cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced detection of nitroaromatic vapors with a cryotrap and solute modulation through electron attachment reactions

An integrated approach for enhanced detection of nitroaromatic compounds in the vapor phase is being investigated. The approach involves the use of a very low volume cryoconcentrator with rapid desorbing capabilities. The concentrator desorber is coupled to solute modulated detection systems. Modulation of nitroaromatics via electron attachment reactions holds potential for nitroaromatics because of high electron affinity of these compounds. Under suitable conditions, i.e., low solute concentration and high electron population, these reactions occur at coulometric limits. The results show that the concentrator system permits rapid, quantitative enrichment of semivolatile nitroaromatics. Results of electron attachment reaction show that these reactions lead to disintegration of nitroaromatic radicals while the potentially interfering compounds such as polyhalogenated aromatics undergo hydrochlorination and yield distinctive products. These differences can be used for modulation of nitroaromatic compounds at low concentrations.
Attempts to condition homing pigeons to magnetic stimuli

Ninety-seven homing pigeons were tested for their ability to detect small changes in magnetic fields. The tests, which were intended to corroborate and extend those reported by Reille (1968), were performed in uniform magnetic fields using 2 m diameter Helmholtz coils (series I), and also in non-uniform fields using 24 cm diameter coils (series II). There were no significant differences between responses to magnetic fields and control tests, though significant responses to a light flash demonstrated the overall viability of the test method, which was a classically conditioned increase in heart rate. In series I there were indications of a difference between two magnet treatments, steady fields vs. alternating fields, but in a more sensitive test for the same effect in series II no differences were observed.
Outflow pressure reduces lymph flow rate from various tissues

Abstract We previously reported that the very act of cannulating a lung lymph vessel could alter the unique flow characteristics that existed within the lymphatic before cannulation. We postulated that this phenomenon could hold true for lymphatics draining any organ within the body. Since it is frequently important to know the relationship between the transmicrovascular fluid flux and true lymph flow rate, it would be critical that a cannulated lymphatic vessel have the same flow characteristics as those uncannulated vessels draining the same organ. In order to test our hypothesis we cannulated lymph vessels draining the heart, liver, small intestine, kidney, and skeletal muscle. By altering the lymphatic outflow pressure (normally related to systemic venous pressure) and by using lymphatic cannulas of various resistance, we were able to demonstrate that lymph flow varied linearly with lymphatic outflow pressure in every organ. By increasing transmicrovascular fluid flux and lymph flow rate in each organ we were also able to demonstrate that effective resistance of the lymphatic vessels and the effective pressure driving lymph flow varied as a function of the physical characteristics of the organ under investigation. Characteristic effective resistances of the heart, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney, and small intestine lymphatics decreased by 83, 40, 61, 36, and 50%, respectively. Along with these changes in effective resistance, the effective lymph driving pressure in the same organs varied by 49, 0, 257, 0, and 63%, respectively. We conclude that the lymph flow from all of the organs studied varies linearly with changes in lymphatic outflow pressure and that lymphatic resistance and lymph driving pressure vary in a unique manner in each organ depending on the physical characteristics of that organ.
The isotopic effects of electron transfer: An explanation for Fe isotope fractionation in nature

Isotope fractionation of electroplated Fe was measured as a function of applied electrochemical potential. As plating voltage was varied from 0.9 V to 2.0 V, the isotopic signature of the electroplated iron became depleted in heavy Fe, with 56 Fe values (relative to IRMM-14) ranging from 0.18(0.02) to 2.290(0.006) ‰, and corresponding 57 Fe values of 0.247(0.014) and 3.354(0.019) ‰. This study demonstrates that there is a voltage-dependent isotope fractionation associated with the reduction of iron. We show that Marcus's theory for the kinetics of electron transfer can be extended to include the isotope effects of electron transfer, and that the extended theory accounts for the voltage dependence of Fe isotope fractionation. The magnitude of the electrochemically-induced fractionation is similar to that of Fe reduction by certain bacteria, suggesting that similar electrochemical processes may be responsible for biogeochemical Fe isotope effects. Charge transfer is a fundamental physicochemical process involving Fe as well as other transition metals with multiple isotopes. Partitioning of isotopes among elements with varying redox states holds promise as a tool in a wide range of the Earth and environmental sciences, biology, and industry. Copyright © 2005 Elsevier Ltd
At the cords, the pinkie towards: interpreting infraclavicular motor responses to neurostimulation

Identification of elicited muscle twitches while performing infraclavicular block of the brachial plexus is often confusing but is critical for success of the block. An easily defined endpoint when evaluating these motor responses to neurostimulation is essential, as it is necessary to block the appropriate cord or cords. In addition to an extensive review of the motor and sensory neuroanatomy of the upper extremity, we describe an easy method to learn and remember the motor response to stimulation of each of the cords of the brachial plexus. If the arm is positioned in the anatomical position, the 5th digit (pinkie) moves laterally (pronation of the forearm) when the lateral cord is stimulated, posteriorly (extension) when the posterior cord is stimulated, and medially (flexion) when the medial cord is stimulated. The pinkie thus moves “toward” the cord that is stimulated.
Coumarin-Caged Glycine that Can Be Photolyzed within 3 μs by Visible Light†

The synthesis and characterization of a new photolabile precursor of glycine (coumarin-caged glycine) are reported. The new compound is suitable for rapid chemical kinetic investigations of the membrane-bound neurotransmitter receptor activated by glycine. Unlike previously used caging groups for glycine, this precursor can be photolyzed rapidly and efficiently in the visible wavelength region. This allows the use of a relatively inexpensive light source. The alpha-carboxyl group of glycine was covalently coupled to the 7-(diethylamino)coumarin (DECM) caging group. The caged compound has a major absorption band with a maximum at 390 nm (epsilon390 = 13,900 M-1 cm-1). Photolysis was performed at wavelengths of >or=400 nm (epsilon400 = 12,400 M-1 cm-1). Under physiological conditions, DECM-caged glycine is water soluble and stable. In the visible wavelength region, it photolyzes rapidly to release glycine with a half-life of approximately 2.5 micrometers and a quantum yield of 0.12 +/- 0.01. The experimental results demonstrated that neither DECM-caged glycine nor its byproduct inhibits or activates human alpha1 glycine receptors expressed on the surface of HEK 293 cells.
Protective Effect of Para-Aminopropiophenone Against Lethal Doses of X-Radiation

SummaryPara-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) when injected intraperitoneally in mice produces a maximum methemoglobinemia in 30 minutes with only a slight decrease in the methemoglobin level after 60 minutes. Of 180 mice given a single exposure of 800 r total-body X-radiation 100% of 60 controls died within 30 days. Pre-treatment of groups of the remaining 120 mice with PAPP in doses of 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/kg, 30 minutes before X-ray exposure, resulted in 30-day survival rates of 45, 50, 60, and 72.5%, respectively. Injection of 50 mg/kg of PAPP after irradiation did not affect mortality. In a preliminary test pre-treatment with PAPP also reduced the 30-day mortality in rats exposed to X-radiation.
Determination of bile acid profiles in scat samples of wild animals by liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry

A practical and accurate analytical method using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was developed to determine the bile acid profile in the scat samples of various wild animals such as mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, raccoon, fox, etc. Bile acid extraction from the scat sample of the wild animals and its detection using the LC-MS technique are very easy and can be done in a short period of time with good resolution. The bile acid profiles are different in each species and the analytical method is very effective in identifying the wild animals under investigation. The detection limits of all bile acids were very low (∼1.0 ng mL−1) and the analytical method provides excellent reproducibility.
ENERGETICS OF AMMONIUM DINITRAMIDE DECOMPOSITION STEPS

Abstract The structures, energies at 0 K and enthalpies at 298 K have been computed for 37 molecules, ions and transition states that have been implicated in the thermal decomposition of ammonium dinitramide. A density functional procedure was used: DF/B3P86/6–31 + G ∗∗. These data permit the calculation of ΔH (298 K) for a large number of possible decomposition steps; some of these results are presented and discussed. Computed values are reported for the lattice enthalpy of ammonium dinitramide, ΔH (298 K) = 144 kcal mol−1, its heat of sublimation to NH3 + HN(NO2)2 ΔH, (298 K) = 44 kcal mol−1, and the gas phase heat of formation of HN(NO 2 ) 2 , ΔH 298 ƒ = 19 kcal mol −1 .
Impact enhanced surface diffusion during impurity induced sputter cone formation

Abstract The impact of an energetic ion onto a surface can result in enhanced surface diffusion of nearby impurity adatoms. With moderate current densities, in the range of mA cm 2 , the impact enhanced diffusion can exceed the normal thermal surface diffusion at 200–400°C. This effect is observed in impurity induced sputter cone formation. These sputter cones have been shown to be related to the surface diffusion of adatoms. In the pure thermal surface diffusion case, the spacing of the sputter cones is dependent both on the bulk temperature and on the (sputtering) ion current density. The dependence on the ion current density (R) for thermal diffusion is R −1 2 . In impact enhanced diffusion, this dependence is changed to R+1. This can also be described in terms of an effective surface temperature: that temperature at which thermal surface diffusion alone would account for the observed thermal and impact enhanced diffusion. In one observation, a bulk temperature of 300°C and a current density of 1 mA cm 2 combine to an effective temperature of 525°C.
Redox regulation of cardiac muscle calcium signaling.

ABSTRACT Signal transduction for cardiac muscle contraction is regulated by the Ca2+-induced Ca2+-release mechanism. Redox reactions by biological oxidants and antioxidants have been shown to alter the kinetics of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release. We postulate that altered kinetics of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release may divert the contractile pool of Ca2+ to elicit excitation-transcription coupling. We provide evidence that redox reactions regulate excitation-transcription coupling by showing that membrane depolarization may activate the GATA4 transcription factor only when the cells are pretreated with hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, redox regulation of the ryanodine receptor may serve as a mechanism to determine whether the contractile pool of Ca2+ should signal gene transcription during excitation-contraction coupling.
Evaluation of the fracture behaviour of nylon 6/SEBS-g-MA blends

High speed fracture behaviour of nylon 6/SEBS-g-MA blends with rather small rubber particles near the lower limit for rubber toughening is characterized by the standard Izod impact test and the Vu-Khanh methodology. This characterization expands on previous reports that have examined the standard Izod impact strength of nylon 6 blends with various maleic anhydride grafted styrene-(ethylene-co-butylene)-styrene (SEBS-g-MA) materials including the ductile-brittle transition behaviour that occurs when the rubber particle size and the test temperature are varied. Load-deflection curves and impact strength of blends with different rubber particle sizes, using both thick and thin specimens, are also reported. Load-deflection curves of tough blends do not show significant differences after normalization by specimen thickness. Morphological features near crack tips formed at high speed were examined by microscopy to gain insight about the sequence of events that occur during crack propagation. All blends examined here show four different regions, i.e. an extensive shear yield zone, a shear yield zone, a cavitation zone and an apparent non-deformed zone within a visible whitened zone. Vu-Khanh parameters, fracture energy at initiation and tearing modulus, show a strong relation to the average rubber particle size and the deformed zone size.
Reconstructing Spectrum Occupancies for Wideband Cognitive Radio Networks: A Matrix Completion via Belief Propagation

In wideband cognitive radio networks having multiple channels, it improves the efficiency of spectrum access to predict the states of unsensed channels at different locations. On considering the channel states as a matrix, whose rows are the indices of locations and columns are the indices of channels, the prediction of channel states is essentially a matrix completion, i.e. reconstructing the whole matrix by using a few known entries. Due to the challenges of high dimensionality and decentralization, as well as the {\em a priori} information about the similarity between adjacent channels or locations, the traditional matrix completion approaches, like singular value decomposition (SVD) and nuclear norm optimization, are inefficient. In this paper, we propose to apply the framework of Belief Propagation (BP) for the matrix completion. Both centralized and decentralized versions are introduced. Numerical simulation results show that the proposed BP framework can effectively predict the channel states and thus efficiently orient the spectrum sensing of secondary users. Numerical simulations have shown that, for a scenario with 20000 frequency-space pairs, we can achieve a reconstruction error rate less than 20% (5%) with sampling rate 1% (15%). It is also demonstrated that our proposed algorithm significantly outperforms the general-purpose SVD based matrix completion algorithm.
Usefulness of EEG in the evaluation of brain death in children: the pros.

The confirmatory tests most frequently used in the evaluation of the cerebral function are cerebral blood flow (CBF) studies and the EEG. Absence of CBF by 4-vessel angiography is considered to be the most reliable test to determine cerebral death but the logistics of obtaining this study preclude its use. The accuracy and reliability of the EEG in the diagnosis of brain death have been frequently questioned (Drake et al. 1986; Vernon and Holtzman 1986) despite the existence of studies
Modeling microstructure evolution in three dimensions with Grain3D and LaGriT

This paper will describe modeling microstructure evolution using a combination of our gradient-weighted moving finite elements code, Grain3D and our 3-D unstructured grid generation and optimization code, LaGriT. Grain boundaries evolve by mean curvature motion, and Grain3D allows for the incorporation of grain boundary orientation dependence modeled as anisotropic mobility and energy. We also describe the process of generating an initial computational grid from images obtained from electron backscatter diffraction. We present the grid optimization operations developed to respond to changes in the physical topology such as the collapse of grains and to maintain uniform computational grid quality. For 3-D columnar microstructures, validation of the method is demonstrated by comparison with experiments. For large systems of fully 3-D microstructures, simulations compare favorably to the parabolic law of normal grain growth.
Ultraviolet ultrafast pump–probe laser based on a Ti:sapphire laser system

An ultrafast spectroscopic pump–probe apparatus for detection of ultraviolet time-resolved spectra is described. Frequency doubling of an 810-nm 0.3-TW Ti:sapphire laser system yields 15-mJ 165-fs pulses at 405 nm. We obtain pulse energies of 0.8 mJ by frequency tripling to 270 nm. An ultraviolet supercontinuum extending from 200 to 600 nm is also generated in water by use of the frequency-doubled 405-nm light. The system operates at a 5-Hz repetition rate and is useful for applications in deep-ultraviolet pump–probe subpicosecond spectroscopy.
The Peasant Household Economy and Decollectivization in China

"A critical problem of the people's commune system was the inability to resolve the "free rider" problem within the framework of collective agriculture. The appeal of household production to both the State and peasants has been the dramatic increase in agricultural productivity and household income. Unlike collective farming, household production minimizes the "free rider" dilemma. Decollectivization and the expansion of rural markets has brought about significant socio-economic changes in the Chinese countryside, some unintended by State reformers. These unintended consequences of decollectivization, however, threaten to undermine the social goals of the Chinese Communist Party."
Engage your students by teaching programming using only mobile devices with TouchDevelop (abstract only)

We are experiencing a technology shift: Powerful and easy-to-use touchscreen-based mobile devices like smartphones and tablets are becoming more prevalent than traditional PCs and laptops. We propose that computer programming, and thus teaching of programming, can and should be done directly on the mobile devices themselves, without the need for a separate PC or laptop to write code. In this workshop, participants will learn about developing software directly on smartphones without a PC using TouchDevelop, a novel application creation environment on Windows Phone 7 from Microsoft Research (http://touchdevelop.com). Its typed, structured programming language is built around the idea of only using a touchscreen as the input device to author code. A semi-structured code editor makes it easy to navigate between different syntax elements. By inferring types and mining previously written programs, the editor provides highly predictive auto-completion suggestions to the user. The language provides built-in primitives that make it easy to access the rich sensor data available on a mobile device. Programming on mobile devices engages students in new ways, allowing them to access and manipulate programmatically their most personal digital data such as pictures, videos, and music. Programming on smartphones which we carry around with us at all times means instant gratification for students, as they can show their games and applications to their friends, and it means that students can do their homework or additional practicing at all times. For this workshop, a laptop is optional; Windows Phone 7 devices will be provided for exercises.
Fos expression induced by changes in arterial pressure is localized in distinct, longitudinally organized columns of neurons in the rat midbrain periaqueductal gray

The distribution of neurons expressing Fos within the periaqueductal gray (PAG) following pharmacologically induced high or low blood pressure was examined to determine (1) if PAG neurons are responsive to changes in arterial pressure (AP) and (2) the relationship of these cells to the functionally defined hypertensive and hypotensive columns in PAG. Changes in AP differentially induced robust Fos expression in neurons confined to discrete, longitudinally organized columns within PAG. Increased AP produced extensive Fos-like immunoreactivity within the lateral PAG, beginning at the level of the oculomotor nucleus. At the level of the dorsal raphe, Fos expression induced by increased AP shifted dorsally, into the dorsolateral division of PAG; this pattern of Fos labeling was maintained throughout the caudal one-third of PAG. Double-labeling for Fos and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase confirmed that Fos-positive cells induced by increased AP were located in the dorsolateral division of PAG at these caudal levels. Fos positive cells were codistributed, but not colocalized, with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase-positive cells. Decreased AP evoked a completely different pattern of Fos expression. Fos-positive cells were predominantly located within the ventrolateral PAG region, extending from the level of the trochlear nucleus through the level of the caudal dorsal raphe. Double-labeling studies for Fos and serotonin indicated that only 1-2 double-labeled cells per section were present. Saline infusion resulted in very few Fos-like immunoreactive cells, indicating that volume receptor activation does not account for Fos expression in PAG evoked by changes in AP. These results indicate that (1) substantial numbers of PAG neurons are excited by pharmacologically induced changes in AP and (2) excitatory barosensitive PAG neurons are anatomically segregated based on their responsiveness to a specific directional change in AP.
Rural Nonfarm Activities and Agricultural Crop Production in Nigeria

Although most rural households are involved in the farm sector, the nonfarm sector has grown significantly in recent decades, and its role in rural development has become increasingly important. This article examines the effect of participation in nonfarm activities on crop expenses of farm households in Nigeria. The relationship is modeled using a nonseparable agricultural household model that suggests that participating in nonfarm activities can relax the credit constraints facing farm households and reduce risk thereby helping households improve farm production and smooth consumption over time. The results show that participation in nonfarm activities by Nigerian farmers has a positive and significant effect on crop expenses and in particular on payments for hired labor and inorganic fertilizers. Separate analysis of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria indicates that it is in the South-South and South-East zones where nonfarm participation appears to induce more hiring of labor. The results support the hypothesis that nonfarm participation helps relax liquidity constraints but suggests how that liquidity is used is zone-specific. In general, the results also indicate that liquidity is used more to pay for inputs into staple production as opposed to cash crops.
Updating microbial genomic sequences: improving accuracy & innovation

Many bacterial genome sequences completed using the Sanger method may contain assembly errors due in-part to low sequence coverage driven by cost. To illustrate the need for re-sequencing of pre-nextgen genomes and to validate sequenced genomes, we conducted a series of experiments, using high coverage sequencing data generated by a Illumina Miseq sequencer to sequence genomic DNAs of Bacteroides fragilis NCTC 9343, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Paratyphi A str. ATCC 9150, Vibrio cholerae O1 biovar El Tor str. N16961, Bacillus halodurans C-125 and Caulobacter crescentus CB15, which had previously been sequenced by the Sanger method during the early 2000’s. This study revealed a number of discrepancies between the published assemblies and sequence read alignments for all five bacterial species, suggesting that the continued use of these error-containing genomes and their genetic information may contribute to false conclusions and/or incorrect future discoveries when they are used.
On the Shannon capacity of discrete time queues

Motivated by the analysis of high speed packet switched networks like ATM networks and the work on bits through queues, we analyze the information theoretic capacity of a discrete time queue. We assume that time is divided into slots and a random number of identical packets arrive during each slot. A server serves a random number of packets in a slot. We consider various cases of this channel, some of which are analogous to the continuous time case considered by Ananthram and Verdu (see IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, vol.IT-42, p.4-18, 1996) and others which show some interesting new features.
Nurse editors' views on the peer review process

A growing body of research challenges the inter-rater reliability of peer reviewers and the value of reviewer training or blinding in improving the quality of manuscript reviews, but double-blinded peer review of papers remains a relatively unexamined standard for nursing journals. Using data from a larger emailed survey, the views of 88 nurse editors on peer review were analyzed using content analysis. The majority of nurse editors reported that blinding was important in peer review, to maintain objectivity and avoid negative personal or professional consequences. The minority who saw potential benefits of open review valued increased transparency in the reviewing and editorial decision-making process. An excellent review was viewed as containing specific instructions on how the deficits in a manuscript might be remedied. Common weaknesses of reviews were lack of specificity and inappropriate focus. Virtually all editors provided some form of preparation or guidance to reviewers. Peer review has an impact on nurses' workload and careers, and training in writing and critique should be included in nursing education.
Outcome following multiple repeated spinal cord untethering operations

Object. Patients who have undergone prior myelomeningocele or lipomyelomeningocele repair may present with symptomatic retethering of the spinal cord. In some cases, symptomatic tethering may recur after previous untethering operations. The expected outcome following repeated untethering in a patient after two or more prior untethering operations is not well described. Methods. The authors examined surgical indications, techniques, and outcomes for 30 repeated untethering operations in 22 patients who had undergone a previous repair of the primary spinal disorder and at least two subsequent untethering operations. The mean age at repeated untethering was 12.3 years. Presenting symptoms were pain (70%), weakness (70%), urinary symptoms (57%), and sensory changes (27%). The mean duration of symptoms was 7.5 months, and a longer symptomatic interval correlated with an increased number of prior operations. Total circumferential untethering was accomplished in 11 cases (37%). Postoperative symptomatic improvement was noted most often for pain (81%), and less often for urinary symptoms (53%) and weakness (48%). Complications included postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage or pseudomeningocele and new postoperative lower-extremity dysesthesia in five cases (17%). An increasing number of prior untethering operations was associated with a worse result for pain relief and a greater chance of significant morbidity. Conclusions. Multiple repeated untethering operations offer symptomatic relief to well-selected patients with this condition.
Recipients of the 2015 Early Career Investigator Awards

This is the tenth year of competition for ATVB Early Career Investigator Awards. The Awards recognize articles published in ATVB in 2014 that were submitted by new investigators and judged to be the most outstanding in the Atherosclerosis/Lipoprotein, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology sections of the journal. The 3 awards are named for Dr Daniel Steinberg, who devised a method to determine the site of degradation of the proteins and lipids of …
STAGE pT1 CONVENTIONAL (CLEAR CELL) RENAL CELL CARCINOMA: PATHOLOGICAL FEATURES ASSOCIATED WITH CANCER SPECIFIC SURVIVAL

Purpose: The features predictive of aggressive behavior in stage pT1 conventional (clear cell) renal cell carcinoma are not completely known. We evaluated pathological features in a large series of stage pT1 conventional renal cell carcinoma cases and examined the association of these features with cancer specific survival.Materials and Methods: Patients with solitary stage pT1 conventional renal cell carcinoma who underwent radical nephrectomy between 1970 and 1997 were eligible for study. For each of the 46 patients who died of renal cell carcinoma we selected a stratified random sample of at least 3 year matched controls who were still alive or dead of other causes. The study included 277 patients. We evaluated patient age at nephrectomy, sex, tumor size, Fuhrman grade, necrosis and sarcomatoid component. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were fit to assess the features associated with cancer specific survival.Results: Multivariate modeling revealed that tumor size, Fuhrman gr...
Electromagnetic power transportation using a smart antenna array

A novel antenna loop array design algorithm is proposed for electromagnetic power transportation applications. The proposed method works to maximize coupling between the transmitting array and the receiving loop antenna. The scattering matrix of the loop array in addition to the receiving loop is computed using a full-wave simulator. The magnitude and phase of the excitation coefficients are determined by a set of matching networks feeding the transmitting elements in the loop array and the receiving loop element by a circuit simulator. All coupling has been optimized within the MF and HF bands, with the maximum frequency at 10MHz. Preliminary results show minimum losses of −5dB at 5m. The matching networks can be tuned adaptively for a dynamic environment or to couple power to a moving loop.
Effects of sprayer operating parameters on airborne drift from citrus air-carrier sprayers

Florida citrus is mostly sprayed with various types of air-carrier sprayers. These sprayers differ substantially in design features and are normally operated at different volume rates and ground speeds, during day and night applications. The main objective of this study was to characterize drift potential (not total drift) of several commonly used citrus sprayers when operated under typical application conditions (different operating variables). Drift potential of the applications was assessed by capturing samples of airborne spray droplets with two high-volume air samplers, positioned above tree canopies at two sides of the spray course. For most applications, higher spray volumes (larger droplets) showed significantly reduced drift potential than lower volumes. Higher ground speed appeared to have more drift potential compared to lower speed but the effect of speed was not significant. Nozzles with comparatively lower flow rates (smaller droplets) were generally more drift-prone than the ones with higher flow rates (larger droplets) and spray from the upper nozzle bank had higher drift potential than spray from lower nozzles. These results are comparative and could show the importance of optimizing spray variables to reduce drift from typical citrus applications. Keywords: s pray drift, spray volume rate, sprayer ground speed, air sampler, fluorometry
Stability analysis of an output feedback controller for the Penn State electrical ventricular assist device

The development of a controller which minimizes the energy consumption of the implanted electric ventricular assist device (EVAD) and remains stable for the duration of the implantation is considered. The EVAD model has four state variables, only one of which is measurable in vivo. An output feedback control law that utilizes the single available state and minimizes the EVAD's energy consumption has been derived. The inclusion of the output feedback gain in the model results in a time-varying plant for which stability has to be proved. The EVAD is a pulsatile device which operates in a periodic manner. By recognizing this periodic nature, the time-varying model can be transformed into a linear time-invariant model that describes the periodic values of the system states. This linear time-variant model is used for determining whether the output feedback control law can meet the necessary and sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability. >
Streptococcus pneumoniae infection of the lumbar epidural spine: a rare condition with distinctive signs requiring specialized intervention

Introduction: Bacterial infection of the vertebral column is uncommon, but when it occurs, the meninges are at high risk. Case presentation: A patient presented with acute-onset back pain and signs of inflammation, excluding an elevated white count and bacteraemia. Laminectomy specimens showed infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae. No previous source of possible seeding of the bacteria was identified. Conclusion: The infection responded to intravenous ceftriaxone. This case informs us to be aware of infection in a case of back pain even without a prior source of infection.
The cell-based L-glutathione protection assays to study endocytosis and recycling of plasma membrane proteins

Membrane trafficking involves transport of proteins from the plasma membrane to the cell interior (i.e. endocytosis) followed by trafficking to lysosomes for degradation or to the plasma membrane for recycling. The cell based L-glutathione protection assays can be used to study endocytosis and recycling of protein receptors, channels, transporters, and adhesion molecules localized at the cell surface. The endocytic assay requires labeling of cell surface proteins with a cell membrane impermeable biotin containing a disulfide bond and the N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester at 4 oC - a temperature at which membrane trafficking does not occur. Endocytosis of biotinylated plasma membrane proteins is induced by incubation at 37 oC. Next, the temperature is decreased again to 4 oC to stop endocytic trafficking and the disulfide bond in biotin covalently attached to proteins that have remained at the plasma membrane is reduced with L-glutathione. At this point, only proteins that were endocytosed remain protected from L-glutathione and thus remain biotinylated. After cell lysis, biotinylated proteins are isolated with streptavidin agarose, eluted from agarose, and the biotinylated protein of interest is detected by western blotting. During the recycling assay, after biotinylation cells are incubated at 37 °C to load endocytic vesicles with biotinylated proteins and the disulfide bond in biotin covalently attached to proteins remaining at the plasma membrane is reduced with L-glutathione at 4 oC as in the endocytic assay. Next, cells are incubated again at 37 °C to allow biotinylated proteins from endocytic vesicles to recycle to the plasma membrane. Cells are then incubated at 4 oC, and the disulfide bond in biotin attached to proteins that recycled to the plasma membranes is reduced with L-glutathione. The biotinylated proteins protected from L-glutathione are those that did not recycle to the plasma membrane.
MK-801 improves retention in aged rats: implications for altered neural plasticity in age-related memory deficits.

Abstract Alterations in N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent synaptic plasticity, characteristic of aged rodents, may contribute to impaired memory with advanced age. The purpose of the current research was to examine whether NMDARs contribute to rapid forgetting on a spatial memory task. Aged (22–24 months) and adult (3–6 months) male Fischer 344 rats received 18 training trials, over a period of 3 to 4 h, on the spatial version of the Morris water maze. Immediately after training, a standard free-swim probe trial was administered to assess the acquisition of spatial bias, which was determined by the percent of time spent in the goal quadrant and the number of platform crossings. Rats then received injections of the noncompetitive NMDAR antagonist, (+)-10,11-dihydro-5methyl-5H-dibenzo(a,b)cycloheptene-5,10 imine (MK-801, 0.05 mg/kg, i.p.), or a vehicle injection of equal volume. Approximately 24 h later, rats were administered a second free-swim probe trial to assess retention of spatial bias. All age/drug groups exhibited a spatial bias on the acquisition probe, with adults generally outperforming the aged rats. On the retention probe, this spatial bias continued to be shown by adult rats, regardless of treatment. For the aged group, in contrast, only MK-801-injected rats maintained a spatial bias on the retention probe, suggesting that NMDAR activity may be involved in rapid forgetting during aging. Because blockade of NMDARs also may impair new learning, which may, in turn, protect previously stored information from retroactive interference, rats in a second experiment received post-training injections of scopolamine (0.05 mg/kg), a compound known to inhibit learning. However, scopolamine did not enhance retention in the aged group, consistent with the hypothesis that MK-801 influenced memory in aged rats through its actions on NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity.
Optical characterization of heterojunction bipolar transistors

We report the nondestructive, optical characterization of a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) structure using photoreflectance spectroscopy (PR) and spectral ellipsometry (SE). The PR results show good agreement with capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements for the dopant concentration in the n-GaAs collector layer. We find that PR provides a reasonable N/sub d/ for the emitter layer; whereas C-V analysis of the thin emitter layer provides only an upper-limit to the dopant concentration, PR provides a useful means of obtaining emitter and collector dopant concentrations quickly and nondestructively. We have developed a detailed SE model of the HBT structure and applied this model to obtain alloy compositions and layer thicknesses for the upper five of the nine HBT layers. Combining the structure and dopant concentration data obtained from critical layers of the HBT, we can screen the epitaxial material for potentially harmful structural deviations.
Full PMD compensation for ultrafast pulses

We demonstrate a full, wavelength-parallel PMD compensation scheme for sub-picosecond pulses. Two programmable double-pass pulse-shapers are used in series to correct the distorted polarization and phase spectra independently for a 602 fs pulse around 1550 nm.
Platelet and fibrin modification by radiographic contrast media.

The effect of the radiographic contrast agents, iopamidol and diatrizoate, on fibrin assembly and structure as well as platelet surface charge was studied. Increasing the iopamidol concentration from 0 to 4.5 mM prolongs the fibrin gelation time from 20 to 105 seconds (an anticoagulant effect) and reduces the fibrin fiber mass/length ratio from 3.2 x 10(12) to 0.5 x 10(12) Da/cm (i.e., produces very thin fibrin fibers). Ultraviolet difference spectroscopy of fibrinogen showed both a 15-nm shift in the ultraviolet difference maximum for iopamidol (suggesting binding) and a perturbation of the aromatic amino acid side chain region for fibrinogen (suggesting a conformational change in fibrinogen) as the concentration of iopamidol was increased from 0 to 9 mg/ml. Binding of iopamidol to fibrinogen was also shown by affinity chromatography using a Sepharose-fibrinogen column. Electrophoretic quasi elastic light scattering was used to show platelet interaction with iopamidol as reflected in a reduction in the platelet electrophoretic mobility from 2.0 to 0.5 (microns-cm)/(V-sec) as the concentration of iopamidol was increased from 0 to 4.5 mM. In addition, the ionic radiopaque contrast agent, Renografin, was also studied and found to inhibit fibrin monomer assembly. Although iopamidol is not shown to be thrombogenic, iopamidol does appear to reduce platelet surface charge, bind fibrinogen, and modify fibrin clot structure.
Gestational exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin induces developmental defects in the rat vagina.

At puberty, female rats exposed in utero to 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro- dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exhibit a persistent thread of mesenchy- mal tissue surrounded by keratinized epithelium that partially occludes the vaginal opening. Our objective was to determine the earliest time during fetal development that morphological signs of this vaginal canal malformation could be detected and to obtain greater insight into mechanisms involved in this effect. Pregnant rats were administered a single dose of vehicle (control) or TCDD (1.0 mg/kg, po) on gestation day (GD) 15 and were sacrificed on GD 18, 19, 20, and 21 for histological evaluation of female. Ges- tational exposure to TCDD affected vaginal morphogenesis as early as GD 19, 4 days after exposure of pregnant dams. In exposed fetuses, the thickness of mesenchymal tissue between the caudal Mullerian ducts was increased, which resulted in a failure of the Mullerian ducts to fuse, a process normally completed prior to parturition. In addition, TCDD exposure appeared to inhibit the regression of Wolffian ducts. Thus, TCDD interferes with vaginal development by impairing regression of the Wolffian ducts, by increasing the size of interductal mesenchyme, and by preventing fusion of the Mullerian ducts. Taken together, these
Evaluation of ultraviolet-photocatalytic oxidation of light alcohols at sub-parts per million concentrations

Ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation can be a promising technology as it has shown great potential in improving indoor air quality while concurrently providing an energy-efficient solution for application in the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems. At this time, there are some concerns regarding possible formation of toxic by-products from photocatalytic oxidation reactions that undermine the application of this technology in non-industrial buildings. This article reports the outcome of an experimental study on the evaluation of photocatalytic oxidation reactions of light alcoholic volatile organic compounds with nano TiO2 catalysts at different indoor air conditions. The removal efficiencies of tested individual volatile organic compounds and their by-products were compared at three different parts per billion-level challenge concentrations. Acetaldehyde and formaldehyde were identified as primary by-products, and no significant catalyst deactivation was found during the experiment. The reaction pathways and the selectivity of the reactions were investigated at different relative humidity levels. It is concluded that the humidity had dual effects on the oxidation rate in the case where the degradation rate of the compound under study was relatively higher under low relative humidity levels.
Post Sintering Oxygen Pressure Effects on the Jc of BPSCCO- Silver Clad Tapes

Many processing parameters affect the critical current of silver-clad tapes of Bi 2−x Pb x Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 10+y (2223) made by the powder in tube process. In this paper the effect of oxygen pressure during cooling from the final sintering step will be considered. It is shown that high oxygen pressures will destabilize the 2223 phase with formation of calcium plumbate and the lower Tc Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 1 Cu 2 O 8+y (2212) phase. This decomposition can drastically lower the critical current. It is shown that cooling in atmospheres containing about 5 % oxygen will avoid the calcium plumbate formation region.
Field Ionization and Field Ion Microscopy

Publisher Summary This chapter elaborates the various aspects of the field ionization and field ion microscopy. The ionization of a free atom by the tunnel effect in a high electric field is called field ionization. An analysis of the energy distribution can be used to localize the origin of the ions, and the best resolution in energy can be obtained by applying the retarding potential method with spherical symmetry. This arrangement has proved its usefulness in the measurements of energy distribution of field-emitted electrons. The case of field emission of positive ions that originate from a bound state at the metal surface, either in the form of adsorbed atoms and ions is considered. A general feature of field desorption of electropositive adsorbates is the increase of desorption field with increasing degree of coverage, as seen for barium. The results obtainable from field desorption measurements promise to present a valuable supplement for the investigation of adsorption phenomena by providing a new range of data beyond the conventional measurements of activation energies for surface migration and thermal desorption. The technique of field ion microscopy is also described.
Micromachined magnetoflexoelastic resonator based magnetometer

In this paper, we demonstrate the performance of a magnetoflexoelastic magnetometer consisting of a micromachined ultra-thin (7.5 μm) quartz bulk acoustic resonator on which 500 nm thick magnetostrictive Metglas® (Fe85B5Si10) film is deposited. The resonance frequency of the unimorph resonator structure is sensitively affected by the magnetostrictively induced flexoelastic effect in quartz and is exploited to detect low frequency (<100 Hz) and nanoTesla magnetic fields. The resonance frequency shift is measured by tracking the at-resonance admittance of the resonator as a function of the applied magnetic field. The frequency shifts are linearly correlated to the magnetic field strength. A minimum detectable magnetic flux density of ∼79 nT has been measured for 10 Hz modulated magnetic field input signals which corresponds to a frequency sensitivity of 0.883 Hz/μT.
Automatic Monitoring of Oxygen Utilization in Insects

Insects have long been a favorite model for chronobiologists because of the relative ease of obtaining specimens and the clear responses by some of their rhythms to synchronization. However, methodologies for measuring responses of rhythms to the environmental synchronization and of perturbations of these rhythms are depending on instruments; insects are not amenable to self-measurement techniques. This report summarizes methodology dependent upon determination of oxygen uptake which we used to follow insect rhythms during the pupal or adult portion of the life cycle, or after an environmental insult.
An Object-Oriented Software Architecture for the Explorer-2 Knowledge Management Environment

Abstract Explorer-2 is a workstation based environment to facilitate knowledge management. It provides consistent access to a broad range of knowledge on the basis of purpose, not type. We have developed a software architecture based on Object-Oriented programming for Explorer-2. We have defined three classes of program objects: Knowledge ViewFrames, Knowledge Resources, and Knowledge Bases. This results in knowledge management at three levels: the screen level, the disk level and the meta-knowledge level. We have applied this design to several knowledge bases, and believe that there is a broad applicability of this design.