cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coal occurrence in the Jurassic Dhruma Formation in Saudi Arabia: Inferences on its gas and surface mining potential

Abstract Coal occurrence in central Saudi Arabia was previously noted in government internal reports, but apparently was neither analyzed nor studied in detail. In the present study, a coal sample collected from a water-well drilled in the Az Zilfi area of Central Saudi Arabia was available for analysis to characterize the coal and define its potential to generate gas. The sample was obtained from a silty–sandy mudstone unit in the upper part of the Middle Jurassic Dhruma Formation, at a depth of 70 m below the ground surface. Organic geochemical (Rock Eval, TOC) and organic petrographic analyses of the sample have confirmed the occurrence of low maturity coal in the Dhruma Formation in the Az Zilfi area, which has potential for surface coal mining as well as for microbial gas generation. Regional geologic data highlights the potential for higher maturity coal occurrence at depths suitable for thermogenic gas generation. Deep and shallow well drilling programs would provide essential data to assess both the coal gas and surface mining potential.
CULTURE AND TRANSFORMATION OF EMBRYONIC QUAIL DUODENAL EPITHELIAL CELLS

Primary cell cultures derived from 14-day-old embryonic quail intestine were transformed with Rous sarcoma virus. An intestinal epithelial cell line was established and grown for 4 mo, and survived 8 passages. Mock infected control cells died after 3 wk of culture. Our data represent the first reported successful transformation of avian intestinal epithelial cells.
Design and documentation: The state of the art

As designers contemplate methods for improving their practice over time, the thoughts expressed here, inspired by work in other creative design fields, may help us to choose which path will lead to the greatest benefit. With our visions growing rapidly because of improved tools, improved theory, and the new freedoms they give us, it is unhappy to think that new principles, ideas, and experiences may fail to emerge or be slow to benefit our students because we had no way to capture, examine, and share them and accomplish the assurance of their quality.
A Modified Wing Trap for Capturing Adult Male Lesser Peachtree Borersl

During the mass trapping of the male lesser peach-tree borer, Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson), on Washington Island, WI (Wong et al. 1972), we needed a lightweight efficient trap that could be handcarried to remote areas, such as fence rows and woodlots that were infested with borers. The standard trap, though efficient, was too awkward and heavy for easy transportation. We, therefore, investigated the efficiency and practicality of a lightweight wing trap developed by Howell (1972) for use vs. the codling moth, Laspeyresia pomomella (L) (sold commercially by the Zoecon Corp. as Pherotrap I®).
Reduced single molecule photobleaching in fumed Langmuir-Blodgett films

Abstract An approach for reducing photobleaching of dyes doped into lipid films formed using the Langmuir–Blodgett technique is discussed. Fluorescent lipid analogs are often doped into lipid membranes to characterize microscopic domains present in the films. Dye photobleaching can limit the information from these studies which can be especially problematic for single molecule fluorescence measurements. Here we show that a protective polymer coating grown on the film using a fuming process can reduce dye photobleaching without perturbing the underlying lipid structure. Following the transfer of 1,2-dipalmitoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine monolayers to a glass substrate using the Langmuir–Blodgett technique, the films are exposed to vapors of ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate. Polymer formation produces a thin protective barrier on the lipid film that reduces photobleaching of the underlying fluorescent lipid analogs. Single molecule orientation measurements reveal that the molecular structure of the underlying monolayer is unaltered by polymer formation, suggesting that this method is a general, nonperturbative technique for the reduction of photobleaching in fluorescence studies of Langmuir–Blodgett films.
Construction of Poincaré maps for multiply periodic and chaotic flows

Abstract A method is described for the construction of approximate analytical Poincare maps from next amplitude plots of three-dimensional differential equation systems. These maps are computed in the coordinate space and parameter space of the differential equations. As distinct from a map simulation, they represent an approximate solution of the equations themselves.
Wrist range of motion and motion frequency during toy and game play with a joint-specific controller specially designed to provide neuromuscular therapy: A proof of concept study in typically developing children.

Upper extremities affected by hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) and other neuromuscular disorders have been demonstrated to benefit from therapy, and the greater the duration of the therapy, the greater the benefit. A great motivator for participating in and extending the duration of therapy with children is play. Our focus is on active motion therapy of the wrist and forearm. In this study we examine the wrist motions associated with playing with two toys and three computer games controlled by a specially-designed play controller. Twenty children (ages 5–11) with no diagnosis of a muscular disorder were recruited. The play controller was fitted to the wrist and forearm of each child and used to measure and log wrist flexion and extension. Play activity and enjoyment were quantified by average wrist range of motion (ROM), motion frequency measures, and a discrete visual scale. We found significant differences in the average wrist ROM and motion frequency among the toys and games, yet there were no differences in the level of enjoyment across all toys and games, which was high. These findings indicate which toys and games may elicit the greater number of goal-directed movements, and lay the foundation for our long-term goal to develop and evaluate innovative motion-specific play controllers that are engaging rehabilitative devices for enhancing therapy and promoting neural plasticity and functional recovery in children with CP.
CROP RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS: A SIMULATION STUDY∗

This study utilizes global climate models and crop growth models to estimate the potential agricultural effects of climate change caused by a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide for the southern Great Plains. Projected climate changes cause simulated wheat and corn yields to decrease in the study area. Decreases in modeled grain yields are caused primarily by temperature increases which shorten the duration of crop life cycle and curtail the harvestable biomass production. While physiological effects of carbon dioxide and changing cultivars offer some hope of climate change mitigation, detrimental consequences to regional crop production, including need for increased irrigation, are suggested.
Teorías de Indios: los orígenes de los pueblos del continente americano y la Biblia Políglota de Amberes (1568–1573)

El descubrimiento europeo del continente americano dio lugar a un buen numero de cuestiones que exigian respuesta ajustada a las demandas politicas de la corona espanola, por un lado; tambien, por ...
Impact of exogenous amino acids on endogenous amino compounds in the fluid compartments of the chicken embryo

Plasma, allantoic and amniotic fluid of the 13-day chicken embryo contain numerous free amino acids and related compounds. Of these, 40 were investigated using an HPLC-fluorometric technique. The concentration differences of the amino compounds between the fluid compartments are maintained by three bidirectional barriers, i.e. a blood/allantoic barrier, a blood/amnion barrier and an allantois/amnion barrier. Intraallantoic injection of 4.5 mumol/egg of asparagine (ASN), aspartic acid (ASP), valine (VAL) or serine (SER) revealed a strong allantois/blood barrier for these compounds. In contrast, there was equilibration between allantoic and amniotic fluid for ASN, ASP and SER, and an upward trend of the VAL concentration in the amniotic fluid, due to an 'overspill' from the allantois. The injections also affected endogenous amino compounds in all three fluid compartments. Asparagine had the most varied effects, including a strong drop of ten plasma amino acids. After all four types of injection, a number of endogenous amino compounds equilibrated between allantois and the normally hyporegulated amnion. Since allantois and amnion are non-innervated, the selective changes of the barriers and the drop of plasma amino acids must be mediated by so far unidentified humoral messengers.
Anodic oxidation of pitch-precursor carbon fibres in ammonium sulphate solutions: the effect of fibre surface treatment on composite mechanical properties

Abstract Tonen HM pitch-based carbon fibres were electrochemically treated in solutions of ammonium sulphate using a pilot plant surface treatment apparatus. Embedded single fibre and short beam shear specimens prepared with these treated fibres exhibited strengths over 300% greater than those made with untreated fibres. The surface treatment did not, however, result in improvements in the longitudinal compressive strength. This suggests that the compressive strength is not limited by the shear strength of the fibre/matrix interface.
Obstruction of Transmembrane Helical Movements in Subunit a Blocks Proton Pumping by F1Fo ATP Synthase

Subunit a plays a key role in promoting H+ transport-coupled rotary motion of the subunit c ring in F1Fo ATP synthase. H+ binding and release occur at Asp-61 in the middle of the second transmembrane helix (TMH) of Fo subunit c. H+ are thought to reach cAsp61 via aqueous half-channels formed by TMHs 2–5 of subunit a. Movements of TMH4 and TMH5 have been proposed to facilitate protonation of cAsp61 from a half channel centered in a four helix bundle at the periplasmic side of subunit a. The possible necessity of these proposed TMH movements was investigated by assaying ATP driven H+ pumping function before and after cross-linking paired Cys substitutions at the center of TMHs within subunit a. The cross-linking of the Cys pairs aG218C/I248C in TMH4 and TMH5, and aL120C/H245C in TMH2 and TMH5, inhibited H+ pumping by 85–90%. H+ pumping function was largely unaffected by modification of the same Cys residues in the absence of cross-link formation. The inhibition is consistent with the proposed requirement for TMH movements during the gating of periplasmic H+ access to cAsp61. The cytoplasmic loops of subunit a have been implicated in gating H+ release to the cytoplasm, and previous cross-linking experiments suggest that the chemically reactive regions of the loops may pack as a single domain. Here we show that Cys substitutions in these domains can be cross-linked with retention of function and conclude that these domains need not undergo large conformational changes during enzyme function.
An adaptive matched filter that compensates for I,Q mismatch errors

An approach to adaptively match filter the I and Q components of complex-valued inputs consisting of a desired signal embedded in correlated external noise is presented. This approach is tolerant of I,Q mismatch errors, i.e., the external noise is effectively rejected and the desired signal enhanced in the presence of significant receiver I,Q errors. I,Q adaptive weighting removes many of the deleterious effects of I,Q quadrature detection imbalance, which can severely limit the adaptive matched filter (AMF) performance. However, for the I,Q AMF, the unknown desired signal's initial phase complicates the design procedure and even for a reasonable design criterion, the AMF performance can fluctuate significantly as a function of this phase. An I,Q AMF technique whose performance is almost phase invariant is developed, and example of its utility is shown.
Technology developments in endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Advances in the management and endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms are progressing at a tremendous rate. Developments in novel imaging technology may improve diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment planning, intraprocedural assessment, and follow-up evaluation. Evolution of devices, including microwires, microcatheters, balloons, stents, and novel scaffolding devices, has greatly expanded the potential to treat difficult aneurysms. Although developments in technology have greatly improved the efficiency and efficacy of treatment of neurovascular disorders, novel devices do not always improve outcomes and may be associated with unique complications. As such, it is paramount to have an in-depth understanding of new devices and the implications of their introduction into clinical practice. This review provides an update on developments in endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.
Reflecting on the institutional processes for college success: The experiences of four Chicanos in the context of inequality

The education crisis facing the Latino community in the United States has received considerable attention. Recognizing the demographic growth, low-educational attainment levels, high dropout rates and low college attendance rates among Latinos, research suggests that Latino males specifically are struggling. In recognition of the various factors that shape the disparity in Latino male outcomes, this article aims to focus on the experiences of four low-income Chicanos within the US context. Our counter-narratives demonstrate that beyond “ganas,” key institutional processes, practices and policies shaped our experiences, providing a complex analysis of Latino student mobility from kindergarten to college and career.
Constrained DFEs for Reduced Error Propagation: Theoretical Results and an Adaptive Soft Error Variance Controlled DFE

The problem of error propagation in a decision feedback equalizer (DFE) is acknowledged to be an important factor in the functioning of the equalizer. In order to determine conditions which guarantee the non-propagation of errors we formulate the DFE as a dynamical system in the form of a matrix equation. We analyze the propagation of errors in this matrix system and formulate conditions on the system matrices which guarantee: a) Using deterministic analysis, the non-propagation of errors; b) Using a stochastic analysis, the non-propagation of the expected value of the norm of the hard error vector. These conditions translate into constraints on the size of the feedback tap-weights so that there is linear convergence of the errors (or of expected values of norms of errors for the stochastic analysis) with constant C<1. This is equivalent to exponential decay of the hard errors (or of expected values of norms of errors for the stochastic analysis) over time with decay constant C<1. This ensures that errors do not propagate, but decay exponentially with time. The stochastic analysis gives weaker constraints which may be of more practical use in filter design, as the deterministic constraint guards against a worst case scenario for error propagation. The constraints derived in the stochastic case also combine the variance of the soft errors. Hence feedback of soft error variance may be used to adapt the constraint used on the feedback filter, and this motivates an algorithm for a soft error variance controlled adaptive DFE
Seasonal and lateral variations in carbon chemistry of surface water in the eastern equatorial Pacific during 1992

Abstract During the (boreal) spring and fall of 1992 the NOAA Ocean-Atmosphere Carbon Exchange Study did an intensive survey of upper water column (⪡1000 m) chemistry in the eastern equatorial Pacific from 110°W to 170°W. The spring-time conditions were influenced by an El Nino that had disappeared before the fall cruises. This contributed to a large seasonal contrast in surface temperature, carbon and nutrient concentrations, and thermocline depth. Nitrate, total inorganic carbon, and fugacity of CO 2 values were significantly lower in the spring, while sea surface temperatures south of the equator were higher. The seasonal change in surface water chemistry at the equator is due to changes in upwelling of nutrient and carbon enriched water. Oxygen and CO 2 anomalies at the surface point to approximately a three-fold increase in upwelling of thermocline water in the fall compared to the spring. The large-scale spatial variations in the surface chemistry patterns remained unchanged between spring and fall. There was a westward decrease in surfacewater carbon and nitrate concentrations and a strong north to south asymmetry with higher carbon and nitrate values south of the equator. This pattern is attributed to input of carbon and nutrients with the South Equatorial Current from the east. Using velocities obtained from surface drifters tracks, along with reasonable gas exchange estimates, and a “Redfield analysis” to account for export biological production, this westward decrease in carbon and nutrients can be quantitatively accounted for in the region from 0 to 3°S and 110°W to 140°W in the spring. In the fall the calculated concentration decrease is greater than observed, which is attributed to input from local equatorial upwelling along the pathway of water transit.
Benzothiadiazoles and Dipyrrolyl Quinoxalines with Extended Conjugated Chromophores−Fluorophores and Anion Sensors

5,8-Diaryl-2,3-dipyrrolylquinoxaline materials display anion-induced changes in color and fluorescence quenching, thus acting as potential sensors for inorganic anions with affinity for fluoride and dihydrogenpyrophosphate. Such sensors in polyurethane matrix allow for colorimetric screening of aqueous anion solutions.
Speckle denoising using wavelet transforms and higher-order statistics

We reduced speckle noise in SAR imagery by retaining only those wavelet coefficients with significant third-order correlation coefficients. These coefficients were generated from the cross-correlation functions of the image and wavelet basis functions. Using this approach, we compared the results between directly applying our denoising method, and first preprocessing by taking the logarithm of an image. In our approach, we examined wavelet coefficients in an environment where the contribution from the second-order moment of the noise had been reduced.
An NADP-linked prostacyclin dehydrogenase in rabbit kidney

Abstract An NADP-linked 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase specific for prostacyclin was purified 1,300-fold from rabbit kidney. Prostaglandins E 2 , F 2α , and 6-Keto PGF 1α and thromboxane B 2 were oxidized by the purified enzyme with rates of reaction less than 4% that of PGI 2 . Unlike other rabbit kidney NADP-linked 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenases, this enzyme catalyzes oxido reduction more rapidly at the 15- position than at the 9- position and does not utilise NAD as a cofactor. It has a molecular weight of 62,000 and migrates on polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis as a single diffuse band. The reaction product was identified by thin-layer chromatography as 6,15-diketo PGF 1α . Prostacyclin dhydrogenase is the first 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase described which is specific for the metabolism of prostacyclin.
Integration of user profiles: models and experiments in information retrieval

Abstract One difficult problem in information retrieval (IR) is the proper interpretation of user queries. It is extremely hard for users to express their information needs in a specific yet exhaustive way. In an effort to alleviate this problem, two theoretical models have been proposed to utilize user characteristics maintained in the form of a user profile. Although the idea of integrating user profiles into an IR system is intuitively appealing, and the models seem viable, no research to date has established a foundation for the roles of user profiles in such a system. Aiming at the investigation of the roles of user profiles, therefore, this study first identifies and extends various query/profile interaction models to provide a ground upon which the investigation can be undertaken. From a continuum of models characterized on the basis of interaction types, metrics, and parameters, nearly 400 models are chosen to investigate the “model space.” New measures are developed based on the notion of user satisfaction/frustration. In addition, three different criteria are used to guide users in making judgments on the quality of retrieved items. Analysis of the data obtained from the experiments shows that, for a wide variety of criteria and metrics, there are always some query/profile interaction models that outperform the query alone model. In addition, preferable characteristics for different criteria are identified in terms of interaction types, parameters, and metrics.
Brain, blood and rectal temperature during whole body cooling

Abstract 1. 1. To determine if rectal temperature is an adequate index of brain temperature during changing thermal conditions, we measured rectal, cerebral cortical, and carotid arterial blood temperatures simultaneously during whole body cooling in adult cats. 2. 2. The mean steady state rectal, brain and carotid arterial temperatures at the onset of cooling were: 39.2 ± 0.2, 38.5 ± 0.2, and 38.3 ± 0.3°C, respectively. 3. 3. Rectal temperature decreased faster than both brain and arterial blood, while only a small temperature difference was observed between brain and arterial blood, brain always exceeding blood. 4. 4. Rectal temperature cannot be considered an adequate index of brain temperature. Carotid arterial temperature is a better estimate of brain temperture.
Would insuring near-elderly persons reduce Medicare spending in patients aged 65 years or older?

This is a commentary on article McWilliams JM, Meara E, Zaslavsky AM, Ayanian JZ. Medicare spending for previously uninsured adults. Ann Intern Med. 2009;151(11):757-66.
Heat Transfer from Spiral Tubing in an Air-Fluidized Bed

Coefficients of heat transfer from a coiled Turbotec spiral tube to an air-fluidized bed were measured. Experimental parameters included particle diameter, number of flutes, flute pitch, groove depth, and air fluidizing velocity. Results indicated that the heat transfer coefficient generally increased with increasing fluidizing velocity. A maximum coefficient was observed in some cases. The heat transfer coefficient increased with decreasing particle size. The spiral tube with three flutes had the highest heat transfer coefficients. The spiral tube with four flutes and a pitch of 5.66 cm had gains in heat transfer duty as large as 40% compared to plain tubes. A correlation was formulated which fit the data within the range of experimental error.
Scaling Challenges for NAND and Replacement Memory Technology

Planar NAND technology is rapidly approaching its fundamental limits and will likely transition to a three dimensional structure. The scaling challenges facing NAND will be reviewed. Emerging memory technologies, such as the cross-point, will be discussed. The materials challenges facing emerging memories will be reviewed.
Defining the genre of Mexican business e-mail

Based on congruencies in the findings of Spanish-language writing research and U.S.-English e-mail writing research, this study investigates Mexican e-mails. The findings from the literature are formulated as issue statements for the purpose of confirming or denying their applicability to collected Mexican e-mails. The study employs both qualitative rhetorical analysis and a quantitative feature presence/absence analysis. Of the eight issues statements predicted to describe Mexican business e-mails per the literature, only one was affirmed-meaning that the currently available information about Mexican workplace e-mails is incorrect and/or incomplete.
Phosphorylation of Mad Controls Competition Between Wingless and BMP Signaling

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and Wnts are growth factors that provide essential patterning signals for cell proliferation and differentiation. Here, we describe a molecular mechanism by which the phosphorylation state of the Drosophila transcription factor Mad determines its ability to transduce either BMP or Wingless (Wg) signals. Previously, Mad was thought to function in gene transcription only when phosphorylated by BMP receptors. We found that the unphosphorylated form of Mad was required for canonical Wg signaling by interacting with the Pangolin-Armadillo transcriptional complex. Phosphorylation of the carboxyl terminus of Mad by BMP receptor directed Mad toward BMP signaling, thereby preventing Mad from functioning in the Wg pathway. The results show that Mad has distinct signal transduction roles in the BMP and Wnt pathways depending on its phosphorylation state.
Management for prostate cancer treatment related posterior urethral and bladder neck stenosis with stents.

Purpose: Prostate cancer treatment has the potential to lead to posterior urethral stricture. These strictures are sometimes recalcitrant to dilation and urethrotomy alone. We present our experience with the Urolume® stent for prostate cancer treatment related stricture.Materials and Methods: A total of 38 men with posterior urethral stricture secondary to prostate cancer treatment were treated with Urolume stenting. Stents were placed in all men after aggressive urethrotomy over the entire stricture. A successfully managed stricture was defined as open and stable for greater than 6 months after any necessary secondary procedures.Results: The initial success rate was 47%. After a total of 31 secondary procedures in 19 men, including additional stent placement in 8 (18%), the final success rate was 89% at a mean ± SD followup of 2.3 ± 2.5 years. Four cases (11%) in which treatment failed ultimately requiring urinary diversion (3) or salvage prostatectomy (1). Incontinence was noted in 30 men (82%), of whom...
The Yeast Casein Kinase Yck3p Is Palmitoylated, then Sorted to the Vacuolar Membrane with AP-3-dependent Recognition of a YXXϕ Adaptin Sorting Signal

Our previous work found the two yeast plasma membrane-localized casein kinases Yck1p and Yck2p to be palmitoylated on C-terminal Cys-Cys sequences by the palmitoyl transferase Akr1p. The present work examines a third casein kinase, Yck3p, which ends with the C-terminal sequence Cys-Cys-Cys-Cys-Phe-Cys-Cys-Cys. Yck3p is palmitoylated and localized to the vacuolar membrane. While the C-terminal cysteines are required for this palmitoylation, Akr1p is not. Palmitoylation requires the C-terminal Yck3p residues 463-524, whereas information for vacuolar sorting maps to the 409-462 interval. Vacuolar sorting is disrupted in cis through deletion of the 409-462 sequences and in trans through mutation of the AP-3 adaptin complex; both cis- and trans-mutations result in Yck3p missorting to the plasma membrane. This missorted Yck3p restores 37°C viability to yck1Δ yck2-ts cells. yck1Δ yck2-ts suppressor mutations isolated within the YCK3 gene identify the Yck3p vacuolar sorting signal—the tetrapeptide YDSI, a perfect fit to the YXXϕ adaptin-binding consensus. Although YXXϕ signals have a well-appreciated role in the adaptin-mediated sorting of mammalian cells, this is the first signal of this class to be identified in yeast.
The Influence of Fluoride on the Seeded Growth of Apatite From Stable Supersaturated Solutions at pH 7.4

Previous studies have shown that fluoride affected the formation of apatite in spontaneous precipitations from unstable calcium phosphate solutions partly through its effect on the stability of such nonapatitic precursors as octacalcium phosphate, Ca 8H2(PO4)6-5H2O. The present study shows that fluoride had a comparable effect on the seeded growth of apatite from stable solutions when the degree of solution supersaturation favored the transient development of octacalcium phosphate precursors on the seed surface.
Validation of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging-based apparent bone volume fraction in peri-articular tibial bone of cadaveric knees

In the knee, high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has demonstrated that increased apparent bone volume fraction (trabecular bone volume per total volume; BV/TV) in the peri-articular proximal medial tibia is associated with joint space narrowing and the presence of bone marrow lesions. However, despite evidence of construct validity, MR-based apparent BV/TV has not yet been cross-validated in the proximal medial tibia by comparison with a gold standard (e.g., micro-computed tomography [microCT]). In this cadaveric validation study we explored the association between MR-based apparent BV/TV and microCT-based BV/TV in the proximal peri-articular medial tibia. Fresh cadaveric whole knee specimens were obtained from individuals 51 to 80 years of age with no knee pathology other than osteoarthritis. Ten knees were collected from five cadavers within 10 hours of death and underwent a 3-Tesla MR exam including a coronal-oblique 3-dimensional fast imaging with steady state precession (3D FISP) sequence within 36 hours of death. The specimens were placed in a 4% paraformaldehyde in phosphate buffer within 58 hours of death. After preservation, a subchondral region from the tibial plateau was collected and underwent microCT imaging with a voxel size of 9 μm x 9 μm x 9 μm. A single reader analyzed the microCT images in a similar volume of interest as selected in the MR measures. A different reader analyzed the MR-based trabecular morphometry using a custom analysis tool. To analyze the MR-based trabecular morphometry, a rectangular region of interest (ROI) was positioned on the 20 central images in the proximal medial tibial subchondral bone. The primary outcome measures were MR-based and microCT-based trabecular BV/TV in the proximal medial tibia. The MR-based apparent BV/TV was strongly correlated with microCT-based BV/TV (r = 0.83, confidence interval = 0.42 to 0.96), despite the MR-based apparent BV/TV being systematically lower than measured using microCT. MR-based apparent BV/TV in the proximal peri-articular medial tibia has good construct validity and may represent an alternative for CT-based BV/TV.
Prediction of compact explosively-driven ferroelectric generator performance

Explosively-driven ferroelectric generators are attractive as potential prime energy sources for one-time use pulsed power systems. While the output voltages of small ferroelectric discs have been shown to be on the order of the theoretical maximum values, scaling the ferroelectric to larger thicknesses has proven less successful. The primary limiting factor is how much of the ferroelectric material is compressed simultaneously. This is difficult to control for thicker ferroelectric discs or stacks of discs due to pressure pulse attenuation in the material and rarefaction waves shortening the pressure pulse. A hydrodynamic code system is utilized to calculate the temporally and spatially resolved pressure. The calculated pressure values are converted into voltage produced by the ferroelectric through an algorithm based on an empirical polarization-pressure hysteresis curve. The validity of the algorithm has been verified for PZT EC-64 with experimental data from a flyer-plate experiment reported in literature and our own experiments with the shock wave from the explosives more directly applied to the ferroelectric. Both calculations and experiments produced normalized output voltages, ranging from 1.4 to 3.4 kV/mm for 2.54 cm diameter discs. We will discuss how this pressure to voltage algorithm along with pressure simulations aided in the scaling of the amount of ferroelectric material in a generator, as well as in the design of new driver elements with the goal to increase the peak output voltage of a generator while keeping the generator compact. The calculated voltage output results are compared with experimental data of explosively-driven ferroelectric generators.
Making skeletal muscle from progenitor and stem cells: development versus regeneration

For locomotion, vertebrate animals use the force generated by contractile skeletal muscles. These muscles form an actin/myosin-based biomachinery that is attached to skeletal elements to affect body movement and maintain posture. The mechanics, physiology, and homeostasis of skeletal muscles in normal and disease states are of significant clinical interest. How muscles originate from progenitors during embryogenesis has attracted considerable attention from developmental biologists. How skeletal muscles regenerate and repair themselves after injury by the use of stem cells is an important process to maintain muscle homeostasis throughout lifetime. In recent years, much progress has been made toward uncovering the origins of myogenic progenitors and stem cells as well as the regulation of these cells during development and regeneration.
A microscale camera using direct Fourier-domain scene capture

We demonstrate a chip-scale (<1 mm2) sensor, the Planar Fourier Capture Array (PFCA), capable of imaging the far field without any off-chip optics. The PFCA consists of an array of angle-sensitive pixels manufactured in a standard semiconductor process, each of which reports one component of a spatial two-dimensional (2D) Fourier transform of the local light field. Thus, the sensor directly captures 2D Fourier transforms of scenes. The effective resolution of our prototype is approximately 400 pixels.
Spectral and angular ground-based radar backscatter measurements of Greenland snow facies

Snow facies, or melt zones, on the Greenland Ice Sheet are correlated with brightness patterns on spaceborne radar imagery. To better relate radar scattering signatures to individual zones, the authors investigate the relationship between radar scattering and firn physical properties. They operated surface-based radar systems at five different sites on the Greenland Ice Sheet. In the dry snow zone the angular variation of the backscattering coefficient indicates that at high incidence angles the return energy is dominated by volume scattering. They also observe a systematically higher backscattering coefficient when the physical temperature is low and all the other parameters are identical. In the wet snow zone the backscatter coefficient is temporally dependant as the temperature variations affect the moisture content and modifies the spectral backscattered energy. The snow and ice surface roughnesses determine the angular response. In the percolation zone, the backscatter coefficient is independent of the frequency and the angular response is also controlled by the ice structures (surface roughness, lenses, and pipes).
Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lenses after Extracapsular Cataract Extraction in Patients with Aniridia

Visual rehabilitation of patients with aniridia and progressive cataract is a challenging clinical problem. Reduced corneal transparency, limitations of iris support, and decreased zonular integrity may make extracapsular cataract surgery difficult. Four patients with familial aniridia had substantial visual improvement after successful extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with implantation of capsular-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs). In one patient, it was combined with trabeculectomy to treat chronic open-angle glaucoma. Posterior chamber IOLs can be safely implanted in the aniridic eye normalities in the anterior segment.
First bite syndrome: incidence, risk factors, treatment, and outcomes.

Objectives/Hypothesis: First bite syndrome (FBS) refers to facial pain characterized by a severe cramping or spasm in the parotid region with the first bite of each meal that diminishes over the next several bites.1, 2 It is a potential sequela of surgery involving the infratemporal fossa (ITF), parapharyngeal space (PPS), and/or deep lobe of the parotid gland. The incidence, risk factors, treatment options, and outcomes of FBS are poorly understood. We hypothesized that certain clinical and tumor variables independently predict the development of FBS. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: We reviewed the records of 499 patients (mean age, 50 years; range, 12–81 years) undergoing surgery of the deep lobe of the parotid gland, PPS, and/or ITF between 1992 and 2010. Minimum follow-up time was 3 months (median, 39 months). Patient, tumor, and FBS characteristics were analyzed. Incidence was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify independent risk factors for FBS. Patients developing FBS were interviewed to assess the efficacy of various treatment modalities. Results: FBS developed in 45 patients (incidence, 9.6%), at a mean time of 97 (range, 6–877) days from surgery. On multivariate analysis, three variables were significant independent risk factors for FBS: sympathetic chain sacrifice (odds ratio [OR], 4.7; P = .008), PPS dissection (OR, 8.7; P = .001), and resection of only the deep lobe of the parotid gland (OR, 4.2; P = .002). FBS developed in 48.6% of patients undergoing sympathetic chain sacrifice, 22.4% of patients undergoing PPS dissection, 38.4% of patients undergoing isolated deep lobe parotid resection, and 0.8% of patients undergoing total parotidectomy. Partial resolution of FBS symptoms occurred in 69% and complete resolution in 12%. Of 45 FBS patients, 15 (33%) underwent at least one type of treatment for symptomatic relief. No treatment consistently provided effective symptomatic relief. Conclusions: The strongest independent risk factors for FBS are PPS dissection, deep lobe of parotid resection, and sympathetic chain sacrifice. Patients undergoing surgery with dissection and/or manipulation in these anatomical sites and structures should be thoroughly counseled about the risk of developing FBS. Laryngoscope, 2012
A Multiple Particle Model for the Prediction of Electrical Contact Resistance in Anisotropic Conductive Adhesive Assemblies

Accurate prediction of electrical contact resistance in anisotropic conductive adhesive (ACA) assemblies requires realistic models that include multiple particles between mating conductive tracks. In this paper, theoretical and finite element analyses are used to determine the electrical contact resistance in multiparticle ACA assemblies considering the effect of non-identical contact areas, elastic recovery, electrical interaction between the particles, and electrical interaction between the particles and the edges of the conductive tracks (edge effect). Parameters such as the number of particles, spatial distribution of the particles, and magnitude of the initial bonding force are evaluated. It is found that the spatial distribution of the particles plays a very important role in the rate at which the resistance decreases when either the number of particles or the magnitude of the initial bonding force is increased.
Stepwise kinetic equilibrium models of quantitative polymerase chain reaction

Numerous models for use in interpreting quantitative PCR (qPCR) data are present in recent literature. The most commonly used models assume the amplification in qPCR is exponential and fit an exponential model with a constant rate of increase to a select part of the curve. Kinetic theory may be used to model the annealing phase and does not assume constant efficiency of amplification. Mechanistic models describing the annealing phase with kinetic theory offer the most potential for accurate interpretation of qPCR data. Even so, they have not been thoroughly investigated and are rarely used for interpretation of qPCR data. New results for kinetic modeling of qPCR are presented. Two models are presented in which the efficiency of amplification is based on equilibrium solutions for the annealing phase of the qPCR process. Model 1 assumes annealing of complementary targets strands and annealing of target and primers are both reversible reactions and reach a dynamic equilibrium. Model 2 assumes all annealing reactions are nonreversible and equilibrium is static. Both models include the effect of primer concentration during the annealing phase. Analytic formulae are given for the equilibrium values of all single and double stranded molecules at the end of the annealing step. The equilibrium values are then used in a stepwise method to describe the whole qPCR process. Rate constants of kinetic models are the same for solutions that are identical except for possibly having different initial target concentrations. Analysis of qPCR curves from such solutions are thus analyzed by simultaneous non-linear curve fitting with the same rate constant values applying to all curves and each curve having a unique value for initial target concentration. The models were fit to two data sets for which the true initial target concentrations are known. Both models give better fit to observed qPCR data than other kinetic models present in the literature. They also give better estimates of initial target concentration. Model 1 was found to be slightly more robust than model 2 giving better estimates of initial target concentration when estimation of parameters was done for qPCR curves with very different initial target concentration. Both models may be used to estimate the initial absolute concentration of target sequence when a standard curve is not available. It is argued that the kinetic approach to modeling and interpreting quantitative PCR data has the potential to give more precise estimates of the true initial target concentrations than other methods currently used for analysis of qPCR data. The two models presented here give a unified model of the qPCR process in that they explain the shape of the qPCR curve for a wide variety of initial target concentrations.
Hybrid Silicon Focal Plane Development: An Update

Hybrid silicon focal plane arrays for infrared detection have progressed rapidly over the past year from the point of proof of concept to pilot production. Packaging schemes have been developed which will allow the integration of thousands of pixels into a large area, two-dimensional focal plane. The performance of silicon focal planes has been optimized and producibility aspects addressed. This paper discusses operating characteristics and packaging concepts of hybrid silicon focal planes and investigates their future applications.
Trajectory planning for coordinated motion of a robot and a positioning table. II. Optimal trajectory specification

For pt.I see ibid., p.735-45 (1990). A robot and positioning table system is a kinematically redundant system with respect to planar motion. Two strategies were developed in pt.I to resolve this redundancy and to specify path shapes that make the best utilization of the workspace and speed characteristics of the two devices. In this part, a one-variable dynamic programming approach is developed to obtain a near-minimum time and/or energy trajectory of the two devices. The developed strategies were studied using this path-planning algorithm on a model of a 3 d.o.f. robot and a two-axis linear positioning table for a variety of path shapes and constraints. In addition, experiments were performed in a typical workcell to show the feasibility of the developed strategies. In moving the two devices in opposite directions, the least travel time is obtained when the original path is resolved more in favor of the faster device, whereas the quality of resultant motion is dependent on the controller performance of each device. >
Complementary Drivers of New Product Development Performance: Cross‐Functional Coordination, Information System Capability, and Intelligence Quality

Coordination efforts that access and align relevant cross-functional expertise are regarded as an essential element of innovation success. In recent years, these efforts have been further augmented through complementary investments in information systems, which provide the technological platforms for information sharing and coordination across functional and organizational boundaries. Somewhat overlooked has been the critical mediating role of the intelligence gained through these efforts and capabilities. This study draws on the theory of complementarity to elaborate on the nature of this mediating concept. Theoretical predictions of the model are tested using instrument variable regression analysis of data collected from a sample of publicly traded US manufacturing firms. The findings suggest that the effects of both internal and external coordination on market intelligence and supply-chain intelligence are moderated by the firm's information system capability. The effect of both types of intelligence quality on new product development performance was contingent with the effects being enhanced (attenuated) when the market conditions were dynamic (stable). The results are robust to common-method bias, endogeneity concerns, and alternative estimation methods.
Nitric oxide myoglobin: Crystal structure and analysis of ligand geometry

The structure of the ferrous nitric oxide form of native sperm whale myoglobin has been determined by X-ray crystallography to 1.7 angstroms resolution. The nitric oxide ligand is bent with respect to the heme plane: the Fe-N-O angle is 112 degrees. This angle is smaller than those observed in model compounds and in lupin leghemoglobin. The exact angle appears to be influenced by the strength of the proximal bond and hydrogen bonding interactions between the distal histidine and the bound ligand. Specifically, the N(epsilon) atom of histidine64 is located 2.8 angstroms away from the nitrogen atom of the bound ligand, implying electrostatic stabilization of the FeNO complex. This interpretation is supported by mutagenesis studies. When histidine64 is replaced with apolar amino acids, the rate of nitric oxide dissociation from myoglobin increases tenfold.
Parameterization of Generalized Cloud Overlap for Radiative Calculations in General Circulation Models

New radiative parameterizations have been developed for the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Atmospheric Model (CAM). The CAM is the next version of the NCAR Community Climate Model (CCM). This paper describes the generalized treatment of vertical cloud overlap in the radiative calculations. The new parameterizations compute the shortwave and longwave fluxes and heating rates for random overlap, maximum overlap, or an arbitrary combination of maximum and random overlap. The specification of the type of overlap is identical for the two bands, and it is completely separated from the radiative parameterizations. In the prototype of CAM (CAM 0.1), adjacent cloud layers are maximally overlapped and groups of clouds separated by cloud-free layers are randomly overlapped. The introduction of the generalized overlap assumptions permits more realistic treatments of cloud‐radiative interactions. The parameterizations are based upon representations of the radiative transfer equations that are more accurate than previous approximations. These techniques increase the computational cost of the radiative calculations by approximately 30%. The methodology has been designed and validated against calculations based upon the independent pixel approximation (IPA). The solution techniques and validation procedure are described in detail. The hourly radiative fluxes and heating rates from the parameterizations and IPA have been compared for a 1-yr integration of CAM. The mean and rms errors in the hourly longwave top of the atmosphere (TOA) fluxes are 20.006 6 0.066 W m22, and the corresponding errors in the shortwave TOA fluxes are 20.20 6 1.58 W m22. Heating rate errors are O(1023) K day21. In switching from random to maximum/random overlap, the largest changes in TOA shortwave fluxes occur over tropical continental areas, and the largest changes in TOA longwave fluxes occur in tropical convective regions. The effects on global climate are determined largely by the instantaneous changes in the fluxes rather than feedbacks related to cloud overlap.