cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Latin supercube sampling for very high-dimensional simulations

This article introduces Latin supercube sampling (LSS) for very high-dimensional simulations such as arise in particle transport, finance, and queueing. LSS is developed as a combination of two widely used methods: Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) and quasi-Monte Carlo (QMC). In LSS, the input variables are grouped into subsets, and a lower-dimensional QMC method is used within each subset. The QMC points are presented in random order within subsets. QMC methods have been observed to lose effectiveness in high-dimensional problems. This article shows that LSS can extend the benefits of QMC to much higher dimensions, when one can make a good grouping of input variables. Some suggestions for grouping variables are given for the motivating examples. Even a poor grouping can still be expected to do as well as LHS. The article also extends LHS and LSS to infinite-dimensional problems. The paper includes a survey of QMC methods, randomized versions of them (RQMC), and previous methods for extending QMC to higher dimensions. Furthermore it shows that LSS applied with RQMC is more reliable than LSS with QMC.
A Comparative Study of Genome-Wide Transcriptional Profiles of Primary Hepatocytes in Collagen Sandwich and Monolayer Cultures

Two commonly used culture systems in hepatic tissue engineering are the collagen sandwich (CS) and monolayers of cells. In this study, genome-wide gene expression profiles of primary hepatocytes were measured over an 8-day period for each cell culture system using Affymetrix GeneChips and compared via gene set enrichment analysis to elicit biologically meaningful information at the level of gene sets. Our results demonstrate that gene expression in hepatocytes in CS cultures steadily and comprehensively diverges from that in monolayer cultures. Gene sets up-regulated in CS cultures include several associated with liver metabolic and synthesis functions, such as metabolism of lipids, amino acids, carbohydrates, and alcohol, and synthesis of bile acids. Monooxygenases such as Cytochrome-P450 enzymes do not show any change between the culture systems after 1 day, but exhibit significant up-regulation in CS cultures after 3 days in comparison to hepatocyte monolayers. These data provide insights into the up- and down-regulation of several liver-critical gene sets and their subsequent effects on liver-specific functions. These results provide a baseline for further explorations into the systems biology of engineered liver mimics.
Analyzing manufacturing process information

Abstract This paper provides a systems engineering (SE) approach with which to process manufacturing information through analysis of relationships by evaluating what is important and where to focus resources. It is evident that an engineer's view of achieving accuracy in the information, integrity of data, and analysis of the results are highly critical in today's manufacturing environments. Modern flexible, just-in-time, and total-quality manufacturing systems (MS) demand design and development (D and D) of products and services that satisfy customers requirements, are timely, and are competitively priced. Traditionally, information processing in manufacturing environments has relied on instinct, intuition, and anecdote to evaluate and improve. As global competition increases systems engineering departments (SED), now, must review their work and ask objectively `How are we doing?' and `How can we do better?' Thereby, instincts, intuition, and anecdotes in most cases serve more as obstacles than as aids to understanding and improving the process. This paper addresses critical issues in analysis of manufacturing process information by answering; `Why measure the information process?', `Why does information process analysis work?', `How can SED analyze manufacturing processes?', and `How can information analysis enhance productivity, efficiency, effectiveness and profits?'.
The Emerging Dominance of Immigrants in the US Housing Market 1970–2000

The article summarizes growth trends in occupied housing in the USA and in five individual states with the largest immigrant populations—California, New York, Florida, Texas and Illinois. The analysis covers the decades between 1970 and 2000 and documents the explosive growth of immigrant housing demand. Foreign-born households constitute increasingly large shares of total households in the USA (11 percent in 2000), especially in renter-occupied housing (17 percent in 2000). In particular, immigrants constitute much of the growth in demand and are emerging as a dominant force in the US housing market. In the 1990s, they accounted for 32 percent of all household growth and 67 percent of all rental growth nationwide. In California and New York, immigrants accounted for 100 percent of all rental growth and over half of all growth in owner-occupied housing. The article also addresses the surprisingly steep upward trajectories into homeownership as immigrants settle longer in the USA. This upward mobility occu...
Hydrophobic polymers for liquid cleaning formulations

A patented method to provide acrylic acid:styrene (AA:Sty) copolymers with a variety of AA:Sty mole ratios is described. This method allows the polymer to be provided as a solution in water with up to 50 mol% styrene. The addition of significant amounts of styrene provides increased polymer solubility in liquid laundry detergents without sacrificing the traditional benefits of typical polycarboxylates. Studies were run in a Tergotometer and full-scale U.S. washing machine, showing particulate soil antiredeposition performance equivalent to poly(acrylic acid) with a molecular weight of 4500 and improved oily soil antiredeposition. The dry polymer is soluble in several glycols, a behavior not typically seen with polycarboxylates.
The Effects of Event Rate and Array Size on a Cognitive Vigilance Task with Associated EEG Rhythms and a Derived Engagement Index

This study investigated the effects of event rate and stimulus array size during a vigilance task on performance and relative EEG power bandwidths (alpha, beta, theta) and a derived EEG engagement index, EI = (beta/(alpha+ theta)). Forty participants, ages 18 to 40, engaged in a visual search task. Participants were required to distinguish a green “K” from an array of stimuli (yellow-green, green, and blue-green factorially combined with K, X, N, R). Each participant searched for the signal in arrays of 2 or 5 stimuli presented at either 12 or 24 events per minute over forty minutes. The design was a 2×2 factorial with four groups. The results indicated poorer performance, higher false alarm rates in the first 10-minute period, and longer response times associated with the larger array size. There were no performance effects for event rate. The EI decreased over periods. Relative alpha and beta power in the midline sites (PZ, CZ, and FZ) were greater for the higher event rate, but were unrelated to array ...
Conservative management of iatrogenic esophageal perforation in head and neck cancer patients with esophageal stricture.

Objective Evaluate the efficacy of conservative management of iatrogenic esophageal perforation following dilatation of a stricture secondary to the treatment of head and neck cancer. Study Design Case series with chart review. Subjects and Methods Retrospective chart review of 24 patients with esophageal perforation treated at the Detroit Medical Center from 1999 to 2008. Of these, eight head and neck cancer patients had esophageal stricture and underwent dilatation with subsequent esophageal perforation. Results Six patients were managed conservatively; two were managed surgically. All eight patients had radiation, six had chemotherapy, and five had surgery as part of their oncologic treatment. Stricture site was at the cricopharyngeus or neopharynx. Perforation size was estimated at 3 to 7 mm in conservative patients and approximately 10 mm in surgical patients. All patients survived to be discharged from the hospital and diet was tube feeds. Conclusion In head and neck cancer patients with post-treatment esophageal stricture, iatrogenic cervical esophageal perforations can often be safely managed conservatively. The criteria are: prompt diagnosis within one hour, small perforation (3-7 mm), penetrating type of perforation with circumferential mucosal contact, proximal or cervical esophageal location, and stabilization and improvement of clinical signs and symptoms for 24 hours after initial ICU management.
Synthesis of Defect-Free FAU-Type Zeolite Membranes and Separation for Dry and Moist CO2/N2 Mixtures

In this paper, the effects of synthesis conditions, including the seeding approach, gel composition, and hydrothermal treatment process, on the quality of porous α-alumina-supported Y-type FAU membranes were studied. Defect-free, pure NaY-type zeolite membranes have been synthesized and investigated for separation of equimolar CO2/N2 mixtures under dry and moist conditions at atmospheric pressure. At room temperature, the CO2 selectivity was about 31.2 for the CO2/N2 dry gas mixture with a CO2 permeance of 2.1 × 10-8 mol/m2·Pa·s. The addition of water vapor to the feed stream decreased the permeance for both CO2 and N2 in a temperature range of 23−200 °C. The existence of water vapor significantly enhanced the CO2 selectivity at 110−200 °C but drastically lowered the CO2 selectivity below 80 °C. At 200 °C, with increasing water partial pressure, the CO2 selectivity increased and then decreased after reaching a maximum of 4.6 at a water partial pressure of 12.3 kPa.
Cooperative effect by a hydroxy and ether oxygen in epoxidation with a peracid

Abstract Examples are given for a cooperative effect by a hydroxy group and ether oxygen in directing the steric course of epoxidation with m -chloroperbenzoic acid.
Statistical Estimation of the Numerical Solution of a Fredholm Integral Equation of the First Kind

A method for the numerical solution of a Fredholm integral equation of the first kind is derived and illustrated. The method employs an a priori constraint vector together with covariances of both the constraint vector and the measurement errors. The method automatically incorporates an optimum amount of smoothing in the sense of maximum-likelihood estimation. The problem of obtaining optimum basis vectors is discussed. The trace of the covariance matrix of the error in the solution is used to estimate the accuracy of the results. This trace is used to derive a quality criterion for a set of measurements and a given set of constraint statistics. Examples are given in which the behavior of the solution as obtained from a specific integral equation is studied by the use of random input errors to simulate measurement errors and statistical sampling. The quality criterion and behavior of the trace of the error covariance matrix for various bases is also illustrated for the equation being considered.
Urinary trypsin levels observed in pancreas transplant patients with duodenocystostomies promote in vitro fibrinolysis and in vivo bacterial adherence to urothelial surfaces.

This study evaluated the role of activated urinary trypsin in mediating the increased incidence of infectious and hemorrhagic lower urinary tract complications in pancreas transplant patients with pancreatico-duodenocystostomies (PDC). The effect of trypsin concentrations corresponding to those observed in the urine of PDC patients were studied using an in vitro assay of clot lysis and an in vivo assay of bacterial-urinary tract adherence. Results were compared with those of parallel assays performed using urine from a pancreas transplant patient with a duodenocystostomy and control human urine. All trypsin concentrations studied demonstrated fibrinolytic activity. Fibrinolysis increased as a direct function of both trpysin concentration and duration of substrate exposure (P<0.0001). Fibrin lysis resulting from the urine of the transplant patient was 4.6 times greater than that predicted based upon assays of total trypsin content in the sample. Fibrinolytic activity in control urine specimens was 0.16% of that observed in transplant urine specimens. Exposure of the rat urinary bladder to 200 μg/ml trypsin concentrations, or transplant urine, resulted in a significant increase in bacterial adherence over that seen in control urine from treated animals (P<0.05). These findings demonstrate a significant effect of urinary trypsin on physiologic processes involved in hemostasis and the prevention of urinary tract infection. Active urinary trypsin may play an etiologic role in hemorrhagic and infectious lower urinary tract complications observed in patients with a PDC.
A NUCLEAR DOT-LIKE STRUCTURE THAT HAS A RELATIONSHIP WITH PERINUCLEAR INTERMEDIATE FILAMENTS

A new type of nuclear dot-like structure was found that seems to associate with perinuclear intermediate filaments (IFs). A monoclonal antibody AP435 MAb (IgM), reactive with desmin and vimentin, recognized from several to dozens of small nuclear dots (AP435 dots) as well as cytoplasmic IFs in various mammalian cells under immunofluorescence microscopy. AP435 dots were sensitive to treatment with 0.5% Triton X-100 while IFs were resistant. The dots disappeared during mitosis in some cells. They colocalized with neither centromeres nor structures involved in RNA processing. Many AP435 dots seem to associate with perinuclear IFs, though they were observed even in cells with no IFs. In cells possessing IFs AP435 dots separated from the bulk of the IFs and remained in the nuclear region both after treatment with colchicin and after treatment with cytochalasin B followed by centrifugation. Confocal laser-scanning fluorescence microscopy revealed the dots to be inside the nucleus. AP435 dots are small intranuclear structures that seem to interact directly or indirectly with perinuclear IFs.
A high-gain circularly polarized Ka-band microstrip reflect array

A half-meter, 32 GHz, circularly polarized microstrip reflectarray antenna has been developed. Excellent efficiency, good bandwidth, and low average sideglobe and cross-pol levels are achieved. It is believed that this is electrically the largest microstrip reflectarray (6924 elements) that has ever been developed, and it is the first time that circular polarization has been demonstrated using microstrip elements.
The natural history of extended co-offending

Most criminal acts are committed in very small groups or alone, and are repeated sporadically. But that is not always the case. Co-offending can include larger groups, cooperating sequentially or simultaneously, knowing each other or at least knowing about one another. We may use the term “extended co-offending” to subsume varieties of crime organization, crime networks, gangs, and criminal clusters. Extended co-offending also includes vaguely organized crime repetitions, and is a matter of degree. Criminal cooperation can be extended in time, space, numbers of persons involved, and types of criminal action. The extension process has a very wide span of possibilities. Drawing ideas from Max Weber and others, this paper suggests that the natural history of criminal cooperation progresses in four stages, with steeply decreasing prevalence: (1) primordial clusters of offenders, (2) small-scale charismatic leadership of offenders, (3) a medium-scale patrimonial system of offenders, and (4) and an extended patrimonial system of criminal cooperation. Primordial co-offending occurs on a very local level, with little or no hierarchy or systematic repetition. Extended criminal cooperation usually requires personal trust among offenders, favoring patrimony over formal organization.
Trophic Basis of Production of Stream-Dwelling Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, and Flathead Catfish in Relation to Invertebrate Bait Harvest

Abstract We quantified annual consumption and annual production of the principal predatory fishes (smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu, rock bass Ambloplites rupestris, and flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris) in a 62-hectare pool of the New River, West Virginia, to evaluate the potential for competition among these species and people for crayfish (Cambarus sciotensis, Orconectes sanbornii sanbornii, and Orconectes virilis) and hellgrammite (Corydalus cornutus) resources. Production of smallmouth bass (3.21 g·m−2·year−1), rock bass (2.00 g·m−2·year−1), and flathead catfish (0.56 g·m−2·year−1) was supported primarily by aquatic insects (age-0 and age-1 fishes) and crayfish (age-2 and older fishes). Hellgrammites were rarely eaten due to their secretive nature, and prey fishes were less numerous than crayfish in the diets and the environment. Diet overlap among the three species was relatively high (Schoener's overlap index = 0.74–0.93); species composition and sizes of crayfish eaten by the three fish sp...
Hydrogen-Induced subcritical crack growth of a 12 Cr-1 Mo ferritic stainless steel

Subcritical crack growth and tensile ductility measurements have been made on a 12 Cr-1 Mo ferritic stainless steel at cathodic potentials in a 1 N H2SO4 solution at 25 °C. The tensile ductility was found to be a minimum at −600 mV (SCE) and both the subcritical crack growth behavior and tensile ductility were similar for material in the tempered (760 °C/2.5 h) or tempered-plus-segregated (540 °C/240 h) condition. A rising-load crack growth threshold of 20 MPa √m was measured and a rising-load fracture toughness of 110 MPa √m was determined from extrapolation of the stage III crack growth curve. A K-independent stage II was observed and a stage II crack growth rate of about 1 × 10−5 mm/s was measured. The fracture mode was a mixture of intergranular and quasi-cleavage for both heat treatments and for subcritical and tensile fracture tests. Impact fracture properties were independent of heat treatment and grain boundary composition with the fracture mode predominantly transgranular. The difference in the fracture mode for hydrogen-induced crack growth and dynamic crack growth was explained by a difference in the relationship between their stress profiles and the maximum grain boundary segregation distribution.
Resistance and disidentification in reflective practice with preservice teaching interns

This chapter examines two case studies of student teaching interns to identify contextual factors that may enhance or inhibit their use of self-reflective practices.
Method for Determining Instantaneous Temperature at the Surface of Combustion Chamber Deposits in an HCCI Engine

Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion is widely regarded an attractive option for future high efficiency gasoline engines. HCCI combustion permits operation with a highly dilute, well mixed charge, resulting in high thermal efficiency and extremely low NOx and soot emissions, two qualities essential for future propulsion system solutions.Because HCCI is a thermo-kinetically dominated process, full understanding of how combustion chamber boundary thermal conditions affect the combustion process are crucial. This includes the dynamics of the effective chamber wall surface temperature, as dictated by the formation of combustion chamber deposits (CCD). It has been demonstrated that, due to the combination of CCD thermal properties and the sensitivity of HCCI to wall temperature, the phasing of auto-ignition can vary significantly as CCD coverage in the chamber increases.In order to better characterize and quantify the influence of CCDs, a numerical methodology has been developed which permits calculation of the crank-angle resolved local temperature profile at the surface of a layer of combustion chamber deposits. This unique predictor-corrector methodology relies on experimental measurement of instantaneous temperature underneath the layer, i.e. at the metal-CCD interface, and known deposit layer thickness. A numerical method for validation of these calculations has also been devised. The resultant crank-angle resolved CCD surface temperature and heat flux profiles both on top and under the CCD layer provide valuable insight into the near wall phenomena, and shed light on the interplay between the dynamics of the heat transfer process and HCCI burn rates.Copyright © 2012 by ASME and General Motors
Classification of sedimentary furrows and a model for furrow initiation and evolution

Sedimentary furrows are longitudinal bed forms which form in fine-grained, cohesive sediments of the deep-sea floor as well as in similar sediments in estuaries and in large lakes. Deep-sea furrows have been observed where bottom currents often flow in one direction at 5 to 20+ cm/sec. Currents are much stronger (greater than 50 cm/sec) in furrowed estuarine environments, but sediment accumulation rates are higher. A review of furrows studied in a variety of locations and environments suggests that these bed forms fall into two broad morphological classes. Those developed in muddy, cohesive sediments tend to have steep walls and flat floors, while those developed in carbonate-rich cohesive sediments are broad and have gently sloping walls. At abyssal depths, furrows can often be detected by their distinctive echo patterns on 3.5-kHz echo sounders—a series of similar, evenly spaced hyperbolic echoes which often have their apices tangent to the sea floor. However, different furrow cross sections may generate distinctive hyperbolic echo patterns. A model for furrow initiation and development in muddy cohesive sediments suggests that furrows develop in depositional environments swept by recurring, directionally stable, and episodically strong currents. Furrows are initiated when secondary circulations in the boundary layer align coarse, generally light debris in sand ribbon-like bed forms. As the coarse, light sediments move along the sea floor, they abrade small longitudinal troughs into the muds. The grooves may fill in during intervals between strong current events if sedimentation rates are too high. Once a furrow is established on the sea floor, further development may be controlled by the balance between sediment deposition and erosion, where deposition occurs continuously, and erosion occurs only episodically during brief periods of increased current strength. “Narrow” furrows (width 1/5 to 1/15 of spacing) appear to develop where deposition exceeds erosion, whereas “wide” furrows (width 1/2 of spacing) develop where erosion exceeds or equals deposition. Dissolution may play an important role in the formation and evolution of furrows in carbonate-rich cohesive sediments. Secondary circulation patterns over established furrows may be strongly controlled by bed-form topography.
Transportation Geography Specialty Group

This is a report of the Transportation Geography Specialty Group (TGSG) at the 2012 annual Association of American Geographers (AAG) Meeting.
Thalidomide does not alter the pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone

An open-label crossover study was conducted to evaluate the effect of thalidomide on the plasma pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol (INN ethinyl estradiol) and norethindrone (INN norethisterone) among 10 women who had undergone surgical sterilization at Georgetown University Clinical Research Center. The pharmacokinetics of single doses of 0.07 mg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg norethindrone were measured at baseline and after 3 weeks of 200 mg thalidomide. Compliance with the thalidomide regimen was assessed with the use of Medication Event Monitoring System caps. The results showed that there were no changes in the pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol or norethindrone with thalidomide therapy. Furthermore no changes were seen for other pharmacokinetic parameters assessed for thalidomide between days 1 and 21. Thalidomide was well tolerated but caused variable degrees of sedation. The average compliance rate of thalidomide was 97%. This study concluded that there was no drug interaction between thalidomide and the other two drugs (ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone). The efficacy of oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone should not be affected by concomitant thalidomide therapy.
Phase equilibria in the system calcium carbonate-water

Abstract High pressure experiments and thermodynamic calculations have explored the pattern of phase equilibria in the system CaCO 3 -H 2 O with particular emphasis on the phase CaCO 3 .H 2 O. The data suggest that CaCO 3 .H 2 O is unstable with respect to argonite plus water everywhere in the region considered (0–140°C and 1 bar–20 kb).
The determination of equations of state for nitrogen and oxygen

Abstract Methods of developing accurate thermodynamic equations of state for oxygen and nitrogen using least squares fitting to experimental data from the literature are presented and evaluated. A discussion of the critical evaluation and selection of experimental data is included. The selection of an appropriate functional form for the equation of state, weighting of the data points for least squares fitting, and the simultaneous fitting of various thermodynamic data including PVT data, isochoric heat capacity measurements, and saturation density values are presented. The resulting equation accurately represents all the data, and exhibits correct functional behaviour for the PVT surface and the derivatives used in the calculation of derived properties. Techniques of constraining the equation of state to be consistent with measured critical point parameters and with a vapour pressure equation determined from separate measurements of saturation properties are discussed. The equations developed in the work described here conform to the Maxwell criterion and may be used for the calculation of properties by continuous integration along isotherms through the two-phase region. Comparisons of the selected property values calculated from the equations of state with experimental PVT, C p , and C v data used in the development of equations are included. The calculations of the liquid properties by continuous integration along the isotherms and by use of the Clapeyron equation are compared.
An analytical and hypothesis-driven approach to elasmobranch movement studies

The study of elasmobranch movements has increased steadily since the early 1970s. A great deal is now known about the horizontal and vertical movements of many elasmobranch species over multiple spatial and temporal scales. These studies illustrate that many species share certain behaviours such as diel shifts in habitat (both horizontal and vertical), continuous yo-yo bounce diving and in many cases, seasonal migrations. Hypothesis-driven studies explaining these behaviours or utilizing an eco-physiological predictive framework are, however, relatively rare. In this review, the descriptive and hypothesis-driven studies of elasmobranch movements are discussed, in addition to some of the analytical tools that can be used to generate or test predictions. There are many tools and analytical techniques available which are not currently being utilized for most studies of elasmobranch movements. With the constant improvement in technology and statistical techniques, the development of hypothesis-driven studies of elasmobranch movements should continue to increase.
Phase reconstruction from magnitude of band-limited multidimensional signals

Abstract In this paper, the problem of phase reconstruction from magnitude of multidimensional band-limited functions is considered. It is shown that any irreducible band-limited function f(z1…,zn), zi ϵ C , i=1, …, n, is uniquely determined from the magnitude of f(x1…,xn): | f(x1…,xn)|, xi ϵ R , i=1,…, n, except for (1) linear shifts: i(α1z1+…+αn2n+β), β, αiϵ R , i=1,…, n; and (2) conjugation: f ∗ (z 1 ∗ ,…,z n ∗ ) .
Hydrogen-Induced Initiation of Corrosion in Aluminum

Corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys is related to the presence of a thin, passivating aluminum oxide film on the surface. In this paper, we perform first-principles quantum-mechanical calculations to provide atomic scale understanding of the initiation of corrosion in Al. Our results support the hypothesis that hydrogen plays an important role at different stages of the Al corrosion process. In particular, atomic hydrogen can penetrate into the oxide film and cause structural damage in both the oxide and at the Al/Al2O3 interface. The corrosion is then initiated by a breakdown of the oxide film and a subsequent pit development on the surface of the metal exposed to the environment.
Atomistic Insights into the Conversion Reaction in Iron Fluoride: A Dynamically Adaptive Force Field Approach

Nanoscale metal fluorides are promising candidates for high capacity lithium ion batteries, in which a conversion reaction upon exposure to Li ions enables access to the multiple valence states of ...
A new model of congenital hydrocephalus in the rat

Hydrocephalic neonates were observed in a small breeding colony of rats. Normal rats from this colony were obtained and brother-sister mated for seven generations. The overall prevalence of hydrocephalics was approximately 23%; however, in one subline, the prevalence approached 50%. Breeding data suggested the trait to be polygenic. Hydrocephalics could be detected at 1–2 days of age, and survived for 4–5 weeks. Dilatation of the ventricles was restricted to the lateral ventricles. No evidence of developmental anomalies was seen within the ventricles. Preliminary evidence suggested that the pathophysiology may be related to poorly developed veins in the periosteal-dural layers and to underdeveloped pia-arachnoid cells. The hydrocephalus was classified as being of the communicating type.
Compact explosive-driven generator of primary power based on a longitudinal shock wave demagnetization of hard ferri- and ferromagnets

A new type of compact explosive-driven generator of primary power, which utilizes phenomena of a shock wave demagnetization of hard ferri- and ferromagnets, was developed. The shock wave initiated by high explosive, as well as accelerated flyer plate, passes along the hard ferri- or ferromagnetic body, which serves as initial energy carrier. The shock wave demagnetizes the energy-carrying element, reducing the initial magnetic flux /spl Phi//sub 0/. In accordance with Faraday's law, this change of magnetic flux /spl Delta//spl Phi//sub 0/ generates an electromotive force in a coil wound on the energy carrier. Several types of compact generators with energy-carrying element of 10 cm/sup 3/ in volume were explored. High-voltage generators that utilize energy of BaFe/sub 12/O/sub 19/ hard ferrimagnets are capable of producing pulses of amplitude 5.5 kV with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 1 /spl mu/s. The generators that utilize energy of Nd/sub 2/Fe/sub 14/B high-energy hard ferromagnets are capable of producing pulses with amplitude more than 10 kV and FWHM about 4 /spl mu/s. The high-current generators based on Nd/sub 2/Fe/sub 14/B produced pulses yielded 826 A and FWHM of 180 /spl mu/s. The developed generator can be used as the most reliable and effective source of primary power capable of seeding magnetocumulative generators.
Mechanism of HIV-1 RNA dimerization in the central region of the genome, and significance for viral evolution

The genome of HIV-1 consists of two identical or nearly identical RNA molecules. The RNA genomes are held in the same, parallel orientation by interactions at the dimer initiation site (DIS). Previous studies showed that in addition to interactions at DIS, sequences located 100 nucleotides downstream from the 5′ splice site can dimerize in vitro through an intermolecular G-quartet structure. Here we report that the highly conserved G-rich sequence in the middle portion of the HIV-1 genome near the central polypurine tract (cPPT) dimerizes spontaneously under high ionic strength in the absence of protein. The antisense RNA does not dimerize, strongly indicating that RNA dimerization does not exclusively involve A:U and G:C base pairing. The cation-dependent reverse transcriptase pausing profile, CD spectra profile, and cation-dependent association and thermal dissociation characteristics indicate G-quartet structures. Different forms of G-quartets are formed including monomers and, significantly, intermolecular dimers. Our results indicate that RNA genome dimerization and parallel alignment initiated through interactions at DIS may be greatly expanded and stabilized by formation of an intermolecular G-quartet at a distant site near the cPPT. It is likely that formation of G-quartet structure near the cPPT in vivo keeps the RNA genomes in proximity over a long range, promoting genetic recombination in numerous hot spots. Background: HIV-1 genome dimerization is important for viral survival. Results: The central region of HIV-1 genome contains a G-rich sequence promoting recombination and capable of forming a dimeric G-quartet. Conclusion: Parallel alignment and proximity of two HIV-1 genomes associated at the 5′ end can be maintained through dimeric G-quartet formed in the central region of viral genome. Significance: Determining mechanism and factors involved in HIV-1 genome dimerization.
Mercury-sensitized photochemical vapor deposition of amorphous silicon

A reaction engineering model has been developed to describe the mercury-sensitized photochemical vapor deposition of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) semiconductor thin films. Model equations governing the gas-phase generation, transport, and surface reactions of SiH3 and H film precursor radicals are solved to predict film growth rate and bonded hydrogen content. Behavior of the model has been studied as a function of deposition conditions (pressure, temperature, feed composition, and flow rates) and has been verified by comparison with experimental results.
Role of Adsorption in Studying the Dynamics of Pesticides in a Soil Environment

Once a pesticide or a toxic chemical finds its way in the environment a major part of it comes in contact with soils. In many instances soil acts as a sink for many chemicals. Thus in order to understand the behavior of pesticides in the environment we must know their dynamics in the soil. The three important factors controlling the behavior of a pesticide in a soil environment are: 1) the sorption/desorption process; 2) leaching-diffusion; and 3) degradation. The subject of leaching, diffusion and degradation will be discussed in the next two chapters. In this manuscript we shall present some of the important points in studying the adsorption of pesticides to soil colloids. We shall also describe how the adsorption process may influence the dynamics of pesticide in a soil environment.
Interaction of the vaccinia virus RNA polymerase-associated 94-kilodalton protein with the early transcription factor.

A multisubunit RNA polymerase (RPO) encoded by vaccinia virus (VACV), in conjunction with specific factors, transcribes early, intermediate, and late viral genes. However, an additional virus-encoded polypeptide referred to as the RPO-associated protein of 94 kDa (RAP94) is tightly bound to the RPO for the transcription of early genes. Unlike the eight RPO core subunits, RAP94 is synthesized exclusively at late times after infection. Furthermore, RAP94 is necessary for the packaging of RPO and other components needed for early transcription in assembling virus particles. The direct association of RAP94 with NPH I, a DNA-dependent ATPase required for transcription termination, and the multifunctional poly(A) polymerase small subunit/2′-O-methyltransferase/elongation factor was previously demonstrated. That RAP94 provides a structural and functional link between the core RPO and the VACV early transcription factor (VETF) has been suspected but not previously demonstrated. Using VACV recombinants that constitutively or inducibly express VETF subunits and RAP94 with affinity tags, we showed that (i) VETF associates only with RPO containing RAP94 in vivo and in vitro, (ii) the association of RAP94 with VETF requires both subunits of the latter, (iii) neither viral DNA nor other virus-encoded late proteins are required for the interaction of RAP94 with VETF and core RPO subunits, (iv) different domains of RAP94 bind VETF and core subunits of RPO, and (v) NPH I and VETF bind independently and possibly simultaneously to the N-terminal region of RAP94. Thus, RAP94 provides the bridge between the RPO and proteins needed for transcription initiation, elongation, and termination.
Refractory Intracranial Hypertension Due to Fentanyl Administration Following Closed Head Injury

Background Although the effects of opioids on intracranial pressure have long been a subject of controversy, they are frequently administered to patients with severe head trauma. We present a patient with an uncommon paradoxical response to opioids. Case Report A patient with refractory intracranial hypertension after closed head injury was managed with standard medical therapy with only transient decreases in the intracranial pressure. Only after discontinuation of opiates did the intracranial pressure become manageable without metabolic suppression and rescue osmotic therapy, implicating opiates as the etiology of refractory intracranial hypertension in this patient. Conclusions Clinicians should consider opioids as a contributing factor in malignant intracranial hypertension when findings on neuroimaging do not explain persistent and refractory intracranial hypertension.
CHEMICAL AND ELECTROMAGNETIC EXPOSURES AS DISABILITY BARRIERS: ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY

This paper proposes that chemical and electromagnetic exposures pose technology‐related disability barriers for people who have acquired sensitivities to them and that these barriers should be integrated into our understanding of disability. I discuss pervasive chemical and electrical exposures as products of industrialism that first engender impairments and then act as disability barriers to those who develop intolerance to them. I also remark on unique aspects of environmental sensitivities in the context of the social model.
Transmission, Host Specificity, and Seasonal Occurrence of Cyrtosomum penneri (Nematoda: Atractidae) in Lizards from Florida

Abstract: Experimental infections and field-collected lizards were used to investigate issues of transmission, host specificity, and seasonal occurrence in the nematode Cyrtosomum penneri (Cosmocercoidea: Atractidae). Anolis sagrei (87 males, 42 females) were captured from the Florida Southern College campus, Polk County, Florida, from October 2010 to September 2011, and 8,803 C. penneri were collected from their intestines. During the breeding season all sexually mature (SVL ≥34 mm) A. sagrei were infected, whereas juvenile lizards (SVL <34 mm) were never infected. Experimental infections, using A. sagrei, found that worms were transferred to new hosts venereally, but not during oral exposures. Mating trials confirmed that worms were consistently transferred between hosts during copulation under natural conditions. Experimental exposures found that land snails and crickets do not serve as transport or intermediate hosts, which supports the idea that C. penneri is transferred only during host copulation. ...
Hemodynamic Characteristics of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation Feeder Vessels With and Without Aneurysms

Background and Purpose—The pathogenesis of aneurysms associated with cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) feeder vessels is poorly understood. We sought to determine the hemodynamic characteristics of AVM feeder vessels with and without aneurysms. Methods—Patients with AVMs associated with feeder aneurysms who had flow, vessel diameter, and wall shear stress measured before treatment using quantitative magnetic resonance angiography were retrospectively reviewed. Feeders within each AVM were classified into 2 groups based on presence or absence of aneurysms. Hemodynamic parameters were calculated for each arterial feeder and then compared between the 2 groups. Results—Eleven patients had AVMs with feeder aneurysms. Of 35 total feeder arteries, 12 had an aneurysm and 23 feeders did not have any aneurysms. Absolute mean flow was higher (510.2 versus 438.4 mL/min; P=0.53) and vessel diameter was lower (4.0 versus 4.8 mm; P=0.24) in feeders with aneurysms but not significantly. However, wall shear stress...
Extended finite element method and fast marching method for three-dimensional fatigue crack propagation

A numerical technique for planar three-dimensional fatigue crack growth simulations is proposed. The new technique couples the extended finite element method (X-FEM) to the fast marching method (FMM). In the X-FEM, a discontinuous function and the two-dimensional asymptotic crack-tip displacement fields are added to the finite element approximation to account for the crack using the notion of partition of unity. This enables the domain to be modeled by finite elements with no explicit meshing of the crack surfaces. The initial crack geometry is represented by level set functions, and subsequently signed distance functions are used to compute the enrichment functions that appear in the displacement-based finite element approximation. The FMM in conjunction with the Paris crack growth law is used to advance the crack front. Stress intensity factors for planar three-dimensional cracks are computed, and fatigue crack growth simulations for planar cracks are presented. Good agreement between the numerical results and theory is realized.
Long-wave infrared spectra of alkali salts of platinum halide complexes

Abstract The absorption spectra of a number of alkali salts of platinum metal halide complexes have been investigated using a vacuum far-infrared spectrometer. Lattice vibrations and the stretching and bending frequencies of the metal-halogen bonds have been observed in the range 40–360 cm −1 . The compounds, which are of the type R 2 XY 4 (square planar anion), were examined both at room temperature and at liquid nitrogen temperature. The assignment of the normal modes has been made and the force constants of the vibrational motions have been calculated using a valence force field model.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome with Ginkgo Biloba

Gingko biloba is a popular herbal remedy for improving memory. Its side effects include headaches, stomach upset, bleeding complications and dermatitis. We report another adverse reaction, a case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), which appears to be associated with use of gingko biloba. Ingestion by our patient of two doses of a ginkgo-containing preparation resulted in exfoliative rash, blistering and other symptoms consistent with SJS. Upon aggressive treatment with corticosteroids, her rash improved, however, she still had residual symptoms five months after treatment. It is important for clinicians to be aware of this possible side effect related to use of ginkgo preparations.
Constraints on Europa's rotational dynamics from modeling of tidally-driven fractures

Abstract Cycloids, arcuate features observed on Europa’s surface, have been interpreted as tensile cracks that form in response to diurnal tidal stress caused by Europa’s orbital eccentricity. Stress from non-synchronous rotation may also contribute to tidal stress, and its influence on cycloid shapes has been investigated as well. Obliquity, fast precession, and physical libration would contribute to tidal stress but have often been neglected because they were expected to be negligibly small. However, more sophisticated analyses that include the influence of Jupiter’s other large satellites and the state of Europa’s interior indicate that perhaps these rotational parameters are large enough to alter the tidal stress field and the formation of tidally-driven fractures. We test tidal models that include obliquity, fast precession, stress due to non-synchronous rotation, and physical libration by comparing how well each model reproduces observed cycloids. To do this, we have designed and implemented an automated parameter-searching algorithm that relies on a quantitative measure of fit quality, which we use to identify the best fits to observed cycloids. We then apply statistical techniques to determine the tidal model best supported by the data. By incorporating obliquity, fits to observed southern hemisphere cycloids improve, and we can reproduce equatorial and equator-crossing cycloids. Furthermore, we find that obliquity plus physical libration is the tidal model best supported by the data. With this model, the obliquities range from 0.32° to 1.35°. The libration amplitudes are 0.72–2.44°, and the libration phases are −6.04° to 17.72° with one outlier at 84.5°. The variability in obliquity is expected if Europa’s ice shell is mechanically decoupled from the interior, and the libration amplitudes are plausible in the presence of a subsurface ocean. Indeed, the presence of a decoupling ocean may result in feedbacks that cause all of these rotational parameters to become time-variable.
Securing wireless implantable devices for healthcare: Ideas and challenges

Implantable devices hold great potential for pervasive healthcare, enabling the identification, monitoring, and treatment of patients regardless of their location. To realize this goal, these devices must be able to communicate wirelessly with external devices. However, wireless communication presents many vulnerabilities: an attacker can eavesdrop on transmitted information, use implanted devices to track patients, or spoof an implanted device. An attacker even has the potential to cause direct physical harm to a patient, either by forcibly removing an implanted device from the patient or by maliciously sending commands that affect the operation of an implanted device. Addressing these security threats is crucial for implantable devices due to their permanent nature, but it is difficult because of the severe resource constraints facing such devices. This article details the threats that face wireless implantable devices, surveys the work addressing these threats, and identifies open issues for future research.
The effects of inhibitors of RNA and DNA synthesis on protein synthesis and polysome levels in mouse L-cells.

Metabolic inhibitors of RNA synthesis, such as actinomycin D and MPB (2-mercapto-1-(β-4-pyridethyl) benzimidazole) have often been used to test the possibility that transcription is required for some cellular process or to measure the „half-life” of messenger RNA (mRNA). The basic assumption of this work has been that the primary effect of these inhibitors is on transcription alone, and that any effect on translation is secondary to the inhibition of mRNA synthesis. This assumption has been tested by examining the effects of these inhibitors at different doses on various parameters of the transcriptional and translation processes in mouse L-cells in culture, i.e., the rates of RNA, DNA, and protein synthesis; the level and size of cytoplasmic polysomes; the rates of polypeptide elongation and termination, and the role of peptide chain initiation in protein synthesis. The results indicate that the basic assumption is not correct since these inhibitors affect protein synthesis by inhibiting the rate of initiation and not the level of mRNA. Another implication of the experiments is that the average mRNA in L-cells has a half-life of at least one cell generation (16–18 hours), and that earlier values from experiments using actinomycin are underestimates. Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) which inhibits the production of ribosomal and messenger RNA also affects protein synthesis at the level of initiation. In contrast, two inhibitors of DNA synthesis (hydroxyurea and cytosine arabinoside) inhibit protein synthesis and the level of polysomes by some other mechanism.
Intergranular Slow Crack Growth in MgF2

Fractographic analysis of delayed failure of magnesium fluoride bars at room temperature showed that slow crack growth proceeds intergranularly, whereas rapid crack growth proceeds transgranularly. The size of the semielliptical demarcation between the intergranular and transgranular regions agreed well with the critical size predicted from a fracture mechanics equation. The ratio of the critical flaw size to fracture mirror (mirror-mist, mist-hackle, and crack branching) radii was shown to be constant, but the initial flaw size to fracture mirror radii were functions of the time to fracture. The observed time to fracture did not agree with that calculated.