cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The two musketeers: all in one and one for all!

The University of Delaware's (UD) development of its Student Multimedia Design Center (SMDC) provides a unique and innovative computing environment for students. With the installation of new dual-boot Macintosh systems running Mac OS X and Windows XP in the computing site, new maintenance and administration challenges surfaced. Major issues included imaging both platforms and enabling students to use their central University account to log into both operating systems. UD uses UNIX systems for campus accounts, which added a layer of complexity to the problem. Other issues such as creating images and compatibility with our University VendPrint system had to be resolved. By pioneering solutions, we are able to offer the first of its kind computer lab on campus that is tied into our central systems, providing a truly seamless environment for students. This paper will explore topics including Xserve server setup and configuration, dual-boot configuration using rEFIt and Deep Freeze, creating images with NetRestore, and the imaging process. We will also explore specific image deployment issues and solutions using different applications including Apple Remote Desktop and Mac HelpMate. Finally, we will review new features implemented in our environment, most notably the ability to incorporate an authentication method on both Mac OS X and Windows XP using our central systems, and emerging issues.
Hepatic Kupffer cell blockade reduces mortality of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis in mice

Inflammatory cytokines derived from the liver may cause distant organ failure and death m severe pancreatms To minmize hver cytokme release, we studied the effects of Kupffer cell blockade on the mortality rate and severity of mflammatlon m a model of that disease Thirty nuce were dlvlded mto three groups Group 1 received gadohmum chloride (1 mg/l00 g mtravenously), which blocks Kupffer cell acuvlty, and regular food Groups 2 and 3 were fed a chohne-deficient, etionine-supplemented diet and developed severe pancreatitls Group 2 (control) received intravenous sahne solution, and group 3 recewed gadohmum chlonde Animals were lulled at 72 hours Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-a and mterlenkm-1p, mterleukmd, and mterlenkm-10 were determined by enzyme-hnked lmmunosorbent assay Lung neutrophll mfiltration was assessed by myeloperoxldase assay Pancreatic mflammauon was scored m a blinded manner In a separate experiment, mortahty rates were determmed m saline- and gadohnmm-treated animals (n = 100) Gadohmium reduced the levels of all the cytokmes and lung myeloperoxldase (P <0 0.5) Gadolmium also reduced the mortality rate (52% vs 86%,P<0 001) However, the degree of pancreatic mflammaaon was unchanged by gadohnmm treatment These data support the hypothesis that mortality m severe pancreauus may m part be related to the secondary release of hepauc cytokmes.
A Modified Network Component Analysis (NCA) Methodology for the Decomposition of X-ray Scattering Signatures

In this work, we present an optimization-based methodology to identify network structure−process relationships in polymeric materials, to provide a robust understanding of how processing conditions...
Advancements in carotid stenting leading to reductions in perioperative morbidity among patients 80 years and older.

OBJECTIVE: Patients 80 years and older are generally considered to be at an increased risk for stroke and death from carotid endarterectomy. High-risk status often qualifies them for entry into a carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) trial. The aim of this study is to report periproeedure (0-30 d) morbidity and mortality among elderly patients undergoing CAS with and without distal embolic protection in an intention-to-treat analysis. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to evaluate the medical records and imaging studies of patients 80 years or older who underwent attempted CAS procedures with and without distal embolic protection between June 1996 and February 2004. RESULTS: Ages of the 75 patients identified in our review ranged from 80 to 91 years (average 83.1 yr); 41 were men. Internal carotid artery stenosis ranged from 60 to 95% (mean 78.3%). Forty-two patients had sylnptoms (transient ischemic attack, 29; stroke, 13), and 33 patients were asymptomatic. Total event rates were major stroke, 4% (3 patients); minor stroke, 6.7% (5 patients); death, 4% (3 patients). Rates in the unprotected group (35 patients) were major stroke; 8.6% (3 patients); minor stroke, 5.7% (2 patients); major stroke/death, 14.3% (5 patients). Rates in the protected group (40 patients) were major stroke, 0; minor stroke, 7.5% (3 patients); major stroke/death, 0; (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that elderly patients undergoing CAS with adjunctive distal embolic protection are at a lower risk of periprocedure adverse events. Routine clopidogrel use, smaller hardware profile, patient selection, and increased experience likely contributed to these results.
iso-Petromyroxols: Novel Dihydroxylated Tetrahydrofuran Enantiomers from Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)

An enantiomeric pair of new fatty acid-derived hydroxylated tetrahydrofurans, here named iso-petromyroxols, were isolated from sea lamprey larvae-conditioned water. The relative configuration of iso-petromyroxol was elucidated with 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses. The ratio of enantiomers (er) in the natural sample was measured by chiral-HPLC-MS/MS to be ca. 3:1 of (-)- to (+)-antipodes.
Evolution of stresses in a simple class of oxidation problems

This paper derives the stresses that arise during the oxidation, for example, of a metal. The analysis is carried out in the current or deformed configurations of the oxide and metal, without having to explicitly determine their reference configurations. Elasticity problems are normally solved in a reference configuration, often an initial configuration. In contrast, the appropriate reference configurations for the metal and oxide are not known a priori. The differences between this approach and prior analyses based on an eigenstrain are discussed. To illustrate the method of solution, we discuss silicon oxidation, assuming that molecular oxygen diffuses through the oxide, reacts instantaneously at the metal-oxide interface, and does not diffuse into the metal. The specific geometries chosen are oxidation on the surface of a cylinder and in a cylindrical hole, which are perhaps the simplest one-dimensional oxidation problems with non-zero stress distributions.
Glutamine enhances heat shock protein 70 expression via increased hexosamine biosynthetic pathway activity.

Glutamine (GLN) plays a key role in cellular protection following injury via enhancement of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). The pathway by which GLN enhances HSP70 is unknown. GLN is a key substrate for the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP), which has been shown to induce HSP70. We sought to explore the role of the HBP in GLN-mediated HSP70 expression. Both chemical inhibitors and small interfering (si)RNA knockdown of key HBP enzymes were used in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells to determine the effects of the HBP on HSP70 expression. The O-glycosylation, nuclear translocation, and transcriptional activation of heat shock factor-1 (HSF-1) and Sp1 were evaluated using immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, and luciferase assays. HSP70 expression levels were evaluated via ELISA and Western blotting. GLN augmented HBP activity before and after heat stress (HS). Chemical inhibition of HBP enzymes reduced GLN-mediated HSP70 expression. Specific siRNA targeting of the key HBP enzyme UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc): polypeptide-O-β-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (OGT) blocked GLN-mediated HSP70 expression and attenuated GLN-mediated cellular protection post-HS. Chemical and siRNA attenuation of the HBP blocked GLN-induced nuclear translocation of Sp1 and HSF-1, which are key to maximal HSP70 expression. Finally, immunoprecipitation revealed HSF-1 was O-glycosylated, and GLN enhanced this effect. These results suggest that metabolism of GLN via the HBP enhances HSP70 expression. This effect appears to be mediated via O-glycosylation, nuclear translocation, and transcriptional activation of Sp1 and HSF-1. This is an important mechanistic description of a pathway that appears responsible for GLN-mediated HSP70 expression.
Structures of plant viruses from vibrational circular dichroism.

Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra in the amide I and II regions have been measured for viruses for the first time. VCD spectra were recorded for films prepared from aqueous buffer solutions and also for solutions using D2O buffers at pH 8. Investigations of four filamentous plant viruses, Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), Papaya mosaic virus, Narcissus mosaic virus (NMV) and Potato virus X (PVX), as well as a deletion mutant of PVX, are described in this paper. The film VCD spectra of the viruses clearly revealed helical structures in the virus coat proteins; the nucleic acid bases present in the single-stranded RNA could also be characterized. In contrast, the solution VCD spectra showed the characteristic VCD bands for α-helical structures in the coat proteins but not for RNA. Both sets of results clearly indicated that the coat protein conformations are dominated by helical structures, in agreement with earlier reports. VCD results also indicated that the coat protein structures in PVX and NMV are similar to each other and somewhat different from that of TMV. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of measuring VCD spectra for viruses and extracting structural information from these spectra.
Maturing Thalamocortical Functional Connectivity Across Development

Recent years have witnessed a surge of investigations examining functional brain organization using resting-state functional connectivity MRI (rs-fcMRI). To date, this method has been used to examine systems organization in typical and atypical developing populations. While the majority of these investigations have focused on cortical-cortical interactions, cortical-subcortical interactions also mature into adulthood. Innovative work by Zhang et al (Zhang et al., 2008) in adults have identified methods that utilize rs-fcMRI and known thalamo-cortical topographic segregation to identify functional boundaries in the thalamus that are remarkably similar to known thalamic nuclear grouping. However, despite thalamic nuclei being well formed early in development, the developmental trajectory of functional thalamo-cortical relations remains unexplored. Thalamic maps generated by rs-fcMRI are based on functional relationships, and should modify with the dynamic thalamo-cortical changes that occur throughout maturation. To examine this possibility, we employed a strategy as previously described by Zhang et al to a sample of healthy children, adolescents, and adults. We found strengthening functional connectivity of the frontal cortex with dorsal/anterior subdivisions of the thalamus across age groups. Temporal lobe connectivity with ventral/midline/posterior subdivisions of the thalamus weakened with age. Changes in sensory and motor thalamo-cortical interactions were limited. These findings are consistent with known anatomical and physiological cortical-subcortical changes over development. The methods and developmental context provided here will be important for relating how cortical-subcortical interactions relate to models of typically developing behavior and developmental neuropsychiatric disorders.
Changes in the numbers and distribution of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) killed in Scotland from 1948–1970

Data from bounty schemes and other sources for periods of up to 23 years have been used to show changes in the numbers, distribution and reproductive success of foxes in different parts of Scotland. The effects of myxomatosis and other large scale variations in food supply are discussed in relation to the natural control of fox populations.
Integer points on curves and surfaces

Various upper bounds are given for the number of integer points on plane curves, on surfaces and hypersurfaces. We begin with a certain class of convex curves, we treat rather general surfaces in ℝ3 which include algebraic surfaces with the exception of cylinders, and we go on to hypersurfaces in ℝn with nonvanishing Gaussian curvature.
The Effect of Circulating Growth Hormone-Binding Protein on Metabolic Clearance, Distribution, and Degradation of Human Growth Hormone*

We recently described a specific binding protein for human GH (hGH) in human plasma, with which a substantial portion of circulating hGH is complexed. The biological function of the complexed fraction is unknown. To test the hypothesis that complexed hGH may have different in vivo kinetics than free hGH, we compared the MCRs, distribution volumes (Vd), and degradation rates of complexed and free [125I] hGH in the rat. A partially purified GH-binding protein preparation, generated by affinity chromatography on a hGH column, was used for this purpose. A mixture of hGH with binding protein (equivalent to the amount contained in 0.9 mL human plasma) was injected iv as a single dose. Parallel experiments were conducted with hGH in the absence of binding protein. Disappearance of total, immunoprecipitable, and trichloroacetic acid-precipitable radioactivity from rat plasma was followed, and MCR, Vd, and degradation rates were derived by standard mathematical techniques. The MCR was 6-fold slower for com-plexed ...
Using magnetic field gradients to control the directional solidification of alloys and the growth of single crystals

There are various magnetic field based approaches to melt flow control that are used commercially to improve the quality of a crystal grown from the melt. Most of them are based on either a uniform or a rotating magnetic field. In this work, the effect of applying a suitably positioned magnetic field gradient on the growth of single crystals, particularly the interface curvature, growth rate and dopant distribution is investigated. Comparison between crystal growth under the influence of a uniform magnetic field and a magnetic field gradient brings out the significant advantages of the developed method. The use of a magnetic gradient is shown to give a uniform dopant distribution and produce a planar interface. The ease of control as well as the commercial feasibility of such a technique is emphasized. Finally, its promising role in biological macromolecular growth is addressed.
Texture and Anisotropy

The study of preferred orientation of minerals in rocks dates back to Omalius d’Halloy (1833) who attributes a special significance to the alignment of crystals as an indicator of the formation process. Much later the influence of crystal alignment on physical properties was quantified (e.g., Weissenberg 1922, Voigt 1928, Reuss 1929). Only recently has this field emerged as a coherent part of earth science research linking such branches as mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, geodynamics and seismology. The reason for this was the emergence of quantitative methods to analyze preferred orientation, or “texture” as it was first called by Naumann (1850). These methods were largely developed in collaboration with materials science and mechanics. Quantitative measurements, detailed field studies, rigorous data analysis, theories to predict textures, and improvements in characterizing seismic anisotropy in the Earth are leading to a coherent picture that is now being refined. Though seismologists have long accepted that there is a causal relationship between anisotropic propagation of seismic waves, the deformation field and crystal orientation, the prevailing view is still largely the mythological concept that seismic fast directions align with the flow direction. While this may be approximately the case for olivine deformed under certain conditions, it is certainly no universal law, as we will try to illustrate in this review. The “fast” direction of a crystal depends on the mineral species and its crystal structure. The alignment of crystals depends on microscopic, intra-crystalline deformation systems and the deformation history. Both relationships are complex and not intuitive, but there are well-established theories to compute single crystal physical properties as well as orientation patterns. Simulations can be compared with experimental data and then applied with some caution to the macroscopic Earth. This review is intended to provide a brief introduction, highlighting some of the issues with …
Temporal tuning of odor responses in pheromone-responsive projection neurons in the brain of the sphinx moth Manduca sexta.

By means of intracellular recording and staining, we studied the ability of several distinct classes of projection (output) neurons, which innervate the sexually dimorphic macroglomerular complex (MGC-PNs) in the antennal lobe of the male moth Manduca sexta, to encode naturally intermittent sex pheromonal stimuli. In many MGC-PNs, antennal stimulation with a blend of the two essential pheromone components evoked a characteristic triphasic response consisting of a brief, hyperpolarizing inhibitory potential (I1) followed by depolarization with firing of action potentials and then a delayed period of hyperpolarization (I2). MGC-PNs described in this study resolved pulsed pheromonal stimuli, up to about five pulses/second, with a distinct burst of action potentials for each pulse of odor. The larger the amplitude of I1, the higher the pulse rate an MGC-PN could follow, illustrating the importance of inhibitory synaptic input in shaping the temporal firing properties of these glomerular output neurons. In some MGC-PNs, triphasic responses were evoked by antennal stimulation with only one of the two key pheromone components. Again, the maximal pulse rate that an MGC-PN could follow with that pheromone component as sole stimulus was high in MGC-PNs that responded with a strong I1. These component-specific MGC-PNs innervated only one of the two principal glomeruli of the MGC, while MGC-PNs that were primarily excited by antennal stimulation with either key pheromone component had arborizations in both major MGC glomeruli. These observations therefore suggest that the population of antennal olfactory receptor cells responding to a single pheromone component is functionally heterogeneous: a subset of these sensory cells activates the excitatory drive to many uniglomerular MGC-PNs, while others feed onto inhibitory circuits that hyperpolarize the same PNs. This convergence of opposing inputs is a circuit property common to uniglomerular MGC-PNs branching in either of the major MGC glomeruli, and it enhances the ability of these glomerular output neurons to resolve intermittent olfactory input. Synaptic integration at the uniglomerular PN level thus contributes to the transmission of behaviorally important temporal information about each key pheromone component to higher centers in the brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 409:1–12, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Electrical Behavior At the Transverse-Axial Tubular Membrane of Hypertrophic Cardiomyocytes in Situ

Cardiac hypertrophy is associated with restructuring of the transverse-axial tubular (TAT) system. It is unknown whether such changes are accompanied by altered electrical behavior at the transverse-axial tubules. Here, we used confocal microscopy and the voltage-sensitive dye ANNINE-6plus to visualize the TAT network and to resolve action potentials at the surface and TAT membrane of in situ left ventricular cardiomyocytes within normal and hypertrophic mouse hearts. Transgenic (TG) hearts overexpressing Gαq and non-transgenic (NTG) hearts were perfused in Langendorff-mode during image acquisition. Cardiomyocytes in hypertrophic TG hearts exhibited patchy loss and gain, respectively, of transverse and axial elements. Action potentials were recorded at the TAT membrane within two adjacent cardiomyocytes (denoted T1 and T2) and at the end-to-end junctions (E) between them. Action potential onset occurred synchronously within the TAT network of NTG and TG cardiomyocytes. Whereas the repolarization time course was similar between the three recording sites in NTG or TG hearts (Figure A), overall repolarization was prolonged in TG cardiomyocytes (Figure B). Thus, electrical coupling between the surface and TAT membrane was maintained despite pronounced TAT membrane restructuring in this model of cardiac hypertrophy.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Fast range-summable random variables for efficient aggregate estimation

Exact computation for aggregate queries usually requires large amounts of memory - constrained in data-streaming - or communication - constrained in distributed computation - and large processing times. In this situation, approximation techniques with provable guarantees, like sketches, are the only viable solution. The performance of sketches crucially depends on the ability to efficiently generate particular pseudo-random numbers. In this paper we investigate both theoretically and empirically the problem of generating k-wise independent pseudo-random numbers and, in particular, that of generating 3 and 4-wise independent pseudo-random numbers that are fast range-summable (i.e., they can be summed up in sub-linear time). Our specific contributions are: (a) we provide an empirical comparison of the various pseudo-random number generating schemes, (b) we study both theoretically and empirically the fast range-summation practicality for the 3 and 4-wise independent generating schemes and we provide efficient implementations for the 3-wise independent schemes, (c) we show convincing theoretical and empirical evidence that the extended Hamming scheme performs as well as any 4-wise independent scheme for estimating the size of join using AMS-sketches, even though it is only 3-wise independent. We use this generating scheme to produce estimators that significantly out-perform the state-of-the-art solutions for two problems - size of spatial joins and selectivity estimation.
Developing the concept of linear function: one student’s experiences with dynamic physical models

Abstract Developing a view of functions as systematic processes involving co-variation among variables has been identified as a goal for mathematics learners at the pre-university level. In this investigation I examined the processes used by an eighth-grade student to interpret linear functions originating in dynamic physical models and the processed he used to link his interpretations to tables, equations, and graphs. The student deepened his understanding of functions by generalizing his view of multiplication beyond that of products resulting from the multiplication of individual factors or from repeated addition. He was enabled to do this by building links between graphic and tabular representations of the functions generated from his exploration with dynamic physical models and by comparing tables of different linear functions. This paper suggests that the development of a student’s reasoning about functions originating in dynamic physical models can be interpreted in terms of generalized multiplicative processes that may occur thorough mapping variations and that a student who interprets such functions as generalized multiplicative processes may use notational variations to generate representing equations.
Effect of Reynolds number and turbulence on airfoil aerodynamics at -90-degree incidence

A method has been developed for calculating the viscous flow about airfoils in with and without deflected flaps at -90 deg incidence. This method provides for the solution of the unsteady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations by means of an implicit technique. The solution is calculated on a body-fitted computational mesh using a staggered grid method. The vorticity is defined at the node points, and the velocity components are defined at the mesh-cell sides. The staggered-grid orientation provides for accurate representation of vorticity at the node points and the continuity equation at the mesh-cell centers. The method provides for the direct solution of the flow field and satisfies the continuity equation to machine zero at each time-step. The method is evaluated in terms of its ability to predict two-dimensional flow about an airfoil at -90 degrees incidence for varying Reynolds number and different boundary layer models. A laminar and a turbulent boundary layer models. A laminar and a turbulent boundary layer model are considered in the evaluation of the method. The variation of the average loading and surface pressure distribution due to flap deflection, Reynolds number, and laminar or turbulent flow are presented and compared with experimental results. The comparisons indicate that the calculated drag and drag reduction caused by flap deflection and the calculated average surface pressure are in excellent agreement with the measured results at a similar Reynolds number.
The Uncanny Sacrifice: Sex Trafficking in Chris Abani's Becoming Abigail

This article argues that Abani's representation of sex trafficking aligns with the variously classified human rights/sex work/liberal feminist positions on trafficking and shows that the novella stages its intervention into anti-trafficking debates at the ideological level through the protagonist's rejection of the stereotypes surrounding the trafficking victim in mainstream discourse and policy. Moreover, the novella's critique of the moralistic and neocolonial agendas of many mainstream anti-trafficking positions is examined.
Differential expression of the erbB2 gene in the periimplantation mouse uterus: potential mediator of signaling by epidermal growth factor-like growth factors.

Ligand-receptor signaling with the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of growth factors in the uterus and embryo is considered to be important for implantation. The EGF family includes EGF, transforming growth factor-α, heparin binding-EGF, amphiregulin, betacellulin, epiregulin, and heregulins, whereas the receptor family (the erbB genes) consists of erbB1 (EGF-receptor, EGF-R), erbB2, erbB3, and erbB4. Interactions of uterine EGF-R with EGF-like ligands have been examined, but limited information is available regarding the status of other receptor subtypes. Thus, we examined the expression of the erbB2 gene in the mouse uterus during the periimplantation period (days 1–8 of pregnancy) and after 17β-estradiol and/or progesterone stimulation. Northern blot hybridization detected two transcripts (∼4.0 and 5.0 kb) of erbB2 messenger RNA (mRNA) in day 1–8 uterine polyadenylated RNA samples. In situ hybridization experiments showed unique uterine cell-specific erbB2 mRNA distribution. On days 1–4, unlike th...
Finite Element Modeling of Mechanically Driven Skin Growth due to Different Expander Geometries

Tissue expansion has become an important technique used in breast reconstruction after mastectomy and for repairing large damaged skin areas such as burns [1]. According to the National Cancer Institute, the estimated number of breast cancer cases in 2010 in the United States was 207,090 [2]. Many of these women underwent mastectomies, and tissue expanders were used for breast reconstruction as a common procedure afterwards. Even though several studies from clinical and experimental points of view have been presented, there is still a poor understanding of the mechanobiological procedures occurring during skin growth. In particular, it is of interest to determine the effect of expanders with different geometries in strain, stress, and area gained during expansion.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The Correlation between Humor and the Chronic Pain of Arthritis

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between chronic pain and a healthy sense of humor in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. It was hypothesized that women with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis who scored higher on the sense of humor scales would have a lower score on the pain scale. Likewise, if a lower score was obtained on the humor scales, it was expected that the subject would have a higher pain score. The sample population consisted of 30 women from the Northeast section of the United States, randomly chosen, between the ages of 33 and 66 years, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The results of this study showed a significant positive correlation (r = .31, p < .01) between humor and pain, which was contrary to the stated hypothesis. Findings also showed that, except for age, there were no significant relationships between the demographic data and the subjects' perception of pain or humor. It was found that age was negatively correlated with both humor and pain. Possible...
Areal Segregation of Face-Processing Neurons in Prefrontal Cortex

A central issue in cognitive neuroscience concerns the functional architecture of the prefrontal cortex and the degree to which it is organized by sensory domain. To examine this issue, multiple areas of the macaque monkey prefrontal cortex were mapped for selective responses to visual stimuli that are prototypical of the brain's object vision pathway-pictorial representations of faces. Prefrontal neurons not only selectively process information related to the identity of faces but, importantly, such neurons are localized to a remarkably restricted area. These findings suggest that the prefrontal cortex is functionally compartmentalized with respect to the nature of its inputs.
Asymptotic behaviour of the fundamental solution to the equation of heat conduction in two temperatures

In [5] it was shown that under certain physically reasonable hypothesis one may consider heat conduction to be governed by one temperature and heat supply by another. It was shown that for an extremely general class of simple materials these two temperatures turn out to be equal. However, in the case of a non-simple material, in particular one in which the thermodynamic quantities depend on the conductive temperature and its first two spatial derivatives, the is no longer the case [2]. In particular for an isotropic material in R3 this linearized version of the energy equation takes the form
Cobalt Ferrite in YSZ for Use as Reactive Material in Solar Thermochemical Water and Carbon Dioxide Splitting, Part II: Kinetic Modeling

The kinetics of 10 wt.% cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) in 8 mol.% yttria-stabilized zirconia, synthesized via the co-precipitation method and formed into a porous structure, are investigated in support of simulating the performance of a solar thermochemical reactor. Kinetic parameters for the thermal reduction (T-R) of CoFe2O4 at temperatures of 1325–1500°C were investigated by thermogravimetry. A nonlinear best fit of a uniform conversion model was used to determine kinetic parameters from experimental data. In the temperature range of 1375–1450°C, the activation energy and preexponential term were found to be 386 ± 13 kJ mol−1 and 8.8 × 109 ± 2.0 × 108 min−1, respectively, while increasing at higher temperatures. Simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry studies showed an increase in the reaction rate of T-R upon the onset of melting (1440°C). Oxidation studies of the material using CO2 yield an activation energy and preexponential term of 52.1 ± 6.8 kJ mol−1 and 2.86 ± 0.2 min−1, respectively, which is in good agreement with past work. The reaction order for CO2 was determined to be 0.750 ± 0.08. The reaction kinetics for oxidation using CO2 were best described by a 3-D diffusion Jander model.
A fluorometric method for determining trace quantities of phosphate

A method has been developed for the determination of microgram quantities of phosphate based upon fluorescence quenching by phosphate of the aluminum-morin chelate. A variety of other metal-chelates of aluminium, gallium, and zirconium with morin, 3-hydroxyflavone, and quercetin were examined but none proved as satisfactory as the aluminummorin for the determination of phosphate.
Fuel Property Effects on Combustor Performance

Two combustor rigs have been used to study the sensitivities of combustor operation to the physical and chemical properties of fuels. Nineteen fuels including synfuels were used to accentuate the properties of concern: composition, viscosity, and boiling-point distribution. Flame radiation and smoke were best correlated by hydrogen content rather than hydrocarbon structure; the soot formation was due to gas-phase reactions. Lean-blowout conditions were about the same for all fuels except that gasoline could be burned leaner at idle conditions. Ignition limits were more sensitive to volatility than viscosity. Gaseous emissions and combustion efficiency were not significantly affected by fuel properties although some sensitivity to boiling point distribution was evident. In all performance areas, the syncrude fuels correlated in the same ways as the petroleum-derived fuels except for the NOx emissions from the nitrogen containing shale oil fuel.Copyright © 1979 by ASME
Optimal variable flip angle schemes for dynamic acquisition of exchanging hyperpolarized substrates

Abstract In metabolic MRI with hyperpolarized contrast agents, the signal levels vary over time due to T1 decay, T2 decay following RF excitations, and metabolic conversion. Efficient usage of the nonrenewable hyperpolarized magnetization requires specialized RF pulse schemes. In this work, we introduce two novel variable flip angle schemes for dynamic hyperpolarized MRI in which the flip angle is varied between excitations and between metabolites. These were optimized to distribute the magnetization relatively evenly throughout the acquisition by accounting for T1 decay, prior RF excitations, and metabolic conversion. Simulation results are presented to confirm the flip angle designs and evaluate the variability of signal dynamics across typical ranges of T1 and metabolic conversion. They were implemented using multiband spectral–spatial RF pulses to independently modulate the flip angle at various chemical shift frequencies. With these schemes we observed increased SNR of [1-13C]lactate generated from [1-13C]pyruvate, particularly at later time points. This will allow for improved characterization of tissue perfusion and metabolic profiles in dynamic hyperpolarized MRI.
The decline of cross-species intersensory perception in human infants: Underlying mechanisms and its developmental persistence

Abstract The current study investigated the mechanisms underlying the developmental decline in cross-species intersensory matching first reported by Lewkowicz and Ghazanfar [Lewkowicz, D.J., & Ghazanfar, A.A., (2006). The decline of cross-species intersensory perception in human infants. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 103(17), 6771–6774] and whether the decline persists into later development. Experiment 1 investigated whether infants can match monkey vocalizations to asynchronously presented faces and found that neither 4–6 nor 8–10 month-old infants did. Experiment 1 also assessed whether a visual processing deficit may account for the developmental decline in cross-species matching and indicated that it does not because both age groups discriminated silent monkey calls. Experiment 2 investigated whether an auditory processing deficit may account for the decline and indicated that it does not because 8–10 month-old infants discriminated the acoustic versions of the calls. Finally, Experiment 3 asked whether the developmental decline persists into later development by testing cross-species intersensory matching in 12- and 18-month-old infants and showed that it does because neither age group made intersensory matches. Together, these results bolster prior evidence of a decline in cross-species intersensory integration in early human development and shed new light on the mechanisms underlying it.
Effect of degradative plasmid CAM-OCT on responses of Pseudomonas bacteria to UV light

The effect of plasmid CAM-OCT on responses to UV irradiation was compared in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in Pseudomonas putida, and in Pseudomonas putida mutants carrying mutations in UV response genes. CAM-OCT substantially increased both survival and mutagenesis in the two species. P. aeruginosa strains without CAM-OCT exhibited much higher UV sensitivity than did P. putida strains. UV-induced mutagenesis of plasmid-free P. putida was easily detected in three different assays (two reversion assays and one forward mutation assay), whereas UV mutagenesis of P. aeruginosa without CAM-OCT was seen only in the forward mutation assay. These results suggest major differences in DNA repair between the two species and highlight the presence of error-prone repair functions on CAM-OCT. A number of P. putida mutants carrying chromosomal mutations affecting either survival or mutagenesis after UV irradiation were isolated, and the effect of CAM-OCT on these mutants was determined. All mutations producing a UV-sensitive phenotype in P. putida were fully suppressed by the plasmid, whereas the plasmid had a more variable effect on mutagenesis mutations, suppressing some and producing no suppression of others. On the basis of the results reported here and results obtained by others with plasmids carrying UV response genes, it appears that CAM-OCT may differ either in regulation or in the number and functions of UV response genes encoded.
Control Loop Sensor Calibration Using Neural Networks

Sensor modeling errors result in poor state estimation. This, in turn, can cause a control system to become unstable. Whether the sensor model's inaccuracies are a result of poor initial modeling or from sensor damage or drift, the effects can be just as detrimental. In this paper a technique referred to as a neural extended Kalman filter (NEKF) is developed to provide both state estimation in a control loop and to learn the difference between the true sensor dynamics and the sensor model. The technique requires multiple sensors on the control system so that the properly operating and modeled sensors can be used as truth. The NEKF trains a neural network on-line using the same residuals as the state estimation. The resulting sensor model can then be reincorporated fully in to the system to provide the added estimation capability and redundancy.
A Phase Plane Discussion of Convergence to Travelling Fronts for Nonlinear Diffusion.

The paper is concerned with the asymptotic behavior as t → ∞ of solutions u(x,t) of the equation \(u_t - u_{xx} - f\left( u \right) = 0, x \in \left( { - \infty ,\infty } \right),\) in the case f(0)=f(1)=0, with f(u) non-positive for u(>0) sufficiently close to zero and f(u) non-negative for u(<1) sufficiently close to 1. This guarantees the uniqueness (but not the existence) of a travelling front solution u;U(x−ct), U(−∞);0, U(∞);, and it is shown in essence that solutions with monotonic initial data converge to a translate of this travelling front, if it exists, and to a “stacked” combination of travelling fronts if it does not. The approach is to use the monotonicity to take u and t as independent variables and p = ux as the dependent variable, and to apply ideas of sub- and super-solutions to the diffusion equation for p.
Prospective randomized study of the effect of music on the efficiency of surgical closures

Background Music is commonly played in operating theaters. Some surgeons believe music reduces stress and operative time, while others think music is a distraction and should be avoided. There is limited published evidence evaluating the effects of music on surgical performance. Objective The goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of music on simple wound closure. Methods Plastic surgery residents were asked to perform layered closures on pigs' feet with and without their preferred music playing. Simple randomization was used to assign residents to the music playing first or music playing second group. The time to complete the repair was measured and repairs were graded by blinded faculty. Results were analyzed to determine significant differences in time to complete the task and quality of repair. Participants were retested in a second session with music played in the opposite order to evaluate consistency. Results Listening to preferred music decreased repair time by 8% for all plastic surgery residents ( p = 0.009). Subgroup analysis demonstrated even more significant improvement in speed for senior residents (PGY 4-6), resulting in a 10% decrease in repair time ( p = 0.006). The quality of repair was also better in the music group, at 3.3 versus 3.1 ( p = 0.047). Retesting revealed results remained significant whether music was played first or second. Conclusions Playing preferred music made plastic surgery residents faster in completing wound closure with a 10% improvement in senior residents. Music also improved quality of repair as judged by blinded faculty. Our study showed that music improves efficiency of wound closure, which may translate to healthcare cost savings.
Phenotypic Switching in Candida glabrata Accompanied by Changes in Expression of Genes with Deduced Functions in Copper Detoxification and Stress

Most strains of Candida glabrata switch spontaneously between a number of phenotypes distinguishable by graded brown coloration on agar containing 1 mM CuSO4, a phenomenon referred to as “core switching.” C. glabrata also switches spontaneously and reversibly from core phenotypes to an irregular wrinkle (IWr) phenotype, a phenomenon referred to as “irregular wrinkle switching.” To identify genes differentially expressed in the core phenotypes white (Wh) and dark brown (DB), a cDNA subtraction strategy was employed. Twenty-three genes were identified as up-regulated in DB, four in Wh, and six in IWr. Up-regulation was verified in two unrelated strains, one a and one α strain. The functions of these genes were deduced from the functions of their Saccharomyces cerevisiae orthologs. The majority of genes up-regulated in DB (78%) played deduced roles in copper assimilation, sulfur assimilation, and stress responses. These genes were differentially up-regulated in DB even though the conditions of growth for Wh and DB, including CuSO4 concentration, were identical. Hence, the regulation of these genes, normally regulated by environmental cues, has been usurped by switching, presumably as an adaptation to the challenging host environment. These results are consistent with the suggestion that switching provides colonizing populations with a minority of cells expressing a phenotype that allows them to enrich in response to an environmental challenge, a form of rapid adaptation. However, DB is the most commonly expressed phenotype at sites of host colonization, in the apparent absence of elevated copper levels. Hence, up-regulation of these genes by switching suggests that in some cases they may play roles in colonization and virulence not immediately obvious from the roles played by their orthologs in S. cerevisiae.
Empirical characterization of uncongested optical lambda networks and 10GbE commodity endpoints

High-bandwidth, semi-private optical lambda networks carry growing volumes of data on behalf of large data centers, both in cloud computing environments and for scientific, financial, defense, and other enterprises. This paper undertakes a careful examination of the end-to-end characteristics of an uncongested lambda network running at high speeds over long distances, identifying scenarios associated with loss, latency variations, and degraded throughput at attached end-hosts. We use identical fast commodity source and destination platforms, hence expect the destination to receive more or less what we send. We observe otherwise: degraded performance is common and easily provoked. In particular, the receiver loses packets even when the sender employs relatively low data rates. Data rates of future optical network components are projected to outpace clock speeds of commodity end-host processors, hence more and more end-to-end applications will confront the same issue we encounter. Our work thus poses a new challenge for those hoping to achieve dependable performance in higher-end networked settings.
Historia, memoria y impunidad: el caso de Irma Flaquer

Na Guatemala, talvez mais do que em qualquer outro pais, as comissoes de investigacao da verdade enfatizaram as narrativas de testemunho como documentos sobre os abusos do passado. No entanto, esta documentacao manteve seu foco nas vitimas e nos crimes cometidos contra elas. A recuperacao da vida das vitimas atraves da narrativa se apresenta como uma outra maneira de restaurar a memoria e transforma-la em historia. A vida e a obra da corajosa jornalista guatemalteca, Irma Flaquer, foi documentada pelo projeto da American Press Association, "Crimes Impunes contra Jornalistas." Como resultado, sob os auspicios da Comissao Interamericana dos Direitos Humanos, o governo da Guatemala admitiu sua responsabilidade no desaparecimento da jornalista e reabriu o caso. Assim, a reconstrucao da memoria atraves das tecnicas narrativas nao resultou apenas na reconstrucao da historia, mas em sua mudanca.
North Anna Nuclear Power Plant Strong-Motion Records of the Mineral, Virginia, Earthquake of 23 August 2011

The M w 5.8 Mineral, Virginia, earthquake was recorded at an epicentral distance of about 18 km at the North Anna Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) by the magnetic tape digital accelerographs installed inside the plant’s containment at the foundation and deck levels. The North Anna NPP is operated by the Virginia Electric and Power Company (VEPCO) commonly called Dominion Power Company and has two pressurized water reactor (PWR) units that began operation in 1978 and 1980. Following the earthquake, both units were safely shut down. The strong‐motion records were processed to get velocity, displacement, Fourier amplitude, and 5%‐damped response spectra. The basemat record demonstrated relatively high amplitudes of acceleration of ![Graphic][1] and velocity of 13.8 cm/s with a relatively short duration of strong motion of 2–3 s. The higher elevation containment‐deck record had peak acceleration of ![Graphic][2] and peak velocity of 26.1 cm/s. These accelerograms are the strongest ground motions ever recorded at a U.S. nuclear power plant. Basemat response spectra exceed the Design Basis Earthquake for the existing Units 1 and 2, whereas comprehensive plant inspections performed by Dominion and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission have concluded that the damage to the plant was minimal and not affecting any structures and equipment significant to plant operation. This can be explained in part by the short duration of the earthquake ground motion at the plant. The North Anna NPP did not have free‐field strong‐motion instrumentation at the time of the earthquake. Because the containment is founded on rock, there is a tendency to consider the basemat record as an approximation of the free‐field recording. However, comparisons of deck and basemat records demonstrate that the basemat recording is also affected by structural resonances in the frequency range of 3–4 Hz and higher. Therefore, future seismological interpretation of these recordings should take into account the effect of structure. [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif