cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transformer winding losses with round conductors for duty-cycle regulated square waves

One of the limiting factor in the course of reducing the size of high frequency transformer is the temperature rise. The knowledge of transformer power loss is important to make an estimate of the temperature rise. The transformer winding loss due to a duty-cycle regulated square current waveform can be estimated by summing the copper loss due to each harmonic using Dowell's formula. The paper shows that a large number of harmonics have to be considered for the loss computation. It is shown that for solid-round wire conductors the losses decrease with increasing diameter and there is no optimal diameter for which the losses are minimum. This paper presents a closed form approximate expression for power loss for a particular range of diameters of round wire that does not require a large series summation. Results from this closed form expression are shown to have reasonable accuracy in comparison to the fourier series method and also validated using 2-D finite element method.
Polymorphisms in candidate asthma genes.

The triad of reversible airway obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation characterizes asthma. The etiology of asthma is complex and involves the interaction of multiple genetic foci and a variety of environmental factors, such as protein allergens, chemical sensitizers, and viral or bacterial proteins. Candidate asthma genes have been identified that may be linked or associated with the asthmatic phenotype. Potential candidate asthma genes include cytokine genes, receptor genes, transcription factors, immune recognition genes, and genes regulating lipid mediator generation. Although polymorphisms within either the promoter or coding region of individual asthma candidate genes have been identified, the association between these genetic polymorphisms and the asthmatic phenotype remains incompletely defined. Furthermore, genetic polymorphisms mediating the asthmatic phenotype are rarely identified in individual patients. This manuscript reviews several of the specific mutations and polymorphisms that have been identified in candidate asthma genes, such as the high affinity IgE receptor, the β2-adrenergic receptor, the interleukin-4 promoter and receptor, the tumor necrosis factor gene, and the 5-lipoxygenase promoter.
Effect of boundaries and interfaces on shear-band localization

The emergence of general stationary-wave solutions, exemplified by Rayleigh surface waves and Stoneley interface waves, is taken as a criterion for the onset of localization in the presence of geometrical features such as free boundaries and interfaces. The stationary-wave solutions yield the possible orientations of the emerging shear bands. The influence of interfaces in crystalline solids and of free boundaries in pressure-sensitive frictional materials is investigated within this general framework. It is found that grain boundaries in polycrystals can act as both barriers to, and as sources of, shear bands. The analysis of pressure-sensitive frictional materials reveals a mismatch in orientation between the shear bands in the interior and on the boundary of the solid. The implications of this misorientation for the global behavior of specimens tested in plane strain compression are discussed.
Cerebral microvessel perfusion and pathologic alteration of the brain during drowsiness and coma caused by brain tumor: a laboratory study on rats.

Abstract Background In cerebral compression, deterioration of consciousness and coma are traditionally thought to be caused by compression, shift, hemorrhage, or herniation of the brain stem. The objective of this study was to evaluate vascular perfusion and pathologic alteration in the entire brain during drowsiness and coma. Methods Brain tumors were developed in 3 newborn rat litters by inoculation of KSV (a murine erythroblastosis virus) into their brain. Within several weeks, brain tumors developed. When the animals became drowsy or comatose, their brains were perfused with microbarium, India ink, or paraformaldehyde solution. In 2 animals, the brain vasculature was casted with plastic materials. The brains were either fixed for magnification radiography or prepared for histologic examination. Results The brains of control animals showed an abundance of microvessels and penetrating capillaries located perpendicular to the cortex and deep within the brain. The latter entities cannot be detected even in the best routine cerebral angiography in human beings. Microvessels were obstructed, in a patchy and dispersed fashion, during drowsiness, especially in the ipsilateral hemisphere. Obstruction of microvessels was present not only in the brain stem but also in the rest of the brain and in the cerebellum of comatose animals; larger vessels appeared to be markedly narrowed. The study also revealed evidence of diffuse infarcts, cellular ischemia, swelling, and periventricular damage throughout the brain. Conclusions During drowsiness and coma caused by cerebral compression, cerebral capillaries progressively obstruct not only in the brain stem but also throughout the brain, considerably in a more severe pattern during coma than during drowsiness. These likely cause the diffuse neurologic disabilities and behavioral changes often seen after recovery from coma caused by cerebral compression.
The effect of liquid lithium on fatigue crack propagation in 304L stainless steel at elevated temperatures

Liquid lithium was observed to enhance fatigue crack propagation in 304L stainless steel at 973 K. The enhanced crack growth rates are shown to be associated with preferential grain boundary penetration in the vicinity of the tip of a propagating fatigue crack exposed to liquid lithium. The enhanced crack growth rates are correlated with the predictions of a model based on the summation of grain boundary penetration by liquid lithium and the growth rates in an argon environment.
The “War on Christianity”: Counterpublicity or Hegemonic Containment?

This essay takes up an enduring genre of authoritative discourses that decry the persecution of America's predominant religion. In this essay, I contend that existing theory about counterpublics requires revision in order to provide a compelling critical response to this text and others like it; and second, pending my revision, I argue that the rhetoric of the “War on Christmas” illustrates a particularly powerful strategy of political containment available to hegemonic publics.
Heparin Binds 8 kDa Gelsolin Cross-β-Sheet Oligomers and Accelerates Amyloidogenesis by Hastening Fibril Extension

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are highly sulfated linear polysaccharides prevalent in the extracellular matrix, and they associate with virtually all amyloid deposits in vivo. GAGs accelerate the aggregation of many amyloidogenic peptides in vitro, but little mechanistic evidence is available to explain why. Herein, spectroscopic methods demonstrate that GAGs do not affect the secondary structure of the monomeric 8 kDa amyloidogenic fragment of human plasma gelsolin. Moreover, monomerized 8 kDa gelsolin does not bind to heparin under physiological conditions. In contrast, 8 kDa gelsolin cross-β-sheet oligomers and amyloid fibrils bind strongly to heparin, apparently because of electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged polysaccharide and a positively charged region of the 8 kDa gelsolin assemblies. Our observations are consistent with a scaffolding mechanism whereby cross-β-sheet oligomers, upon formation, bind to GAGs, accelerating the fibril extension phase of amyloidogenesis, possibly by concentrating and orienting the oligomers to more efficiently form amyloid fibrils. Notably, heparin decreases the 8 kDa gelsolin concentration necessary for amyloid fibril formation, likely a consequence of fibril stabilization through heparin binding. Because GAG overexpression, which is common in amyloidosis, may represent a strategy for minimizing cross-β-sheet oligomer toxicity by transforming them into amyloid fibrils, the mechanism described herein for GAG-mediated acceleration of 8 kDa gelsolin amyloidogenesis provides a starting point for therapeutic strategy development. The addition of GAG mimetics, small molecule sulfonates shown to reduce the amyloid load in animal models of amyloidosis, to a heparin-accelerated 8 kDa gelsolin aggregation reaction mixture neither significantly alters the rate of amyloidogenesis nor prevents oligomers from binding to GAGs, calling into question their commonly accepted mechanism.
Monkey Models of Recovery of Voluntary Hand Movement After Spinal Cord and Dorsal Root Injury

The hand is unique to the primate and manual dexterity is at its finest in the human (Napier 1980), so it is not surprising that cervical spinal injuries that even partially block sensorimotor innervation of the hand are frequently debilitating (Anderson 2004). Despite the clinical need to understand the neuronal bases of hand function recovery after spinal and/or nerve injuries, relatively few groups have systematically related subtle changes in voluntary hand use following injury to neuronal mechanisms in the monkey. Human and macaque hand anatomy and function are strikingly similar, which makes the macaque the favored nonhuman primate model for the study of postinjury dexterity. In this review of monkey models of cervical spinal injury that have successfully related voluntary hand use to neuronal responses during the early postinjury months, the focus is on the dorsal rhizotomy (or dorsal rootlet lesion) model developed and used in our laboratory over the last several years. The review also describes macaque monkey models of injuries to the more central cervical spine (e.g., hemisection, dorsal column) that illustrate methods to assess postlesion hand function and that relate it to neurophysiological and neuroanatomical changes. Such models are particularly important for understanding what the sensorimotor pathways are capable of, and for assessing the outcome of therapeutic interventions as they are developed.
Diagnostic frozen prostate sextant biopsies: An approach for preserving protein and RNA for additional studies

BACKGROUND Primary prostate cancer represents 29% of newly diagnosed visceral cancers in men. Despite this common occurrence, relatively little is known about the pathogenesis of this malignancy. High-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) is generally accepted as a precursor to invasive prostate carcinoma. There is a lack of adequate animal models, and the available cell culture lines are limited. Tissue from prostate needle core biopsies that have been frozen can provide adequate material for both diagnosis and research. METHODS Transrectal sextant needle biopsies were snap-frozen, serially sectioned and alternately stained with hematoxylin-eosin or reacted with a basal cell-specific antibody. Two pathologists examined all of the sections, which were scored for the presence or absence of carcinoma and HGPIN. Portions of the remaining tissue were used for studies of protein expression and gene expression. RESULTS The incidence of carcinoma was 39%, comparable to the mean percent positive cases reported using conventional fixation and paraffin embedding. The incidence of HGPIN was 33%, higher than previously reported. CONCLUSIONS Prostate carcinoma can be accurately diagnosed using frozen material. The observed high frequency of HGPIN is attributed to the instability of nuclear structure in the frozen material of the atypical nuclei, resulting in inflated grading of PIN lesions. Sufficient material remained in the frozen blocks for additional studies of protein and gene expression. Prostate 44:296–302, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Differential effects of state and trait anxiety on heart rate responses and reaction time

College students were tested on 10 trials of a reaction time task, using a variable interval warning signal, while heart rate was recorded. Subjects were divided into high and low anxiety groups using a median split based on their scores on a modification of the trait scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The low anxiety group exhibited faster reaction times, shorter latency heart rate deceleration following warning signal onset, and a more consistent deceleration immediately prior to the respond signal than the high anxiety group. When the same subjects were divided into groups according to state anxiety, no group differences were found in either heart rate or reaction time. In Part II of the study, subjects listened to six 15 s presentations of a 70 dbA, 250 Hz tone. No group differences in heart rate responses to the tones were found for either state or trait anxiety groups.
Use of bifunctional phosphonates for the preparation of heterobimetallic 5f-3d systems.

The hydrothermal reaction of phosphonoacetic acid (H2PO3CH2C(O)OH, PAA) with UO3 and Cu(C2H3O2)2·H2O results in the formation of the crystalline heterobimetallic uranium(VI)/copper(II) phosphonates UO2Cu(PO3CH2CO2)(OH)(H2O)2 (UCuPAA-1), (UO2)2Cu(PO3CH2CO2)2(H2O)3 (UCuPAA-2), and [H3O][(UO2)2Cu2(PO3CH2CO2)3(H2O)2 (UCuPAA-3). The addition of sodium hydroxide to the aforementioned reactions results in the formation of Na[UO2(PO3CH2CO2)]·2H2O (NaUPAA-1). These compounds display 1D (UCuPAA-1), 2D (UCuPAA-2, NaUPAA-1), and 3D (UCuPAA-3) architectures wherein the phosphonate portion of the ligand primarily coordinates the uranium(VI) centers; whereas the carboxylate moiety preferentially, but not exclusively, binds to the copper(II) ions. Fluorescence measurements on all four compounds demonstrate that the presence of copper(II) mostly quenches the emission from the uranyl moieties.
Computational Results for Parallel Unstructured Mesh Computations

The majority of finite element models in structural engineering are composed of unstructured meshes. These unstructured meshes are often very large and require significant computational resources; hence they are excellent candidates for massively parallel computation. Parallel solution of the sparse matrices that arise from such meshes has been studied heavily, and many good algorithms have been developed. Unfortunately, many of the other aspects of parallel unstructured mesh computation have gone largely ignored. The authors present a set of algorithms that allow the entire unstructured mesh computation process to execute in parallel -- including adaptive mesh refinement, equation reordering, mesh partitioning, and sparse linear system solution. They briefly describe these algorithms and state results regarding their running-time and performance. They then give results from the 512-processor Intel DELTA for a large-scale structural analysis problem. These results demonstrate that the new algorithms are scalable and efficient. The algorithms are able to achieve up to 2.2 gigaflops for this unstructured mesh problem.
Variation in kernel characteristics and protein molecular weight distribution of Langdon durum-wild emmer wheat chromosome substitution lines

Triticum turgidum L. var. dicoccoides (DIC) provides a useful source of genes to improve agronomic and quality characteristics of durum wheat. Research was performed to identify DIC chromosomes that carry useful genes for quality improvement. Langdon-T. dicoccoides substitution lines consisting of 13 lines based on DIC accession PI 481521, 10 lines on PI 478742, and 2 lines on Israel A were evaluated for kernel characteristics and protein molecular weight distribution. DIC chromosomes 3A from PI 481521, and 1A and 7A from PI 478742 increased kernel hardness. Chromosome 2A from PI 481521 increased kernel weight, which resulted in increased semolina yield. Some substituted DIC chromosomes also affected grain protein concentration and protein molecular weight distribution. For example, chromosomes 2A, 5B, and 7B from PI 481521, and 6B from Israel A increased total protein concentration, which was primarily attributed to an increase of SDS soluble gliadins. Chromosome 6B from PI 478742 was unique in that it led to an increase in SDS insoluble high molecular weight polymeric proteins, which contributed to increased dough mixing strength. Results from this research indicated that chromosome 6B from PI 478742 is a potential gene source to improve dough characteristics of durum wheat by increasing insoluble high molecular weight polymeric protein concentration.
Effects of long-term exposure to simazine in real concentrations on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).

The effects of a 90 day simazine exposure at concentrations of 0.06 (reported concentration in Czech rivers), 1, 2, and 4 μg L−1 were assessed in one-year-old common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Its influence on biometric parameters, hematology, blood biochemistry, liver biomarkers, and histology was investigated. Biometric parameters of common carp exposed to simazine at 0.06 μg L−1 showed no differences from untreated fish. Simazine concentrations of 1, 2, and 4 μg L−1 caused significant (p<0.01) increase of hepatosomatic indices relative to controls. Hematological profiles showed significant (p<0.01) decrease in leukocyte count relative to controls at all concentrations. Biochemical profiles of common carp exposed to simazine at all concentrations showed significant (p<0.01) increase in activity of alkaline phosphatase. In addition, at concentrations of 1 and 2 μg L−1, there was a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase (p<0.05), and, at 4 μg L−1, a significant increase in total protein (p<0.05), albumins (p<0.05), and alanine aminotransferase (p<0.05) compared with controls. Renal histology revealed severe hyaline degeneration of the epithelial cells of caudal kidney tubules in fish at all exposure levels compared to controls. Chronic exposure of common carp to simazine caused significant shifts in hematological, biochemical, and biometric profiles, and histopathological changes. The results of this study indicate that chronic exposure of simazine has altered multiple physiological indices in fish hematology and biochemistry, which potentially may be a biomarker of simazine toxicity; however, before these parameters are used as special biomarkers for monitoring residual simazine in aquatic environment, more detailed experiments in laboratory need to be performed in the future.
Development of a large scale production of 67Cu from 68Zn at the high energy proton accelerator: Closing the 68Zn cycle

Abstract A number of research irradiations of 68 Zn was carried out at Brookhaven Linac Isotope Producer aiming to develop a practical approach to produce the radioisotope 67 Cu through the high energy 68 Zn(p,2p) 67 Cu reaction. Disks of enriched zinc were prepared by electrodeposition of 68 Zn on aluminum or titanium substrate and isolated in the aluminum capsule for irradition. Irradiations were carried out with 128, 105 and 92 MeV protons for at least 24 h. After irradiation the disk was chemically processed to measure production yield and specific activity of 67 Cu and to reclaim the target material. The recovered 68 Zn was irradiated and processed again. The chemical procedure comprised BioRad cation exchange, Chelex-100 and anion exchange columns. Reduction of the oxidation degree of copper allowed for more efficient Cu/Co/Zn separation on the anion exchange column. No radionuclides other than copper isotopes were detected in the final product. The chemical yield of 67 Cu reached 92–95% under remote handling conditions in a hot box. Production yield of 67 Cu averaged 29.2 μCi/[μA−h×g 68 Zn] (1.08 MBq/[μA−h×g 68 Zn]) in 24 h irradiations. The best specific activity achieved was 18.6 mCi/μg (688.2 MBq/μg).
The Design of Frequency-Compensating Matching Sections

Frequency-compensating networks have been employed to improve the impedance bandwidth of antennas and other radio-frequency components. The general problem considered here is that of transforming an impedance which changes with frequency to a specified resistance which is, as nearly as possible, constant with frequency. A simple procedure for solving the general problem is established, and formulas for the design of the appropriate matching section are worked out. The formulas give the parameters of the matching section in terms of the impedance of the load at selected frequencies. The technique is mainly applicable where the half bandwidth is small compared with the center frequency. For the purpose of illustration, the method is described in terms of its application to coaxial lines, although it is equally applicable to any form of transmission line whose characteristic impedance is known.
Clinical determinants in perioperative cardiac evaluation

Perioperative cardiac events are the largest cause of morbidity and mortality for patients undergoing elective surgery. As a result, numerous recent studies have focused on attempts to identify patients at increased risk for perioperative events. These have delineated testing modalities capable of identifying high-risk patients, and clinical markers which further stratify patients facing elective surgery into high-, medium-, and low-risk subgroups. In this article, the authors review the evidence supporting the use of clinical markers of risk to evaluate patients before elective surgery. The role of preoperative clinical assessment in identifying patients most likely to benefit from further testing or intervention, (ie, those at significant risk for short- and long-term cardiac events) is stressed. Assessment and intervention for risk factors of long-term cardiac disease is also stressed, as the preoperative evaluation represents an opportunity for improvement in the short- and long-term cardiac risk profile. Finally, the algorithm for preoperative cardiovascular evaluation published jointly by the ACC/AHA joint taskforce on practice guidelines is reviewed. This algorithm is a synthesis of the current literature, into a cost effective and efficient approach to patient evaluation.
Patterns of movement elicited by medullary pyramidal stimulation in the cat

Abstract The movements produced by submaximal tetanic stimulation of the medullary pyramid in the decerebrate cat have been studied by multiple electromyographic recording. A variety of types of response ranging from rather steady posture holding to regular phasic “walking” movements was found in different preparations and in the same preparations at different times. Not all of the causes for variation could be defined experimentally. Inhibition was found commonly to be a component of pyramidal response, and was not related invariably to reciprocal contraction. Definable factors which could influence grossly the overall form, degree, direction and distribution of muscular contraction were stimulus intensity, posture, afferent nerve stimulation, and collateral pyramidal stimulation. There was no evidence for a proximodistal muscle threshold relationship. Tibialis anticus in the hindlimb usually responded most readily, but exceptions were numerous. Ipsilateral movements were usually slight in degree and appeared to be postural reactions. No evidence of a significant uncrossed pathway could be demonstrated. Forelimb and hindlimb were equally represented in all cross-sectional areas of the pyramids. Variation of stimulus parameters within wide limits did not affect the response pattern; threshold was to an approximation a function of stimulating power. It is inferred from the results that a large degree of the variation of response to cortical or pyramidal stimulation is a result of the complexities of integrative channeling by the spinal mechanism and that Jackson's second level of motor function must include this internuncial mechanism . It is also concluded that pyramidal function has two related aspects, a general facilitatory action on spinal internuncial patterns, and a more specific directive effect of the pattern of pyramidal activity on the spinal mechanism. Arbitrary pyramidal stimulation chiefly manifests the former. In view of these findings, the validity of inferring detailed functional and anatomical relation from the response to artificial stimulation of the CNS above the spinal level is considered and it is concluded that such techniques alone are inadequate for defining physiological mechanism. It is also suggested that physiological patterns of total neural activity may be of more critical importance in the organization of movement than are structural relations alone.
Vaginal and rectal topical microbicide development: safety and efficacy of 1.0% Savvy (C31G) in the pigtailed macaque.

Background: A 1.0% gel formulation of C31G, a surfactant, has been shown to have in vitro antiviral and antibacterial activity. Goal: The goal of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vaginal and rectal applications of 1.0% Savvy (C31G) in the nonhuman primate model. Study Design: The safety of repeated 1.0% C31G application was evaluated by microflora, pH, vaginal biopsy, colposcopy, and rectal lavage. Efficacy in preventing chlamydial infection was documented by culture, nucleic acid amplification tests, and serology. Results: Repeated applications of Savvy (1.0% C31G) were not associated with significant changes in pH, microflora, or inflammatory infiltrates on tissues. No significant differences in epithelial desquamation were noted after rectal product use compared with placebo. Four of 6 animals were protected from chlamydial infection after pretreatment with Savvy. C31G was shown to be safe to both vaginal and rectal mucosal tissues and to the microflora with repeated daily use. Conclusion: Savvy has an acceptable safety profile after repeated vaginal and rectal use. A single intravaginal application of 1.0% C31G provided partial protection from acquiring cervical chlamydial infection.
Degradation of polysaccharides, mucopolysaccharides, and glycoproteins by lysosomal glycosidases

Abstract Isolated rat kidney lysosomes are shown to degrade glycogen, starch, hyaluronic acid, ovomucoid, and fetuin. Studies on the release of N -acetylglucosamine from ovomucoid by lysosomes show that proteolytic activity aids in the degradation of the carbohydrate chain by glycosidases. The results indicate that a large portion of the N -acetylhexosamine residues in ovomucoid are terminally located. The sequential action of sialidase, β-galactosidase, and β- N -acetylglucosaminidase releases monosaccharides from fetuin, fetuin glycopeptides, and modified fetuin. The results of these studies, along with those previously published, show that the lysosomes are the sites of intracellular catabolism of glycoproteins.
Polycyclic hydrocarbons: Nanographenes do the twist

A nanographene compound incorporating five- and seven-membered rings is found to have a highly distorted non-planar structure and serves as a model system for studying the effect of defects in graphene sheets.
High efficiency InGaAs/GaAs single-quantum-well lasers using single-step metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

Low-threshold-current single-quantum-well InGaAs/GaAs lasers are fabricated by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on a nonplanar substrate. By taking advantage of the growth rate and doping differences on different crystal facets during the growth, a buried heterostructure laser with natural current blocking p-n-p-n junction is formed by a single growth step. Threshold currents as low as 1.0 mA under pulsed operation and 1.2 mA under continuous-wave operation are obtained for uncoated lasers at room-temperature. The lasers showed high external quantum efficiency (80%) and high T/sub 0/ (150 K). High reflection coated laser (95%/95%) have CW threshold current as low as 0.28 mA. >
An Index-Number Tournament

I. Introduction, 170. — II. The "pure" Soviet-type index, 173. — III. The output index with value-added weights, 176. — IV. Empirical experiments, 182. — Mathematical appendix, 186.
A multivariable MRAC design using state feedback for linearized aircraft models with damage

Aircraft damage causes large uncertain system parametric and structural changes which lead to unknown deviations of the aircraft equilibrium points and unknown coupling of the aircraft dynamics. To deal with such unknown changes, we use a sequential linear model with a dynamics offset to represent a linearized aircraft system before and after damage. A state feedback multivariable model reference adaptive control (MRAC) scheme is developed for such a linear model, with adaptive compensation of the uncertain dynamics offset as well as system parametric uncertainties. Desired closed-loop signal boundedness and asymptotic output tracking are established. Numerical values of linearized models from the NASA GTM were used in the simulation study and its results verified the desired system performance despite uncertain damage.
Power electronic solutions for smartgrids

Presents a collection of slides that discuss the following:power electronic; smart grids; reactive power control; power control; wide area monitoring and distributed generation sources.
Experimental study of Stokes fields linewidth in resonant four-wave mixing in Rb vapour

We report transmission linewidths for a weak anti-Stokes component and generated Stokes component during resonant four-wave mixing in atomic Rb vapour. We consistently observe larger linewidth of the generated field relative to the input field.
In-process demonstration of lime temperature measurement using laser induced fluorescence

A novel technique has been developed for measuring the temperature of the calcium oxide product inside an operating industrial lime kiln. In this technique, trace quantities of a rare earth element are incorporated into the product, causing it to exhibit strong fluorescence under ultraviolet excitation. The decay time constant of this fluorescence, which is strongly temperature dependent, serves as a measure of product temperature. The spectral and temporal characteristics of the fluorescence of several rare earths have been studied over a temperature range of 800 to 1150°C which is the range of interest in an operating kiln. This work has led to the selection of praseodymium as the most suitable rare earth element and to the development of techniques to permit temperature measurements to be performed with an accuracy of approximately +20°C at rare earth concentrations in the parts per million range.A prototype sensor employing this fluorescence technique has been used successfully to make measurements of lime temperature in an operating kiln. These measurements are in good agreement with simultaneous thermocouple measurements of lime temperature and provide the first accurate, in-situ measurement of lime kiln product temperature which can be made on a continuous basis.A novel technique has been developed for measuring the temperature of the calcium oxide product inside an operating industrial lime kiln. In this technique, trace quantities of a rare earth element are incorporated into the product, causing it to exhibit strong fluorescence under ultraviolet excitation. The decay time constant of this fluorescence, which is strongly temperature dependent, serves as a measure of product temperature. The spectral and temporal characteristics of the fluorescence of several rare earths have been studied over a temperature range of 800 to 1150°C which is the range of interest in an operating kiln. This work has led to the selection of praseodymium as the most suitable rare earth element and to the development of techniques to permit temperature measurements to be performed with an accuracy of approximately +20°C at rare earth concentrations in the parts per million range.A prototype sensor employing this fluorescence technique has been used successfully to make measurements of...
Constructing search spaces for materialized view selection

Deciding which views to materialize is an important problem in the design of a Data Warehouse. Solving this problem requires generating a space of candidate view sets from which an optimal or near-optimal one is chosen for materialization. In this paper we address the problem of constructing this search space. This is an intricate issue because it requires detecting and exploiting common subexpressions among queries and views. Our approach suggests adding to the alternative evaluation plans of multiple queries views called closest common derivators (CCDs) and rewriting the queries using CCDs. A CCD of two queries is a view that is as close to the queries as possible and that allows both queries to be (partially or completely) rewritten using itself. CCDs generalize previous definitions of common subexpressions. Using a declarative query graph representation for queries we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for a view to be a CCD of two queries. We exploit these results to describe a procedure for generating all the CCDs of two queries and for rewriting the queries using each of their CCDs.
Nanostructured membranes in analytical chemistry

Abstract Sample-preparation techniques based on membrane extraction can be highly selective, provide high enrichment and facilitate on-line measurements. Membranes also provide a platform for automated analysis via interfacing with analytical instruments. With the development of nanomaterials, which can serve as nanosorbents or provide specific morphology for selective analyte transport, membrane-based sample preparation may be ready for the next level of breakthrough. This review discusses nanostructured membranes, their fabrication and their potential applications. Of particular interest are carbon-nanotube-based membranes that have found some interesting applications in extraction, pervaporation and distillation.
Analytical Survey of Restorative Resins by SEM/EDS and XRF : Databases for Forensic Purposes

Frequently in forensic cases, unknown substances must be identified. Automated databases can ease the burden of comparison as materials may be compared against many known standards in a relatively short period of time. It has been shown that dental resins can be named according to brand or brand group even in conditions as harsh as cremation. Databases are already in use for many materials, but no such database exists for dental resins. Thus, two databases were generated. One utilized a laboratory-based method, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), in conjunction with the Spectral Library Identification and Classification Explorer (SLICE) software. The other was based on portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The ability to perform database comparison with portable instrumentation can thus be brought directly to the field. Both the SLICE and XRF databases were evaluated by testing unknown resins. EDS is a well-established technique and the SLICE program was demonstrated to be a good tool for unknown resin identification. Portable XRF is a relatively new instrument in this regard and its databases have been constructed mostly for metal alloy comparison and environmental soil testing. However, by creation of a custom spectral library, it was possible to distinguish resin brand and bone and tooth from other substances.
Living Beyond the Other

This article attempts to bring philosophy to clinical psychological practice by applying philosophical concepts to autobiographical experience. Through reflective engagement with personal narratives, the author tells three personal stories to illustrate ways in which the concept of Dasein in the philosophy of Martin Heidegger and Emmanuel Levinas’s development of an ethical responsibility to the Other, in tandem with thanatology, helped the author come to terms with existential dilemmas evoked by the deaths of others.
Influence of crop management factors on chipping potato maturity and storage processing performance

Russet Burbank, Norchip, and Gemchip potatoes were grown under three nitrogen fertilizer levels to study the relationship between physical/ physiological maturity components and long-term storage processing performance. Potatoes from all treatment combinations were physiologically mature for processing (ie sucrose less than 1.5 mg g -1 tuber fresh weight basis) at harvest while physical maturity differences (periderm shear strength, vine appearance and tuber size) were evident during the growing season and harvest. A quadratic regression model, using date and (date) 2 as regressors, provided the best description for potato chip color variation over a 13-month storage period compared to linear, logarithmic, and higher order polynomial models. The optimal processing date (date in which the lightest chip color was predicted to occur during storage) for each nitrogen fertilizer by cultivar treatment combination was correlated with field maturity components. Russet Burbank and Gemchip potatoes that were less physically mature, indicated by vine appearance and periderm shear strength, resulted in optimal processing dates later in the storage season. Tuber size was negatively correlated with optimal processing date for Norchip tubers. These results suggest that physical and physiological maturity measures taken at or shortly before harvest may augment chemical maturity data for the purpose of selecting potato lots for long-term storage
An Evaluation of Analysis Options for the One-Group-Per-Condition Design: Can Any of the Alternatives Overcome the Problems Inherent in This Design?

This article addresses the analytic problems associated with a design in which one identifiable group is allocated to each treatment condition and members of those groups are measured to assess the intervention. Such designs are often called quasi-experiments if the groups are not randomized to conditions and group-randomized trials if the groups are randomized. They present special problems, and previous reports have argued against their use in efficacy or effectiveness trials. Even so, this design still appears with surprising frequency. This article presents the results from a new simulation study that underscores the analytic problems associated with this design.
Use of Tree and Graph Structures to Diagram the Logic of Large, Complex Programs

CADD software and other large, highly interactive, complex programs must keep track of many complex relationships and perform the correct operations with both speed and precision based on these relationships, which are often seemingly in conflict. Computers can evaluate only one relationship at a time and the relationships must be evaluated in a specified order that can vary greatly depending on the outcome of each test. Consequently, writing and debugging a program that will perform correctly under a wide variety of inputs can be a frustrating process that at times can seem to produce two “bugs” for each one that is corrected. Tree structures can be employed to maintain a dynamic diagram of the program structure as it is being created. Graph structures, which are closely associated with tree structures, can be employed to simplify the task of developing and implementing the correct program logic and to identify many of the design logic errors at an early stage. This article describes the use of tree and graph structures to diagram program structure and logic for an educational CADD package that was written by the author.
Seasonal patterns in platelet ligand binding are related to membrane proteins

A seasonal pattern of platelet [ 3 H]imipramine ( 3 H-IMI) binding was explained by a similar but inverted pattern in membrane protein levels in repeated measures of 20 normal volunteers. No seasonal pattern was evident when 3 H-IMI binding was expressed on the basis of surface area rather than membrane protein. Platelet Bmax levels in 50 depressed patients were lower than those of controls when values were expressed in terms of platelet surface area. The results support previous reports of low Bmax values in unipolar major depression, but indicate that seasonal changes in 3 H-IMI binding are due to fluctuations in membrane protein and not to changes in the number of receptive sites. The present findings also have similar implications for other platelet measures expressed in terms of membrane protein.
First Evidence of Successful Natural Reproduction of Planted Lake Trout in Lake Huron

Abstract Twenty-two lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) swim-up fry, 24-27 mm long, were captured with emergent fry traps and a tow net in northwestern Lake Huron on a small nearshore reef off Alpena, Michigan, between May 10 and June 1, 1982. These catches represent the first evidence of successful production of swim-up fry by planted, hatchery-reared lake trout in Lake Huron since the lake trout rehabilitation program began in 1973.
Correlations between Dispersion of Birefringence and Transmittance of Three Polymers

The dispersion of birefringence of three polymers commonly used in photoelasticity studies has been measured at several ir and visible wavelengths and the results have been correlated with transmittance spectra. The change of stress-optic coefficient in the visible region ranges from 6% for CR-39 and 16% for P-6 to 17% for polycarbonate. The dispersion of birefringence is anomalous on the short-wavelength side of an absorption band, and normal on the long-wavelength edge. The dispersion is small in spectral regions that are far from resonance frequencies.
K - absorption and the Y 0

A simplification is given of the relationship, previously proposed by the authors, between a pion-hyperon resonance and the discrepancy in the K-- H and K--D absorption data. The K--helium data are shown to give supporting evidence to the resonance proposal. The recently discovered Y0* may be the resonance in question. It is shown that in the zero range model, the real part of the isotopic spin zero scattering length must be less than -1.3 fermi in order to explain the hydrogendeuterium discrepancy.
A new use for a familiar fold: the X-ray crystal structure of GTP-bound GTP cyclohydrolase III from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii reveals a two metal ion catalytic mechanism.

GTP cyclohydrolase (GCH) III from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, which catalyzes the conversion of GTP to 2-amino-5-formylamino-6-ribosylamino-4(3H)-pyrimidinone 5'-phosphate (FAPy), has been shown to require Mg{sup 2+} for catalytic activity and is activated by monovalent cations such as K{sup +} and ammonium [Graham, D. E., Xu, H., and White, R. H. (2002) Biochemistry 41, 15074-15084]. The reaction is formally identical to that catalyzed by a GCH II ortholog (SCO 6655) from Streptomyces coelicolor; however, SCO 6655, like other GCH II proteins, is a zinc-containing protein. The structure of GCH III complexed with GTP solved at 2 {angstrom} resolution clearly shows that GCH III adopts a distinct fold that is closely related to the palm domains of phosphodiesterases, such as DNA polymerase I. GCH III is a tetramer of identical subunits; each monomer is composed of an N- and a C-terminal domain that adopt nearly superimposible structures, suggesting that the protein has arisen by gene duplication. Three metal ions were located in the active site, two of which occupy positions that are analogous to those occupied by divalent metal ions in the structures of a number of palm domain containing proteins, such as DNA polymerase I. Two conserved Asp residues that coordinate the metalmore » ions, which are also found in palm domain containing proteins, are observed in GCH III. Site-directed variants (Asp{yields}Asn) of these residues in GCH III are less active than wild-type. The third metal ion, most likely a potassium ion, is involved in substrate recognition through coordination of O6 of GTP. The arrangement of the metal ions in the active site suggests that GCH III utilizes two metal ion catalysis. The structure of GCH III extends the repertoire of possible reactions with a palm fold to include cyclohydrolase chemistry.« less
Fatal Nitrofurantoin-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity: A Potentially Preventable Medical Error

Nitrofurantoin is a commonly prescribed urinary antiseptic both for acute treatment and prophylaxis against recurrent urinary tract infections. It is known for its safety, efficacy, tolerability and cost-effectiveness. Rarely, nitrofurantoin can cause acute and chronic lung and liver diseases. Acute pulmonary toxicity due to nitrofurantoin is more common than its chronic form and is probably a hypersensitivity reaction to the drug. In contrast, the chronic pulmonary toxicity appears to be due to cumulative drug exposure leading to chronic inflammation and fibrosis and is therefore an irreversible process. What predisposes to the rare and severe form of acute pulmonary toxicity is unknown. In this case, it appears that renal impairment may have played a role as a predisposing factor.
Statistics of Neuronal Identification with Open- and Closed-Loop Measures of Intrinsic Excitability

In complex nervous systems patterns of neuronal activity and measures of intrinsic neuronal excitability are often used as criteria for identifying and/or classifying neurons. We asked how well identification of neurons by conventional measures of intrinsic excitability compares with a measure of neuronal excitability derived from a neuron’s behavior in a dynamic clamp constructed two-cell network. We used four cell types from the crab stomatogastric ganglion: the pyloric dilator, lateral pyloric, gastric mill, and dorsal gastric neurons. Each neuron was evaluated for six conventional measures of intrinsic excitability (intrinsic properties, IPs). Additionally, each neuron was coupled by reciprocal inhibitory synapses made with the dynamic clamp to a Morris–Lecar model neuron and the resulting network was assayed for four measures of network activity (network activity properties, NAPs). We searched for linear combinations of IPs that correlated with each NAP, and combinations of NAPs that correlated with each IP. In the process we developed a method to correct for multiple correlations while searching for correlating features. When properly controlled for multiple correlations, four of the IPs were correlated with NAPs, and all four NAPs were correlated with IPs. Neurons were classified into cell types by training a linear classifier on sets of properties, or using k -medoids clustering.The IPs were modestly successful in classifying the neurons, and the NAPs were more successful. Combining the two measures did better than either measure alone, but not well enough to classify neurons with perfect accuracy, thus reiterating that electrophysiological measures of single-cell properties alone are not sufficient for reliable cell identification.
Developmental Expression of Protein Phosphatase 2A in the Kidney

Abstract . Although a number of growth and transcription factors are known to regulate renal growth and development, the signal transduction molecules necessary to mediate these developmental signals are relatively unknown. Therefore, the activity and mRNA and protein expression of the signal transduction molecule protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) were examined during rat kidney development. Northern analysis of total kidney RNA or Western analysis of kidney protein homogenates from embryonic day 15 to 90-d-old adults demonstrated developmental regulation of the catalytic, major 55-kD B regulatory subunit and A structural subunit with the highest levels of expression in late embryonic and newborn kidneys. Similarly, okadaic acid-inhibitable phosphatase enzyme activity was highest in the embryonic and newborn kidney. To map cell-specific expression of PP2A in the developing kidney, in situ hybridization with a catalytic subunit digoxigenin-labeled cRNA was performed on embryonic day 20 and newborn kidneys. PP2A was found predominately in the nephrogenic cortex and particularly in the developing glomeruli and nonbrush border tubules in the embryonic day 20 and newborn kidneys. Similarly, immunocytochemistry with a specific PP2A catalytic subunit polyclonal anti-peptide antibody demonstrated catalytic subunit protein particularly concentrated in the podocytes of glomeruli in the newborn kidney. In the adult kidney, PP2A protein was no longer detectable except in the nuclei of distal tubular cells. Therefore, the developmental regulation of PP2A activity and protein during kidney development and its mapping to the nephrogenic cortex, developing glomeruli, and tubules suggests a role for PP2A in the regulation of nephron growth and differentiation.