cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance curve approach to optimising fluidising water for Knelson concentrators

AbstractCentrifugal concentrators such as Knelson concentrators (KCs) are commonly used in most gold processing plants to recover fine liberated gold particles. The decision to employ a gravity recovery circuit is primarily based on the amount of gravity recoverable gold (GRG) in the ore among other considerations. However, the conditions required to optimise the gold recovery in such devices used in plants cannot be determined by GRG test results as the separation of particles is based on the particle bed dynamics within the given unit which are different to those encountered in a three inch KC used for the GRG test. The significant operating variables that affect the performance of a KC are the size distributions of the gold and gangue, rotational speed of the bowl, fluidising water flowrate and the cycle time. Of these variables, the rotational speed is generally fixed, and the size distributions of the gold and gangue are determined by the comminution circuit employed. Thus, the fluidising water is th...
Recent progress in x-ray stereoscopes

An improved reconstructed stereoscopic x‐ray image display system, based on the principle of binocular parallax, is described. Pulse‐synchronized operation of two triode x‐ray tubes and one plumbicon TV camera is employed to separate the left and right images for presentation to the two eyes, respectively. The principle of binocular perception, quantitative characteristics of the stereoscopic depth, the overcoming of the inertia problem of the single‐camera scheme, and a way to achieve low x‐ray dosage and enhanced contrast of image are presented. Experimental results and applications are discussed.
Short‐Term Threshold Behavior of Human Ventricular Pacing Electrodes: Noninvasive Monitoring with a Multiprogrammable Pacing System

Twenty-two patients were studied for 8 to 12 weeks following pacemaker implantation. A unipolar multiprogrammable pacing system was used to assess and compensate for early post-implant changes in pulse width threshold (PWT). Changes in PWT were estimated by noninvasive measurements of the lowest pulse width required for 100% capture at constant voltage. All patients showed an early increase in PWT. The magnitude of this change was unpredictable and ranged from 2- to 10-fold. For pacing, we selected an appropriate margin of safety to be a pulse width three times the PWT. During the study period, 4 patients showed critical increases in PWT, requiring reprogramming to an increased pulse width as above, whereas only one patient required lead repositioning. The majority of patients achieved a stable low PWT and were reprogrammed to a reduced pulse width. The programmable pacing system provides a safe accurate technique for monitoring early changes in PWT, defines the need for appropriate alterations in programmable functions, decreases the risk of early pacemaker failure, and offers promise for improved pacemaker longevity in many patients.
Right ventricular ejection efficiency: a new echocardiographic measure of mechanical performance in chronic pulmonary hypertension.

Background The severity of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is known to be a critical determinant of right ventricular (RV) systolic function; this relationship remains poorly characterized. We therefore, designed a study to examine the relationship that exists between echocardiographically measured PVR and maximal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) to gain some insight regarding RV ejection efficiency (RVEe) in patients with chronic pulmonary hypertension (cPH). Methods Standard echocardiographic measures of RV size and systolic performance were recorded from 95 patients (age 54 ± 15 years and pulmonary artery systolic pressures [PASP] that range from 20 to 125 mmHg). For this study, RVEe was defined as TAPSE/Echocardiographic PVR. Results A strong negative correlation (R2 = −0.51, P < 0.001) was seen between TAPSE and PASP; however, a power curve trend line fit the relationship between RVEe and PASP (R2 = 0.77; P < 0.01). In a multiple regression analysis, abnormal pulmonary pressures were better identified when RVEe (P < 0.0001) was used. Conclusions Based on these results, it appears that measurement of RVEe might be extremely useful for the assessment of RV mechanics and plasticity. The power curve relationship clearly demonstrates that minimal changes in PASP (up to 50 mmHg) result in dramatic reductions in RVEe. A steady decline in RVEe, though at a lower rate, continues to occur with increasing PASP. Additional studies are required using RVEe into a functional RV imaging algorithm and determine if RVEe correlates with development of symptoms, response to therapy and overall clinical outcomes.
Nutritional Importance of Choline for Brain Development

Choline is a dietary component essential for normal function of all cells. In 1998 the National Academy of Sciences, USA, issued a report identifying choline as a required nutrient for humans and recommended daily intake amounts. In ongoing studies we are finding that men have a higher requirement than do postmenopausal women, who in turn need more than premenopausal women. Pregnancy and lactation are periods when maternal reserves of choline are depleted. At the same time, the availability of choline for normal development of brain is critical. When rat pups received choline supplements (in utero or during the second week of life), their brain function is changed, resulting in lifelong memory enhancement. This change in memory function appears to be due to changes in the development of the memory center (hippocampus) in brain. These changes are so important that investigators can pick out the groups of animals whose mothers had extra choline even when these animals are elderly. Thus, memory function in the aged is, in part, determined by what mother ate. Foods highest in total choline concentrations per 100 g were beef liver (418 mg), chicken liver (290 mg), and eggs (251 mg). We suggest that choline-rich foods are an important component of the diet and that especially during pregnancy it would be prudent to include them as part of a healthy diet.
Window-based spectral analysis of color halftone screens

Improper design of color halftone screens may create visually objectionable moire patterns in the final prints due to the interaction between the halftone screens of the color primaries. The prediction of such interactions from the screens' bitmaps helps to identify and avoid problematic patterns, reducing the time required to design effective color halftone screens. In this paper, we detect the moire patterns by examining the spatial frequency spectra of the superimposed screens. We study different windowing techniques including Hann, Hamming, and Blackman, to better estimate the moire strength, frequency and orientation. The window-based spectral estimation has the advantage of reducing the effect of spectral leakage associated with the non-windowed discrete signals. Two methods are used to verify the detected moire from the bitmaps. First, we analyze scans of the printed halftones, using the same technique that we applied to the bitmaps. Second, we independently inspect the printed halftones visually. Our experiments show promising results by detecting the moire patterns from both the bitmap images as well as the scans of the actual prints verified by visual inspection.
Phosphate-enhanced transfection of cationic lipid-complexed mRNA and plasmid DNA

Cationic lipid-mediated gene transfer has been shown to be a competent albeit inefficient mechanism of promoting cellular gene transfer. One way to improve the efficacy of cationic lipid-mediated transgene expression is to optimize conditions for complex formation between the lipids and nucleic acids. In this report we describe the beneficial effects of using phosphate buffer to precondition lipofectin (a 1:1 (w/w) mixture of N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-n,n, n-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA), and dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE)) prior to complexing with plasmid DNA or mRNA. Under such optimized conditions we studied the kinetics of DNA- and RNA-mediated transgene expression in a human osteosarcoma cell line (HOS). Preincubation of lipofectin in phosphate buffer resulted in up to 26- and 56-fold increases in luciferase expression from plasmid DNA and mRNA, respectively. Addition of chloroquine (50 microM), which enhanced plasmid-mediated gene delivery 3-fold, was synergistic with phosphate resulting in an additional 46-fold increase in luciferase expression. The preincubation with phosphate shortened both the time required for cellular uptake and the time to achieve maximal transgene expression. Optimal transfection was achieved in the presence of 30-80 mM phosphate, at pH 5.6-6.8 under which the phosphate anion is divalent. The effect of phosphate anion was specific in that monovalent Cl- and acetate anions were not stimulatory. These results demonstrate that divalent phosphate anion plays a stimulatory role during complex formation and transfection when cationic lipids come in contact with negatively charged nucleic acids and cell membranes. These findings delineate specific conditions which dramatically enhance transfection efficiency for both DNA and mRNA, and provide an effective procedure for gene transfection studies.
Glycoprotein 46 mRNA Abundance Is Post-transcriptionally Regulated during Development of Leishmania chagasiPromastigotes to an Infectious Form

Abstract GP46 is an abundant glycoprotein of 46 kDa on the surface of the promastigote form of most Leishmaniaspecies. We show that the steady state level of GP46 mRNA increases >30-fold as Leishmania chagasi promastigotes developin vitro from a less infectious form during logarithmic growth to a highly infectious form in the stationary phase of cultivation. Nuclear run-on experiments demonstrate that this increase in GP46 mRNA abundance is regulated post-transcriptionally. Plasmids containing the 3′-untranslated regions (UTRs) and downstream intergenic regions (IRs) of two different GP46 genes fused immediately downstream of the β-galactosidase coding region were transfected intoL. chagasi, and β-galactosidase activity and mRNA levels were examined. The presence of the 3′-UTR + IR of one GP46 gene (gp46A) resulted in a steady increase in β-galactosidase activity and mRNA level as the transfected promastigotes developed from logarithmic to stationary phase. This differential effect parallels that of the 3′-UTRs + IRs of a family of genes for an unrelated Leishmania surface glycoprotein, GP63. Thus, post-transcriptional regulation of the genes for two different surface glycoproteins of Leishmania occurs via a similar mechanism.
MPV17-associated hepatocerebral mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome: New patients and novel mutations

Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndromes are autosomal recessive diseases characterized by a severe decrease in mitochondrial DNA content leading to dysfunction of the affected organ. They are phenotypically heterogeneous and classified as myopathic, encephalomyopathic, or hepatocerebral. The latter group has been associated with mutations in TWINKLE,POLG1, DGUOK genes and recently with mutations in the MPV17 gene. MPV17 encodes a mitochondrial inner membrane protein and plays an as yet poorly understood role in mitochondrial DNA maintenance. Mutations in the MPV17 gene have been reported in patients who came to medical attention during infancy with liver failure, hypoglycemia, failure-to-thrive and neurological symptoms. In addition, a homozygous p.R50Q mutation has been identified in patients with Navajo neurohepatopathy. To date, 13 different mutations in 21 patients have been reported. We report eight new patients with seven novel mutations, including four missense mutations (c.262A>G (p.K88E), c.280G>C (p.G94R), c.293C>T (p.P98L), and c.485C>A (p.A162D)), one in-frame deletion (c.271_273del3 (p.L91del)), one splice site substitution (c.186+2T>C), and one insertion (c.22_23insC). The p.R50Q mutation, which occurs in a CpG dinucleotide, is the most common MPV17 mutation and, to date, has only been found in the homozygous state. Clinically, patients homozygous for p.R50Q or compound heterozygous for the p.G94R and p.P98L mutations have a better prognosis, with all the other mutations associated with early death if not treated by liver transplantation. Localizing the mutations within the predicted MPV17 protein structure reveals clustering of mutations in the region of the putative protein kinase C phosphorylation site.
Computational Electromagnetic Analysis in a Human Head Model with EEG Electrodes and Leads Exposed to RF-Field Sources at 915 MHz and 1748 MHz

Abstract An electromagnetic analysis of a human head with EEG electrodes and leads exposed to RF-field sources was performed by means of Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations on a 1-mm3 MRI-based human head model. RF-field source models included a half-wave dipole, a patch antenna, and a realistic CAD-based mobile phone at 915 MHz and 1748 MHz. EEG electrodes/leads models included two configurations of EEG leads, both a standard 10–20 montage with 19 electrodes and a 32-electrode cap, and metallic and high resistive leads. Whole-head and peak 10-g average SAR showed less than 20% changes with and without leads. Peak 1-g and 10-g average SARs were below the ICNIRP and IEEE guideline limits. Conversely, a comprehensive volumetric assessment of changes in the RF field with and without metallic EEG leads showed an increase of two orders of magnitude in single-voxel power absorption in the epidermis and a 40-fold increase in the brain during exposure to the 915 MHz mobile phone. Results varied with the geo...
A simulation model for repairable items/spare parts inventory systems

Abstract A Gasp IV simulation model is presented to analyze repairable item inventory control. Each item, in an increasing population size, is subject to failure, however only a percentage of those that fail can be repaired. The repair can be performed in batches or individually, and only when a repair station is available for repair. Six inventory policies are available in the model. The simulation analyzes the effects of an order quantity or an order level of inventory, number of repair stations and the time between reviews on shortages, utilization and cost. The simulation events are discussed in detail and a sample run is presented in the Appendix.
Plasticity in metabolic allometry: the role of dietary stoichiometry

Metabolism involves multiple elements. While we know much about the allometry in metabolic response of organisms to energy (carbon, C) availability, little is known about how different-sized organisms respond to the relative availability of elements. I experimentally manipulated availability of phosphorus (P) relative to C, to test whether dietary C : P affects metabolism in four species of Daphnia, spanning an order of magnitude in body mass. Results indicated that the slope of the relationship between individual respiration and body mass was M0.83 under a balanced diet (C : P c. 150), and M0.67 under an imbalanced diet (C : P c. 800). Increased respiration under dietary imbalance was not due to increased ingestion. The change in the scaling exponent was due to the greater respiratory response of smaller species to altered diets. Diet-induced metabolic plasticity contributes to variation in metabolic allometry, at least at such small scales of body size.
Biota: an object-oriented tool for modeling complex ecological systems

Abstract Biota is an object-oriented software application for modeling, simulating, and learning about multispecies population dynamics. Biota uses a variety of mathematical models including versions of the Lotka-Volterra models and the Nicholson-Bailey model, but goes far beyond the capacity of any one model. We begin by describing the class and object hierarchies of Biota and its general functionality. Species, regions, and relations among species are all modeled as objects. This object-oriented decomposition provides Biota with the capacity to model and simulate complex natural interactions among biological populations. Moreover, Biota allows a mixing of models and the representation of causal interactions not found in standard population models. The mixing of models, however, creates problems for estimating the parameters used in complex simulations, detecting and correcting errors, and in understanding the system being simulated. These difficulties are addressed using a novel approach to creating simulations, which we call the behavior partitioning approach. We also discuss classroom experience with Biota, techniques for managing complexity, and its application to resource management.
Martian cratering and central peak statistics: Mariner 9 results

Mariner 9 imagery shows that central peaked craters occur much more frequently in the Martian south polar region than in typical equatorial areas, and that both regions have crater size frequency distributions characteristic of saturation. Several arguments indicate that a preferential production mechanism, e.g., pingo formation made possible by subsurface permafrost confined to Martian polar regions, may account for the central peak excess in the south polar region.
Theoretical Analysis of Oscillating and Streaming Fields Between Two Parallel Beams and Numerical Investigation of the Cooling Efficiency

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the oscillating and streaming flow fields and the heat transfer efficiency across a channel between two long parallel beams, one of which is stationary and the other oscillating in standing wave form. The oscillating amplitude is assumed much smaller than the channel height. When the Reynolds number, which is defined by the oscillating frequency and the standing wave number, is much greater than unity, boundary layer structures are found near both beams, which are separated by a core region in the center of the channel. The oscillating fields within the core region and both boundary layers are obtained analytically. Based on the oscillating fields, the streaming fields within both boundary layers are also analytically obtained. Further investigation of boundary layer streaming fields shows that the streaming velocities approach constant values at the edges of the boundary layers and provide slip velocities for the streaming field in the core region. The core region streaming velocity field is numerically obtained by solving the mass and momentum conservation equations in their stream function–vorticity form. The temperature field is also computed for two cases: both beams are kept at constant but different temperatures (case A) or the oscillating beam is kept at a constant temperature and the stationary beam is prescribed a constant heat flux (case B). Cases of different channel heights are computed and a critical height is found. When the channel height is smaller than the critical value, for each half standing wavelength distance along the beams, two symmetric eddies are observed, which occupy the whole channel. In this case, the Nusselt number increases with the increase of the channel height. After the critical value, two layers of asymmetric eddies are observed near the oscillating beam and the Nusselt number decreases and approaches unity with the increase of the gap size. The abrupt change of the streaming field and the Nusselt number as the channel height goes through its critical value may be due to the bifurcation caused by instability of the vortex structure in the fluid layer.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Using compressive imaging as a fast class formation method in automatic target acquisition

Subspace projection is an effective and established way to form classes in the Automatic Target Acquisition (ATA) problem. Class subspace formation is viewed in this paper as an over specified F h = u problem. Recent advances in compressive imaging show that this problem can be solved for sparse matrices via iterative techniques. Convergence of these techniques is aided by a metric induced by an appropriately selected norm. In this paper we will use infrared data to show this rapid class formation and to compare convergence for two norms. Based on this class formulation a new method for ATA solution will also be demonstrated.
Ventrolateral medullary neurons show age-dependent depolarizations to hypoxia in vitro.

Central mechanisms are likely responsible for the larger respiratory activation in response to hypoxia in the adult compared to the neonatal animal. One possible site for this effect is in the ventrolateral medulla, an area known to be involved in the cardiorespiratory responses to hypoxia. Neurons in this area are stimulated by hypoxia both in vivo and in vitro. The purpose of the present study was to determine if changes in the magnitude of this excitatory response occur during early postnatal development. Whole-cell patch recordings were made from neurons in the ventrolateral medulla (VLM) in a 400-μm brain slice preparation. The basal properties and responses to a brief (90 s) hypoxic stimulus (5% CO2/95% N2) were compared between neurons from neonatal (P < 16) and juvenile (P16–38) rats. An excitation consisting of a depolarization, increase in spike frequency and decrease in input resistance was observed during hypoxia in eighty-three percent of juvenile but in only 58% of the neonatal VLM neurons. Moreover, the magnitude of this response was greater in the juvenile (8.2 ± 1.3 mV) than in the neonatal (4.8 ± 0.5 mV) neurons. A second type of depolarizing response, consisting of a more pronounced depolarization interrupted by a brief hyperpolarization that returned to a depolarized state and not associated with an increased discharge frequency, occurred in only 3% of the neurons from the juvenile animals compared to 18% of those from neonatal rats. The remaining proportion of the VLM neurons studied were hyperpolarized or were unaffected by hypoxia. Measurements of tissue pO2 indicate that none of the above differences are due to variations in the hypoxic stimulus between neonatal and adult slices. The results of this study suggest that the hypoxic-induced depolarizations observed in VLM neurons change during development. These developmental changes may contribute to the changes that occur in cardiorespiratory responses to acute systemic hypoxia during early development.
The Uniformity of Application of Day Care Licensing Standards.

This paper is concerned with the uniformity of application of state day care licensing standards. Each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia have some type of formal day care licensing system. The day care facilities subject to licensure may be of several types, but two main types are distinguished for present purposes--family day care homes (in which one person provides care for a number of children, usually not exceeding 8 or 10) and day care centers (which are larger, with more than one caregiver, and which frequently may have at least 30 or 40 children). Each state has a set of standards governing the licensing of day care facilities that spell out in detail the legal requirements for operating a licensed facility. As Costin (1968) has noted, day care licensing standards are like "'little laws.' That is, they prescribe behavior, demand conformity and carry sanctions." The content of the standards may cover a broad range of areas. For example, day care center standards may deal with requirements of the organization and administration of the center, program, staffing, health, sanitation, and fire and safety requirements. Many standards refer to relatively tangible and readily measurable characteristics. A center might be required to have 40 square feet of indoor play space per 2-year-old; or to have at least one working child care staff member per ten 3-year-olds. On the other hand, some licensing stand
The structure of (Ge0.33S0.67)1−xBrx and (Ge0.33S0.67)1−xIx glasses

Abstract Glasses of (Ge0.33S0.67)1−xBrx and (Ge0.33S0.67)1−xIx with the atomic fractions x = 0, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 were prepared by melting Br or I, S and Ge in quartz tubes and subsequently cooling to room temperature. X-ray and neutron scattering experiments were made on powdered glass samples. The scanning 2θ reflection method was employed with x-rays on the Ge S Br samples, using Ag Kα radiation and a Si solid state detector. The neutron experiments were carried out on the pulsed neutron spallation source at Argonne National Laboratory, using the variable λ technique. After suitable corrections, the total structure factors S(Q) were calculated, and it was found that the position of the first sharp diffraction peak (FSDP) at Q 1 = 1.02 A −1 does not change with composition, but its height scales with the weight factor (cGefGe)2 of the partial structure factor SGeGe(Q) for all samples measured with x-rays and neutrons. From the Fourier transforms of Q[S(Q)-1], i.e., the reduce atomic distribution functions G(r), the values of the nearest neighbor distances r 1 = 2.22 ± 0.02 A were found to be be the same for all samples. The area under the first peak in the radial distribution function represents the total coordination number N1 which varied from 2.9 for Ge0.33S0.67 to 2.6 for (Ge0.33S0.67)0.80(Br,I)0.20, yielding a value of 3.9±0.1 for the number of Ge-(S,Br,I) nearest neighbors in all samples.
Pyrotechnic whistle technology enhancements to law enforcement applications

In the past several years, there has been increasing interest in acoustic technology for less-than-lethal applications. Pyrotechnic whistles have been under study at the Edgewood Research, Development and engineering Center for several years for similar applications. Improvements in safety and handling, combined with increased levels of acoustic output, make the properly designed pyrotechnic whistle a valuable addition (read augmentation) to some current device designs. Either alone or in combination with other distraction effects, such as multiple concussion, strobing pyrotechnic, or microstarts, the pyrotechnic whistle family of devices provide a high level of target reaction with a minimum of collateral damage. This paper will summarize the recent research and development efforts in pyrotechnic whistle compositions, and the capabilities for the application of pyrotechnic whistles for typical law enforcement applications.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Two-dimensional permittivity profile reconstruction with distorted Rytov iterative method

The distorted Rytov iterative method (DRIM) is proposed for the reconstruction of unknown object with intermediate contrast embedded in two-dimensional (2D) homogeneous space. The DRIM is based on the distorted-wave Rytov approximation and is solved iteratively by incrementally correcting the estimated contrast function in each iteration step. The background medium Green's function is calculated numerically and is updated in each iteration step. Experimental results for different sets of dielectric targets are presented to validate the proposed method for 2D target permittivity reconstruction.
Periodic features in Saturn's F ring: evidence for nearby moonlets

The Saturn F ring's shepherd satellites, Pandora and Prometheus, have been suspected of causing the periodicities observed in the ring. To test this idea, a selection of the best available Voyager images of the ring were examined by applying an FFT technique to azimuthal profiles from spacecraft ring images. Only a few distinct periodic signals, including one due to the inner shepherd, are visible. It is suggested that these periodic signatures provide evidence for so-far-undiscovered satellites next to this puzzling ring.
Regulated Noise in the Epigenetic Landscape of Development and Disease

In this Perspective, we synthesize past and present observations in the field of epigenetics to propose a model in which the epigenome can modulate cellular plasticity in development and disease by regulating the effects of noise. In this model, the epigenome facilitates phase transitions in development and reprogramming and mediates canalization, or the ability to produce a consistent phenotypic outcome despite being challenged by variable conditions, during cell fate commitment. After grounding our argument in a discussion of stochastic noise and nongenetic heterogeneity, we explore the hypothesis that distinct chromatin domains, which are known to be dysregulated in disease and remodeled during development, might underlie cellular plasticity more generally. We then present a modern portrayal of Waddington's epigenetic landscape through a mathematical formalism. We speculate that this new framework might impact how we approach disease mechanisms. In particular, it may help to explain the observation that the variability of DNA methylation and gene expression are increased in cancer, thus contributing to tumor cell heterogeneity.
Computational Simulation of High-Speed Steady Homogeneous Two-Phase Flow in Complex Piping Systems

A study was undertaken to predict steady flow conditions in two-phase steam/water flows in safety/relief discharge piping systems. The homogeneous-equilibrium model was used for the two-phase flow along with the ASME Steam Tables in subroutine form as a state equation. The approach can also accommodate single-phase flows of superheated steam or subcooled liquid. Subroutines were developed to simulate flows through isentropic area changes, abrupt area changes, adiabatic constant area pipes with friction, valves, two-phase shock waves, and mass addition at pipe junctions. These subroutines were combined to predict conditions in arbitrary complex piping systems. Sample calculations which treat both single line and multiple-branch piping systems are included.
Treadmill validation of an over-ground walking test to predict peak oxygen consumption

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a test developed to predict maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) during over-ground walking, was similarly valid as a predictor of peak oxygen consumption (VO2) when administered during a 1-mile (1.61 km) treadmill walk. Treadmill walk time, mean heart rate over the last 2 full min of the walk test, age, and body mass were entered into both generalized (GEN Eq.) and gender-specific (GSP Eq.) prediction equations. Overall results indicated a highly significant linear relationship between observed peak VO2 and GEN Eq. predicted values (r = 0.91), a total error (TE) of 5.26 ml.kg-1.min-1 and no significant difference between observed and predicted peak VO2 mean values. The peak VO2 for women (n = 75) was predicted accurately by GSP Eq. (r = 0.85; TE = 4.5 ml.kg-1.min-1), but was slightly overpredicted by GEN Eq. (overall mean difference = 1.4 ml.kg-1.min-1; r = 0.86; TE = 4.56 ml.kg-1.min-1). No significant differences between observed peak VO2 and either GEN Eq. (r = 0.85; TE = 4.3 ml.kg-1.min-1) or GSP Eq. (r = 0.85; TE = 4.8 ml.kg-1.min-1) predicted values were noted for men (n = 48) with peak VO2 values less than or equal to 55 ml.kg-1.min-1. However, both equations significantly underpredicted peak VO2 for the remaining high peak VO2 men (n = 22). In conclusion, the over-ground walking test, when administered on a treadmill, is a valid method of predicting peak VO2 but underpredicts peak VO2 of subjects with observed high peak VO2 values.
A case-control study of hematopoietic and lymphoid neoplasms : The role of work in the chemical industry

The present case-control study was conducted in an effort to determine if work in the chemical industry is related to excesses of certain hematopoietic and lymphoid neoplasms. Cases who died from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and leukemia were matched by race, gender, age, year of death, and county of residence to controls who died from cardiovascular disease. A total of 618 (309 matched pairs) white male residents of Kanawha County, WV, aged 23-96, who had died between 1965 and 1990 were identified. Conditional logistic regression was conducted and yielded an association between chemical industry work and death due to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and lymphoid leukemia among subjects who died at age < 65. These results are consistent with the findings of previous studies linking work in chemical manufacturing to hematopoietic and lymphoid neoplasms, and indicate that the excesses may be related to the occupational exposures in men who died at younger ages.
Effects of low temperature storage on growth and transplant quality of non-grafted and grafted cantaloupe-type muskmelon seedlings

Abstract Grafting is a unique horticultural technology that allows the grower to select an alternate, compatible root system with natural disease resistance for their desired crop. Short-term storage of grafted seedlings under low temperature may extend the production window of grafted seedlings, reduce the labor input and increase production of grafted seedlings with a small propagation capacity. To evaluate the low temperature storage conditions, Cucumis melo ‘Olympic Gold’ seedlings were grafted onto Cucurbita maxima x Cucurbita moschata ‘Tetsukabuto’ rootstock and stored for a period of 2 or 4 weeks at 9, 12, or 15 °C under 12 μmol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic photon flux (PPF). The study demonstrated that grafted seedlings could be stored at 12 °C for 4 weeks without significant dry mass accumulation or effects on post-storage growth and development. Grafted seedlings stored at 15 °C for 4 weeks had a significant increase in dry mass and stem elongation; this was not observed for the non-grafted seedlings stored under the same conditions, suggesting that the rootstock enhanced the scion growth at lower temperatures than optimal for muskmelon. Storing muskmelon seedlings at 9 °C caused chilling damage but the damage was pronounced for non-grafted seedlings than grafted seedlings. ‘Tetsukabuto’ rootstock, an interspecific squash, presumably has a chilling tolerance and increased the storability of muskmelon seedlings. Further optimization is needed but there is potential for using this technique as a tool for mass production of grafted muskmelon seedlings.
Some basic principles of grassland fire management

Fire management of grasslands is best executed based on an understanding of the fundamental properties of grassland components, structures, and environments, and the nature of fire behavior in grassland fuels. The art of controlled burning combines experience, practicality, empirical knowledge, and sensitivity, with the effects of fire, the role of fire (particularly under natural conditions), inherent climatic conditions, and sound ecological management objectives. Some of the properties, effects, roles, conditions, experiences, and objectives of grassland burning are presented.
A Micro/Macroscopic Analysis for Cyclic Plasticity of Dual-Phase Materials

In this paper, a methodology is developed to simulate cyclic micro/macroscopic responses of dual-phase materials based on an extension of the self-consistent scheme. This extension is significant because it makes the self-consistent scheme capable of determining overall responses of materials as well as local stress evolution in microstructure. Results show satisfactory agreement between the cyclic responses up to 50 cycles predicted by the present methodology and the experimental data of Bower (1989). The heterogeneous feature of distributions of cyclic stress, strain and energy in microstructure, as well as the essential role of the strong-energy-absorption-capability of the thin layers on the material behavior, and the high strength of the thin-layer microstructure are exploited. The possible impact of this work on issues such as ratchetting of the dual-phase material and the ductile and fatigue behavior of its hard phase, as well as the significance on plasticity modeling of constituents and effective homogeneous inclusions are also mentioned.
Prediction and assignment of the FIR spectrum of hydrogen peroxide

Millimeter and submillimeter microwave studies are used to predict and assign the FIR rotational-torsional spectrum of hydrogen peroxide. Special attention is given to the strong Q-branch features that have recently been used by Traub and Chance to place an upper limit on the atmospheric abundance of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, 67 new transitions are reported in the 400-1000 GHz region.
Anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste: Utility of process residues as a soil amendment

Tuna processing wastes (sludges high in fat, oil, and grease [FOG]) and municipal solid waste (MSW) generated on Tutuila Island, American Samoa, represent an ongoing disposal challenge. The biological conversion of the organic fraction of these wastes to useful products, including methane and fertilizer-grade residue, through anaerobic high-solids digestion is currently in scale-up development. The suitability of the anaerobic digestion residues as a soil amendment was evaluated through extensive chemical analysis and greenhouse studies using corn as an indicator crop. Additionally, native Samoan soil was used to evaluate the specific application rates for the compost. Experiments established that anaerobic residues increase crop yields in direct proportion to increases in the application rate. Additionally, nutrient saturation was not demonstrated within the range of application rates evaluated for the Samoan soil. Beyond nutrient supplementation, organic residue amendment to Samoan soil imparts enhanced water- and nutrient-binding capacities.
Degradation of 2-deoxyaldoses by alkaline hydrogen peroxide

Abstract Reaction of 2-deoxy- D - arabino -hexose, 2-deoxy- D - lyxo -hexose, and 2-deoxy- D - erythro -pentose with alkaline hydrogen peroxide in the presence of magnesium hydroxide afforded the corresponding 2-deoxyaldonic acid, the 1,4-lactone, and the 1- O -formyl derivative of the next lower alditol. The 2-deoxyaldonic acids were separated in 60–80% yields, as new, crystalline lithium salts. The 1,4-lactones were obtained under conditions that precluded intermidiate formation of the free acids: presumably, the reaction proceeded by way of an intermediate, furanosyl hydroperoxide, which was converted into the lactone by elimination of water. With an excess of alkaline hydrogen peroxide, in the absence of magnesium hydroxide, the substrates were degraded to formic acid, with concurrent decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. It is shown that decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is catalyzed by hydroperoxide anion, and that it takes place by both a chain, and a non-chain, process. The decomposition reactions afford an abundant source of hydroxyl radical capable of oxidizing a wide variety of compounds.
Narrow fingers in a Hele–Shaw cell

Narrow fingers that occupy much less than one‐half the cell width have been observed in a carefully prepared Hele–Shaw cell. These fingers sometimes show dendritic instability. They are in most respects similar to those produced artificially by Couder et al. [Phys. Rev. A 34, 5175 (1986); Europhys. Lett. 2, 437 (1986)] and are believed to represent a new class of solutions to the shape selection problem.
Solar Orbiter: a high-resolution mission to the sun and inner heliosphere

The key mission objective of the Solar Orbiter is to study the Sun from close-up (45 solar radii, or 0.21 AU) in an orbit tuned to solar rotation in order to examine the solar surface and the space above from a co-rotating vantage point at high spatial resolution. Solar Orbiter will also provide images of the Sun's polar regions from heliographic latitudes as high as 38 degrees. The strawman payload encompasses two instrument packages: Solar remote-sensing instruments: EUV full-sun and high resolution imager, high-resolution EUV spectrometer, high-resolution and full-sun visible light telescope and magnetograph, EUV and visible-light coronagraphs, radiometers. Heliospheric instruments: solar wind analyzer, radio and plasma wave analyzer, magnetometer, energetic particle detectors, interplanetary dust detector, neutral particle detector, solar neutron detector. To reach its novel orbit, Solar Orbiter will make use of low-thrust solar electric propulsion (SEP) interleaved by Earth and Venus gravity assists. Solar Orbiter was selected by ESA's Science Programme Committee (SPC) in October 2000 as a Flexi-mission, to be implemented after the BepiColombo cornerstone mission to Mercury before 2013. This paper summarizes the science to be addressed with the Solar Orbiter, followed by brief descriptions of the strawman payload, the mission profile, and the spacecraft and ground segment designs.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
In vivo effects of α-amanitin on RNA synthesis in Calliphora erythrocephala

Abstract α-Amanitin was injected into ligated Calliphora larvae and its effect on the synthesis of various classes of RNA was determined by gel electrophorsis. The synthesis of heterodisperse RNA was largely inhibited, but the synthesis of a small portion of this RNA was insensitive to the drug. The synthesis of ribosomal RNA was completely depressed. This inhibition of rRNA seemed to begin later and recovery of synthesis started earlier than that of heterodisperse RNA. The synthesis of transfer RNA was practically unaffected. The differential effect of α-amanitin on the various classes of RNA is interpreted to indicate that in insects, as in other eukaryotes, several distinct RNA polymerases exist.
Bulking agent induced early urethral prolapse after distal urethrectomy.

Urethral prolapse after injection therapy for incontinence is rare. We report a case of early urethral prolapse in an adult woman with urinary incontinence secondary to distal urethrectomy treated with calcium hydroxylapatite (Coaptite™).
Respiratory Control During Independent Lung Ventilation

We describe the case of a lung transplant patient with primary graft failure and an emphysematous native lung, who displayed different respiratory rates between the transplanted lung and the native lung. Inflation of the native lung delayed the next inspiratory effort relative to inflation of the denervated transplanted lung. Synchronous inflation of both lungs required more pressure in each lung than when that lung was inflated with the contralateral lung near functional residual capacity, suggesting the two lungs compete for space within the thoracic cavity.
Characterization of physical mixtures and directly compressed tablets of sulfamerazine polymorphs: Implications on in vitro release characteristics

The present study evaluates the effects of excipients, compression pressure, and relative humidity (RH) on the stability of sulfamerazine polymorphs (referred here as SMZ I and SMZ II) and their release from directly compressed tablets using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and dissolution analysis. SMZ I and SMZ II tablets were compressed with magnesium stearate (MGST), and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) at 5000, 7500, and 10,000 lbs. pressures and stored at 40, 75, 95, and 100% RH conditions for 5 weeks. There were indications of possible drug-excipient interaction in the binary mixtures under different relative humidity conditions from the DSC data, but they could not be confirmed by PXRD because the crystal structures of the drug and excipients remained unaltered. The crystal structures of the polymorphs in the tablet also remained unaltered under the above conditions. There were, however, significant differences observed in the drug release properties of the two polymorphs. SMZ II was found in general to have a higher rate of drug release than SMZ I. Extensive gelation of MCC under higher moisture conditions, compression pressure during tableting, and inherent tabletability of the sulfamerazine crystals were factors that affected drug release. All these factors contributed towards prolonging the disintegration and deaggregation of the tablet particles and were therefore concluded to be the rate limiting steps for the dissolution process.
Elevated endogenous breath acetaldehyde levels among abusers of alcohol and cigarettes

Abstract 1. Endogenous (fasting) breath acetaldehyde levels were assessed as a discriminator between alcoholic and non-alcoholic subjects. 2. The influence of smoking as a potential confounding variable on breath acetaldehyde was determined. 3. Individuals with a history of smoking and/or drinking had higher endogenous breath acetaldehyde levels as compared to controls. 4. Mean acetaldehyde levels revealed an additive (noninteractive) pattern associated with combined abuse of these substances. 5. The similarity in acetaldehyde levels between alcoholic non-smokers and non-alcoholic smokers limits the usefulness of endogenous breath acetaldehyde for the purpose of early diagnosis of alcoholism. 6. Results support hypotheses that elevations in acetaldehyde could be a common factor in disease associated with alcohol and cigarette abuse.
Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry clarifies the function defect in patients with ineffective esophageal motility

Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry clarifies the function defect in patients with ineffective esophageal motility
The Association of Free Testosterone Levels in Men and Lifestyle Factors and Chronic Disease Status: A North Texas Healthy Heart Study.

Purpose: Hypogonadism is highly prevalent in men older than 45 years and is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascula...
Low-velocity impact response of sandwich beams with functionally graded core

The problem of low-speed impact of a one-dimensional sandwich panel by a rigid cylindrical projectile is considered. The core of the sandwich panel is functionally graded such that the density, and hence its stiffness, vary through the thickness. The problem is a combination of static contact problem and dynamic response of the sandwich panel obtained via a simple nonlinear spring-mass model (quasi-static approximation). The variation of core Young's modulus is represented by a polynomial in the thickness coordinate, but the Poisson's ratio is kept constant. The two-dimensional elasticity equations for the plane sandwich structure are solved using a combination of Fourier series and Galerkin method. The contact problem is solved using the assumed contact stress distribution method. For the impact problem we used a simple dynamic model based on quasi-static behavior of the panel - the sandwich beam was modeled as a combination of two springs, a linear spring to account for the global deflection and a nonlinear spring to represent the local indentation effects. Results indicate that the contact stiffness of thc beam with graded core Increases causing the contact stresses and other stress components in the vicinity of contact to increase. However, the values of maximum strains corresponding to the maximum impact load arc reduced considerably due to grading of thc core properties. For a better comparison, the thickness of the functionally graded cores was chosen such that the flexural stiffness was equal to that of a beam with homogeneous core. The results indicate that functionally graded cores can be used effectively to mitigate or completely prevent impact damage in sandwich composites.
The Monetary Transmission Mechanism in Jordan

This paper examines monetary transmission in Jordan using the vector autoregressive approach. We find that the real 3-month CD rate, the Central Bank's operating target, affects bank retail rates and that monetary policy, measured by the spread between the 3-month CD rate and the U.S. Federal Funds rate, is effective in influencing foreign reserves. We do not find evidence of monetary policy affecting output. Output responds very little to changes in bank lending rates. Furthermore, equity prices and the exchange rate are not significant channels for transmitting monetary policy to economic activity. The effect of monetary policy on the stock market seems insignificant.