cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polyelectrolyte Diode: Nonlinear Current Response of a Junction between Aqueous Ionic Gels

We demonstrate that a fixed junction between two aqueous gels containing oppositely charged polyelectrolytes could rectify electric current. The agarose-based gels were “doped” with sodium poly(styrene sulfonic acid) and poly(diallyl dimethylammonium chloride). The unidirectional current response of the interface between the cationic and anionic gels originates directly from anisotropy in the mobile ionic charges in the gels. The current depends on the concentration of polyelectrolyte, the background ionic concentration, and the distance traveled by the ions. The I−V curves from the devices demonstrated a combination of transient and stationary rectification effects. The current densities achieved were comparable to or higher than those obtained with previously reported organic semiconductor diodes. The diodes had good long-term stability in both DC and AC conduction modes. The materials and the process of preparation of these devices are simple, inexpensive, and scalable. They could be used in flexible a...
Massively Parallel Self-Consistent-Field Calculations

The advent of supercomputers with many computational nodes each with its own independent memory makes possible very fast computations. Our work is focused on the development of electronic structure techniques for the solution of Grand Challenge-size molecules containing hundreds of atoms. Our efforts have resulted in a scalable direct-SCF (self-consistent-field) Fock matrix construction kernel that is portable and efficient. Good parallel performance is obtained by allowing asynchronous communications and using a distributed data model. These requirements are easily handled by using the Global Array (GA) software library developed for this project. This algorithm has been incorporated into the new program NWChem.
Origin and sensitivity of the light peak in the intact cat eye

1. The light peak is a large light-induced change in the DC potential across the eye (standing potential) that reaches its maximum in 5-13 min in mammals. The light peak of the intact cat eye was studied in order to define its cellular origin and stimulus-response characteristics. Direct-coupled recordings were made with a vitreal electrode and also with intraretinal and intracellular micro-electrodes. Light peaks were generally evoked with 300 sec periods of diffuse white illumination.2. Micro-electrode recordings made in the subretinal space just outside the apical membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium (r.p.e.) showed that the light peak was a change in trans-epithelial potential. No component was generated in the neural retina.3. Intracellular recordings from r.p.e. cells showed that the change in trans-epithelial potential resulted from a depolarization of the basal membrane (facing the choroid). This depolarization came after the hyperpolarization of the apical membrane that gave rise to the r.p.e. component of the c-wave of the e.r.g.4. The light peak amplitude at a constant retinal illumination was nearly linear with stimulus duration over the range 15-180 sec, and saturated at about 300 sec. The time-to-peak remained nearly constant at about 300 sec over this range. Large light peaks could be evoked with flashes as short as 10 sec if the retinal illumination was several log units above rod saturation.5. When stimulus duration was held constant at 300 sec, light peak amplitude was graded with illumination over a wide range, from 3 log units below to 2 log units above rod saturation. The threshold of the light peak was below that of the e.r.g. and only about 1.5-2.5 log units above the absolute threshold of the most sensitive ganglion cells. The increase of light peak amplitude above rod saturation was not due primarily to cones.6. The trans-epithelial light peak had an unusual dependence on stimulus area, being at least twice as large in response to diffuse light as it was in response to a large spot (10 deg diameter) of the same retinal illumination.7. These findings indicate that the light peak represents a normal physiological interaction between the retina and the r.p.e. They also suggest that the interaction involves a change in the concentration of a diffusible substance in the retina, which then either enters the r.p.e. itself, or triggers an internal messenger to cause the basal depolarization.
First report of Leveillula taurica causing powdery mildew on pepper in Maryland.

Pepper plants in large experimental plots in Beltsville, MD developed widespread powdery mildew during the late summer of 2008. Infection was observed in a diversity of accessions that included Capsicum annuum, C. baccatum, C. chinense, and C. frutescens (2). The C. annuum accessions included culinary bell pepper cultivars and breeding lines as well as a diverse collection of ornamental breeding lines, heirlooms, and land races. Significant leaf damage occurred and led to partial defoliation. Extensive coverage of the abaxial surface by white patches of conidia was noted, along with chlorotic regions on the adaxial surface. Conidia were borne singly and were apically tapered, measuring 65.2 ± 3.2 × 14.9 ± 1.9 μm. Cleistothecia were not found on infected leaves (3). PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region using ITS1-2 primers yielded a band that was cloned and sequenced (4). The pathogen was identified as Leveillula taurica based on 100% homology to GenBank Accession No. AY912077....
Nondestructive Evaluation of Ceramic Candle Filter with Various Boundary Conditions

Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) using a dynamic characterization technique was conducted to study ceramic candle filters. Ceramic candle filters are hollow cylindrical structures made of porous ceramic materials used to protect gas turbine in coal-fired power plants. Deterioration and failure of ceramic filters occurs after being exposed to high-temperature and high-pressure operational environment over a period of time. This paper focuses on the development of an NDE method that can predict the in-situ structural stiffness of the candle filters while still being attached to the plenum. A combination of laboratory testing, theoretical analysis, and finite element method (FEM) simulations are presented. The candle filters were tested using a laser vibrometer/accelerometer setup with variable boundary restraints. A variable end-restraint Timoshenko beam equation was derived to determine the dynamic response of the candle filters with simulated in-situ boundary conditions. Results from the FEM simulation were verified with the analysis to determine the stiffness degradation of the candle filters as well as the boundary conditions. Results from this study show that the vibration characteristics can be used effectively to evaluate both the structural stiffness and the in-situ boundary restraints of the ceramic candle filters during field inspections.
Action at a distance in supercoiled DNA: effects of sequence on slither, branching, and intramolecular concentration

We report a computer modeling study of DNA supercoiling in model plasmids over the size range of 140–1260 bp. We used a computer model with basepair resolution. Molecular dynamics was used to produce ensembles at 300 K and to investigate intramolecular motions. The plasmid models varied by their sequence. The sequence types employed for comparison included a curve-bearing plasmid, a heterogenous sequence plasmid, and a homogenous sequence. Within the three sequence types tested at the 1260-bp plasmid size, we observed several sequence-dependent phenomena. Writhe, radius of gyration, slither motion, and branching probability were seen to be sequence dependent. Branching probability was the least in the homogenous plasmid and the greatest in the curve-bearing plasmid. The curve imposed a symmetry on the plasmid that was absent in the heterogenous sequence. Significant localizations and enhancements of intramolecular concentration were seen to a persistence length. Molecular dynamics allowed us to observe the mechanism of branch formation and reabsorption. We observed a size-dependent change in the types of motion observed in plasmids. Slither motion predominated in plasmids up to 600 bp in size, whereas global rearrangements were more important in the 1260 mer.
Progress in the neutral beam injection heating experiment on the Tokamak fusion test reactor

Abstract The principal heating system for the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) consists of four beamlines to inject beams of neutral deuterium into the tokamak plasma. We have recently injected beams at total powers up to about 30 MW, and we have achieved ion temperatures in the plasma core of 30 keV and more.
Monolithically-integrated long vertical cavity surface emitting laser incorporating a concave micromirror on a glass substrate

We present a fully monolithically integrated long vertical cavity surface emitting laser using an InGaAs/GaAs/AlGaAs gain medium directly bonded to a glass substrate with a concave micromirror. The lasing wavelength is 980nm with a threshold of 20mA for a 52microm mesa, differential quantum efficiency of 58%, and maximum output power of 39mW.
Pathophysiological implications of increased brain burden of histamine in protein malnutrition

The complex syndrome of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in weanling children, usually complicated by concurrent presence of numerous adverse environmental factors, is a chronic stressful situation which elicits a number of neuroendocrine and metabolic adjustments. Histidine metabolism is severely impaired in PEM in children and in experimental animals, and evidence from the latter indicate markedly increased body burden of histamine. The brain is the organ most prominently affected. Although data are still incomplete, histamine conforms with most criteria required of a neurotransmitter. Histamine interacts with other neuroregulatory substances in modulating many neuroendocrine and vegetative processes. Some of the prominent pathophysiological features associated with PEM in children such as increased circulating cortisol, defective thermoregulation, fluid/electrolyte imbalance, impaired immunity, reduced cardiac output with prolongation of systemic recirculation time, and apathy bordering on a clinical state of depression are consistent with the known effects of histamine as determined by neurochemical and neuropharmacological studies. It is suggested that studies of histamine status in human PEM, and the functional relationships between markedly elevated level of this amine with other neuroregulatory substances, will shed more light on the complex pathogenesis of the nutritional syndrome.
Papillary thyroid carcinoma in black thyroids.

Background Black thyroid is a rare condition. It has been considered to be pathognomonic of chronic minocycline ingestion for more than 30 years, although it can also occur in patients with hemochromatosis, ochronosis, mucoviscidosis, and hemorrhage. A possible association of black thyroid with thyroid cancer has been considered, but no direct causal relationship has been established. Hence, the purpose of this article was to identify the malignant potential of such glands. Methods A retrospective medical chart review was performed on 433 patients who underwent thyroid surgery at Tulane University Medical Center from 2001 to 2008. Patients were grouped based on pathology: (1) benign, (2) papillary carcinoma, and (3) non-papillary thyroid carcinoma. Results At surgery, 63 patients (15%) with black thyroid gland were found to have thyroid nodules. Among these nodules, 22 (35%) were benign, 21 (33%) contained papillary thyroid cancer, and 20 (32%) had a non-papillary thyroid malignancy. Nodules in black thyroids were associated with higher risk of malignancy than nodules in non-black thyroids (p = .0001). Further analysis of the papillary thyroid carcinoma group showed no statistical difference in regard to tumor size or evidence of multifocality of disease. Conclusion The finding of a black thyroid gland is unusual and disconcerting. To our knowledge, this is the first study aimed at documenting the malignant potential of black thyroid glands. This report documents that the risk of malignancy is higher in black thyroid compared to non-black thyroid glands. Furthermore, among those with papillary thyroid cancer, the presence of the pigment did not correlate with malignancy, multifocality, or tumor size. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Citations to Management Articles: Cautions for the Science About Advice for the Scientist

This article examines the influence of citation impact on scholarship. Citation analysis allows authors to determine how often their work has been cited by others. The author responds to the previo...
Genetic and phenotypic relationships among reproductive and post-weaning traits from a commercial swine breeding company

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the genetic and phenotypic relationships between litters per sow per year (LSY) and other economically important reproductive and post-weaning traits from data collected in a commercial swine breeding company. Determining the genetic and phenotypic correlations among traits can help breeders evaluate the expected impacts their selection decisions have on other economically important production traits when they are included in a selection index. This is particularly important when considering reproductive and post-weaning traits due to possible undesirable genetic relationships. A total of 32,653 litter records from 7674 sows from 4 herds within a single production system (same genetics, same animal feeding specifications, same management procedures, etc.) were used in this study. The sows were born between 1992 and 2009. Post-weaning traits were recorded on male and female pigs (44,040 records), including sows and their progeny. The reproductive traits collected included number born alive (NBA), and wean to estrus (W2E). Number born alive and wean to estrus interval were recorded for every litter. Back fat between the 3rd and 4th last lumbar vertebrae and back fat and muscle thickness between the 3rd and 4th last rib were measured. Adjusted back fat (BF), percent lean (PCL), days to 100 kg (D100), and litters per sow per year (LSY) were calculated based on recorded information. Genetic parameters were estimated using ASREML. The heritability estimates for NBA, LSY, W2E, BF, D100, and PCL were 0.15, 0.03, 0.03, 0.41, 0.28, and 0.36, respectively. The genetic correlation between LSY and W2E was large, numerically negative, and favorable. The genetic correlations between LSY and the three post-weaning traits (BF, D100, and PCL) had large standard errors and were unclear in direction. Some economically important traits can be improved indirectly with selection on LSY; however, a selection index will be needed to ensure that post-weaning traits are not adversely affected by selection for LSY in a maternal line breeding program.
Shakespeare and Work

This article examines recent critical approaches to Shakespeare and work. Although the word ‘work’ itself could signify a range of practices in Shakespeare’s England, such definitional uncertainty has not been an obstacle to research. On the contrary, recent scholarship has demonstrated that the ambiguous nature of work offers a productive starting point for critical inquiry, as it encourages scholars to ask how Shakespeare’s texts actively construct ‘work’ as a social, historical, and literary activity. Written and performed during a crucial period in the development of a capitalist labor economy in England, Shakespeare’s plays were a vital part of the artisanal workplace that was the London public theater. As such, Shakespeare’s works offer a particularly rich vantage point for investigating the cultural significance of labor in early modern England. This article examines a wide range of critical approaches to Shakespeare’s working world and concludes by suggesting possible avenues for further research.
Structural studies of discoidal lipoprotein A-I

Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) is a major exchangeable apolipoprotein of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), and plays an important role in reverse cholesterol transport. This process involves transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver for processing, thereby eliminating excess cholesterol from the body. The function of apoA-I and its interaction with other components of HDL, including lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase, seems to be closely linked to its structural plasticity. ApoA-I is likely to undergo changes in its structure and orientation between the various HDL subclasses and, therefore, knowledge of the precise structure of apoA-I is essential for understanding its role in the antiatherogenic properties of HDL. This review focuses on the role of apoA-I in reverse cholesterol transport and the work done by various groups to determine the structure of apoA-I in discoidal HDL particles.
ADAPTING A METHODOLOGY FROM MATHEMATICS EDUCATION RESEARCH TO CHEMISTRY EDUCATION RESEARCH: DOCUMENTING COLLECTIVE ACTIVITY

In this report, we adapt and extend a methodology for documenting the collective production of meaning in a classroom community. A cornerstone of the methodological approach that we develop is a close examination of classroom discourse. Our efforts to analyze the collective production of meaning by examining classroom interaction are compatible with the relatively recent emphasis in mathematics and science education research that focuses on how communities of learners establish ideas through discourse and inquiry. The methodological approach we take builds on and extends an approach from mathematics education that uses Toulmin’s argumentation model to document and analyze students’ conceptual progress. Our modification introduces a new criterion for empirically demonstrating when particular ways of reasoning become part of the normative practices of the community. An example from an undergraduate course in physical chemistry is used to illustrate the methodology.
Prednisone withdrawal 14 days after liver transplantation with mycophenolate a prospective trial of cyclosporine and tacrolimus

Background The long-term complications of immunosuppressive therapy such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension are a major source of morbidity in liver transplant recipients. In this prospective, randomized, open-label study we completely withdrew prednisone (PRED) 14 days after liver transplantation in an effort to decrease these metabolic complications. Patients were maintained on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in combination with either cyclosporine (CsA; Neoral formulation) or tacrolimus (TAC). Thus, we also were able to compare CsA to TAC in patients not receiving PRED with respect to efficacy, toxicity, and effect on posttransplant metabolic complications. Methods. A total of 71 patients were randomized to receive either TAC-MMF (n=35) or CsA-MMF (n=36) after liver transplantation and were analyzed for patient and graft survival. Fifty-eight patients continued the immunosuppressive protocol for at least 6 months after transplantation and were analyzed for the incidence of acute rejection and the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Results. The 6-month patient survival rates were 94.4% for CsA-MMF and 88.6% for TAC-MMF. Corresponding 6-month graft survival rates were 88.7% and 85.7% with no immunologic graft losses in either group. The incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection was 46% for CsA-MMF and 42.3% for TAC-MMF. Six patients were converted from CsA to TAC (four for recurrent rejection) and seven patients were converted from TAC to CsA (four for neurotoxicity). Only one patient (in the TAC-MMF group) developed newonset posttransplant diabetes. In contrast, four of eight patients in the CsA-MMF group who were diabetic before transplant became nondiabetic in the first 3 months after transplant. The mean serum cholesterol level was significantly lower in the TAC-MMF group than in the CsA-MMF group (145.2±41.8 mg/dl and 190.3±62.2, respectively; P<0.001) and the incidence of hypertension was lower in the TAC-MMF group (12% vs. 30.3% in the CsA-MMF group, P<0.01). Both groups had a lower incidence of metabolic complications compared with a historical group (n=100) maintained on CsA and PRED (10 mg/day at 6 months). Conclusions. MMF in combination with either TAC or CsA allows withdrawal of PRED 14 days after liver transplantation with a moderate rejection rate and no immunologic graft losses. Early PRED withdrawal decreases posttransplant diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension, but patients maintained on TAC have lower serum cholesterol levels and a lower incidence of hypertension than CsA-treated patients.
Third party instigation of aggression as a function of attack and vulnerability

Abstract Subjects serving as advisors instructed a confederate which shock intensity to deliver to an opponent in a reaction-time competition; subjects could also directly aggress by setting shock for the opponent's partner. Vulnerable subjects (shock electrode on) both instigated less aggression, i.e., suggested that less intense shocks be set, and directly aggressed less frequently than nonvulnerable subjects (no shock electrode). Attacked subjects, those for whom the opponents set shock, both instigated more aggression and more frequently set shock than did nonattacked subjects. The relationship between vulnerability and attack was additive for instigative aggression and multiplicative for direct aggression. Both modes of aggression were significantly influenced by the intensity of provocation from the opponents.
Gene Networks Driving Bovine Mammary Protein Synthesis during the Lactation cycle

A crucial role for both insulin and mTOR in the regulation of milk protein synthesis is emerging. Bovine mammary biopsies harvested during late-pregnancy through end of subsequent lactation were used to evaluate via quantitative PCR the expression of 44 genes involved in pathways of insulin, mTOR, AMPK, and Jak2-Stat5 signalling and also glucose and amino acid (AA) transporters. We observed an increased expression during lactation of ELF5, AA and glucose transporters, insulin signaling pathway components, MAPK14, FRAP1, EIF4EBP2, GSK3A and TSC1 among mTOR signaling-related genes. Among ribosomal components RPL22 was down-regulated. The overall data support a central role of AA and glucose transporters and insulin signaling through mTOR for the regulation of protein synthesis in bovine mammary gland. Furthermore, the existence of translational competition favoring the translation of milk protein transcripts was inferred from the combined dataset.
Off-Bragg model for the photorefractive phase-conjugate resonator

The spatiotemporal dynamics of a photorefractive phase-conjugate resonator is modeled in three spatial dimensions and time. The transverse dimensions are sampled on a lattice in wave vector space while the longitudinal dimension is sampled in real space. Numerical simulations are shown to agree well with experimental data. At low Fresnel number, the cavity geometry and the transverse component of the Bragg mismatch are shown to dominate the dynamics, while the effects of the longitudinal component of the mismatch are shown to become important in representing the complex dynamics observed at higher Fresnel numbers.
A perspective on electromagnetic field bioeffects and risk assessment

Abstract There is evidence to suspect that a human health risk could exist from exposure to power frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Summary analyses of epidemiological evidence suggest that, if the effects seen are real, they are small, with relative risks of the order 1.5–2.5. The past several years of epidemiological results are consistent with those of previous years, but do not add markedly to the understanding of potential human health risk. A similar situation has existed with benzene. Health concerns for benzene originated in the workplace with case reports. For many years, epidemiology studies alone provided the information on risks from benzene; until recently, animal models did not yield any tumors. Finally after 50 years of laboratory studies, an animal model provided tumors, but not the primary one associated with benzene exposure to humans. A brief history of the benzene story is presented to provide a perspective on the progress in understanding the potential risk of EMFs. Radon and toxic chemicals, which are present in indoor air, have been examined qualitatively only in a few EMF epidemiological studies. Because these materials have the potential to overshadow any signal coming from EMF exposures, they must be treated quantitatively. No classical cancer studies have been completed as yet for EMFs, but a variety of promotion or copromotion animal studies have been reported. Results of these and other studies lend support for consideration of EMF not being a complete carcinogen, but possibly a promoter. Qualitatively, whole animal studies, together with results of epidemiological works, suggest that greater intensities (magnetic flux densities) may be associated with greater responses (or lower p values). Other laboratory studies have been designed to examine more basic mechanisms, but the use of these types of studies in risk assessment is not straightforward. A methodology, based on relative potency concepts, is introduced; it can be used to assist in the assessment of the degree of hazard which EMF poses. EMF researchers can contribute to the use of this type of analysis by including positive controls in their experimental designs.
Ab initio and perturbative calculations of the electric susceptibility of atomic hydrogen

We apply a numerical basis-state method to determine the electric susceptibility of atomic hydrogen via calculations of the terms of the perturbative power series expansion up to eleventh order as well as from ab initio calculations of the field-induced polarization. The results of the perturbative calculations indicate that the applicability of the power series expansion is limited to intensities of a uniform electric field below $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{13}$ $\mathrm{W}/\mathrm{cm}{}^{2}$ at a wavelength of 800 nm. While the predictions for the electric susceptibility from the perturbative power series tend to strongly increase beyond this intensity regime, those from ab initio calculations have a negative slope as a function of intensity. We therefore interpret that the latter feature is due to the nonperturbative interaction between the atom and the external field and an explanation via higher-order nonlinear terms is not applicable.
Stroke Survivors' Gait Adaptations to a Powered Ankle Foot Orthosis.

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in the US, and for many it causes loss of gait function. The purpose of this research is to examine stroke survivors' gait adaptations to trainin...
Does trypsin cut before proline

Trypsin is the most commonly used enzyme in mass spectrometry for protein digestion with high substrate specificity. Many peptide identification algorithms incorporate these specificity rules as filtering criteria. A generally accepted “Keil rule” is that trypsin cleaves next to arginine or lysine, but not before proline. Since this rule was derived two decades ago based on a small number of experimentally confirmed cleavages, we decided to re-examine it using 14.5 million tandem spectra (2 orders of magnitude increase in the number of observed tryptic cleavages). Our analysis revealed a surprisingly large number of cleavages before proline. We examine several hypotheses to explain these cleavages and argue that trypsin specificity rules used in peptide identification algorithms should be modified to “legitimatize” cleavages before proline. Our approach can be applied to analyze any protease, and we further argue that specificity rules for other enzymes should also be re-evaluated based on statistical evi...
Into the pressure cooker: Student stress in college preparatory high schools

Abstract Purpose The goals of this study were to (1) measure psychological, physiological, and behavioral indicators of stress, (2) assess the relationship between stress and student attitudes, and (3) explore coping behaviors in response to stress, among a sample of students in two academically high-achieving environments. Method Three hundred thirty-three students in grades 9 through 12 from two college-preparatory high schools completed a cross-sectional online survey that included the Students' Life Satisfaction Scale, School Attitude Assessment Questionnaire-Revised, and assessments for stress-related indicators, including eating, sleeping and exercise, and strategies they utilized for coping with stress. Results Students reported a high prevalence of physical and psychological correlates of stress, and related unhealthy behaviors such as widespread and chronic sleep deprivation and rushed meals. Conclusions The results suggest areas to focus attention for identifying and addressing maladaptive responses to stress among high-achieving student populations.
Surgery for severe COPD: Lung volume reduction and lung transplantation

A management strategy for patients with severe emphysema is shown in figure 2 on page 199. Although the reported physiologic improvements after LVRS are significantly less than those seen after lung transplantation, LVRS has the potential to improve functional performance in a larger number of patients because of wider availability. Moreover, it accomplishes these goals without the attendant risks associated with transplantation and immunosuppression. The efficacy of LVRS over standard medical therapy in influencing survival and favorably affecting physiologic variables at rest and during exercise remains to be elucidated in NETT. Lung transplantation should be reserved for those patients deemed unsuitable or too ill for LVRS. It is to be hoped that future developments in organ preservation techniques and immunosuppressive regimens will expand the donor pool and decrease the incidence of posttransplantation bronchiolitis.
Enhanced Radiation Forces in the Near-Field of a Structured Thin Metallic Film

We compute optical forces exerted on dielectric nano-spheres in the near-field of a structured metallic film. Large field enhancement induced by the fundamental Bloch surface plasmon mode is shown to result in efficient trapping.
Staphylococcus aureus septicemia mimicking fulminant Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Septicemia due to Staphylococcus aureus can be a difficult diagnosis to make early in its presentation. This report illustrates a case that mimicked fulminant Rocky Mountain spotted fever in a patient with no other medical problems that might predispose her to the development of staphylococcal sepsis. Epidemiology, cerebrospinal fluid characteristics, and early biopsy of skin lesions are emphasized as important factors leading to early diagnosis and definitive treatment.
Enzymatic starch hydrolysis of extruded potato peels

Potato peels discarded by potato processors are a potential source of dietary fiber and starch. This starch may be hydrolyzed for fermentation to value-added products. Dried steam peels were extruded at 135°C and 22% feed moisture and digested with α-amylase and/or amyloglucosidase. Two barrel temperatures and feed moistures were also studied. Glucose was measured colorimetrically at O,1,2,4,8 and 24h of incubation. All peels treated with either no enzymes or α-amylase alone produced minimal glucose. Nonextruded peels digested with both enzymes produced more glucose than did those treated with amyloglucosidase alone. Complete digestion of starch occurred in extruded peels digested with amyloglucosidase, but not when α-amylase was used.
An efficient module for flicker assessment of electric arc furnaces

Voltage flicker is one of the key power quality concerns for the systems feeding arc furnace installations. The severity of flicker due to arc furnaces is influenced by several factors including arc furnace design and rating, system strength at PCC, use of flicker mitigation technology, etc. An evaluation tool has been developed using EMTP-RV as a platform that can be used to simulate and measure flicker indices (Pinst and Pst) for an electric arc furnace operation. The user-friendly tool enables the user to evaluate the impact of various system parameters on the resultant flicker values at desired locations in the system. A case study has been included to demonstrate the use of the module and the results are compared against the hand calculation approach.
Global Processing Speed in Children With Low Reading Ability and in Children and Adults With Typical Reading Ability: Exploratory Factor Analytic Models

Purpose To investigate processing speed as a latent dimension in children with dyslexia and children and adults with typical reading skills. Method Exploratory factor analysis (FA) was based on a s...
Value, Size, and Portfolio Efficiency

In this article the authors examine the effects of book–to–market value (BE/ME) on portfolio selection and efficiency. The authors classify U.S. stocks into six value/size categories and generate a large number of random portfolios for each value/size category. Using a range of portfolio ranking criteria, they show that portfolios composed of high BE/ME stocks. Portfolios composed of high BE/ME stocks perform better than randomly selected portfolios. These results obtained for all ranking criteria and for all portfolio sizes examined.
Continuous blood glucose monitoring in diabetes treatment

Continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) is a developing technology in the field of diabetes treatment since it enables patients to effectively control and adjust their insulin therapy. Clinical trials have shown its efficacy in lowering HbAlc significantly especially in adults with type 1 diabetes and those with HbAlc >8%. Improvement is sustained for at least one year. Conflicting data exist for children. Most recent studies agree that the nearly daily use of CGMS is accompanied by significant lowering of HbA1c independent of age. However, the randomized clinical trials have shown that the use of CGMS does not reduce significantly the number of severe hypoglycemic episodes as it is expected, but recent data indicate that it reduces the time spent in hypoglycemia. Accuracy remains a key issue for CGMS, particularly in children and adolescents who may have increased variability of blood glucose. CGMS cost is another barrier to the everyday use since reimbursement of CGM is limited to a few countries only. This review will focus on the present status of the use of CGMS in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients.
Edge-released, piezoelectric MEMS acoustic transducers in array configuration

A sensitive, broad-bandwidth piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) transducer based on frequency interleaving of resonant transducers was designed and fabricated. A sputter-deposited piezoelectric zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film on the diaphragm is used to sense and generate acoustic pressure. A high compliance cantilever and spiral-beam-supported diaphragms are designed and built on the edge-released MEMS structure to release initial residual stress and to avoid in-plane tension when bent. Stress compensation has been achieved by adjusting the thickness of each layer of the cantilever and by compensating for the ZnO film's compressive stress with the bimorph structure of the spiral-beam. For a given pressure level and diaphragm size, the maximum strain on the spiral-beam-supported diaphragm is about an order of magnitude larger than that of a rectangular cantilever diaphragm. Also, the acoustic transducer built on the spiral-beam-supported diaphragm has a much higher sensitivity (but with less tolerance on the fabrication process variation and at the cost of lower usable bandwidth) than the one built on a rectangular cantilever diaphragm. By connecting many transducers in parallel, both the sensitivity and acoustic output were improved about 30 times. The interleaving of the transducers increased not only the sensitivity, but also broadened the useable bandwidth.
Structural ground states of ( A , A ′ ) Cr 2 O 4 ( A = Mg , Zn ; A ′ = Co , Cu ) spinel solid solutions: Spin-Jahn-Teller and Jahn-Teller effects

We examine the effect of small amounts of magnetic substituents in the $A$ sites of the frustrated spinels MgCr$_2$O$_4$ and ZnCr$_2$O$_4$. Specifically we look for the effects of spin and lattice disorder on structural changes accompanying magnetic ordering in these compounds. Substitution of Co$^{2+}$ on the non-magnetic Zn$^{2+}$ site in Zn$_{1-x}$Co$_{x}$Cr$_2$O$_4$ where 0\,$<$\,$x$\,$\leq$\,0.2 completely suppresses the spin-Jahn-Teller distortion of ZnCr$_2$O$_4$ although these systems remain frustrated, and magnetic ordering occurs at very low temperatures of $T$\,$<$\,20\,K. On the other hand, the substitution of Jahn-Teller active Cu$^{2+}$ for Mg$^{2+}$ and Zn$^{2+}$ in Mg$_{1-x}$Cu$_{x}$Cr$_2$O$_4$ and Zn$_{1-x}$Cu$_{x}$Cr$_2$O$_4$ where 0\,$<$\,$x$\,$\leq$\,0.2 induce Jahn-Teller ordering at temperatures well above the Neel temperatures of these solid solutions, and yet spin interactions remain frustrated with long-range magnetic ordering occurring below 20\,K without any further lattice distortion. The Jahn-Teller distorted solid solutions Mg$_{1-x}$Cu$_{x}$Cr$_2$O$_4$ and Zn$_{1-x}$Cu$_{x}$Cr$_2$O$_4$ adopt the orthorhombic $Fddd$ structure of ferrimagnetic CuCr$_2$O$_4$. Total neutron scattering studies of Zn$_{1-x}$Cu$_{x}$Cr$_2$O$_4$ suggest that there are local $A$O$_4$ distortions in these Cu$^{2+}$-containing solid solutions at room temperature and that these distortions become cooperative when average structure distortions occur. Magnetism evolves from compensated antiferromagnetism in MgCr$_2$O$_4$ and ZnCr$_2$O$_4$ to uncompensated antiferromagnetism with substitution of magnetic cations on the non-magnetic cation sites of these frustrated compounds.
Imaging tristimulus colorimeter for the evaluation of color in printed textiles

The high-speed production of textiles with complicated printed patterns presents a difficult problem for a colorimetric measurement system. Accurate assessment of product quality requires a repeatable measurement using a standard color space, such as CIELAB, and the use of a perceptually based color difference formula, e.g. (Delta) ECMC color difference formula. Image based color sensors used for on-line measurement are not colorimetric by nature and require a non-linear transformation of the component colors based on the spectral properties of the incident illumination, imaging sensor, and the actual textile color. This research and development effort describes a benchtop, proof-of-principle system that implements a projection onto convex sets (POCS) algorithm for mapping component color measurements to standard tristimulus values and incorporates structural and color based segmentation for improved precision and accuracy. The POCS algorithm consists of determining the closed convex sets that describe the constraints on the reconstruction of the true tristimulus values based on the measured imperfect values. We show that using a simulated D65 standard illuminant, commercial filters and a CCD camera, accurate (under perceptibility limits) per-region based (Delta) ECMC values can be measured on real textile samples.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Development of a screening method for cocaine and cocaine metabolites in urine using solvent microextraction in conjunction with gas chromatography

A simple, quick and inexpensive screening method for cocaine and cocaine metabolites has been developed. Drug extraction was achieved using the relatively new technique of solvent microextraction (SME). Complete analysis is achieved in 13 min, using, a 6-min extraction with a 2-microl drop followed by separation on a gas chromatograph. The developed procedure was tested as a screening method for cocaine and cocaine metabolites in spiked urine samples. Using SME, concentrations as low as 0.125 microg ml(-1) of cocaine, ecgonine methyl ester, cocaethylene and anhydroecgonine methyl ester were measurable with relative standard deviation values averaging 9.0%.
Flow Diverters for Intracranial Aneurysms

Flow diverters (pipeline embolization device, Silk flow diverter, and Surpass flow diverter) have been developed to treat intracranial aneurysms. These endovascular devices are placed within the parent artery rather than the aneurysm sac. They take advantage of altering hemodynamics at the aneurysm/parent vessel interface, resulting in gradual thrombosis of the aneurysm occurring over time. Subsequent inflammatory response, healing, and endothelial growth shrink the aneurysm and reconstruct the parent artery lumen while preserving perforators and side branches in most cases. Flow diverters have already allowed treatment of previously untreatable wide neck and giant aneurysms. There are risks with flow diverters including in-stent thrombosis, perianeurysmal edema, distant and delayed hemorrhages, and perforator occlusions. Comparative efficacy and safety against other therapies are being studied in ongoing trials. Antiplatelet therapy is mandatory with flow diverters, which has highlighted the need for better evidence for monitoring and tailoring antiplatelet therapy. In this paper we review the devices, their uses, associated complications, evidence base, and ongoing studies.
Shattered Lives Making Sense of September 11th and its Aftermath

During the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, the author was on a plane headed to Dulles Airport. She narrates and analyzes her experience in terms of how she reframed and made sense of the...
High Frequency Acoustic Propagation using Level Set Methods

This paper describes a new approach to numerical solution of the high frequency approximation to the wave equation. Traditional solutions to the Eikonal equation in high frequency acoustics are obtained via ray tracing. In ray tracing, the numerical grid on which solutions are computed becomes distorted over time as rays diverge from the initial wavefront, reducing the accuracy of the solution. The level set method is a fixed grid method, whereby the user controls the underlying grid, and hence the accuracy, of the solution
Relation between choice of prostheses and late outcome in double-valve replacement

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if the combination of a mechanical and bioprosthetic valve in the aortic and mitral positions influences late morbidity and mortality when compared with patients who had dual mechanical or dual bioprosthetic valves inserted. We reviewed the course of 89 hospital survivors of combined aortic and mitral valve replacement. The mean postoperative follow-up interval was 6.6 years, with a total follow-up of 583 years (98% complete). At 12 months after operation, mean functional class decreased from 3.1 to 1.7 ( p −1 · m −2 ( p p p p
Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis of the Basic Reproductive Rate: Tuberculosis as an Example

The basic reproductive rate (R0) is a measure of the severity of an epidemic. On the basis of replicated Latin hypercube sampling, the authors performed an uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of the basic reproductive rate of tuberculosis (TB). The uncertainty analysis allowed for the derivation of a frequency distribution for R0 and the assessment of the relative contribution each of the three components of R0 made when TB epidemics first arose centuries ago. (The three components of R0 are associated with fast, slow, and relapse TB.) R0 estimates indicated the existence of fairly severe epidemics when TB epidemics first arose. The R0 for the susceptible persons who developed TB slowly (R0(slow)) contributed the most to the R0 estimates; however, the relative R0(slow) contribution decreased as the severity of TB epidemics increased. The sensitivity of the magnitude of R0 to the uncertainty in estimating values of each of the input parameters was assessed. These results indicated that five of the nine input parameters, because of their estimation uncertainty, were influential in determining the magnitude of R0. This uncertainty and sensitivity methodology provides results that can aid investigators in understanding the historical epidemiology of TB by quantifying the effect of the transmission processes involved. Additionally, this method can be applied to the R0 of any other infectious disease to estimate the probability of an epidemic outbreak.
Heat of fusion for 1,3,5,5-tetranitrohexahydropyrimidine (DNNC) and its DNNC-d6 deuterium labelled analogue

The heat of fusion for DNNC (1,3,5,5-tetranitrohexahydropyrimidine) and its DNNC-d6 analogue compound have been determined using differential scanning calorimetry analysis. No significant difference in the DNNC and DNNC-d6 heat of fusion values was detected at the 95 and 99 percent student t confidence levels. Melting points were also determined for the subject compounds using this analysis technique. These melting points are compared to literature values obtained by conventional methods.
Non‐insulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycaemia syndrome

Background The authors have reported a newly recognized hypoglyacemic disorder, non-insulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycaemia syndrome (NIPHS), which is characterized by postprandial hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia, negative 72-h fast, negative transabdominal and intraoperative ultrasonography, spiral computed tomography and coeliac axis angiography, positive selective arterial calcium stimulation test (SACST), absence of insulinoma but presence of islet hypertrophy and nesidioblastosis, and relief of symptoms from gradient-guided partial pancreatectomy. Experience with the next five patients with this disorder (6–10; 1998–1999) compared with the original five (1–5; 1996–1998) is reported. Results Wide age range, male predominance, postprandial occurrence of symptoms, negative radiological localization, nesidioblastosis/islet hypertrophy, but no insulinoma characterized all ten cases. Response to SACST indicated widespread islet hyperfunction in patients 1 and 5; limitation to distribution of the SPA and GDA in patients 3, 4, 6 and 8, to distribution of the SPA in patients 2, 7 and 9, and to distribution of the SMA in patient 10. Except for patient 5, pancreatic resection to the left of the SMV was performed when only the SPA was positive on the SACST. Patients 5 and 8 have had recurrence of symptoms; they resolved within 3 months for patient 5. Patient 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 * Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) supplied the whole pancreas. SPA, splenic artery; GDA, gastroduodenal artery; SMV, superior mesenteric vein; pc, postprandial hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia; R, right of; L, left of Sex M M M M F M M F M F Age (years) 37 16 72 72 78 64 29 43 28 28 Symptoms pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc SACST positive in SPA + + + + + + + + GDA + + + + + SMA + +* + Surgical resection in relation to SMV R L R R L R L R L R Conclusion NIPHS can usually be treated successfully with gradient-guided partial pancreatectomy. © 2000 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd