cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Appraisal of the Surgical Treatment of Diffuse Esophageal Spasm

Diffuse esophageal spasm is a motility disorder of undetermined cause. The optimal treatment remains controversial, and evidence-based data are lacking. Several medical treatment modalities have been proposed, but none has emerged as the treatment of choice. Patients who do not respond to medical therapy may be considered for surgical treatment. The surgical treatment of diffuse esophageal spasm is based on similar principles to the treatment of achalasia. A long esophageal myotomy is done to divide the hypertrophied circular muscle that is frequently noted in diffuse esophageal spasm. To protect against postoperative reflux, an antireflux procedure may be added. However, the surgical treatment of diffuse esophageal spasm has not been subjected to randomized clinical trials. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the available literature regarding the surgical management of the diffuse esophageal spasm. In particular, we offer an appraisal of surgical outcomes, the effects of surgery on manometric and radiologic parameters (when available), complications, and mortality.
Blunt fin-induced shock wave/turbulent boundary-layer interaction

This paper presents results from an experimental study of blunt fin-induced shock wave/turbulent boundarylayer interaction. Semi-infinite fin models with hemicylindrical, unswept leading edges were tested in Mach 3, high Reynolds number, turbulent boundary layers. All tests were made under approximately adiabatic wall conditions. The program had two fundamental objectives. The first was to examine the spanwise development of the disturbed flowfield and to determine its dependence on the configuration geometry and incoming flow conditions. To achieve this, streamwise surface pressure distributions were measured in the region extending from the centerline to 110 fin diameters outboard. The second objective was to determine the vertical extent of the interaction on the fin. This was carried out using a fin model whose leading edge and side face were instrumented with pressure taps. The results show that, on the test surface near the fin and on the fin itself, the leading-edge diameter plays a dominant role in determining the interaction's scale and characteristics.
The use of pronase-digested human leukocytes to improve specificity of the flow cytometric crossmatch

Two-color fluorescence cytometry (FCXM) has recently been introduced to improve the detection of anti-HLA antibodies that react to donor cells, especially in recipients receiving kidney allografts. Although this assay system is highly sensitive, it lacks specificity. Between 70% and 90% of potential kidney recipients with a positive FCXM would have been denied transplant if such an assay had been used alone to detect antidonor antibodies. Lack of specificity is principally due to normal or irrelevant IgG in aggregates or immune complexes binding to Fcλ R receptors on lymphocytes including B cells and a significant subset of T cells. To circumvent this problem, we digested Fcλ R receptors on lymphocytes with pronase. We present data demonstrating that pronase digestion of lymphocytes does not alter HLA antigenicity. In addition, pronased lymphocytes allow one to use either single- or two-color FCXM. With single-color FCXM, one can quantitate antibody reactivity to lymphocytes via a cursor (on the fluorescence histogram) that separates lymphocytes that do not bind to antibodies. We present data demonstrating that this modification renders FCXM highly sensitive and specific. In addition, one can discriminate between IgG and IgM antibodies that react to lymphocytes.
Crisis as Opportunity for Spiritual Growth

Life-history data from two hundred crisis families and two hundred non-crisis families are examined to specify the influence of crisis conditions on spiritual growth. Members of crisis families making spiritual values their basis for life-orientation appear to live more productively and experience more life-satisfaction than members of crisis families or non-crisis families making no conscious effort to examine values or life-orientation.These findings invite further substantiation of crisis as opportunity for spiritual growth. A clinical implication is that research on optimal functioning, recovery, and spiritual growth is perhaps more needed at present than continued research on pathology and dysfunction.
Barrier to crystal nucleation in anorthite

Abstract The kinetics of crystal nucleation in anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8) have been determined over the range of undercooling between 475 and 600°C. The plot of In(Ivη) versus (ΔT|staggered|r2T|staggered|r3)−1 is a straight line of negative slope over the temperature range investigated. The slope of this relation indicates a free energy barrier to crystal nucleation of about 82 kT∗ (where T∗ = 0.8T E ). The intercept at (ΔT|staggered|r2Tstaggered|r3)−1 = 0 is approximately 1027 cm−3 s−1P. Samples of anorthite glass were also analyzed by differential thermal analysis, with the temperature of maximum crystallization rate being determined as a function of heating rate. From this variation, a nucleation barrier of about 80 kT∗ was estimated. The combined results are in good agreement with predictions of the classical theory of homogeneous nucleation.
PERTURBATIVE CHERN-SIMONS THEORY

We present the perturbation theory of the Chern-Simons gauge field theory and prove that to second order it indeed gives knot invariants. We identify these invariants and show that in fact we get a previously unknown integral formula for the Arf invariant of a knot, in complete agreement with earlier non-perturbative results of Witten. We outline our expectations for the behavior of the theory beyond two loops.
Flame retardant finishing of cotton fleece fabric: Part V. Phosphorus‐containing maleic acid oligomers

The high flammability of cotton fleece makes it necessary to apply a flame retardant system on cotton fleece so that it can meet the federal regulation ‘Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles’ (16 CFR 1610). The objective of this research was to reduce the flammability of cotton fleece using the phosphorus-containing maleic acid oligomers (PMAO) synthesized by aqueous free radical polymerization of maleic acid. We found that PMAO can be bound to cotton fleece by esterifying with cotton cellulose with sodium hypophosphite as the catalyst. Both the 45∘ flammability and limiting oxygen index data indicated that the treatment of cotton using PMAO reduced the flammability of cotton fleece. The micro-scale combustion calorimetric data revealed that PMAO reduced the peak heat release rate and heat release capacity of the treated cotton woven fabric. The cotton fleece treated with PMAO/NaH2PO2 passed the federal flammability test (16 CFR Part 1610) and achieved ‘Class 1’ flammability. The PMAO bound to cotton was durable to multiple home laundering cycles. The treated fleece also showed high strength retention with little change in fabric whiteness. The use of triethanolamine as an additive modestly enhanced the performance of PMAO with no significant changes in fabric physical properties. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synaptic regeneration in identified neurons of the lamprey spinal cords

Identified reticulospinal neurons whose giant axons were severed after spinal cord transection were filled with horseradish peroxidase. Whole mounts and serial-section light and electron micrographs show axon regeneration across the spinal lesion and the formation of new synapses. Normal swimming activity returns in the spinally transected animals, although the regenerated synapses are in atypical regions of the spinal cord.
An elastic–plastic constitutive model for ceramic composite laminates

Existing phenomenological constitutive models are unable to capture the full range of behaviors of ceramic composite laminates. To ameliorate this deficiency, we propose a new model based on the deformation theory of plasticity. The predictive capabilities of the model are assessed through comparisons of computed and measured strain and displacement fields in open-hole tension tests. The agreements in the magnitude of strains and in the size and shape of shear bands that develop around a hole are very good over most of the loading history. Some discrepancies are obtained at high stresses. These are tentatively attributed to non-proportional stressing of some material elements: a feature not captured by the present model.
Involving Teachers in Data-Driven Decision Making: Using Computer Data Systems to Support Teacher Inquiry and Reflection

Accountability mandates such as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) have drawn attention to the practical use of student data for school improvement. Nevertheless, schools may struggle with these mandates because student data are often stored in forms that are difficult to access, manipulate, and interpret. Such access barriers additionally preclude the use of data at the classroom level to inform and impact instruction. Fortunately, there are newly available computer technologies that allow efficient organization and access to student data. In addition to allowing easier accountability reporting, these tools allow user-friendly data access at all educational levels, meaning that teachers can use these tools to engage in the informed reflection necessary to improve classroom practice. In this article, I discuss teacher use of these systems, providing insight into the function of these tools and discussing conditions that make these tools of the most service to teachers.
Prior Instruction, Equivalency Formulas, and Functional Proficiency: Examining the Problem of Secondary School-College Articulation

ARTICULATION IS AN ENDURING, COMplex, and problematic issue in foreign language (FL) education. For students and FL programs, the move from secondary schools to college or university is often characterized by abrupt change and frustration rather than smooth transition. Placement into university coursework, whether determined by achievement tests or self-placement, and certification for graduation requirements, often stated in terms of seat time (semesters/quarters of study), appear to be driven more by the demands of our bureaucracies than by our growing knowledge of language assessment and instruction. Since Fall of 1988, the University of Minnesota has had in place an innovative foreign language requirement that includes entrance and exit proficiency assessments for approximately 1500 students a year. This large-scale assessment program has allowed us to investigate articulation from a functional proficiency perspective.
Probing the nuclear multipole response with intermediate energy heavy-ion scattering

The study of giant resonances using intermediate energy heavy-ion elastic scattering is discussed with emphasis on the potential of these probes for exploration of strengths above the giant dipole resonance (GDR) in singles and in decay experiments. Recent results on two phonon GDR strength are presented.
Effect of polymyxin B and environmental conditions on isolation of Brucella species and the vaccine strain RB51

Abstract Brucella are resistant to polymyxin B (PB), but their relative susceptibility to PB and its derivative, colistin (COL) has not been rigorously or systematically studied. Comparative susceptibility of Brucella reference strains, vaccine strain RB51, and Brucella isolates from marine mammals to these two cationic peptides were determined by Etest. Vast differences among Brucella species were found in susceptibility to both PB and COL. Brucella demonstrated similar pattern of relative susceptibility to PB as that of COL, but they were less susceptible to COL. Both B. melitensis and B. suis were the least susceptible to polymyxins and rough strains were more susceptible to both PB and COL than the smooth except for the BvrR mutant. Strains were generally less susceptible to PB when cultured in CO 2 rather than ambient air; some became more susceptible in acidified medium. Results show that environment cultural conditions must be considered when selecting for CO 2 -independent strains of Brucella especially the vaccine strain RB51 on selective media containing PB. Our observations extend basic knowledge of the differential resistance of Brucella to polymyxins.
Central Airway Resistance in Excised Emphysematous Lungs

We ventilated 23 excised lungs in an artificial thorax (−20 cm H 2 O for 2-sec inspiration, + 10 cm H 2 O for 2-sec expiration) and made simultaneous cinebronchograms, to assess dynamic airway collapse on expiration. To determine airways resistance at the same time, we used Macklem's retrograde catheter technique to divide the bronchial tree into peripheral airways, those less than 2 to 3 mm in diameter, and central airways, those larger than 2 to 3 mm in diameter. Collapse of central airways was associated, in most of the 16 cases measured, with a sustained elevation in expiratory peripheral airway resistance. Central expiratory airway resistance rose coincident with collapse in most cases and remained elevated for the remainder of the cycle.
Effects of thematic-based, hands-on science teaching versus a textbook approach for students with disabilities

Institutions of higher education, states, and local K–12 districts have been challenged to improve math and science education for our nation's students. In the past few years, there has been renewed interest in inquiry-based, activity-oriented instruction in science for students with disabilities. Yet, there still exists the need for further empirical evidence to support instructional improvements for students with more involved emotional and behavioral disabilities. This study describes a program in which 18 middle school students with serious emotional disturbances were instructed, over the course of 8 weeks, on “Matter” by two different instructional approaches. Students in one classroom received a traditional textbook approach to science content, whereas students in another classroom received science instruction by a hands-on, thematic approach. Over the course of instruction, data were collected regarding students' behavior and achievement. Results indicate that, overall, students in the hands-on instructional program performed significantly better than the students in the textbook program on two of three measures of science achievement, a hands-on assessment and a short-answer test. The students did not differ on a multiple-choice format test. With regard to behavior, there were no significant differences in behavioral problems found between the two groups of students over the course of the study. Findings are discussed in relation to instructional implications for students with disabilities in the science classroom. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 42: 245–263, 2005
Frequency- and Time-Resolved Coherence Transfer Spectroscopy

Frequency-domain two-color triply vibrational enhanced four-wave mixing using a new phase-matching geometry discriminates against coherent multidimensional spectral features created solely by radiative transitions, spectrally resolves pathways with different numbers of coherence transfer steps, and temporally resolves modulations created by interference between coherence transfer pathways. Coherence transfer is a nonradiative transition where a superposition of quantum states evolves to a different superposition. The asymmetric and symmetric C⋮O stretching modes of rhodium(I) dicarbonyl acetylacetonate are used as a model system for coherence transfer. A simplified theoretical model based on Redfield theory is used to describe the experimental results.
Assessing Stability and Change in a Second-Order Confirmatory Factor Model of Meaning in Life

Research indicates that meaning in life is an important correlate of health and well-being. However, relatively little is known about the way a sense of meaning may change over time. The purpose of this study is to explore two ways of assessing change in meaning within a second-order confirmatory factor analysis framework. First, tests are conducted to see if the first and second-order factor loadings and measurement error terms are invariant over time. Second, a largely overlooked technique is used to assess change and stability in meaning at the second-order level. Findings from a nationwide survey reveal that the first and second-order factor loadings are invariant of time. Moreover, the second-order measurement error terms, but not the first-order measurement error terms, are invariant, as well. The results further reveal that standard ways of assessing stability mask significant change in meaning that is due largely to regression to the mean.
Fruit fly disinfestation strategies beyond methyl bromide

Abstract This paper reviews the available quarantine treatment technologies and current quarantine practices, such as fumigation, heat or refrigeration treatments, and non-host shipping protocols, that are used to prevent the spread of tephritid fruit flies. Areas where basic research is needed to develop alternative quarantine treatments are identified and discussed.
Topography of diphtheria toxin A chain inserted into lipid vesicles

The membrane-inserting T domain of diphtheria toxin aids the low-pH-triggered translocation of the catalytic A chain of the toxin across endosomal membranes. To evaluate the role of the isolated A ...
Variation of physical properties in the nominal Sr4V2O6Fe2As2

Abstract We show using a combination of powder X-ray and neutron diffraction, first-principles calculations, temperature- and field-dependent magnetization, heat capacity and resistivity data that the superconducting behavior of ‘Sr4V2O6Fe2As2’ is dependent on synthesis conditions, particularly, heating profiles result in unintentional chemical doping. This compound can be tuned from a state in which the vanadium electrons are itinerant with a high electronic density of states, to a state where the vanadium-oxide layers are insulating and presumably magnetic.
The effect of monaural middle ear destruction on postnatal development of auditory response properties of mouse inferior collicular neurons.

Abstract This study examined the effect of monaural middle ear destruction on postnatal development of auditory response properties of inferior collicular (IC) neurons of the laboratory mouse, Mus musculus . Monaural middle ear destruction was performed on juvenile and adult mice and the auditory response properties of neurons in both ICs were examined 4 weeks thereafter. IC neurons of control mice typically had lower minimum thresholds, larger dynamic ranges and greater Q 10 values than IC neurons of experimental juvenile and adult mice. In experimental mice, neurons in the ipsilateral IC (relative to the intact ear) typically had longer latencies, higher minimum thresholds, and smaller dynamic ranges than neurons in the contralateral IC. In experimental adult mice, neurons in the ipsilateral IC had sharper frequency tuning curves than neurons in the contralateral IC. Clear tonotopic organization was only observed in the IC of control mice and experimental adult mice. However, the correlation of increasing minimum threshold with best frequency was observed for IC neurons in control mice but not in experimental juvenile and adult mice. Possible mechanisms for these different response properties are discussed.
Thalassemia Heterozygotes in Hawaii: Ethnic Attitudes Toward Screening and Prenatal Diagnosis

The attitudes toward screening and prenatal diagnosis for the hemoglobinopathies Hb E and α-thalassemia, prevalent in Southeast Asia, it were studied in Southeast Asians living in Hawaii. Since May 1985, one Laotian and two Filipino Outreach Workers were trained to make home visits to educate and recruit prospective subjects for a federally-funded thalassemia screening project. Volunteers over age 18 were interviewed to assess their comprehension about thalassemia and their attitudes toward screening, family planning, and prenatal diagnosis using structured questionnaires to measure subjective responses. Prenatal diagnosis was explained to all subjects using simple brochures in Laotian and in three Filipino dialects. Culturally oriented genetic counceling was offered to all heterozygotes, emphasizing that their status was common and benign.By July 1987, 597 adult participants had been interviewed; 262 were male, 335 female (65 pregnant); 250 were Laotian, 221 Filipino, 90 Chinese, and 36 of other races. A...
Heterosubtypic Immunity To Influenza A Virus: Where Do We Stand?

Influenza A virus (IAV) strains are denoted by the subtype of their hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) virion surface proteins. Major changes in HA subtype among strains circulating in humans are referred to as "antigenic shift". Antigenic shift can occur by two means: direct transmission of a zoonotic strain to humans or through reshuffling of the segmented genome in cells co-infected with animal and human strains. The lack of circulating anti-HA antibodies in human populations to a novel IAV results in extremely high frequency of illness and the potential for severe morbidity and mortality on a world-wide basis; the dreaded pandemic. Such pandemics could be partially controlled by developing a vaccine that generates effective heterosubtypic immunity (HSI) based on immune recognition of IAV antigens conserved across all viral strains. While it has long been known that T cells exhibit such broad cross-reactive specificity that could provide effective HSI, recent animal studies suggest a potential role for antibodies as well. Here we review current knowledge of the mechanisms contributing to HSI to influenza and speculate on the potential for this approach to contribute to public health.
Body mass index and risk for oral contraceptive failure: a case-cohort study in South Carolina.

PURPOSE: Studies have suggested that obesity is associated with an increased risk for oral contraceptive (OC) failure. We conducted a case–cohort study in South Carolina to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and OC failure by using population-based data sources. METHODS: Our cohort sample from the source population consists of 205 women who reported using OCs to prevent pregnancy on the 1999 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The 153 women who reported using OCs at the time of conception on the 2000 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey represent the case sample that arose from the source population. Logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: In unadjusted models with normal BMI (20 to 24.9 kg/m 2 ) as the comparison, greater BMI was associated significantly with OC failure (overweight [25 to 29.9 kg/m 2 ], ORZ 2.54; 95% CI, 1.18–5.50; and obese [>30 kg/m 2 ], ORZ 2.82; 95% CI, 1.05–7.58). After adjustment for education, income, and race/ethnicity, associations were attenuated and no longer statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: In this heterogeneous population, we found a suggestion that overweight and obese women may be at increased risk for OC failure. However, long-term prospective studies are needed to study this association in diverse populations.
Interactions between x-ray induced transient defects and pre-existing damage precursors in DKDP crystals

Large-aperture laser systems, currently designed to achieve high energy densities at the target location (exceeding ~ 1011 J/m 3 ), will enable studies of the physics of matter and radiation under extreme conditions. As a result, their optical components, such as the frequency conversion crystals (KDP/DKDP), may be exposed to X-rays and other ionizing radiation. This in turn may lead to a change in the damage performance of these materials as they may be affected by radiation-induced effects by either forming new damage initiation centers or interacting with the pre-existing damage initiating defects (so-called damage precursors). We present an experimental study on the laser-induced bulk damage performance at 355-nm of DKDP crystals following X-ray irradiation at room temperature. Results indicate that the damage performance of the material is affected by exposure to X-rays. We attribute this behavior to a change in the physical properties of the precursors which, in turn, affect their individual damage threshold.
Theodor Adorno, Alterglobalization, and Non-identity Politics

While the Critical Theory of the Frankfurt School has become an interesting player in recent theoretical attempts to understand the problems of, and potential solutions to, capitalist regimes of globalization, it has been generally limited to the work of Jurgen Habermas and his followers. As seen in the recent work of David Held and Nancy Fraser, Habermas's notion of the ideal of the public sphere and his conception of deliberative democracy have provided tantalizing tools for rethinking the importance of global civil institutions and spaces in furthering, to draw upon terms from Fraser's work, both recognition and redistribution on a global level. What has been less relevant in this resuscitation of Critical Theory in things global has been the work of the first-generation Frankfurt School theorists. In particular, the importance that Theodor Adorno's theory may have in articulating and characterizing the character of alterglobalization movements is explored. Adorno's notion of negative dialectics is fir...
Charting Time: Timelines as Temporal Boundary Objects

This article investigates the use of visual artifacts to represent time. Timelines, or “Gantt charts,” are widely used for scheduling, budgeting, and project management, and they are woven into the...
Heterogeneity of alpha1 receptors associated with vascular smooth muscle: Evidence from functional and ligand binding studies

Abstract The nature of the alpha 1 receptor associated with rabbit aorta has been examined in functional and receptor binding studies. In isolated aortic rings the dose-response curve for (−)metaraminol was not parallel to that of (−)epinephrine, (−)norepinephrine or (−)phenylephrine. Following inactivation of a portion of the alpha receptors with phenoxybenzamine, the occupancy versus response relationship for metaraminol, in contrast to the other test agonists, was biphasic. These results suggest the possibility that metaraminol interacts with different functional groups on the alpha 1 receptor than the other test agonists. In microsomes prepared from frozen aorta, metaraminol bound to two classes of sites (K H = 0.41 ± 0.12 μ M, K L = 39.1 ± 7.1 μ M) labelled by the selective alpha 1 antagonist [ 3 H] prazosin. Similar binding characteristics were observed in microsomes prepared from aorta shipped in serum on ice or aorta from animals killed in our laboratory. Norepinephrine also bound to two sites on the alpha receptor in all three preparations tested (K H = 0.06 ± 0.01 μ M, K L = 5.09 ± 2.4 μ M; estimated from frozen aorta). The Scatchard plot of [ 3 H] prazosin binding to microsomes prepared from frozen aorta was curvilinear. Estimates of the affinities and site densities were 49.6 ± 15.3 pM and 44.8 ± 11.8 pmol/gm protein and 1.0 ± 0.2 nM and 43.8 ± 17.4 pmol/gm for the high and low affinity sites, respectively. These data are consistent with the idea that there are subtypes of the alpha 1 receptor.
Magnetic evaluation of advanced metal-evaporated tape in an advanced linear tape drive

Abstract Demand for increased data storage has resulted in the development of various types of magnetic tapes. To achieve higher recording density, tape manufacturers are developing thin-film tapes, such as advanced metal-evaporated (AME) tape, for use in linear tape drives. In recent studies, these new AME tapes have demonstrated sustainable mechanical durability at low tensions suitable for use in linear tape drives. An evaluation of the magnetic performance of these AME tapes including the impact of tape cupping and initial edge quality was the goal of this study. Head output, dropouts, head–tape interface friction, and lateral tape motion (LTM) were monitored throughout testing. As track widths continue to narrow, LTM has become one of the critical limitations of magnetic performance. To more accurately measure LTM during drive development, a new method involving the output voltage of a head-read element that has been adjusted to be halfway off the recorded track on tape was implemented (LTM M ). It is shown that positively cupped AME tapes will result in similar head output and fewer dropouts than the current MP tapes. The negatively cupped AME sample produced the lowest head output data and the highest amount of dropouts of all the tapes evaluated in this investigation. All the tapes evaluated demonstrated similar values of LTM when monitored at the center of the tape. When LTM was monitored at the lower edge of the tape, the positively cupped AME tape with the worst relative edge contour length resulted in the highest LTM M . As found in previous studies, AME tapes produced slightly lower values of coefficient of friction than the MP tapes. From this investigation, positively cupped AME tapes with good initial relative edge contour length are recommended for use in linear tape drives, similar to those used in this study.
Nature of Silicon−Boron Mixing in Sodium Borosilicate Glasses: A High-Resolution 11B and 17O NMR Study

In several series of sodium borosilicate glasses, we have applied triple-quantum magic-angle spinning (3QMAS) 11B and 17O NMR to obtain high-resolution information about short-range structure and the connections among various network structural units and their variations with composition. Oxygen-17 3QMAS spectra reveal changes in connectivities between silicate and BO3 ([3]B) and BO4 ([4]B) units, by quantifying populations of bridging oxygens such as Si−O−Si, Si−O−[3]B, Si−O−[4]B, [3]B−O−[3]B, and [4]B−O−[3]B and of nonbridging oxygens. Boron-11 MAS and 3QMAS at a magnetic field of 14.1 T allow proportions of several borate units to be determined, including [3]B in boroxol ring and nonring sites and [4]B with two, three, and four Si neighbors. By combining the 11B and 17O NMR results, detailed information on Si/B mixing in sodium borosilicates can be derived. Our results shows that [4]B is strongly associated with silicate units, nonring [3]B undergoes random mixing and ring [3]B tends to connect to bora...
Pollution source apportionment using a priori information and positive matrix factorization

Abstract The use of a priori information in positive matrix factorization (PMF) is examined in the context of pollution source apportionment. The impact of PMF's general run control settings is evaluated and simulation experiments are employed to illustrate the relative advantages and hazards associated with different uses of a priori information. Pulling source profile elements to zero appears to be uniformly beneficial when using data with low measurement error and no contamination from unknown sources. However, the benefit of F element pulling is less pronounced when data are subject to higher degrees of measurement error and when some elements are erroneously pulled to zero. The use of source profile targeting shows much promise, both for incorporating well-established knowledge about pollution sources and as a tool for incremental exploratory analysis of the data. A data analysis of the latter type is illustrated using PM2.5 data from the St. Louis Supersite.
Minefield path planning: architecture and algorithms obeying kinematic constraints

We have been developing path planning techniques to look for paths that balance the utility and risk associated with different routes through a minefield. Such methods will allow a battlegroup commander to evaluate alternative route options while searching for low risk paths. Extending on previous years' efforts, we have implemented a generalized path planning framework to allow rapid evaluation and integration of new path planning algorithms. We have also implemented a version of Rapidly-Explored Random Trees (RRTs) for mine path planning which integrates path risk, path time, and dynamic and kinematic concerns. Several variants of the RRT algorithm and our existing path planning algorithms were quantitatively evaluated using the generalized path planning framework and an algorithm-dynamic evaluation graphical user interface.
Projections of Chloride Concentrations in Urban Lakes Receiving Road De-icing Salt

The chloride concentrations of urban lakes where road de-icing salt (NaCl) is used have increased to levels that can change natural lake-mixing behavior and influence aquatic life. A zero-dimensional model was formulated to project the long-term accumulation of chloride in urban lakes receiving runoff from roads on which road salt is applied. Four model parameters and an initial concentration were obtained by calibrating the model with 5 years (2004-2008) of monthly salinity data from seven lakes in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Twin Cities Metropolitan Area of Minnesota, USA. Three of the seven lakes appear headed towards year-round volume averaged chloride concentrations above the 230-mg/L chronic standard for impairment to aquatic habitat. The two lakes with the lowest projected equilibrium concentrations of chloride have already reached equilibrium. One lake is projected to take an additional 40 years to reach equilibrium under current climate conditions and current road salt application rates. If road salt application rates are reduced in future winters, it is projected that the lakes will respond with noticeably lower chloride concentrations within 5 to 10 years. If road salt applications are discontinued altogether, chloride concentrations are projected to drop to natural levels within 10 to 30 years in all seven lakes. A reduction of application rates by 50% would result in annual volumetric average chloride concentrations below the chronic standard.
Rapid determination of the effectiveness of insect resistant packaging

A technique was developed to evaluate the usefulness of odour barriers and to determine the effect of package content in consumer size packages on resistance to infestation by insects. Female Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) could distinguish sealed packets containing food from non-food items as a suitable site for oviposition. Utilization ofthis technique will reduce the time needed to evaluate new materials for use in insect resistant packaging.
Community College Geography: A Question of Place

Abstract The claim is made that community college enrollment accounts for one-half of the enrollment in higher education. It would be reasonable to assume, therefore, that a significant amount of geographic instruction, particularly at the introductory level, takes place in community colleges. Despite this fact, community college geography remains in many ways a substantial terra incognita. It is not easy to generalize the relationship of community college geography to the discipline. Community college geography is so varied that discussion of the nature, scope, and standards of community college geography prevents simple generalizations. Understanding geography in community colleges involves the consideration of several questions of place. What is the place of community colleges in the structure of higher education? How has the place of the two-year college become marginal to higher education over recent decades? What kind of a place is a community college to work in? In this paper I will rely on persona...
A spectrally refined interface approach for simulating multiphase flows

This paper presents a novel approach to phase-interface transport based on pseudo-spectral sub-grid refinement of a level set function. In each flow solver grid cell, a set of quadrature points is introduced on which the value of the level set function is known. This methodology allows to define a polynomial reconstruction of the level set function in each cell. The transport is performed using a semi-Lagrangian technique, removing all constraints on the time step size. Such an approach provides sub-cell resolution of the phase-interface and leads to excellent accuracy in the transport, while a reasonable cost is obtained by pre-computing some of the metrics associated with the polynomials. To couple this approach with a flow solver, an converging curvature computation is introduced. First, a second order explicit distance to the sub-grid interface is reconstructed on the flow solver mesh. Then, a least squares approach is employed to extract the curvature from this distance function. This technique is found to combine the high accuracy and good conservation found in the particle level set method with the converging curvature usually obtained with classical high order PDE transport of the level set function. Tests are presented for both transport as well as two-phase flows, that suggest that this technique is capable of retaining the thin liquid structures that are expected in turbulent atomization of liquids.
Gas–particle partitioning of semi-volatile organics on organic aerosols using a predictive activity coefficient model: analysis of the effects of parameter choices on model performance

Abstract The partitioning of a diverse set of semivolatile organic compounds (SOCs) on a variety of organic aerosols was studied using smog chamber experimental data. Existing data on the partitioning of SOCs on aerosols from wood combustion, diesel combustion, and the α-pinene-O3 reaction was augmented by carrying out smog chamber partitioning experiments on aerosols from meat cooking, and catalyzed and uncatalyzed gasoline engine exhaust. Model compositions for aerosols from meat cooking and gasoline combustion emissions were used to calculate activity coefficients for the SOCs in the organic aerosols and the Pankow absorptive gas/particle partitioning model was used to calculate the partitioning coefficient Kp and quantitate the predictive improvements of using the activity coefficient. The slope of the log K p vs. log p L 0 correlation for partitioning on aerosols from meat cooking improved from −0.81 to −0.94 after incorporation of activity coefficients i γ om . A stepwise regression analysis of the partitioning model revealed that for the data set used in this study, partitioning predictions on α-pinene-O3 secondary aerosol and wood combustion aerosol showed statistically significant improvement after incorporation of i γ om , which can be attributed to their overall polarity. The partitioning model was sensitive to changes in aerosol composition when updated compositions for α-pinene-O3 aerosol and wood combustion aerosol were used. The octanol–air partitioning coefficient's (KOA) effectiveness as a partitioning correlator over a variety of aerosol types was evaluated. The slope of the log K p − log K OA correlation was not constant over the aerosol types and SOCs used in the study and the use of KOA for partitioning correlations can potentially lead to significant deviations, especially for polar aerosols.
Development of an Arabidopsis thaliana-based bioassay for investigating seed colonization by mycotoxigenic Aspergillus species

Seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana are hosts for three mycotoxin-producing Aspergillus species, A. flavus, A. nidulans and A. parasiticus, enabling an Aspergillus-Arabidopsis infection (AAI) assay to be developed. The AAI assay involved inoculation of 10- to 12-mg aliquots of uniformly cultivated, surface-sterilized A. thaliana seeds in microcentrifuge tubes. Use of microcentrifuge tubes facilitated qualitative and quantitative analyses of post-infection characteristics such as sporulation and mycotoxin production. Cultivation of A. thaliana seeds under uniform environmental conditions is necessary to limit genotype-independent seed-lot variability. Using the A. nidulans oxylipin mutant, ΔppoABC, and two well-characterized A. thaliana pathogen-defence mutants, ein2-1 and pad4-1, the AAI assay permitted genetic analysis of seed infection and mycotoxin production. Sporulation, but not mycotoxin production, was impaired in A. nidulans ΔppoABC, while A. thaliana ein2-1 and pad4-1 had a small but detectable influence on A. nidulans sporulation that appeared to be dependent on seed age.
Genomic analysis of individual differences in ethanol drinking: evidence for non-genetic factors in C57BL/6 mice.

Genetic analysis of factors affecting risk to develop excessive ethanol drinking has been extensively studied in humans and animal models for over 20 years. However, little progress has been made in determining molecular mechanisms underlying environmental or non-genetic events contributing to variation in ethanol drinking. Here, we identify persistent and substantial variation in ethanol drinking behavior within an inbred mouse strain and utilize this model to identify gene networks influencing such “non-genetic” variation in ethanol intake. C57BL/6NCrl mice showed persistent inter-individual variation of ethanol intake in a two-bottle choice paradigm over a three-week period, ranging from less than 1 g/kg to over 14 g/kg ethanol in an 18 h interval. Differences in sweet or bitter taste susceptibility or litter effects did not appreciably correlate with ethanol intake variation. Whole genome microarray expression analysis in nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex and ventral midbrain region of individual animals identified gene expression patterns correlated with ethanol intake. Results included several gene networks previously implicated in ethanol behaviors, such as glutamate signaling, BDNF and genes involved in synaptic vesicle function. Additionally, genes functioning in epigenetic chromatin or DNA modifications such as acetylation and/or methylation also had expression patterns correlated with ethanol intake. In verification for the significance of the expression findings, we found that a histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A, caused an increase in 2-bottle ethanol intake. Our results thus implicate specific brain regional gene networks, including chromatin modification factors, as potentially important mechanisms underlying individual variation in ethanol intake.
Efficacy and cost effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy in women with node-negative breast cancer: A decision-analysis model

Abstract Background. In 1988 the National Cancer Institute issued a Clinical Alert that has been widely interpreted as recommending that all women with node-negative breast cancer receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Acceptance of this recommendation is controversial, since many women who would not have a recurrence would be treated. Methods. Using a decision-analysis model, we studied the cost effectiveness of chemotherapy in cohorts of 45-year-old and 60-year-old women with node-negative breast cancer by calculating life expectancy as adjusted for quality of life. The analysis evaluated different scenarios of the benefit of therapy: improved disease-free survival for five years, with a lesser effect on overall survival (base line); a lifelong benefit from chemotherapy; and a benefit in disease-free survival with no change in overall survival by year 10. The base-line analysis assumed a 30 percent reduction in the relative risk of recurrence for five years after treatment. Results. For the 45-year-old woman, t...
Quadrupole components of the human surface electrocardiogram

Abstract The equivalent heart dipole and quadrupole were determined on a normal male subject for two origins in the heart region. Determinations were based on a detailed measurement of the torso surface geometry, a digital computer solution of transfer impedances relating unit dipole and quadrupole components to surface potentials they generate, and the measurement of 284 ECG's. Addition of the quadrupole contribution gave a better fit to the surface ECG. The RMS error during QRS was 0.091 mv. for dipole alone and 0.054 mv. for dipole plus quadrupole representing respectively 23 per cent and 14 per cent of the total RMS value of the recorded ECG's. Similar values for P were 0.024 mv. (46 per cent) for dipole and 0.015 mv. (29 per cent) for dipole plus quadrupole. For T the results were 0.058 mv. (22 per cent) and 0.048 mv. (18 per cent).
Practical Solution Concepts for Planning and Designing Roadways

Developing a procedure that yields up to the maximum margin of return for the investment requires an approach that takes into account specific safety issues and the commensurate design elements for each roadway. Kentucky’s highway agency has embarked upon an initiative tagged “practical solutions” which sets its goal toward reducing costs throughout the project development process extended into operations and maintenance of all highway facilities. This operationally defines a design procedure within the context of practical solutions and sets up the guiding principles of the approach. The most critical component of practical solutions in planning and design is the definition and clarification of the initial project concept (its specific goals and objectives) since it is the corner stone of the project and used to significantly contain the cost and impact of a project. Traditional design tends to seek as high a design speed as reasonable with the aim to reduce travel time. Practical design requires that le...
Characterization of thick cryogenic fuel layers using convergent-beam interferometry: A numerical investigation

The inner-surface roughness of thick cryogenic-fuel layers in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets plays a critical role in determining the overall success of an ICF capsule implosion. Imperfections at this surface affect the growth of Raleigh–Taylor hydrodynamic instabilities during both the acceleration and deceleration phases of the implosion. Characterization of this surface is performed using a Mach–Zehnder interferometer that illuminates the target with a wavefront that is convergent to a point near the targets’ rear focal point, thereby reducing the strong negative-lens effects of the thick cryogenic fuel layer. The construction of this interferometer is described in the text. Phase-shifting interferometry is utilized to acquire the perturbed wavefronts that have passed through the target. These wavefronts are subsequently sampled around the target perimeter and decomposed into a one-dimensional Fourier spectrum, which is Abel transformed into a two-dimensional (2D) spectrum. The validity of c...
Shear-enhanced compaction in sandstone under nominally dry and water-saturated conditions

Abstract To investigate the effect of interstitial water on compressive strength in the cataclastic flow regime, hydrostatic and triaxial compression tests were conducted on Berea and Darley Dale sandstones under nominally dry and saturated conditions at room temperature. Both hydrostatic and nonhydrostatic compaction were significantly enhanced in the presence of water. Inelastic behavior and failure mode of the nominal dry samples were qualitatively similar to those of water-saturated samples. At elevated pressures shear localization was inhibited, and all the samples failed by strain hardening. Initiation of shear.enhanced compaction (at the critical stress C*) was marked by a surge in acoustic emission activity. The compactive yield stress C* decreased with increasing effective mean stress, mapping out an approximately elliptical yield envelope in agreement with the critical state and cap models. An associated flow rule predicts compactive volumetric strains that are in good agreement with experimental observations. Shear.enhanced compaction in nominally dry samples initiated at stress levels higher than those in water-saturated samples. Significant weakening due to the presence of water was observed in Darley Dale sandstone. In Berea sandstone the weakening effect was relatively small. Microstructural observations indicate that shear.enhanced compaction was triggered by intragranular cracking emanated from grain contacts. In the presence of water, the critical stress intensity for crack growth in reduced, and the resultant subcritical crack growth may explain the overall reduction in stress level for the onset and development of shear.enhanced compaction.