cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling and characterization of X-ray yield in a polychromatic, lab-scale, X-ray computed tomography system

Abstract A modular X-ray computed micro-tomography (µXCT) system is characterized in terms of X-ray yield resulting both from the generated X-ray spectrum and from X-ray detection with an energy-sensitive detector. The X-ray computed tomography system is composed of a commercially available cone-beam microfocus X-ray source and a modular optically-coupled-CCD-scintillator X-ray detector. The X-ray yield is measured and reported in units independent from exposure time, X-ray tube beam target current, and cone-beam-to-detector geometry. The polychromatic X-ray source is modeled as a broad Bremsstrahlung X-ray spectrum in order to understand the effect of the controllable parameters, that is, X-ray tube accelerating voltage and X-ray beam filtering. An approach is adopted which expresses the absolute number of emitted X-rays. The response of the energy-sensitive detector to the modeled spectrum is modeled as a function of scintillator composition and thickness. The detection efficiency model for the polychromatic X-ray detector considers the response of the light collection system and the electronic imaging array in order to predict absolute count yield under the studied conditions. The modeling approach is applied to the specific hardware implemented in the current µXCT system. The model׳s predictions for absolute detection rate are in reasonable agreement with measured values under a range of conditions applied to the system for X-ray microtomography imaging, particularly for the LuAG:Ce scintillator material.
An evaluation of heart rate as a measure of dailymetabolism in pigeons (Columba livia)

Abstract 1. 1. A positive, linear relationship of heart rate (HR) to metabolic rate, as measured by O 2 consumption ( V o 2 ), was demonstrated in 7 pigeons. 2. 2. Heart rate-O 2 consumption regressions measured within a 1- or 2-week period on 7 pigeons did not differ significantly. However, the slopes of the regressions increased significantly in all birds over the next 6 weeks. 3. 3. v o 2 - T a data extrapolated to a body temperature of 40.7°C at zero metabolism and thermal conductance was − 0.23 cal/hr g °C. 4. 4. The individual regression equations were used in conjunction with average 24-hr heart rate to predict the existence metabolism (EM) of these same pigeons measured in each of three food consumption trials. Predicted EM values averaged 41.7 ± 7.1% higher than measured values. The data suggest that the HR- V o 2 relationship of a solitary bird changes in the presence of social interactions.
Phonons and specific heat of neon and methane on the surface of a nanotube bundle

Adsorbed Ne and ${\mathrm{CH}}_{4}$ on the external surface of a nanotube bundle form quasi-one-dimensional phases at low temperature. This paper presents a study of the phonon spectra and the specific heat associated with these phases. For Ne, two groove phases of different density are investigated, while for ${\mathrm{CH}}_{4}$ two groove phases of different density and the ``three-stripe'' phase are studied. In addition, results from classical Monte Carlo simulations are presented which provide information about the thermodynamic behavior of different phases of ${\mathrm{CH}}_{4}$ at higher temperatures; a dimensionality crossover is indicated by the presence of a distinctive peak in the specific heat.
Analysis, design, and implementation of PHENIX on-line computing systems software using Shlaer—Mellor Object-Oriented Analysis and Recursive Design

Abstract An early prototype of the core software for on-line computing systems for the PHENIX detector at RHIC has been developed using the Shlaer—Mellor OOA/RD method, including the automatic generation of C++ source code using a commercial translation engine and “architecture”.
Effects of arachidonic acid on glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid uptake in primary cultures of rat cerebral cortical astrocytes and neurons

The effects of arachidonic acid on glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake were studied in primary cultures of astrocytes and neurons prepared from rat cerebral cortex. The uptake rates of glutamate and GABA in astrocytic cultures were 10.4 nmol/mg protein/min and 0.125 nmol/mg protein/min, respectively. The uptake rates of glutamate and GABA in neuronal cultures were 3.37 nmol/mg protein/min and 1.53 nmol/mg protein/min. Arachidonic acid inhibited glutamate uptake in both astrocytes and neurons. The inhibitory effect was observed within 10 min of incubation with arachidonic acid and reached approximately 80% within 120 min in both types of culture. The arachidonic acid effect was not only time-dependent, but also dose-related. Arachidonic acid, at concentrations of 0.015 and 0.03 mumol/mg protein, significantly inhibited glutamate uptake in neurons, whereas 20 times higher concentrations were required for astrocytes. The effects of arachidonic acid were not as deleterious on GABA uptake as on glutamate uptake in both astrocytes and neurons. In astrocytes, GABA uptake was not affected by any of the doses of arachidonic acid studied (0.015-0.6 mumol/mg protein). In neuronal cultures, GABA uptake was inhibited, but not to the same degree observed with glutamate uptake. Lower doses of arachidonic acid (0.03 and 0.015 mumol/mg protein) did not affect neuronal GABA uptake. Other polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid, affected amino acid uptake in a manner similar to arachidonic acid in both astrocytes and neurons. However, saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic acid, exerted no such effect. The significance of the arachidonic acid-induced inhibition of neurotransmitter uptake in cultured brain cells in various pathological states is discussed.
Integrated optic sensor with macro-flow cell

An integrated-optic channel waveguide device is configured as a biosensor. The device measures a refractive index change on the waveguide surface, so it is called a biorefractometer. With an appropriate overlay or selective coating, the device can monitor proteins in blood or pollutants and bio-warfare agents in water. We describe the design, fabrication, and testing of a sensor employing a waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer configuration. The device is fabricated in a glass substrate using potassium ion exchange. A patterned glass buffer layer defines the sensing and reference arms of the interferometer. A silicone-rubber macro-flow cell confines the liquid above the integrated-optical waveguide device. Salt solution data show that the biorefractometer has a sensitivity ((Delta) neff/(Delta) nLiquid) of 2 X 10-3 and can measure refractive index changes of about 0.005. Data obtained for antigen-antibody binding of the protein IgG indicate that a 10 percent signal change occurs in approximately 1 minute for a 10 (mu) g/ml concentration level.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Characterization of a partial pseudogene homologous to the Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome gene HPS-1; relevance for mutation detection.

The HPS-1 gene is the first gene found to be responsible for the autosomal recessive disorder Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS). HPS is characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, a platelet storage pool deficiency, and ceroid lipofuscinosis. The HPS-1 gene has been mapped to chromosome 10q23.1–23.3 and encodes a 79-kDa protein of unknown function with no homology to any known protein. A sequence database search has revealed that a portion of clone HS1119A7 shows high sequence similarity to HPS-1 cDNA. By performing sequence alignments and PCR amplification of cDNA from several human tissues, we have shown that part of this clone consists of an unprocessed partial HPS-1 pseudogene located on chromosome 22q12.2–12.3. The pseudogene contains several intact HPS-1 exons and shows 95% sequence homology to the HPS-1 cDNA. Exon 6 of the pseudogene has 100% sequence homology to exon 6 of HPS-1 itself. In the pseudogene, this exon is surrounded by portions of both its normal flanking introns. These data provide the first characterization of an HPS-1 pseudogene, called HPS1-ψ1. During amplification of exon 6 of the HPS-1 gDNA for mutation identification, the pseudogene might also be amplified, leading to a false positive for mutation. In addition, amplification of specific parts of the HPS-1 cDNA (e.g., exons 2–5) for mutation detection might lead to false positives for mutations, if the cDNA is contaminated with gDNA. This calls for caution when employing these screening approaches.
Effects of advancing age on cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of prolactin in the female rat

Abstract Studies were conducted to determine the effects of advancing age on serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) prolactin (PRL) concentrations in the female rat. In young rats with basal serum PRL levels, CSF PRL was maintained at 1.1–2.1% of serum PRL levels. In middle-aged rats, CSF PRL levels and the ratio of CSF to serum PRL was low in rats which maintained estrous cycles, but was increased 4- to 10-fold in rats which were in constant estrus. In aged constant estrous rats, CSF PRL concentrations were increased markedly and the CSF to serum PRL ratio increased to 31%. Collectively, these data indicate that (i) in young female rats, only a fraction of serum PRL reaches the CSF; (ii) that CSF PRL concentrations are low in middle-aged rats which exhibit estrous cycles and (iii) that aging and the constant estrous state are associated with elevated CSF PRL concentrations. As such, the age-related elevation in serum PRL levels and the fraction of PRL which accumulates in the CSF may contribute to the age-related dysfunction in brain PRL-responsive neurons.
Markov processes with free-Meixner laws

Abstract We study a time-non-homogeneous Markov process which arose from free probability, and which also appeared in the study of stochastic processes with linear regressions and quadratic conditional variances. Our main result is the explicit expression for the generator of the (non-homogeneous) transition operator acting on functions that extend analytically to complex domains. The paper is self-contained and does not use free probability techniques.
The Role of Logic in Argumentation

The main currently unsolved problem in the theory of argumentation concerns the function of logic in argumentation and reasoning. The traditional view simply identified logic with the theory of reasoning. This view is still being echoed in older textbooks of formal logic. In a different variant, the same view is even codified in the ordinary usage of words such as ‘logic’, ‘deduction’, ‘inference’, etc. For each actual occurrence of these terms in textbooks of formal logic, there are hundreds of uses of the same idioms to describe the feats of real or fictional detectives. I have called the idea reflected by this usage the “Sherlock Holmes conception of logic and deduction.” In the history of science, we find no less a thinker than Sir Isaac Newton describing his experimental method as one of analysis or resolution and claiming to have “deduced” at least some of his laws from the “phenomena.”1
Security control for COTS components

Using COTS components poses serious threats to system security. The authors analyze the risks and describe how their sandbox method can limit the damage potential of COTS components. The sandbox model was originally developed for fault tolerance. Rather than eliminating actual failures, it provides a restricted environment to confine application behavior. The approach confines the damage caused if an application accidentally or maliciously misbehaves. The authors' sandbox method differs from Java's, in that it is built with OS support rather than with support from a particular language. The authors describe the Sendmail version of their sandbox method. Their approach requires B-level security features not found on most conventional OSs. Typically developed for government or military use, B-level certified OSs have more sophisticated security features. The authors explain that their method does not eliminate security problems but rather mitigates the damage caused by compromised applications and thus prevents most common security breaches. Untrusted COTS components can thus be safely plugged into a system without major reengineering, provided there is a suitable security platform.
Pharmaceutical product recovery using a hollow fiber contained liquid membrane: a case study

Abstract Recovery of diltiazem as diltiazem malate in a l -malic acid containing aqueous strip stream from an alkaline aqueous feed solution has been studied using a hollow fiber contained liquid membrane (HFCLM) separation-reaction device. The resistance to mass transfer is primarily controlled by the feed side mass transfer coefficient due to the high partition coefficient of diltiazem for a decyl alcohol liquid membrane and the instantaneous reaction in the strip side of the membrane. However, for larger thicknesses of the liquid membrane, the membrane resistance becomes quite important. In spite of the very low diltiazem concentration in the feed solution, high concentrations of diltiazem malate in the stripping solution were achieved by using a high l -malic acid concentration and recirculation of the strip solution from a batch reservoir. A first order model describes effectively the observed behavior of the HFCLM separation-reaction device. A preliminary cost analysis and comparison with packed bed solvent extraction shows the technique to be highly competitive.
Practical pathology for engineers: how to do the job right the first time

Medical device development requires a phase of instrument testing and performance validation using experimental biologic targets including cells, tissues, organs and individuals in vitro and in vivo. In this development phase, qualitative and quantitative pathologic methods can be very useful to evaluate the mechanisms of detection/effect and to map the extent and severity of device energy/tissue interactions. This paper is a general overview of the philosophical and practical aspects of 1) choosing and preparing effective collaborations with biomedical experts, 2) choosing appropriate biologic target tissues and 3) preparing the tissues to obtain optimal pathologic results.
Strength Properties of JSC-1A Lunar Regolith Simulant

The paper presents a description of physical properties and a characterization of shear strength behavior of JSC-1A lunar regolith simulant. Specific gravity of solids, particle size analysis, and minimum and maximum index densities were measured according to ASTM standards. A series of axisymmetric triaxial experiments were conducted on JSC-1A specimens at two densities and a wide range of confining pressures. The stress-strain and volume change behavior of JSC-1A is presented and discussed. The results show that the peak friction and dilatancy angles are highly influenced by specimen density and confining pressure. Two models were developed to predict the peak friction and dilatancy angle, as a function of relative density and mean effective stress at the critical state. It was found that JSC-1A closely resembles the morphology and specific gravity of solids of some of Apollo regolith samples reported in the literature. Shear strength properties are presented within the framework of Mohr-Coulomb and friction-dilatancy theories. The effect of reduced moon gravity on strength parameters is also presented and discussed.
System analysis of graphics processor architecture using virtual prototyping

Honeywell has been actively involved in the definition of the next generation display processors for military and commercial cockpits. A major concern is how to achieve super graphics workstation performance in avionics application. Most notable are requirements for low volume, low power, harsh environmental conditions, real-time performance and low cost. This paper describes the application of VHDL to the system analysis tasks associated with achieving these goals in a cost effective manner. The paper will describe the top level architecture identified to provide the graphical and video processing power needed to drive future high resolution display devices and to generate more natural panoramic 3D formats. The major discussion, however, will be on the use of VHDL to model the processing elements and customized pipelines needed to realize the architecture and for doing the complex system tradeoff studies necessary to achieve a cost effective implementation. New software tools have been developed to allow 'virtual' prototyping in the VHDL environment. This results in a hardware/software codesign using VHDL performance and functional models. This unique architectural tool allows simulation and tradeoffs within a standard and tightly integrated toolset, which eventually will be used to specify and design the entire system from the top level requirements and system performance to the lowest level individual ASICs. New processing elements, algorithms, and standard graphical inputs can be designed, tested and evaluated without the costly hardware prototyping using the innovative 'virtual' prototyping techniques which are evolving on this project. In addition, virtual prototyping of the display processor does not bind the preliminary design to point solutions as a physical prototype will. when the development schedule is known, one can extrapolate processing elements performance and design the system around the most current technology.
QCD corrections to the CP asymmetries in B0 decays to CP eigenstates

Abstract We estimate the upper limit for hadronic corrections to the CP asymmetries in direct B 0 decays, those with no induced flavour changing neutral currents. Our result shows that unless the KM phase is very small (sin θ CP asymmetries in direct decays.
Quantitative Trait Loci for Seed Protein and Oil Concentration, and Seed Size in Soybean

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is an important crop because of its high oil and protein concentration. However, there is an inverse relationship between seed protein and oil concentration, making it difficult to improve both traits simultaneously. Molecular breeding may be helpful to facilitate a balanced accumulation of desirable alleles. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) governing soybean protein, oil and seed size. To achieve this objective, 101 F 6 -derived recombinant inbred lines (RIL) from a population developed from a cross of N87-984-16 x TN93-99 were used. Heritability estimates on an entry mean basis for protein and oil concentrations, and seed size were 0.66, 0.54, and 0.71, respectively. A total of 585 simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular genetic markers were screened and 94 were polymorphic in the RIL. Single factor ANOVA was used to identify candidate QTL, which were then confirmed by composite interval mapping. One novel molecular marker (Satt570) on molecular linkage group (MLG) G associated with a protein QTL was detected. Novel molecular markers (Satt274, Satt420, and Satt479) located on MLG D1b, O, and O respectively and a previously reported marker (Satt317) located on MLG H were associated with oil QTL in this study. Molecular markers Satt002 (MLG D2) and Sattl84 (MLG D1a) associated with seed size QTL were verified whereas Satt147 (MLG D1a) was novel. The individual QTL explained 20.2, 9.4-15, and 10 to 16.5% of the phenotypic variation for protein and oil concentrations, and seed size, respectively. Thus, we identified major loci for improving soybean seed quality.
FIAT Control of Osteoblast Activity

The basic domain-leucine zipper transcription factor activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) regulates most functions of the osteoblast. It is therefore not surprising that its activity should be regulated through several mechanisms. Factor inhibiting ATF4-mediated transcription (FIAT) is a leucine zipper nuclear molecule lacking a basic domain for DNA binding that interacts with ATF4 to repress its transcriptional activity. FIAT expression was monitored in parallel with ATF4 during osteoblastogenesis. The mechanism of ATF4 repression by FIAT was investigated through structure-function analysis. The physiological significance of FIAT expression in osteoblasts was studied through silencing FIAT in osteoblasts by RNA interference, as well as through characterization of two genetic mouse models: FIAT transgenic mice which overexpress FIAT in osteoblasts, and FIAT knockout mice. Studies to date show that FIAT and ATF4 are co-expressed in osteoblasts, and that FIAT inhibition of matrix mineralization requires dimerization with ATF4 through the second leucine zipper. Furthermore, transgenic mice overexpressing FIAT exhibit osteopenia. The phenotype of FIAT knockout mice is still under evaluation but the salient aspects are discussed here. Taken together, the results accumulated to date support the hypothesis that FIAT is a transcriptional repressor that modulates osteoblast function.
Environmental Uncertainty within the Hospitality Industry: Exploring the Measure of Dynamism and Complexity between Restaurant Segments:

The use of aggregated macro-level data is underrepresented in hospitality research, and it is suggested here that traditional measures of environmental uncertainty are insufficient when measuring differences within a hospitality sector. This article reviews the traditional measures of environmental uncertainty using secondary data and proposes a measure of heterogeneity as an alternative method grounded in previous theory. Aggregated segments of the restaurant industry are used to illustrate the usefulness of heterogeneity in resources as a measure of environmental uncertainty. Using this exploratory measure, significant differences are shown to exist between limited service and full service restaurant segments.
Health-Related Hindrance of Personal Goal Pursuit and Well-Being of Young Adults with Cystic Fibrosis, Pediatric Cancer Survivors, and Peers without a History of Chronic Illness

Objective Study examined content of personal goals, health-related hindrance (HRH; i.e., impact of health on goals), and relationship of HRH to health status and psychological well-being in young adults with cystic fibrosis (CF; n ¼ 48), who survived childhood cancer (n ¼ 57), and without history of chronic illness (n ¼ 105). Methods Participants completed measures of life events, quality of life, psychological well-being, and goals. Results No group differences were found on goal content. HRH significantly related to subjective well-being and distress after controlling for demographics, negative life events, physical health-related quality of life, disease status, and self-efficacy. HRH related to health status variables. Cancer survivors without cancer late effects had significantly less HRH than the other groups. Conclusions Health status may affect pursuit of personal goals and relate to well-being of young adults. The assessment of HRH has potential clinical utility for targeting interventions and warrants further research.
Mass spectrometric assay and physiological-pharmacological activity of androgenic neurosteroids.

Abstract Steroid hormones play a key role in the pathophysiology of several brain disorders. Testosterone modulates neuronal excitability, but the underlying mechanisms are obscure. There is emerging evidence that testosterone-derived “androgenic neurosteroids”, 3α-androstanediol and 17β-estradiol, mediate the testosterone effects on neural excitability and seizure susceptibility. Testosterone undergoes metabolism to neurosteroids via two distinct pathways. Aromatization of the A-ring converts testosterone into 17β-estradiol. Reduction of testosterone by 5α-reductase generates 5α-dihydrotestosterone, which is then converted to 3α-androstanediol, a powerful GABA A receptor-modulating neurosteroid with anticonvulsant properties. Although the 3α-androstanediol is an emerging neurosteroid in the brain, there is no specific and sensitive assay for determination of 3α-androstanediol in biological samples. This article describes the development and validation of mass spectrometric assay of 3α-androstanediol, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the testosterone modulation of seizure susceptibility. A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay to measure 3α-androstanediol is validated with excellent linearity, specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility. Testosterone modulation of seizure susceptibility is demonstrated to occur through its conversion to neurosteroids with “anticonvulsant” and “proconvulsant” actions and hence the net effect of testosterone on neural excitability and seizure activity depends on the levels of distinct testosterone metabolites. The proconvulsant effect of testosterone is associated with increases in plasma 17β-estradiol concentrations. The 5α-reduced metabolites of testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone and 3α-androstanediol, had powerful anticonvulsant activity. Overall, the testosterone-derived neurosteroids 3α-androstanediol and 17β-estradiol could contribute to the net cellular actions of testosterone in the brain. Because 3α-androstanediol is a potent positive allosteric modulator of GABA A receptors, it could serve as an endogenous neuromodulator of neuronal excitability in men. The 3α-androstanediol assay is an important tool in this area because of the growing interest in the potential to use adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy to improve treatment of epilepsy.
Systemic absorption of amphotericin B with topical 5% mafenide acetate/amphotericin B solution for grafted burn wounds: Is it clinically relevant?

Abstract Objective To determine if patients receiving topical amphotericin B in combination with 5% mafenide acetate solution will acquire systemically detectable levels of amphotericin B. Methods A prospective, observational study of consecutive patients from May 2007 to March 2008 who received 5% mafenide acetate/amphotericin B (2 mcg/ml) solution topically every 4 h to their excised and grafted burn wounds for at least 5 days. Serum amphotericin B levels were measured every 5 days during treatment. In addition, the percentage of graft take, occurrence of infection, and potential adverse reactions or toxicities were monitored and recorded. Results A total of 27 patients were enrolled, accumulating 420 treatment days and 72 amphotericin B levels. Sixty-nine of the amphotericin B levels were undetectable, while 3 were detectable at non-therapeutic levels ( Conclusions We conclude that 5% mafenide acetate/amphotericin B (2 mcg/ml) solution, applied to excised and grafted burn wounds, does not produce clinically relevant serum levels of amphotericin B. Based on our observations, this topical regimen is safe.
Local control in non-metastatic medulloblastoma

AbstractBackground. A single-institution review of long-term outcomes and factors affecting local control (LC) following radiotherapy for non-metastatic medulloblastoma.Material and methods. From 1963 to 2008, 50 children (median age, 7.3 years; range 1.2–18.5) with stage M0 medulloblastoma were treated with radiotherapy; half underwent a gross total resection (no visible residual tumor) or near-total resection (< 1.5 cm3 of gross disease remaining after resection). Median craniospinal dose was 28.8 Gy (range 21.8–38.4 Gy). Median total dose to the posterior fossa was 54.3 Gy (range 42.4–64.8 Gy). Eighteen patients (36%) received chemotherapy as part of multimodality management, including 11 who received concurrent chemotherapy.Results. Median follow-up was 15.7 years (range 0.3–44.4 years) for all patients and 26.6 years (range 7.3–44.4 years) for living patients. The 10-year overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and progression-free survival rates were 65%, 65%, and 69%. The 10-year LC rate was 84...
THEORY OF INFLUENCE OF FUEL PYROLYSIS ON SOOT SHELL STANDOFF RATIOS IN REDUCED-GRAVITY DROPLET COMBUSTION

Soot shell standoff ratios in reduced-gravity droplet combustion are investigated analytically. Analysis of energy conservation shows that temperature gradients between the droplet and a flame, which influence thermophoretic soot transport, are affected by variations in specific heats as well as fuel pyrolysis. Analyses suggest the onset of fuel pyrolysis can be abrupt, leading to local increases in temperature gradients. These temperature gradient changes can be large enough to influence soot shell formation. Estimates indicate that soot shell standoff ratios will increase as droplets decrease in size, which is in agreement with available experimental results for combustion of n-heptane droplets in reduced gravity.
Nanosecond, electrical triggering of water switches

Spark gaps, which use water as a switching medium, allow fast closing and high repetition rate operation for high power and high voltage switching. They are usually operated in the pulse-charging mode and have a large jitter. To reduce the jitter, a trigger electrode with positive polarity is used to initiate breakdown between a negative high voltage electrode and a ground electrode. The trigger electrode consists of a tungsten wire with a diameter of 50 mum, enclosed in glass tubing. At the triple point where the three dielectrics (glass, water and metal) meet, the electric field is greatly enhanced. From the triple point, a trigger voltage of +16 kV at a pulse duration of 100 ns produces two streamer branches traveling towards the high voltage and ground electrodes. These two streamer branches bridge the main gap and serve as preionized channels for the initiation of the breakdown between the main electrodes. Arc transition develops along the two channels and completes the switching. It allows for the gap to be fired at various voltages independent of the gap's self-breakdown voltage. The delay between application of the trigger pulse and the electrical breakdown is on the order of hundred nanoseconds. The jitter in breakdown is on the order of ten nanoseconds. It is less by more than an order of magnitude than that obtained with pulse charging.
Establishing a Comfortable Classroom from Day One: Student Perceptions of the Reciprocal Interview

The authors examined student reactions to an activity in computer science, psychology, women's studies, and education courses. The reciprocal interview involves the instructor gathering information about the students, followed by students collectively asking questions of the instructor. The interview aims to make students more comfortable in interactions with the instructor by soliciting student input. Student responses indicated they enjoyed the activity and recommend faculty use it in various courses. Participants also reported the interview process helped create a more comfortable classroom environment and helped clarify instructors' expectations of students.
Electro-thermal simulation studies for pulsed voltage failures in microstructured ZNO varistors

Time-dependent, two-dimensional simulations based on random Voronoi networks have been developed to study the internal heating and related breakdown effects in ZnO varistors in response to high-voltage pulsing. The focus is on internal grain-size variations and relative disorder. Our results predict that parameters such as the device hold-off voltage, the average internal temperature, and average dissipated energy density would be higher with more uniform grains. This uniformity is also predicted to produce lower thermal stresses and to allow for the application of longer duration pulses. Finally, it is shown that the principle failure mechanism arises from internal localized melting, while thermal stresses are well below the thresholds for cracking.
Effects of High-Energy Phosphate Depletion and Repletion on the Dynamics and Electrocardiogram of Isolated Rat Hearts

To explore the sequence of metabolic, mechanical, and electrocardiographic (ECG) events during myocardial anoxia, isolated rat hearts were paced from the atrium. Anoxic and recovery periods were studied. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate (CP) declined to 50% of control during the first minute and remained at that level for the 5-minute anoxic period. ATP and CP returned to control values after 10 and 20 seconds of recovery. Lactate and potassium efflux from the myocardium closely followed the highenergy phosphate changes. During anoxia, left ventricular systolic pressure increased initially, then fell below the control level after 2 minutes, and recovered within 20 seconds of reoxygenation. In catecholamine-depleted hearts, it fell immediately with anoxia, and recovery was incomplete. The conduction time for the pacing stimulus to reach the ventricle increased with anoxia and decreased with reoxygenation. S-T alterations in the ECG also lagged behind high-energy phosphate reduction and r...
The value of multiple rapid swallows during preoperative esophageal manometry before laparoscopic antireflux surgery

Background When multiple swallows are rapidly administered, esophageal peristalsis is inhibited, and pronounced lower esophageal sphincter relaxation ensues. After the last swallow of the series, a robust contraction sequence results. The authors hypothesize that multiple rapid swallows (MRS) may have value in predicting esophageal transit symptoms in patients undergoing laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS).
The development of remote-sensing related standards at FGDC, OGC, and ISO TC 211

Geospatial data, information, knowledge, and services are important resources in an information society. Making such resources easily accessible and useful with all kinds of applications is one of the major functions of geospatial data and information systems. In order to share geospatial resources in the society, those systems have to be interoperable. The key for the success of distributed interoperable geospatial system is the standards. Remote sensing is one of important sources for geospatial data and information. Therefore, many standard setting organizations are working on the development of remote-sensing related standards. This paper describes the development of remote-sensing related standards at U.S. Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), the Open GIS Consortium (OGC), and the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 211 (TC 211). The paper introduces the individual remote sensing standards developed or being developed by those organizations. It also discusses the relationship among those standards and how to use the standards in the development of interoperable, standard-compliant geospatial data and information system for remote sensing.
The Prognosis of Bilateral Symmetrical Diffuse Nodular Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Its Possible Relationship to Intestinal Tuberculosis

A retrospective analysis has recently been made of 1504 patients with active advanced pulmonary tuberculosis admitted to Trudeau Sanatorium 1930-1939 and followed to death or 1953-1954 in over 90 per cent.’ These patients were rather select, not only from a socio-economic viewpoint, but those with major nontuberculous complications-advanced emphysema, cardiac decompensation, diabetes mellitus, malignancy, bronchial asthma and silicosis-and major tuberculous complications-bone and joint, genitourinary, peritonitis or miliary-were excluded. During an analysis of 25 years experience with a routine admission barium motor meal in search of intestinal tuberculosis, a possible relationship between the type and distribution of pulmonary tuberculous lesions and the presence of intestinal tuberculosis was suggested.2 As a consequence, for this purpose, during the study of advanced pulmonary tuberculosis, the cases were classified in two additional ways: 1. Presence or absence on admission of bilateral symmetrical nodular distribution of the abnormal roentgenographic pulmonary shadows.3 To be so classified there must have been diffuse finely nodular shadows, most intense at the apices, gradually disappearing toward the bases and approximately equal in distribution and in intensity in the two lungs. While this picture approximates that of miliary tuberculosis, the two conditions are readily distinguished on both clinical and roentgenographic grounds. An example of the type of case being discussed is shown in Figure 1. 2. Presence or absence on admission of roentgenographic evidence of intestinal tuberculosis. For 25 years, between 1924 and 1949, about 98 per cent of patients admitted to Trudeau Sanatorium had a routine barium motor meal regardless of the pulmonary findings. Evidence of multiple areas of obstruction, rapid passage of barium through the terminal ileum and cecum, and deformity, spasm and frank ulceration of the terminal ileum and cecum were sought. There were 1504 patients on whom the 20 year morbidity and mortality statistics were available; “five year results” were available on 1429. The five year result was considered “good” if the disease had become clinically controlled with no evidence of cavity and with negative sputum bacteriology within three years and if relapse had not occurred within the balance of *From the Trudeau-Saranac Institute, Trudeau, New York. **Thjs study was made possible by a grant-in-aid from the Committee on Medical Research of the American Trudeau Society, Medical Section of the National Tuberculosis Association. f Present address: The Colorado Foundation for Research in Tuberculosis, University of Colorado Medical Center, Denver, Colorado. 669
MEMS based sensors to explore the role of tension in axons for neuro-transmission

This paper employs MEMS force sensors to explore the role of mechanical tension in neuro transmission. Here, the nervous system of Drosophila (fruit fly) embryo is examined. The accumulation of vesicles that carry neuro transmitter at the synapse between the axons and muscle tissue is measured using florescent technique. The tensile force on axons are measured in vivo. The rest tension in axons is found to be about 1 nN. Increasing the tension by mechanical probing results in increasing vesicle accumulation. The results suggests that nature employs mechanical tension as a means of tuning neuro transmission efficiency, and hence memory formation.
Effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene on Firmness Loss and the Development of Rots in Apple Fruit Kept in Farm Markets or at Elevated Temperatures

Many of the apples (Malus ·domestica) grown in the southeastern United States are sold to consumers through direct farm markets and roadside stands. Fruit in these markets may be exposed to high temperatures (>68 F), which cause the fruit to ripen quickly, limiting their shelf life and consumer appeal and increasing their susceptibility to decay pathogens. Studies were undertaken in 2009 and 2010 to determine the effects of a 1-mL L postharvest 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment on the maintenance of flesh firmness and the incidence of rots in fruit held at elevated temperatures for up to 8 weeks. 1-MCP-treated fruit of three apple cultivars (Ginger Gold, Gala, and Golden Delicious) held in three retail farm markets in the southeastern United States maintained their firmness for 3 to 5 weeks. The firmness of non-treated ‘Ginger Gold’ fruit declined to less than 12 lbf after 1 week in each market, whereas the firmness of treated fruit remained greater than 16 lbf after 3 weeks. Treated ‘Gala’ fruit maintained their firmness at 14 lbf during 4 weeks in each farm market, whereas the firmness of non-treated fruit declined to less than 12 lbf after 2 weeks. The firmness of non-treated ‘Golden Delicious’ fruit declined to less than 12 lbf after 1 week in each farm market, whereas treated fruit maintained their firmness for up to 4 weeks. ‘Golden Delicious’ fruit treated with 1-MCP exhibited almost no loss of firmness during 4 weeks at 32, 50, or 70 F, or even up to 8 weeks at 32 or 50 F. The incidence of fruit rots increased with temperature, and 1-MCP reduced the incidence of fruit rots after 4 weeks at 70 F in 2009 or after 8 weeks at 70 F in 2010. These data show that 1-MCP may be of great benefit to producers who sell their fruit directly to the consumer by delaying the loss in firmness and reducing the incidence of rots in fruit kept at elevated temperatures.
The role of the pharmacist on the home health care team

This article discuses the vital role of the pharmacist on the home care interdisciplinary patient care team. It posits that as the acuity level of patients admitted to home care increases and as th...
Design and validation of bending test method for characterization of miniature pediatric cortical bone specimens

AbstractOsteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder of bone fragility; however, the effects of this disorder on bone materialproperties are not well understood. No study has yet measured bone material strength in humans with osteogenesisimperfecta. Small bone specimens are often extracted during routine fracture surgeries in children with osteogenesisimperfecta. These specimens could provide valuable insight into the effects of osteogenesis imperfecta on bone materialstrength; however, their small size poses a challenge to their mechanical characterization. In this study, a validated minia-ture three-point bending test is described that enables measurement of the flexural material properties of pediatric cor-tical osteotomy specimens as small as 5mm in length. This method was validated extensively using bovine bone, and theeffect of span/depth aspect ratio (5 vs 6) on the measured flexural properties was examined. The method provided rea-sonable results for both Young’s modulus and flexural strength in bovine bone. With a span/depth ratio of 6, the medianlongitudinal modulus and flexural strength results were 16.1 (range: 14.4–19.3)GPa and 251 (range: 219–293)MPa,respectively. Finally, the pilot results from two osteotomy specimens from children with osteogenesis imperfecta are pre-sented. These results provide the first measures of bone material strength in this patient population.KeywordsMaterial properties, flexural, osteogenesis imperfecta, pediatric, bone
Cardiac Oxidative Stress and Electrophysiological Changes in Rats Exposed to Concentrated Ambient Particles are Mediated by TRP-Dependent Pulmonary Reflexes

Previous studies suggest that, through the stimulation of pulmonary nervous endings, ambient particles modulate the autonomic tone on the heart leading to cardiac oxidant stress and dysfunction. In this paper we investigated the effect of blockade of vanilloid receptor 1 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Receptor 1 [TRPV1]) on concentrated ambient particles (CAPs)-induced cardiac oxidative stress and dysfunction in a rat model of inhalation exposure. Capsazepine (CPZ), a selective antagonist of TRPV1, was given ip or as an aerosol immediately before exposure to CAPs. Control and CPZ-treated rats were exposed to filtered air or CAPs aerosols for 5 h using the Harvard Ambient Particle Concentrator (mean PM(2.5) mass concentration: 218 +/- 23 mug/m(3)). At the end of the exposure we measured cardiac oxidative stress (in situ chemiluminescence [CL]), lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS]), and tissue edema. Cardiac function was monitored throughout the exposure. CPZ (ip or aerosol) decreased CAPs-induced CL, lipid TBARS, and edema in the heart, indicating that blocking TRP receptors, systemically or locally, decreases heart CL. CAPs exposure led to significant decreases in heart rate (CAPs 350 +/- 32 bpm, control: 370 +/- 29), and in the length of the QT, RT, Pdur and Tpe intervals. These changes were observable immediately upon exposure and were maintained throughout the 5 h of CAPs inhalation. Changes in cardiac rhythm and electrocardiogram morphology were prevented by CPZ. These data suggest that current abnormalities in CAPs-exposed rats alter the action potentials leading to changes in conduction velocity and ventricular repolarization, and that triggering of TRPV1-mediated autonomic reflexes in the lung is essential for the observed changes in cardiac rhythms.
RF MEMS switch model for reconfigurable antenna design

A lumped element model of a popular commercial RF MEMS switch has been created that can be used for switches whose ground planes are floating. It enables more accurate simulation of reconfigurable antennas using these switches. Care must still be taken in designing a bias network for switches because DC bias lines that are not RF isolated can change the radiation characteristics in unpredictable ways.
Polyatomic Bridging Ligands

Interest in bridging ligands has been stimulated by their ability to covalently couple metal centers resulting in the construct of polymetallic complexes with unique properties. The bridging ligands modulate the spatial orientation and the extent of electronic coupling of the attached metals. The major developments in the field of bridging ligand chemistry are discussed, with focus on heterocyclic π-systems, with nitrogen-donor atoms. The ligands are grouped by denticity, with representative examples of those providing electronic coupling of attached metal centers and those that result in electronically uncoupled metals.
Analysis of Stock Option Tax Benefits on the Cash Effective Tax Rate

While not explicitly stated, many tax avoidance studies seek to investigate tax avoidance that is the result of firms' intentional choices. Stock option compensation can result in unanticipated reductions to a firm’s tax liability because the timing and magnitude of the related tax deduction is determined by employees’ exercise of stock options. Because CASHETR includes these unanticipated tax liability reductions, CASHETR mismeasures firms' intentional tax avoidance. I show this mismeasurement is material and can lead to inflated Type I error rates in studies of intentional tax avoidance. I also provide suggestions to aid researchers in mitigating these concerns.
Knowledge based design of user interface for operating an assistive robot

In this paper, the research objective is to develop and implement a procedure for integration of user preferences and abilities into the Graphical User Interface (GUI) of a Wheelchair Mounted Robotic Arm (WMRA) to be operated by users with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (TSCI).
Equality, the Third World, and economic delusion

Even in impoverished countries lacking material and human resources, P. T. Bauer argues, economic growth "is" possible under the right conditions. These include a certain amount of thrift and enterprise among the people, social mores and traditions which sustain them, and a firm but limited government which permits market forces to work. Challenging many views about development that are widely held, Bauer takes on squarely the notion that egalitarianism is an appropriate goal. He goes on to argue that the population explosion of less-developed countries has on the whole been a voluntary phenomenon and that each new generation has lived better than its forebears. He also critically examines the notion that the policies and practices of Western nations have been responsible for third world poverty. In a major chapter, he reviews the rationalizations for foreign aid and finds them weak; while in another he shows that powerful political clienteles have developed in the Western nations supporting the foreign aid process and probably benefiting more from it than the alleged recipients. Another chapter explores the link between the issue of Special Drawing Rights by the International Monetary Fund on the one hand and the aid process on the other.Throughout the book, Bauer carefully examines the evidence and the light it throws on the propositions of development. Although the results of his analysis contradict the conventional wisdom of development economics, anyone who is seriously concerned with the subject must take them into account.Throughout the book, Bauer carefully examines the evidence and the light it throws on the propositions of development. Although the results of his analysis contradict the conventional wisdom of development economics, anyone who is seriously concerned with the subject must take them into account.
The dialogical principle and the mystery of being The enduring relevance of Martin Buber and Gabriel Marcel

L'A. traite du parallelisme des pensees de Martin Buber et de Gabriel Marcel. Il analyse plus particulierement chez le premier le theme du mystere de l'etre et chez le second le theme de la relation Je-Tu, en mettant en relief les ressemblances a propos de la distinction entre objet et presence et de la pensee sur l'absolu et l'autre.