cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simplified scaling relationships for fluidized beds

Abstract Simplifications to the full set of scaling parameters for dynamic similarity of fluidized beds, Glicksman, Chemical Engineering Science, 39 (1984) 373, were explored. A new set of simplified scaling laws includes the Froude number based on column height, the solid to gas density ratio, the ratio of superficial to minimum fluidization velocity, bed geometric ratios, and particle sphericity and size distribution. When the gas to particle drag is represented by either the Ergun equation or a single particle drag equation, the new simplified laws hold exactly in both the viscous dominated and gas inertia dominated limits. For intermediate conditions, the gas to particle drag is well approximated in models based on the simplified scaling laws. The simplified scaling laws allow very small models to be constructed which properly simulate the hydrodynamics of a full size reactor or combustor. Experimental confirmation of the new simplified scaling laws and the viscous limit scaling parameters, where equality of the density ratio is omitted, were carried out in circulating fluidized beds. Within the viscous limit, the solid to gas density ratio is an important modeling parameter when the slugging regime is approached. In general, the solid to gas density must be matched to achieve good similarity. Using the new simplified scaling laws, good agreement was observed even when the length scale of the air fluidized model was as small as 1/16 that of an atmospheric combustor.
Heat treatment on Ni and Cr-doped Ni core-shell nanoparticle granular films

Structural and magnetic property changes of heat treated Nickel (Ni) and 5% Chromium-doped Nickel (5Cr-Ni) nanoparticle (NP) granular films were studied. These films were prepared by allowing the core-shell NPs to deposit on 8 mm × 8 mm silicon substrates using a nanocluster deposition system. The as-prepared Ni core-shell NP granular films showed saturation magnetization (M s ) of ∼23.8 emu/g, magnetic remanence (M r ) of ∼0.16 emu/g and coercivity (H c ) of ∼4.5 Oe. On the other hand, the as-prepared 5Cr-Ni core-shell NP granular films showed M s of ∼7.6 emu/g, M r of ∼0.2 emu/g and H c of ∼8 Oe. Transmission Electron Microscopy measurement shows that, the average particle size of the core-shell Ni and 5Cr-Ni NPs in the as-prepared granular films is around ∼20 nm. Heat treatment at 600 °C for 30 min under the constant flow of Argon gas increased the average particle size of both Ni and 5Cr-Ni NPs to 50 nm. The saturation magnetization, magnetic remanence and coercivity also increased under the influence of heat treatment in both the cases. The increase in magnetic properties of the 5Cr-Ni granular film is high compared to the increase in magnetic properties of the Ni NP granular film. The presence of Cr in Ni is reported to be the cause for better enhancement of the magnetic properties in 5Cr-Ni films after heat treatment. The X-ray diffraction confirms the presence of Ni and NiO in the films. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements confirm the presence of Cr in the 5Cr-Ni samples. The enhancement of magnetic properties was also found to be due to particle growth and aggregation, and it is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy images.
Integrating systems parameters in infrared detector design

Quantum Well Infrared Photodectors (QWIPs) are no longer only subjects of academic research but are valid candidates for practical IR imaging applications satisfying the needs of agencies such as the US DoD, NASA, NRO etc. For large scale IR imaging systems, QWIPs are integrated into large format focal plane arrays. For the design of large scale QWIP FPAs, many system parameters must be considered in addition to the bandgap engineering aspects of the quantum heterostructure comprising the fundamental QWIP unit. In this work, we take a systems engineering approach and identify the main subsystems in the design flow of a QWIP based IR detector system. We further illustrate how the performance parameters associated with these subsystems can be incorporated into the heterostructure design via appropriate cost functions that are optimized in an iterative fashion.
Structure of a murine leukemia virus receptor-binding glycoprotein at 2.0 angstrom resolution.

An essential step in retrovirus infection is the binding of the virus to its receptor on a target cell. The structure of the receptor-binding domain of the envelope glycoprotein from Friend murine leukemia virus was determined to 2.0 angstrom resolution by x-ray crystallography. The core of the domain is an antiparallel β sandwich, with two interstrand loops forming a helical subdomain atop the sandwich. The residues in the helical region, but not in the β sandwich, are highly variable among mammalian C-type retroviruses with distinct tropisms, indicating that the helical subdomain determines the receptor specificity of the virus.
A multi-element ultrasonic hyperthermia applicator with independent element control

Acoustic field patterns from a planar multi-element ultrasonic applicator were determined experimentally and compared with theory. Measurements were obtained from square arrays of 4 and 16 elements. The acoustic fields produced by various configurations of individual square elements (3 × 6 cm × 3–6 cm) driven at 1 MHz were measured in water. Transverse and axial scans paths were used to characterize the acoustic beam for different aperture sizes and individual element excitations. Unequal power excitation of adjacent elements produced multiple peaked acoustic intensity patterns. While a simple theoretical model was not able to account for all the experimentally determined transverse and axial field patterns, a model including mechanical damping improved the agreement between theory and experiment. However, less ripple in the axial pattern was measured than predicted by either theoretical model. The ability of the applicator to generate acoustic field patterns suitable for local tissue heating was demonstr...
The Same but Different: the culture in which our adolescents live

Adolescents engage in and interpret the cultural world they share with adults with different cognitive and emotional capacities than most of the adults around them. Those differences in capacity make the same world a different place. Drawing from a sample of major studies, this article reviews elements of findings on the dynamic interaction between adolescent development and contemporary culture and compiles these into four related stressors that adolescents in the United States encounter. Those stressors are:1. The poly-vocal nature of the contemporary world;2. The over-scheduled lives of children and families;3. The isolation felt by adolescents, parents, and families overall; and4. The marketplace's effort to target children and adolescents.The stressors, it is argued, raise concerns for adolescents' efforts to navigate and to find a personal sense of identity and purpose. The article then moves to examine in what particular ways this is problematic for adolescents and suggests how our religious communities might assist adolescents in growing to adulthood with a sense of self able to function in a challenging world.
A numerical model of fine sediment transport on the continental shelf

A numerical model of fine-grained sediment dispersion in the New York Bight of the North American continental shelf is presented. Large amounts of waste material have been dumped in this region and the dispersal patterns of this material are of great interest to environmental managers. The model assumes that fine sediment resuspension is determined by surface wave activity and that transport is determined by tidal currents. Considering surface wave activity to be a random process reduces sediment motion to a random walk which is governed by a diffusion equation. The diffusion equation is solved numerically by an implicit time difference, finite element algorithm for a number of initial conditions.
PAA-Derived Gold Nanorods for Cellular Targeting and Photothermal Therapy

A single-step LbL procedure to functionalize CTAB-capped GNRs via electrostatic self-assembly is reported. This approach allows for consistent biomolecule/GNR coupling using standard carboxyl-amine conjugation chemistry. The focus is on cancer-targeting biomolecule/GNR conjugates and selective photothermal destruction of cancer cells by GNR-mediated hyperthermia and NIR light. GNRs were conjugated to a single-chain antibody selective for colorectal carcinoma cells and used as probes to demonstrate photothermal therapy. Selective targeting and GNR uptake in antigen-expressing SW 1222 cells were observed using fluorescence microscopy. Selective photothermal therapy is demonstrated using SW 1222 cells, where >62% cell death was observed after cells are treated with targeted A33scFv-GNRs.
Isotopic evolution of lavas from Haleakala Crater, Hawaii

Pb and Sr isotopic ratios have been determined for tholeiitic shield-building, alkalic cap, and post-erosional stage lavas from Haleakala Crater. Pb isotopic compositions of the tholeiites overlap those of the alkalic cap lavas, although87Sr/86Sr ratios of these two suites are distinct. Alkalic cap and post-erosional lavas appear to be indistinguishable on the basis of Sr and Pb isotopic composition. Sr and Pb isotopic ratios of Haleakala post-shield-building lavas are positively correlated. Such a trend is previously undocumented for any suite of Hawaiian lavas and contrasts with the general negative correlation observed for data from Hawaiian tholeiites. These relations are consistent with a three-component petrogenetic mixing model. Specifically, it is proposed that magma batches at individual Hawaiian volcanoes formed by: (1) mixing of melts generated from mantle plumes containing two isotopically distinct mantle components (primitive vs. enriched), and (2) subsequent variable degrees of interaction between these plume melts and a third (MORB signature) mantle reservoir prior to their emplacement in a crustal magma chamber. These observations and inferences provide new constraints on physical models of Hawaiian magmatism. Based on observed temporal isotopic variations of Haleakala lavas, it is suggested that the ratio of enriched: primitive mantle components in the Hawaiian plume source decreases during the waning stages of alkalic volcanism. Over the same time interval, both decreasing melt production and protracted residence of ascending melts within the upper mantle contribute to a systematic increase in the ratio of depleted vs. plume component.
Attenuation of Brain Free Fatty Acid Liberation during Global Ischemia: A Model for Screening Potential Therapies for Efficacy?:

Whole brain free fatty acids (FFA) continue to rise appreciably even 1 h after decapitation, which may reflect the evolution of ischemic brain injury at least during global ischemia. If so, the attenuation of FFA liberation by various drugs may reflect their efficacy in ischemic brain injury. Rats were pretreated with either 0.9% NaCl (controls), ketamine, halothane, lofentanil, etomidate, Y-9179, R41-468, Innovar-Vet, pentobarbital, thiopental, or phenytoin and decapitated 15 to 30 min thereafter. The brains were kept normothermic for 10 min until they were frozen in liquid nitrogen. Whole brain FFAs were quantitated gy gas-liquid chromatography. After 10 min of ischemia in controls, total FFAs and arachidonic, stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids increased by 8- to 10-fold. The drugs, in order of decreasing effectiveness in attenuating FFA liberation, fell into the following three groups: (1) phenytoin, thiopental, pentobarbital, and Innovar-Vet; (2) R41-468, Y-9179, and etomidate; and (3) lofentanil, halothane and ketamine. The three groups reduced total FFAs by about 23%, 13%, and 8%, respectively. The effectiveness of drugs in attenuating FFA liberation appears to correlate with their efficacy in ischemic brain injury. However, a cause and effect relationship between FAA liberation and the evolution of ischemic brain injury must be established before accurate predictions of efficacy can be made by this method. The limitations of the proposed method of evaluation are discussed.
Optimization of sphincter function after the ileoanal reservoir procedure: A prospective, randomized trial

PURPOSE: Impairment of sphincter function in patients who undergo ileoanal reservoir is usually most severe immediately after ileostomy closure. Therefore, a prospective, randomized trial was undertaken to assess the potential value of preileostomy closure sphincter-strengthening exercises to improve early functional outcome. METHODS: Patients were randomized either to a control group (Group 1) or to undergo a five-week pelvic floor exercise program (Group 2). An incontinence score from 0 to 20 was used to clinically assess the functional results. Anorectal manometric assessment included: highpressure zone length, mean resting pressure, highest resting pressure, mean squeezing pressure, and highest squeezing pressure. The pairedt-test was used to compare the functional results preoperatively and at the time of ileostomy closure. This time corresponded to the conclusion of the exercise program or the equivalent time period for the control group. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients who underwent double-stapled ileoanal reservoir between July 1991 and June 1992 were studied. They included 16 males and 10 females with a mean age of 38 (range, 17–69) years. When both evaluations were compared, the mean incontinence score decreased from 0.2 to 2.8 (Δ=2.6) in Group 1 and from 0.2 to 2.0 (Δ = 1.8) in Group 2 (P=0.07). None of the changes between the preoperative and postoperative clinical and physiologic evaluations were statistically significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Sphincter-strengthening exercises before ileostomy closure did not minimize the transient impairment of functional results.
Calcium Depletion and Repletion in Cultured Chick Heart Muscle Cells

Calcium-free incubation followed by exposure to calcium damages naturally occurring cardiac muscle preparations irreversibly. Whether the observed calcium overload during calcium repletion is a primary cause for, or a secondary consequence of, sarcolemmal disruption and cell injury is controversial. We used cultured embryonic chicken heart muscle cells to correlate ionic, metabolic, and ultrastructural changes during calcium depletion (0Ca, 1 mM EGTA) and repletion. After 10 min of calcium depletion, intracellular Na increased four-fold above control levels, intracellular K decreased by 26%, total cell Ca decreased by 81%, and cytosolic ionized Ca concentration decreased by 87%. Within 10 min of subsequent calcium repletion, total cell Ca transiently increased to four-fold above control, cytosolic ionized Ca concentration transiently increased to twice control, and both Na and K returned toward control levels; by 3 h of calcium repletion, physiological cation (Na, K, Ca) contents were restored and adenine nucleotide contents were normal. Long-term (i.e. 120 min) calcium depletion did not significantly reduce cell ATP levels, but increased adenine nucleotide turnover as indicated by adenosine and lactate release; after 60 min of subsequent calcium repletion, ionic and metabolic parameters were returned to control levels. During calcium depletion (both short- and long-term) and subsequent repletion, no ultrastructural changes occurred. When Mg was also removed during calcium depletion, the ionic changes during depletion and subsequent repletion were enhanced. When 10 microM CCCP was present during calcium depletion and repletion, cytosolic ionized Ca concentration increased to six-fold above control with no increase in total cell Ca content, suggesting that the increased Ca is buffered, in part, by mitochondria. These results indicate that an increase in Ca per se, occurring when high energy phosphate levels and/or cellular Ca buffering capacity are maintained, does not seem to be associated with irreversible cell injury.
The Contribution of the Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System (DPICS) Warm-Up Segments in Assessing Parent-Child Interactions.

This study evaluated the inclusion of uncoded segments in the Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System, an analogue observation of parent-child interactions. The relationships between warm-up and coded segments were assessed, as well as the segments’ associations with parent ratings of parent and child behaviors. Sixty-nine non-referred parent-child dyads engaged in the observation. Parents completed measures about their parenting and children's behaviors. Significant differences were observed between the first situation's warm-up and coded segments, whereas minimal differences were found for the second situation. Findings suggest that the second warm-up segment may not be necessary for optimal assessment of parent-child interactions.
Computation of Transonic Flows past Lifting Airfogs and Slender Bodies

Solutions of the transonic small disturbance equation are presented for flow past thin lifting airfoils and slender bodies with M^ < 1, including cases with imbedded shock waves. The results are obtained numerically using a mixed finite-difference relaxation method previously reported by the authors. Results are presented for four lifting airfoils at various angles of attack and are compared with shock free theory and experimental data. For the slender body case, comparisons with experiments are given for five geometries both with and without aft stings. The results are also compared with approximate theory. Discussion is given on the treatment of the boundary conditions, computing times and accuracies, and ranges of applicability of the small disturbance theory.
Mechanism of increased renal prostaglandin E2 in uranyl nitrate-induced acute renal failure.

We have previously demonstrated that decreased cortical prostaglandin metabolism can contribute significantly to an increase in renal tissue levels and activity of prostaglandin E2 in bilateral ureteral obstruction, a model of acute renal failure. In the present study, we have further investigated whether alterations in prostaglandin metabolism can occur in a nephrotoxic model of acute renal failure. Prostaglandin synthesis, prostaglandin E2 metabolism (measured as both prostaglandin E2-9-ketoreductase and prostaglandin E2-15-hydroxydehydrogenase activity), and tissue concentration of prostaglandin E2 were determined in rabbit kidneys following an intravenous administration of uranyl nitrate (5 mg/kg). No changes in the rates of cortical microsomal prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2 alpha synthesis were noted at the end of 1 and 3 days, while medullary synthesis of prostaglandin E2 fell by 47% after 1 day and 43% after 3 days. Cortical cytosolic prostaglandin E2-9-ketoreductase activity was found to be decreased by 36% and 76% after 1 and 3 days respectively. No significant changes were noted in cortical cytosolic prostaglandin E2-15-hydroxydehydrogenase activity after 3 days. Cortical tissue levels of prostaglandin E2 increased by 500% at the end of 3 days. These data demonstrate that in nephrotoxic acute renal failure, decreased prostaglandin metabolism (i.e., prostaglandin E2-9-ketoreductase activity) can result in increased tissue levels of prostaglandin E2 in the absence of increased prostaglandin synthesis and suggest that alterations in prostaglandin metabolism may be an important regulator of prostaglandin activity in acute renal failure.
Fluid expulsion from the Cascadia accretionary prism : evidence from porosity distribution, direct measurements, and GLORIA imagery

Fluid expulsion from the Cascadia accretionary prism off Oregon results from porosity reduction by compaction, and by cementation as methane-rich pore waters precipitate diagenetic carbonate deposits near the sediment-water interface. Porosity changes suggest that dewatering begins 5-6 km west of the base of the slope, in a proto-deformation zone, GLORIA imagery of surficial carbonate deposits confirms that fluid is actively expelled from this zone; there is no such evidence further west in Cascadia Basin. Within the uncertainties of the data, porosities do not decrease landward beneath the prism. This pattern is consistent with imbricate thrust faulting on the slope which provides the vertical load to induce compactive dewatering, and may physically import as much as 50% of the total fluid volume in the section. A simple vertical compaction model suggests that significant pore water volumes have been expelled from the lower slope, but at flux rates (10 -11 -10 -12 m 3 m -2 s -1 ) which are orders of magnitude less than those measured at individual vent sites (10 -6 m 3 m -2 s -1 ). Faulting clearly controls some fluid expulsion, but GLORIA data suggest that repeated local discharge, cementation, and abandonment lead to dispersed accumulations of diagenetic carbonate.
Eight-year mortality in the Emory Angioplasty versus Surgery Trial (EAST)

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the long-term outcome of patients randomized to coronary bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty. BACKGROUND The Emory Angioplasty versus Surgery Trial (EAST) is a single center randomized comparison of a strategy of initial coronary angioplasty (n = 198) or coronary bypass surgery (n = 194) for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. The primary end point (death, myocardial infarction or a large ischemic defect at 3 years) was not different, and repeat revascularization was significantly greater in the angioplasty group. Subsequently, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute supported a five-year extension of the trial. METHODS After the three year anniversary visit, annual questionnaires, telephone contact and examination of medical records were accomplished until death or the eight year anniversary in 100% of the patients surviving at 3 years. RESULTS Survival at 8 years is 79.3% in the angioplasty group and 82.7% in the surgical group (p = 0.40). Patients with proximal left anterior descending stenosis and those with diabetes tended to have better late survival with surgical intervention although not reaching statistical significance. After the first 3 years, repeat interventions remained relatively equal for both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS Long-term survival is not significantly different between angioplasty and surgery, and late (three to eight year) revascularization procedures were infrequent. Patients without treated diabetes had similar survival in both groups.
Competitive Interactions among First‐Year and Second‐Year Plants of the Invasive, Biennial Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and Native Ground Layer Vegetation

We studied the effects of hand weeding of second-year plants of the biennial garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) on first-year plants (seedlings) and native ground layer vegetation. Garlic mustard is a Eurasian species that has invaded deciduous forest ground layers in eastern North America. Treatments consisted of a control and an early or late weeding of second-year garlic mustard. The early treatment (early March) was applied before garlic mustard seeds had germinated and when most native species were dormant. The late treatment (mid-May) occurred after plants had bolted, flowering was occurring, and most native species and new garlic mustard seedlings were actively growing. Pre-treatment data were obtained in 2004 and treated and control plots were sampled in 2005, 2006, and 2007. No significant treatment effects were observed in 2004 or 2005. In 2006, mean cover of first-year plants was higher in the early weeding treatment than in the late weeding treatment and control. In 2007, mean cover of first-year garlic mustard was higher in the control than in either of the two weeding treatments. There were no significant treatment effects in any year on native vegetation cover, bare ground, or the five most abundant native species. Our data indicate that (1) late weeding of garlic mustard provided more effective control than early weeding because late weeding allows second-year plants to compete with garlic mustard seedlings for a longer period of time and (2) competition between first- and second-year plants is responsible for alternating dominance of first-year and second-year garlic mustard plants.
Effects of chronic treatment with the leukotriene D4 antagonist compound LY171883 on Fischer 344 rats and rhesus monkeys.

Abstract One-year toxicity studies were done to evaluate potential toxic effects associated with chronic exposure of rats and monkeys to the leukotriene antagonist LY171883. Rats were fed dietary doses of 0.0, 0.01, 0.03, or 0.1%, equivalent to approximately 0, 5, 15, or 50 mg/kg of body weight/day. Monkeys were given daily nasogastric gavage doses of 0, 30, 75, or 175 mg/kg of body weight. No treatment-related effects occurred in physical, behavioral, ocular, food consumption, or urinalysis parameters in either species. Mild dose-related hepatotoxicity occurred in rats given approximately 15 or 50 mg/kg of LY171883. The hepatotoxicity was characterized by liver enlargement associated with induction of hepatic peroxisomal β-oxidation and microsomal drug metabolism. Male rats also had hepatocellular fatty change, centrilobular hypertrophy of hepatocytes, and increased levels of serum alanine transaminase and total bilirubin. Other effects in rats included minimal decreases in hematocrit values, decreases in serum triglycerides and cholesterol, and increased kidney weight. The monkeys tolerated daily oral doses of LY171883 up to 175 mg/kg with only minor increases in hepatic microsomal enzyme activity and slightly increased liver and kidney weights in males. No effects occurred in monkeys given 30 mg/kg. There was no induction of hepatic peroxisomal enzymes or pathologic abnormalities in monkeys treated with LY171883. The peroxisomal inductive effect was apparently a species-related effect separate from the pharmacologic activity of leukotriene antagonism.
Non-linear electromagnetic wave propagation in an isotropic material

Abstract It is shown that small departures from the classical linear constitutive relations can have significant cumulative effects on the propagation of electromagnetic waves. A non-linear far field theory is developed for holohedral isotropic materials. It is found that the amplitude of the signal propagates independently of the direction, although the local direction field depends strongly on this amplitude. The evolution of weak electromagnetic shocks is also discussed.
Development and Evaluation of the Universal ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator: A Decision Aid and Informed Consent Tool for Patients and Surgeons

Background Accurately estimating surgical risks is critical for shared decision making and informed consent. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services may soon put forth a measure requiring surgeons to provide patients with patient-specific, empirically derived estimates of postoperative complications. Our objectives were to develop a universal surgical risk estimation tool, to compare performance of the universal vs previous procedure-specific surgical risk calculators, and to allow surgeons to empirically adjust the estimates of risk. Study Design Using standardized clinical data from 393 ACS NSQIP hospitals, a web-based tool was developed to allow surgeons to easily enter 21 preoperative factors (demographics, comorbidities, procedure). Regression models were developed to predict 8 outcomes based on the preoperative risk factors. The universal model was compared with procedure-specific models. To incorporate surgeon input, a subjective surgeon adjustment score, allowing risk estimates to vary within the estimate's confidence interval, was introduced and tested with 80 surgeons using 10 case scenarios. Results Based on 1,414,006 patients encompassing 1,557 unique CPT codes, a universal surgical risk calculator model was developed that had excellent performance for mortality (c-statistic = 0.944; Brier score = 0.011 [where scores approaching 0 are better]), morbidity (c-statistic = 0.816, Brier score = 0.069), and 6 additional complications (c-statistics > 0.8). Predictions were similarly robust for the universal calculator vs procedure-specific calculators (eg, colorectal). Surgeons demonstrated considerable agreement on the case scenario scoring (80% to 100% agreement), suggesting reliable score assignment between surgeons. Conclusions The ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator is a decision-support tool based on reliable multi-institutional clinical data, which can be used to estimate the risks of most operations. The ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator will allow clinicians and patients to make decisions using empirically derived, patient-specific postoperative risks.
A simple sensitive ESIPT on-off fluorescent sensor for selective detection of Al3+ in water

A highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensor for Al3+ has been developed. The sensor shows great fluorescence turn-on upon binding Al3+ in complete water, giving strong blue emission. In addition, the sensor's turn-on exhibits excellent selectivity to the Al3+ cation, with only a slight interference from Zn2+. These findings suggest that the developed Al3+ sensor could be a useful molecular probe for practical applications.
Airborne UV-DIAL urban plume measurements

Airborne UV-DIAL Urban Plume MeasurementsJames L. McElroyU.S. Environmental Protection Agency, P.O. Box 93478, Las Vegas, NV 89193Telephone: (702) 798-2361 ; Fax: (702) 798-2692; email: amdjlmvegas1 .las.epa.govHans MoosmullerDesert Research Institute, University of Nevada, P.O. Box 19040, Las Vegas, NV 89132Rudoipha M. JorgensenUniversity of Nevada -
Fluorescent tracer evaluation of chemical protective clothing during pesticide applications in Central Florida citrus groves

Chemical protective clothing (CPC) is often recommended as a method of exposure mitigation among pesticide applicators. This study evaluated four CPC regimens (cotton work shirts and work pants, cotton/polyester coveralls, and two non–woven garments) during 33 airblast applications of the organophosphorus insecticide ethion in central Florida citrus groves. CPC performance was determined by measurement of fluorescent tracer deposition on skin surfaces beneath garments with a video imaging analysis instrument (VITAE system), and by alpha–cellulose patches placed outside and beneath the garments. Non–woven coveralls allowed significantly greater exposure than did traditional woven garments, primarily because of design factors (e.g., large sleeve and neck openings). The greatest exposure occurred on the forearms beneath the non–woven garments. Fabric penetration was detected for all test garments; 5% to 7% of the ethion measured outside the garments was found beneath the garments. The clothing materials tested were not chemically resistant under these field conditions. Exposure pathways that would probably be undetected by the patch technique were characterized effectively with fluorescent tracers and video imaging analysis. However, the patch technique was more sensitive in detecting fabric penetration. CPC garments have been improved since this study was conducted, but performance testing under field conditions is not widespread. Workers conducting airblast applications would be better protected by closed cab systems or any technology that places an effective barrier between the worker and the pesticide spray.
Hereditary dystonia as a neurodevelopmental circuit disorder: Evidence from neuroimaging

Primary dystonia has traditionally been viewed as a basal ganglia disorder, but recent studies suggest that the cerebellum plays a crucial role in the disease. Primary dystonia is associated with several genotypes. Among those, DYT1 and DYT6 are inherited in autosomal dominant fashion with reduced penetrance. Extensive structural and functional imaging studies have been performed on manifesting and non-manifesting carriers of these mutations. The results suggest that primary dystonia can be viewed as a neurodevelopmental circuit disorder, involving the cortico-striato-pallido-thalamo-cortical and cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathways. Anatomical disruption of the cerebellar outflow is found in non-manifesting and manifesting mutation carriers, and a second downstream disruption in thalamo-cortical projections appears clinically protective in non-manifesting carriers. The microstructural deficits in cerebellar outflow are linked to an abnormally elevated sensorimotor network (NMRP) in dystonia patients. Abnormal expression of this network is reduced by successful treatment with deep brain stimulation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Advances in dystonia".
Self-assembled monolayer modifications of organic thin film transistors

Future generations of flexible, transparent electronics will require the use of polymer based thin-film transistors (TFTs) exhibiting high carrier mobility. The problem of enhancing TFT characteristics is addressed in this report. We investigate the nanoscale, self-assembled monolayer (SAM) influence on organic-based thin film transistors (OTFT) at the interface between semiconducting polymer and both the source/drain metal contacts and the insulator. Capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics help to elucidate the role of SAMs in the OTFT structure and the charge injection mechanism. Positive trends and parasitic effects are also addressed in characterization.
A consistent nonparametric test of affiliation in auction models

Abstract We propose a new nonparametric test of affiliation, a strong form of positive dependence with independence as a special, knife-edge, case. The test is consistent against all departures from the null of affiliation, and its null distribution is standard normal. Like most nonparametric tests, a sample-size dependent input parameter is needed. We provide an informal procedure for choosing the input parameter and evaluate the test’s performance using a simulation study. Our test can be used to test the fundamental assumptions of the auctions literature. We implement our test empirically using the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) auction data.
Effects of family drinking history and expectancies on responses to alcohol in men.

The effects of family drinking history and expectancies on responses to alcohol were studied in men nonproblem drinkers aged 19-30. A total of 24 subjects who reported a history of parental alcoholism (FH+) were compared with matched controls who did not have such a family history (FH-) on their responses to drinking either a placebo beverage, a low dose of alcohol or a high dose of alcohol. Despite comparable levels of tolerance and blood alcohol levels (BALs), FH- subjects reported higher levels of intoxication, behavioral impairment, anesthesia and central stimulation than FH+ subjects, regardless of the dose consumed. In contrast, FH+ subjects did more poorly on a timed motor task. There were no significant differences between the two groups on their self-reported beliefs about the effects of alcohol. However, multiple-regression analyses showed that BAL accounted for a greater percentage of the variance in the self-report data of FH- subjects, whereas expectancies were more predictive for the FH+ sub...
The affective-motivational dimension of pain A two-stage model

Abstract A model of the affective-motivational dimension of pain is proposed that is based on phenomenological and psychophysical observations indicating that it is comprised of two stages. The immediate unpleasantness is based on several contributing processes, the most salient of which is the painful sensation itself. It represents an integration of nociceptive and non-painful sensory inputs, such as sight and sound, and is based on the perception of immediate threat to the body and consciousness. The secondary stage of pain affect is based on more complex meanings related to the longer term implications of pain. These two stages are distinct and separately measurable since they have different relationships to nociception and the sensory-discriminative dimension of pain and because there exist pharmacological and psychological factors that can selectively influence each of these stages. The functional relationships of these two stages to specific neural structures may be a promising area of future investigation.
Using Instructional Logs to Identify Quality in Educational Settings.

When attempting to identify educational settings that are most effective in improving student achievement, classroom process (that is, the way in which a teacher interacts with his or her students) is a key feature of interest. Unfortunately, high-quality assessment of the student-teacher interaction occurs all too infrequently, despite the critical role that understanding and measuring such processes can play in school improvement. This article discusses the strengths and weaknesses of two common approaches to studying these processes-direct classroom observation and annual surveys of teachers-and then describes the ways in which instructional logs can be used to overcome some of the limitations of these two approaches when gathering data on curriculum content and coverage. Classroom observations are expensive, require extensive training of raters to ensure consistency in the observations, and because of their expense generally cannot be conducted frequently enough to enable the researcher to generalize observational findings to the entire school year or illuminate the patterns of instructional change that occur across the school year. Annual surveys are less expensive but often suffer from self-report bias and the bias that occurs when teachers are asked to retrospectively report on their activities over the course of a single year. Instructional logs offer a valid, reliable, and relatively cost-effective alternative for collecting detailed information about classroom practice and can overcome some of the limitations of both observations and annual surveys.
Primary idiopathic inflammation of the optic nerve.

A 50-year-old woman with progressive right-sided visual loss had severely reduced visual acuity in the right eye and an upper temporal visual field defect in the left eye. Extensive neuroradiologic studies disclosed an enlarged right optic nerve, and a transfrontal craniotomy. Biopsy of the right optic nerve showed perivascular lymphocytic infiltration and a few atypical astrocytes. A complete medical evaluation gave no evidence of systemic vasculitis or lymphoreticular malignancy. Oral corticosteroids were administered for two months, and no further deterioration of vision occurred. Two years later, although the right eye was blind, the visual acuity of the left eye was 6/6 (20/20), and the patient had no clinical or radiologic evidence of optic chiasm tumor.
Transcending digital, performance, and innovation divides in the preparation of new teachers

In this article I argue that teacher educators must prepare future classroom teachers to bridge innovation, digital and performance divides so that they are supported to develop new pedagogy that incorporates technology to increase student performance. In most of the teacher licensure programs at the University of Minnesota, where I direct its Ed‐U‐Tech project, a Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers to Use Technology (PT3) grant, we are working towards these ends. In particular, I describe the eTIP Cases, an instructional tool that others and I have created to develop preservice teachers’ technology integration abilities. These instructional cases are powered by IMMEX software, which provides embedded assessment capabilities. It is felt that the learning environments created by these cases and the response they demand help preservice teachers to develop the instructional planning and decision‐making skills necessary to bridge innovation, digital and performance divides in K12 schools.
Three-dimensional mask transmission simulation using a single integral equation method

A single integral equation formulation for electromagnetic scattering from three-dimensional dielectric objects is discussed. The new formulation converges significantly faster than the traditional, coupled integral equation formulation. The new formulation is extended to incorporate the exact boundary conditions for isolated mask features by using dyadic Green's functions for the stratified medium background. Results of three-dimensional phase-shifting mask simulation are presented.
The tweet smell of celebrity success: Explaining variation in Twitter adoption among a diverse group of young adults:

What motivates young adults to start using the popular microblogging site Twitter? Can we identify any systematic patterns of adoption or is use of the service randomly distributed among internet users of this demographic? Drawing on unique longitudinal data surveying 505 diverse young American adults about their internet uses at two points in time (2009, 2010), this article looks at what explains the uptake of Twitter during the year when the site saw considerable increase in use. We find that African Americans are more likely to use the service as are those with higher internet skills. Results also suggest that interest in celebrity and entertainment news is a significant predictor of Twitter use mediating the effect of race among a diverse group of young adults. In contrast, interest in local and national news, international news, and politics shows no relationship to Twitter adoption in this population segment.
Model-based estimation of ultrasonic echoes. Part I: Analysis and algorithms

The patterns of ultrasonic backscattered echoes represent valuable information pertaining to the geometric shape, size, and orientation of the reflectors as well as the microstructure of the propagation path. Accurate estimation of the ultrasonic echo pattern is essential in determining the object/propagation path properties. In this study, we model ultrasonic backscattered echoes in terms of superimposed Gaussian echoes corrupted by noise. Each Gaussian echo in the model is a nonlinear function of a set of parameters: echo bandwidth, arrival time, center frequency, amplitude, and phase. These parameters are sensitive to the echo shape and can be linked to the physical properties of reflectors and frequency characteristics of the propagation path. We address the estimation of these parameters using the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) principle, assuming that all of the parameters describing the shape of the echo are unknown but deterministic. In cases for which noise is characterized as white Gaussian, the MLE problem simplifies to a least squares (LS) estimation problem. The iterative LS optimization algorithms when applied to superimposed echoes suffer from the problem of convergence and exponential growth in computation as the number of echoes increases. In this investigation, we have developed expectation maximization (EM)-based algorithms to estimate ultrasonic signals in terms of Gaussian echoes. The EM algorithms translate the complicated superimposed echoes estimation into isolated echo estimations, providing computational versatility. The algorithm outperforms the LS methods in terms of independence to the initial guess and convergence to the optimal solution, and it resolves closely spaced overlapping echoes.
Measuring Financial Condition: A Study of U.S. States

This study tests a measure of financial condition using government-wide information as required under the new financial reporting model set forth in GASB Statement No. 34. The measure consists of four financial condition dimensions in cash, budget, long-run and service-level solvencies, and 11 financial condition indicators. Results show that the measure is relatively reliable and valid and that government-wide information reported under the requirements of GASB Statement No. 34 provides a useful reporting framework to evaluate financial condition of a government. Additionally, financial condition among states varies greatly and there is much room for improvement.
Olfactory versus visual cues in a floral mimicry system

We used arrays of artificial flowers with and without fragrance to determine the importance of olfactory and visual cues in attracting insects to a floral mimic. The mimic is a fungus, Puccinia monoica Arth., which causes its crucifer hosts (here, Arabis drummondii Gray) to form pseudoflowers that mimic co-occurring flowers such as the buttercup, Ranunculus inamoenus Greene. Although pseudoflowers are visually similar to buttercups, their sweet fragrance is distinct. To determine whether visitors to pseudoflowers were responding to fragrance we performed an experiment in which we removed the visual cues, but allowed fragrance to still be perceived. In this experiment we found that pseudoflower fragrance can attract visitors by itself. In other experiments we found that the relative importance of olfactory and visual cues depended on the species of visitor. Halictid bees (Dialictus sp.) had a somewhat greater visual than olfactory response, whereas flies (muscids and anthomyiids) were more dependent on olfactory cues. We also used bioassays to determine which of the many compounds present in the natural fragrance were responsible for attraction. We found that halictid bees were equally attracted to pseudoflowers and to a blend containing phenylacetaldehyde, 2-phenylethanol, benzaldehyde and methylbenzoate in the same relative concentrations as in pseudoflowers. Flies, on the other hand, only responded to pseudoflower scent, indicating that we have not yet identified the compound(s) present in pseudoflowers that are attracting them. The ability of insects to differentiate pseudoflowers from true flowers by their fragrance may be important in the evolution of the mimicry system. Different fragrances may facilitate proper transfer of both fungal spermatia and pollen, and thus make it possible for the visual mimicry to evolve.
Immediate Mandibular Replacement Using Reconstruction Plates

• Mandibular reconstruction at the time of tumor resection remains a surgical dilemma. Primary reconstruction allows for immediate reconstitution of mandibular form and function. Various methods have been attempted, but none enjoys uniform success. With advances in the field of microvascular surgery have come numerous options in replacing these defects. These procedures, however, require special surgical teams and are associated with an increase in operative time as well as morbidity at the donor site. An alternative method involves the use of mandibular reconstruction plates to bridge the defect between segments. This review focuses on 19 patients whose jaws were reconstructed in this fashion. Although not free of complications, mandibular plate reconstruction offers the advantages of (1) lack of donor site morbidity, (2) expediency, (3) excellent mandibular contour, and (4) the ability to reconstruct the condyle when necessary. The technique, results, and complications associated with this procedure are discussed. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1991; 117:745-749)
The In Vitro Chondrotoxicity of Single-Dose Local Anesthetics

Background: The administration of amide-type local anesthetics to cartilaginous tissues has revealed potential chondrotoxicity.Purpose: This study evaluated whether administration of single doses of 1% lidocaine, 0.25% bupivacaine, and 0.5% ropivacaine resulted in decreased chondrocyte viability or cartilage matrix degradation in vitro.Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.Methods: Monolayer human chondrocytes and intact cartilage samples were cultured for 1 week in media. Each drug was delivered in a custom bioreactor over its clinical duration of action. A Live/Dead Viability/Cytotoxicity Assay was used to determine the ratio of dead to live cells for monolayer chondrocyte cultures compared with controls. Damage to the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) in en bloc cartilage samples was evaluated by analysis of DNA, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and collagen content.Results: Chondrocytes treated for 3 hours with a single dose of 1% lidocaine exhibited significantly more cell death (7.9%) compared with c...