti‐Beta IE Levels

Antiglobulin sera from nine different manufacturers have been tested, over a two-year period, for their ability to detect the complement components beta 1A, alpha 2D, and beta IE. The results demonstrate considerable variation in the abilities of sera from different manufacturers to detect these components and indicate that not all sera on the market are suitable reagents for diagnostic use and compatibility tests. The results also show that there is considerable variation between different lots of serum from some of the manufacturers. In general, the anti-complement levels of these reagents have increased during the two-year period of study but not all companies produce suitable reagents for routine use.
Skyrmion in a real magnetic film

Skyrmions are magnetic defects in ultrathin magnetic films, similar to the bubble domains in the thicker films. Even weak uniaxial anisotropy determines their radii unambiguously. We derive equations of slow dynamics for Skyrmions. We show that the discreteness of the lattice in an isotropic two-dimensional magnet leads to a slow rotation of the local magnetization in the Skyrmion and even a small dissipation leads to decay of the Skyrmion. The radius of such a Skyrmion as a function of time is calculated. We prove that uniaxial anisotropy stabilizes the Skyrmion and study the relaxation process.
Gas Exchange during High Frequency Flow-Interruption in Rabbits before and after Bronchoalveolar Lavage

The performance of a high frequency flow-interrupter (HFFI) type neonatal ventilator was evaluated on nine adult rabbits (control) and on five adult rabbits after bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Tidal volumes and airway pressures were measured during conventional ventilation and during HFFI at rates of 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 cycles/s. Tidal volumes were adjusted to maintain PaCO2 between 35 and 42 mm Hg in control rabbits and 35-55 mm Hg in BAL rabbits; a positive end-expiratory pressure of 4 cm H2O was applied to BAL rabbits to reduce atelectasis and improve gas exchange. The normalized tidal volume required to maintain PaCO2 within the specified range during HFFI varied between 2.02 ml/kg (0.30 SD) and 2.55 (0.41) in control rabbits and between 2.65 (0.57) and 2.97 (0.51) in BAL rabbits. In neither group did the normalized tidal volume vary systematically with the rate of ventilation (p less than 0.05). Mean airway pressures were lower during HFFI than during conventional ventilation in control rabbits but comparable in the BAL group. Peak inflation pressures were greater during HFFI than conventional ventilation in control rabbits but similar in the BAL group. End-expiratory lung volume was not affected by ventilation rate during HFFI in control rabbits. We conclude 1) that HFFI can maintain gas exchange in rabbits suffering from acute respiratory distress with airway pressures that are comparable to those measured during conventional ventilation and 2) the capacity of HFFI to ventilate the lungs with significantly lower airway pressures than conventional ventilation depends, in part, on the condition of the lungs.
Effects of types of active learning activity on two junior-level computer engineering courses

In several computer engineering and computer science courses, it has been observed that active learning activities (ALAs) aid the students in better understanding of the technical material. In this paper, we explore the influence of the type of the ALA and the academic quality of the student on the effectiveness of the technique. We perform the study in two junior level courses-a course on discrete mathematics as applied to computer engineering topics and an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) design course. The first course has no laboratory component and teaches several abstract mathematical concepts. The latter course deals with the design of digital circuits using the VHDL hardware description language and has a laboratory component. We conduct ALAs of three kinds-solving problems in-class with active participation of the students; homework problems which are worked on collaboratively by the students and with solutions provided later; and, practice examinations handed out before the actual examination which the students are encouraged to solve in groups. The effect on the students is measured through examination questions. Looking at the aggregate class performance, the ALAs through in-class questions and homeworks do not appear to have a significant effect, while the practice examination questions do. However, on segmenting the data, we observe that the ldquoArdquo students benefited from the in-class ALAs while both ldquoArdquo and ldquoBrdquo students benefited from the practice examinations. The worst performing students did not benefit significantly from any of the ALAs. This study leads us to investigate further the possibility of tailoring the ALA to the different learning styles and academic calibers of the students.
Linear versus Monod representation of ammonia oxidation rates in oligotrophic recirculating aquaculture systems

Abstract Monod kinetics are widely used to model nitrifying biofilters. However, these kinetics are incapable of representing the collapse of volumetric TAN conversion rate (VTR) under high organic loadings. Failure to recognize the underlying heterotrophic interference can lead to calibration issues as a single Monod function is applied across contrasting levels of carbon loading. This, plus an historic bias towards the analysis of peak carrying capacities leave modelers poorly prepared to serve the needs of a mariculture industry demanding oligotrophic designs for broodstock maturation and larval/fingerling production. Consequently, data was generated by a Monte Carlo technique under the assumption of heterotrophic inhibition to nitrification. The data was used to compare the accuracy of calibration of the Monod relationship using the traditional Lineweaver–Burke and Eadie–Hofstee calibration methods against direct linear regression for low substrate (mesotrophic/oligotrophic) regimes. The results indicate that a simple linear relationship with a zero intercept, calibrated on data ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 g-TAN m−3, is most suitable for the representation of the mesotrophic/oligotrophic performance of nitrifying biofilters based on a comparison of SSE for both the Monte Carlo and field data analyzed herein. Additionally, the coefficient of variation was found to be between 7 and 8% for the parameter τ, which is the slope of the linear relationship between total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) and VTR while the CV for the Monod parameters ranged between 22 and 143% for VTRmax and between 29 and 137% for the apparent half-saturation constant showing the improved stability of the linear model to that of the Monod model.
Stability ordinates of Adams predictor-corrector methods

How far the stability domain of a numerical method for approximating solutions to differential equations extends along the imaginary axis indicates how useful the method is for approximating solutions to wave equations; this maximum extent is termed the imaginary stability boundary, also known as the stability ordinate. It has previously been shown that exactly half of Adams-Bashforth (AB), Adams-Moulton (AM), and staggered Adams-Bashforth methods have nonzero stability ordinates. In this paper, we consider two categories of Adams predictor-corrector methods and prove that they follow a similar pattern. In particular, if $$p$$ is the order of the method, AB $$p$$ -AM $$p$$ methods have nonzero stability ordinate only for $$p = 1, 2, \ 5, 6,\ 9, 10, \ldots $$ , and AB( $$p-$$ 1)-AM $$p$$ methods have nonzero stability ordinates only for $$p = 3, 4, \ 7, 8, \ 11, 12, \ldots $$ .
Adjudicating coronary revascularization: Appropriate Use Criteria are flawed and have been misapplied

The 2009 Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for coronary revascularization were designed to optimize care given deficient practice guidelines. However, due to the constituency of its technical panel and limitations in methodology, the noble intent of the AUC has shifted to use as a punitive tool to eradicate perceived overuse of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In analyzing the current literature, there does not appear to be significant PCI overuse. Moreover, several studies have identified PCI underuse and its resultant hazards. In the 2012 focused update, there has been no substantive change to its flawed conception and application. We describe problems related to the development of the AUC and its use in clinical practice, suggesting several modifications to guide relevant future iterations.
Finite Element Method for Nonlinear Free Vibrations of Composite Plates

A multimode time-domain modal formulation based on the finite element method for large-amplitude free vibration of thin composite plates is presented. Accurate frequency-maximum deflection relations can be predicted for the fundamental and the higher nonlinear modes. A modal participation is defined, and accurate and convergent frequencies can be determined with minimum number of linear modes. A procedure for the selection of initial conditions for periodic plate response is presented. Convergence of frequency with gridwork refinement and number of linear modes is studied. The classical single-mode elliptic function frequency solutions for simply supported beams and square plates are assessed. Examples of orthotropic and composite plates are given, and the characteristics of nonlinear response are studied.
Laser technology for astronomical adaptive optics

In this paper we review the current status of work in the sodium guidestar laser arena from the perspective of an astronomical AO system developer and user. Sodium beacons provide the highest and most useful guidestars for the 8m and larger class telescopes, but unfortunately sodium lasers are expensive and difficult to build at high output powers. Here we present highlights of recent advancements in the laser technology. Perhaps most dramatic are the recent theoretical and experimental efforts leading to better understanding the physics of coupling the laser light to the upper altitude sodium for best return signal. In addition we will discuss the key issues which affect LGS AO system performance and their technology drivers, including: pulse format, guidestar elongation, crystal and fiber technology, and beam transport.
The feasibility of using an endoluminal device for intestinal lengthening.

Abstract Purpose Prior studies demonstrating the ability to lengthen intestinal segments with mechanical force required devices with extracorporeal components. The feasibility of using a completely implantable device for in vivo intestinal lengthening was evaluated in this study. Methods Biocompatible Nitinol springs capable of 5-fold expansions were compressed using absorbable sutures and were implanted into isolated segments of proximal jejunum in rats. Springs compressed with nonabsorbable sutures served as controls. The animals were observed with serial abdominal x-rays until the springs became fully expanded. Intestinal segments were then retrieved for histologic analysis. Two-tailed and paired Student's t tests were used for statistical analysis. Results Intestinal segments were successfully lengthened in the experimental group from 1.3 ± 0.3 cm to 4.4 ± 0.5 cm ( P P P Conclusions Continuous mechanical force with an implantable spring successfully lengthened isolated segments of small bowel in an animal model. Although similar results have been demonstrated using other devices, the current device is totally implantable and may be deployed endoscopically.
Proteomic analysis of detergent-solubilized membrane proteins from insect-developmental forms of Trypanosoma cruzi.

The cell surface of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, is covered by a dense layer of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored molecules. These molecules are involved in a...
Lineshape parameters for water vapor in the 3.2–17.76 μm region for atmospheric applications

Abstract Several NASA EOS instruments, the atmospheric infrared sounder (AIRS) on Aqua, and the tropospheric emission spectrometer (TES) and the high-resolution dynamics limb sounder (HIRDLS) on AURA, will be measuring water vapor in the Earth’s atmosphere in the 3.2–17.76 μm spectral region. In order to do retrievals of temperature and concentration profiles, the spectral parameters for many thousands of water vapor transitions must be known. Currently the largest uncertainty in these data is associated with the pressure-broadened half-width. To help ameliorate this situation, complex Robert–Bonamy calculations were made to determine N 2 -, O 2 -, and air-broadened half-widths and line shifts for 5442 transitions of the principal isotopologue of water vapor for the 11 vibrational bands in this region. The intermolecular potential is a sum of electrostatic terms (dipole–quadrupole and quadrupole–quadrupole), isotropic induction and London dispersion terms, and the atom–atom potential expanded to eighth order. The parameters are adjusted as described in Gamache and Hartmann [J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Transfer 83 (2004) 119]. Calculations were made at 225 and 296 K in order to determine the temperature dependence of the half-widths. When possible the data are compared with measurements. The average percent difference between the measured and calculated half-widths is −1.97, 2.6, and −1.55 for N 2 -, O 2 -, and air-broadening of water vapor, respectively. The agreement for the line shifts is less satisfactory. It is clear from this work that the calculations will benefit from a comprehensive adjustment of the intermolecular potential.
Determinants of Social Perception in a Naturalistic Setting.

Abstract Based upon the assumption that personality traits exist more in the eye of the observer than is actually reflected in the actions of the actor, Jones and Nisbett have proposed that a negative relationship exists between familiarity with an actor's behavioral history and the tendency to attribute traits to that individual. An alternative viewpoint is suggested by the present research. Members of a college fraternity attributed more personality traits to themselves than were attributed to them by their fellow members. In addition, the fraternity members tended to offer more dispositional attributions to other members with whom they were more familiar. Furthermore, evidence is presented that is suggestive of the validity of these attributions. It is concluded that the attribution of personality traits provides attributors with information that is both veridical and useful in guiding social interactions.
1,2,3-Cyclooctatriene

Abstract 1,2,3-Cyclooctatriene ( 3 ) has been prepared for the first time by two similar routes. This substance shows moderate kinetic stability, but is readily trapped by cycloaddition with diphenylisobenzofuran or 2,5-dimethylfuran. Total strain in 3 is estimated to be 17.7 kcal/mol.
Auger and electron energy loss spectroscopy of oxygen chemisorption on tin

Abstract Studies of the room temperature chemisorption of O 2 on Sn surfaces using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) are reported. AES and EELS spectra are presented for clean Sn, SnO, SnO 2 and Sn with exposure to O 2 . Previously unreported fine structure in the MNN Auger spectrum of Sn are assigned to plasmon loss peaks or associated with multiplet structure of the final two-hole 4d 8 state. The MNN Auger lines in tin oxide are chemically shifted 5.5 eV down in energy with respect to those of Sn and contained no fine structure. The Auger spectrum of Sn with exposure to O 2 at 5 × 10 −6 Torr appears to be a composite of emission from clean Sn and tin oxide. Because the Auger spectra from SnO and SnO 2 were found to be nearly identical, the Auger data from Sn + O 2 could not be used to determine which oxide - SnO or SnO 2 - was present following chemisorption. This difficulty was overcome by comparing instead EELS data obtained from Sn + O 2 with EELS spectra characteristic of SnO and SnO 2 . Analysis of the present EELS and AES data and consideration of available photoemission data on the Sn/O system lead to the following as being the most likely conclusion: under the conditions of O 2 chemisorption used in the present experiment, both SnO and SnO 2 are present at the surface with SnO being most probably located over the SnO 2 . The present data also lend support to the possibility, suggested by earlier photoemission measurements, that a metal-rich surface is retained during these chemisorption experiments. The exact distribution of metallic Sn in the surface region remains an open question.
Self-powered discharge-based wireless transmitter

We demonstrate a self-powered tunable wireless RF transmitter by utilizing discharge events in nickel-63 radioisotope actuated reciprocating AIN-Si unimorph microcantilevers. The nickel-63 thin-film discharge by the reciprocating microcantilevers results in periodic generation of 264 MHz wireless signals detectable up to 3.6 meters (limited by room size). Furthermore, the wireless RF signal frequency can be tuned by as much as 3.44 MHz by varying stressing the unimorph by applied voltage bias across the A1N thin-film. This frequency tunability can be used to realize self-powered wireless RF sensors beacons to convey information between wireless sensor and RFID nodes. The resulting self-powered wireless sensors can function autonomously for decades enabling long-term monitoring of structural and environmental health in remote places.
Protective effect of green tea polyphenols on bone loss in middle-aged female rats.

Recent studies have suggested that green tea polyphenols (GTP) are promising agents for preventing bone loss in women. Findings that GTP supplementation resulted in increased urinary GTP concentrations and bone mass via an increase of antioxidant capacity and/or a decrease of oxidative stress damage suggest a significant role of GTP in bone health of women. Recent studies suggested that green tea polyphenols (GTP) are promising agents for preventing bone loss in women. However, the mechanism related to the possible protective role of GTP in bone loss is not well understood. This study evaluated bioavailability, mechanisms, bone mass, and safety of GTP in preventing bone loss in middle-aged rats without (sham, SH) and with ovariectomy (OVX). A 16-week study of 2 (SH vs. OVX) × 3 (no GTP, 0.1% GTP, and 0.5% GTP in drinking water) factorial design using 14-month-old female rats (n = 10/group) was performed. An additional 10 rats in baseline group were euthanized at the beginning of study to provide baseline parameters. There was no difference in femur bone mineral density between baseline and the SH+0.5% GTP group. Ovariectomy resulted in lower values for liver glutathione peroxidase activity, serum estradiol, and bone mineral density. GTP supplementation resulted in increased urinary epigallocatechin and epicatechin concentrations, liver glutathione peroxidase activity and femur bone mineral density, decreased urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and urinary calcium levels, but no effect on serum estradiol and blood chemistry levels. We conclude that a bone-protective role of GTP may contribute to an increase of antioxidant capacity and/or a decrease of oxidative stress damage.
Executive Function Profile in the Offspring of Women That Smoked During Pregnancy

Introduction: Smoking tobacco during pregnancy results in exposure to the fetal neuroteratogen nicotine. The current study evaluated if the offspring of smokers show abnormalities in maternal ratings of executive function, prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and academic performance. A secondary objective was to determine the utility of online data collection.
ABC Analysis For Inventory Management: Bridging The Gap Between Research And Classroom

ABC analysis is a well-established categorization technique based on the Pareto Principle for determining which items should get priority in the management of a company’s inventory. In discussing this topic, today’s operations management and supply chain textbooks focus on dollar volume as the sole criterion for performing the categorization. The authors argue that today’s businesses and supply chains operate in a world where the ability to deliver the right products rapidly to very specific markets is key to survival. With suppliers, intermediaries, and customers all over the globe, and product lives decreasing rapidly, this focus on a single criterion is misplaced. The large body of research was summarized based on multiple criteria ABC analysis that has accumulated since the 1980s and recommend that textbooks incorporate their key findings and methods into their discussions of this topic. Suggestions are offered on how this discussion might be structured.
The Predictability of Oral Reading Behaviors on Comprehension in Learning Disabled and Normal Readers

This study examined a method of studying the unique contributions to comprehension from different oral reading behaviors determined in the reading of a group of learning disabled children compared with that of a group of normal readers. Seventy-six (36 LD; 40 non-LD) elementary children participated in the task which required them to read orally a story and then retell all recalled information. Reading level was controlled, and, using a proportion of story propositions retold as the dependent variable, regression analyses were computed. With the non-LD group, no contributions to comprehension of any magnitude were due to the oral reading behaviors. With the LD group, however, two oral reading behaviors were found to provide unique contributions to the variance in comprehension. Higher rates of meaning-change errors predicted lowered comprehension, and higher rates of high phonic cue use predicted higher comprehension in the LD group. Recommendations included suggestions for further study of processing dif...
Klebsiella to Salmonella gene transfer within rumen protozoa: implications for antibiotic resistance and rumen defaunation.

The rumen has long been thought to be a site of gene transfer for microorganisms. Rumen protozoa (RPz) are active predators of bacteria that can harbor antibiotic resistance genes. In this study, RPz were assessed as sites of gene transfer between two bacterial species, Salmonella and Klebsiella. One Klebsiella isolate carried a plasmid bearing blaCMY-2, encoding an extended-spectrum β-lactamase conferring ceftriaxone resistance, while the Salmonella was susceptible to ceftriaxone yet capable of thriving within protozoa. In vitro studies revealed that ceftriaxone-resistant Salmonella could be isolated following co-incubation of Salmonella and Klebsiella with RPz obtained from adult cattle and goats. Ceftriaxone-resistant Salmonella were not recovered in the presence of an inhibitor of protozoa engulfment or when a protozoa-sensitive Salmonella was part of the co-incubation. This transfer event was additionally observed in vitro for protozoa-independent stressors although at a significantly lower frequency. The gene transfer event was related to bacterial conjugation since a conjugation inhibitor, nalidixic acid, perturbed the phenomenon. Ceftriaxone-resistant Salmonella were recovered from calves, sheep, and goats co-challenged with ceftriaxone-resistant Klebsiella and ceftriaxone-sensitive Salmonella. However, the transfer event was not observed in calves and sheep that were defaunated prior to the co-challenge. Moreover, Salmonella transconjugants were isolated from separate bovine in vivo studies involving a Klebsiella donor carrying a plasmid conferring colicin activity while no such transconjugants were obtained from defaunated calves. These results provide an important basis for evaluating and preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance and other selective advantages for pathogens present in ruminants.
Evaluation of cross-layer interactions for reconfigurable radio platforms

The flexibility of cognitive and software defined radio heralds an opportunity for researchers to reexamine how network protocol layers operate with respect to providing quality of service aware transmission among wireless nodes. This opportunity is enhanced by the continued development of spectrally responsive devices; ones that can detect and respond to changes in the radio frequency environment. Present wireless network protocols define reliability and other performance related tasks narrowly within layers. For example, the frame size employed on 802.11 can substantially influence the throughput, delay and jitter experienced by an application, but there is no simple way to adapt this parameter. Furthermore, while the data link layer of 802.11 provides error detection capabilities across a link, it does not specify additional features, such as forward error correction schemes, nor does it provide a means for throttling retransmissions at the transport layer (currently the data link and transport layer can function counterproductively with respect to reliability). This paper presents analysis on the interaction of physical, data link and network layer parameters with respect to throughput, bit error rate, delay and jitter. This analysis relies on Design of Experiment (DOE) techniques to determine the relationships among input and output variables. With this technique, we are able to demonstrate statistically significant single and multi-factor interactions. The goal of this analysis is to identify opportunities where systems designers might exploit cross-layer interactions to improve the performance of Voice over IP (VoIP), Instant Messaging (IM) and file transfer applications.The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.
R-Pulse Wave Arrival Timing with Cardiac Diseases in Pregnancy

Pulse wave arrival time (PWAT) can be measured noninvasively by using the R-wave of the electrocardiogram and the peripheral pressure pulse. This report describes our preliminary observations in the use of this physiologic parameter to study a group of 12 pregnant patients with a history of cardiac disease. Their PWATs were compared to those recorded from normal, uncomplicated pregnant women, which were reported previously. All patients were clinically stable and without signs or symptoms of congestive heart failure. In seven patients the PWAT was either normal or shortened; the latter occurred in three patients whose pregnancies were complicated by hypertension. The PWAT was prolonged in all five cases with positive laboratory evidence of cardiac compromise. These data suggest that the PWAT may be a useful screening adjunct in the diagnosis and management of early cardiac dysfunction, but does not supplant the need for conventional cardiac evaluation methods.
Between idealism and reality: Meeting the challenges of participatory action research

Participatory action research (PAR) is a methodological stance that researchers can find both inspiring and daunting. Community-based PAR offers a platform by which social scientists can contribute to the democratization of knowledge and its production, but also requires that they go beyond conventional roles and procedures to interact with community co-researchers in ways that may leave university-based researchers feeling exposed and rudderless. In this article, the authors present episodes from three different PAR projects that illustrate some of the challenges that PAR presents for university-based researchers, as well as what can be learned from them.
Effect of cancer treatment on neural stem and progenitor cells.

Cancer therapy can target the central and peripheral nervous system, and neurotoxic adverse reactions include both acute and delayed treatment complications. This is particularly a concern for long-term survivors, such as children treated with chemotherapy and radiation. While both radiation treatment and chemotherapy alone can be associated with significant long-term toxicity, the combination of radiation and chemotherapymay be particularly harmful to the nervous system. Along with the use of more aggressive treatment regimens and prolonged survival of cancer patients, neurological complications have been observed with increasing frequency. Neurotoxic complications may result from direct toxic effects of the drug or radiation on the cells of the nervous system, or indirectly through metabolic abnormalities, inflammatory processes, or vascular adverse effects. Interestingly, in contrast to the large number of clinical studies and reports documenting both acute and prolonged neurotoxicity following radiation and chemotherapy, surprisingly little is known about the cellular mechanisms underlying such damage to the nervous system. The identification and characterization of neural stem cells and precursor cell populations in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) have allowed for the study of the effects of radiation and chemotherapy on specific cellular populations and lineages. Most recent studies suggest that neural progenitor cells and oligodendrocytes are highly vulnerable to cancer treatment, and damage to these cells may play a key role for the frequently observed long-term neurotoxic side effects in cancer patients, such as cognitive impairment and white matter disease.
Aphid wing dimorphisms: linking environmental and genetic control of trait variation

Both genetic and environmental factors underlie phenotypic variation. While research at the interface of evolutionary and developmental biology has made excellent advances in understanding the contribution of genes to morphology, less well understood is the manner in which environmental cues are incorporated during development to influence the phenotype. Also virtually unexplored is how evolutionary transitions between environmental and genetic control of trait variation are achieved. Here, I review investigations into molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity in the aphid wing dimorphism system. Among aphids, some species alternate between environmentally sensitive (polyphenic) and genetic (polymorphic) control of wing morph determination in their life cycle. Therefore, a traditional molecular genetic approach into understanding the genetically controlled polymorphism may provide a unique avenue into not only understanding the molecular basis of polyphenic variation in this group, but also the opportunity to compare and contrast the mechanistic basis of environmental and genetic control of similar dimorphisms.
Verification based inspection

A realization from cleanroom experience is that the software inspection can be driven by correctness verification ideas. Specifically, the questions to be asked by inspectors and the order in which they are to be asked can be automatically created from correctness proofs. The verification based inspection is qualitatively superior to the formal inspection in developing software with near zero defects. >
Selection for Body Weight at Eight Weeks of Age 11. Ovulation and Oviposition Patterns

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to study oviposition patterns and ovarian activity at various physiological ages in S15 and S16 generation pullets from lines selected bidirectionally for high (HWS) and low (LWS) juvenile body weight. The fixed periods of lay for random samples of pullets from the date of first egg were 20, 40, 60, and 80 days in the first experiment and 40, 80, 120, and 160 days in the second experiment. HWS pullets matured significantly earlier than LWS pullets in both generations. The frequency and the percentage hen-day production (%HDP) of defective eggs were significantly greater in the HWS than LWS line in both generations. Delayed sexual maturity did not significantly change the pattern of defective egg production for a fixed period of lay. In the HWS line the %HDP of defective eggs progressively increased until about 40 days of lay and tended to decline thereafter, while in the LWS line the percentage decreased from 20 to 40 days and then stabilized. The frequency of normal unbroken eggs to 80 days of production did not differ among lines either in the S15 or S16 generation. When measurements were extended to 160 days of lay in the S16 generation HWS pullets produced significantly more normal eggs than LWS pullets. Possible effects of ovarian activity on the egg production pattern during the laying cycle are discussed. There was a significantly higher incidence of internal laying and atrecia of the growing follicles in the HWS than in the LWS pullets. Ovarian activity, evidenced by the number of developing and ruptured follicles, was significantly greater in the HWS than the LWS line, as was the incidence of ova developing in pairs. Product moment correlations and multiple regressions among the measurements of ovarian activity were calculated within lines. In the HWS line, 62.5% of the variation in %HDP of defective eggs could be accounted for by the %HDP of normal eggs and the number of developing follicles while in the LWS line these variables accounted for only 7.29% of the variation in %HDP of defective eggs.
A quasi-static analysis of fuzz button interconnects

In the analysis, by using the equivalence principle, a set of integral equations is established and solved by a combined point-matching and Galerkin's method. An iterative algorithm is proposed to solve the matrix equations. The inductance is found by the power-current definition. An equivalent nonuniform transmission line is established and waveform simulation is conducted. The results are compared with FDTD results and good agreement is observed. >
Cool Stores Bad Jobs

Sociologist Yasemin Besen-Cassino explores the techniques through which employers attract young, attractive, and middle-class workers for minimum wage, service sector jobs. Using in-depth interview...
Photoelectrochemical properties of titania nanotubes

N-type nanocrystalline titania is a promising material for use in semiconductor photoelectrochemical cells and, potentially, the solar generation of hydrogen. In this study, we examined the photochemical properties of titania nanotube arrays made by anodization of a starting Ti foil in a fluoride ion containing electrolyte. The absorption properties of the titania nanotube samples were investigated using diffuse reflectance ultraviolet (UV)-visible (vis) spectroscopy, with a broadening of the absorption spectra seen as a function of material phase, nanotube diameter, and Pd sensitization. The magnitude of the anodic photocurrent obtained from the polycrystalline nanotube samples, measured under band gap UV illumination, appeared to be significantly higher than that reported for any other form of nanocrystalline titania. A maximum photoconversion efficiency (UV light exposure at 365 nm, intensity 146 mW/cm2) of 4.8% was obtained for 22 nm diameter nanotubes annealed at 500 °C and coated with a discontinuous palladium layer of 10 nm average effective thickness.
Ectopic thyroid nodule in the esophagus.

Abstract An incidental finding in a 51-year-old man was a small nodule in the cervical portion of the esophagus. The bluish appearance on endoscopy suggested a hemangioma, but subsequent excision showed the submucosal nodule to be thyroid tissue. Two patients with this lesion have been reported previously.
Electrokinetic chromatography of twelve monomethylbenz[a]anthracene isomers using a polymerized anionic surfactant

A method for the separation of twelve monomethyl-substituted benz[a]anthracene isomers using poly-(sodium undecylenic sulfate) (poly-SUS) surfactant by means of electrokinetic capillary chromatography (EKC) is described. Several parameters such as concentration of acetonitrile (ACN), pH, as well as applied voltage were studied to optimize the EKC separation. ACN at a concentration of 35% v/v, 12.5 mM phosphate-borate buffer, 30 kV with 0.5% w/v poly-SUS at a pH of 9.5 provided a resolution of a mixture of nine out of twelve methylbenz[a]anthracene (MBA) isomers in 50 min. The results of this study suggest that molecular length of MBA rather than length-to-breath ratio plays an important role in the elution order of some isomers.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide Therapy in the Preterm Infant Who Has Respiratory Distress Syndrome

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Delineate the rationale for inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) use in respiratory distress syndrome. 2. List the toxicities of iNO. 3. Describe the primary findings of iNO therapy in major clinical trials. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has been a major factor determining the limits of viability in the preterm infant. RDS is, in large part, the result of surfactant deficiency. Surfactant replacement and antenatal steroid use are the two major advances in the treatment of RDS to date and have resulted in significant decreases in mortality and chronic lung disease (CLD). Surfactant replacement became widely available in 1991, and antenatal steroids achieved widespread use following the National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference in 1994. (1) However, substantial mortality and CLD still are seen in the very low-birthweight infant (Fig. 1). Figure 1 National Institute of Child and Human Development (NICHD) Neonatal Research Network mortality and CLD rates for 2003 in preterm infants born at 23 to 30 weeks’ gestation. Following the identification of nitric oxide (NO) as the vascular endothelial relaxing factor, use of the agent has moved rapidly from bench to bedside. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) was found to improve oxygenation in adult and pediatric patients who had hypoxic respiratory failure. (2)(3)(4) Subsequent randomized, controlled trials in term and near-term infants who had hypoxic respiratory failure demonstrated an improvement in oxygenation as well as a significant decrease in death or the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. (5)(6)(7) Following United States Food and Drug Administration review of these trials, iNO was approved for use in term and near-term infants who had hypoxic respiratory failure. The role of iNO in the preterm infant who has RDS has been an active area of investigation over the last decade. This …
Search and Seizure

This is an encyclopedia entry on search and seizure law in the Oxford International Encyclopedia of Legal History. It reviews the origins of the Fourth Amendment, the early years of the Fourth Amendment, the evolution of the Fourth Amendment, and the existing function and doctrine of the Fourth Amendment.
Room Temperature Stable Organocuprate Copper(III) Complex

The paramagnetic trigonal-planar copper complexes {K(18C6)}[CuII(OC(CH3)(CF3)2)3] (2) and K[CuII(OC(C6H5)(CF3)2)3] (3) have been prepared and characterized, including X-ray crystallography, in 61% and 3% yields, respectively. The latter complex does not form preferentially, because CuBr2 and KOC(C6H5)(CF3)2)3 also form the diamagnetic complexes {K(18C6)}[K2{CuI(OC(C6H5)(CF3)2)2}3] (4) and {K(18C6)}[CuIII(OC(C6H4)(CF3)2)2] (5). These species were characterized by X-ray crystallography, UV–vis spectroscopy, 1H, 13C{1H}, and 19F{1H} NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The unique organocuprate Cu(III) species with {O2C2} coordination was formed by ortho metalation of two phenyl rings, resulting in trans-{O2C2} coordination of Cu(III), and is stable at room temperature in the solid state and in dark solutions of THF.
Juvenile Probation Officer Self-Assessed Mental Health Competency as a Predictor of Case Management Practices

Justice-involved youth endorse high rates of mental health problems. Juvenile probation is the most common disposition in the justice system and juvenile probation officers (JPOs) are crucial for connecting justice-involved youth with appropriate care. We examined the role of mental health competency on the use of self-report case management strategy types (deterrence, restorative justice, and treatment) by JPOs and whether jurisdiction-level differences were relevant. Results suggest that mental health competency predicted use of restorative justice and treatment strategies and all three strategy types varied at the county level. The role of mental health competency in use of treatment strategies is relevant to connecting justice-involved youth to mental health care. Furthermore, a substantial amount of the variance predicting the use of all three strategies was accounted for at the county level.
Complement Fixation in the Diagnosis of Gonococcal Infections

The reaction of complement fixation in sera of persons infected with gonococcus, with the use of preparations of gonococci as antigen, has been developed so that at present it offers valuable assistance in diagnosis. The methods and results in large series of cases have already been reported by a number of workers1 and the limitations of the reaction fairly well defined. It is generally agreed that strongly positive reactions, usually denoted as -|-f-|or -\-f, indicate the presence of gonococcal infection. It often happens that sera from suspected cases give reactions less pronounced, and the question arises as to how these slight, or "weak/' reactions should be interpreted. In gonococcal infections in which the lesions may be superficial or limited in extent, we should anticipate relatively slight change in antibodies in the blood, and it frequently happens that in vaginitis or urethritis negative, or only slightly positive, complement fixation is obtained. The following observations suggest the necessity of care in the interpretations of slight, or "weak/' reactions and the importance of recognizing the possibility of rather rapid fluctuations in the degree of reaction within the short periods of time.