cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hemicellulosic polymers of cabbage leaves

Abstract The hemicellulosic polymers of depectinated cell-wall material of immature cabbage leaves have been extracted by alkali, fractionated by ion-exchange chromatography and their structural features studied. In the 1 M potassium hydroxide-soluble fraction the main polymers are arabinoxylan-xyloglucan-pectic, arabinoxylan-pectic-protein and arabinoxylan-xyloglucan-pectic-protein complexes. Small amounts of polysaccharide-protein-polyphenol complexes are also present. In the 4 M potassium hydroxide-soluble fraction the predominant polymers are two xyloglucans, the major one of which appears to have ca 10% of(1 → 4)-linked and 3% of(1 → 4,6)-linked mannose residues associated with it, and both have terminal galactose, fucose and possibly arabinose residues in the side chains. Methylation analysis of the oligosaccharides, formed by degradation with cellulase, and partial hydrolysis of the methylated xyloglucan, followed by re-methylation with CD 3 I, have enabled the formulation of a tentative structure which is similar to other plant galactoxyloglucans. It was not possible to establish whether the mannose residues are part of an associated glucomannan or whether they are an integral part of the glucan backbone. The general structural features of the hemicellulosic polymers are discussed in the light of these results.
Multiattribute Water Resources Decision Making

Abstract Field reconnaissance with decision makers in San Angelo, Texas led to the selection of dependability, environmental degradation, economic growth potential, quantity, quality, cost, social acceptance and flexibility as the important attributes to be considered in their supplementary water resource development decision problem. The decision analysis solution to San Angelo's decision problem has been determined and is presented. A sensitivity analysis of utility assessments was conducted with the use of Monte-Carlo simulation.
Adaptive MIMO Radar Design and Detection in Compound-Gaussian Clutter

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radars with widely separated transmitters and receivers are useful to discriminate a target from clutter using the spatial diversity of the scatterers in the illuminated scene. We consider the detection of targets in compound-Gaussian clutter, describing heavy-tailed clutter distributions fitting high-resolution and/or low-grazing-angle radars in the presence of sea or foliage clutter. First we introduce a data model using the inverse gamma distribution to represent the clutter texture. Then we apply the parameter-expanded expectation-maximization (PX-EM) algorithm to estimate the clutter texture and speckle as well as the target parameters. We develop a statistical decision test using these estimates and demonstrate its statistical characteristics. Based on the statistical characteristics of this test, we propose an algorithm to adaptively distribute the transmitted energy among the transmitters and maximize the detection performance. We demonstrate the advantages of the MIMO setup and adaptive energy allocation in target detection in the presence of compound-Gaussian clutter using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations.
Late Quaternary paleoceanography as recorded by benthonic foraminifera in Strait of Sicily sediment sequences

Abstract At specific times during the late Quaternary, a widespread low-salinity surface water layer was produced over the eastern Mediterranean which created stagnant conditions and associated deposition of sapropelic muds in the deep basins. The Strait of Sicily has been positioned above the anoxic deeper water masses and is therefore devoid of sapropel deposits. Sediment sequences in the region contain a valuable record of upper bathyal (200–1000 m) benthonic foraminiferal change during times of deep-basin stagnation. Quantitative examiniation of benthonic foraminiferal assemblages in Strait of Sicily Quaternary cores generally reveals changes coeval with sapropels S1, S2, S4, S5, and S6. The benthonic foraminiferal expression is seen as increases in frequency ofGlobobulimina affinis, Globobulimina pseudospinescens, Chilostomella mediterranensis, Bolivina dilatata, and otherBolivina species during intervals corresponding to the episodic abyssal stagnation events. Some cores also display a decrease inCassidulina carinata and an increase inArticulina tubulosa. Similar assemblage changes have been previously documented to be closely associated with the sapropel layers in the deep basins of the eastern Mediterranean (the actual sapropel layers usually do not contain benthonic foraminifera). However, in the Strait of Sicily area, the species exhibit less drastic changes than in the deep eastern basins because of the less severe anoxic conditions. In the deep eastern basins, benthonic foraminifera almost totally disappeared in sapropel layers; at the same time, there was a general reduction in foraminiferal numbers in the shallower Strait area.
Prevalence of radiographic foot abnormalities in patients with diabetes.

Clinicians are increasingly aware that mechanical aspects of foot deformities, such as Charcot changes, clawtoes, bunion deformities, or cavus or planus foot deformities, might have an impact on the occurrence, potential healing, and recurrence of foot ulcers. We report the prevalence of plain radiographic changes and attempt to rate the severity of those deformities in the feet of 456 diabetic veteran medicine clinic enrollees. All 456 radiographs were reviewed by orthopaedic surgeons to specifically identify Charcot changes, presence of arterial calcification, dislocation of the lesser toe metatarsophalangeal joints, hallux interphalangeal joint dislocation, and radiographic evidence of previous surgery. Radiographs of 428 patients were taken while weightbearing, and these were reviewed to quantify hallux valgus angles, intermetatarsal 1–2 angles, fifth metatarsalproximal phalangeal angles, second metatarsal lengths, lateral talocalcaneal and talar-first metatarsal angles, and claw toe deformities. The ...
Radiosonde Atmospheric Temperature Products for Assessing Climate (RATPAC): A new data set of large‐area anomaly time series

[1] A new data set containing large-scale regional mean upper air temperatures based on adjusted global radiosonde data is now available up to the present. Starting with data from 85 of the 87 stations adjusted for homogeneity by Lanzante, Klein and Seidel, we extend the data beyond 1997 where available, using a first differencing method combined with guidance from station metadata. The data set consists of temperature anomaly time series for the globe, the hemispheres, tropics (30N–30S) and extratropics. Data provided include annual time series for 13 pressure levels from the surface to 30 mbar and seasonal time series for three broader layers (850–300, 300–100 and 100–50 mbar). The additional years of data increase trends to more than 0.1 K/decade for the global and tropical midtroposphere for 1979–2004. Trends in the stratosphere are approximately 0.5 to 0.9 K/decade and are more negative in the tropics than for the globe. Differences between trends at the surface and in the troposphere are generally reduced in the new time series as compared to raw data and are near zero in the global mean for 1979–2004. We estimate the uncertainty in global mean trends from 1979 to 2004 introduced by the use of first difference processing after 1995 at less than 0.02–0.04 K/decade in the troposphere and up to 0.15 K/decade in the stratosphere at individual pressure levels. Our reliance on metadata, which is often incomplete or unclear, adds further, unquantified uncertainty that could be comparable to the uncertainty from the FD processing. Because the first differencing method cannot be used for individual stations, we also provide updated station time series that are unadjusted after 1997. The Radiosonde Atmospheric Temperature Products for Assessing Climate (RATPAC) data set will be archived and updated at NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center as part of its climate monitoring program.
Radiobiological features of human pluripotent bone marrow progenitor cells (CFU-GEMM).

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiobiologic features of human pluripotent bone marrow progenitor cells (CFU-GEMM; colony forming unit-granulocyte-erythroid-macrophage/monocyte-megakaryocyte). Experiments were performed using fresh bone marrow cells as well as bone marrow cells stimulated with recombinant granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor (rGM-CSF) to increase the CFU-GEMM pool. The D 0 values for CFU-GEMM in normal bone marrow samples (n = 9) ranged from 30.9 cGy to 85.7 cGy (mean ± SE = 54.4 cGy ± 6.2 cGy) and the D 0 value of the composite radiation survival curve was 56.9 cGy, indicating that CFU-GEMM were acutely sensitive to the lethal effects of ionizing radiation. There was no distinct shoulder on the single dose radiation survival curves with Dq values ranging from −29.6 cGy to 4.4 cGy, and no increase in CFU-GEMM survival was observed when the radiation was fractionated. Hence, CFU-GEMM were unable to repair sublethal radiation damage. These findings confirm and extend previous studies on the radiobiologic features of human hematopoietic progenitor cell populations.
Investigating requests for information in children with autism spectrum disorders: Static versus dynamic assessment

This study investigated the use of static assessment (SA) and dynamic assessment (DA) methodologies for examining the production of requests for information (RI) by children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and typically developing peers (TDP) within their school environment. Following an initial SA observation session, the effects of manipulating contextual and linguistic variables to facilitate the production of RI were systematically investigated across three DA sessions. The contextual variables included object/activity choice and physical setting (e.g., treatment room versus classroom). The linguistic variables included prompting of RI production in an attempt to enhance performance. Independent and paired t-test comparisons revealed statistically significant differences in production of RI between the TDP group and children with ASD. The environmental variables of object/activity choice and linguistic prompting appeared to influence performance for a subgroup of children with ASD. Clinical impli...
Design of vortex fluid amplifiers with asymmetrical flow fields.

Variation of geometric parameters, including supply area, control area, chamber length, and outlet diameter, of a large scale, modular design vortex fluid amplifier with single supply and control jets, has confirmed and extended a previously published design method, developed for vortex amplifiers with symmetric flow fields. This allows application of the method to devices which are more representative of practical, production type components.
Gonad morphogenesis and distal tip cell migration in the Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodite

Cell migration and morphogenesis are key events in tissue development and organogenesis. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the migratory path of the distal tip cells determines the morphology of the hermaphroditic gonad. The distal tip cells undergo a series of migratory phases interspersed with turns to form the gonad. A wide variety of genes have been identified as crucial to this process, from genes that encode components and modifiers of the extracellular matrix to signaling proteins and transcriptional regulators. The connections between extracellular and transmembrane protein functions and intracellular pathways are essential for distal tip cell migration, and the integration of this information governs gonad morphogenesis and determines gonad size and shape.
Stable carbon isotope composition of atmospheric methyl bromide

[1] Methyl bromide (CH3Br) constitutes the largest source of bromine atoms to the stratosphere and plays an important role in stratospheric ozone depletion. However, the CH3Br atmospheric budget remains uncertain. We report the first measurements of stable carbon isotope ratios for atmospheric CH3Br and explore the constraints they provide for the atmospheric budget. The measured δ13C of CH3Br ranged from −44.8‰ to −41.2‰ (mean value −43.1‰, N = 7). This isotopic value is less negative than the anthropogenic source signature (−53.2 to −47.5‰), but is indistinguishable from the only quantified natural source signature (−43.0‰). Based on known source signatures and our atmospheric measurements, we predict that the mean kinetic isotope effect associated with sinks must be small (2–4‰). We further estimate that a total phaseout of anthropogenic sources would likely change the isotopic composition of atmospheric CH3Br by 2–4‰, and that this change would be difficult to detect with current measurement techniques.
Overnight call: a survey of medical student experiences, attitudes, and skills.

Background : Residency work hour restrictions in 2003 changed medical student participation in overnight call. Purposes : The goal is to compare experiences, attitudes, and skills between medical students who did and did not participate in overnight call. Methods : Using a retrospective cohort design, all students at one medical school received a survey at the end of their 3rd-year internal medicine clerkship. Students at 3 clerkship sites were required to take overnight call, and students at 2 sites were not. Results : One hundred four of 167 (62%) students participated. Sixty-one of 104 (59%) took overnight call. Overnight call students reported improved team relationships and were able to evaluate more unstable “cross-cover” patients. Students who took overnight call were more likely to state it was worthwhile (58% vs. 34%; p = .034). Overnight call led to fatigue and the perception of interference with didactics. Conclusions : Overnight call within the internal medicine clerkship has positive and nega...
Paleogeographic and Tectonic Significance of Diachronism in Siluro-Devonian Age Flysch Sediments, Melbourne Trough, Southeastern Australia

The features of these Siluro-Devonian age flysch sediments of the Melbourne Trough in southeastern Australia conform closely to those of the European Alps. The coarser of the alternating coarse-fine layers were deposited by turbidity currents and the fine layers by slower pelitic sedimentation. The turbidites intruded the deeper water shale environment with an average frequency of 1 turbidite per 2000 yrs from calculations of the thickness of the formation and the time deduced by graptolite zones. The flysch, shelf, and massive lithofacies are continuously diachronous from Lower Silurian to Lower Devonian, during which time the longitudinal axis of the zone of flysch deposition was displaced laterally across the trough a distance of 80 mi. A theoretical model of the sedimentation pattern indicates the flysch sedimentation to be the result of a balance sediment supply and accumulation in a holding area to reach a state of metastability, allowing a triggering mechanism to periodically displace the coarser sediment downslope into the quieter shale environment. The flysch sediments are considered to be an expression of the slow tectonic uplift of the western margin of the Melbourne Trough prior to the major Tabberabberan orogeny in Late Devonian time.
Simulation study of noncovalent hybridization of carbon nanotubes by single-stranded DNA in water.

Recent discovery that single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binds to carbon nanotubes with high affinity to form soluble hybrids has received great attention as a promising approach to solving the long-standing problem of nanotube solubilization and separation. The mechanism of this process, including the nature of the DNA−nanotube interactions and the molecular structure of the hybrids is still not well understood. Here, we use all-atom replica-exchange molecular dynamics simulations to study the association of several ssDNA decamers with single-walled carbon nanotubes of different chirality in an aqueous environment. The oligonucleotides are found to readily adsorb onto the nanotube surface, after which they undergo a slow structural rearrangement. Cluster analysis of bound DNA conformations as well as population distribution maps computed as a function of several local and global order parameters show that the hybrids exhibit a complex morphology with DNA strands assuming a number of distinct backbone geometries...
Effect of soil zinc, pH, and cultivar on cadmium uptake in leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa)

Abstract Six noncrisphead lettuce cultivars (Lactuca sativa L.) were grown in pots, using soil from field plots that had been amended annually with 90 MT/ha of an industrial sludge as part of a continuous study initiated in 1981. Two greenhouse experiments (each replicated 6 times) were completed—one in the spring and one in the fall. Variables included 6 cultivars, 2 soil pH levels and 2 soil Zn levels. All variables appeared to influence Cd accumulation in the leaf tissue. Uptake of Cd and Zn increased with decreasing soil pH for all cultivars. ‘Grand Rapids’ accumulated the least leaf Cd and ‘Summer Bibb’ the most. A positive correlation between leaf Zn and leaf Cd was observed, but the correlation between soil Zn and leaf Cd was variable.
The Six Zinc Fingers of Metal-responsive Element Binding Transcription Factor-1 Form Stable and Quasi-ordered Structures with Relatively Small Differences in Zinc Affinities

Six Cys2His2 zinc fingers (F1–6) comprise the DNA binding domain of metal-responsive element binding transcription factor-1 (MTF-1). F1–6 is necessary for basal and zinc-induced expression of metallothionein genes. Analysis of NMR structural and dynamic data for an F1–6 protein construct demonstrates that each zinc finger adopts a stable ββα fold in the presence of stoichiometric Zn(II), provided that all cysteine ligands are in a reduced state. Parallel studies of protein constructs spanning the four N-terminal core DNA binding fingers (F1–4) and two C-terminal low DNA affinity fingers (F5–6) reveal similar stable zinc finger structures. In both the F1–6 and F5–6 proteins, the finger 5 cysteines were found to readily oxidize at neutral pH. Detailed spectral density and hydrodynamic analysis of 15N relaxation data revealed quasi-ordered anisotropic rotational diffusion properties of the six F1–6 zinc fingers that could influence MTF-1 DNA binding function. A more general effect on the rotational diffusion properties of Cys2His2 zinc fingers was also uncovered that is dependent upon the position of each finger within multifinger domains. Analysis of NMR 1H-15N-heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectral peak intensities measured as a function of added Zn(II) in conjunction with Zn(II) binding modeling studies indicated that the Zn(II) affinities of all MTF-1 zinc fingers are within ∼10–50-fold. These analyses further suggested that metal sensing by MTF-1 in eukaryotic cells involves multiple zinc fingers and occurs over a 100-fold or less range of accessible Zn(II) concentration.
Electron microscopic analysis of the modulation of lymphocyte receptor mobility

Abstract The topographic distribution of ferritin-labelled concanavalin A (FT-ConA) bound to the surface membrane of mouse lymphocytes has been analysed by examining ultrathin sections and ghost membranes in the electron microscope. Binding of FT-ConA to lymphocytes at 37 °C did not induce redistribution of ConA receptors at any dose of the labelled lectin. In contrast, in cells treated with colchicine, FT-ConA induced both patch and cap formation. These findings suggest that the modulation of receptor mobility by colchicine occurs at the level of individual receptors. Ultrastructural observations revealed both microtubules and microfilaments in lymphocytes consistent with the suggestion that these cellular structures may be involved in the control of receptor mobility. Analyses using freeze-fracture methods indicated that the distribution of intramembranous particles is not correlated with either the movement of surface receptors or the modulation events. An hypothesis on the modulation of surface receptors by cytoplasmic structures is proposed on the basis of these and previous observations.
Platelet and White Blood Cell Counts Are Elevated in Patients With the Metabolic Syndrome

Platelet and white blood cell counts are higher among some insulin-resistant patients and may contribute to atherothromboembolic complications. Metabolic syndrome patients are insulin resistant, often hypertensive, and at high cardiovascular disease risk, yet the relationship of platelets to the metabolic syndrome is unknown. Platelet and white blood cell counts were obtained from 135 volunteers who had measurements of blood pressure, fasting triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose. A body mass index >30 kg/m2 served as a surrogate for increased waist circumference. Subjects were subdivided into three groups by the number of metabolic syndrome criteria, i.e., no metabolic syndrome risk factor (MS-0; n = 40), one or two metabolic syndrome risk factors (MS1-2; n = 61), and three to five metabolic syndrome risk factors (MS3-5; n = 34). Platelet counts were increased significantly from 226+/-8 to 257+/-8 and 276+/-10 (x10(3)/mm3) in the MS-0, MS1-2, and MS3-5 groups, respectively (p < 0.01), after adjustment for age, gender, ethnicity, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. White blood cell counts were also increased across the three groups (5.4+/-0.2, 6.2+/-0.2, and 6.6+/-0.3 [x10(3)/mm3]; p < 0.01) after multivariate adjustment. Compared with patients with zero to two metabolic syndrome risk factors, metabolic syndrome patients have higher platelet and white blood counts, which may serve as markers of a prothrombotic and proinflammatory state and contributors to atherothromboembolic risk.
Chickenpox outbreak in a highly vaccinated school population.

Objective. We investigated a chickenpox outbreak that started in an Oregon elementary school in October 2001, after public schools began phasing in a varicella vaccination requirement for enrollment. We sought to determine the rate of varicella vaccination and effectiveness and risk factors for breakthrough disease. Methods. A chickenpox case was defined as an acute maculopapulovesicular rash without other explanation occurring from October 30, 2001 through January 27, 2002 in a student without a prior history of chickenpox. We reviewed varicella vaccination records and history of prior chickenpox, and we calculated vaccine effectiveness. We evaluated the effects of age, gender, age at vaccination, and time since vaccination on risk of breakthrough disease (ie, chickenpox occurring >42 days after vaccination). Results. Of 422 students, 218 (52%) had no prior chickenpox. Of these, 211 (97%) had been vaccinated before the outbreak. Twenty-one cases occurred in 9 of 16 classrooms. In these 9 classrooms, 18 of 152 (12%) vaccinated students developed chickenpox, compared with 3 of 7 (43%) unvaccinated students. Vaccine effectiveness was 72% (95% confidence interval: 3%–87%). Students vaccinated >5 years before the outbreak were 6.7 times (95% confidence interval: 2.2–22.9) as likely to develop breakthrough disease as those vaccinated ≤5 years before the outbreak (15 of 65 [23%] vs 3 of 87 [3%]). Conclusions. A chickenpox outbreak occurred in a school in which 97% of students without a prior history of chickenpox were vaccinated. Students vaccinated >5 years before the outbreak were at risk for breakthrough disease. Booster vaccination may deserve additional consideration.
A potential use of data envelopment analysis for the inverse classification problem

We propose a methodology that uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) for solving the inverse classification problem. An inverse classification problem involves finding out how predictor attributes of a case can be changed so that the case can be classified into a different and more desirable class. For a binary classification problem and non-negative decision-making attributes, we show that under the assumption of conditional monotonicity, and convexity of classes, DEA can be used for inverse classification problem. We illustrate the application of our proposed methodology on a hypothetical and a real-life bankruptcy prediction data.
A Hybrid Tirf-Magnetic Tweezers Instrument for Studying Force-Induced Conformational Changes in Proteins

Optical tweezers are a useful research tool for applying forces to single proteins and measuring the resulting changes in extension, but they can only observe conformational changes along the axis of force application and only if the accompanying changes in extension are on the nanometer scale. Our experimental setup skirts this limitation by measuring distance changes using single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) produced from a total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscope incorporating magnetic tweezers.
Development and characterization of monoclonal antibodies with specificity for metallic radioisotope chelators linked to antibodies and other proteins.

Abstract Monoclonal antibodies with specificity for the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) portion of the GYK-DTPA (glycyl-tyrosyl-lysine-DTPA) linker structure used to chelate metals to immunoglobulins have been prepared. A significant proportion of these antibodies were λ light chain isotype. Competition assays demonstrated that DTPA, rather than GYK, was the binding site of the antibodies tested. These monoclonal antibodies should be useful reagents for use in assays specific for the presence of the common linker structure used to chelate metallic radioisotopes to monoclonal antibodies. The antibodies tested did not discriminate between chelated and unchelated DTPA.
Possible Criterion-Related Bias of the WISC-III with a Referral Sample

This study examined whether ability scores from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III) showed criterion-related bias. Participants (N= 832) comprised a referral cohort between ages 8 and 16 years that differed by race (Anglo, African American) and gender. Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQs from the WISC-III were used to predict Reading, Mathematics, Language, and Writing Composites from the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT). Unlike previous research with the WISCIII, 50% of the analyses (12 out of 24) showed statistically significant effects. However, in all instances where bias was found, differences in regressions were statistically significant for intercepts, but not for slopes, and served to overpredict the performance of minority groups (African Americans, females) relative to majority groups (Anglos, males). Results are discussed in the context of how instances of differences in intercepts could mislead psychologists in interpreting children's ability sc...
Reduced Protein Loss During Hemofiltration Using Cuprophan Membranes

In a study of four patients treated with one hour of hemofiltration using Cuprophan membranes, followed by three hours of hemodialysis, it was found that protein loss during hemofiltration was minimal. Losses ranged from 0.013 mg/mg at a transmembrane pressure (TMP) of 300 mmHg to 0.012 mg/ml at a TMP of 600 mmHg. Protein loss was not dependent on TMP and varied from dialyzer to dialyzer. Protein levels in serum remained unchanged during the period of hemofiltration in these patients and no evidence of protein wastage was evident.
Effect of ignition geometry on initial flame acceleration in a spark ignited explosive gas

Experiment on the influence of ignition geometry on initial flame acceleration in spark-ignited stoichiometric hydrogen-oxygen mixtures at n.t.p.
Edward Elgar's Facebook Page

In just a handful of years, social networking tools have become part of our daily work and conversation. In just a handful of years, a tiny moment in human history, we have become a world of social networker. Social networking tools, as seen in the various Internet sites, are part of our daily work and conversation. In embracing these ideas, we are starting to forget that we did not always view society as a nexus of friends and connections. Our ability to recognize and analyze social networks matured in parallel with our ability to build and manage large-scale data networks.
Atmospheric Soundings from AIRS/AMSU in Partial Cloud Cover

Results will be shown of the accuracy and spatial distribution of temperature-moisture profiles and clear column radiances derived from AIRS/AMSU-A as a function of fractional cover.
Effects of Sampling Conditions on the Size Distribution of Fine Particulate Matter Emitted from a Pilot-Scale Pulverized-Coal Combustor

A dilution sampler has been designed and manufactured to simulate the effects of dilution processes on particulate matter emissions from coal-fired power plants and other combustion systems. The sampler allows independent control of the dilution ratio and residence time. Experiments were performed to examine the effects of these parameters on the particulate emissions of a pilot-scale pulverized coal combustor burning a low sulfur bituminous coal. Measurements included the particle size distribution in the range from 0.003 to 20 μm and the PM2.5 mass emission rate. The residence time and dilution ratio do not influence the particle mass emission rate, but have a significant effect on the size distribution and the total number of particles emitted. Increasing the residence time dramatically decreases the total particle number concentration, and shifts the particle mass to larger sizes. Increasing the dilution ratio increases the concentration of ultrafine particles. The effects of residence time can be exp...
The changing composition of output and the great moderation

An additional explanation is provided for the decline in output variability that began in the mid-1980s. Using state, regional and aggregate data for the US, we examine the shifting influence from manufacturing to services on this variability. At all levels, we find support for this output composition change contributing to the reduced variability of output growth.
Lifetime of the 2750 keV level in 37 K

The lifetime of the 2750 keV level in ${}^{37}\mathrm{K}$ was measured using the Doppler shift attenuation method. The result, together with the previously determined ratio of the partial width ratio ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}/{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{p},$ allows verification of an absolute measurement of the corresponding resonance strength in the ${}^{36}\mathrm{Ar}(p,\ensuremath{\gamma})$ reaction channel. This confirms the strong reaction rate for ${}^{36}\mathrm{Ar}(p,\ensuremath{\gamma}{)}^{37}\mathrm{K},$ which will cause rapid depletion of ${}^{36}\mathrm{Ar}$ at explosive hydrogen burning conditions.
Cultural Intelligence And Global Business Competencies: A Framework For Organizational Effectiveness In The Global Marketplace

This paper proposes that cultural intelligence and global business competencies are vital to organizations as they seek to achieve success in the global marketplace. Adler (2001) suggests that because of the diversity of the global workforce cultural barriers may exist resulting in misunderstanding and thus inefficient interactions. Organizations will, therefore, have to understand the cultural foundation of the environment within which they operate in order to achieve organizational success.
High temperature LGS SAW gas sensor

Abstract Novel surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices using the recent langasite (LGS) family of crystals have been designed, fabricated, and tested for high temperature (up to 750 °C) gas sensor applications. The devices were fabricated using platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd) thin film technology as electrodes and sensing films to withstand temperatures in excess of 1000 °C. Combinations of platinum and platinum/tungsten trioxide (Pt/WO 3 ) films have been used in the detection of C 2 H 4 in N 2 (C 2 H 4 /N 2 ). Original all palladium metallic structures have been employed in the detection of H 2 in a N 2 carrier gas (H 2 /N 2 ). SAW resonator structures using these films have been fabricated and continuously cycled from 250 to 750 °C for periods up to 3 weeks, with degradations in the |S 21 | response up to 7 dB. Constantly held at 250 °C for 12 weeks, the maximum degradation in the |S 21 | observed dropped to 3 dB. In order to perform the required gas testing, a high temperature, air sealed, stainless steel, dual chamber has been designed and fabricated to house these devices. The two-port SAW resonator structures fabricated with Pt, Pt/WO 3 , and the original all-Pd films mentioned above have been tested with exposures to H 2 /N 2 and C 2 H 4 /N 2 in the temperature range of 250–450 °C. Frequency variations up to 10 kHz for the 167 MHz high temperature SAW sensors were measured. The high temperature LGS SAW devices and experiments reported in this work show the capability of these devices to withstand prolonged exposure to temperatures ranging from 250 to 750 °C and to perform as high temperature gas sensors.
Modeling and simulation methodology for digital optical computing systems

A modeling and simulation methodology for digital optical computing systems is introduced in this paper. The methodology predicts maximum performance of a given optical computing architecture and evaluates its feasibility. As an application example, we apply this methodology to evaluate the feasibility and performance of the optical content-addressable parallel processor proposed in Appl. Opt. 31, 3241 (1992). The approach consists of two major phases. The first phase involves analytical studies of the effects of design parameters such as cross talk, diffraction-limited beam spot diameter, and pitch on system performance parameters such as signal packing density and skew time. In the second phase, a simulation model and a simulator are introduced by the use of glad (General Laser Analysis and Design, an optical software package developed by Applied Optics Research) to evaluate the combined effects of bit-error rate, bit rate, optical power efficiency, available source power, and signal contrast on the performance parameters such as signal packing density, misalignment tolerance, and distance between devices. The methodology presented here investigates the model, not on a component-by-component basis, but as a whole, which produces a more realistic representation of the actual laboratory prototype. The proposed methodology is intended to reduce the optical computing system design time as well as the design risk associated with building a prototype system.
Signal flow analysis of feedback networks

Signal flow theory offers a computationally efficient and accurate design-oriented alternative to traditional feedback network analysis techniques. The latter often suffer from burdensome algebra and questionable approximations that render the impact of a given feedback loop on achievable network performance obscure. Unlike the classical literature, which formulates signal flow theory in terms of relatively vague algebraic concepts, the author develops signal flow theory and associated circuit analysis methods exclusively in terms of elementary network theoretic principles. Aside from confirming the circuit analysis property of signal flow techniques, the new perspective underlying their theoretical development offers considerable insight into the genuinely difficult problem of implementing stable, reliable, and effective feedback. >
Three spectra of laparoscopic entry access injuries.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Procedure-based surveys of laparoscopic entry access injuries show a reassuringly low incidence, varying from 5 per 10,000 to 3 per 1,000, and, consequently, can provide only limited specific injury data. The current study uses existing injury-based reporting systems to access a uniquely large number of entry injuries to define the nature and outcomes of such events. STUDY DESIGN: Claims arising from US and non-US entry access injuries, between 1980 and 1999, reported to the Physicians Insurers Association of America by their member and affiliate companies and entry-injury medical device reports to the US FDA, from 1995 through October 1997, were analyzed to determine operative procedures, physician specialties, entry devices, and techniques associated with specific injuries. Individual injuries were analyzed for their relative incidence and potential to cause disability and death. RESULTS: Five hundred ninety-four structures or organs were injured in 506 patients, resulting in 65 deaths (13%). General surgical procedures made up at least 67% of combined medical device reports and US Physicians Insurers Association of America cases, and gynecologic procedures accounted for 63% of non-US claims. Bowel and retroperitoneal vascular injuries comprised 76% of all injuries incurred in the process of establishing a primary port. Nearly 50% of both small and large bowel injuries were unrecognized for 24 hours or longer. Delayed recognition, along with age greater than 59 years and major visceral vascular injuries, were each independent significant predictors of death. CONCLUSIONS: No entry technique or device is absolutely safe. Avoidance of entry injuries depends on patient-specific anatomic orientation and control of entry axial force. Certain entry devices can be facilitating in controlling axial force. Overall, this large aggregate of entry access injuries shows them to be more serious and, along with other data, implies that they might be more common than reported in procedure-based studies.
Archival Legacy Investigation of Circumstellar Environments using KLIP algorithm on HST NICMOS coronagraphic data

The Archival Legacy Investigation of Circumstellar Environments (ALICE) project (AR-12652) is currently conducting a comprehensive and consistent reprocessing of HST-NICMOS coronagraphic survey data to search for point sources and disks using advanced PSF subtraction. The KLIP algorithm (Karhunen-Loeve Image Projection) was developed for this project, and has proven very effective at processing the hundreds of selected archival images. This project has already been very successful with numerous detections of previously unseen point sources and several resolved debris disks that we are currently following up by multiple avenues. We give an overview of the project including preliminary scientific results with companion candidates and improved images of known disks
Exercise capacity in pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the correlation between exercise capacity and hemoglobin in pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and hemodial...
Remote sensing of tectonic fabric controlling groundwater flow in Dinaric karst

Geological and hydrogeological remote sensing techniques can be applied very favorably to Dinaric karst in the Balkans, a well-known reference area for studies of karst phenomena. The elements that make karst terrain of the Dinarides suitable for remote sensing are geomorphologic characteristics, in particular the specific surface drainage and karst forms, the varying vegetation that most often reflects the existence of different geologic formations on the surface, and distinct tectonic features. Some of the world's largest springs, ponors (sinks), and dolines are controlled by fractures visible on both satellite images and aerial photographs. Lineaments represent fault zones, systems of close faults with similar strike, or large individual faults which all are young or show recently renewed activity. Their neotectonic character and major importance for karst groundwater flow are confirmed by numerous field investigations including water tracing, geophysical research, and drilling.
STUDIES ON INFLAMMATION II. A MEASURE OF THE PERMEABILITY OF CAPILLARIES IN AN INFLAMED AREA

1. By means of a colorimetric method the concentration of trypan blue in capillaries can be estimated by direct observation and its changes followed as the dye passes out of the circulating blood stream. 2. The change in concentration of trypan blue in the capillaries of both the normal and the inflamed mesentery of frogs can be described by two separate exponential equations of the type: y = be(-ax). 3. From these equations it is found that the rate of fall of concentration following intraventricular injection of the dye is almost twice as great in the capillaries of the inflamed as in those of the normal mesentery. This difference is a measure of increased permeability with inflammation.
Acoustic Holography for High Pressure Fuel Injector Noise Measurements

The audible noise characteristics of direct injectors are important to OEM customers when selecting a high pressure gasoline fuel injector. The activation noise is an undesirable aspect that needs to be minimized through injector design, injector mounting, and acoustic treatments. Experimentally identifying the location and frequency of noise sources is beneficial to the improvement of injector designs. Acoustic holography is a useful tool in locating these noise sources by measuring a sound pressure field with multiple microphones and using this field to estimate the source location. For injector testing, the local boundary conditions of the noise source will affect the resultant sound field. Therefore, how the injector is mounted within the test fixture will change the resultant noise field measured. In this study, the process of qualifying an acoustic holography fixture using measurement system analysis for GDi fuel injector testing will be documented. The noise levels and source locations for different injector mounting conditions will be evaluated. The effect injector pre-load force on injector activation noise will be investigated.
Vaginal epithelial models.

The vaginal route of drug administration has historically been used for treating local female-related conditions. Examples include the administration of steroid hormones for contraception, oxytocin for labor induction, or antibacterial, antifungal agents for treatment of infection. The vaginal route also has considerable potential for delivering systematically acting drugs in the female population. The vagina has a reasonably large surface area, good blood supply, and acceptable permeability to a wide range of drugs. Unfortunately, the vagina is also subject to cyclic changes both in women and in some animal models (Okada, 1991).
A comparison of the rapid shallow breathing index and complexity measures during spontaneous breathing trials after cardiac surgery

Abstract Purpose Extubation failure is associated with worse outcomes. Physicians use respiratory parameters to help them to decide to extubate or not. The purpose of this study is to determine if novel measures of respiratory physiology such as complexity and variability can identify patients who will tolerate extubation. Methods Eighty-three patients who required reinstitution of mechanical ventilation after extubation (Extub-Fail) were matched to 83 patients who successfully tolerated extubation (Extub-Success) and to 83 who failed a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT-Fail). Patients were compared using interbreath intervals and tidal volumes using means, SDs, measures of complexity, spikiness, and rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI). Results From SBT-Fail to Extub-Fail to Extub-Success, the interbreath intervals progressively lengthened (mean ± SD, 2.2 seconds ± 0.6 vs 2.5 ± 0.6 vs 2.7 ± 0.8; P P = .012), and became more complex. Complexity as measured by approximate and sample entropy was greater in the Extub-Success group than in the SBT-Fail group. Patients who were in the SBT-Fail group had a higher RSBI than did either of the extubated groups, but there was no difference in RSBI between Extub-Success and Extub-Fail. Conclusions Patients who successfully tolerate extubation have longer interbreath interval with greater complexity and variability of that series. Although the V T was similar between the Extub-Success and the SBT-Fail groups, the Extub-Success group had greater long-term complexity with no difference in short-term complexity. This implies that the respiratory controllers are differently impacted in patients tolerating or not tolerating extubation.
Transformation of Control in Congruent Self-Reconfigurable Robot Topologies

Much work on self-reconfigurable robotics has been focused on motion planning and physical reconfiguration of the robot. Using the Superbot self-reconfigurable robot, we focus on the details of realizing locomotion gaits given that a single robot topology can be realized in a large number of different ways. That is, each module in the robot topology has 4 symmetric orientations that are functional and shape equivalent. Once a role is selected for each module, such as through the use of hormone-inspired control, each module's role is supplied with a gait template which then must be transformed to suit the local configurations of each module with respect to the global topology. We provide a theoretical framework for which this can be accomplished.
Yield Limits of Plates at Extremely High Heat Flux

For heat uxes ranging above 10 MW/m 2 or so, solid surfaces usually experience large thermal stresses and degradation of mechanical properties. The resulting mechanical failure of such surfaces is a primary limitation to the design of thermal systems at extremely high heat ux. This investigation considers the elastic stresses in circular plates subjected to extremely high heat uxes. A gaussian distributed heat load is applied to one surface of the plate and the heat ux at which yielding occurs is identied. Several candidate materials are examined, accounting for the temperature dependence of yield strength and other properties. The mechanical boundary conditions on the plate are varied. Figures of merit are given for the high ux performance of a number of materials.
Towards quantifying the impacts of cyber attacks in the competitive electricity market environment

We provide in this paper the first steps towards the quantification of the impacts of cyber attacks on the power grid. We present a review of key-issues on cyber security of power systems, and show the main challenges as well as complicating factors. In order to do the quantification, we propose the application of a conceptual four-layer framework that represents the physical, communication/control, market levels of the electricity infrastructure, and a cyber security investment layer. We characterize each layer and discuss the relationship among them. We focus on quantify the impacts that cyber attacks can have on the market layer using the system social welfare as the main metric. We use a small system to illustrate the application of our framework on the evaluation of investment alternatives on cyber security.