cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Latitude-enhanced species-area relationships for conservation planning

Species-area relationship models are useful in conservation planning; however these models could be strengthened with the addition of a latitudinal factor. We built latitude-enhanced species-area relationship models to predict species richness for a variety of common taxa in the eastern United States at local to regional scales. We used data from complete surveys of East Coast parks in the United States to build latitude-enhanced species-area relationship models for amphibians, birds, freshwater fish, mammals, marine fish, plants, and reptiles. We used data from the published literature and United States Fish and Wildlife Refuges to independently test the accuracy of the models. We demonstrated the utility of all modeled taxa within selected East Coast Protected Areas of the United States. Our models explained 35–91% of the variation in surveyed species richness, with marine fish, freshwater fish and reptile models exhibiting the strongest relationships (pseudo-R2 = 0.91, 0.66, and 0.70, respectively). Latitude had the strongest influence in the amphibian model. During accuracy testing, all taxa exhibited significant agreement between observed and predicted species richness and explained 75–97% of the variation. Our demonstration showed that for two similarly sized US Protected Areas, the parcel l.25° lower in latitude would likely have one more bird species, four more plant species, and an additional amphibian species. The latitude term added value to the species-area relationship models for most taxa and proved useful for conservation and urban planning in local to regional sized areas of the East Coast of the United States.
Use of food preservatives and additives in meat and their detection techniques

Abstract With the population surge and the globalization of food supply, the demand for large-scale meat production is growing. This has consequently given rise to challenges for the meat industry to maintain quality and safety throughout the supply chain. Food additives and preservatives have been used in perishable commodities, including meat, to maintain product consistency, quality, and safety. However, consumer demand for minimally processed foods has fueled the exploration of novel ways of meat preservation by curbing microbial contamination, ensuring extended shelf life, and conserving organoleptic qualities. Simultaneously, regulatory standards have been established in different countries to control the level of additives and preservatives used in meat. Several analytical methods have been developed for qualitative and quantitative detection of preservatives, additives, and contaminants in meat to meet the regulatory standards. This chapter discusses the current and emerging meat preservatives and additives, regulatory standards governing their use, and methods for their detection in meat products. Additionally, the safety implications of meat preservatives and additives are discussed.
Design of highly porous Fe3O4@reduced graphene oxide via a facile PMAA-induced assembly

Advances in the synthesis and processing of graphene-based materials have presented the opportunity to design novel lithium-ion battery (LIB) anode materials that can meet the power requirements of next-generation power devices. In this work, a poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA)-induced self-assembly process was used to design super-mesoporous Fe3O4 and reduced-graphene-oxide (Fe3O4@RGO) anode materials. We demonstrate the relationship between the media pH and Fe3O4@RGO nanostructure, in terms of dispersion state of PMAA-stabilized Fe3O4@GO sheets at different surrounding pH values, and porosity of the resulted Fe3O4@RGO anode. The anode shows a high surface area of 338.8 m2 g−1 with a large amount of 10–40 nm mesopores, which facilitates the kinetics of Li-ions and electrons, and improves electrode durability. As a result, Fe3O4@RGO delivers high specific-charge capacities of 740 mA h g−1 to 200 mA h g−1 at various current densities of 0.5 A g−1 to 10 A g−1, and an excellent capacity-retention capability even after long-term charge–discharge cycles. The PMAA-induced assembly method addresses the issue of poor dispersion of Fe3O4-coated graphene materials—which is a major impediment in the synthesis process—and provides a facile synthetic pathway for depositing Fe3O4 and other metal oxide nanoparticles on highly porous RGO.
A Second-Order Synchronous Machine Model for Multi-swing Stability Analysis

This paper presents a second-order model for synchronous machines that can be utilized in power system dynamic performance analysis and control design tasks. The model has a similar structure to the classical model in that it comprises two dynamic states, the power angle and the angular speed. However, unlike the classical model, the model finds applications beyond first swing stability analysis; for example, they can also be utilized in transient stability studies. The model is developed through a systematic model-order reduction of a nineteenth-order state-space model by using singular perturbation techniques. It is validated by comparing its response with that of the nineteenth-order model and that of the classical model.
Cytoplasmic mislocalization and mitochondrial colocalization of TDP-43 are common features between normal aged and young mice

Transactive response DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathologies have been well recognized in various neurodegenerative disorders including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), amyotrophic lat...
Correlation of Measured and Estimated Creatinine Clearance in Hospitalized Elderly Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study:

Background: Accurate assessment of renal function is essential in hospitalized elderly patients. Few studies have examined the accuracy of Cockcroft-Gault (C-G) estimates of creatinine clearance (C...
Association between coronary atherosclerotic burden and all-cause mortality among patients undergoing exercise versus pharmacologic stress-rest SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Patients with suspected coronary artery disease who undergo stress SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and require pharmacologic stress are at substantially increased mortality risk compared to those who can exercise. However, the mechanisms underlying this increased risk are not well delineated. To test whether increased atherosclerotic burden accounts for this increased risk, we assessed the association between coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores and mortality risk among patients undergoing exercise versus pharmacologic SPECT MPI. METHODS We assessed all-cause mortality in 2,151 patients, followed for 12.2 ± 3.4 years, after undergoing stress-rest SPECT-MPI and CAC scanning within 3 months of each other. Patients were divided according to their mode of stress testing (exercise or pharmacologic). We further employed propensity analysis to create a subgroup of exercise and pharmacologic subgroups with comparable age, symptoms, and coronary risk factors. RESULTS Despite greater age and worse clinical profiles, pharmacologic and exercise patients had similar CAC scores. However, the hazard ratio (95% CI) for mortality was substantially greater among pharmacologic patients: 2.39 (1.83-3.10). For each level of CAC abnormality, pharmacologic patients had >2-fold increased risk adjusted hazard ratio for all-mortality risk (p < 0.05 for each CAC level). Among propensity-matched exercise versus pharmacologic patients, the same findings were observed. CONCLUSIONS Among patients referred for stress-rest SPECT-MPI and CAC scoring, pharmacologic patients have substantially increased mortality risk compared to exercise patients, despite having comparable levels of coronary atherosclerosis.
Advance taper of antidepressants prior to multiple sleep latency testing increases the number of sleep-onset rapid eye movement periods and reduces mean sleep latency

Study Objectives:Patients presenting with excessive sleepiness are frequently using antidepressant medication(s). While practice parameters recommend discontinuation of antidepressants prior to mul...
First record of Gorgona guitarfish (Pseudobatos prahli) off the Baja California peninsula with updated key to the guitarfishes of the North Eastern Pacific.

The Gorgona guitarfish is a poorly documented ray found in the Eastern Pacific. It can be distinguished from its congeners due to its distinctive coloration and rostral cartilages. Here I document an extensive northern range expansion of almost 2000 km based on a juvenile specimen caught off the Baja California Peninsula. This specimen also represents the smallest documented individual of this species, along with the first quantitative morphometric data reported since the 1995 description. Additionally, an updated key to the guitarfishes of the North Eastern Pacific is included.
The Extinction toward the GRB 970228 Field

We determine the local Galactic extinction toward the field of gamma-ray burst GRB 970228 using a variety of methods. We develop a maximum-likelihood method for measuring the extinction that compares galaxy counts in different bands in the field of interest to those in a field of known extinction, and we apply this method to the GRB 970228 field. We also measure the extinction by comparing the observed broadband colors of stars in the GRB 970228 field to the colors of library spectra of the same spectral type. Finally, we estimate the extinction using the neutral hydrogen column density and the amount of infrared dust emission toward this field. Combining the results of these methods, we find a best-fit Galactic extinction in the optical of AV = 1.09, which implies that the intrinsic afterglow of GRB 970228 is significantly brighter and bluer than it appears.
Leptomeningeal, dura mater and meningeal vessel wall enhancements in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Background: Leptomeningeal contrast enhancement (LMCE) has previously shown potential to be an indirect marker for leptomeningeal inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dura mater (DME), inclusive falx cerebri (FCE) enhancement and meningeal vessel wall enhancement (VWE) represent two other meningeal enhancement patterns in MS that have not been extensively studied. Objectives: To investigate the frequency of LMCE, DME/FCE and VWE in patients with MS and their associations with demographic, clinical and MRI characteristics in a longitudinal retrospective study. Methods: 217 MS patients (193 relapsing-remitting MS, 24 progressive MS) were assessed at baseline and over 18 months follow-up using 3T 3D FLAIR pre- and post-contrast and subtraction images. Lesion and brain volume outcomes were additionally calculated. Analyses were adjusted for age, and corrected for multiple comparisons. Results: LMCE and VWE frequency was associated with higher age (p Conclusions: LMCE, DME/FCE and VWE can be identified by gadolinium-enhanced 3D FLAIR MR imaging. Meningeal enhancement is associated with higher age. DME/FCE is the most frequent meningeal enhancement pattern in MS, however further case-control studies should determine whether this represents abnormal lymphatic drainage in these patients or is an age-dependent physiologic phenomenon.
DeepFun: a deep learning sequence-based model to decipher non-coding variant effect in a tissue- and cell type-specific manner.

More than 90% of the genetic variants identified from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are located in non-coding regions of the human genome. Here, we present a user-friendly web server, DeepFun (https://bioinfo.uth.edu/deepfun/), to assess the functional activity of non-coding genetic variants. This new server is built on a convolutional neural network (CNN) framework that has been extensively evaluated. Specifically, we collected chromatin profiles from ENCODE and Roadmap projects to construct the feature space, including 1548 DNase I accessibility, 1536 histone mark, and 4795 transcription factor binding profiles covering 225 tissues or cell types. With such comprehensive epigenomics annotations, DeepFun expands the functionality of existing non-coding variant prioritizing tools to provide a more specific functional assessment on non-coding variants in a tissue- and cell type-specific manner. By using the datasets from various GWAS studies, we conducted independent validations and demonstrated the functions of the DeepFun web server in predicting the effect of a non-coding variant in a specific tissue or cell type, as well as visualizing the potential motifs in the region around variants. We expect our server will be widely used in genetics, functional genomics, and disease studies.
Design Principles for Mobile Brain-Body Imaging Devices with Optimized Ergonomics

Mobile brain-body imaging (MoBI) technology allows the study of the brain in action and the context of complex natural settings. MoBI devices are wearable devices that typically record the scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) and head motion of the user. MoBI systems have applications in neuroscience, rehabilitation, design, and other applications. Here, we propose design principles for MoBI systems for use in brain-machine interfaces for rehabilitation by individuals with movement disabilities. This design study discusses the validity of the process of utilizing 3D anthropometric data as a basis to design a MoBI headset for an optimized fit and ergonomics. The study also discusses the need for ensuring that EEG sensors keep constant contact with the scalp and face for the best scan quality. Moreover, the need for single-handed correct positioning of the headset is discussed to address disabilities in the older populations and clinical populations with motor impairments.
The Vicissitudes of High-Tech War

Chapter 8 on “Vicissitudes of High-Tech War” discusses the origins of high-tech cyberwar and information war in the 1990s and some examples that played out in the Clinton, Bush, and Obama administrations, and then will discuss in more detail Russian cyberwar against the U.S. in the Trump administration. Throughout, focus will be on the increasingly central role of technology in military affairs and the increasingly perilous nature of high-tech war that has been apparent throughout the nuclear age. I argue that developments of the past decades intensify the dangers of nuclear Armageddon and create dangers of new technological Armageddon.
Cultural Considerations in Family-Based Primary Prevention Programs in Drug Abuse

America has been seen as a place where people from distinct ethnic and cultural groups are synthesized into one composite American culture that both includes and reflects the values, norms and mores of everyone. However, the evolution of a consensus model of ethnic and cultural fusion has failed to materialize; with many groups tenaciously adhering to their value, belief, and behavior systems of origin. Because of the degree of tenacity to which these differences have been retained, it is imperative that sufficient effort be exerted toward a clarification and an appreciation of the function of race, ethnicity, and culture in problem occurrence, prevention, and treatment. However, this clarification has not proven itself to be an easy task. Too often, the concepts of race, culture, and ethnicity are not treated as distinct in the literature, which can be confusing and problematic in determining the most appropriate methodological and analytical approach to the research. This article will discuss some of the etiological and methodological issues associated with planning, conducting, and the dissemination of family-based, drug abuse prevention programs with ethnic minorities.
The Effect of Thionine on the Kinetics of the β-Trypsin-catalyzed Hydrolysis of Tosyl-l-arginine Methyl Ester

Abstract By means of steady state and pre-steady state kinetic experiments in the presence of the acridine dye, thionine, the rate constants associated with formation and disappearance of the presumed acyl enzyme intermediate were determined for the reaction of β-trypsin with tosyl-l-arginine methyl ester. At pH 4.9, 25°, 0.5 m sodium chloride, the kinetic constants are: k23 (acylation rate constant), 200 sec-1; k34 (deacylation rate constant), 0.25 sec-1; K's (enzyme-substrate dissociation constant), 1.25 mm. Evidence is presented that thionine is not bound at the "active site" of trypsin. A ternary enzyme-substrate-thionine complex exists with the same dissociation constant as the enzyme-substrate complex. An acyl enzyme-thionine complex exists with a dissociation constant higher than the enzyme-thionine complex. The presence of bound thionine slows down the acylation but speeds up the deacylation of trypsin by tosyl-l-arginine methyl ester.
Architecture for a hardware based, TCP/IP content scanning system [intrusion detection system applications]

Hardware assisted intrusion detection systems and content scanning engines are needed to process data at multiGigabit line rates. These systems, when placed within the core of the Internet, are subject to millions of simultaneous flows, with each flow potentially containing data of interest. Existing IDS systems are not capable of processing millions of flows at Gigabit-per-second data rates. This paper describes an architecture which is capable of performing complete, stateful, payload inspections on 8 million TCP flows at 2.5 Gigabits-per-second. To accomplish this task, a hardware circuit is used to combine a TCP protocol processing engine, a per flow state store, and a content scanning engine.
Terror and Toleration: The Habsburg Empire Confronts Islam, 1526–1850 – By Paula Sutter Fichtner

As its slightly unfortunate title suggests, this author's overarching, but carefully grounded, scholarly account of the Habsburg encounter with the Ottoman Empire is moved very much by concerns of ...
Efficacy of Nephron-Sparing Surgery for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Analysis Based on the New 1997 Tumor-Node-Metastasis Staging System

PURPOSE: To analyze the experience with nephron-sparing surgery as a treatment modality for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1980 and 1997, 146 patients underwent partial nephrectomy at the University of California–Los Angeles Medical Center. A matched group of 125 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy at the same institution between 1986 and 1997 were selected for comparison. Patients were monitored for an average period of 57 months. Patients were staged according to both the 1997 and 1987 tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging criteria. Survival data were calculated in terms of both staging criteria. RESULTS: When comparing cancer-specific survival rates for patients with T1 lesions under both the 1987 and 1997 TNM staging criteria, no statistically significant difference in survival was noted (P = .53), although most of the tumors in our series measured ≤ 4 cm. Patients with T2 lesions (1997 TNM) demonstrated a significant decrease in survival (66%) when compared with patien...
Interference suppression using LMS and NLMS for CDMA system

The objective of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of N-tap and D-tap cyclically shifted filter banks (CSFB) adaptive schemes for interference suppression in an asynchronous code division multiple access (CDMA) system employing Gold code signature sequences. The LMS and NLMS algorithms are employed for the adaptation of tap coefficients. In addition, post convergence error probability and signal to distortion ratio are computed in order to make a comparison between the performance of N-tap structure and D-tap CSFB structure.
Hepatitis C virus: prevention, screening, and interpretation of assays.

Patients at risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection should be screened for it so that they can be treated and potentially cured, or can at least avoid transmitting the disease to others. The authors describe why and how to screen for HCV and how to interpret the test results.
Cofactor dependence of reduction potentials for [4Fe-4S]2+/1+ in lysine 2,3-aminomutase

Lysine 2,3-aminomutase (LAM) catalyzes the interconversion of l-lysine and l-β-lysine by a free radical mechanism. The 5‘-deoxyadenosyl radical derived from the reductive cleavage of S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) initiates substrate-radical formation. The [4Fe-4S]1+ cluster in LAM is the one-electron source in the reductive cleavage of SAM, which is directly ligated to the unique iron site in the cluster. We here report the midpoint reduction potentials of the [4Fe-4S]2+/1+ couple in the presence of SAM, S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH), or 5‘-{N-[(3S)-3-aminocarboxypropyl]-N-methylamino}-5‘-deoxyadenosine (azaSAM) as measured by spectroelectrochemistry. The reduction potentials are −430 ± 2 mV in the presence of SAM, −460 ± 3 mV in the presence of SAH, and −497 ± 10 mV in the presence of azaSAM. In the absence of SAM or an analogue and the presence of dithiothreitol, dihydrolipoate, or cysteine as ligands to the unique iron, the midpoint potentials are −479 ± 5, −516 ± 5, and −484 ± 3 mV, respectively. LA...
Creating world-class universities: Implications for developing countries

Many countries are now creating world-class universities (WCUs) as essential parts of their higher education reform agendas, and as national goals. It is legitimate to ask whether every county that aspires to build a WCU can do so—especially developing countries. To answer this question, this paper provides a three-step framework. The first step in building a WCU is to understand its characteristics. The second is for the country to systematically assess whether it has the capacity to create a WCU by rationally appreciating the challenges it would face in creating one. Third, it must understand, given the challenges discovered in the second step, what to do to create a WCU. Considering this framework, only a few developing countries have the potential to foster a WCU. Thus it is difficult for many universities in developing countries to enter an existing market already occupied by well-developed education systems and universities.
Asa Gray and Harvard Summer School

Abstract. At Harvard Asa Gray established academic instruction during the summer and in so doing he opened facilities to an audience that included not only Harvard College students but also teachers and professionals from across North America. The Summer School of Botany established in 1871 spawned the Summer Schools of Natural History, of Chemistry, and of Geology. His summer school and all subsequent offerings included women. This article places Gray's summer school in the context of his efforts to build botany at Harvard but also documents his influence on instruction and curriculum development.
Remote Sensing With A Multifrequency Phase-Modulation Fluorometer

A new fiber-optic-based fluorescence lifetime instrument is described. The new instrument consists of a multifrequency cross-correlation phase-modulation fluorometer and a fiber-optic sensor. Results are shown which demonstrate the resolution of complex decay kinetics (double and triple exponential decays of fluorescence) and remote sensing. In addition, results are shown for the accurate and precise determination of fluorescence lifetimes between 125ps and 225ns at locations up to 100 meters from the instrument.
Increasing Emergency Physician Recognition of Domestic Violence

Abstract Study objective: To determine whether recognition of domestic violence in the emergency department is affected by restructuring of the ED chart to include a specific question about domestic violence, to evaluate whether training concerning domestic violence further increases its recognition, and to develop a profile of women who present to the ED as a result of domestic violence. Methods: We collected prospective data on all females aged 15 to 70 years who presented to an urban Level I trauma center during a 3-month period. Two keywords were used to define domestic violence: (1) mechanism (eg, kicked, hit, pushed) and (2) perpetrator (eg, current/former boyfriend, spouse). We used the first month to define the baseline number of domestic violence cases. We modified charts in the second and third months (intervention months) to include, "Is the patient a victim of domestic violence?" In addition, the third month included a 1-hour educational lecture on the identification of domestic violence in the ED. Results: We identified 123 cases of domestic violence from a survey population of 4,073: 25 (2.0%) in the baseline month, 49 (3.4%) in the chart-modification month, and 49 (3.6%) in the education month. The proportion of cases identified during the intervention months was 1.8 times higher than during the control month (relative risk [RR], 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15 to 2.75), but did not differ between each other (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, .72 to 1.57). Women identified as domestic violence cases ranged in age from 15 to 61 years (median, 28.5 years). Most of the identified domestic violence patients presented with a triage classification of assault (54.5%), trauma (8.1%), or abdominal complaints (7.3 %). Triage complaint differed for domestic violence and non–domestic violence cases (χ 2 =830; P 2 =12.4; P =.005). Conclusion: Modification of the chart significantly increased the recognition rate of domestic violence. An educational intervention did not significantly improve this rate. The profile of a woman presenting to the ED differs from those of other women with respect to chief complaint and time of presentation. [Olson L, Anctil C, Fullerton L, Brillman J, Arbuckle J, Sklar D: Increasing emergency physician recognition of domestic violence. Ann Emerg Med June 1996;27:741-746.]
Comparing classification accuracy of neural networks, binary logit regression and discriminant analysis for insolvency prediction of life insurers

Past studies have documented the failure of the Insurance Regulatory Information System (IRIS) to provide adequate warning of insurer financial distress or insolvency. As a result, scholars have examined alternative parametric and non-parametric models to predict insurer insolvency. This study uses a neural network, a non-parametric alternative to past techniques, and shows how this methodology predicts insurer insolvency more effectively than parametric models.
A Ramsey-type bound for rectangles

It is proved that for any rectangle T and for any 2-coloring of the points of the 5-dimensional Euclidean space, one can always find a rectangle T′ congruent to T, all of whose vertices are of the same color. We also show that for any k-coloring of the k2 + o(k2)-dimensional space, there is a monochromatic rectangle congruent to any given rectangle. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Observations on the Systemic Administration of Autologous Lymphokine-Activated Killer Cells and Recombinant Interleukin-2 to Patients with Metastatic Cancer

We describe here the preliminary results of the systemic administration of autologous lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells and the recombinant-derived lymphokine interleukin-2 to patients with advanced cancer. This regimen was based on animal models in which the systemic administration of LAK cells plus interleukin-2 mediated the regression of established pulmonary and hepatic metastases from a variety of murine tumors in several strains of mice. We treated 25 patients with metastatic cancer in whom standard therapy had failed. Patients received both 1.8 to 18.4 X 10(10) autologous LAK cells, generated from lymphocytes obtained through multiple leukaphereses, and up to 90 doses of interleukin-2. Objective regression of cancer (more than 50 per cent of volume) was observed in 11 of the 25 patients: complete tumor regression occurred in one patient with metastatic melanoma and has been sustained for up to 10 months after therapy, and partial responses occurred in nine patients with pulmonary or hepatic metastases from melanoma, colon cancer, or renal-cell cancer and in one patient with a primary unresectable lung adenocarcinoma. Severe fluid retention was the major side effect of therapy, although all side effects resolved after interleukin-2 administration was stopped. Further development of this approach and additional patient follow-up are required before conclusions about its therapeutic value can be drawn.
Specific dynamic and noninvasive labeling of pancreatic β cells in reporter mice

Noninvasive detection of differentiated cells is increasingly demanded for accurate and reliable assessments of both in vitro and in vivo experimental systems. Here we present an efficient, innovative approach for imaging the β cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. The main physiologic function of β cells is glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. This function is facilitated through the synthesis and storage of insulin in secretory vesicles of β cells, which then release their contents when β cells are exposed to hyperglycemic conditions. To visualize β cells in vivo in the mouse, we used targeted mutagenesis techniques to construct a modified insulin II (InsII) gene allele, InsIIEGFP, that expresses a proinsulin-EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) fusion peptide. The EGFP portion of this fusion is entirely within the C-peptide portion of the proinsulin peptide. This fusion protein is processed in β cells to insulin and EGFP-tagged C peptide, which are stored together in cytoplasmic secretory vesicles. The large amount of vesicular EGFP-tagged C peptide is evident as a characteristic robust and specific fluorescence pattern in the β cells of InsIIEGFP mice. This innovative method of visualizing β cells will be a useful tool in the study of both β cell physiology and the development of the endocrine cells of the pancreas.genesis 43:166–174, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Development of an Ultrasonic Performance Demonstration System for Dissimilar Metal Welds in Korean Nuclear Power Plants

To work towards better reliability of ultrasonic testing systems, the Korean Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) published Bulletin 2004-13 in June 2004. This was replaced by the Ministry of Education and Science Technology (MEST) Bulletin 2009-37 published in September 2009, which directed that all nuclear power plants in Korea shall implement performance demonstration of dissimilar metal welds. Meeting the MEST bulletin requirements and increasing the reliability of ultrasonic testing require the development of a dissimilar metal weld performance demonstration system for ultrasonic testing. The present paper describes the development of a performance demonstration system for dissimilar metal weld ultrasonic testing for nuclear power plants, which meets the requirements of ASME Code Section XI, Appendix VIII and MEST Bulletin 2009-37 and details some of the results obtained for the system.
A meta-analytic review of surface electromyography among persons with low back pain and normal, healthy controls.

Significant differences in surface electromyography (SEMG) have been reported between persons with low back pain (LBP) and normal, healthy controls. This manuscript presents a systematic meta-analytic review of studies examining SEMG differences between these groups. Forty-four articles were identified using MEDLINE and a review of reference lists in articles. For static SEMG, the largest effect size was observed for SEMG while standing, with subjects having LBP demonstrating higher SEMG. The effect size for flexion/relaxation measures was found to be very high (d 1.71). Studies examining SEMG during isometric exercise or muscle recovery following exercise produced inconsistent findings. Sensitivity and specificity of SEMG for dynamic SEMG measures averaged 88.8% and 81.3%. Most classification schemes were statistically determined and utilized a combina- tion of measures. Only one published study prospectively validated a classification scheme. SEMG measures of flexion-relaxation appear to distinguish LBP subjects from controls with good accuracy, and the sensitivity and specificity of SEMG can be increased by using multiple measures. Further research is needed to determine the combination of measures that are cost-effective, reliable, valid and discriminate with a high degree of accuracy between healthy persons and those with LBP. Perspective: SEMG is a simple and noninvasive measure of muscle activity. SEMG measures hold promise as an objective marker of LBP.
Protandry, synchronized flowering and sequential phenotypic unisexuality in neotropical Pentagonia macrophylla (Rubiaceae)

The neotropical shrub Pentagonia macrophylla Benth. (Rubiaceae) has protandrous two-day flowers. Synchronous development among flowers on a single individual results in sequential phenotypic unisexuality: the entire plant alternates gender from day to day. Pistillate flowers produce more nectar than staminate flowers at comparable hours, but this difference does not result in different paterns of visitation to male and female flowers by hummingbird pollinators. Rare periods of bisexuality occur due to asynchronous floral development within or between inflorescences and are always followed by return to a synchronized pattern of alternation of gender. Reestablishment of synchrony usually involves a timeframe shift in the pattern of flowering (i.e., a plant produces staminate flowers on days when it previously would have been pistillate). It is suggested that timeframe shifts occur in response to inadequate pollination and serve to either desynchronize the plant from neighboring conspecifics or to temporarily allow self-pollination.
Sensitization and Habituation of Motivated Behavior in Overweight and Non-Overweight Children.

The rate of habituation to food is inversely related to energy intake, and overweight children may habituate slower to food and consume more energy. This study compared patterns of sensitization, as defined by an initial increase in operant or motivated responding for food, and habituation, defined by gradual reduction in responding, for macaroni and cheese and pizza in overweight and non-overweight 8-12 year-old children. Non-overweight children habituated faster to both foods than overweight children (p = 0.03). All children recovered motivated responding for a new food (chocolate). Overweight children consumed more energy than non-overweight children (p = 0.0004). Children who showed a sensitization in responding consumed more food (p = 0.001), and sensitization moderated the effect of overweight on habituation, with slower habituation for overweight children who sensitized (p < 0.0001). This study replicates previous data on overweight/non-overweight differences in habituation of food and of energy intake, and provides new information that individual differences in sensitization and habituation of motivated responding to food cues may be associated with a sustained motivation to eat, resulting in greater energy intake.
The vitamin content of retail vegetables in the UK

Raw and cooked vegetables were sampled at the retail level over a two-year period and were analysed for selected vitamins. Thiamin, riboflavin, total B6 (pyridoxamine, pyridoxal and pyridoxine) and nicotinic acid were measured by HPLC, total ascorbate (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids) by fluorimetric determination, total folate by microbiological assay and carotenoids by spectrometry. The results were compared to values in McCance and Widdowson's The Composition of Foods and used to calculate the contribution to average daily intakes of these vitamins in the UK diet. Revised data for ascorbate, B6 and carotenoids were in good agreement with food table data, thiamin values were on average 2–3 times higher, and riboflavin and nicotinic acid values 20–50% lower. Folate results were generally higher than Food Table values for vegetables. If the revised folate values for potatoes are also taken into consideration, then the contribution that vegetables make to the average daily intake for folate may have been underestimated by about 20%. Average cooking losses (boiling and frying) were also in good agreement with previous data.
Infrared spectroelectrochemical and electrochemical kinetics studies of the reaction of nickel cluster radicals [Ni3(μ2-dppm)3(μ3-L) (μ3I)]•(L = CNR, R = CH3, i-C3H7, C6H11, CH2C6H5, t-C4H9, 2,6-Me2C6H3; L = CO) with carbon dioxide

Abstract The trinuclear nickel clusters [Ni 3 ( μ 2 -dppm) 3 ( μ 3 -L) ( μ 3 -I)][PF 6 ] (L = CNR, R = CH 3 ( 1 ), i-C 3 H 7 ( 2 ), C 6 H 11 ( 3 ), CH 2 C 6 H 5 ( 4 ), 1-C 4 H 9 ( 5 ), 2,6-Me 2 C 6 H 3 ( 6 ); L = CO ( 7 ); dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) undergo single electron reduction over a relatively narrow range of E 1/2 (+/0) (− 1.08 to − 1.18 V versus SCE in acetonitrile) to form neutral radicals, [Ni 3 ( μ 2 -dppm) 3 ( μ 3 -L) ( μ 3 -I)] • . Specular reflectance IR spectroelectrochemical measurements were used to characterize these species and their reactions with CO 2 . Studies in the absence of CO 2 show that the capping isocyanide or carbonyl ligand remains triply bridging ( μ 3 , η 1 ) upon single electron reduction. Electrochemical kinetics studies indicate that the rates of reaction with CO 2 depend to first order on [cluster] and to first order on [CO 2 ]. The rate constants for the rate limiting step in the reduction of CO 2 by the clusters, k CO 2 (M −1 s −1 ), are 1.6±0.3 ( 1 ), 1.4±0.3 ( 2 ), 0.5±0.1 ( 3 ), 0.2±0.05 ( 4 ), 0.0±0.05 ( 5 ), 0.0±0.05 ( 6 ), and 0.1±0.1 ( 7 ). Thus, the relative rates of reaction of the alkyl or aryl substituted isocyanide or carbonyl capped clusters with CO 2 follow the order: CNCH 3 ( 1 ) ∼ CN(i-C 3 H 7 ) ( 2 ) > CNC 6 H 11 ( 3 ) > CNCH 2 C 6 H 5 ( 4 ) > CO ( 7 ) > CN ( t -C 4 H 9 ) ( 5 ) ∼ CN(2,6-Me 2 C 6 H 3 ) ( 6 ). On the basis of these kinetic and spectroscopic studies, a mechanism for the catalytic reduction of CO 2 involving CO 2 activation on the isocyanide-capped face of the trinuclear nickel clusters is proposed.
Hybrid hydraulic-electric power unit for field and service robots

Energetic autonomy of a hydraulic-based mobile field robot requires a power source capable of both electrical and hydraulic power generation. While the hydraulic power is used for locomotion, the electric power is used for the computer, sensors and other peripherals. An internal combustion engine was used as the prime mover due to the high energy density of gasoline. The primary specification for this hybrid hydraulic-electric power unit (HEPU) is that it must output constant pressure hydraulic power and constant voltage electric power. An on-board computer uses a pressure sensor and a speed sensor to regulate the pressure and voltage by modulating a hydraulic solenoid valve and an engine throttle. The speed regulation also results in a system noise with predictable frequency band which allows for optimal muffler design. A novel characteristic of this power source is its cooling system in which hydraulic fluid is used to cool the engine cylinders. Several hydraulic-electric power units were built and successfully demonstrated on the Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) shown on bleex.me.berkeley.edu/bleex.htm. A prototype power unit weighs 27 Kg, outputs 2.3 kW (3.0 hp) hydraulic power at 6.9 MPa (1000 psi), and 220 W of electric power at 15 VDC.
The mechanical behavior of polycrystalline hafnium: strain-rate and temperature dependence

The mechanical behavior of polycrystalline hafnium has been investigated over a wide range of strain rates (10−4–105 s−1) and temperatures (298–1023 K). Hafnium specimens were tested in compression and shear using servohydraulic machines, the compression Kolsky bar, and pressure-shear plate impact. The hafnium compression specimens show an unusual strain-hardening behavior, with strong but constant strain hardening for strains <10%, then very strong and increasing hardening up to strains of ≈25%, and finally decreasing hardening until the stress reaches a maximum (in compression). The maximum in the compressive stress–strain curve is associated with the onset of strongly inhomogeneous deformation in the specimen. At larger strains (beyond that corresponding to the maximum stress), the cylindrical hafnium compression specimens fail by localized shearing deformations involving the nucleation, growth and coalescence of microvoids. The flow stress sustained by hafnium is found to be strongly dependent on the rate of deformation over the range of strain rates investigated in this work. Further, the degree of strain hardening is also found to be larger at high strain rates. A 150% increase in flow stress is observed for a change in strain rate over eight orders of magnitude. Twinning is an important deformation mechanism in hafnium and increases with an increase in strain or strain rate. However, at high temperatures deformation occurs entirely by dislocation activity and no twinning is observed. Finally, it is shown that the compressive behavior of hafnium up to a strain of 10% can be modeled reasonably well using a modified form of the Zerilli and Armstrong model (for f.c.c. materials) for a broad range of temperatures (298–1023 K) and strain rates (10−4–103 s−1).
A review of ion sources for accelerator mass spectrometry

Abstract Accelerator mass spectrometry places unusually difficult demands on ion source design and possible ways of meeting these are discussed. A brief review of the state-of-the-art methods of generating negative ion beams of beryllium, carbon, aluminum, chlorine and calcium are presented. A new method of producing 20–25 μA of 12C− ions from CO2 gas is described in detail with emphasis on accelerator 14C dating. Ionization efficiency is high (∼ 7.7%) and it may be possible to date samples containing 100 μg of 12C (i.e. ∼ 0.2 at. cm3 of CO2). Accelerator measurements with contemporary CO2 followed by CO2 from anthracite enabled the age of the latter to be determined to be > 39000 years without background subtraction.
Chemical characterization of volatile organic compounds near the World Trade Center: Ambient concentrations and source apportionment

Abstract Concentrations of 53 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are reported from four locations near the World Trade Center (WTC) (New York, USA) complex for canister samples collected from September 2001 through January 2002. Across the four sampling sites, mean concentrations ranged from 94.5 to 219 μ g m - 3 for total VOCs. The highest mean concentrations for individual VOCs at any site were for ethane ( 18.7 μ g m - 3 ) , isopentane ( 17.1 μ g m - 3 ) , and m , p -xylenes ( 17.0 μ g m - 3 ) . VOC concentrations were generally highest for samples collected north and west of the WTC complex. Concentrations of total VOCs (and most individual VOCs) decreased from the period when fires were present at the WTC complex (before 19 December 2001) to the period after fires. The EPA Unmix Version 5.0 receptor model was used to assess the impact of WTC fires and recovery efforts on ambient VOC concentrations. Four factors were identified: burning of building debris, a mixed recovery/heating source, motor vehicle exhaust, and a mixed gasoline source.
Network Topology and City Accessibility of the Commercial Internet

The rapid growth in this decade of World Wide Web access through the Internet is supported by a complex matrix of telecommunications infrastructure. This paper presents an overview of the history of the Internet and recent efforts to measure its structure and performance, and examines the spatial organization of the commercial Internet backbone. The research presented in this paper differs from previous Internet measurement work in that we apply network analysis methods to evaluate Internet connectivity. Transportation network analysis techniques are applied to measure 1) connectivity of individual service provider networks and 2) accessibility of cities to Internet service. The results reveal many different strategies implemented by service providers in network design as well as large differences in levels of accessibility of cities and regions in the United States. There is also an apparent disparity between population and city accessibility to the Internet.
Radial flow of two immiscible fluids: analytical solutions and bifurcations

We derive a novel set of analytical solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations describing stationary plane motion of two immiscible fluids emitted from a two-dimensional point source. The solutions are two-fluid generalizations of Jeffery–Hamel flows. The presence of an interface yields an unexpectedly rich and complex structure of solutions. Each set of physical parameter values admits a hierarchy of three different types of solution. The solutions bifurcate when parameters of the flow change sufficiently, with each type of solution having a different bifurcation diagram.
13C NMR studies on dibenz[b,f]azepines

The assignment of the 13C nmr resonances of six dibenz[b,f]azepines (1-6) in dimethylsulfoxide-d6 was made using chemical shift arguments, coupling to a fluorine substituent, selective proton decoupling, and fully coupled spectra. Exchange of the heterocyclic N-H with deuterium simplified and clarified the coupled spectrum of 1.
Bistable Nature of the Hydrophobic Contact Angle on Rough Surfaces

This paper studies the bistable nature of the hydrophobic contact angle on the rough surfaces. It was experimentally shown that a droplet of liquid can liquid can form two different contact angles on a surface that has roughness patterns. External disturbances can cause a transition between the two different energy states. This paper verifies the theoretical prediction by matching experiments and establishes a design criterion for a robust hydrophobic rough surface on which the contact angle will not change due to external disturbances. This fact is critical in microfluidic applications, where a rough surface is used for applications based on wettability amplification.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Clinical impact of second harmonic imaging and left heart contrast in echocardiographic stress testing.

Second harmonic imaging and left heart contrast agents are recent echocardiographic advancements that enhance the assessment of wall motion. Because little information exists concerning their clinical impact on echocardiographic stress testing in daily practice, this was determined for 9-month periods before (1997) and after (1998) their introduction. Harmonic imaging was used in all patients after its introduction. A second generation intravenous left heart contrast agent (Optison) was used at the discretion of the sonographer and physician team. Both exercise and dobutamine stress tests were included. At the time of study interpretation, diagnostic confidence was assigned as high, medium, or low. For all patients who underwent coronary angiography ≤6 months after stress testing, the diagnostic accuracy was determined (true positive plus true negative/total studies). There were 574 studies before and 746 studies after implementation. Optison was used in 28% of the harmonic imaging studies. Study cancellations due to uninterpretable images fell from 6.4% to 1.2% (p <0.001) despite a more obese population completing testing (body mass index: 29 ± 7 to 31 ± 8 kg/m2, p = 0.02), whereas high diagnostic confidence increased from 55% to 64% (p <0.001). For the 7% of patients who underwent cardiac catheterization, the diagnostic accuracy remained unchanged (74 vs 73%) although a prior negative stress test was less common (40% to 20% p = 0.04). Thus, these new technologies had a favorable clinical impact.