cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Turbulence Measurements at the Inlet of an Automotive Turbocharger Compressor Using Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry

The present work uses Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (SPIV) to analyze the compressor inlet flow field, with specific emphasis on its turbulence characteristics during flow reversal in order to gain further insight into the inlet flow structures. SPIV experiments were carried out at the inlet of a centrifugal compressor without any recirculation channel at four different rotational speeds (from 80 to 140 krpm) and over the entire mass flow range (from choke to surge) at each speed. Detailed analyses have been carried out for the mean velocity field, the mean vorticity field, and the turbulent statistics including turbulent kinetic energy, Reynolds stress, and the one-dimensional energy spectra. The turbulent kinetic energy at the compressor inlet was observed to increase rapidly along a speed line with decreasing mass flow rate once flow separation started, and the turbulence became more anisotropic. As the flow rate was reduced (along a speed line), the zone with maximum turbulent kinetic energy moved from the periphery toward the center of the inlet duct and also occurred further upstream from the impeller. The Reynolds stress distributions suggest that the Boussinesq assumption of an isotropic eddy viscosity may not be appropriate after the detection of flow reversal. The Reynolds shear stresses were observed to change signs with their corresponding velocity gradients at the tested mass flow rates at different rotational speeds. At the investigated flow rates, the radial gradients in the axial and tangential velocities were found to be most dominant.
Impact of Order-Set Modifications and Provider Education Following Guideline Updates on Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Use in Patients Admitted With Community Acquired Pneumonia:

Purpose: Following updates to the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) practice guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Adults with Community-acquired Pneumonia in 2019, Hartford Hea...
Low and High Speed STOVL Configurations in Ground Effect

The problem of hot gas ingestion in V/STOL and STOVL aircraft has motivated a set of experimental studies. Two-, three-, and four-jet configurations in cross flow were studied in ground effect. The results presented here were based on a quantitative, concentration measurement technique know as marker nephelometry. The effects of configuration, velocity ratio (freestream over jet velocity), model height, and inlet suction were investigated. The experiments were conducted in three parts. In the first part, comparisons of low speed two-, three-, and four-jet configurations were made. Measurements were made in the planes beneath the models in ground effect. As the number of jets increased, the vortical structures in the flowfield were found to move further upstream due to the increased total momentum. In the second part of the experiments, measurements were made at the inlet entry plane of the low speed two- and three-jet configurations in ground effect. The results indicated that ingestion occurred intermittently, especially in the upper portions of the inlets. The highest levels of concentrations were measured at a model height of two jet diameters. As the model height increased, the concentration levels decreased. Finally, a high speed, two-jet configuration without inlet suction was studied. The flowfield structures were generally found to move further downstream as the jet velocity increased at a constant velocity ratio.
Space Telecommunications Radio Architecture (Strs): Technical Overview

A software defined radio (SDR) architecture used in space-based platforms proposes to standardize certain aspects of radio development such as interface definitions, functional control and execution, and application software and firmware development. NASA has charted a team to develop an open software defined radio hardware and software architecture to support NASA missions and determine the viability of an Agency-wide Standard. A draft concept of the proposed standard has been released and discussed among organizations in the SDR community. Appropriate leveraging of the JTRS SCA, OMG s SWRadio Architecture and other aspects are considered. A standard radio architecture offers potential value by employing common waveform software instantiation, operation, testing and software maintenance. While software defined radios offer greater flexibility, they also poses challenges to the radio development for the space environment in terms of size, mass and power consumption and available technology. An SDR architecture for space must recognize and address the constraints of space flight hardware, and systems along with flight heritage and culture. NASA is actively participating in the development of technology and standards related to software defined radios. As NASA considers a standard radio architecture for space communications, input and coordination from government agencies, the industry, academia, and standards bodies is key to a successful architecture. The unique aspects of space require thorough investigation of relevant terrestrial technologies properly adapted to space. The talk will describe NASA's current effort to investigate SDR applications to space missions and a brief overview of a candidate architecture under consideration for space based platforms.
File organization and processing

Introduction PRIMARY FILE ORGANIZATIONS Sequential File Organization Direct File Organization Indexed Sequential File Organization BIT LEVEL AND RELATED STRUCTURES Bits of Information Secondary Key Retrieval Bits and Hashing TREE STRUCTURES Binary Tree Structures B-Trees and Derivatives Hashing Techniques for Expandable Files Other Tree Structures Secondary Key Retrieval Revisited FILE SORTING Sorting Applying File Structures.
Graphical Computer Aided Programming Systems

By the term “Graphical Computer Aided Programming Systems” we mean those systems in which the computer plays a fundamental role in the preparation of a program as well as being the executor of the end product. Interactive, line at a time, compiler systems fall into this category. The graphical systems that we are going to discuss use some form of flowcharts as a part of a program or its documentation. Flowcharts may be associated with the four phases of program preparation: Planning Coding Debugging and Documentation.
Random Lattices for Option Pricing Problems in Finance

While the use of Monte Carlo methods is well established for pricing derivatives, this paper focuses on a random-lattice approach, also known in the literature as the stochastic-mesh method. The method is reviewed here. We show that the method may be refined with an ad-hoc bias correction, that suitably adjusts these models for accuracy. The paper presents experimental results, related analysis, and a set of applications, demonstrating easy applicability to popular choices for option pricing stochastic processes. The flexibility and ease of implementation of this approach, as seen from the examples, suggests that this approach has wide practical applicability.
The genetic origin of atrioventricular conduction disturbance in humans.

Atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbance (block) describes impairment of the electrical continuity between the atria and ventricles. Clinical classification of AV block has utilized biophysical characteristics, usually the extent (1st, 2nd, 3rd degree) and site of block (above or below His bundle recording site). The genetic significance of this classification is not known. In some cases AV block occurrence is associated with intrauterine exposure to maternal antibody (anti-Ro, anti-La), and other cases are associated with injury (e.g. surgery). Based on familial clustering of idiopathic AV block, a genetic cause has also been suspected. Published pedigrees show autosomal dominant inheritance, and associated heart disease is common (e.g. congenital heart malformation, cardiomyopathy, etc.). The latter finding is not unexpected given the common origin of working myocytes and elements of the specialized conduction system. Using genetic models incorporating reduced penetrance (presence of disease genotype in absence of phenotype), variable expressivity (presence of a disease genotype with variable phenotypes) and genetic heterogeneity (similar phenotypes, different disease genotypes), molecular genetic causes of AV block are being identified. These findings are significant as they provide insight into the molecular basis of a clinical condition previously defined only by biophysical characteristics.
Structure elucidation and thermospray high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (HPLC/MS) of the microbial and mammalian metabolites of the antimalarial arteether.

Microbial metabolism studies of the antimalarial drug arteether (1) have shown that arteether is metabolized to six new metabolites in addition to those previously reported (3). Large-scale fermentations with Cunninghamella elegans (ATCC 9245) and Streptomyces lavendulae (L-105) have resulted in the characterization of these metabolites primarily by two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-NMR) methods as 9β-hydroxyarteether (2), a ring rearrangement metabolite (3), 3α-hydroxy-11-epi-deoxydihydroartemisinin (4), 9α-hydroxyarteether (5), 2α-hydroxyarteether (6), and 14-hydroxyarteether (7). Thermospray mass spectroscopy/high-performance liquid chromatographic analyses have shown that four of these metabolites (2, 5, 6, 7) are also present in rat liver microsome preparations.
Glycolysis During Early Infection of Feline and Human Cells with Feline Leukemia Virus

A 30 to 40% increase in glucose uptake and lactic acid production was observed during a 48-h period immediately following inoculation of feline fibroblasts and HEp-2 cells with feline leukemia virus. There was no evidence of morphological alterations in either cell type. Immunofluorescent procedures to detect feline leukemia virus group-specific antigen revealed that the feline and HEp-2 cells were infected, whereas the antigen was not found in parallel cultures of uninoculated cells. Increased glycolysis depends upon the physiological state of the host cell and was not observed with infected stationary-phase cells.
A PHOTOMETRIC SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY READING CONCENTRATION.

Spectrophotometric or colorimetric data are normally obtained in some type of photometric unit and must be dealt with mathematically to provide a final result expressed in concentration. Such mathematical operations are time-consuming, require data transfer, and are subject to human error. A photometric system has been devised which can be adjusted to perform calculations automatically and provide direct readout of concentration. This system combines logarithmic conversion of %T with control of both m and b constants in the straight-line equation, y = mx + b, in which y is absorbance, m is slope, x is concentration, and b is the blank correction. The system also provides linearizing compensation for those reactions which do not follow the Beer-Lambert law. The calibration procedure for the system is described, as is the linearization of nonlinear standard curves.
Anisotropic effects in the functional derivative of the critical magnetic field deviation function for strong and weak coupling superconductors

Abstract We have used a separable model to calculate the effects of anisotropy on the frequency dependence of the deviation of H c vs T from the two-fluid model parabolic prediction. Eliashberg theory was used within the lambda-theta-theta model, a model for the coupling parameter which assumes a constant value up to a frequency cutoff. We have looked at the effects of anisotropy on the functional derivative. Terms to second order in the anisotropy parameter have been retained.
Discussion of “Stability of Long Trenches in Sand Supported by Bentonite-Water Slurry” by George M. Filz, Tiffany Adams, and Richard R. Davidson

The authors have presented a valuable study on the stability of long slurry-supported trenches in cohesionless soil. Quite by chance, the discusser published a related paper two months ago Fox 2004 . The focus of that paper is the development of analytical solutions for trench stability under various conditions e.g., two-dimensional 2D versus three-dimensional 3D , drained versus undrained, cstrength , whereas the focus of the current paper is largely on understanding stability mechanisms. The two papers overlap in their analysis of 2D global stability of a slurrysupported trench with a fully formed filter cake in drained cohesionless soil. Both papers provide closed-form equations for the factor of safety and orientation of the critical failure plane Eqs. 26 and 27 in Fox 2004 and Eqs. 2 in the current paper . The discusser has verified that the values of factor of safety and critical failure plane angle given by these equations are identical. As stated by the authors, the 2D global stability equations are appropriate for long trenches without significant end effects. Three-dimensional stability effects that occur for shorter panels may yield substantially higher factors of safety. To illustrate, the discusser calculated the global factor of safety, FS, for various trench lengths L for the hypothetical example presented in Fig. 8 of the current paper using Eqs. 22 and 23 from Fox 2004 . In the notation used by Fox 2004 , the input parameters are as follows: H=Hs=20 m, zw=3 m, zc=0 no tension crack ,
SIZES AND MASSES OF CHONDRULES AND METAL-TROILITE GRAINS IN ORDINARY CHONDRITES : POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS FOR NEBULAR SORTING

Intergroup variation in chondrule sizes is commonly attributed to mass or aerodynamic sorting in the solar nebula, a concept that has recently been extended to other chondrite constituents (metal chondrules, metal–troilite grains). Both sorting mechanisms are dependent on grain density and size. Because metal chondrules and metal–troilite grains have smaller average sizes than their coexisting chondrule populations, the assumption of mass equivalence has been made and invoked in support of nebular sorting. We present the results of a quantitative comparison of the sizes, masses, and aerodynamic stopping times of chondrules and metal–troilite grains from three ordinary chondrites: Kelly (LL4), Bjurbole (L/LL4), and Hammond Downs (H4). Chondrule volumes were determined from corrected thin-section measurements, and metal–troilite grain volumes were estimated from X-ray tomographic images. Chondrule and metal–troilite grain populations have similar masses in Hammond Downs but are dissimilar in Bjurbole and Kelly. The difference in the average particle aerodynamic stopping times of the chondrules and metal–troilite grains (15% for Hammond Downs, 16% for Bjurbole, 32% for Kelly) are much smaller than differences in their average masses (28% for Hammond Downs, 73% for Bjurbole, 82% for Kelly). The observed ranges in mass of the two populations are relatively narrow in Hammond Downs and are wider in Bjurbole and Kelly. Furthermore, in all three meteorites the observed range in mass of the chondrules is narrower than that of the corresponding metal–troilite grain populations. It appears that the chondrules were sorted more efficiently than the metal–troilite grains. Our results agree with the idea that aerodynamic stopping times vary with particle size and density and disagree with sorting only by mass. While the average stopping times (expressed as rp ρs) of the two populations correlate better than their average masses, the percent difference in (rp ρs) between the two populations (Hammond Downs, 15%; Bjurbole, 16%; and Kelly, 32%) is greater than that between the chondrules and metal chondrules previously reported for the Acfer 059 carbonaceous chondrite (W. R. Skinner and J. M. Leenhouts 1993, Proc. Lunar Planet. Sci. Conf. 24th, 1315–1316). We attribute this to the small and irregular shapes of the metal–troilite grains, although thermal metamorphism may have also affected the metal–troilite grain data. For these reasons, our results are at variance with the concept of nebular mass sorting but may be in agreement with aerodynamic sorting models. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that chondrule sorting is related to the phenomena of metal–silicate fractionation. However, these data are only preliminary. Final interpretation should be reserved until more meteorites can be analyzed, the effects of thermal metamorphism on metal grain sizes quantified, and software capable of true three-dimensional analysis developed.
Extraperitoneal extension of pseudomyxoma peritonei: A case report

Abstract Pseudomyxoma peritonei, a disseminated intraabdominal neoplasm, which is the result of either metaplasia of the abdominal mesothelium or direct implantation of mucinous epithelium, typically does not metastasize outside the peritoneal cavity. A case of well documented pseudomyxoma peritonei with extraperitoneal disease in the form of a colonic polyp is presented. Its etiology may be related to the multiple surgical procedures the patient had undergone.
Should Makers be the engineers of the future

Engineers participate in the Maker movement. Some Makers do not pursue formal engineering education but both the engineering field and their own vocational advancement could readily benefit. We seek to understand Makers and how they are inclusive or exclusive of what can be expected from engineers. From the Engineer of 2020 list of characteristics (National Academy of Engineering, 2004), we highlight practical ingenuity, creativity and lifelong learning for likely opportunities to leverage the Maker experience. The mission of this research is to develop a theory, inductively grounded in data and deductively built on literature, illuminating the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of Makers, describing their pathways in formal engineering education to better inform future innovations in order to improve the practical ingenuity and lifelong learning of our future engineers. Artifact elicitation interviews, based on the method of photo elicitation and critical incident technique interviews will be administered to participants. Results from the inductive and deductive analyses will be triangulated to generate a preliminary theory of Maker knowledge, skills, attitudes, and pathways. This theory, inductively grounded in data and deductively connected to literature, will describe aspects of Makers, along with how their pathways intersect with formal engineering education experiences.
Hdac-mediated control of endochondral and intramembranous ossification.

Histone deacetylases (Hdacs) remove acetyl groups (CH3CO-) from e-amino groups in lysine residues within histones and other proteins. This posttranslational (de) modification alters protein stability, protein-protein interactions, and chromatin structure. Hdac activity plays important roles in the development of all organs and tissues, including the mineralized skeleton. Bone is a dynamic tissue that forms and regenerates by two processes: endochondral and intramembranous ossification. Chondrocytes and osteoblasts are responsible for producing the extracellular matrices of skeletal tissues. Several Hdacs contribute to the molecular pathways and chromatin changes that regulate tissue-specific gene expression during chondrocyte and osteoblast specification, maturation, and terminal differentiation. In this review, we summarize the roles of class I and class II Hdacs in chondrocytes and osteoblasts. The effects of small molecule Hdac inhibitors on the skeleton are also discussed.
Optimization of a fluoroscope to reduce radiation exposure in pediatric imaging

Background. A new children's hospital provided the impetus to investigate radiation dose and image quality in a fluoroscope that was specially engineered for pediatric fluoroscopy. Radiation protection management recommends radiation exposures that are as low as reasonably achievable, while still maintaining diagnostic image quality.¶Objectives. To obtain comparative phantom imaging data on radiation exposure and image quality from a newly installed fluoroscope before and after optimization for pediatric imaging.¶Materials and methods. Images were acquired from various thickness phantoms, simulating differing patient sizes. The images were evaluated for visualization of high- and low-contrast objects and for radiation exposure. Effects due to use of the image intensifier anti-scatter grid were also investigated.¶Results. The optimization of the new fluoroscope for pediatric operation reduced radiation exposure by about 50 % (compared to the originally installed fluoroscope), with very little loss of image quality. Pulsed fluoroscopy was able to lower radiation dose to less than 10 % of continuous fluoroscopy, while still maintaining acceptable phantom image quality.¶Conclusion. Radiation exposure in pediatric fluoroscopy can be reduced to values well below the exposure settings that are typically found on unoptimized fluoroscopes. Pulsed fluoroscopy is considered a requisite for optimal pediatric fluoroscopy.
Antioxidant LY231617 enhances electrophysiologic recovery after global cerebral ischemia in dogs.

Objective: The potent antioxidant LY231617 (2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-[[(1-ethyl)amino]methyl]phenol hydrochloride) is cytoprotective in models of focal and global cerebral ischemia. We tested the hypothesis that administration of LY231617, before the insult, would improve recovery of cerebral electrical activity and metabolic function after transient global cerebral ischemia by improving cerebral blood flow (CBF) during the reperfusion period. Design: Randomized, controlled, prospective study. Setting: Research laboratory at a university teaching hospital. Subjects: Twenty-four male beagle dogs. Interventions: All experiments were performed under pentobarbital anesthesia and controlled conditions of normoxia, normocarbia, and normothermia. Twelve control dogs received 20 mUkg saline (vehicle) bolus into the right atrium and 0.01 mU kg/min iv, beginning 20 mins before 13 mins of global cerebral ischemia (by aortic occlusion). The dogs in the drug-treated group received LY231617 as a 10-mg/kg bolus 20 mins before ischemia and 5 mg/kg/hr throughout reperfusion (n = 12). CBF was measured using radiolabeled microspheres. Measurements and Main Results: Total CBF, cerebral oxygen consumption, and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) were measured during 240 mins of reperfusion. CBF was similar in both vehicle- and LY231617-treated animals at baseline and throughout the experimental period. In all animals, SEP became isoelectric between 60 and 100 secs after cross-clamping of the ascending aorta. SEP amplitude recovery was significantly higher in drug-treated animals compared with controls (73% ± 15% vs. 39% ± 14% [mean ± SEM] from baseline at 120 mins [p <.05] and 86% ± 12% vs. 49% ± 14% from baseline at 240 mins [p < .05]). Conclusions: LY231617 improves recovery of cerebral electrical function after complete transient global ischemia via mechanisms unrelated to cerebral circulatory effects.
How Did Computing Go Global? The Need for an Answer and a Research Agenda

The answers to how computing went global have ramifications for historians and society far beyond mere documentation. By understanding the complexities of how IT computing technology spread around the globe, we may gain insight into future technologies and be able to help shape their deployment to a larger extent, which may ultimately better benefit humankind, while learning more about how technologies have spread in the past.
Mesenteric vasoconstriction triggers nitric oxide overproduction in the superior mesenteric artery of portal hypertensive rats

Abstract Background & Aims: Vasoconstriction of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is the earliest hemodynamic event occurring after partial portal vein ligation (PVL). We tested the hypothesis that this early vasoconstriction of the SMA may initiate eNOS up-regulation in PVL. Methods: Portal hypertension with or without mesenteric vasoconstriction was induced by differentially calibrated stenosis of the portal vein (PVL-20G and PVL-18G, respectively). In a separate group of rats, mesenteric vasoconstriction was achieved by renal artery ligation. Sham-operated rats were used as controls. Effects of vasoconstriction of the SMA in PVL and RAL rats were evaluated by measuring perfusion pressure changes in isolated SMA beds in response to methoxamine, nitric oxide synthase activity, and eNOS protein expression. Mean arterial pressure, portal pressure, and SMA blood flow were measured by catheterization and Doppler flowmetry. SMA vascular resistance was calculated from arterial pressure, portal pressure, and SMA flow. Results: There was a significant increase in SMA vascular resistance in PVL-20G (2.33 ± 0.13 vs. 1.22 ± 0.03 mm Hg/% flow; P P P P N G -monomethyl-l-arginine, and nitric oxide synthase enzyme activity was significantly higher in PVL-20G and RAL rats ( P Conclusions: Mesenteric arterial vasoconstriction plays a triggering role in up-regulation of eNOS catalytic activity in the SMA of portal hypertensive rats.
Effect of organic nitrates on myocardial oxygen consumption in vitro

Abstract 1. Mannitol hexanitrate (MANHN), iditol hexanitrate and sorbitan tetranitrate, all at 442 μM, stimulate oxygen uptake by isolated rabbit atrial tissue. 2. At the same concentration, glyceryl trinitrate decreased oxygen uptake, while isosorbide dinitrate and erythrityl tetranitrate had no effect. 3. No simple correlation was found between the lipoid solubility or per cent nitration of these compounds and their effects on oxygen uptake. 4. The stimulating effect of MANHN and its possible role as an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation is discussed.
Dexamethasone and Enalapril Suppress Intimal Hyperplasia Individually but Have No Synergistic Effect

0.10). Coadministration of dexamethasone and enalapril provides no advantage over single-agent therapy in suppressing the development of IH, suggesting that maximal suppression is obtained with single-agent treatment or that these agents affect IH through a common pathway.
Transforming gifts into talent: the DMGT theoretical model—a response

This paper by Francoys Gagne represents a substantial effort to examine a large body of research and theory related to human abilities and interpret it from the perspective of his Differentiated Mo...
Evidence for different parent–child strategies while reading

This study examined the strategies parents use naturally to help early readers at difficult points of text or pronunciation. Forty-two children were videotaped reading to a parent. Results suggest parents are not likely to provide specific instructional feedback when listening to their children read. When given, parental feedback tends to be well tuned to the child's reading ability, with parents of less skilled readers providing richer and more varied feedback than parents of more skilled readers. A tree clustering analysis placed parents in one of three groups: 1) ‘Learner centred’ parents use a variety of feedback strategies; 2) ‘Inactive’ parents allow their children to continue uncorrected; 3) ‘Direct’ parents supply the miscued word. The children of ‘learner centred’ parents did not perform as well as children of ‘inactive’ parents on measures of reading ability, possibly because parents of better readers no longer need to be ‘learner centred’.
Necrosectomy in acute pancreatitis

Indications for surgical intervention in necrotizing pancreatitis, and the specific technique to be employed, have been controversial. Accumulating data suggest that pancreatic debridement is not beneficial in patients with sterile pancreatic necrosis. Infected pancreatic necrosis, on the other hand, is widely accepted as an absolute indication for surgical intervention. The choice of a specific technique (conventional closed drainage, lesser sac lavage, or open packing) depends upon the extent and the location of the infected process. Open packing is superior for patients with extensive infected necrosis.
Geometric Analysis and Decomposition of Normal and Hypertensive Human Right Ventricle From Diagnostic Medical Imaging

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a cardio-pulmonary illness which affects all ages and racial populations, and induces significant changes to right ventricle (RV) shape and function. As such, the functional state of the RV is commonly thought to be a major determinant of symptoms and survival rates for PH. However, there has been little success to-date to identify clinically obtainable metrics of RV shape and deformation as a means to detect the onset and progression of PH. This difficulty is heightened by the complexity of RV shapes, which continues to confound basic and clinical scientists.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Software partitioning of hardware transactions

Best-effort hardware transactional memory (HTM) allows complex operations to execute atomically and in parallel, so long as hardware buffers do not overflow, and conflicts are not encountered with concurrent operations. We describe a programming technique and compiler support to reduce both overflow and conflict rates by partitioning common operations into read-mostly (planning) and write-mostly (completion) operations, which then execute separately. The completion operation remains transactional; planning can often occur in ordinary code. High-level (semantic) atomicity for the overall operation is ensured by passing an application-specific validator object between planning and completion. Transparent composition of partitioned operations is made possible through fully-automated compiler support, which migrates all planning operations out of the parent transaction while respecting all program data flow and dependences. For both micro- and macro-benchmarks, experiments on IBM z-Series and Intel Haswell machines demonstrate that partitioning can lead to dramatically lower abort rates and higher scalability.
Analysis of Noise for Rapid-Scan and Step-Scan Methods of FT-IR Difference Spectroscopy

Quantitative vibrational difference spectroscopy of small signals requires techniques that minimize spectral noise. As simple modulation of the sample followed by signal demodulation is often problematic due to interference with the FT-IR Fourier frequencies, alternate methods are necessary. Using vibrational Stark spectroscopy as an example, the DC method involves alternating complete interferogram scans in which a DC electric field is turned on with scans in which the field is turned off. A new synchronized AC method is similar, but the field is switched at every interferogram sampling point. In the step-scan method, a sinusoidal electric field is used and the detector signal is demodulated with a lock-in amplifier at each mirror position. Noise levels for these methods are derived analytically in this paper and compared with experimental values, yielding results that are broadly applicable to FT-IR difference spectroscopy. It was found that the DC method performed the best, although specific experimental factors may favor other methods.
Semiconducting carbon nanotube and covalent organic polyhedron-C60 nanohybrids for light harvesting.

We demonstrate noncovalent electrostatic and π–π interactions to assemble semiconducting single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT)–C60@COP nanohybrids. The C60@COP light harvesting complexes bind strongly to SWCNTs due to significant π–π-stacking between C60, the aromatic dicarbazolylacetylene moieties and the nanotube surfaces.
High Level Architecture Data Distribution Management migration from DoD 1.3 to IEEE 1516

The High Level Architecture (HLA) is an infrastructure for assembling federations of distributed simulations, or federates, that interoperate by exchanging simulation data at run time. HLA's Data D...
Use of Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors in Saphenous Vein Graft Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Clinical Outcomes

Platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors are widely used in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Previous studies have suggested that they do not offer benefit in saphenous vein graft PCI. Nonetheless, their use remains widespread during vein graft angioplasty. We retrospectively analyzed 1,537 patients who underwent saphenous vein graft PCI. Patients who received a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor (n = 941) were compared with those who did not receive any GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor (n = 596). The primary end point was myonecrosis after PCI (creatine kinase-MB level >3 times the upper reference limit). The incidence of myonecrosis after PCI was similar between the group that received GP IIb/IIIa and the group that did not (odds ratio for GP IIb/IIIa use 1.39, 95% confidence interval 0.97 to 2.00, p = 0.07). Propensity-adjusted analysis demonstrated no significant difference in myonecrosis after PCI, in-hospital mortality, Q-wave myocardial infarction, or bleeding (blood transfusion, retroperitoneal bleed, or hematoma) between the 2 groups. In an analysis restricted to patients who were treated with an emboli protection device, GP IIb/IIIa use was not associated with decreased myonecrosis after PCI (this was also the case for patients who were not treated with an emboli protection device). Unadjusted survival (mean follow-up 5.5 +/- 0.1 years) was similar between the group that received GP IIb/IIIa and the group that did not (log-rank test, p = 0.89). There was no difference in survival after adjusting for the propensity to receive a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor (adjusted odds ratio for GP IIb/IIIa use 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.69 to 1.23, p = 0.59). In conclusion, adjunctive use of platelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in saphenous vein graft PCI does not appear to be associated with less myonecrosis or improved survival.
Observation of individual DNA molecules undergoing gel electrophoresis

Individual DNA molecules undergoing agarose gel electrophoresis were viewed with the aid of a fluorescence microscope. Molecular shape and orientation were studied in both steady and pulsed electric fields. It was observed that (i) DNA macromolecules advanced lengthwise through the gel in an extended configuration, (ii) the molecules alternately contracted and lengthened as they moved, (iii) the molecules often became hooked around obstacles in a U-shape for extended periods, and (iv) the molecules displayed elasticity as they extended from both ends at once. A computer model has been developed that simulates the migration of the molecules in a rotating-field gel electrophoresis experiment.
Study of dynamics of hot spots in wire-array Z-pinches

Summary form only given. Hot spots with a high plasma density and temperature spontaneously arise in all kinds of Z-pinches with currents from 0.1 to 4 MA. Instabilities generate bright and hot spots with the enhanced electron temperature and density. The electron temperature of 9 keV was measured in the hot spot of the X-pinch with current of 5 MA. The formation of hot spots can be interpreted as a result of the collapse of the Z-pinch due to the radiative loss of energy and plasma flowing out of the spot. Hot spots carry current and can generate strong MG magnetic fields in the Z pinch. Hot spots contribute to the energy balance and neutron yield in Z pinches. In our experiments bright radiating spots were observed in small diameter cylindrical and planar wire-arrays. Bubble-like implosion in wire arrays initiates the formation of necks on the pinch which produce hot spots. We investigated hot spots at the 1 MA Zebra generator using synchronized x-ray streak camera, laser diagnostics at 266 and 532 nm, and x-ray time-gated pinhole camera. Hot spots in Al wire arrays generate x-ray bursts with durations of 0.4-1 ns in the soft range and 150-400 ps in the keV range. Continuum radiation with photon energy > 2.5 keV was observed in hot spots generated in Al Z pinches. UV two-frame shadowgraphy shows spatial correlation of hot spots with necks on the pinch. An analysis of x-ray streak images shows that a collapse of a single hot spot can generate >10% of radiated x-ray power of the 1 MA Z pinch.
Wireless microsensors for health monitoring of aircraft structures

The integration of MEMS, IDTs (interdigital transducers) and required microelectronics and conformal antennas to realize programmable, robust and low cost passive microsensors suitable for many military structures and systems including aircraft, missiles and munitions is presented in this paper. The technology is currently being applied to the structural health monitoring of critical aircraft components. The approach integrates acoustic emission, strain gauges, MEMS accelerometers, gyroscopes and vibration monitoring devices with signal processing electronics to provide real-time indicators of incipient failure of aircraft components with a known history of catastrophic failure due to fracture. Recently a combination of the need for safety in the air and the desire to control costs is encouraging the use of in-flight monitoring of aircraft components and systems using light-weight, wireless and cost effective microsensors and MEMS. An in-situ Aircraft structural health monitoring (ASHM) system, with sensors embedded in the composite structure or surface-mounted on the structure, would permit the timely detection of damage in aircraft. Micromachining offers the potential for fabricating a range of microsensors and MEMS for structural applications including load, vibration and acoustics characterization and monitoring. Such microsensors are extremely small; they can be embedded into structural materials, can be mass-produced and are therefore potentially cheap. Additionally a range of sensor types can be integrated onto a single chip with built-in electronics and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), providing a low power Microsystems. The smart sensors are being developed using the standard microelectronics and micromachining in conjunction with novel Penn State smart electronics or wireless communication systems suitable for condition monitoring of aircraft structures in-flight. A hybrid accelerometer and gyroscope in a single chip suitable for inertial navigation system and other microsensors for health monitoring and condition-based maintenance of structures, drag sensing and control of aircraft, strain and deflection of structures and systems, ice sensing on aircraft, remote temperature and humidity measurement of propellant in munitions, chemical sensing, etc. are discussed.
Cholinergic inhibition of muscle fibres isolated from Schistosoma mansoni (Trematoda: Digenea)

Cholinergic compounds inhibit FMRFamide-induced contractions in dispersed muscle fibres isolated from adult Schistosoma mansoni. Acetylcholine (ACh) was the most effective cholinergic agonist tested with an EC 50 < 100 no. Less effective were propionylcholine and arecoline with EC 50 < 1 μM and butyrylcholine and carbachol with EC 50 < 10 μM. Choline, muscarine, pilocarpine, nicotine, DMPP (1,1-dimethylphenylpiperazine ) and levamisole were all ineffective. Amongst tested antagonists, d-tubocurarine (100 μM), mecamylamine (1 mM), atropine (1 mM), scopolamine (1 mM) and quinuclidinyl benzilate (10 μM) were all ineffective. Bicuculline, picrotoxin and strychnine were also ineffective. However α-bungarotoxin, at 100 nM, was able to block the inhibitory ACh effect. From these data it appears that the cholinergic receptor on the schistosome muscle fibres may be of the nicotinic type, but that its pharmacology is different from that of nicotinic receptors of vertebrates as well as of nematodes or a variety of other invertebrates.
Health Professionals Attitudes and Educational Needs Regarding New Food Processing Technologies

ABSTRACT: This project evaluates the attitudes of food and health professionals to 3 new food processing technologies that have been developed to respond to consumer demands such as superior taste, longer shelf life, higher nutritional content, health benefits, and environment-friendly processing. Educational brochures for high pressure (HP), pulsed electric field (PEF), and ohmic heating (OH) processes were developed based on the current literature and consumer information needs. An internet web survey was conducted to determine information needs of food and health professionals and to assess their satisfaction with the data provided in the educational brochures. Health professionals hold a positive attitude toward HP, OH, and PEF. No negative attitudes or discomfort were reported. More people indicated they were very comfortable with HP than any other technology, and as a consequence this technology received the highest scores of likeliness to be included in health professionals' recommendations.
Determination of the Oxidized and Reduced Forms of Biopterin in Tissue Samples

Abstract Biopterin, in its reduced form, is a cofactor to the enzymes catalyzing the rate-limiting reactions in the synthesis of both the catecholamines and serotonin. It has been suggested that it may serve a role in the regulation of these neurotransmitters. Altered biopterin concentrations have also been reported in various neural disorders. In this report, we describe a method using liquid chromatography/electrochemistry to quantitate both the oxidized and reduced forms of biopterin in mouse tissue samples. This method employs a dual-electrode amperometric detector in the parallel-adjacent configuration. Subpicomole detection limits were achieved for all oxidation states.
Fine Structure Continuum Cross Section Ratios in the Two-Photon Ionization of Rubidium Using Elliptically Polarized Light

Using fully relativistic perturbation theory we report fine structure continuum cross section ratios for the two-photon ionization of rubidium under elliptically polarized light. The choice of light polarization and wavelength matches the recent complete experiments on rubidium reported by Wang and Elliott [Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 3795 (2000)]. The sigma(d5/2)/sigma(d3/2) cross section ratios calculated are consistent with results expected if relativistic fine structure effects are small, and are very much at odds with the recent experimental findings.
Acute Effects of Potassium on Filtration Rates of Adult Zebra Mussels, Dreissena polymorpha

Valve response and filtration rates of adult zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha, exposed to elevated levels of K+ were assessed to determine the efficacy of using K+ in conjunction with a biocide to control mussel infestations. Mussels, 10 to 15 mm total shell length, were exposed to K+ at concentrations ranging from ambient to 2.00 mmol/L for 3, 6, 12, and 24 h at temperatures of 12 and 22°C. After exposure, each mussel was tested for valve response by tactile stimulation and filtration rate was estimated by clearance of latex microspheres from test solutions during a 30 minute period. Responsiveness was not affected in mussels exposed to ″ 1.00 mmol/L K+ for up to 24 h. Valve closure, however, was inhibited in ≥ 92% of the mussels after exposure to 2.00 mmol/L K+ for ≥ 12 h. Thus, the use of K+ to inhibit valve closure in mussels during the application of some biocides may increase contact time between the biocide and the soft tissues of mussels. Filtration rates of mussels, however, decreased as the K+ concentration increased from 0.50 to 2.00 mmol/L. At the K+ concentration that inhibited valve closure (2.00 mmol/L), filtration rates of mussels were > 90% lower than mussels at ambient K+ levels suggesting less biocide may be drawn in the mantle cavity to act on susceptible tissues. Therefore, use of K+ to prevent valve closure during the application of a biocide may not enhance the efficacy of the biocide due to the inhibitory effects of K+ on filtration. Furthermore, facilities treated with K+ at levels necessary to prevent valve closure may threaten native bivalve populations.
Effects of low-frequency biasing on spontaneous otoacoustic emissions: Frequency modulation

The dynamic effects of low-frequency biasing on spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) were studied in human subjects under various signal conditions. Results showed a combined suppression and modulation of the SOAE amplitudes at high bias tone levels. Ear-canal acoustic spectra demonstrated a reduction in SOAE amplitude and growths of sidebands while increasing the bias tone level. These effects varied depending on the relative strength of the bias tone to a particular SOAE. The SOAE magnitudes were suppressed when the cochlear partition was biased in both directions. This quasi-static modulation pattern showed a shape consistent with the first derivative of a sigmoid-shaped nonlinear function. In the time domain, the SOAE amplitudes were modulated with the instantaneous phase of the bias tone. For each biasing cycle, the SOAE envelope showed two peaks each corresponded to a zero crossing of the bias tone. The temporal modulation patterns varied systematically with the level and frequency of the bias tone. These dynamic behaviors of the SOAEs are consistent with the shifting of the operating point along the nonlinear transducer function of the cochlea. The results suggest that the nonlinearity in cochlear hair cell transduction may be involved in the generation of SOAEs.
Effects of thiamin deficiency on myocardial metabolism in intact dogs.

Abstract Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the cardiodynamic changes that occur in "beriberi" heart disease. 1 It has been postulated that these changes are due, at least in part, to a metabolic defect which limits the utilization of carbohydrate by the myocardium. Since thiamin is known to catalyze the decarboxylation of pyruvate, it is likely that a deficiency of thiamin would result in defective utilization of carbohydrate. In a previous communication the importance of lactate, pyruvate, and glucose as sources of myocardial energy was demonstrated in normal dogs. 2 The present report concerns the findings in thiamin deficiency.
Complete amino acid sequence of goose erythrocyte H5 histone and the homology between H1 and H5 histones

Summary Goose H5 histone has 193 amino acid residues and a molecular weight of 20,903. Residues 1–28 and 101–193 are probably extended while residues 29–100 are in a globular conformation. An alignment of availalbe sequences from other lysine-rich histones indicates H5 species variability is limited mostly to the N-terminal domain whereas variability between H1 and H5 proteins is within both N and C terminal domains. The constancy in size of the central domain may be important for the function of all lysine-rich histones.
Ventricular arrhythmias in patients with rest angina: correlation with ST segment changes and extent of coronary atherosclerosis.

Abstract Major ventricular arrhythmias occurring concurrently with myocardial ischemia are presumed to be the most frequent mechanism for sudden cardiac death. Two hundred eighteen catheterized patients with angina pectoris at rest were reviewed to identify clinical, ECG, and arteriographic features that might correlate with the presence of serious ventricular arrhythmias occurring during episodes of rest pain. Ventricular arrhythmias during episodes of rest pain were significantly more common in patients who manifested transient ST segment elevation in the anterior leads and in patients with marked transient ST segment shifts (> 5 mm). Ventricular arrhythmias during episodes of rest pain were not more common in patients with extensive coronary artery disease.
Probing structural inhomogeneities induced by exchange striction above T N in antiferromagnetic perovskites

Measurements of the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity $\ensuremath{\kappa}(T)$ of the antiferromagnetic perovskites ${\mathrm{SmNiO}}_{3},$ ${\mathrm{CaMnO}}_{3},$ ${\mathrm{LaMnO}}_{3},$ and ${\mathrm{YCrO}}_{3}$ are compared to that of the nonmagnetic perovskite ${\mathrm{LaGaO}}_{3}.$ Whereas ${\mathrm{LaGaO}}_{3}$ exhibits a classic phonon thermal conductivity, the others all show a remarkable suppression of $\ensuremath{\kappa}(T)$ in the paramagnetic phase that increases with the degree of covalence in the $M--\mathrm{O}$ bond. This suppression is attributed to exchange-strictive fluctuations that are enhanced by semicovalent-exchange interactions.