cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An integrated scheduling/planning environment for petrochemical production processes

Abstract Production planning/scheduling is a very difficult task because it has to deal with many conflicting constraints. Some attempts have been made to obtain an optimal solution that satisfies all constraints, but this approach is not practical, because the scheduling problem is NP-complete. This paper proposes a practical approach to actual scheduling and planning problems and describes its application to creating monthly schedules for synthetic rubber production, a typical petrochemical process. Cooperative scheduling is a new approach in which procedures, rules, and the user cooperate to make feasible schedules efficiently. The procedures, collectively called a “scheduling engine,” work as a local constraint satisfier to solve general primitive constraints. Rules that represent domain-dependent knowledge then solve domain-specific constraints by means of a pattern-matching function. Finally, the user evaluates the schedule and modifies it via a user-friendly interface with direct-manipulation functions. The user interaction is therefore included in the system architecture as a global constraint satisfier. The integrated planning and scheduling environment described here was designed within this cooperative framework. The system produces a production plan that satisfies a due date limitation, taking account of stock shortages; the plan is checked concurrently to determine whether it leads to a realizable schedule. The prototype system has been transferred to one of the major petrochemical companies in Japan, and is being tested and evaluated in an actual environment for operational use.
POPULATION VIABILITY ANALYSES OF CHAMAECRISTA KEYENSIS: EFFECTS OF FIRE SEASON AND FREQUENCY

Conservation of species of concern in fire-dependent ecosystems requires restoring the historical fire regime that has shaped the species' life history. The historical fire regime of the endangered pine rockland ecosystem is controversial. In this study, we attempted to infer the historical fire regime of this ecosystem by studying the effects of contrasting experimental fire regimes on Chamaecrista keyensis, a narrowly endemic species of the pine rocklands of the Lower Florida Keys, USA. We constructed multiple matrix population models for C. keyensis using demographic data from replicated wet- and dry-season burns, 1–30 years since fire, and seed bank dynamics derived from extensive field seed bank experiments. We then carried out deterministic analyses and stochastic simulations. Recently burned sites (1–2 years postfire) had the highest finite population growth rates of all sites. Differences in finite population growth rate between winter and summer fires were more pronounced during the year of burn ...
Interactions between calcium channel compounds and adenosine systems in brain of rat

A number of organic ligands of calcium channels were investigated for possible actions on several aspects of adenosine systems in the cerebral cortex of rat. The principle findings of the present study were that a number of antagonists of calcium channels and the agonist compound Bay K 8644 inhibited binding to adenosine receptors, binding to nucleoside transporters, and the accumulation of [3H]adenosine with a low microM potency. 2-Nitrophenyl dihydropyridine derivatives were more potent than 3-nitrophenyl dihydropyridine or non-dihydropyridine ligands of calcium channels at inhibiting binding to adenosine receptors. Dihydropyridine ligands of calcium channels were more potent than non-dihydropyridine ligands of calcium channel in inhibiting the binding of [3H]nitrobenzylthioinosine to cortical membranes or inhibiting the accumulation of [3H]adenosine into synaptoneurosomes. However, unlike the case of adenosine receptors, no distinction between 2-nitrophenyl and 3-nitrophenyl dihydropyridine derivatives was observed. In addition, the non-dihydropyridine ligand of calcium channels, diltiazem was a weak inhibitor of the accumulation of [3H]adenosine. These results demonstrate that organic ligands of calcium channels, particularly dihydropyridine compounds, can interact with several aspects of adenosine systems.
Development and utility of the FDA 'GutProbe' DNA microarray for identification, genotyping and metagenomic analysis of commercially available probiotics.

Aim Lactic acid bacteria are beneficial microbes added to many food products and dietary supplements for their purported health benefits. Proper identification of bacteria is important to assess safety as well as proper product labelling. A custom microarray (FDA GutProbe) was developed to verify accurate labelling in commercial dietary supplements. Methods and Results Strain-specific attribution was achieved with GutProbe array which contains genes from the most commonly found species in probiotic supplements and food ingredients. Applied utility of the array was assessed with direct from product DNA hybridization to determine (i) if identification of multiple strains in one sample can be conducted and (ii) if any lot-to-lot variations exist with eight probiotics found on the US market. Conclusions GutProbe is a useful tool in identifying a mixture of microbials in probiotics and did reveal some product variations. In addition, the array is able to identify lot-to-lot differences in these products. These strain level attribution may be useful for routine monitoring of batch variation as part of a ‘Good Manufacturing Practices’ process. Significance and Impact of the Study The FDA GutProbe is an efficient and reliable platform to identify the presence of microbial ingredients and determining microbe differences in dietary supplements. The GutProbe is a fast, rapid method for direct community profiling or food matrix sampling.
Vector analysis of chemical variation in the lavas of Parícutin volcano, Mexico

Compositional variations in the lavas of Paricutin volcano, Mexico, have been examined by an extended method of Q-mode factor analysis. Each sample composition is treated as a vector projected from an original eight-dimensional space into a vector system of three dimensions. The compositions represented by the vectors after projection are closely similar to the original compositions except for Na2Oand Fe2O3.The vectors in the three-dimensional system cluster about three different planes that represent three stages of compositional change in the Paricutin lavas. Because chemical data on the compositions of the minerals in the lavas are presently lacking, interpretations of the mineral phases that may have been involved in fractional crystallization are based on CIPW norm calculations. Changes during the first stage are attributed largely to the fractional crystallization of plagioclase and olivine. Changes during the second stage can be explained by the separation of plagioclase and pyroxene. Changes during the final stage may have resulted mostly from the assimilation of a granitic material, as previously proposed by R. E. Wilcox.
Activity and extractability of lysyl oxidase and collagen proteins in developing granuloma tissue.

SummaryThe total activity of lysyl oxi-dase and its extractability into phosphate and 4 M and 8 M urea solutions were studied in granuloma tissue formed around sub-cutaneously implanted polyvinylalcohol sponges in rats and harvested on days 10, 18, 26, and 34. Furthermore, total collagen content and fractions of collagen extractable into 0.45 M NaCl (NSC) and 0.5 M acetic acid (ASC) were studied. Lysyl oxidase activity was assayed by measuring the release of tritium from a substrate biosynthetically labeled with H3-6-Lysine. Biochemical data were compared to the histology of the tissue.With the maturation of the granuloma tissue, the total activity of lysyl oxidase significantly decreases, and its extractability into phosphate significantly increases. Extractability into 4M urea was the highest in 10-day-old granuloma and the lowest in 34-day-old tissue. Only 80% of the total activity was extracted into 4 M urea medium. Total collagen content and ASC fraction increased continuously, and NSC decreased from...
The evolution of the lunar Nectaris multiring basin

The paper begins by discussing the pre-Nectaris crust, the formation of the basin, its age and its geophysics. The pre-mare basalt deposits are categorized into smooth plains deposits, cratered and patterned plains, knobby terrain, and massifs, and the structure, chemical composition, and probable origin of these are discussed. Alternative scenarios for the formation of the plains are that they consist of impact melt ejecta, ejecta overlying smoothed-out preexisting topographic material, or ejecta overlying extrusive deposits. The mare deposits are assessed in terms of their composition, basalt ages and thickness, and eruption styles. A probable age of 3.6 billion years for the basalts is given. The tectonics of mare ridges and fractures and floor-fractured craters are gone into. Post-mare cratering is also discussed. It is concluded that the morphology of multiring basins is strongly dependent on lithosphere thickness.
Total coronary vein-left atrial drainage

An asymptomatic 54-year-old man with severe mitral regurgitation caused by prolapse and pulmonary hypertension was referred for mitral valve surgery. The resting ECG (Figure 1) and chest radiograph (Figure 2) were unremarkable. A transesophageal echocardiogram showed a degenerated mitral valve with rupture of chordae tendineae and leaflet prolapse causing severe mitral regurgitation (Figure 3). Figure 1. Resting ECG. Sinus tachycardia and otherwise unremarkable findings. Figure 2. Posteroanterior and lateral chest radiograph. Normal cardiac contours and normal pulmonary vasculature and parenchyma. A vertebral prosthesis is noted. Figure 3. Preoperative transesophageal echocardiogram. Doppler image showing a wide and eccentric jet of mitral regurgitation. Preoperative computed tomographic coronary angiography demonstrated normal coronary arteries; however, all cardiac veins were found to drain into the left …
Very High Strength Cfment-Based Materials – a Prospective

An attempt is made to provide a prospective on new very high strength cement based materials. The mechanical properties of concrete and of conventional cement pastes are considered, and limitations on the behavior of paste set by the Griffith concept of a critical crack explored. Evidence is cited confirming that spherical air voids do indeed act as critical Griffith flaws in undried pastes; however it is suggested that shrinkage cracks dominate the behavior of cement paste exposed to drying. Very high strength systems must avoid both large air voids and other pores and also be resistant to shrinkage cracking. Streams of development leading to “DSP” (Aalborg) and “MDF” (ICI) systems are described, and details of the functioning of the two classes of product are described. Current and potential commercial developments are briefly noted, and possible interrelations with the emerging areas of “high technology ceramics” mentioned. Finally, a brief summary of relevant mechanical properties is provided.
Comparing discrimination and CFA for selecting tracking features

The ability of a tracker to isolate the foreground target from the background of an image is crucially dependent on the set of features selected for tracking. Collins & Liu [2] propose an on-line, adaptive approach to selecting the set of features based on the insight that the set of features that best discriminate between target and background classes is the best set to use for tracking. In previous work [10], we have proposed an approach based on Combinatorial Fusion Analysis for selecting features for Real-Time tracking. We discuss the relative merits of the two methods and motivate their combination to produce an improved tracking system. We show several results from a difficult tracking sequence with human targets to demonstrate the effectiveness of the combined system.
Review of low temperature relaxation peaks

Abstract A brief survey is given of the Bordoni-type relaxation peaks that are observed in plastically deformed materials at low temperatures. The differences in the behavior of these peaks in materials of different space lattices are emphasized.
Use of linear free energy relationship to predict Gibbs free energies of formation of pyrochlore phases (CaMTi2O7)

Abstract In this letter, a linear free energy relationship is used to predict the Gibbs free energies of formation of crystalline phases of pyrochlore and zirconolite families with stoichiometry of MCaTi2O7 (or, CaMTi2O7,) from the known thermodynamic properties of aqueous tetravalent cations (M4+). The linear free energy relationship for tetravalent cations is expressed as ΔG f,M v X 0 =a M v X ΔG n,M 4+ 0 +b M v X +β M v X r M 4+ , where the coefficients aMvX, bMvX, and βMvX characterize a particular structural family of MvX, rM4+ is the ionic radius of M4+ cation, ΔGf,MvX0 is the standard Gibbs free energy of formation of MvX, and ΔGn,M4+0 is the standard non-solvation energy of cation M4+. The coefficients for the structural family of zirconolite with the stoichiometry of M4+ CaTi2O7 are estimated to be: aMvX=0.5717, bMvX=−4284.67 (kJ/mol), and βMvX=27.2 (kJ/mol nm). The coefficients for the structural family of pyrochlore with the stoichiometry of M4+ CaTi2O7 are estimated to be: aMvX=0.5717, bMvX=−4174.25 (kJ/mol), and βMvX=13.4 (kJ/mol nm). Using the linear free energy relationship, the Gibbs free energies of formation of various zirconolite and pyrochlore phases are calculated.
Sustained improvement of the quality of life of patients with psoriasis after hospitalization

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, and often disfiguring skin disease that may significantly affect patients' quality of life. Treatment of psoriasis, including hospitalization, has been shown to improve quality of life. A pilot study of 15 consecutive inpatients and 7 consecutive outpatients with psoriasis were asked to complete the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) before treatment and 3 months later. Hospitalized patients also completed the DLQI 1 week after discharge. Statistical analysis using t tests compared pretreatment and posttreatment DLQI scores as well as improvement of inpatients versus outpatients. Baseline DLQI scores for hospitalized patients were significantly higher (greater impairment of life quality) compared with oupatients' quality of life. After discharge, hospitalized patients' quality of life had significantly improved at 1 week and remained improved at 3 months. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43: 858-60.)
JUSTIFYING CONTROVERSIAL POLITICAL DECISIONS: HOME STYLE IN THE LABORATORY

Elected officials are not passive bystanders in the electoral process. Rather, they try to influence their constituents' perceptions of events through a variety of strategies, including explanations. Fenno's case studies reported inHome Style (1978) have yielded important insights into the explanations representatives provide to their constituents to account for unpopular or controversial decisions. This paper reports an experimental analysis of the effectiveness of two principled justifications taken from Fenno'sHome Style interviews: individualistic and communitarian appeals to conscience. We also present a theoretical framework for the anlaysis of political accounts, conceptualizing them as a type of persuasive communication. The impact of the two justifications on a number of important judgments is examined within this framework, including reactions to controversial policies, attributions of responsibility, perceptions of political character, and evaluations of public officials.
A Social‐Ecological Framework to Integrate Multiple Objectives for Environmental Flows Management

“Environmental flows” is a research discipline that emphasizes freshwater allocation in rivers to sustain desired ecological conditions and human well-being. The basis for environmental flow requirements has traditionally relied on hydrological and ecological data. Contemporary methods focus on detailed hydro-ecological relationships within river ecosystems; however, there is currently no structured approach to systematically incorporate socially relevant data into the environmental flows discipline. To address this limitation we developed a flexible framework that applies a social-ecological systems approach to account for multiple flow-related objectives that reflect both biophysical sustainability and societal preferences. First, we conceptualize the freshwater social-ecological system as a hierarchy of human and environmental domains. Then, we recommend stepwise procedures to assess flow-related vulnerabilities of important system attributes, address their feedbacks, and translate these assessments to a common classification for comparative analyses that guide holistic flow management decisions.
In suspected ACS, a diagnostic protocol using hs-TnI identified patients at low cardiac risk at 30 days.

Source Citation Cullen L, Mueller C, Parsonage WA, et al. Validation of high-sensitivity troponin I in a 2-hour diagnostic strategy to assess 30-day outcomes in emergency department patients with p...
Catecholamines in plasma and erythrocytes of rats with transplantable pheochromocytoma

Abstract Accumulation of catecholamines in erythrocytes (RBC) was compared to rising plasma levels of catecholamines at weekly intervals following transplantation of pheochromocytoma (line P-259) in the New England Deaconess Hospital rat strain. Additionally changes were investigated during a 12 hour interval after tumor was established in PHEO rats. Starting 2 weeks after tumor implant, the concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) in RBC paralleled and correlated strongly with rising levels of plasma NE and DA which were maximum by 4 weeks. Four to 6 weeks after implant, the RBC to plasma (L/P) concentration ratio of NE was 30% higher in PHEO rats than controls (p
Comparative chemistry of pituitary lactogenic hormones

Abstract The present knowledge on the chemistry of pituitary lactogenic hormones, namely, ovine lactogenic hormone and human growth hormone, has been reviewed. The monomeric form of LtH and HGH can be isolated in highly purified state for physicochemical and structural investigations. The amino acid sequence of HGH has been elucidated, and the primary structure of LtH is partially known. Both hormone molecules form aggregates without loss of lactogenic activity. Partial hydrolysis with chymotrypsin does not decrease biological potency of HGH and LtH. Reduction of the disulfide bridges in LtH causes complete loss of lactogenic activity, whereas reduced-alkylated HGH retains full biological behavior.
Acute anaphylaxis from orally administered penicillin G: report of case.

Allergic reactions to penicillin are well known. Most of these reactions occur as skin eruptions. However, serious immediate reactions do occur and are associated with penicillin administered orally or parenterally. The allergic reactions to penicillin are reviewed and a case of anaphylaxis after ingestion of a penicillin tablet is presented.
Lichen simplex: morphodynamic correlates*

SUMMARY The rate of epidermal cell proliferation has been examined by autoradiographic methods in lichen simplex chronicus in sixteen patients. The corrected labelling index was found to be 25.9% in eleven biopsies removed 50 min to I h after intracutaneous injection of tritiated thymidine (i.e. similar to that in psoriasis). Twelve biopsies were removed 1–8 days subsequent to injection with tritiated thymidine, and in the autoradiographs that resulted it was found that the rate of travel of labelled cells was not fast as in psoriasis. The possible explanations for the finding of a labeling index similar to that of psoriasis but a slower transit time include; the presence of a greater epidermal volume in lichen simplex; the inclusion of‘high level labelled cells’in the labelling index; and epidermal damage from the trauma of scratching resulting in intra-epidermal cell death of labelled cells.
Broadband white light laser combiner system

The SIM-Planetquest (Space Interferometry Mission), currently under development at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, consists of two 6-meter baseline interferometers on a flexible truss. SIM's science goals require 1μas accuracy in its astrometric measurements[1]. To achieve this level of accuracy for detecting planets SIM built the Spectrum Calibration Development Unit (SCDU) testbed. The testbed requires a white light point source with broadband spectrum. Before each long test the spectrum on the camera must be calibrated. To achieve this task a laser light visible to camera was coupled to the white light source. The light system needed pointing stability of better than 4 micro-radians and a minimum optical power level at the fringe tracking camera. Due to stability requirement of the experiment, the setup, including the point source is in a vacuum chamber. To get a broadband spectrum point source inside the vacuum chamber white light from a multimode fiber was combined with laser light in free space to a photonics crystal fiber (PCF). The output is a single mode, broadband, and Gaussian beam. This paper explains the details of such a design and shows some of the results.
Pediatric HIV infection

Abstract Clearly, the prevention of pediatric HIV infection starts with preventing the disease in adults. While these efforts desperately need continue, the identification of pregnant women who are HIV infected needs to be aggressively pursued. Frequent clinical and laboratory follow-up of exposed infants is mandatory to determine whether or not they are infected so that antirotroviral treatment and appropriate prophylaxis for infections can be initiated. HIV infection should no longer be considered untreatable. Therapy can both prolong and improve the quality of life. New classes of antiretrovirals are being developed and optimal prophylaxis against bacterial and opportunistic infections is evolving. Critical to the development of optimal therapies is the enrollment of all eligible patients into appropriate clinical trials.
Increased health burden associated with comorbid depression in older diabetic Mexican Americans. Results from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly survey.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the health burden associated with concomitant depressive symptoms and diabetes in older Mexican Americans. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Data from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly were used to assess the association between high levels of depressive symptoms, measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression scale, and comorbid chronic health conditions, diabetic complications, functional disability, health service use, and medication use among 636 older diabetic Mexican Americans, in comparison with 2,196 older nondiabetic Mexican Americans. RESULTS: Overall, 31.1% of the older diabetic individuals reported high levels of depressive symptoms. The risks of comorbid myocardial infarction, hypertension, arthritis, and angina were significantly higher in the presence of concomitant depressive symptoms, as were the risks of diabetic complications, functional disability, incontinence, vision impairment, poorer perceived health status, and health service use among both diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. Rates were substantially higher among depressed diabetic individuals, however, in comparison to depressed nondiabetic individuals. Importantly, this increased health burden was evident even when controlling for sociodemographic risk factors, including sex, age, level of education, marital status, immigrant status, and living arrangements. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of concomitant depressive symptoms among older diabetic Mexican Americans is associated with a substantially greater health burden than is seen among diabetic individuals without depression or depressed individuals without diabetes. This association of depression with higher rates of chronic conditions, poorer functioning, and increased health service use is particularly significant in that this study was conducted among community-dwelling adults and was not confounded by the potential association of health care-seeking behavior that might occur in a medically ill sample.
Stimulation of wound blood vessel growth by wound macrophages

Healthy wound healing is an ordered sequence of events beginning with an inflammatory response and culminating in the synthesis of collagen by a population of new fibroblasts. In virtually all wounds, the blood supply for these new fibroblasts is the result of an intense ingrowth of new vessels. The cause of this “neovascularization” is not yet well understood. Traditionally, it has been held that dead tissue and blood clot provide the stimulus for repair. It is correct that these elements will provoke an inflammatory response, but in the clinical situation, open and dead space wounds will continue to heal long after clot and dead tissue have been removed. Clearly, a broader explanation is needed for the continued growth and neovascularization of wound tissue in these situations. A newer hypothesis is that a cellular component of the wound-presumably a cell involved in the inflammatory response -responds to the multiple stimuli of injury. This cell (or cells) then translates these stimuli into chemical signals which trigger regeneration of cells, collagen formation, and fibrosis. Such signals would include a stimulus for blood vessel ingrowth. A likely cell to perform this “translator” function is the macrophage. This cell has been shown to be present in wounds and also to be necessary for repair. Silver [9], while measuring oxygen tension in healing wounds, observed that macro-
Psychophysiological Credibility Assessment

Psychophysiological Credibility A'iSessment (PCA), com­ monly known as polygraph testing, is one of the most misunderstood, misrepresented and maligned applications of psychology. In this article we review the two main approaches to PCA, knowledge-based and deception-based tests, and th e techniques, scientific support and criti­ cisms associated with each. Despite data indicating that the most com­ monly used polygraph techniques are highly valid discriminators of deceivers and truth tellers, there are several very vocal and high profile critics of psychophysiological credibility assessment. Unfortun ately, since most psychologists appear to be poorly informed about the con­ troversy, they may be misled by misinformation from persons believed to be high authority sources. We hope that the present article will help to 'inform the forensic community about this important and interesting area. (Article copies available for a fee fi'om The Haworth Document Delive1y Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: Website: }
Pharmacokinetics of Common Antibiotics Used in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

To establish therapeutic guidelines for the use of antibiotics in patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), we studied the single-dose pharmacokinetics of cefazolin, tobramycin, and vancomycin given intravenously (IV) and intraperitoneally (IP) as well as cephalexin given orally. By the IV or oral route, the antibiotics exhibited half-lives similar to those described in nondialysed, functionally anephric patients. CAPD accounted for only a negligible fraction of the total body clearance when the drugs were given by the IV route. However, when given IP, the drugs were promptly absorbed and achieved therapeutic serum concentrations. The kinetic principle of superposition was applied to predict plasma concentrations after repetitive IP dosing. Therapeutic guidelines are provided.
A Comparison of Measures for Assessing the Level and Nature of Intelligence in Verbal Children and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Previous work has suggested that the Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) are better suited for capturing the nature of intelligence for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than the Wechsler scales. The RPM measures ‘fluid intelligence’, an area for which it has been argued that persons with ASD have a relative strength. Given that measures of intelligence are used for establishing clinical diagnoses, for making educational decisions, and for group-matching in research studies, continued examination of this contention is warranted. In the current study, verbal children with ASD performed moderately better on the RPM than on the Wechsler scales; children without ASD received higher percentile scores on the Wechsler than on the RPM. Adults with and without ASD received higher percentile scores on the Wechsler than the RPM. Results suggest that the RPM and Wechsler scales measure different aspects of cognitive abilities in verbal individuals with ASD. For the verbal children and adults with ASD in the current study, the RPM and Wechsler scales have unique contributions that must be considered in context when establishing a baseline of cognitive function. The results of this investigation highlight the importance of thoughtfully selecting appropriate measures of intelligence consistent with clinical, educational, and research purposes, especially for verbal children and adults with ASD.
Inelastic Electron Tunneling Spectroscopy Study of Thin Gate Dielectrics

A broad range of materials is currently being studied for possible use as the insulating layer in next generation metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors. Inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy (IETS) has become a powerful tool to characterize both the structural and electrical properties of the resulting device structures made from these materials. IETS can address issues related to reactions and intermixing at interfaces, as well as properties related to carrier mobility, such as phonon modes and charge traps, for structures that are difficult to characterize accurately by other techniques.
Interleukin-4 Deficiency Decreases Atherosclerotic Lesion Formation in a Site-Specific Manner in Female LDL Receptor−/− Mice

Activated lymphocytes and mast cells have been detected in human atherosclerotic lesions. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a prominent cytokine released during the activation of both these cell types, and i...
Whistle-Blower Disclosures and Management Retaliation The Battle to Control Information about Organization Corruption

Based on nationwide data the authors collected on whistle-blowers and on silent observers, this article reports, that (a) whistle-blowing is more frequent in the public sector than in the private; ...
Effect of tip radius on nanoindentation

The blunt tip geometry of the so-called nanoindenter is modeled by a spherical cap of various radii. The relation between area and penetration depth of the indenter is comparable with experimental results if the radius of the tip is about 1.0 μm. Simulation of indentation tests was carried out using the finite element method by incremental loading and unloading based on a continuum model. Good agreement with the experimental results for nickel is obtained also for a tip radius of 1.0 μm.
A greenhouse technique for screening Trifolium seedlings for iron‐deficiency chlorosis 1

Abstract Susceptible Trifolium plants often exhibit symptoms of iron (Fe)‐deficiency chlorosis when grown on high pH, calcareous soils. A greenhouse method was developed to screen seedlings for Fe‐deficiency chlorosis. ‘Yuchi’ arrowleaf (T. vesiculosum Savi.) and ‘Dixie’ crimson (I. incarnatum L.) clover seedlings were grown in “Super Cell”; Cone‐tainers in six calcareous Texas soils differing in Fe and selected other chemical characteristics. At the fourth trifoliolate leaf stage, chlorosis was induced by saturating the soil for a minimum of 2 weeks. The soils differed in their capacity to induce chlorosis in both clovers. Yuchi was more susceptible than Dixie, showing a higher percentage of chlorosis in five of the six soils. The results indicate that this screening method would be a useful tool for studying Fe‐deficiency chlorosis in Trifolium spp.
Clinical applications of wearable technology

An important factor contributing to the process involved in choosing a rehabilitation intervention is the assessment of its impact on the real life of patients. Therapists and physicians have to infer the effectiveness of rehabilitation approaches from observations performed in the clinical setting and from patients’ feedback. Recent advances in wearable technology have provided means to supplement the information gathered using tools based on patient’s direct observation as well as interviews and questionnaires. A new generation of wearable sensors and systems has recently become available thus providing clinical personnel with a “window of observation” in the home and community settings. These tools allow one to capture patients’ activity level and exercise compliance, facilitate titration of medications in chronic patients, and provide means to assess the ability of patients to perform specific motor activities. In this paper, we review recent advances in the field of wearable technology and provide examples of application of this technology in rehabilitation.
Immunoreactivity of the Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis 19-kDa lipoprotein.

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis 19-kDa lipoprotein has been reported to stimulate both T and B cell responses as well as induce a number of Th1 cytokines. In order to evaluate the Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis) 19-kDa lipoprotein as an immunomodulator in cattle with Johne's disease, the gene encoding the 19-kDa protein (MAP0261c) was analyzed. MAP0261c is conserved in mycobacteria, showing a 95% amino acid identity in M. avium subspecies avium, 84% in M. intracellulare and 76% in M. bovis and M. tuberculosis. MAP0261c was cloned, expressed, and purified as a fusion protein with the maltose-binding protein (MBP-19 kDa) in Escherichia coli. IFN-γ production was measured from 21 naturally infected and 9 control cattle after peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with a whole cell lysate (WCL) of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis or the recombinant MBP-19 kDa. Overall, the mean response to MBP-19 kDa was not as strong as the mean response to the WCL. By comparison, cells from control, non-infected cattle did not produce IFN-γ after stimulation with either WCL or MBP-19 kDa. To assess the humoral immune response to the 19-kDa protein, sera from cattle with clinical Johne's disease were used in immunoblot analysis. Reactivity to MBP-19 kDa protein, but not MBP alone, was observed in 9 of 14 infected cattle. Antibodies to the 19-kDa protein were not observed in 8 of 9 control cows. Collectively, these results demonstrate that while the 19-kDa protein from M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis stimulates a humoral immune response and weak IFN-γ production in infected cattle, the elicited responses are not strong enough to be used in a sensitive diagnostic assay.
Uncertainty, benefit-cost analysis, and the treatment of option value

Abstract This paper proposes a new conceptual framework for defining welfare measures under uncertainty: the planned expenditure function. This function describes the locus of expenditures on contingent claims that are required to realize a given level of expected utility. To illustrate the convenience of the framework, it is used to consider the definition of the option price, the appropriate treatment of option value, the valuation of risk changes, and the definition of non-use benefits under uncertainty.
Design and Performance of Frequency Selective Surface With Integrated Photodiodes for Photonic Calibration of Phased Array Antennas

The design, fabrication, and integration of a frequency selective surface (FSS) with integrated photodiodes to allow for photonic calibration of phased array antennas is presented. The design includes embedding electrically short dipole antennas in each unit cell of the FSS, with a zero-biased photodiode placed across the gap of the diode. Fibers from an optical distribution network are passed through the honeycomb core of the frequency selective surface and pigtailed to the photodiodes. The RF performance of the frequency selective surface with integrated optics is investigated via simulations and measurements, and the results show that the structure maintains RF-transparency.
Algorithmic approach to automatic speech recognition technique

A computer software technique is described for computer recognition of human voice. The approach is fully application oriented, with emphasis placed on how a PC can be made sensitive to the user's voice during operation. The user speaks each letter of the keyboard into the attached microphone and simultaneously presses the corresponding key of the keyboard. This generates a digitized voice code of that letter for that specific user, which is stored in a secondary storage. After the digitized codes are completed for all letters, they are compiled and some additional codes are created. Now the computer is ready to recognize any of these letters in this user's voice. >
Improving the inverse compensation method for real‐time hybrid simulation through a dual compensation scheme

Real-time hybrid simulation combines experimental testing of physical substructure(s) and numerical simulation of analytical substructure(s), and thus enables the complete structural system to be considered during an experiment. Servo-hydraulic actuators are typically used to apply the command displacements to the physical substructure(s). Inaccuracy and instability can occur during a real-time hybrid simulation if the actuator delay due to servo-hydraulic dynamics is not properly compensated. Inverse compensation is a means to negate actuator delay due to inherent servo-hydraulic actuator dynamics during a real-time hybrid simulation. The success of inverse compensation requires the use of a known accurate value for the actuator delay. The actual actuator delay however may not be known before the simulation. An estimation based on previous experience has to be used, possibly leading to inaccurate experimental results. This paper presents a dual compensation scheme to improve the performance of the inverse compensation method when an inaccurately estimated actuator delay is used in the method. The dual compensation scheme modifies the predicted displacement from the inverse compensation procedure using the actuator tracking error. Frequency response analysis shows that the dual compensation scheme enables the inverse compensation method to compensate for actuator delay over a range of frequencies when an inaccurately estimated actuator delay is utilized. Real-time hybrid simulations of a single-degree-of-freedom system with an elastomeric damper are conducted to experimentally demonstrate the effectiveness of the dual compensation scheme. Exceptional experimental results are shown to be achieved using the dual compensation scheme without the knowledge of the actual actuator delay a priori.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux related cough and its response to laparoscopic fundoplication.

BACKGROUND—This study was designed to determine prospectively the rate of cough before and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication performed for the control of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. METHODS—One hundred and ninety five consecutive patients (76 men) of mean (SD) age 46.9 (14.1) years with proven gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, who were either on long term omeprazole (n = 187) or who had not responded to a trial of omeprazole (n = 8), took part in the study which was carried out in a university teaching hospital that included a regional respiratory referral centre. Patients underwent oesophageal manometry, 24 hour oesophageal pH testing, and symptom score evaluation by an independent observer before and six months after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. RESULTS—One hundred and thirty three patients presented with reflux symptoms and 62 with respiratory symptoms; 68% of patients complained of cough before surgery (86% with respiratory symptoms, 60% with gastrointestinal symptoms). The percentage reflux time in 24 hours fell significantly (p<0.0001) from a mean (SD) of 9.38 (10.99)% to 1.22 (2.92)%, lower oesophageal sphincter tone rose significantly (p<0.0001) from a mean (SD) of 7.71 (5.90) mm Hg to 21.74 (10.84) mm Hg, and the cough score fell from a median value of 8.0 (IQR 12.0) to 0 (IQR 3) following surgery. Of the patients with cough, 51% were cough free after surgery and 31% improved. The patients with respiratory symptoms had a higher cough score before (median 12.0 (IQR 5.5) versus 4.0 (IQR 8.75), p<0.0001) and after surgery (median 1 (7.5) versus 0.0 (IQR 1.0), p = 0.0045) than those with gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS—Patients who present to gastroenterologists with severe reflux commonly complain of cough. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is effective in the control of cough in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, with or without primary respiratory disease.
Empirical colorant mixture models

The color behavior of unconventional colorant systems and certain other mixtures cannot be described adequately by available theory. In such cases alternative approaches to formulation and shading need to be developed. In this article we investigate empirical models using Scheffe polynomials to describe color response surfaces for three- and four-component olorant mixtures. We describe experimental designs that allow the efficient estimation of the coefficients of high-order polynomial models over the full mixture-design space and that also allow estimation of lower-order models over subspace mixture regions. The experimental designs are applied to real colorant systems, and the accuracy of color response prediction from linear, quadratic, cubic, and quartic polynomial models is compared to that of theoretical models. The color response surfaces are visualized by preparing contour plots that depict color variation over a compositional region. These maps allow one to observe the relationship between color and composition, to assess the color gamut available with a given colorant set, and to estimate the formula or adjustments required to match a given color position. The effective use of model predictions to perform a sensitivity analysis on the compositional variables is also demonstrated in the context of manufacturing process control.
Communicating the Impact of Free Access to Computers and the Internet in Public Libraries: A Mixed Methods Approach to Developing Outcome Indicators

The U.S. IMPACT studies have two research projects underway that employ a mixed method research design to develop and validate performance indicators related specifically to the outcomes of public access computing (PAC) use in public libraries. Through the use of a nationwide telephone survey (n = 1130), four case studies, and a nationwide Internet survey of PAC users administered through 636 public libraries, this approach will generate generalizable quantitative data on the extent and distribution of the use of public access computing resources, as well as provide rich contextual data that will help understand how people use the computers and Internet connections in public libraries and the impact it has on their lives.
The Controlled Release of 5-Fluorouracil from Annealed Monolithic Systems

For many years we have been studying the preparation, polymerization and copolymerization of monomers, such as [EMCF] or [EMCM], which contain the anti-cancer drugs 5-fluorouracil [5FU] and 6-methylthiopurine [6MTP], respectively. These polymers and copolymers release the drugs in a zero-order kinetic pattern. In our recent research, 5-fluorouracil [5FU] was monolithically distributed in a poly(caprolactone) [PC] matrix and the release profiles, into water, were studied as a function of the internal phase and temperature. Good, linear plots of the total release against the square root of time (Higuchi kinetics) were followed by these monolithic systems up to about 25–30% [5FU] internal phase. Beyond that point, the systems showed a marked curvature in the release profiles. In the present paper, the effect of annealing the [FUPC] systems was also investigated. These annealed samples showed the same basic release profiles as the unannealed samples, except the release times were much longer (i.e., the slopes of the Higuchi plots were smaller). Monolithic systems that would have released the [5FU] in less than a week, sometimes required more than two months after annealing. Our studies have shown that much greater amounts of [5FU] can be incorporated into the copolymeric systems than into monolithic systems. E.g., an [EMCF] homopolymer contains 45+% [5FU] and still exhibits zero-order kinetics. The potential utility of such systems with higher concentrations and extended time release ranges in long term chemotherapy is obvious.
A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Spatial Working Memory in Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: Contribution of Familial History of Alcohol Use Disorders

Background Heavy prenatal alcohol exposure leads to widespread cognitive deficits, including problems with spatial working memory (SWM). Neuroimaging studies report structural and functional abnormalities in FASD, but interpretations may be complicated by the co-occurrence of a family history of alcoholism. Since, this history is also linked to cognitive deficits and brain abnormalities, it is difficult to determine the extent to which deficits are unique to prenatal alcohol exposure.
Do bryophyte shoot systems function like vascular plant leaves or canopies? Functional trait relationships in Sphagnum mosses (Sphagnaceae)

Vascular plant leaf traits that influence photosynthetic function form the basis of mechanistic models of carbon exchange. Given their unique tissue organization, bryophytes may not express similar patterns. We investigated relationships among tissue, shoot, and canopy traits, and their associations with photosynthetic characteristics in 10 Sphagnum species. Trait relationships were organized around a primary dimension accounting for 43% of variation in 12 traits. There was no significant relationship between nitrogen content of shoot systems and maximum photosynthesis expressed on mass (A(mass)) or area (A(area)) bases due to nitrogen sequestration and storage within the canopy interior. This pattern differs from the distribution of nitrogen in vascular plant canopies. Thus, nitrogen and its relationship to carbon uptake in Sphagnum shoots does not conform to patterns of either vascular plant leaves or canopies. Species that concentrate biomass and nitrogen in the capitulum have enhanced rates of A(mass) and A(area). Consequently, A(area) was positively associated with N(area) of the capitulum only. Overall, water content and carotenoid concentration were the strongest predictors of both A(mass) and A(area) and these were expressed as inverse relationships. The relationships of plant traits in Sphagnum defines a principal trade-off between species that tolerate environmental stress and those that maximize carbon assimilation.
Active Learning in Capstone Design Courses [Senior Design]

There is a growing trend to encourage students to take a more active role in their own education. Many schools are moving away from the sage on the stage to the guide on the side model where the instructor is a facilitator of learning. In this model, the emphasis is more on learning and less on teaching, and it requires instructors to incorporate more active and student-centered learning methods into their courses. These methods include collaborative, cooperative, problem-based, and project-based learning.
Global factors affecting child trauma and the need for ongoing child advocacy

Trauma has accompanied mankind since time immemorial, the brunt of it often carried by children: the weakest and most vulnerable. In the first part of this report seven important global factors affecting child trauma (inequity; childhood injuries; violence against children; road traffic crashes; alcohol; child labour; children in war) are discussed briefly in order to sketch the extent of the catastrophe. In view of this, the need for active and ongoing advocacy is highlighted in the second part. In order to motivate for ongoing advocacy, an example is provided of what can be achieved with limited resources.