cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detecting and avoiding unstable operation of autothermal reactors

An on-line procedure is developed that uses estimates of the dominant eigenvalues of a reactor-exchanger system to detect impending unstable operating behavior. In the event reactor stability is threatened, changes are made in the reactor's nominal operating state through a procedure that ensures the attainment of an accessment is made through estimation of closed-loop eigenvalues derived from a physically-based dynamic model. The guiding of the reactor to safe and stable conditions is carried out through a multiloop control system that receives optimal process setpoints found from an interative search. Experiments were made on a laboratory autothermal reactor system to assess the correspondence of the predicted and observed degrees of reactor stability.
The pharmacy cost of delivering postoperative analgesia to patients undergoing joint replacement surgery.

Abstract Few data exist on the distribution of pharmaceutical costs for inpatient surgical procedures across different drug categories (eg, analgesia, anti-infectives). The goals of this study were to categorize pharmaceuticals administered to patients after joint replacement surgery and then to take the hospital[apos ]s perspective and quantify the pharmacy cost of delivering postoperative analgesia to these patients. Two hundred ninety-eight patients undergoing unilateral hip replacement (n [equals] 145), unilateral knee replacement (n [equals] 121), or bilateral knee replacement (n [equals] 32) were studied retrospectively. For each patient, we determined what hospital resources (eg, supplies) were utilized by each patient in each of 12 different hospital departments. This was done to determine what fraction of overall hospital costs was incurred as a result of pharmacy. Then, we classified the hundreds of items (from acetaminophen to warfarin) included as pharmacy costs into 1 of the following categories: postoperative epidural analgesia, opioids, nonopioids, respiratory, gastrointestinal, naloxone, anti-infective, anticoagulant/antiplatelets, miscellaneous, cardiovascular, pharmacist clinical intervention, intravenous fluids, and benzodiazepines. The pharmacy costs for epidural analgesia, opioids, and nonopioids were summed to compute the fraction of pharmacy costs attributed to postoperative analgesia. The results showed that 3.3% (95% confidence interval [lsqb ]CI[rsqb ], 2.7% to 3.6%) of total hospitalization costs were pharmacy costs, which averaged $560 (95% CI, $500 to $620) for hip replacement, $595 (95% CI, $551 to $639) for knee replacement, and $922 (95% CI, $588 to $1256) for bilateral knee replacement surgery. An average of 9.9% (95% CI, 7.37% to 12.43%) of total pharmacy costs for the 3 surgery types were for postoperative epidural analgesia, whereas opioids averaged 19.9% (95% CI, 18.67% to 21.13%), and nonopioids averaged 0.8% (95% CI 0.65% to 0.95%) of pharmacy costs. Thus, analgesics accounted for approximately 31% of pharmacy costs. The pharmacy cost of delivering postoperative analgesia to patients undergoing joint replacement surgery represents 1% of the total costs of surgery. Almost two thirds of the analgesic costs were for opioids. [copy ] 2003 by the American Pain Society
Strengthening Clinical Reasoning in Graduate Nursing Students

Clinical reasoning skills are the cornerstone of successful nursing practice. To strengthen the clinical reasoning skills of graduate nursing students, faculty at one university developed an innovative course focusing on theoretical knowledge about clinical decision making and reflective exercises to foster student thinking.
Studies of the surface coverage of unsupported ruthenium by carbon- and hydrogen-containing adspecies during CO hydrogenation

Abstract Isotopic tracer techniques have been used to identify the coverages of adsorbed CO, carbon, and hydrogen on the surface of unsupported Ru powder during CO hydrogenation. The coverage by adsorbed CO was close to a monolayer. Two forms of carbon were identified, Cα and Cβ, which differed in their dynamics of formation, and conversion to hydrocarbons. Cα is more reactive than Cβ and is the principal intermediate in the synthesis of methane and C2+ hydrocarbons. Cβ accumulates continuously during the reaction but does not strongly inhibit the adsorption of CO or hydrogen. A remarkable finding is that under reaction conditions, nearly a monolayer of hydrogen is adsorbed on the Ru surface. Additional hydrogen is found to be associated with the β-form of carbon, such that the D/C ratio of Cβ is between 1.8 and 2.4.
The Precordial Electrocardiogram During and After Strenuous Exercise

Abstract Forty-nine apparently healthy, physically active middle-aged men were selected for progressive exercise on a treadmill in an attempt to achieve a near-maximal or maximal effort. Electrocardiographic recordings during and after exercise were made utilizing the earensiform-precordial (EEP) electrode lead system. In 20 per cent of the men a sagging, downwardsloping S-T segment depression of 0.5 mm. or greater developed; in most of these men it was recorded both during and after exercise. In an additional 24 per cent, electrocardiograms showed horizontal flattening of the S-T segment, observed in most of these men only during the exercise. These responses of the S-T segment were more frequent in men with one or more coronary risk factors (e.g., hypercholesterolemia, heavy cigarette smoking, overweight) than in men with none of these. Short runs of premature ventricular beats in 2 men antedated a sagging, downward-sloping S-T segment response. Further long term studies of large populations are needed to determine whether or not the usual standards of normal and abnormal electrocardiographic response after moderate exercise can be applied to the electrocardiogram during and after near-maximal and maximal exercise.
Effect of Saturday Classes on Grades and Attendance

It has been suggested that lower grades are obtained by students who attend classes which meet on Saturday morning and that these low grades might be related to the tendency to “cut” Saturday class...
Bayesian adaptive D-optimal design with delayed responses.

In some disease areas such as diabetes and obesity, patients may need to be studied for several weeks or months for a drug effect to emerge, where longitudinal data are normally collected for each patient. These delayed responses provide challenges to current adaptive design methods. Fu and Manner (2010) provided an integrated two-component prediction (ITP) model for delayed response adaptive design. In this paper, we extend their ITP model to incorporate a dose-response model in it and propose an ITP Emax model. Furthermore, we propose a utility function for decision making and this utility function is based on D-optimal design theory. We demonstrate our method by a simulation study, and potential sample size reduction is also discussed.
Experimental and theoretical cross sections for electron-impact ionization of Ti5+

Absolute cross sections for electron-impact ionization of Ti{sup 5+} have been measured from below threshold to 1500-eV collision energies. Distorted-wave calculations including direct ionization and excitation autoionization from the 3{ital s}{sup 2}3p{sup 5} ground state and from the 3{ital s}{sup 2}3p{sup 4}3d excited configurations have been performed. Comparison of experiment and theory indicates that about 33% of the incident ions were in metastable configurations. Ionization rate coefficients and fitting parameters derived from the experimental results are also presented.
A modified random perturbation method for database security

The random data perturbation (RDP) method of preserving the privacy of individual records in a statistical database is discussed. In particular, it is shown that if confidential attributes are allowed as query-defining variables, severe biases may result in responses to queries. It is also shown that even if query definition through confidential variables is not allowed, biases can still occur in responses to queries such as those involving proportions or counts. In either case, serious distortions may occur in user statistical analyses. A modified version of RDP is presented, in the form of a query adjustment procedure and specialized perturbation structure which will produce unbiased results.
Mycorrhizal Dependency and Nutrient Uptake by Improved and Unimproved Corn and Soybean Cultivars

Plants in nutrient-deficient soils often benefit when colonized by vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (VAMF). Plants vary, however, in responsiveness or mycorrhizal dependency (MD). The objective of this work was to evaluate MD within corn and soybean cultivars. Three improved and three unimproved corn (Zea mays L.) and three improved and two unimproved soybean [Glycine soja Siebold & Zucc. and Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars were evaluated for growth response, nutrient uptake (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Zn), and root phosphatase activity. Greenhouse studies were conducted with VAMF (Gigaspora margarita or Glomus intradices) and without inoculation in a low-P soil. The VAMF colonization of roots with inoculation ranged from 62 to 87% for soybean and 49 to 68% for corn. Soybean had a higher MD than corn, but considerable variation occurred within soybean cultivars. Relative growth of the two unimproved soybean cultivars was significantly greater with VAMF colonization than without (Soja, > 1900%; Mandarin, > 400%). Among improved cultivars, relative growth was less enhanced with colonization (BSR 201, Richland, and Swift cultivars averaged 200% greater growth with VAMF than without VAMF colonization). An unimproved corn cultivar, Reid Yellow Dent, was unresponsive to mycorrhizal colonization, whereas another unimproved cultivar, Argentine Pop, increased growth 400% with colonization. Total uptakes of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Zn were significantly greater (P< 0.001) in mycorrhizal plants, but the concentrations (mg g −1 ) of N, Mg, and Ca were lower in mycorrhizal plants than in nonmycorrhizal plants. These results suggest that considerable variability exists in MD of corn and soybean cultivars when grown in P-deficient soils, and the variability extends across both improved and unimproved cultivars
Energetic graphene oxide: Challenges and opportunities

Summary Motivated by both its graphene-oriented applications and its own remarkable properties, interest in graphene oxide (GO) has widely spread across many disciplines. In parallel to the rapid progress of research, industrial-scale production of GO has emerged. GO is highly energetic, thermally unstable and can readily undergo exothermic disproportionation reactions to produce chemically modified graphene under mild heating conditions. This Review highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with GO's thermal instability such as the potential fire risk during large scale production and methods of mitigation, energy efficient way to reduce GO, photothermal patterning and sintering of graphene/polymer composites, and new syntheses using GO as an in situ power source to make nanoparticle decorated graphene composites for energy storage and catalysts.
Managers, values, and executive decisions: An exploration of the role of gender, career stage, organizational level, function, and the importance of ethics, relationships and results in managerial decision-making

A study of 513 executives researched decisions involving ethics, relationships and results. Analyzing personal values, organization role and level, career stage, gender and sex role with decisions in ten scenarios produced conclusions about both the role of gender, subjective values, and the other study variables and about situational relativity, gender stereotypes, career stages, and future research opportunities.
Forest dynamics in Oregon landscapes: Evaluation and application of an individual-based model

The FORCLIM model of forest dynamics was tested against field survey data for its ability to simulate basal area and composition of old forests across broad climatic gradients in western Oregon, USA. The model was also tested for its ability to capture successional trends in ecoregions of the west Cascade Range. It was then applied to simulate present and future (1990-2050) forest landscape dynamics of a watershed in the west Cascades. Various regimes of climate change and harvesting in the watershed were considered in the landscape application. The model was able to capture much of the variation in forest basal area and composition in western Oregon even though temperature and precipitation were the only inputs that were varied among simulated sites. The measured decline in total basal area from tall coastal forests eastward to interior steppe was matched by simulations. Changes in simulated forest dominants also approximated those in the actual data. Simulated abundances of a few minor species did not match actual abundances, however. Subsequent projections of climate change and harvest effects in a west Cascades landscape indicated no change in forest dominance as of 2050. Yet, climate-driven shifts in the distributions of some species were projected. The simulation of both stand-replacing and partial-stand disturbances across western Oregon improved agreement between simulated and actual data. Simulations with fire as an agent of partial disturbance suggested that frequent fires of low severity can alter forest composition and structure as much or more than severe fires at historic frequencies.
The Study on PLLA-Nanodiamond Composites for Surgical Fixation Devices

Biopolymers have a great potential in biomedical engineering, having been used as scaffolds for hard and soft tissues, such as bone and blood vessels for many years. More recently biopolymers have also found applications in surgical fixation devices. Compared with conventional metal fixation devices, bone grafts and organ substitutes, biopolymer products have advantages of no long-term implant palpability or temperature sensitivity, predictable degradation to provide progressive bone loading and no stress shielding, all of which leads to a better bone healing, reduced patient trauma and cost, elimination of second surgery for implant removal, and fewer complications from infections. However lack of initial fixation strength and bioactivity are two major concerns which limited more widespread applications of biopolymers in orthopedic surgery. Nanodiamond is attractive for its use in reinforcement of composite materials due to their outstanding mechanical, chemical and biological properties. Nanotechnology shows us many innovations and it is generally accepted view that many could be further developed and applied in tissue engineering. In this work, we conduct poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and octadecylamine functionalized nanodiamond (ND-ODA) composite research to optimize the polymer/ND interface, thus to reinforce the mechanical strength. Composites comprising PLLA matrix with embedded ND-ODA were prepared by mixing PLLA/chloroform solution with chloroform suspension of nanodiamonds at concentrations of 0–10 by weight percent. The dispersion of ND-ODA was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM micrographs show that ND-ODA can disperse uniformly in PLLA till 10% wt. Nanoindentation result shows the mechanical strength of ND-ODA/PLLA composites improving following increasing the concentration of ND-ODA in composites. The noncytotoxicity of ND-ODA was demonstrated on 7F2 Osteoblasts. To test the usefulness of ND-ODA/PLLA composites as scaffolds for supporting cell growth, 7F2 Osteoblasts were cultured on scaffolds for 6 days. The attachment and proliferation of 7F2 on all scaffolds were assessed by fluorescent nuclear staining with Hoechst 33258 and Alamar BlueTM assay. The results showed that the adding ND-ODA does small influence cell growth, which indicates the composites have good biocompatibility. The morphology of 7F2 cells growing on all ND-ODA/PLLA composite scaffolds was determined by SEM, which confirms the Osteoblasts spread on the scaffolds. All these results combined suggest that ND-ODA/PLLA might provide a novel composite suitable for surgical fixation devices.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Imagery and initial results from the Terra Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR)

12 The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) instrument was launched into polar orbit aboard the Terra spacecraft in December 1999, and collection of Earth imagery began in February 2000. MISR contains nine cameras pointed at fixed along-track directions, and acquires images with view angles at the Earth's surface ranging from 70.5 degree(s) forward of nadir to 70.5 degree(s) aftward. Each camera contains four CCD line arrays filtered to blue, green, red, and near-infrared wavelengths. Spatial sampling ranging from 275 m to 1.1 km is obtained over a 400-km swath width. Each area observed by MISR is imaged at all nine angles within a seven-minute period. MISR provides a unique approach to characterizing atmospheric aerosols, the surface, and clouds. This paper provides examples of MISR products derived from imagery acquired during the first six months of data collection.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Positioning, Splinting, and Contracture Management

Whether a patient with burn injury is an adult or child, contracture management should be the primary focus of burn rehabilitation throughout the continuum of care. Positioning and splinting are crucial components of a comprehensive burn rehabilitation program that emphasizes contracture prevention. The emphasis of these devices throughout the phases of rehabilitation fluctuates to meet the changing needs of patients with burn injury. Early, effective, and consistent use of positioning devices and splints is recommended for successful management of burn scar contracture.
Limb Radiance Inversion Techniques

For many years the strong contrast between radiation received from the edge of the atmosphere and from space has been used to orient spacecraft near the earth. Recently, observations and calculations of outgoing radiation have shown sufficient agreement to give confidence that such measurements could be inverted to give information on the state and composition of the atmosphere. (Much of this work is cited in Ref. 1.)© (1974) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Impact of stress and locus of control on the concept of self.

This research examined the effects of stress and locus of control upon the concept of self. Rotter's I-E Scale, Holmes and Rahe's Stress Scale, and a Lawson's Modified Semantic Differential Self-concept Scale were administered to 659 blue collar workers. Analysis indicated that internal subjects with low stress had a higher mean self-concept and were more satisfied with their relationships with spouses than subjects who were externally oriented and under high stress.
Transforming growth factor β1 prevents IL-1β–induced microglial activation, whereas TNFα- and IL-6–stimulated activation are not antagonized

Microglia rapidly respond to CNS injury, yet the mechanisms leading to their activation and inactivation remain poorly defined. In particular, few studies have established how interactions between inflammatory mediators affect the innate immune response of microglia. To begin to establish how microglia integrate signals from multiple inflammatory mediators, we examined the effects of interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) on both newborn and bulk-isolated adult microglia. To assess the functional state of the cells, we assayed the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2), interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, and two protein tyrosine kinases that have been implicated in microglial responses to activational stimuli, HCK and FAK. These studies demonstrated that IL-1beta, TNFalpha, IL-6, but not IFN-gamma increase the expression of Cox-2, whereas they all increase the expression of HCK and FAK. In these studies, TGFbeta1 either had no effect, or it decreased basal levels of these proteins. TGFbeta1 blocked activation by IL-1beta when given prior to, or simultaneously with, IL-1beta. TGFbeta1 blocked the induction of the tyrosine kinases, Cox-2, and the induction of IL-6 and TNFalpha mRNAs. However, TGFbeta1 was ineffective in antagonizing the induction of Cox-2 by either IL-6 or TNFalpha. We conclude that the TGFbeta receptor signaling cascades intersect with IL-1, but they may not interact with IL-6 or TNFalpha signaling pathways that lead to activation.
Moderate strength concrete from lightweight sludge ash aggregates

Abstract A range of artificial aggregates has been developed from incinerated municipal sludge ash and tested in concrete. The ash is either pelletised or slabbed, and subsequently fired until it sinters and expands to form lightweight products. From the tests conducted on size, grading, bulk density, absorption and compressive strength, it appears that both the pellets and slabs have potential as lightweight aggregates. Their use in producing moderate strength concrete of up to 2000 psi and unit weight 50 lb/cu ft (800 kg/m3) via steam curing has specifically been investigated. Although concrete prepared from the pellet form of aggregates are somewhat heavier, they exhibit superior strength than those prepared from the slabs and commercial aggregates derived from expanded clays. It is anticipated that because of their spherical shape and uniform size distribution, the pellets could provide better workability and compaction; and their lower moisture absorption may also render them as potentially better thermal insulators.
Weizmann and the British general elections of 1906

(1984). Weizmann and the British general elections of 1906. Studies in Zionism: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 201-212.
Gap junctions suggest epithelial conduction within the comb plates of the ctenophore Pleurobrachia bachei

Intercellular gap junctions occur between the ciliated cells that make up the comb plates of the ctenophore Pleurobrachia. Similar junctions are found within the ciliated grooves which run from the apical organ to the first plate of each comb row, as well as throughout the endoderm of the meridional canals. Gap junctions were not found in the ectodermal tissue between the comb rows. The distribution of junctions suggests that excitation conduction within the ciliated grooves, comb plates and meridional canal endoderm may be epithelial.
Current Approaches to Drug Treatment for Women Offenders

Abstract This paper reports ethnographic findings on current approaches to drug treatment for women offenders. Drug treatment programs serving women offenders have employed a range of therapeutic interventions to address drug use and criminality. However, programs have recently begun to address clients’ victimization experiences as an integral if not central feature of women’s drug use and participation in illegal activities. Treatment approaches at eight corrections- and community-based programs in New York City and Portland, Oregon are described. Data were obtained from life history interviews conducted with 60 women and observation of treatment activities. Developments in treatment approaches in corrections versus community settings and gender-specific services are described. Programs have tailored treatment approaches for women offenders by offering incest and domestic violence survivor groups, assigning therapeutic rather than punitive sanctions, and training corrections staff to support treatment goals.
Different shades of green: a case study of support for wind farms in the rural midwest.

Benton County, in north-central Indiana, USA has successfully sited more than 500 turbines. To understand Benton County’s acceptance of wind farms, a holistic case study was conducted that included a document review, a survey of local residents and interviews with key stakeholders. Survey questionnaires were sent to 750 residents asking questions about attitudes toward the wind farms, perceived benefits and impacts from the wind farms, environmental attitudes, and demographic information. Key stakeholders were also interviewed for a deeper understanding of the historical timeline and community acceptance of the wind farm development. While there is limited opposition to the turbines, on the whole the community presents a front of acceptance. Financial, rather than environmental, benefits are the main reason for the acceptance. Although significant in other case studies, transparency and participation do not play a large role in Benton County’s acceptance. Most residents are not concerned with either visual impacts or noise from the wind turbines. More concrete benefits to the community, such as reduced energy bills for county residents, could help to extend acceptance even further within the community. Although there are concerns about the acceptance of wind farms and the impacts of those farms on local residents in both peer-reviewed literature and popular media, we found little evidence of those concerns in Benton County. Instead, we found Benton County to be a community largely accepting of wind farms.
Connecting People: A Central Asian Sufi network in turn-of-the-century Istanbul

The role of Sufi networks in facilitating trans-imperial travel and the concomitant social and political connections associated with the pilgrimage to Mecca is often mentioned in the literature on Ottoman-Central Asian relations, yet very little is known about how these networks operated or the people who patronized them. This paper focuses on the Sultantepe Ozbekler Tekkesi, a Naqshbandi lodge in Istanbul that was a primary locus of Ottoman state interactions with Central Asians and a major hub of Central Asian diasporic networks. It departs from an exclusive focus on the experiences of elites, to which much of the conventional historiography on Ottoman-Central Asian relations has confined itself, and examines the butchers and bakers, craftsmen and students who set out on the hajj to Mecca in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Drawing on sources from the private archive of this lodge, the paper reconstructs the experiences of a diverse range of remarkably mobile actors and explores the myriad ways in which this Ottoman-administered institution facilitated their travel to and from Mecca. Through its focus on the conduits and mediators, the structures and buildings—the actual sites—where connections were forged, the paper sheds light on the role that such state-administered Sufi lodges played in delivering on the paternalistic rhetoric and system of sultanic charity that was an integral part of late Ottoman politics and society.
Odd-even absorption in 3He + 3He scattering and level structure of 6Be

Abstract Differential cross sections for 3 He + 3 He elastic scattering are calculated at c.m. energies from 2.95 to 37.44 MeV using the one-channel resonating-group method. A phenomenological imaginary potential, whose strength depends on whether the relative orbital angular momentum is even or odd, is included in order to account approximately for open reaction channels. The introduction of such an odd-even feature leads to a significantly improved agreement with experiment, especially at the larger scattering angles. In addition, an analysis of the calculated resonant phase shifts confirms recent experimental observations of highly excited levels in 6 Be.
Reversal of the ATP-liganded State of ATP-sensitive K+ Channels by Adenylate Kinase Activity *

The mechanism that promotes transition from the ATP- to the ADP-liganded state of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels and consequent channel opening in a cytosolic environment of high ATP concentration has yet to be understood. A mechanism examined here that could reverse the ATP-inhibited state is based on the action of adenylate kinase to catalyze phosphoryl transfer between ATP and AMP, resulting in transformation of ATP into ADP. In membrane patches excised from guinea pig cardiomyocytes, AMP alone did not affect channel behavior but increased the open probability of ATP-inhibited KATP channels. This required MgCl2 and a hydrolyzable form of ATP and was prevented by P1,P5-di-adenosine-5′-pentaphosphate, an inhibitor of adenylate kinase. The single channel amplitude and kinetics of channel openings induced by the ADP-generating substrates of adenylate kinase, AMP and MgATP, were indistinguishable from the biophysical properties of the KATP channel exhibited after addition of MgADP. In whole cell voltage-clamped cardiomyocytes, introduction of exogenous adenylate kinase along with millimolar MgATP and AMP induced a K+ current that was suppressed by a sulfonylurea blocker of KATP channels. Enriched sarcolemmal membrane preparations were found to possess ATP·AMP phosphotransferase activity with properties attributable to an extramitochondrial isoform of adenylate kinase. These results indicate that adenylate kinase is a naturally occurring component of sarcolemmal membranes that could provide dynamic governance of KATP channel opening through its phosphoryl transfer catalytic action in the microenvironment of the channel.
Acute secretion of immunoreactive parotid hormone in response to different diets in the pig.

Abstract In pigs, feeding is a physiological stimulus for immunoreactive parotid hormone (iPH) secretion, so the chronic and acute effects of different diets on that secretion were investigated. iPH was measured by radioimmunoassay in pig plasma, in response to feeding three test meals, over 80 days, during which the maintenance diet was switched from standard pig chow to a high-sucrose diet. The maximum iPH response to feeding standard chow was high (177 ± 32 ng/ml); it was significantly lower with crushed standard chow (58 ± 9), and even lower with a high-sucrose diet (19 ± 4), (p
Mixture fraction imaging in turbulent non-premixed flames with two-photon LIF of krypton

Abstract The use of a noble gas as an inert tracer for mixing studies in combustion systems is investigated. Simultaneous two-photon laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) of krypton and Rayleigh scattering are used for imaging measurements of mixture fraction and temperature in turbulent non-premixed jet flames. The turbulent flames investigated in this study include a piloted CH 4 /air flame (Sandia flame D) and a CH 4 /H 2 /N 2 flame (DLR-B flame). These flames are well-documented in the literature and enable an evaluation of krypton as a tracer in different fuel mixtures with varying degrees of differential diffusion. Krypton is excited from the ground state to the 5p[3/2] 2 state using 215 nm laser radiation, and the fluorescence decay to the metastable state, 5s[3/2] 2 , is detected at 760 nm. Single-shot krypton LIF and Rayleigh scattering images are analyzed in an iterative routine to determine mixture fraction and temperature. Measurements of the temperature- and species-dependent quenching rates for Kr-LIF are incorporated into this routine. The resulting average radial profiles of mixture fraction and temperature for both flames agree well with previously published measurements. The use of a noble gas as a chemically inert tracer has potential applications for mixing studies in a broad range of combustion environments.
The clouds of Jupiter: Observational characteristics

Most current models for the Jovian cloud system make use of an erroneous value for the temperature of the planet evaluated at 5 microns. Recent observations at this wavelength show that the emitted radiation is strongly localized and that it exhibits temporal variations. It is not clear that meaningful temperatures can be derived from such measurements and this plus other observations discussed herein suggest that various models proposed for the clouds require reexamination.
Down-regulation of phospholipase C-β1 following chronic muscarinic receptor activation

Abstract To determine whether prolonged activation of a phospholipase C-coupled receptor can lead to a down-regulation of its effector enzyme, SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were incubated for 24 h with the muscarinic receptor agonist, oxotremorine-M. Under these conditions, significant reductions (46–53%) in muscarinic cholinergic receptor density, G α q/11 and phospholipase C- β 1 (but not the β 3 -or γ 1 isoforms) were observed. These results suggest that a selective down-regulation of phospholipase C- β 1 may play a role in adaptation to chronic muscarinic receptor activation.
Metastable electrons, high-mobility solvent anions, and charge transfer reactions in supercritical carbon dioxide.

Time-resolved dc photoconductivity has been used to observe quasifree electrons and solvent radical anions in supercritical CO2 (ρc ≈ 0.468 g/cm3; Tc ≈ 31 °C). The electrons have lifetime τe 10 cm2/(V s). For ρ/ρc > 0.64, the product μeτe rapidly increases with the solvent density ρ, reaching 2.5 × 10-9 cm2/V at ρ/ρc ≈ 1.82. The mobility of the solvent anions exponentially increases with ρ, being 2−10 times higher than the mobilities of other ions. The activation energy of the solvent anion migration is 0.46 eV, whereas for solute ions, this energy is less than 20 meV. Electron detachment upon 1.0−3.5 eV photoexcitation of the solvent anion has been observed. The cross section of photodetachment linearly increases with photon energy above 1.76 eV end exhibits a shoulder at 2.82 eV; the spectrum is similar to photoelectron spectra of (CO2)n- clusters (n = 6−9) in the gas phase. Both the electrons and solvent anions react with nonpolar electron acceptor solutes whose gas-phase ele...
Synthesis and characterization of a ‘fluorous’ (fluorinated alkyl) affinity reagent that labels primary amine groups in proteins/peptides

Strong non-covalent interactions such as biotin-avidin affinity play critical roles in protein/peptide purification. A new type of 'fluorous' (fluorinated alkyl) affinity approach has gained popularity due especially to its low level of non-specific binding to proteins/peptides. We have developed a novel water-soluble fluorous labeling reagent that is reactive (via an active sulfo-N-hydroxylsuccinimidyl ester group) to primary amine groups in proteins/peptides. After fluorous affinity purification, the bulky fluorous tag moiety and the long oligoethylene glycol (OEG) spacer of this labeling reagent can be trimmed via the cleavage of an acid labile linker. Upon collision-induced dissociation, the labeled peptide ion yields a characteristic fragment that can be retrieved from the residual portion of the fluorous affinity tag, and this fragment ion can serve as a marker to indicate that the relevant peptide has been successfully labeled. As a proof of principle, the newly synthesized fluorous labeling reagent was evaluated for peptide/protein labeling ability in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Results show that both the aqueous environment protein/peptide labeling and the affinity enrichment/separation process were highly efficient.
Noticing Design/Recognizing Failure in the Wake of Hurricane Katrina:

If good design strives to be invisible, then the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is a warning to act on the visible flaws in design before they erupt. Knowing that poverty, poor race relations, and more existed in New Orleans before the disaster was to see the flaws in a larger social design.
Solving Spreadsheet-Based Integer Programming Models: An Example from International Telecommunications

Considerable effort has recently been devoted to augmenting existing spreadsheet capabilities with the power of mathematical programming. One way to accomplish this is to design mathematical programming-based solution methodologies (most likely heuristics) that exploit existing spreadsheet capabilities. We describe how this latter approach was successfully applied to an integer programming model of an international telecommunications network.
The in vitro development of Neospora caninum bradyzoites.

Neospora caninum is a recently identified apicomplexan protozoan parasite that is closely related to Toxoplasma gondii. Neospora caninum is of significant economic importance as it causes neurological disease and abortion in numerous animals. Antibodies to BAG1/hsp30 (also known as BAG5), a T. gondii bradyzoite-specific protein, have been demonstrated to react with N. caninum tissue cysts in vivo. Bradyzoite differentiation of N. caninum in vitro was investigated using culture conditions previously utilised for T. gondii in vitro bradyzoite development. Utilising the NC-Liverpool isolate of N. caninum, cyst-like structures developed within 3–4 days of culture of this parasite in human fibroblasts. In addition, an antigen reacting with mAb 74.1.8 (anti-BAG1) and rabbit anti-recombinant BAG1 was demonstrable by immunofluorescence, fluorescence-activated cell sorter, and immunoblot analyses. Expression of this antigen was increased by stress conditions, similar to that which has been described for T. gondii bradyzoite induction. Cyst-wall formation in vitro, as assayed by lectin binding, did not occur as readily for N. caninum as it does for T. gondii.
Congenital arteriovenous fistulas in children

Summary A study of forty-four cases of vascular anomalies of the arteriovenous type, occurring in children, are recorded in this study. The intracranial vessels were involved in four subjects; the scalp, face, and neck in four subjects; the upper extremities in nine subjects; and the lower extremities in twenty-five subjects. In addition, two patients exhibited hemihypertrophy of an entire half of the body. All patients were less than 15 years of age. The diagnosis of abnormal arteriovenous communications seemed well established in every instance. Methods of diagnosis and treatment are discussed.
Microbial Community Composition and Denitrifying Enzyme Activities in Salt Marsh Sediments

Denitrifying microbial communities and denitrification in salt marsh sediments may be affected by many factors, including environmental conditions, nutrient availability, and levels of pollutants. The objective of this study was to examine how microbial community composition and denitrification enzyme activities (DEA) at a California salt marsh with high nutrient loading vary with such factors. Sediments were sampled from three elevations, each with different inundation and vegetation patterns, across 12 stations representing various salinity and nutrient conditions. Analyses included determination of cell abundance, total and denitrifier community compositions (by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism), DEA, nutrients, and eluted metals. Total bacterial (16S rRNA) and denitrifier (nirS) community compositions and DEA were analyzed for their relationships to environmental variables and metal concentrations via multivariate direct gradient and regression analyses, respectively. Community composition and DEA were highly variable within the dynamic salt marsh system, but each was strongly affected by elevation (i.e., degree of inundation) and carbon content as well as by selected metals. Carbon content was highly related to elevation, and the relationships between DEA and carbon content were found to be elevation specific when evaluated across the entire marsh. There were also lateral gradients in the marsh, as evidenced by an even stronger association between community composition and elevation for a marsh subsystem. Lastly, though correlated with similar environmental factors and selected metals, denitrifier community composition and function appeared uncoupled in the marsh.
Hind limb extensor response: A method for assessing motor dysfunction in rats☆☆☆

Abstract A cost-effective, time-efficient technique for measuring neuromuscular dysfunction localized in the hind limbs of rats is described.
Intracellular calcium modulates angiotensin II type 1 receptor mediated increases in hydraulic permeability

Background: Previous work has documented a 5-fold increase in Lp due to AngII. We hypothesized that the increase in Lp due to activation of the AT1 receptor is modulated by intracellular calcium [Ca2+]. Methods: Lp was measured in rat mesenteric venules using the Landis micro-occlusion model. A 100 mM KCl Ringer’s solution (HK) was used to abolish the electrochemical driving force for [Ca2+] influx. Measures of Lp were obtained at baseline (BL), after HK, and after 20 ng/ml AngII plus HK (n = 6). Modulation of [Ca2+] via selective AT1 activation was evaluated by: 1) measuring Lp at BL, after HK, and after 100 μM of the AT1 agonist Sar1-AngII in HK solution (n = 6), and 2) by measuring Lp after 25 μg/ml of the type 2 (AT2) receptor blocker PD-123319 (PD) in HK, and after PD plus AngII in HK (n = 6). Results: HK prevented the increase in Lp seen with AngII (Fig. 1). AT1 activation with both Sar1-AngII in HK (p = 0.001) (Fig 2) and AngII+PD in HK (p = 0.008) (Fig 3) slightly increased Lp, however, this effect was less than that observed with AT1 activation alone. Units for Lp are ×10–7 cm sec–1 · cm H2O–1. Conclusions: Inhibition of endothelial cell calcium influx prevented the 5-fold increase in Lp due to AngII alone and attenuated the 5-fold increase in Lp due to AT1 activation. This suggests that AngII activation of the AT1 receptor increases Lp primarily, but not exclusively, via modulation of intracellular calcium and raises the question of notable cross-talk between the AT1 and AT2 receptors. Figure options Download full-size image Download as PowerPoint slide Figure options Download full-size image Download as PowerPoint slide Figure options Download full-size image Download as PowerPoint slide
Pneumocystis Pneumonia in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Pneumocystis spp. are thought to be ubiquitous in nature with serologic studies suggesting that exposure occurs commonly in childhood (2). Symptomatic Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is generally limited to individuals with immune deficits. Animal models demonstrate both de novo infection via airborne transmission and by reactivation of previously established latent infections (3). Clusters of infection have been described in medical facilities among renal transplant recipients (4–6). Based on studies before routine implementation of prophylaxis, the overall incidence of infection among solid organ transplant recipients varied mostly in the range of 5–15% depending on organ type, transplant center and immunosuppressive regimens (7). In older reports before implementation of extensive prophylaxis, the attack rate appeared highest in lung and combined heart–lung transplant recipients with an overall incidence ranging from less than 10% to just over 40%. Among liver and kidney transplant recipients, the incidence appeared to be less at anywhere from close to 2% to 10–15% (1). The incidence overall may be decreasing with reduction in the routine use of corticosteroids in organ transplantation and the adoption of effective prophylactic measures. Table 1 outlines some risk factors for PCP among non-HIV-infected individuals.
Perceived Barriers to Education and Career: Ethnic and Gender Differences☆

Abstract Vocational researchers interested in the career development of women and people of color have noted the potentially strong influence of perceived barriers in the formulation and pursuit of educational and career goals. In this study, ethnic and gender differences in perceived educational and career barriers were investigated in a sample of 1139 Mexican-American and Euro-American high school juniors and seniors. Differences in perceived barriers were assessed using MANOVA and ANOVA procedures. Results were consistent with the hypotheses, suggesting that (1) female participants anticipated more barriers than male participants; (2) Mexican-American participants anticipated more barriers than Euro-Americans; and (3) these differences were consistent within ethnic and gender groups. Implications for future research are discussed.
Short Messaging Service use among college students in USA and its potential as an educational tool: an exploratory study

This study aimed at determining the popularity level of the Short Messaging Service (SMS) in USA among college students and its potential as a content delivery platform in distance education. Results of a 20-question survey administered to 200 college students indicated that there was a common lack of trust among cell phone owners towards SMS. Students generally found SMS as an expensive alternative to voice communication using a cell phone. Given the results, SMS may potentially be used in small scales to deliver educational content, but user acceptance and pricing issues need to be addressed first.
Calculating electron transport in a tight binding model of a field-driven molecular wire: Floquet theory approach

This paper considers electron transport through a molecular bridge coupled to two metal electrodes in the presence of a monochromatic radiation field. Current flow through the wire is calculated within a nondissipative one-electron tight binding model of the quantum dynamics. Using Floquet theory, the field-driven molecular wire is mapped to an effective time-independent quantum system characterized by a tight-binding Hamiltonian with the same essential structure as the nondriven analog. Thus, Green’s Function methods for computing current flow through the wire, which have been profitably applied to the molecular wire problem in the absence of driving, can also be used to analyze the corresponding field-driven system. Illustrative numerical calculations on a simple model system are presented.
A Comparative Study of Kernel Spectral Matched Signal Detectors for Hyperspectral Target Detection

In this paper, we compare several detection algorithms that are based on spectral matched (subspace) filters. Non-linear (kernel) versions of these spectral matched (subspace) detectors are also discussed and their performance is compared with the linear versions. These kernel-based detectors exploit the nonlinear correlations between the spectral bands that are ignored by the conventional detectors. Several well-known matched detectors, such as matched subspace detector, orthogonal subspace detector, spectral matched filter and adaptive subspace detector (adaptive co-sine estimator) are extended to their corresponding kernel versions by using the idea of kernel-based learning theory. In kernel-based detection algorithms the data is implicitly mapped into a high dimensional kernel feature space by a nonlinear mapping which is associated with a kernel function. The detection algorithm is then derived in the feature space which is kernelized in terms of the kernel functions in order to avoid explicit computation in the high dimensional feature space. Experimental results based on simulated toy-examples and real hyperspectral imagery show that the kernel versions of these detectors outperform the conventional linear detectors.
Demonstration that circulating human blood cells have no detectable alpha1-adrenergic receptors by radioligand binding analysis

Abstract The mechanisms underlying the autonomic nervous system abnormalities reported in allergic asthma have not been defined. In order to determine if these abnormalities reflect abnormal α-adrenergic receptor numbers or drug affinities, we attempted to identify α-receptors on circulating human blood cells. Platelets, red blood cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and mononuclear cells were examined by use of radioligand binding techniques with the [ 3 H]antagonists, dihydro-α-ergocryptine, prazosin hydrochloride, and yohimbine as ligands. The presence of α 2 -receptors was confirmed on platelets, but no detectable α-receptors were identified on red blood cells or polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Preliminary observations suggested the presence of specific α-receptor binding to mononuclear cells; however, this binding was determined to reflect directly the presence of contaminating platelets. By use of a newly developed isolation technique to obtain platelet-depleted mononuclear cells, no α-adrenergic receptors could be identified on platelet-depleted mononuclear cells. Therefore, since no α 1 -receptors could be identified on circulating human blood cells, these cells are not a suitable model for the study of the mechanisms underlying abnormal α-adrenergic responsiveness, and it may be necessary to reanalyze previous reports of α-adrenergic responsiveness on human blood cells with the use of platelet-depleted cell preparations.