cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis and Recommended Management of Esophageal Perforation and Rupture

Abstract Over the past 47 years (1937 to 1984), a total of 127 patients with esophageal perforation or rupture were evaluated at Duke Medical Center or the Durham Veterans Administration Medical Center. In 13 patients, the diagnosis was established at the time of autopsy and in the remaining 114, the diagnosis was established clinically. The etiology, radiological findings, underlying esophageal disease, time interval between onset of symptoms and therapy, and eventual outcome were evaluated. Patients with anastomotic leaks and those in whom carcinoma resulted in perforation or fistula were excluded. Iatrogenic causes were responsible for 55% of perforations, followed by spontaneous rupture in 15%, foreign body perforation in 14%, and traumatic perforation in 10%. Of the 127 patients, 114 underwent treatment involving primary closure (43%), drainage alone (28%), resection (9%), or nonoperative therapy (20%). The overall mortality among these 114 patients was 21%. Fourteen patients sustained a major complication requiring additional operative intervention. The overall mortality among patients requiring reoperation was 57%. Survival was significantly influenced by a delay in treatment of greater than 24 hours. With the exception of nonoperative therapy, survival was improved for all forms of treatment instituted within 24 hours. Primary closure within 24 hours resulted in the most favorable outcome (92% survival). In addition to early treatment, other factors associated with a favorable outcome included traumatic perforation (100% survival), foreign-body perforations (94% survival), and iatrogenic causes (80% survival). Spontaneous rupture resulted in the lowest survival (37%). The incidence of esophageal perforation has increased dramatically since 1967. Despite this increasing incidence, a trend toward earlier diagnosis and improvement in survival is documented. Twenty-seven patients have been treated since 1979 without any deaths.
Ideal bodies for Mars magnetics

[1] The high-amplitude magnetic anomalies observed by the Mars Global Surveyor imply the presence of a large intensity of magnetization in the Martian crust. We investigate the mathematical question of determining the distribution of magnetization that has the smallest possible intensity, without any assumptions about the direction of magnetization. The greatest lower bound on intensity found in this way depends on an assumed layer thickness. An analytical expression is discovered for the optimal magnetization, and numerical methods are described for solving the equations that determine the distribution. Some relatively small scale numerical calculations illustrate the theory. These calculations enable us to conclude, for example, that if the magnetization of Mars is confined to a 50-km thick layer, it must be magnetized with an intensity of at least 4.76 A/m.
Soil nitrogen availability evaluations based on nitrogen mineralization potentials of soils and uptake of labeled and unlabeled nitrogen by plants

Sudangrass [Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf] was grown in a greenhouse pot experiment on 39 soils having a broad range of chemical and physical characteristics. Labelled N as sodium nitrate (9% excess N15) was applied at rates of 200 and 400 mg of N per pot (2kg of soil). After 6 weeks of growth, total N and N15 were determined on plant tops and roots and on the cropped soils. Maximum yield differed widely among the soils owing to variations in yield-limiting factors other than N. Despite the diversity of responses to N fertilizer, the experiment provided a meaningful basis for assessing soil nitrogen availability. Amounts of N taken up from soils were similar from pots receiving no fertilizer N and from pots receiving labeled N. Amounts of soil organic N mineralized during cropping plus the mineral N present initially in the soils correlated highly with amounts of soil N taken up by whole plants (tops and roots). Average recovery by whole plants of mineral N formed before and during the cropping period was about 85 per cent, a value corresponding closely to recovery of fertilizer N in this experiment. The similarity in recovery of N provided by soil and fertilizer suggests that mineral N from these sources comprised a common pool that behaved as an entity with respect to mineralization-immobilization relations or other reactions affecting N availability to plants. A-values, the amounts of soil N having an availability equivalent to that of applied fertilizer N, were similar for two levels of applied labeled N and for tops and whole plants. Moreover, A-values were similar to amounts of N mineralized before and during crop growth. This result is particularly significant, since amounts of N mineralized during crop growth were estimated from N mineralization potentials, taking into account the effects of temperature on the mineralization rate constant. Thus, the study provides preliminary evidence that the soil N mineralization potential offers a basis for reliably estimating amounts of soil N mineralized during selected periods of time under specified temperature regimes.
Cerebroside sulfotransferase in rat gastric mucosa

1. Cerebroside sulfotransferase activity was demonstrated in rat gastric mucosa. This enzyme preparation catalyzes the transfer of sulfate group from 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate to added cerebroside and lactosylceramide. 2. Psychosine also serves as an acceptor for sulfate group. 3. Both hydroxy-fatty acid and non-hydroxy-fatty acid containing cerebrosides are equally sulfated. However, this enzyme is inactive toward glucosylceramide. 4. The optimum pH is around 6.0. The reaction is stimulated by the addition of 0.4-0.9% of Triton X-100. 5. The presence of 2-4 mM ATP moderately stimulates the reaction, but is inhibitory when the concentration exceeds 6 mM. 6. EDTA has no effect. 7. Both Mg2+ and Ca2+ stimulate at lower concentrations (less than 16 mM), but inhibit at higher concentrations (greater than 20 mM). Mn2+, however, is a strong inhibitor even at 8 mM concentration. 8. The apparent Km for cerebroside is 0.04 mM, while that for 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate is 0.45 microM.
Effect of alkyl chain length on inhibition of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine-induced esophageal tumorigenesis and DNA methylation by isothiocyanates.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the inhibitory effects of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), 3-phenylpropyl isothiocyanate (PPITC) or 4-phenylbutyl isothiocyanate (PBITC) on N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA)-induced esophageal tumorigenesis in male Fischer 344 rats. Groups of 15 male rats were fed modified AIN-76A diet or diet containing the four isothiocyanates at concentrations of 2.5, 1.0 and 0.4 μmol/kg diet for 25 weeks. After two weeks, rats were administered 0.5 mg/kg NMBA s.c. once weekly for 15 weeks. Additional controls received modified AIN-76A diet only or diet containing the high concentration of isothiocyanates (2.5 μmol/kg) only. No tumors were found in any of the groups that were not administered NMBA. Rats treated with NMBA only developed 6.7±0.8 tumors/animal. Tumor incidences in rats treated with 2.5 and 1.0 μmol PEITC/g diet, and with all three dietary concentrations of PPITC were inhibited by 60-100% compared to controls. Tumor multiplicities were inhibited by 83-100% by PEITC or PPITC at all dietary concentrations tested. PPITC clearly had a stronger inhibitory effect on NMBA tumorigenesis than did PEITC. Compared to PEITC and PPITC, BITC and PBITC had little inhibitory effect on tumor multiplicity and no effect on NMBA tumor incidence. In general, the occurrence of preneoplastic lesions (acanthoses, hyperkeratoses, leukoplakias and leukokeratoses) was inhibited in a similar manner as tumor incidence and multiplicity, except that no experimental diet resulted in a significant reduction of the incidence of acanthoses and hyperkeratoses. As with their effects on tumorigenicity and formation of premalignant lesions, the inhibitory effects of the isothiocyanates on NMBA-induced DNA methylation 24 h after administration followed the order: PPITC>PEITC>PBITC>BITC
Gonadal function, testicular histology, and meiosis following cyclophosphamide therapy in patients with nephrotic syndrome.

Gonadal function, histology, and meiosis were studied in patients after puberty who had received cyclophosphamide in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. Four males with minimal lesion nephrotic syndrome received cyclophosphamide, 2 to 4 mg/kg/24 hr, during periods ranging from 49 to 60 days and had normal semen at 15 3/12 to 22 3/12 years of age. Four males who received cyclophosphamide, 2 to 5 mg/kg/24 hr, during 89 to 489 days were azoospermic at 15 6/12 to 21 11/12 years of age. Plasma testosterone levels were normal in both groups. LH and FSH levels were elevated in the azoospermic-group. Light and electron microscopy and meiotic analysis of testicular tissue were normal in two normospermic patients tested. Germinal cells were absent but Leydig and Sertoli cells were present in three azoospermic patients tested. No neoplasia was observed. Two preadolescent and two postadolescent males received 64 to 129 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide during 14 to 45 days and have since fathered normal children. One preadolescent female received 182 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide during 49 days and later bore a normal child. Two preadolescent females who died of complications of their nephrotic syndrome during childhood after courses of cyclophosphamide had normal preadolescent ovaries.
Of Cattle, Farmers, Veterinarians and the World Bank: The Political Economy of Veterinary Services Privatization in Cameroun

This article relates how the World Bank makes reform decisions in a particular economic sector and country. It highlights some of the key issues pertaining to the privatization of livestock veterinary services in sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on Cameroun. Relating to the economics literature, it argues that veterinary services have both public and private good attributes. Therefore, any policy aimed at privatizing the entire spectrum of services without regard to their public good character is likely to result in significant market failures. With empirical evidence provided by Cameroun, the article also demonstrates that the ‘privatization project’ advocated most strongly by key international lending institutions does not enjoy much support among African policy makers. It also raises issues of implementation in policy environments fraught with bureaucratic indifference and resistance, as well as divisions within the lending community over policy directions.
Analysis of sidewall cleans relating to titanium salicide filaments

An empirical correlation was reported of the occurrence of titanium salicide sidewall filaments to the type of wafer cleans that are used prior to titanium deposition, particularly those cleans that follow the etching of the sidewall spacers on the polysilicon gate. This paper demonstrates that the occurrence of the filaments favors a high ratio of polysilicon area to perimeter and/or a low ratio of sidewall nitride to oxide area. The surface concentration of aluminum is reduced by changing the sidewall cleans from room temperature SC-1 to a combination of piranha and hot SC-1, based on ToF SIMS analysis. However, etch rates on test wafers do not support aluminum as being the root cause of the filaments. Alternately, the behavior of the filaments partially can be correlated to the concentrations of chlorine or fluorine.
A comparison of perceived musical tension and aesthetic response.

This study used the Continuous Response Digital Interface (CRDI) to measure musicians' and non-musicians' perceptions of ongoing "aesthetic response" in the first movement of Haydn's Symphony No. 104, in an attempt to determine if musical "tension" might relate to the aesthetic experience. Subjects (musicians n = 43, non-musicians n = 40) indicated their aesthetic responsiveness using the CRDI. Analysis focuses on composite graphs of mean group responses and comparisons to results of a previous study (Madsen and Fredrickson, 1993) which replicated the work of Frede V. Neilsen entitled "Oplevelse af Musikalsk Spending (The Experience of Musical Tension)." Results of this study indicated some co-variation between perceived tension graphs of subject responses from the previous study and recorded aesthetic response, primarily in the musicians. Overall, tension responses were found to be more variable than the aesthetic response, with the latter being consistently positive and somewhat higher. Non-musicians' r...
Why ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΟΣ? A note to Luke 2.1

Recent commentators on the works of Luke, the Gospel and Acts, make remarkably similar statements regarding the transliteration of the Latin title Augustus into Greek. All agree that Luke used Αύγοΰστο, in the Gospel as a personal name and all agree that in Acts 25.21, 25, he used the Greek form of the Latin title, Σeβαστός. Only one of these commentators, however, goes beyond this simple observation to deal with the questions that must arise from such selective use by Luke of Αὐγο⋯στος and Σeβαστ⋯ς. Colin Hemer attempts to go slightly beyond this to explain Luke's use of Σeβατός in Acts as the formal rendering of the imperial title. It is not clear what Hemer means by his use of the words ‘rendered formally’ because Σeβαστός is no more formal than Αὐγο⋯στος. The point is simply that the former is the correct form of the imperial title in Greek and the latter is the correct form in Latin. Unless Luke had an ulterior motive these words should not have been used in any other sense. Moreover, if one detects some new or special use of Αὐγο⋯στος by Luke, one certainly should ask what this means? Such a question is especially pertinent when one notes that, according to Blass and Debrunner, Luke was ‘inclined to remove Latinisms’.
Ship propulsion system health monitoring based on safety control functions

The ship propulsion system safety is not only a function of many environmental and operation factors, but also it is dynamic and complex. There are strong dependency relationships between the safety factors. The paper proposed a new approach that is applied to the evaluation of a safety function, a risk function and other safety characteristics of ship propulsion composed of a number of subsystems having an essential influence on the ship safety. First of all a basic safety structure of a multi-state system of the electric propulsion components with degrading safety states was defined. Further, a fuzzy analytical network process (FANP) for the considered system operation modeling was applied. This approach allows decision makers to evaluate risk factors using linguistic terms such as certain, very high, high, slightly high, medium, slightly low, low, very low or none rather than precise numerical values, allows them to express their opinions independently, and also provides algorithms to aggregate the assessments of multiple ship propulsion risk factors. A case study is investigated using the fuzzy logic package for Mathematica to illustrate its applications in risk assessment. It is shown that the fuzzy logic approach offers a flexible, practical and effective way of modeling risks assessment.
Efficient Treatment of Gyroscopic Bodies in the Recursive Solution of Multibody Dynamics Equations

This paper presents an efficient treatment of gyroscopic bodies in the recursive solution of the dynamics of an N-body system. The bodies of interest are the reaction wheels in satellites, wheels on a car, propellers on a helicopter and flywheels in machines. Each such body spins about one of its principal axes and around its center of mass. Current recursive solution methods treat all bodies in the system identically. The proposition here is that a body with gyroscopic children can be collectively treated as a composite body in the recursive solution process. It will be shown that this proposition improves the recursive solution speed to the order O(N-m) where m is the number of gyroscopic bodies in the system. A satellite with three reaction wheels is used to illustrate the proposition.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Two Steps Forward for the 'Poor Relation' of Constitutional Law: Koontz, Arkansas Game & Fish, and the Future of the Takings Clause

Property rights protected by the Fifth Amendment’s Takings Clause have long been “relegated to the status of a poor relation” in Supreme Court jurisprudence. Over the last 25 to 30 years, however, Takings Clause issues have been more seriously contested in the Court than previously, and property rights have had a modest revival. During the 2012–2013 Supreme Court term, property rights advocates won notable victories in Arkansas Game & Fish Commission v. United States and Koontz v. St. Johns River Water Management District.This article considers the significance of Arkansas Game & Fish and Koontz, arguing that both cases are potentially important victories for property rights, and that the Court decided both correctly. But because both rulings also left some key issues unresolved, their full impact may not be evident for some time to come. In Part I, I discuss Arkansas Game & Fish, the less controversial of the two cases. The Court’s unanimous decision makes clear that when the government repeatedly and deliberately floods property owners’ land, it is possible that the resulting damage qualifies as a taking for which “just compensation” must be paid under the Fifth Amendment. The Court’s unanimity is a rebuke to the extreme position taken by the federal government in the case. But it also leaves a number of crucial issues for later resolution.Part II considers Koontz, which ruled that there can potentially be a taking in a situation where a landowner was refused a permit to develop his land by a government agency, unless he agreed to, among other things, pay for off-site repair and maintenance work on other land in the area that he did not own. Koontz thereby limits the government’s ability to use permit processes and other land-use restrictions as leverage to force property owners to perform various services. The case could be the most important property rights victory in the Supreme Court in some time. In part for this reason, the Court was much more divided than in Arkansas Game & Fish, with the justices splitting 5-4 along ideological lines. Like the term’s other major Takings Clause case, Koontz leaves some crucial issues for later determination.Finally, the conclusion briefly discusses the implications of these decisions for the future of constitutional property rights. Although both cases represent incremental progress, there is still a long way to go before property rights cease to get second-class treatment from the Court.
Quaternary Ammonium Biocides: Efficacy in Application

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are among the most commonly used disinfectants. There has been concern that their widespread use will lead to the development of resistant organisms, and it has been suggested that limits should be place on their use. While increases in tolerance to QACs have been observed, there is no clear evidence to support the development of resistance to QACs. Since efflux pumps are believe to account for at least some of the increased tolerance found in bacteria, there has been concern that this will enhance the resistance of bacteria to certain antibiotics. QACs are membrane-active agents interacting with the cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria and lipids of viruses. The wide variety of chemical structures possible has seen an evolution in their effectiveness and expansion of applications over the last century, including non-lipid-containing viruses (i.e., noroviruses). Selection of formulations and methods of application have been shown to affect the efficacy of QACs. While numerous laboratory studies on the efficacy of QACs are available, relatively few studies have been conducted to assess their efficacy in practice. Better standardized tests for assessing and defining the differences between increases in tolerance versus resistance are needed. The ecological dynamics of microbial communities where QACs are a main line of defense against exposure to pathogens need to be better understood in terms of sublethal doses and antibiotic resistance.
Characterization of Restrictions to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection of Monocytes

Tissue macrophages are an important cellular reservoir for replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus. In vitro, the ability of macrophages to support viral replication is differentiation dependent in that precursor monocytes are refractory to infection. There is, however, no consensus as to the exact point at which infection is restricted in monocytes. We have revisited this issue and have compared the efficiencies of early HIV-1 replication events in monocytes and in differentiated macrophages. Although virus entry in monocytes was comparable to that in differentiated macrophages, synthesis of full-length viral cDNAs was very inefficient. Relative to differentiated macrophages, monocytes contained low levels of dTTP due to low thymidine phosphorylase activity. Exogenous addition of d-thymidine increased dTTP levels to that in differentiated macrophages but did not correct the reverse transcription defect. These results point to a restriction in monocytes that is independent of reverse transcription precursors and suggest that differentiation-dependent cellular cofactors of reverse transcription are rate limiting in monocytes.
"Rules Rather Than Discretion" After Twenty Five Years: What Have We Learned? What More Can We Learn?

Kydland and Prescott first identified the inflationary bias that results when a central bank does not precommit to a monetary policy rule. Subsequent work, published over the past twenty five years, demonstrates that this inflationary bias can be minimized by appointing central bankers whose preferences or incentives differ systematically from those of society as a whole. Subsequent work also shows that central bankers may optimally choose to maintain their reputations as inflation fighters. The literature to date, however, says remarkably little about how central bankers establish their reputations, or build credibility for their policies, in the first place.
The Aunt and Uncle Effect Revisited—The Effect of Biased Parentage Assignment on Fitness Estimation in a Supplemented Salmon Population

We investigated differences in the statistical power to assign parentage between an artificially propagated and wild salmon population. The propagated fish were derived from the wild population and are used to supplement its abundance. Levels of genetic variation were similar between the propagated and wild groups at 11 microsatellite loci, and exclusion probabilities were >0.999999 for both groups. The ability to unambiguously identify a pair of parents for each sampled progeny was much lower than expected, however. Simulations demonstrated that the proportion of cases in which the most likely pair of parents were the true parents was lower for propagated parents than for wild parents. There was a clear relationship between parentage assignment ability and the estimated effective number of grandparents of the progeny to be assigned. If a stringent threshold for parentage assignment was used, estimates of relative fitness were biased downward for the propagated fish. The bias appeared to be largely eliminated by either fractionally assigning progeny among parents in proportion to their likelihood of parentage or by assigning progeny to the most likely set of parents without using a statistical threshold.
Weighted estimators for forest inventory mapped plots

Forest inventory data are often summarized in tabular format where rows and columns represent levels of cate- gorical variables. It is generally desirable to constrain tables based on different categories to sum to common totals. It may also be desirable to develop a system that incorporates stratification. Weights can be assigned to inventory plots to achieve these goals with weighted estimators. The justification for weighting is presented here along with approaches for defining reasonable weights. A weighted estimator is developed to constrain tables derived from mapped plot data to add to common totals. Resume´ : Les donnees d'inventaire forestier sont souvent resumees sous forme tabulaire oules lignes et colonnes repre´- sentent les niveaux des variables nominales. Il est generalement souhaitable de faire en sorte que les tableaux bases sur differentes categories aient des totaux communs. Il peut aussi etre souhaitable de developper un systeme qui introduit une stratification. Des poids peuvent etre attribues aux placettes d'inventaire pour atteindre ces objectifs en faisant appel ades estimateurs ponderes. La justification de la ponderation est presentee ici avec des approches pour definir les poids raison- nables. Un estimateur pondereest developpepour faire en sorte que les tableaux derives des donnees de placettes cartogra- phiees aient des totaux communs. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Effects of hydromulch on post-fire erosion and plant recovery in chaparral shrublands of southern California

Following the Cedar Fire (one of seven large wildfires that burned in southern California during the autumn of 2003), aerial hydromulch was applied at 50 and 100% cover to reduce hillslope erosion in chaparral shrublands. Our objectives were to determine the effectiveness of hydromulch in preventing erosion, and to see if plant recovery was hindered by treatment. We installed 54 silt fences to measure sediment production. Five 1-m2 grids were placed behind each fence to measure plant recovery. Hydromulch was effective in reducing erosion immediately after the fire; however, its benefits appeared to be limited to the first 2–4 months following fire, raising doubts as to its overall cost-effectiveness. The rapid breakdown of the hydromulch during the first 6 months after the wildfire provided little hillslope protection during the above-average October 2004 storm events. During the October events, both rainfall amount and storm intensity played a role in the magnitude of sediment production. Hydromulch did not affect post-fire plant recovery, with plant cover measuring >60% at all sites less than 2 years following the wildfire. Accelerated growth of chamise and forbs was likely due to hydromulch prolonging soil moisture retention. Large accumulations of dead litter following die-off of the herbaceous species could increase dry fuels, thus promoting wildfire and therefore shortening the fire return interval.
Control of Listeria monocytogenes on frankfurters with antimicrobials and hydrodynamic pressure processing.

The antilisterial activity of sodium diacetate and pediocin (ALTA 2341) on frankfurters was evaluated in combination with hydrodynamic pressure processing (HDP). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these strains as determined in tryptic soy broth was 0.4% and >600 AU/mL, for sodium diacetate and ALTA 2341, respectively. Frankfurters were surface inoculated with a five-strain mixture of Listeria monocytogenes after dipping in (1) control (sterile water); (2) 5% sodium diacetate; (3) 3% ALTA 2341(P1); (4) 6% ALTA 2341 (P2); (5) P1 + sodium diacetate; and (6) P2 + sodium diacetate for 5 min. The frankfurters were vacuum-packaged and treated with hydrodynamic pressure or without HDP. Frankfurters were analyzed at 0, 7, 14 and 28 d for pH, L. monocytogenes (MOX) and aerobic (TSAYE) cell populations during storage at 4C. Antimicrobials and HDP treatment did not change (P < 0.05) the frankfurter pH. HDP treatment significantly reduced (1 log10 cfu/g) L. monocytogenes populations in frankfurters. Dipping treatments containing sodium diacetate or ALTA 2341 did not significantly reduce L. monocytogenes in frankfurters. There was a no synergistic effect between ALTA 2341 and HDP for inhibition of L. monocytogenes. The reduction pattern in aerobic cell populations during storage of antimicrobials and HDP-treated frankfurters was similar to that of L. monocytogenes reduction. These results indicate that the ALTA 2341 preparation was not efficient enough to kill L. monocytogenes. Other antimicrobials should be evaluated in conjunction with HDP treatment for synergistic inhibition of L. monocytogenes during storage at 4C. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Since the early 1980s, when Listeria monocytogenes was first recognized as an emerging food-borne pathogen, numbers of outbreaks of human listeriosis have been reported. Many of these outbreaks are associated with processed meats. Because of the high mortality rate associated with listeriosis, a zero tolerance approach for L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meats and poultry products has been selected by many countries, including the U.S.A. We reported significant L. monocytogenes reduction in frankfurters using hydrodynamic pressure (HDP) treatment. HDP processing using a nonexplosive energy source can be used to reduce L. monocytogenes in frankfurters. While pediocin and organic acids used in our study reduce L. monocytogenes during storage, their practical use is not significant as the reduction is marginal. Other antimicrobials should be evaluated in conjunction with high-pressure processing for required reduction of L. monocytogenes during storage at 4C.
Live, Video-Rate Super-Resolution Microscopy Using Structured Illumination and Rapid GPU-Based Parallel Processing

Structured illumination fluorescence microscopy is a powerful super-resolution method that is capable of achieving a resolution below 100 nm. Each super-resolution image is computationally constructed from a set of differentially illuminated images. However, real-time application of structured illumination microscopy (SIM) has generally been limited due to the computational overhead needed to generate super-resolution images. Here, we have developed a real-time SIM system that incorporates graphic processing unit (GPU) based in-line parallel processing of raw/differentially illuminated images. By using GPU processing, the system has achieved a 90-fold increase in processing speed compared to performing equivalent operations on a multiprocessor computer--the total throughput of the system is limited by data acquisition speed, but not by image processing. Overall, more than 350 raw images (16-bit depth, 512 × 512 pixels) can be processed per second, resulting in a maximum frame rate of 39 super-resolution images per second. This ultrafast processing capability is used to provide immediate feedback of super-resolution images for real-time display. These developments are increasing the potential for sophisticated super-resolution imaging applications.
Thrust Forces in Underwater Swimming

Instantaneous and mean static thrust levels were measured for eight underwater swimmers restrained in a submerged force platform. Swimming was examined barefoot and with two types of fins. The main...
Field measurements and calculations of electrostatic effects of overhead transmission lines

The results of an electrostatic measurements program held in conjunction with the IEEE Working Group on E/S and E/M Effects of Transmission Lines and attended by representatives of several organizations are presented. Measurements were made at ground level under an energized 525-kV line of electric field intensity, of induced currents and voltages on objects, and of perception and annoyance levels of men, women, and children for steady state and transient shocks. Three types of field strength meter were employed. They gave consistent readings in agreement with predicted field strength. Analytical estimates of short circuit current for various objects are in agreement with measured values.
Assessing excellence: Using activity theory to understand assessment practices in engineering communication

In the workplace, communication serves not as an end in itself, with features that are “good” or “bad,” but as a tool for mediating a range of professional activities, and effective documents are presentations are those that achieve their goals. Yet assessment methods in technical and professional communication often continue to rely on an evaluation of features apart from the intended work of the document. In this paper, we use activity theory as a lens to explore both the criteria for effective communication and the degree to which portfolio assessment methods can be applied to effectively assess student learning in this domain.
Rhodium Plasmonics for Deep-Ultraviolet Bio-Chemical Sensing

Rhodium (Rh) has been recently introduced as a perfect metal for ultraviolet (UV) applications with the advantages of its oxide-free nature and support of strong plasmon resonant modes at very short wavelengths. We report on a simple platform of nanoplasmonic structures to support strong plasmonic Fano resonances across the deep-UV spectrum for biochemical sensing applications. We investigate the plasmonic response of several types of Rh nanoparticles and designed dimer-type antennas using nanorings with geometrical tunability in both symmetric and antisymmetric assemblies. Using numerical and theoretical methods, it is shown that Rh-based dimer antennas with broken symmetry can be tailored to support strong plasmon resonant modes at the deep-UV region ( $$ E>6\; eV $$ ). We also propose a complex infinity-shaped structure composed of a pair of split rings with a nanodisk in between with extra degree of tunability to push the plasmon resonant modes further in deep-UV spectrum. Plasmon hybridization theory is used to describe formation of plasmonic Fano-resonant dips in simple nanoscale assemblies. We calculate the corresponding figure of merit for the Rh-based nanostructure around 11.5 which shows an excellent sensitivity to the refractive index perturbations of the surrounding medium at very short wavelengths for sensing applications.
Taking action on developmental toxicity: Scientists’ duties to protect children

Background: Although adaptation and proper biological functioning require developmental programming, pollutant interference can cause developmental toxicity or DT. Objectives: This commentary assesses whether it is ethical for citizens/physicians/scientists to allow avoidable DT. Methods: Using conceptual, economic, ethical, and logical analysis, the commentary assesses what major ethical theories and objectors would say regarding the defensibility of allowing avoidable DT. Results: The commentary argues that (1) none of the four major ethical theories (based, respectively, on virtue, natural law, utility, or equity) can consistently defend avoidable DT because it unjustifiably harms, respectively, individual human flourishing, human life, the greatest good, and equality. (2) Justice also requires leaving “as much and as good” biological resources for all, including future generations possibly harmed if epigenetic change is heritable. (3) Scientists/physicians have greater justice-based duties, than ordinary/average citizens, to help stop DT because they help cause it and have greater professional abilities/opportunities to help stop it. (4) Scientists/ physicians likewise have greater justice-based duties, than ordinary/average citizens, to help stop DT because they benefit more from it, given their relatively greater education/consumption/income. The paper shows that major objections to (3)-(4) fail on logical, ethical, or scientific grounds, then closes with practical suggestions for implementing its proposals.
Female choice, parasite load and male ornamentation in wild turkeys

Wild turkeys, Meleagris gallopavo, exhibit a particularly striking array of ornamental characters, including a bare, brightly coloured head covered with bumpy caruncles and a distensible snood, a black hair-like beard, tarsal spurs and a large fanned tail. These characters are hypothesized to be maintained by female choice. Good genes models of female choice propose that these ornaments serve as indicators of the bearer's heritable ability to resist parasites, maximize fat deposition or attain greater age. Aesthetic models propose no such ability of ornaments to indicate these correlates of fitness. These models were tested by (1) determining the male characters assessed by captive females, using artificial and live males in mate-choice trials, and (2) examining the correlates of ornamentation in wild-caught males. Females preferred males with longer snoods and wider skullcaps. These traits were negatively correlated with coccidian oocyst loads in the faeces of wild-caught males. Snood length may also be an indicator of male energy reserves. These results are consistent with good genes models of female choice. Other aspects of male ornamentation in wild turkeys were not explained by inter-sexual selection.
Analysis of Advanced AQ System – Z1® for Sustainable Food Supply in Qatar

This paper presents a new generation of sustainable, secured, multifunctional and self-supported Aquaponics Greenhouse System, vegetable and fish production with limited use of land, environmentally friendly and water & energy & natural resources high efficiency system. AQ System – Z1® is based on high advanced Green technologies and methodologies, and tightly related to the Qatar comprehensive National Progress AQ System – Z1® is specially designed for Qatar demographic and climate conditions, regarding National Strategic Grand Challenge Pillars: 1Water Security and Water Sustainability & 2Energy Security and Energy Sustainability & 3Food Security and Food Supply, throughout the year. It is an environmentally friendly and water & energy & natural resources high efficiency system with new agricultural approaches. AQ System – Z1® uses ∼92–95% less water than traditional and modern agricultural and fishery methods. Farming is based on new approaches of the water independent & recycling system, on the high sensitivity & efficient technology, which creates “Stabilized water”. The new-formed state of water, the sub-atomic oriented structure, have higher levels of energy, which scientifically transfers to the growth cells of vegetables and fish, boosts their Genome and Growth Hormones, promotes rapid growth of the plants and the fishes for the time period, bringing yield several times higher compared the conventional and modern agriculture and fishery, and without any genetic harnesses. The energy efficiency of the AQ System – Z1® is achieved by using renewable energy operating systems such as solar panels, windmills, geothermal system and underground heating & cooling systems, thus following Qatar's national security strategy in implementing economical alternates and renewable low carbon energy technologies. AQ System – Z1® is based on Green, sustainable technologies for smart, intelligent buildings, with the highest processing and operational standards, natural, recycled building materials, combination of sustainable vertical & horizontal farming, multiple space efficient cultivation and Greenhouse Gas emission reduction. AQ System – Z1® does not require the use of pesticides, steroids or fertilizers, antibiotics, GMO seeds and feed and avoids generation of environmental pollutants. AQ System® is software driven technology of the advanced Greenhouse farming. The AQ System – Z1® exhibits no points of failure, and as such can operate continuous hours throughout the year and continue producing forever. AQ System – Z1® offers high economically and profitable production of vegetables and fish, with both great taste and high nutritional values.
Youth Consumers and the Fast-food Market

AbstractThis paper provides a frame for thinking about youths' public consumption of fast foods. It draws attention to the significance of the social encounters that surround food by giving greater analytical focus to the late sociologist, Erving Goffman's conception of “the situation” than is typically given in research on youth food consumption. Focusing on the role of the situation in structuring the experience of youths' consumption of fast food directs attention to the significance of the body as symbolic resource, the collective mood, emotional energy, affective gains, and the socio-spatial context to young people's participation in fast-food settings as consumers. A shift away from the individual youth food consumer as unit of analysis to a focus on situations provides greater analytical purchase in trying to work through the complicated relationship between youth agency and the consumer markets' influence over youth, as it plays out around and through food.
Nonprofit-Government Contracting in the Nation's Capital: Challenges and Opportunities

Findings from the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy's National Survey of Nonprofit-Government Contracting and Grants show that a majority of human service organizations in Washington, D.C. are struggling due in part to challenges posed by working with the government in providing programs and services to District residents. At a forum of nonprofit leaders and government representatives, participants confirmed the study's findings, shed light on issues unique to the city, and proposed initial recommendations to address some contracting challenges.
The Effect of Hafnium and Thermal Cycling on the Transformation Temperatures of NiTi-Based Shape Memory Alloys

The effect of thermal cycling on the austenite to martensite (A→M) and martensite to austenite (M→A) transformation temperatures (TTs) of Ni49.8Ti50.2 and Ni49.8Ti40.2Hf10 shape memory alloys is investigated. Test specimens are from arc melted buttons homogenized at 900°C for 100 hours. Results show that the A→M and M→A TTs for the alloys decrease with increasing number of thermal cycles through the phase transformations. The A→M TT of the NiTiHf alloy stabilizes more quickly than the A→M TT of the NiTi alloy when cycled. However, the M→A TT of the binary NiTi alloy stabilizes more quickly than the M→A TT of the NiTiHf alloy when cycled.
Spore Resistance Properties

Spores of various Bacillus and Clostridium species are among the most resistant life forms known. Since the spores of some species are causative agents of much food spoilage, food poisoning, and human disease, and the spores of Bacillus anthracis are a major bioweapon, there is much interest in the mechanisms of spore resistance and how these spores can be killed. This article will discuss the factors involved in spore resistance to agents such as wet and dry heat, desiccation, UV and γ-radiation, enzymes that hydrolyze bacterial cell walls, and a variety of toxic chemicals, including genotoxic agents, oxidizing agents, aldehydes, acid, and alkali. These resistance factors include the outer layers of the spore, such as the thick proteinaceous coat that detoxifies reactive chemicals; the relatively impermeable inner spore membrane that restricts access of toxic chemicals to the spore core containing the spore's DNA and most enzymes; the low water content and high level of dipicolinic acid in the spore core that protect core macromolecules from the effects of heat and desiccation; the saturation of spore DNA with a novel group of proteins that protect the DNA against heat, genotoxic chemicals, and radiation; and the repair of radiation damage to DNA when spores germinate and return to life. Despite their extreme resistance, spores can be killed, including by damage to DNA, crucial spore proteins, the spore's inner membrane, and one or more components of the spore germination apparatus.
Computing the Density Matrix in Electronic Structure Theory on Graphics Processing Units

The self-consistent solution of a Schrodinger-like equation for the density matrix is a critical and computationally demanding step in quantum-based models of interatomic bonding. This step was tackled historically via the diagonalization of the Hamiltonian. We have investigated the performance and accuracy of the second-order spectral projection (SP2) algorithm for the computation of the density matrix via a recursive expansion of the Fermi operator in a series of generalized matrix–matrix multiplications. We demonstrate that owing to its simplicity, the SP2 algorithm [Niklasson, A. M. N. Phys. Rev. B2002, 66, 155115] is exceptionally well suited to implementation on graphics processing units (GPUs). The performance in double and single precision arithmetic of a hybrid GPU/central processing unit (CPU) and full GPU implementation of the SP2 algorithm exceed those of a CPU-only implementation of the SP2 algorithm and traditional matrix diagonalization when the dimensions of the matrices exceed about 2000 ...
Some Factors Affecting the Performance of Egg White in Divinity Candy

Abstract GOTT and VanHouten (1958) quoted U. S. Department of Commerce data which indicated that the Confectionery Industry utilizes approximately 83 million eggs annually in the manufacture of candy products. It is apparent from candy formulations that essentially only the albumen portion is used for this purpose. Whereas either fresh liquid white, frozen white, or egg white solids may be used, the latter is most familiar to the candy manufacturer. Several authors (Swanson, 1929; Carlin, 1948, 1949; Leighton, 1952; Lowe, 1955; Clyne, 1955; Gott and VanHouten, 1958; and Collins, 1960) have made statements relative to the role of egg white in influencing the quality characteristics of candy. Some effects associated with egg white reported by these authors are as follows: 1. Crystallization control may be brought about by a variety of substances. Sometimes this is called “cutting the grain” and materials used for this purpose have been referred to as “Doctors.”
ENVIRONMENTAL AND GENETIC MATERNAL EFFECTS ON SEED CHARACTERS IN NEMOPHILA MENZIESII.

Nuclear genetic, maternal genetic and maternal environmental effects on seed characters were estimated in the California native annual plant Nemophila menziesii using two greenhouse crosses. In one cross, according to a nested mating design, the narrow sense heritability of seed weight was small (3.9%). A subset of full-sib progenies produced in this cross was grown singly and in competition with the introduced grass Bromus diandrus. In a second cross, these plants were used as mothers (dams) and were each mated to the same three sires. Seeds produced by mothers competing with B. diandrus showed a significant reduction in weight, increase in time to germination, and increase in the incidence of dormancy, when compared to seeds from mothers grown singly. Significant sire components were found for time to germination and incidence of dormancy. Maternal genetic variation for seed weight was largely expressed as maternal genotype by maternal environment interaction, and showed no significant maternal genetic main effect. Time to germination and dormant fraction showed a relatively large maternal genetic effect. Evolution of seed characters in N. menziesii is more likely to occur via indirect response to selection among maternal plants than among the seeds themselves. Maternal genotype by maternal environment interaction could potentially contribute to the maintenance of maternal genetic variation in seed weight, but this does not appear likely for dormancy.