cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geophysical constraints on the crustal structure of the southern Rio Grande rift

Abstract Evidence of geologic activity still occurring in the Rio Grande rift (RGR) includes quaternary faulting, seismicity, and widening at a small rate. We map the crustal thickness and seismic velocity ratio to generate constrained crustal model cross sections that highlight the regional extension of the southern RGR (SRGR). Specifically, we computed receiver functions and receiver function stacks for 147 stations from EarthScope USArray Transportable Array and previously collected data in the southwestern United States, and interpolated the crustal and velocity results using a kriging interpolation scheme. We include a new optimized gravity inversion approach using the receiver function results as a constraint for inverted density profiles. We produce constrained crustal models that characterize the SRGR as showing a shallower Moho (30 km) in the region of the SRGR, which is thicker than previously suggested. The crust appears to be delaminated west of the RGR in the Basin and Range Province and thicker east of the RGR toward the Great Plains with a denser lower crustal layer. We also find that the Delaware basin shows a significant geophysical anomaly, likely due to thick saturated sediments. Given that there is no deep mantle anomaly determined from other studies in this region, we suggest that rifting could be the result of small‐scale convection of the uppermost mantle, and we conclude that the RGR is at a minimum the boundary between the Basin and Range Province and the Great Plains, perhaps reflecting the terminus of flat slab subduction.
Clean Snowmobile Challenge - 1: The Early Years, 4-Stroke Engines Make Their Debut

This collection is a resource for studying the history of the evolving technologies that have contributed to snowmobiles becoming cleaner and quieter machines. Papers address design for a snowmobile using E10 gasoline (10% ethanol mixed with pump gasoline). Performance technologies that are presented include: • Engine Design: application of the four-stroke engine • Applications to address both engine and track noise • Exhaust After-treatment to reduce emissions The SAE International Clean Snowmobile Challenge (CSC) program is an engineering design competition. The program provides undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to enhance their engineering design and project management skills by reengineering a snowmobile to reduce emissions and noise. The competition includes internal combustion engine categories that address both gasoline and diesel, as well as the zero emissions category in which range and draw bar performance are measured. The goal of the competition is designing a cleaner and quieter snowmobile. The competitors’ modified snowmobiles are also expected to be cost-effective and comfortable for the operator to drive.
Abstract P032: Nanoparticle Mediated Nox2-siRNA Therapy for Preventing Cardiac Dysfunction Following Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the most common cause of heart failure in the developed world. Following MI, reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in the pathogenesis of cardiac remodeling leading to impaired ventricular function. Oxidative stress at high levels lead to many of the injury associated changes: proinflammatory cytokine release, myocyte apoptosis, cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy. Nicotinamide adenine denucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase with Nox2 as the catalytic subunit, is a major source for cardiac ROS production. After MI, Nox2 expression is significantly increased in the infarcted myocardium. Moreover, mice lacking the Nox2 gene are protected from ischemic injury. We used polyketals, a new class of acid-degradable polymers, as delivery vehicles for Nox2-siRNA to the post-MI environment. When engaged by macrophages, present in high quantities during MI, these particles have been shown to be taken up by macrophages and contents released within cells in active form. Nox2-siRNA was ion-paired to the cationic lipid DOTAP, and spherical particles averaging 500nm diameter were made by a single emulsion procedure with polyketal PK3 using PVA as surfactant. While a commercially available transfection reagent yielded 7% uptake as measured by flow cytometery, 81% of macrophages were positive for fluorescently-labeled siRNA in PK3-siNOX2 treated cells. These data were confirmed with confocal microscopy. Macrophages treated with PK3-siNOX2 demonstrated a significant 43% knockdown in Nox2 gene expression at 24 hours, while no reduction was seen with scrambled siRNA or empty particles. Functional activity was assessed by a fluorescent dihyroethidium dye based HPLC quantification after phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate stimulation following 72 hours of particle treatment to measure superoxide production. PK3-siNox2 treated cells exhibited a 41% reduction in activity, with no significant changes seen with scrambled siRNA or empty particle treatment. Currently, the therapeutic potential of the Nox2-siRNA particles is being evaluated in a mouse model of ischemia-reperfusion. Successful completion of these studies could lead to a novel treatment for post-infarction injury.
Solid fuel, salt-cooled reactors

Abstract FHRs are a Generation IV fluoride salt-cooled, solid-fueled, high-temperature reactor class currently under development in the United States and China, by both research institutions and universities. The concept of an FHR was generated by trying to integrate advantages of other reactor classes (low pressure, high temperature, high efficiency) while eliminating some of their drawbacks (huge containment domes, low efficiencies). Fixed fuel and pebble fuel, SMRs, and gigawatt reactors are being studied. FHRs are a promising reactor technology for the needs of a future electrical grid with highly fluctuating solar and wind power. FHRs might also serve as a stepping stone to liquid fuel molten salt reactors, helping to understand phenomenology and engineering issues prior to having fuel and associated fission products present in the primary coolant.
Dexterous Printing and Fabrication of Multi-Functional Parts: Design for Science and Engineering Education☆

Abstract With the introduction of precision additive manufacturing techniques, the complexity of a particular fabricated part rivals that which is possible with conventional manufacturing alternatives. The drawback to this, however, is the time investment required to bring an object to its completion, which limits the practicality of an otherwise advantageous shift in manufacturing. To counteract this, an ambidextrous multipurpose hybrid machine (DEXTER), operating dual SCARA has been developed to reduce the time of single and multi-material builds. While the SCARA functionality brings forth new obstacles not inherent in conventional gantry setups, optimization studies were performed to minimize the irregularities in print performance. Ensuring a natural lateral movement in manufacturing practices between the traditional and dual arm approach. During prototyping, the current DEXTER model is being used to train the next generation in additive thinking, and to educate them on current manufacturing methods and devices. Doing so creates a generation with the skill set to join the workforce ready to take on the new revolution in manufacturing.
Emotional coherence in early and later adulthood during sadness reactivity and regulation.

The current study reports the first investigation of age-related changes in emotional coherence across multiple response systems (experiential, physiological, and expressive) in sadness reactivity and regulation. Some accounts indirectly suggest that blunted physiological responses to emotional stimuli (e.g., Mendes, 2010) may lead to an age-related decline in emotional coherence, whereas a conflicting account suggests that age-relevant content can modulate responses across multiple systems (e.g., Kunzmann & Gruhn, 2005), which has the potential to increase emotional coherence in older adults. We therefore examined emotional coherence in 60 younger (Mage = 20) and 60 older adults (Mage = 71) during emotional reactivity and regulation (suppression and acceptance) while participants watched sadness-eliciting videos. Emotional experience (sadness intensity self-report), physiological (heart period) responses, and behavioral facial expression (corrugator supercilii muscle activity) were assessed while participants viewed these videos. Importantly, older adults showed greater emotional coherence between experience and heart period and maintained coherence between experience and expression responses compared to younger adults. These findings are consistent with the idea that, because of motivational relevance and life experiences, sadness-eliciting content may lead to a greater coupling between sadness experience and physiology in older than in younger adults. Age is therefore an important individual difference factor to consider when examining within-individual associations between emotion systems. (PsycINFO Database Record
Dynamic Rupture Modeling of the M7.2 2010 El Mayor-Cucapah Earthquake: Comparison With a Geodetic Model

Author(s): Kyriakopoulos, C; Oglesby, DD; Funning, GJ; Ryan, KJ | Abstract: The 2010 Mw 7.2 El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake is the largest event recorded in the broader Southern California-Baja California region in the last 18nyears. Here we try to analyze primary features of this type of event by using dynamic rupture simulations based on a multifault interface and later compare our results with space geodetic models. Our results show that starting from homogeneous prestress conditions, slip heterogeneity can be achieved as a result of variable dip angle along strike and the modulation imposed by step over segments. We also considered effects from a topographic free surface and find that although this does not produce significant first-order effects for this earthquake, even a low topographic dome such as the Cucapah range can affect the rupture front pattern and fault slip rate. Finally, we inverted available interferometric synthetic aperture radar data, using the same geometry as the dynamic rupture model, and retrieved the space geodetic slip distribution that serves to constrain the dynamic rupture models. The one to one comparison of the final fault slip pattern generated with dynamic rupture models and the space geodetic inversion show good agreement. Our results lead us to the following conclusion: in a possible multifault rupture scenario, and if we have first-order geometry constraints, dynamic rupture models can be very efficient in predicting large-scale slip heterogeneities that are important for the correct assessment of seismic hazard and the magnitude of future events. Our work contributes to understanding the complex nature of multifault systems.
Autonomic Disease and Clinical Applications of Ganglionic Agents

This chapter will summarize pertinent clinical facts concerning the autonomic ganglia, including ganglionic malfunction and disease, as well as clinical uses of ganglionic agents. The purpose is to complete the subject of ganglionic autonomic transmission with respect to its clinical relevance and to point out certain general aspects of the subject, rather than to present a full clinical description of certain disease states—such as hypertension—and their treatment.
Multi-color flow cytometry for evaluating age-related changes in memory lymphocyte subsets in dogs

While dogs are increasingly being utilized as large-animal models of disease, important features of age-related immunosenescence in the dog have yet to be evaluated due to the lack of defined naive vs. memory T lymphocyte phenotypes. We therefore performed multi-color flow cytometry on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from young and aged beagles, and determined the differential cytokine production by proposed memory subsets. CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in aged dogs displayed increased cytokine production, and decreased proliferative capacity. Antibodies targeting CD45RA and CD62L, but less so CD28 or CD44, defined canine cells that consistently exhibited properties of naive-, central memory-, effector memory-, and terminal effector-like CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets. Older dogs demonstrated decreased frequencies of naive-like CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, and an increased frequency of terminal effector-like CD8+ T lymphocytes. Overall findings revealed that aged dogs displayed features of immunosenescence similar to those reported in other species.
Future Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C

The current standard therapy for chronic hepatitis C is peginterferon plus ribavirin and yields a sustained virological response rate of approximately 50% overall. Over the past 2-3 years, many new therapeutic agents directed at a number of different viral targets have entered into development for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. Many of these agents exhibit high levels of potency against the hepatitis C virus and have a rapid onset of activity. Some agents have been abandoned because of lack of efficacy or toxicity, but many others have shown promise and are undergoing further testing. Although debated, new therapies in the immediate future will most likely be used in combination with peginterferon, either alone or with ribavirin. This concise review is focused on new drugs undergoing development for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C, and on drugs that have shown efficacy in preliminary investigations and progressed to Phase II or III trials. This information should allow physicians involved in the care of patients with chronic hepatitis C to provide realistic expectations of what types of drugs are progressing in clinical development, the likelihood that new treatment will include peginterferon with or without ribavirin, and when these novel therapies might become available.
An Efficient Snubber Circuit for Soft-Switched Capacitive-Link Universal Converters

This paper proposes a snubber circuit for a newly introduced soft-switched capacitive-link universal converter. This snubber circuit can be used in a wide range of converters that have a discrete inductance in series with a semiconductor switch in the small signal model of the converter, and this paper focuses on using it in soft-switched capacitive-link universal converters given their promising features, including very high power density and long lifetime. The proposed snubber circuit not only eliminates the voltage ringing across the switches, but also significantly lowers power losses compared to the conventional RC snubbers. A comprehensive analysis is carried out in this paper to compare the proposed snubber circuit with conventional RC snubbers. In particular, the efficiency and the ability of these snubber circuits to suppress voltage ringing/spike across the switches are compared. Moreover, the operation of the proposed snubber is experimentally evaluated in a dc-to-three phase ac capacitive-link universal converter.
Logical Atomism’s Necessity

This chapter highlights Russell’s original conception of logical atomism as a new and boldly scientific method in philosophy that makes Principia’s mathematical logic its essence and applies the logical forms uniquely revealed by Principia to undermine the metaphysician’s arguments for the ineliminability of abstract particulars and their specialized kinds of necessity. Philosophy, Russell explained, is the science of the possible. Wittgenstein expressed agreement in his Notes on Logic and in his Tractatus, proclaiming that the only necessity is logical necessity. I argue that the pristine form of logical atomism is not found in the 1918 lectures, but in Russell’s 1911 “Analytic Realism” and it finds its canonical articulation in his 1914 Our Knowledge of the External World As a Field for Scientific Method in Philosophy. The logical atomism lectures reflect Russell in flux, with his acquaintance epistemology at an impasse. Russell could not imagine how his multiple-relation theory, even amended by acquaintance with logical forms, could find the truth-bearers for general and molecular belief. Russell eventually turned, not to Wittgenstein, but to neutral monism and a tenuous alliance with behaviorism to get over the impasse. I offer hope of returning to Russell’s original acquaintance epistemology and its multiple-relation theory. I argue that modern so-called rival logics, relevant and modal, can be studied within Principia’s logic just as are rival geometries. Principia’s logic is an impredicative (simple) type theory and it studies relational structures by studying the way relations, exemplified or not, order their fields. Rival logics and non-logical necessities are simply distinct structures. Thus, in spite of its hostility to modern non-logical necessities (especially metaphysical necessity de re), Russell’s logical atomism remains the last and best hope for a genuinely scientific philosophy.
Medial claviculectomy for the treatment of recalcitrant central venous stenosis of hemodialysis patients

Abstract Objective Outflow tract stenosis is the leading cause of hemodialysis access loss. Many lesions are highly resistant to endovascular treatment, necessitating open surgical intervention. We present our experience using medial claviculectomy for treatment of recalcitrant lesions at the thoracic outlet. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent medial claviculectomy for dialysis-associated venous thoracic outlet syndrome at our institution between February 2013 and February 2018. Data collection included demographics, past medical history, access history, subsequent procedures, preoperative and postoperative brachial volume flows, and access use. Results We performed 25 medial claviculectomies in 25 patients with central venous stenosis. Four patients underwent concomitant central venous bypass and were excluded from this study. Twelve accesses were created at our institution; of these, the average access age was 41.6 months (±26.7 months). All patients previously underwent multiple angioplasty attempts to treat outflow stenosis and continued to have residual symptoms and poor fistula function. Medial claviculectomy with venolysis and angioplasty were performed to treat residual outflow stenosis at the level of the subclavian vein. Twenty-one patients had residual stenosis requiring angioplasty. Six patients had subclavian rupture requiring stent graft placement. All patients reported symptom improvement and immediate use of the fistula after medial claviculectomy. Nineteen (76%) patients reported complete resolution of symptoms after the procedure. Ultimately, eight (32%) ipsilateral arteriovenous accesses were lost, and six (24%) patients died in follow-up with patent, functional fistulas. Median length of follow-up was 17 months (interquartile range, 5-28 months). The 18-month primary patency and secondary patency with regard to subclavian vein interventions were 28% (95% confidence interval, 13.8%-56.1%) and 84% (95% confidence interval, 69.7%-100%), respectively. One patient required ligation for high-output cardiac failure. One patient had contralateral brachiocephalic jailing, which was corrected with kissing brachiocephalic stents. Conclusions Medial claviculectomy is an effective treatment of recalcitrant central venous stenosis of the thoracic outlet. Balloon angioplasty or stent or stent graft placement is often necessary after extrinsic compression is alleviated and demonstrates acceptable secondary patency rates.
Evaluating Academic Library Outreach to Determine Return on Investment for Student Success

AbstractCampus outreach is a key part of an academic library’s service mission. However, the literature demonstrates a lack of assessment around library outreach, particularly from an institution-wide or programmatic perspective. The University of Houston Libraries assembled a team to evaluate return on investment for the Libraries outreach activities in service of meeting student success goals. This article shares the methodology, results, and recommendations made as a result of this project, with implications for outreach programs at other academic libraries.
Outcomes of Cardiac Contractility Modulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Background. Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is a device therapy for systolic heart failure (HF) in patients with narrow QRS. We aimed to perform an updated meta-analysis of the randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to assess the efficacy and safety of CCM therapy. Methods. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) between January 2001 and June 2018. Outcomes of interest were peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2), 6-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), HF hospitalizations, cardiac arrhythmias, pacemaker/ICD malfunctioning, all-cause hospitalizations, and mortality. Data were expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratio (OR). Results. Four RCTs including 801 patients (CCM n = 394) were available for analysis. The mean age was 59.63 ± 0.84 years, mean ejection fraction was 29.14 ± 1.22%, and mean QRS duration was 106.23 ± 1.65 msec. Mean follow-up duration was six months. CCM was associated with improved MLWHFQ (SMD -0.69, p = 0.0008). There were no differences in HF hospitalizations (OR 0.76, p = 0.12), 6MWD (SMD 0.67, p = 0.10), arrhythmias (OR 1.40, p = 0.14), pacemaker/ICD malfunction/sensing defect (OR 2.23, p = 0.06), all-cause hospitalizations (OR 0.73, p = 0.33), or all-cause mortality (OR 1.04, p = 0.92) between the CCM and non-CCM groups. Conclusions. Short-term treatment with CCM may improve MLFHQ without significant difference in 6MWD, arrhythmic events, HF hospitalizations, all-cause hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality. There is a trend towards increased pacemaker/ICD device malfunction. Larger RCTs might be needed to determine if the CCM therapy will be beneficial with longer follow-up.
Health Equity in Preventive Services: The Role of Primary Care.

Groups that are least likely to receive preventive screening or to have timely, high-quality follow-up include those with limited or no health insurance, limited education and literacy, and no regular source of care, as well as those who are subject to discrimination based on racial, ethnic, or sexual identity.
The Tax Code as an Emergent Phenomenon

Tax systems are the primary means of financing government spending and activity. Public finance economists have developed a number of rules and principles over time for optimal tax practices. However, few governments rely primarily, if at all, on these rules and principles in their tax code. I argue that this is because tax codes are emergent phenomena, and a snapshot of the tax code at any moment reveals the outcome of an ongoing process to satisfy the desires of many competing interest groups. Furthermore, tax reform, an attempt to “clean up” a messy tax code, is itself an emergent process. Knowing this helps us understand why tax reform processes rarely move tax codes closer to the economists’ ideal.
Understanding VOC and performance deficit in wide bandgap perovskite photovoltaic devices

Abstract Wide bandgap metal halide perovskites materials are of interest for application as top subcells in multijunction devices. In contrast to smaller gap perovskite devices that perform fairly close to their internal Shockley-Queisser limit, wide gap versions show substantial deficits. To understand the origin of the limitations in more detail we simulated the performance of wide bandgap devices as a function of the energy band offsets at the contacts. Our results show that traditionally-used charge transport layers such as spiro-OMeTAD and TiO2 limit the performance of wide bandgap absorbers through a subtle interplay between effects on VOC and FF. We investigate the optimal characteristics for the charge transport layers as function of absorber bandgap and identify the needed band offsets at the p- and n-interfaces. Our results call for more research on charge transport layers to minimize the VOC and performance deficit in wide bandgap devices.
The role for regional anesthesia in medical emergencies during deep space flight

As humanity presses the boundaries of space exploration and prepares for long-term interplanetary travel, including to Mars, advanced planning for the safety and health of the crewmembers requires a multidisciplinary approach. In particular, in the event of a survivable medical emergency requiring an interventional procedure or prolonged pain management, such as traumatic limb injury or rib fracture, anesthetic protocols that are both safe and straightforward to execute must be in place. In this daring discourse, we discuss particular considerations related to the use of regional techniques in space and present the rationale that regional anesthesia techniques may be the safest option in many medical emergencies encountered during prolonged space flight.
Superior Patellar Dislocation Reduced by Intra-articular Injection: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Case A 53-year-old woman presented with a locked knee after an atraumatic hyperextension episode. Imaging showed an anterior tilt of the patella hinging over the superior trochlear margin, consistent with a superior patellar dislocation. The patella spontaneously reduced on an intra-articular injection with 15 mL of lidocaine in normal saline, after which she was able to actively range her knee. Conclusion Superior patellar dislocations are rare and usually result from a sudden forced contraction of the quadriceps, trapping the patella over superior trochlear osteophytes. Reduction is possible through an intra-articular local anesthetic injection, without manipulation of the patella.
Designing an Intimate Partner Violence Screening Program for Surgical Residents in Trauma.

Abstract Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) commonly affects surgical patients, particularly trauma patients. However, baseline knowledge of IPV is poor among surgeons and screening is variable. We designed a project to educate surgical residents on IPV and standardize screening in all trauma patients. Materials and Methods Quality improvement frameworks and the Modified Provider Survey were used to examine residents’ attitudes and behaviors regarding IPV at a level one trauma center. An educational curriculum was designed with a trainee-led, multidisciplinary team to address knowledge gaps, barriers, and relevant reporting laws, and provide framing language that normalized screening. Results Fifty-seven surgical residents (64% response rate) spanning post-graduate years 1-7 completed surveys. All respondents believed IPV was relevant to their patients, yet only 4% correctly identified the prevalence of IPV. Only 15% felt comfortable screening for IPV and 75% felt they had received inadequate training. The most common barriers to screening were insufficient knowledge of community resources and what to do if patients screened positive. Most residents grossly underestimated the incidence of IPV and 19% believe healthcare providers have a limited role in being able to help IPV victims. There were no significant differences in responses between male and female residents or among residents from different postgraduate levels. Conclusions Surgical residents believe IPV is relevant, but few feel they have adequate training. Residents vastly underestimated the societal prevalence of IPV and the majority never screened patients for IPV. A residency-wide curriculum can address common misperceptions and perceived barriers.
English in Print from Caxton to Shakespeare to Milton

English in Print from Caxton to Shakespeare to Milton examines the history of early English books, exploring the concept of putting the English language into print with close study of the texts, the formats, the audiences, and the functions of English books. Lavishly illustrated with more than 130 full-color images of stunning rare books, this volume investigates a full range of issues regarding the dissemination of English language and culture through printed works, including the standardization of typography, grammar, and spelling; the appearance of popular literature; and the development of school grammars and dictionaries. Valerie Hotchkiss and Fred C. Robinson provide engaging descriptions of more than a hundred early English books drawn from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and the Elizabethan Club of Yale University. The study nearly mirrors the chronological coverage of Pollard and Redgrave's famous Short-Title Catalogue (1475-1640), beginning with William Caxton, England's first printer, and ending with John Milton, the English language's most eloquent defender of the freedom of the press in his Areopagitica of 1644. William Shakespeare, neither a printer nor a writer much concerned with publishing his own plays, nonetheless deserves his central place in this study because Shakespeare imprints, and Renaissance drama in general, provide a fascinating window on the world of English printing in the period between Caxton and Milton.
Non-Hermitian effective Hamiltonian and continuum shell model

The intrinsic dynamics of a system with open decay channels is described by a non-Hermitian effective Hamiltonian which at the same time allows one to find the external dynamics---reaction cross sections. We discuss ways of incorporating this approach into the shell model context. The approach is capable of describing a multitude of phenomena in a unified way combining physics of structure and reactions. Self-consistency of calculations for a chain of nuclides and threshold energy dependence of the continuum coupling are crucial for the description of loosely bound states. Schematic and realistic examples of open many-body systems where internal configuration mixing is generated by pairing are presented.
X-ray absorption in polymeric conductors

A discussion of the results of x-ray absorption experiments on the polymeric conductors brominated (SN)x and polyacetylene doped with AsF5 will be given. The use of x-rays with energies exceeding the K-edge of Br(13.5KeV) and As(11.9KeV) allows studies of the short range order from the backscattering effect of the surrounding atomic arrangement on the ejected is electron. Additionally, the shift of the K absorption edge can provide a measure of charge transfer from the SN or acetylene units of the polymer to the incorporated bromine or AsF5 molecular units. Structural information is derived from the oscillatory part of the extended x-ray absorption (EXAFS). The experiments make use of the highly polarized x-ray beam from the Stanford Linear Accelerator to study the orientational dependence of the x-ray absorption, which allows the determination of the alignment of the incorporated bromine in (SN)x. The short range order in the vicinity of the Br and As atoms is obtained by Fourier transformation of the experimental data, from which average coordination numbers and neighbor distances are then determined. The temperature dependence of these parameters will be given in the regions 300≤T≤5°K and tentative conclusions regarding the relative concentration of Br2 and Br 3 − molecules at different temperatures are discussed.
Successful percutaneous trans-catheter treatment of left ventricular assist device outflow graft stenosis with a covered stent

Case Report Left ventricular assist devices improve survival in patients with advanced heart failure but can be associated with significant complication including infection, pump thrombosis, and de novo severe aortic insufficiency. Outflow graft stenosis is a much more rare complication, but one with significant hemodynamic consequences. Surgical repair is often necessary, but many patients are too high risk for further surgical intervention. We describe the first case of left ventricular assist device outflow graft stenosis treated with percutaneous trans-catheter placement of a covered stent.
Radar measurement noise variance estimation with targets of opportunity

A number of methods exist to track a target's uncertain motion through space using inherently inaccurate sensor measurements. A powerful method of adaptive estimation is the interacting multiple model (IMM) estimator. In order to carry out state estimation from the noisy measurements of a sensor, however, the filter should have knowledge of the statistical characteristics of the noise associated with that sensor. The statistical characteristics (accuracies) of real sensors, however, are not always available, in particular for legacy sensors. This paper presents a method of determining the measurement noise variances of a sensor by using multiple IMM estimators while tracking targets whose motion is not known - targets of opportunity. Combining techniques outlined in (Bar-Shalom et al, 2001) and (Gauvrit, 1984), the likelihood functions are obtained for a number of IMM estimators, each with different assumptions on the measurement noise variances. Then a search is carried out to bracket the variances of the sensor measurement noises. The end result consists of estimates of the measurement noise variances of the sensor in question.
Self-sensing control of a synchronous reluctance machine using an extended Kalman filter

In order to become independent from the world market prices of rare earths, this paper is an approach to the robust and high-performance speed control of a permanent magnet-free synchronous reluctance machine (SynRM) for the use in the pitch system of a modern wind turbine. Enhancing previous works, we combine near-torque-optimal and self-sensing control using an extended Kalman filter (EKF) with regard to the pitch application. In this paper, we present the development of the metrologically parameterized model of the SynRM and the basic control concept. After the simulative validation of both by a comparison with reference results, we develop and integrate the EKF as the observer of the non-linear SynRM. The evaluation of the resulting self-sensing control concept in a simulation model employing a performance test definition for pitch actuators confirms the potential usage of the SynRM as a pitch motor.
Testing the Present Value Relation in Large Housing Markets and Housing Price Sensitivity to Changes in Expected Returns

This paper tests the present value relation (PVR) for a set of 23 large housing markets across the United States. The PVR implies two testable hypotheses: housing markets are at least weakly efficient; and there is a cointegrating relationship between price and rent series. The test results suggest that the PVR holds in the long run. They also provide some insights into housing price sensitivity to changes in expected returns and the possible impact of persistence in inflation series on short-run housing price dynamics. This article is available in Undergraduate Economic Review: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/uer/vol1/iss1/7 Undergraduate Economic Review A publication of Illinois Wesleyan University
Wess-Zumino action from the Grammer-Yennie approximation.

We study a path integral which represents a jet of collinear particles under a soft axial background in four space-time dimensions. The background is treated using a background-field gauge. We perform special infinitesimal changes of variable on the path integral. Our changes of variable correspond to infinitesimal translations of the jet with respect to the soft background. We show that the vector gauge-invariant Wess-Zumino action arises in this situation.
Determining the enthalpy and specific heat of magnesia spinels in the range 1400–2200°K

Temperature functions were obtained for ΔH(T) and Cp(T) which can be used for calculating the thermodynamic functions of the spinels MgAl2O4 and MgCr2O4 in the temperature regions of their service (up to 2200°K), to supplement the existing relationships (up to 1800°K).
Infrared spectroscopy studies of the petroleum pitch carbon fiber—II. The distribution of the oxidation products between the surface and the bulk

Abstract Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FT-IR/PAS) was used to study the distribution of the oxidation products between the surface and the bulk of the precursor carbon fiber during the stabilization process, and to evaluate the degree of oxidation in the near surface of the stabilized fiber. The distribution of the oxidation products is homogeneous during the first 70 min of the stabilization process. In the last 10 min of the process, however, the near surface of the carbon fiber is completely oxidized, whereas the bulk has a lower degree of oxidation. It was also found that incomplete oxidation in the near surface of a precursor carbon fiber may cause inferior mechanical properties of the fiber. An increase in the rate of temperature increase in the programmed stabilization process reduces the degree of oxidation in both the near surface and the bulk of the precursor carbon fiber. In this research, FT-IR/PAS has demonstrated the ability to differentiate the near surface of a carbon fiber from its bulk. It is a useful technique for the analysis of carbon fibers.
Liquid and atmospheric ammonia concentrations from a dairy lagoon during an aeration experiment

Abstract Ammonia emissions from agriculture are an environmental and human health concern, and there is increasing pressure to reduce emissions. Animal agriculture is the largest global source of ammonia emissions and on a per cow basis dairy operations are the largest emitters. The storage and disposal of the dairy waste is one area where emissions can be reduced, aerobic biological treatment of wastewater being a common and effective way of reducing ammonia emissions. An aeration experiment in a dairy lagoon with two commercial aerators was performed for 1 month. Liquid concentrations of ammonia, total nitrogen, nitrite and nitrate were monitored before, during and after the experiment and atmospheric ammonia was measured downwind of the lagoon using a short-path differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) instrument with 1 ppbv sensitivity. No changes in either liquid or atmospheric ammonia concentrations were detected throughout the experiment, and neither dissolved oxygen, nitrite nor nitrate could be detected in the lagoon at any time. The average ammonia concentration at 10 sampling sites in the lagoon at a depth of 0.15 m was 650 mg l −1 and at 0.90 m it was 700 mg l −1 NH3–N. The average atmospheric ammonia concentration 50 m downwind was about 300 ppbv . The 0.90 m depth total nitrogen concentrations and total and volatile solids concentrations decreased during the experiment due to some mixing of the lagoon but the 0.15 m depth concentrations did not decrease indicating that the aerators were not strong enough to mix the sludge off the bottom into the whole water column.
Permselectivity and temperature-dependent permeability of polyaniline membranes

Abstract An understanding of the mechanism of permeability in both doped and undoped polyaniline is obtained through permselectivity studies. Pervaporation experiments are used to determine the permeability of carboxylic acid/water mixtures through both doped and undoped polyaniline membranes. Swellability experiments are used to determine solubilities, enabling diffusivity values to be calculated. Doped polyaniline membranes show a marked improvement in separating water from carboxylic acid/water mixtures as compared to undoped membranes, particularly in the cases of acetic acid and propionic acid. However, the permeant fluxes of acetic acid/water mixtures through doped polyaniline membranes are lower than the fluxes through undoped polyaniline. The permeability behavior of acetic acid, water and acetic acid/water mixtures are investigated between 20 °C and 100 °C. The flux of 50% acetic acid/50% water mixtures through doped polyaniline doubles between 20 °C and 85 °C, while the flux through undoped polyaniline over the same temperature range shows a 10-fold increase. From this data, the activation energies of permeation for 50% acetic acid/50% water are calculated to be 2.5 kcal/mol through doped polyaniline membranes and 8.1 kcal/mol through undoped polyaniline.
Evaluation of Cyst Fluid CEA Analysis in the Diagnosis of Mucinous Cysts of the Pancreas

Although cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; >192 ng/ml) is the preferred test for identifying mucinous pancreatic cysts, the data are more robust for mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) than for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). The role of cyst fluid CEA as a marker for either malignancy or malignant progression is uncertain. All patients with pancreatic cysts who had undergone endoscopic ultrasound with cyst fluid CEA measurement between 2001 and 2009 were identified. Patient outcomes and pathology from operative resections were recorded. Two hundred sixty-seven patients were identified; pathological diagnosis was obtained in 97. Mucinous cysts were identified in 66 of 97 (68%): benign IPMN, n = 42; malignant IPMN, n = 10; benign MCN, n = 12; malignant MCN, n = 2. CEA > 192 ng/mL had a sensitivity and specificity of 73% and 65% for identifying mucinous cysts; cyst fluid CEA was not associated with malignancy (p = 0.85). One hundred seventy-eight patients were managed with an initial non-operative strategy. Eight (4%) developed radiographic changes necessitating surgery; pathology demonstrated seven benign mucinous cysts and one retention cyst. CEA was not associated with radiographic progression (p = 0.37). Cyst fluid CEA is a useful test for identifying mucinous cysts, including MCN and IPMN. In mucinous cysts, cyst fluid CEA is not associated with malignancy or radiographic progression.
Microprobe analysis of calcifying matrices and formative cells in developing mouse molars

The distribution of Calcium and Phosphorus and of Na, K, S and Cl was studied in the mineralizing matrices and strata of ameloblasts and odontoblasts in developing mouse molars (5–14 days). Sections cut in a cryostat were prepared by freeze-drying and examined in an SEM by the method of energy dispersive x-ray analysis. In enamel a gradient of mineralization was observed with respect to age and topography. Progressive loss of sulfur was also demonstrated. Less striking mineralization gradients were found in dentin. Predentin accumulated Ca at a concentration about 2% that of dentin and the Ca/P ratio was lower than that for apatite. Significant concentrations of calcium were localized in ameloblast and odontoblast strata. The concentration increased five-fold in ameloblasts as the cells matured and enamel mineralization entered the final phases, levels in odontoblasts remained stable. With age in both cellular strata, potassium counts decreased. In maturing ameloblasts the concentrations of sodium and chloride rose.
Compressive behavior of a titanium metal matrix composite with a circular hole

Abstract An investigation was undertaken to study the response of a titanium based metal matrix composite (MMC) with a central circular hole subjected to monotonie compressive loading. The MMC used was SCS-6/Ti-/β21-S with a quasi-isotropic lay-up. Two sizes of hole were used which provided hole diameter to specimen width ratio of 0.167 or 04. Two test temperatures were used: ambient and 650 °C. At both temperatures, the tested MMC showed a mild hole size effect or notch sensitivity. A systematic investigation of initiation and propagation of damage mechanisms including failure modes was also conducted. Finally, the results of this study were compared with the corresponding counterparts under monotonie tensile loading.
Surface roughness measurements of micromachined polycrystalline silicon films

The characteristics of the materials and surfaces in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and microsystems technology (MST) profoundly affect the performance, reliability, and wear of MEMS and MST devices. It is critical to measure the properties of surfaces that are in contact during microstructure movement, such as the underside of a MEMS gear and the underlying substrate. However, contacting surfaces are usually inaccessible unless the MEMS device is broken and removed from the substrate. This paper presents a nondestructive method for characterizing commercially fabricated surface micromachined polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) devices. Microhinged flaps were designed that enable access to the upper surface, the part of a structural layer deposited last; the lower surface, the part of a structural layer deposited first; and the underlying substrate. Due to the susceptibility of surface-micromachined MEMS to adhesion failures, the surface roughness is a key parameter for predicting device behavior. Using the microhinged flaps, the RMS surface roughness for polycrystalline surfaces was measured and indicated that the upper surfaces were 3.5–6.4 times rougher than the lower surfaces. The difference in the surface roughness for the upper surface, which is easily accessed and the one most commonly characterized, and that for the lower surface reveals the importance of characterizing contacting surfaces in MEMS and MST devices.
Three Classes of Nonparametric Differential Step Functioning Effect Estimators

The examination of measurement invariance in polytomous items is complicated by the possibility that the magnitude and sign of lack of invariance may vary across the steps underlying the set of polytomous response options, a concept referred to as differential step functioning (DSF). This article describes three classes of nonparametric DSF effect estimators that are based on the models specified by the graded response model (GRM), the continuation ratio model, and the generalized partial credit model. A simulation study was conducted to compare the statistical properties of the three DSF effect estimators under a variety of conditions. The results of the simulation study indicate that the DSF effect estimator based on the GRM yielded the highest level of stability while maintaining the lowest overall level of bias.
Regulation of protein synthesis in the submandibular salivary gland of the developing rat. Ribonuclease and ribonuclease inhibitor activity.

Abstract A study of the development of rat submandibular gland's ribonuclease and ribonuclease inhibitor activity revealed the following : (1) RNase demonstrated maximum activities in both the acidic and basic pH regions with a divalent cation requirement under alkaline conditions; (2) developmentally, the acidic activity increased at days 3–12 and 20–23 while peaks in the alkaline activity occurred between days 2 and 12; (3) the 24 hr cycle in RNase, while more apparent in 8-day-old than in 25-day-old animals, could not account for these increases; (4) crude cell fractionation revealed that both the pH 5.4 and pH 8.2 enzymes had most of their activity associated with the 750 g pellet; (5) the peak activity for the alkaline enzyme (days 2–12) was associated mainly with increased activity in the 750 g fraction. During peaks of acidic activity, all fractions contributed in ratios similar to times of no peak; (6) inhibitor of alkaline RNase was found associated mainly with the 22,000 g supernatant fraction. Inhibitor had decreased activity as a result of food deprivation only during specific stages of the developmental period. The inhibitor was destroyed by freeze-thawing. The correlation of these biochemical changes and histological observations is discussed.
Molecular Structures of Proteins Involved in Vesicle Coat Formation

This review includes 16 structures of vesicle coat components and accessory proteins and a description of their roles in vesicle budding or coat disassembly.