cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Annual cycle of plasma androgens and testicular composition in the rough-skinned newt, Taricha granulosa.

Seasonal changes in reproductive status of adult male Taricha granulosa were studied. Spermatogenetic activity was found to resume in late spring when the concentration of androgen (testosterone plus dihydrotestosterone) in the plasma is low, less than 5 ng/ml. The concentration of androgen remain low during the summer, until spermatogenesis is nearly complete and spermiogenesis is occurring. Spermiation begins in early autumn coincident to a pronounced increase in plasma androgens (54.7 ± 7.9 ng/ml). A second peak in androgen concentration occurs in the spring as spermiation is completed and breeding activity is most intense.
Modulating Inverter System for Variable-Speed Induction Motor Drive (GM Electrovair II)

The induction motor control system of the battery- powered Electrovair II, where a thyristor (controlled rectifier) modulating inverter supplies the three-phase variable frequency and modulates the voltage level as required by the induction motor is described. Electrovair I, which preceded Electrovair II, used separate power circuits to perform the functions of voltage-level control and frequency generation.
Planar optofluidics for single molecule analysis

The recent development of liquid-core antiresonant reflecting optical (ARROW) waveguides for integrated optofluidic devices is reviewed. Advanced fluorescence detection techniques and single bioparticle detection on a chip are presented, and an outlook for planar integrated optofludics for novel biomedical instrumentation is given.
Simulation of diffusion controlled reaction kinetics using cellular automata

Abstract Cellular automata techniques are employed to simulate the irreversible bimolecular reaction kinetics of particles diffusing in two dimensions. The reaction induces a marked short-range anticorrelation between the reacting species. The simulation results are compared with the predictions of a discrete stochastic model which ignores interparticle correlations.
The Radioactivity Induced in Oxygen by Deuteron Bombardment

An induced radioactivity of half-life 1.16 minutes has been observed after the bombardment of oxygen or its compounds by 3 MV deuterons. The disintegration particles were observed to be positrons. Chemical tests showed that the active substance was an isotope of fluorine. The probable reactions are therefore: ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}+{\mathrm{D}}^{2}={\mathrm{F}}^{17}+{n}^{1}; {\mathrm{F}}^{17}={\mathrm{O}}^{17}+{e}^{+}.$ A product of the same properties was already known to be induced in nitrogen under $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{p}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{l}\mathrm{e}$ bombardment. The activation function of oxygen has been measured by collecting radioactive recoil atoms at several points along the path of the deuteron beam when it is passing through an atmosphere of oxygen. The excitation curve drops very rapidly and goes to zero at about 2 MV deuteron energy. This is best accounted for by assuming that energy disappears in this reaction, and that the energy of reaction is the negative of the threshold energy. By correcting for recoil, $Q=\ensuremath{-}1.8$ MV. To confirm this estimate of the energy of reaction, the maximum angle between the direction of the deuteron beam and the paths of the radioactive recoil atoms has been measured. A piece of optical quartz (Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$) was bombarded at a glancing angle by a narrow beam of deuterons, and radioactive recoil atoms were collected on a cylindrical strip of copper which was placed about the target. The maximum angle of recoil was found to be about 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} which corresponds to $Q=\ensuremath{-}1.3$ MV. The agreement with the value, -1.8 MV found previously, is within the errors of the measurements. In order to check the method the same experiment was performed with a graphite target; the longer half-life of the active material made possible a more accurate measurement. The maximum angle of recoil was found to be 42\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} for the activation of carbon; this corresponds to $Q=\ensuremath{-}0.1$ MV for the reaction ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}+{\mathrm{D}}^{2}={\mathrm{N}}^{13}+{n}^{1}$. This agrees reasonably well with the experimental value of $Q$ found by Tuve and Hafstad and with the value of $Q$ which is deduced from maximum energy of the positrons from ${\mathrm{N}}^{13}$ and the range of the protons which are emitted when carbon is bombarded by deuterons.
Localizing the Sentinel Node Outside of the Specialty Center: Success of a Lymphatic Mapping Course in Disseminating New Technology

Background: Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is an evolving technology in the management of breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the success of an SNB course in emphasizing principles for participants to successfully initiate an SNB program at their institution.
Reactivation study for NASA Lewis Research Center's hypersonic tunnel facility

The Hypersonic Tunnel Facility (HTF) at NASA Lewis Research Center's Plum Brook Station is a blowdown, free-jet, nonvitiated propulsion facility capable of Mach 5, 6, and 7 with true temperature, altitude, and air composition simulation. The facility has been in a deactivated status for 13 years. Discussed are the capabilities of HTF, and the results of a deactivation study recently conducted to determine the cost, schedule, and technical effort required to restore HTF to its original design operating capabilities are summarized.
A multimethod approach to measuring anger in children.

Summary In order to investigate the relationship between self-reported anger, peer-report of anger, teacher ratings of anger, and the presence of anger management problems in emotionally disturbed children, 38 children in a psychiatric hospital served as subjects. Results indicated that there was a significant relationship between a child's self-report score obtained on the Children's Inventory of Anger and his or her behavior as perceived by peers and as presented at the time of admission to the hospital. Teacher ratings were related to peer reports but not to either self-report or the presenting problems that brought the child to the hospital. Results were discussed in terms of their implications for future research and the need to view anger from different perspectives.
Theoretical aspects of dipolar interactions and their appearance in first-order reversal curves of thermally activated single-domain particles

[1] Recently, the study of interacting particles was driven by the modeling effort undertaken to interpret first-order reversal curve (FORC) diagrams of natural rocks and sediments. Understanding the effect of magnetostatic interactions is of primary importance in rock magnetism and paleomagnetism, and FORCs can provide useful information for this purpose. However, fully quantitative theories of FORC measurements have not been formulated yet. The goal of this paper is to fill this gap for the case of interacting single-domain (SD) particles. First, a general analytical expression is obtained for the local interaction field produced by a random set of magnetic dipoles. This expression is then used to formulate a general theory that explains the effect of the local interaction field on FORCs. Exact solutions are obtained for the case of weakly interacting single-domain particles, whereby the effect of thermal activations is considered as well. These solutions show that a rigorous analysis of the FORC function and its relationship with the distributions of coercivities and interaction fields is possible.
Distinct Mechanisms of Tumor Resistance to NK Killing: Of Mice and Men

Tumors cells can release natural killer (NK) cell ligands for activating receptor NKG2D that are thought to inhibit NK cell function. In a recent issue of Science, Deng et al. (2015) show that, unexpectedly, a soluble NKG2D ligand can enhance anti-tumor NK cell activity.
Cooling Rate Effect on Outgrowth of Clostridium Perfringens in Cooked, Ready-to-Eat Turkey Breast Roasts

The potential for Clostridium perfringens spores to germinate and grow in cooked, ready-to-eat turkey products was evaluated to determine a safe cooling rate within the critical temperatures of 48.9 C (120 F) through 12.8 C (55 F). Raw turkey deli breast roasts were inoculated with a cocktail of C. perfringens spores (NCTC 8238, NCTC 8239, and NCTC 10388) and cooked in a steam oven to an internal temperature of 72 C. The sample roasts were then cooled through the critical cooling range at rates yielding cooling times of 6, 8, and 10 h. Turkey roasts were analyzed for spore growth and multiplication using tryptose-sulfite-cycloserine agar and anaerobic incubation at 37 C for 48 h. Cooling times of 6 and 8 h showed no proliferation of C. perfringens that would violate the USDA/Food Safety Inspection Service safe cooling standard criteria, which would allow no more than a 1 log10 multiplication between 48.9 and 12.8 C. A 9.6-h cooling period between the designated temperatures at a 95% confidence interval was determined to be adequate for nonproliferation of C. perfringens. On the other hand, a 95% tolerance interval would be more stringent in that it suggests no more than an 8.9-h cooling period. Tolerance intervals required that 95% of all our observations did not exceed the limit of 1 log10 increase in C. perfringens. This study indicated that in cooked, ready-to-eat turkey deli breasts, a cooling period between 48.9 C (120 F) and 12.8 C (55 F) of no greater than 8.9 h should be utilized to prevent possible C. perfringens foodborne outbreaks.
Interferon beta increases c-Myc proteolysis in mouse monocyte/macrophage leukemia cells

Abstract Growth inhibitory activity of interferons (IFNs) has been attributed to several events. These include rapid induction of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, such as those in the Cip/Kip and Ink4 families and down-regulation of c- myc mRNA and c-Myc transcriptional activity. Here, we report an additional mechanism, involving regulation of Myc protein levels, through which type 1 IFN may halt proliferation of cells. This was discovered using a cell line which constitutively expresses c- myc from a retrovirus vector and which was reported to have undergone deletion of genes encoding the Ink4 tumor suppressors p15 and p16. IFNβ caused a reduction in the steady state level of c-Myc protein by increasing degradation through the 26S proteasome. Our data, as well as that of others, indicate that multiple levels of c-Myc expression can be affected by IFN treatment and this contributes to rapid growth arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle.
Agent-based inference for animal movement and selection

Contemporary ecologists often find themselves with an overwhelming amount of data to analyze. For example, it is now possible to collect nearly continuous spatiotemporal data on animal locations via global positioning systems and other satellite telemetry technology. In addition, there is a wealth of readily available environmental data via geographic information systems and remote sensing. We present a modeling framework that utilizes these forms of data and builds on previous research pertaining to the quantitative analysis of animal movement. This approach provides additional insight into the environmental drivers of residence and movement as well as resource selection while accommodating path uncertainty. The methods are demonstrated in an application involving mule deer movement in the La Sal Range, Utah, USA. Supplemental materials for this article are available online.
Theory of the azimuthal distribution of molecular orbital x-ray emission

Abstract Full dynamical calculations, including electron slip, of molecular-orbital X-ray emission in heavy-ion—atom collisions give very small azimuthal anisotropies, in qualitative agreement with experiments.
Regulation of Rev1 by the Fanconi Anemia Core Complex

The Fanconi anemia pathway is involved in the repair of DNA interstrand cross-links, but it is also involved in regulation of translesion synthesis (TLS). The protein FAAP20 is now identified as a subunit of the Fanconi anemia core complex. FAAP20 interacts with TLS DNA polymerase Rev1, stabilizing Rev1's association with PCNA and promoting DNA damage bypass.
On a McKean‐Vlasov Stochastic Integro‐differential Evolution Equation of Sobolev‐Type

Abstract We establish the global existence and uniqueness of mild solutions for a class of first‐order abstract stochastic Sobolev‐type integro‐differential equations in a real separable Hilbert space in which we allow the nonlinearities at a given time t to depend not only on the state of the solution at time, t, but also on the corresponding probability distribution at time t. Results concerning the continuous dependence of solutions on the initial data and almost sure exponential stability, as well as an extension of the existence result to the case in which the classical initial condition is replaced by a so‐called nonlocal initial condition, are also discussed. Finally, an example is provided to illustrate the applicability of the general theory.
Optimum design height of cofferdams

Abstract The cost of Cofferdams as a function of design height is described by a basic lot size model. The cost components include construction and flooding risk cost, the former increases while the latter decreases with design height. Using an exponential function for the expected number of floods, together with Poisson assumptions, an expression is derived for the probability of no flooding. From this expression a reliability chart is constructed that can be used to estimate the flooding risk for a given design height and period. By minimizing the cost objective function, a design chart is also presented giving optimum design height in terms of parameters such as: estimated daily flooding cost, construction cost per unit height, average flood duration, mean and variance of the hydrological data. Sensitivity of the solution to errors in estimating model parameters is discussed.
Partial characterization of a unique mitogenic activity secreted by rat Sertoli cells.

Abstract Sertoli cell conditioned medium (SCCM) contains a potent mitogen, Sertoli cell secreted growth factor (SCSGF). A431 cells, derived from a human epidermoid carcinoma have provided an excellent model cell line for the study of this apparently unique activity secreted by rat Sertoli cells in vitro. Previously, it was shown that SCCM contained an epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like activity which was thought to be the mitogen for A431 cells. The present study showed that these two factors are distinct entities. The secretion of the EGF-like activity decreased with increasing number of culture days, while that of SCSGF and of another Sertoli cell specific protein, transferrin remained constant. The addition of SCCM stimulated whereas 2.5 ng/ml EGF inhibited the A431 cell growth. The proliferative response of A431 cells to a wide variety of growth factors and known Sertoli cell secretions was investigated. SCSGF was the only growth factor of known Sertoli cell secretions tested (transforming growth factors (TGFα, TGFβ), EGF, bombesin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2), prostaglandins E-1 and E-2, insulin, transferrin and lactate) which stimulated A431 cell proliferation. SCSGF was mitogenic for A431 cells even in the presence of serum in the culture medium. The partially purified SCSGF was heat- and acid-stable, protease-sensitive with a molecular weight of 14,000. It did not bind to heparin or concanavalin A-Sepharose. The secretion of a mitogenic activity by the Sertoli cell which is different from other previously identified growth factors and which coincides with active spermatogenesis could have important implications in the regulation of spermatogenesis.
Revisiting Evidence for Sustainability of Bushmeat Hunting in West Africa

Bushmeat hunting, a key source of dietary protein, has been implicated as a major extinction threat to tropical vertebrate species in West Africa. Ideally, any such hunting of wild species should be done sustainably, with off-take levels low enough to ensure viability of harvested species. Recent work purports to show that a mature bushmeat market in a major city in Ghana operates sustainably after depletion of vulnerable, slow-reproducing species (Cowlishaw and others 2005). I revisit two aspects of this work. First, I retest the prediction that larger species are transported to the market from greater distances, as expected if overexploitation depletes large species close to the city. Cowlishaw and others failed to find a significantly positive relationship between species-specific body mass and distance between capture site and the market. However, my reanalysis provides evidence for a positive relationship after all, consistent with unsustainable harvesting. In particular, ungulate species were harvested significantly farther from the market than smaller-bodied rodent species. Second, I caution that just because species "persist" in the marketplace in no way implies that they can withstand hunting pressure elsewhere and so should be of little concern to conservationists. I reveal that such species, despite their high intrinsic rates of population growth, are not robust elsewhere. Several of them have disappeared from a network of protected areas in Ghana (Brashares and others 2001). I show that faster-reproducing species are not necessarily more likely to persist in protected areas. The mere presence of fast-reproducing species in a mature bushmeat market should not be construed as generalizable robustness; criteria for ecological sustainability should ensure viability; and harvested species should be robust, not highly prone to extinction, in protected areas.
Reactions of the ethyl radical. II. Addition to unsaturated hydrocarbons

The kinetic study of the addition of the ethyl radical to the multiple bond has revealed the effect of various structural factors upon molecular reactivity. Hydrocarbons were selected as representative of the classes: 1-alkyne, 1-alkene and 2-methyl 1-alkene. Values for the energy of activation ( E 7 ‒ ½ E 2 ) are distinct at 8·8 ± 0·4, 7·0 ± 0·2 and 5·7 ± 0·9 kcal mole -1 respec­tively for these classes. The value of the frequency factor is sensitive to any structural feature able to restrict the access of the ethyl radical to the double bond. The absolute value for the addition rate constant for 1-heptene is k 7 = 3·2 × 10 -13 exp (‒ 8000 ± 700)/ RT cm 3 mol. -1 s -1 . A quantitative explanation is proposed for the failure of radical catalysts to polymerize 1-heptene or 1-heptyne. A number of physical models for the addition reaction are examined in relation to the results of this paper.
Lacuna in Sankara studies: A thousand teachings (Upadeśasāhasri)

Abstract In an important text, A Thousand Teachings, sometimes overlooked by scholars, Sankara expounds non‐dualist religion. This article analyses Sankara's thought for its theoretical and practical perspectives. First, the discussion views non‐duality from the viewpoint of ignorance. This pluralistic/dualistic perspective obscures the unenlightened seeker's vision of the Ultimate Truth. Secondly, the study examines Sankara's introduction of a transitional idea, Unevolved Name‐and‐Form (avyākrte nāmarūpe). Such an idea assists the seeker's intellectual progress from the state of ignorance to a rational understanding leading toward nonduality (Advaita Vedānta). Finally, the exposition clarifies Sankara's expression of the “knowledge of Brahman”. This fulfilling wisdom affects a transformation of the life experience of the unenlightened. Subsequently disciplined in meditation (parisamkhyāna), the persistent seeker develops into an experiencer of the non‐duality (advaitavāda).
Multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray crystallographic investigation of some mixed ligand alkylisocyanide platinum(II) complexes

Abstract Single crystal X-ray diffraction structure determination of tetra-n-butylammonium tricyanomethylisocyanideplatinate(II) (1) show that the complex does not feature stacking of the anions or significant Pt–Pt orbital interactions. The cis-dicyanobismethylisocyanideplatinum(II) (2) and cis-dicyanobisethylisocyanideplatinum(II) (3) complexes do crystallize with the platinum atoms collinear with one another but with a Pt–Pt separation distance on the order of 3.5 A, which is too great for significant orbital overlap. In each of the complexes studied, the Pt–CNR bond lengths of the isocyanides are shorter than the Pt–CN bond lengths of the cyanide ligands. Additionally, each of these complexes have Pt–CNR bond distances marginally shorter than in the parent complex, [Pt(CNR)4][BF4]2 (5). The shortened Pt–CNR distances in the mixed complexes are consistent with the isocyanide ligand being a stronger π-acid than the cyanide ligand, resulting in a preferred cis configuration of the mixed ligand complexes. In solution, the NMR spectra of these complexes are unusual because they display 195Pt–14N and 1H–14N coupling with high resolution. The NMR parameters of these complexes are compared with those of Pt ( CN ) 4 2 - and Pt ( CNR ) 4 2 + (R = CH3 or C2H5).
A Spatio-Temporal Downscaler for Output From Numerical Models

Often, in environmental data collection, data arise from two sources: numerical models and monitoring networks. The first source provides predictions at the level of grid cells, while the second source gives measurements at points. The first is characterized by full spatial coverage of the region of interest, high temporal resolution, no missing data but consequential calibration concerns. The second tends to be sparsely collected in space with coarser temporal resolution, often with missing data but, where recorded, provides, essentially, the true value. Accommodating the spatial misalignment between the two types of data is of fundamental importance for both improved predictions of exposure as well as for evaluation and calibration of the numerical model. In this article we propose a simple, fully model-based strategy to downscale the output from numerical models to point level. The static spatial model, specified within a Bayesian framework, regresses the observed data on the numerical model output using spatially-varying coefficients which are specified through a correlated spatial Gaussian process.As an example, we apply our method to ozone concentration data for the eastern U.S. and compare it to Bayesian melding (Fuentes and Raftery 2005) and ordinary kriging (Cressie 1993; Chiles and Delfiner 1999). Our results show that our method outperforms Bayesian melding in terms of computing speed and it is superior to both Bayesian melding and ordinary kriging in terms of predictive performance; predictions obtained with our method are better calibrated and predictive intervals have empirical coverage closer to the nominal values. Moreover, our model can be easily extended to accommodate for the temporal dimension. In this regard, we consider several spatio-temporal versions of the static model. We compare them using out-of-sample predictions of ozone concentration for the eastern U.S. for the period May 1-October 15, 2001. For the best choice, we present a summary of the analysis. Supplemental material, including color versions of Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and MCMC diagnostic plots, are available online.
Photoelectron and electron energy loss spectra of epitaxial aluminum nitride

Abstract The valence bands of epitaxial layers of A1N were studied by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. A self-consistent band structure was calculated and the resultant density of states compared with the UPS spectra. Qualitative agreement was good, with discrepancies arising primarily from the neglect of dipole matrix elements.
Forging the missing link in free energy estimations: λ-WHAM in thermodynamic integration, overlap histogramming, and free energy perturbation

Abstract Free energy calculations play an essential role in computational physics. As often observed, based on the same set of simulated data, various free energy estimators, such as thermodynamic integration, overlap histogramming, and free energy perturbation, usually have different convergence behavior. In the present work, a λ -WHAM approach is developed to forge such missing link by refining the energy derivative histograms with the maximal likelihood treatment. Using these λ -WHAM generated energy derivative histograms, free energy estimation efficiency and accuracy are optimally improved; more interestingly, with this additional λ -WHAM component, these seemingly different theoretical approaches become identical.
Experimental sensitivities for 3 MeV neutron activation analysis

The experimental sensitivity for 72 different elements using 3 MeV neutron activation has been investigated. Using a 200 kV Cockcroft-Walton neutron generator with a 3 MeV neutron flux of about 1.5·106n·cm−2·sec−1, γ-ray spectra of 51 elements were obtained with a sufficient number of photopeak counts for sensitivity calculations using a photopeak integration method. A useful table summarizing the sensitivity results is given. That 3 MeV neutron activation analysis is practical, is demonstrated by the experimental sensitivities obtained.
Predictors of in-hospital mortality among hospitalized nursing home residents: an analysis of the National Hospital Discharge Surveys 2005-2006.

Objective To determine the demographic and clinical predictors of in-hospital mortality among hospitalized nursing home (NH) residents. Design Retrospective analysis of the public-use copies of the 2005–2006 National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) datasets. Setting Non-federal acute-care, short-stay hospitals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Participants Participants were 1904 and 1752 NH residents, 45 years or older, hospitalized in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Measurements In-hospital mortality. Methods A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to determine independent predictors of in-hospital mortality using the 2005 dataset. The model was then applied to the 2006 dataset to determine the generalizability of the predictors. Results Significant independent predictors of in-hospital mortality in 2005 included age 85 years or older (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–5.30; P =.013), acute respiratory failure (adjusted OR, 5.67; 95% CI, 3.51–9.17; P P P =.002). The following baseline characteristics also predicted in-hospital mortality in 2006: age 85 years or older (adjusted OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.31–4.59; P =.005), acute respiratory failure (adjusted OR, 7.11; 95% CI, 4.46–11.33; P P P Conclusion Among hospitalized NH residents, age 85 years or older and several acute conditions, but not chronic morbidities, predicted in-hospital mortality. Elderly NH residents at risk of developing these acute conditions may benefit from palliative care.
Application of liposomes to sonoporation

Abstract A method to prepare liposomes is presented. Liposomes made in our laboratory were characterized acoustically and optically. The phase velocity and attenuation of liposomes in suspension (concentration = 109/mL) were measured, ranging from 2 to 14 MHz, using ultrasound spectroscopy. Anti-rabbit IgG conjugated with Alexafluor 647 was delivered into Jurkat cells in suspension, using the liposomes, by 10 % duty cycle ultrasound tonebursts of 2.2 MHz (the in situ spatial peak-pressure amplitude = 80W/cm2) with an efficiency of 13 %. It has been experimentally shown that liposomes may be an alternative stable agent to Optison for delivering macromolecules into cells.
Using Light Scattering to Locate Less Than a Microgram of Protein per Band in Polyacrylamide Tube Gels after Isoelectric Focusing

Abstract After separation by isoelectric focusing (IEF) or nonequilibrium pH gradient electrophoresis (NEPHGE) in 9.2 M urea polyacrylamide tube gels, proteins with M r > 20,000 can be precipitated by shaking the gels in 25% methanol. When a fiber-optic illuminator is placed in contact with the end of the gel, the cylindrical gel transmits light by internal reflection. In regions of the gel where protein is precipitated, this light is scattered, making it visible when the gel is viewed in a darkened room against a black background. The sensitivity of the method is moderate: less than 1 μg protein per band (in a 3-mm diameter gel) can be detected. Because the protein in the bands precipitates rapidly (30 min), the solution used (25% methanol) is fairly benign to proteins, and the apparatus is not expensive, this technique should be useful in several situations including electrophoretic purification schemes. This method is especially useful for evaluating the quality of an IEF or NEPHGE tube gel before using it forthe second dimension of a two-dimensional gel.
Two-parameter continuation algorithms for sensitivity analysis, parametric dependence, reduced mechanisms, and stability criteria of ignition and extinction

Abstract A two-parameter continuation algorithm is developed for combustion processes which can calculate exact (within some tolerance) ignition and extinction conditions and provide sensitivity of ignition and extinction solutions on chemical and transport/fluid mechanics parameters. In addition, two-parameter bifurcation diagrams of ignition and extinction conditions versus any parameter (e.g., pressure) can be computer-generated. The new algorithm surmounts limitations of previous simulations, where approximate critical conditions for flame stability were determined, and extends sensitivity of regular solutions to critical solutions having a singular Jacobian. In conjunction with principal component analysis, this algorithm provides a systematic methodology for mechanism reduction at ignition and extinction. As an example, this methodology is applied to ignition and extinction of hydrogen/air mixtures in a jet-stirred reactor. Important reactions at ignition, extinction, and for flame multiplicity are identified. Two minimal schemes of six reactions are found to lead to flame multiplicity. The validity of quasi-steady-state approximation for all species at ignition and extinction is also examined as a function of pressure. For example, it is shown that on the second branch of the pressure-temperature (P-T) ignition diagram. H, O, and OH are in quasi-steady-state. Predictions from proposed ignition and extinction criteria are in good agreement with detailed kinetics simulations.
GaAs on Si and related systems: Problems and prospects

Abstract The dominant problem in the epitaxial growth of GaAs and other III-V compounds on silicon is the problem of threading dislocations caused by the large lattice mismatch of the compound semiconductors relative to the Si substrate. Efforts to suppress these dislocations to levels as low as are routinely achieved in epitaxy on lattice-matched substrates, have fallen far short of the goal, and there are strong theoretical arguments against this possibility. However, promising devices are being achieved despite the high dislocation densities, even demanding minority carrier devices such as quantum well lasers. Dislocations threading through narrow quantum wells are evidently far less deleterious than bulk dislocations. The prospects for VLSI HBT circuits are also promising.
Pharmacokinetic Drug Interactions with Cyclosporin (Part II)

This article reviews the reported pharmacokinetic interactions between cyclosporin and other drugs. Both rifampicin and the majority of anticonvulsants can decrease cyclosporin concentrations to levels that are at or below the limit of detection for most assays. There have been no reports of any interaction between valproic acid and cyclosporin. Other drugs that have been reported to decrease cyclosporin concentration include sulfadimidine and trimethoprim, nafcillin and octreotide. Erythromycin, ketoconazole and some calcium channel blockers have been clearly shown to increase the concentration of cyclosporin. Other less well documented interactions have been reported with other macrolide antibiotics, other azole antifungal drugs, high dose methylprednisolone, metoclopramide, fluoroquinolones, imipenem/cilastatin, oral contraceptives/danazol, sulindac, methyltestosterone, colchicine, acetazolamide, alcohol and cimetidine. Although the most commonly reported mechanism is inhibition of cyclosporin metabolism, there is increasing evidence that erythromycin, metoclopramide and probably other drugs increase the bioavailability of oral cyclosporin. Two calcium channel blockers which have not been reported to interact with cyclosporin are nifedipine and nitrendipine. With increasing use of cyclosporin, the number of drugs reported to interact will rise. Prudent clinicians should monitor the concentration of this agent more frequently when another drug is added or discontinued and cyclosporin dosage should be adjusted when appropriate. Sustained changes in cyclosporin concentration can result in graft rejection (or graft-versus-host disease) or renal toxicity. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanism of most of these interactions.
Identification of Defective TSVs in Pre-Bond Testing of 3D ICs

Pre-bond testing of TSVs has been identified as a major challenge for yield assurance in 3D ICs. We present a defective-TSV localization technique based on pre-bond probing of a network of TSVs. We describe an efficient algorithm for designing parallel TSV test sessions such that test time is reduced and a given number of faulty TSVs within the TSV network can be uniquely identified. Optimization results for various networks of TSVs highlight significant reduction in test time using the proposed method.
Abstract A86: Preclinical refinement of a highly-penetrative polymeric nanoparticle drug delivery system for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme.

Survival statistics for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) have remained static despite years of research. Two challenges must be overcome to extend survival: drug delivery and resistance to current therapies. Recently, we have developed a highly-penetrative polymeric nanoparticle system capable of being safely delivered to brain parenchyma using convection-enhanced delivery (CED). We have previously shown that this system is capable of protecting and releasing in a controlled manner agents with activity against glioma stem cells (GSCs), significantly improving survival in a rat xenograft model of GSC-derived GBM. We describe here our efforts to further refine this potential therapeutic. First, utilizing high-throughput small molecule screening of a library of generic and FDA- and internationally-approved compounds against GSCs of varying morphologies and genetic composition, we describe the discovery of a novel class of compounds with profound anti-proliferative activity against GSCs but with only very limited activity against normal glial cells. Identified compounds are notably small and lipophilic, making them ideal candidates for translation in our highly-penetrative polymeric nanoparticle system. Second, building upon recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging technology, we describe the incorporation of supraparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) in our highly-penetrative polymeric nanoparticle system. We show that incorporation of SPIO does not alter size or in vitro properties of these nanoparticles. Further, we show that SPIO-loaded nanoparticles can be safely delivered to brain parenchyma using CED and can stably release their contents in a controlled fashion over a matter of weeks. These results represent important steps toward clinical application of a promising drug delivery technology. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):A86. Citation Format: Garth W. Strohbehn, Komli-Kofi Atsina, Toral R. Patel, Joseph M. Piepmeier, Jiangbing Zhou, W. Mark Saltzman. Preclinical refinement of a highly-penetrative polymeric nanoparticle drug delivery system for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A86.
Characterization of Coxiella burnetii pyrB

The C. burnetii pyrB gene was cloned on a 7-kbp EcoR I fragment. DNA sequence analysis, enzyme assays, and amino acid homologies with E. coli and B. subtilis pyrB gene products suggest that (i) C. burnetii ATCase exists as a trimer, (ii) the microorganism may not synthesize a regulatory polypeptide, and (iii) pyrB may be part of an operon whose expression is under the control of an upstream promoter. The high degree of homology of the active site further suggests that a common mechanism of catalysis for ATCase exists between such diverse organisms as C. burnetii, E. coli, and B. subtilis.
Downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases and reduction in collagen damage in the failing human heart after support with left ventricular assist devices.

Background— Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support of the failing heart induces salutary changes in myocardial structure and function. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are increased in the failing heart and are induced by stretch in cardiac cells in vitro. We hypothesized that mechanical unloading may affect LV plasticity by regulating MMPs and their substrates. Methods and Results— LV samples were collected from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n=14) or ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM, n=16) at the time of implantation of the LVAD and again during cardiac transplantation. MMP-1, -3, and -9 were measured by ELISA, MMP-2 and -9 gelatinolytic activity by gelatin zymography, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) by Western blot. Total soluble and insoluble collagens were separated by pepsin solubilization, and the contents were determined by quantification of hydroxyproline. The undenatured soluble collagen was measured by Sircol collagen assay. The results showed that MMP-1 and -...
Thermoplastic polymers as modifiers for urea‐formaldehyde (UF) wood adhesives. II. Procedures for the preparation and characterization of thermoplastic‐modified UF wood composites

Wood composites were prepared by using wood flour (sugar maple, Acer saccharum March) and thermoplastic-modified urea-formaldehyde (UF) suspensions. Thermoplastic (5–10% w/v) was introduced into the UF suspension as an aqueous solution, a self-stabilized dispersion in water, or as a surfactant-stabilized latex. The modified suspension was blended with wood flour, and the blend was cured by using a cure cycle that was suitable for all the thermoplastic-modified UF formulations and unmodified UF controls. The wood flour composites were tested by using a notched Izod impact strength test. All formulations containing surfactant decreased the impact strength by ∼ 30–40% relative to the unmodified UF control, whereas the water-soluble thermoplastic had no effect on the impact strength. The formulations with self-dispersed thermoplastics all increased the notched Izod impact strength, with the greatest increase being 69% more than the UF control, except in a single instance when the molecular weight of the thermoplastic was very high, which decreased resin flow. Increasing the thermoplastic content from 5 to 10% w/v did not further improve the impact test results. Scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surfaces showed morphological differences in the systems that varied with the thermoplastic and method of thermoplastic addition to the UF suspension.© 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 898–907, 2003
Capacity Control in Refrigerated Systems

Powerful refrigeration methods are being deployed to cool electronic devices in test and in end-use application. Cooling capacity control is required to prevent over- or under-cooling. Various levels of control precision are also required. Test applications demand precise temperature control while many end-use applications will accommodate a less sophisticated approach. Important determinants of the method employed to control refrigeration capacity include target operating temperature, absolute and dynamic power dissipation of the device being cooled, control precision required, refrigeration system design and construction, as well as application-related details of the electronics assembly. A variety of capacity control methods are needed to cover the breadth of electronics cooling applications. Control free, or open loop systems meet the needs of some applications. Other systems employ thermal expansion (TX) and hot-gas by-pass valves to provide controlled cooling of very high power electronics cooling vapor compression systems. Modulation of condenser efficiency by varying fan speed provides a very simple but limited range of temperature control. A broad range of precise temperature control requires a combination of approaches to precisely meter refrigerant flow to the cold plate and, if needed, to apply parasitic heat. This paper overviews various vapor compression refrigeration control architectures as they apply to electronics cooling. Comparative cost and performance data are presented.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Boundary Integral Formulation of Electric Fields in Level Set Simulations of Charged Droplets

Field emission electric propulsion (FEEP) thrusters are useful as µN, µ-rad attitude control devices for satellites due to their very high potential specific impulse. FEEPs generate thrust by application of a strong electric field to pull liquid propellant such as indium off a tungsten needle. However, this thrust can vary significantly depending on whether ions or droplets are emitted from the needle tip. In this study, we simulate in 2D the emission of charged indium droplets from the tip. The boundary integral method (BIM) is used to rapidly and accurately calculate the electric field on the fluid surface, which is then advected forward in time using level sets. The effects of surface tension, viscosity, electrode location and electric field on the evolution of a droplet are analyzed.
The Impact of Past Sexual Experiences on Attributions of Responsibility for Rape

Two factors potentially affect observers’attributions of responsibility to a rape survivor: how closely they identify with the survivor and how much they adhere to rape myths. To assess the impact of these factors, 157 female college students categorized by their sexual assault history and by their acceptance of rape myths, evaluateda sexual assault scenario. It was hypothesized that previously victimized participants would attribute less blame, and that those participants who self-identify as rape survivors would view the assault as rape more often than other participants. Neither hypothesis was supported. As expected, those who scored higher on the Rape Myths Acceptance Scale(RMAS) blamed the victim more and were less likely to believe rape had occurred. Only one subscale of the RMAS, Adversarial Sexual Beliefs, was consistently associated with participants’evaluation of the scenario, suggesting that this dimension may be especially important to understanding an observer’s assessment of rape.
Enrollment in low-resource speech recognition systems

We consider the problem of enrollment for low-resource speech recognition systems designed for noisy environments. Noise robustness concerns, memory and computational constraints, along with the use of compact acoustic models for fast Gaussian computation, make adaptation especially challenging. We derive a maximum a posteriori (MAP) algorithm especially designed for the fast off-line adaptation of these compact acoustic models. It requires less computation and memory than standard feature-space maximum likelihood linear regression (FMLLR) which is another technique well suited for compact acoustic models. In our experiments of speaker enrollment for speech recognition in the car, we present a computationally efficient procedure to simulate noisy conditions with the adaptation data. In these experiments, MAP compares favorably with FMLLR in terms of recognition accuracy. Besides, combining FMLLR and MAP significantly outperforms each technique individually, thus providing an efficient alternative for systems with larger resources.
"What if students revolt?"—Considering Student Resistance: Origins, Options, and Opportunities for Investigation

Instructors attempting new teaching methods may have concerns that students will resist nontraditional teaching methods. The authors provide an overview of research characterizing the nature of student resistance and exploring its origins. Additionally, they provide potential strategies for avoiding or addressing resistance and pose questions about resistance that may be ripe for research study.
Acoustic isotherms for argon, nitrogen, methane, tetrafluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane, and their mixtures, plus derived interaction potential force constants

Acoustic velocity data for various isotherms from 1 to 70 atm. are presented for argon (32°F.), nitrogen (32°F.), methane (32°, 70°F.) tetrafluoromethane (32°, 70° F), dichlorodifluoromethane (240°F., p < 30 atm.), and various mixtures (32°F.). Interaction potential force constants for the pure gases are derived from the acoustic data with values for tetrafluoromethane and dichlorodifluoromethane differing significantly from previous literature values. BWR constants are also reported for argon and tetrafluoromethane.
Whole fat rice bran reduces the development of early aortic atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic hamsters compared with wheat bran

Abstract In this study, Golden Syrian hamsters were fed a nonpurified hypercholesterolemic diet containing 10% coconut oil, 0.05% cholesterol and 20% wheat bran for 2 weeks (HCD) and based on mean plasma cholesterol levels were divided into four groups of 15. Hamsters were then fed the HCD or the HCD containing either 20% de-fatted rice bran (rice fiber), 20% heat-stabilized whole fat rice bran (WFRB), or 20% oat bran in place of wheat bran for 10 weeks. The rice fiber, WFRB, and oat bran diets significantly lowered plasma total cholesterol and very low- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared to the wheat bran diet with no reductions in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Also, the WFRB diet significantly lowered plasma nonHDL-C levels compared to the rice fiber and oat bran diets. Aortic fatty streak formation was significantly reduced by WFRB diet compared to the wheat bran and rice fiber diets but not the oat bran. This study shows that whole fat rice bran reduces plasma cholesterol levels and the development of early aortic atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic hamsters similar to oat bran.
Sensorless current mode control-an observer-based technique for DC-DC converters

Sensorless current mode (SCM) control is an observer method that provides the operating benefits of current mode control without current sensing. SCM has significant advantages over both conventional peak and average current-mode control techniques in noise susceptibility and dynamic range. The method supports both line and bulk load regulation, and reduces control complexity to a single loop. The static and dynamic performance of SCM are analyzed and verified experimentally for DC-DC converters. Performance in continuous and discontinuous modes compares favorably to conventional techniques when noise is not a factor, but is significantly better when noise and wide load ranges are a concern. The SCM method encompasses one-cycle control as a special case; the general SCM method is introduced here as a public domain control technique.