cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional curved beam element based on p-Version for dynamics

Abstract This paper presents a three-node curved three-dimensional beam element for linear dynamic analysis, where the element displacement approximation in the axial (ξ) and transverse directions (η and ζ) can be of arbitrary polynomial orders, p ξ , p η , and p ζ . This is accomplished by first constructing one-dimensional hierarchical approximation functions and the corresponding nodal variable operators in ξ, η and ζ directions using Lagrange interpolating polynomials, and then taking the products of these one-dimensional approximation functions and the corresponding nodal variable operators. The resulting approximation functions and the corresponding nodal variables for the three-dimensional beam element are hierarchical. The formulation guarantees C 0 continuity. The element properties are established using the principle of virtual work. In formulating the properties of the element, all six components of the stress and strain tensors are retained. The geometry of the beam element is defined by the coordinates of the nodes located at the axis of the beam and node point vectors, representing the nodal cross-sections. The results obtained from the present formulation are compared with available analytical solutions and the h -models using isoparametric three-dimensional solid elements. The formulation is equally effective for very slender as well as deep beams, since no assumptions are made regarding such conditions during the formulation. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this hierarchical formulation in dynamics, numerical results are presented for eigenvalue analysis. The frequencies and the mode shapes are presented for beams with various boundary conditions to demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, modelling convenience and overall superiority of the present formulation. Numerical results obtained from the present formulation are also compared with those given by the Timoshenko beam theory and other available analytical solutions.
Two-fluid model of the solar corona

A simple model of the lower corona which allows for a possible difference in the electron and proton temperatures is analyzed. With the introduction of a phenomenological heating term, temperature and density profiles are calculated for several different cases. It is found that, under certain circumstances, the electron and proton temperatures may differ significantly.
Correlation between narrow band imaging and nonneoplastic gastric pathology: a pilot feasibility trial

Background A novel narrow band imaging (NBI) system is able to visualize the mucosal and vascular network in the GI tract. Objective The aim of the current study was to test the feasibility of NBI to predict gastric histologic diagnosis. Design A pilot feasibility study. Setting Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Patients Forty-seven patients undergoing upper endoscopy for various indications were prospectively enrolled. Methods The gastric body and antrum were systematically examined by NBI before targeted biopsies. Images were graded according to the mucosal (ridge/villous and circular) and vascular patterns and correlated with histologic findings in a blinded manner. Main Outcome Measurements Final histologic diagnosis based on updated Sydney classification system. Results Overall, 25 patients (53.1%) had a normal biopsy specimen, 13 (27.6%) had non– Helicobacter pylori gastritis, 4 (8.5%) had H pylori gastritis, and 5 (10.6%) had intestinal metaplasia. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of a regular mucosal and vascular pattern for the diagnosis of normal mucosa/mild gastritis were 89%, 78%, and 94%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of an irregular pattern with decreased density of vessels for the diagnosis of H pylori were 75% and 88%, and that of the ridge/villous pattern for the diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia were 80% and 100%, respectively. Limitation The small number of patients with H pylori and intestinal metaplasia was the main limitation. Conclusions This is the first U.S. study of NBI for gastric lesions. NBI may help predict in vivo histologic diagnosis of gastric pathologic conditions with a good degree of accuracy. Future larger studies are needed.
Self-Assembled Chromophoric NLO-Active Structures. Second-Harmonic Generation and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic Studies of Nucleophilic Substitution and Ion Exchange Processes on Benzyl Halide-Functionalized Surfaces

The progress and extent of nucleophilic substitution and ion exchange reactions of self-assembled chromophoric monolayers are studied by X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and second harmonic generation (SHG) spectroscopy. Self-assembled monolayers prepared from 2-[4-(chloromethyl)phenyl]ethyl trichlorosilane (1) on glass substrates are susceptible to nucleophilic substitution of ∼90% of the surface-confined benzylic chloride functionalities with the “hypernucleophile” 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine; however, only ∼60% of the densely packed benzyl chloride groups undergo reaction with the high-β chromophore precursor 4‘-[4-[N,N-bis(3-hydroxypropyl)amino]styryl]pyridine (2a). Quaternization of a benzylic monolayer with this molecule yields a monolayer having a bulk second-order NLO response (χ(2)) of 3 × 10-7 esu at λ0 = 1064 nm, corresponding to a near-maximum chromophore coverage of ∼2 × 1014 molecules/cm2. The kinetics of this substitution reaction and associated structural modifications are studied in real time by i...
Further observations on the mechanism of the production of a short P-R interval in association with prolongation of the QRS complex

Abstract The syndrome of short P-R interval and prolonged QRS complex is re-examined in the light of recent observations. The hypothesis of an accessory pathway of A-V conduction is the only one thus far advanced which explains the phenomena observed in these cases. A case is reported in which QRS maintained its abnormal contour after auricular extrasystoles. This observation renders the hypothesis of Hunter, Papp, and Parkinson even more incredible than it had seemed to us before. Contrary to the reports of Hunter, Papp, and Parkinson, we find that the contour of the P wave is remarkably constant in these cases when the ventricular complexes change their shape. Certain facts are presented which lead us to believe that the part of the ventricular myocardium which is activated through the hypothetical accessory pathway may not be confined strictly to the right ventricle in all cases. The fact that quinidine will change the complexes of the electrocardiogram from abnormal to normal, as reported by Roberts and Abramson, was confirmed in one of our cases.
Novel signaling axis in CML-initiating cells.

In this issue of Blood , Kobayashi et al demonstrate that CD25, the α-chain of the interleukin-2 receptor (IL2RA), is expressed by certain cells that initiate chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in a mouse model and that the IL-2/CD25 signaling axis supports CML development. 1
Comparing PSA outcome after radical prostatectomy or magnetic resonance imaging-guided partial prostatic irradiation in select patients with clinically localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Abstract Objectives To determine whether high-dose radiation delivered to a subvolume of the prostate gland (peripheral zone) using intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging-guided brachytherapy provided comparable 5-year prostate-specific antigen (PSA) control rates to radical prostatectomy (RP) in select patients compared prospectively but in a nonrandomized setting. Methods Between 1997 and 2002, 322 and 196 patients with clinical Stage T1c, PSA less than 10 ng/mL, biopsy Gleason score 3 + 4 or less, and without perineural invasion underwent RP or intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging-guided brachytherapy, respectively, and had a 2-year minimal follow-up. Cox regression multivariable analysis was used to evaluate whether the initial therapy, pretreatment PSA level, biopsy Gleason score, percentage of positive biopsies, or prostate gland volume were predictors of the time to post-therapy PSA failure. PSA failure was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and defined using the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology Oncology consensus definition. Results Only the percentage of positive prostate biopsies ( P Cox = 0.02) was a significant predictor of the time to post-treatment PSA failure. However, the distribution of this parameter between RP and brachytherapy-treated patients was not significantly different ( P chi-square = 0.25). The initial therapy did not predict for the time to post-therapy PSA failure ( P Cox = 0.18). The 5-year estimate of PSA control was 93% versus 95% ( P log-rank = 0.16) for the RP and brachytherapy patients, respectively. Conclusions Despite only partial prostatic irradiation using intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging-guided brachytherapy, similar 5-year estimates of PSA control were found for both brachytherapy and RP-managed patients.
Cost-Effective Way To Handle Possible Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease (CJD)–Contaminated Surgical Instruments

Abstract ISSUE: Instruments used on surgical cases of possible CJD patients are quarantined. In the past, all instruments opened for a brain biopsy were quarantined until the pathology was known. Instruments from negative cases were then put back into circulation. On removal from quarantine, it was noted that several instruments needed to be destroyed due to damage. This decreased instrument availability and increased replacement costs. PROJECT: To decrease cost, provide an adequate supply of instruments, and reduce replacement without increasing risk for CJD, a new procedure was instituted. Surgery meets with the surgeon ahead of time to determine instruments vital for the case and those potentially needed. The surgical team then creates two sterile setups. Setup I is for instruments required to perform the procedure. Setup II is opened and available instruments that will remain uncontaminated with blood or body fluids throughout the case. Each setup has a separate scrub nurse. Upon request of an instrument from Setup II, the scrub nurse covering Setup II delivers the item to Setup I in a sterile manner, preventing cross contamination. Instruments from Setup I are maintained on that setup until case completion and never returned to Setup II. Only the instruments used on Setup I are quarantined. Instruments remaining on Setup II are sent for routine processing. RESULTS: The process of setting up two separate sterile fields decreases the number of instruments actually used, decreasing the number of instruments to be quarantined. Availability of instruments increases, and fewer instruments are lost in the quarantine process reducing replacement costs while providing maximum patient safety from transmission. LESSONS LEARNED: Developing unconventional procedures and creative use of additional manpower can effectively decrease cost and maintain optimal patient safety.
Bandwidth Adaptive Write-update Optimizations for Chip Multiprocessors

Chip Multiprocessors (CMPs) have different technological parameters and physical constraints than earlier multi-processor systems, which should be taken into consideration when designing cache coherence protocols. Also, contemporary cache coherence protocols use invalidate schemes that are known to generate a high number of coherence misses. This is especially true under producer-consumer sharing patterns that can become a performance bottleneck as the number of cores increases. This paper presents two mechanisms to design efficient and scalable cache coherence protocols for CMPs. First, we propose an adaptive hybrid protocol to reduce coherence misses observed in write-invalidate based protocols. The proposed protocol is based on a write-invalidate scheme. However, adaptively, it can push updates to potential consumers based on observed producer- consumer sharing patterns. Secondly, we extend this adaptive protocol with an interconnection resource aware mechanism. Experimental evaluations, conducted on a tiled-CMP via full- system simulation, were used to assess the performance from our proposed dynamic hybrid protocols. Performance analysis is presented on a set of scientific applications from the SPLASH- 2 and NAS parallel benchmark suites. Results showed that the proposed mechanisms reduce cache-to-cache sharing misses up to 48% and in return speed up application performance up to 25%. In addition, the proposed interconnection resource aware mechanism is proven to perform well under varying interconnection utilizations.
Science Signaling Podcast: 8 October 2013

This Podcast features an interview with Ariel Feldstein, senior author of a Research Article that appears in the 8 October 2013 issue of Science Signaling on a mechanism by which fat-loaded liver cells contribute to the progression of fatty liver disease. Hepatic steatosis is the process by which fats accumulate in large vacuoles inside liver cells and may result from alcoholism, metabolic disorders, or obesity. Hepatic steatosis may progress to steatohepatitis, which is commonly referred to as fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease is characterized not only by the presence of lipid droplets in liver cells but also by inflammation and scarring of the liver and neovascularization in the liver. Povero et al . report that fat-laden liver cells release microparticles that stimulate angiogenesis, thus contributing to the neovascularization that accompanies the progression of hepatic steatosis to full-blown fatty liver disease.
Morphine tolerance in mice is independent of polymorphisms in opioid receptor sequences.

Pharmacogenomics links individual drug response variation to genetic differences, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In particular, pharmacogenomics will allow clinicians to use genetic diagnostics to predict the response of a patient to a drug. We investigated whether SNPs in opioid receptors correlated with the development of morphine tolerance in mouse strains that showed either high or low tolerance to morphine. Sequencing identified five silent SNPs in the δ opioid receptor that varied from the published sequence in some strains, but which were found in both high and low tolerance strains. The μ and κ opioid receptor sequences had no SNPs. Taken together, these data definitively demonstrate that morphine tolerance development in mice is independent of opioid receptor sequence.
The 1982 Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA): Implications of relaxed truck weight and size limits for highway safety

This paper examines the highway safety implications of the 1982 Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) which, among its provisions, increased minimum truck lengths and maximum truck widths; required states to allow twin trailers; and barred states from reducing existing weight and size limits if these exceeded the limitations specified in the STAA. Evidence is presented that increases in an index of truck fleet size deteriorate highway safety, all else constant. A 1% increase in this index increases the system-wide fatality rate by 0.31%. Although the relationship between highway safety and size of trucking fleet has implications for policies aimed at achieving productivity gains through further increases in weight and size limits, the specific provisions embodied in the STAA had a small beneficial effect on this relationship. Relative to the pre-law environment, highway safety in the post-law environment was slightly less sensitive to changes in size of the trucking fleet.
Creating the National War Labor Board: Franklin Roosevelt and the Politics of State Building in the Early 1940s

In January 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order creating a National War Labor Board (NWLB) to arbitrate wartime industrial disputes. Roosevelt's order provided enormous power for the board, which could, on its own motion, intervene in any labor conflict it deemed a threat to “the effective prosecution of the war” and subsequently impose settlements on the parties. In practice, the board replaced free collective bargaining for the duration of the war. Most scholars of the era agree that the NWLB, operating at a time when New Deal labor policy was still in formation and many unions had not yet become entrenched in their industries, had a profound impact on the evolution of the American industrial relations system during the war and thereafter.Despite a superficial similarity to earlier labor boards, the NWLB was a curious creature born, in the words of one of its members, “out of deadlock,” and of a breed uncommon on the American political landscape. The board's authority was nominally grounded on an agreement by a 1941 national labor-management conference to eschew strikes and lockouts in lieu of arbitration. Yet this conference had reached an impasse and its “agreement” had been forced on the business delegates by Roosevelt.
Inference of the positions of components in an assembly: part 2

Abstract A method is derived to compute the location and orientation of each component from the spatial relationships imposed on the component in an assembly. With this method, any assembly can be represented by the spatial relationships between its components instead of by the transformation matrices of each component.
Structural Effects of Mutations inSalmonella typhimuriumFlagellar Switch Complex

Mutations in Salmonella typhimurium fliG, fliM and fliN give rise either to non-flagellate, non-motile or non-chemotactic mutant bacteria. The FliG, FliM and FliN proteins form part of recently characterized extended flagellar basal structures, and have been postulated to form a mutually interacting structural complex. We have examined basal body preparations from non-motile or non-chemotactic fliG, fliM and fliN mutant strains by electron microscopy and immunoblot gel analysis. Most flagellar preparations isolated from the non-motile mutants lacked FliM, but contained FliG. The basal bodies lacked the belled morphology characteristic of the wild-type structures, but had protrusions which could be labelled with anti-FliG. Non-motile mutant preparations severely depleted of FliG but containing FliM were also obtained. These preparations contained extended, belled flagellar structures that were labelled with anti-FliM. Thus, FliM is part of the shell of the extended structures responsible for the belled morphology, while FliG may be part of the inner substructure. The extended basal structures from a FliG temperature-sensitive mutant strain rapidly lost FliM, as well as FliG, upon a shift to a non-permissive temperature, implying interaction between the FliG- and FliM-containing substructures. In dramatic contrast to non-motile mutants, extended basal structures isolated from non-chemotactic mutants were indistinguishable from wild-type structures. This difference may reflect the energetics of the different protein-protein interactions operative during torque generation and the switching of rotation sense.
Heterogeneous Fenton degradation of bisphenol A by carbon nanotube-supported Fe3O4

Abstract In this study heterogeneous Fenton oxidation using Fe3O4 amended onto multi-walled carbon nanotube (Fe3O4/MWCNT) showed effective degradation of aqueous bisphenol A (BPA). The Fe3O4/MWCNT exhibited an octahedron crystal structure of Fe3O4 (100–150 nm) which was well-dispersed onto the MWCNT with little agglomeration. The Fe3O4/MWCNT catalyst-driven Fenton oxidation achieved high removal of BPA (97% removal in 6 h) at the selected operating conditions (pH of 3, 0.5 g catalyst/L, [H2O2]:[BPA] of 4 (mol/mol), 50 °C). The Fenton oxidation of BPA demonstrated similar removal of BPA at 0.5–1 g catalyst/L while showing significant removal of BPA at the initial pH of 3. The [H2O2]:[BPA] of 4 in this study was found to be the cost-effective condition to achieve high removal of BPA at low concentration of H2O2. Besides, the intermediates and oxidation products produced by the Fenton oxidation of BPA at the [H2O2]:[BPA] of 4 did not show any biological toxicity. The [H2O2]:[BPA] ratio of 4 was much lower than that for other heterogeneous Fenton of BPA (54 mol H2O2/mol BPA) and comparable to those for homogeneous Fenton of BPA (2–9 mol H2O2/mol BPA). The Fenton oxidation rate of BPA using the catalyst was enhanced by the factor of 3.5 as the reaction temperature increased from 20 °C to 50 °C. The five cycles of the Fenton oxidation using the same catalyst resulted in the steady removal of BPA confirming high stability of the Fe3O4/MWCNT catalyst over the multiple Fenton reactions. The scavenging tests of the hydroxyl radicals suggested that the hydroxyl radical-driven oxidation was the major step among the multiple reactions in the heterogeneous Fenton oxidation. The findings from this study suggest that the Fenton oxidation using Fe3O4/MWCNT would highly efficient solution for the removal of bisphenol A from water.
Evaluation of land use and water quality in an agricultural watershed in the USA indicates multiple sources of bacterial impairment

Pathogens are the number one cause of impairments of assessed rivers and streams in the USA and pose a significant human health hazard. The Dry Run Creek Watershed in Northeast Iowa has been designated as impaired by the State of Iowa because of high levels of Escherichia coli bacteria. To investigate the nature of this impairment, land use and stream bank assessments were coupled with comprehensive water quality monitoring. Physical, chemical, and biological parameters were measured at 13 different sites in the watershed, including pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia-N, nitrate + nitrite-N, total phosphorus, and E. coli. In addition, benthic macroinvertebrate communities were analyzed at seven sites, and optical brightener tests were performed late in the season. Results identified segments of the watershed that were more prominent contributors of E. coli, and correlations were observed between levels of E. coli and several chemical parameters, including ammonia-N, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and total phosphorus. Interestingly, distinct sites emerged as more prominent contributors of these elements during rain vs. non-rain events, suggesting different types of sources. Both the amount of rainfall and the time elapsed between the rain event and the sampling influenced E. coli levels during wet weather conditions. Nitrate + nitrite-N displayed a unique response to rain events compared with the other parameters, suggesting a different delivery route. Analyses of benthic macroinvertebrate communities were consistent with pollution trends. Collectively, these data suggest distinct agriculturally related E. coli contributions, as well as specific areas and practices for water quality improvement strategies. This study can serve as a resource for evaluating agricultural watersheds that are impaired for bacteria.
Total electron scattering cross sections of CH4 and NH3 molecules in the energy range 400–4000 eV

Abstract Total electron scattering cross sections of CH4 and NH3 molecules have been obtained for 400–4000 eV electrons by measurement of the electron-beam intensity attenuation through a gas cell. For both molecules, the present cross sections are in good agreement with those reported in literature by one experimental group but 0–30% higher than those of another experimental group.
PEDIATRIC URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children, however, they are "sneaky and sly" because they frequently do not manifest as dysuria, as is common in adults. 30,2 The diagnosis of UTI should be considered in all infants and children who present to the emergency department (ED) with classic symptoms of UTI, as well as in those with nonspecific symptoms, including fever, vomiting, abdominal, or flank pain. The goal of early diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in the pediatric population is the prevention of the complications of bacteremia and renal scarring. Although the most severe complication of pyelonephritis, renal scarring with progression to end stage renal disease is rare, aggressive treatment and work-up of pediatric urinary tract infection is preventive. UTI is a nonspecific phrase used to define an inflammatory response to bacterial invasion anywhere within the renal system. Bacteria is present within the urine, as well as other signs of infection (nitrates, pyuria), and the patient may have local (dysuria, frequency, urgency) or systemic symptoms (fever, myalgias, rigors, nausea, vomiting, abdominal, or flank pain). Asymptomatic bacteriuria is defined as bacterial growth in the urine without signs or symptoms of infection. UTIs are divided into two overlapping categories—uncomplicated lower tract infection of cystitis and urethritis and upper tract infections of ureteritis, pyelitis (upper collecting system), and pyelonephritis (renal parenchyma). In general, the presence of fever, systemic symptoms, or back pain with infected urine indicates the presence of upper tract infection. Reliance upon the presence of fever alone to indicate the presence of an upper tract infection is problematic because renal scanning fails to show that fever is a reliable marker for pyelonephritis. 36 As well, studies that have analyzed fever as a marker for upper tract infection have shown a wide range of sensitivities (53%–84%) and specificities (44%–92%). 9 Also complicating the diagnosis of upper tract infection is the fact that there is no "gold standard" test for pyelonephritis. In the past, antibody-coated bacteria, and more recently, renal nuclear scanning have been used as indicators of pyelonephritis. However, the utility of these tests is still limited. This chapter will discuss the spectrum of infections that fall under the heading of UTI. The diagnostic approach and management of the pediatric patient will be addressed. Infection in adults is addressed elsewhere.
“Fiduciary Capitalism,” the “Political Model of Corporate Governance,” and the Prospect of Stakeholder Capitalism in the United States:

As progressive pension reforms seek to increase the opportunities for stakeholder involvement, they confront an existing set of class relations that by design exclude workers, retirees, and the sta...
Dehydroocopodine, dicentrinone, and other alkaloids from Ocotea macropoda and Hernandia jamaicensis

Abstract The new aporphines dehydroocopodine (V) and dicentrinone (VI) have been isolated from Ocotea macropoda, eleven known alkaloids have been isolated from Hernandia Jamaicensis. The structures of the new alkaloids are based upon spectroscopic evidence, as well as on partial synthesis from closely related bases.
Isolation and characterization of DL-methylmalonyl-coenzyme A racemase from rat liver.

Certain amino acids and other compounds are metabolized via propionyl-CoA----D-methylmalonyl-CoA----L-methylmalonyl- CoA----succinyl-CoA----tricarboxylic acid cycle. D-Methylmalonyl-CoA can also be converted to methylmalonic acid and coenzyme A by a specific hydrolase that does not act on L-methylmalonyl-CoA [R.J. Kovachy, S.D. Copley, and R.H. Allen (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 11415-11421]. Because little is known about mammalian DL-methylmalonyl-CoA racemase and because it is involved in the flow of D-methylmalonyl-CoA to L-methylmalonyl-CoA----tricarboxylic acid cycle (versus to methylmalonic acid), we developed a new assay and purified rat liver racemase 23,000-fold to homogeneity. The molecular weight of the racemase is 32,000 and it contains two subunits of Mr 16,000 that are not connected by disulfide bonds. The rat liver and the rat and human white blood cell racemase are immunologically related. They are completely inactivated by EDTA and can be activated by the addition of Co+2, with 50% activation occurring at a concentration of 0.2 microM. Lower levels for maximal activation were obtained with higher concentrations of Co+3, Fe+2, and Mn+2. Other metals such as Zn+2, Cu+2, Cu+1, and Cd+2 completely inhibited racemase even in the presence of equal concentrations of Co+2. The purified racemase appears to bind 1 mol Co/mol subunit.
Experimental study of H2O spectroscopic parameters in the near-IR (6940–7440 cm−1) for gas sensing applications at elevated temperature

Abstract Tunable diode laser (TDL) absorption sensors of water vapor are attractive for temperature, gas composition, velocity, pressure, and mass flux measurements in a variety of practical applications including hydrocarbon-fueled combustion systems. Optimized design of these sensors requires a complete catalog of the assigned transitions with accurate spectroscopic data; our particular interest has been in the 2ν1, 2ν3, and ν1+ν3 bands in the near-IR where telecommunications diode lasers are available. In support of this need, fully resolved absorption spectra of H2O vapor in the spectral range of 6940–7440 cm−1 (1344–1441 nm) have been measured as a function of temperature (296–1000 K) and pressure (1–800 Torr), and quantitative spectroscopic parameters inferred from these spectra compared to published data from Toth, HITRAN 2000 and HITRAN 2004. The peak absorbances were measured for more than 100 strong transitions at 296 and 828 K, and linestrengths determined for 47 strong lines in this region. In addition to reference linestrengths S(296 K), the air-broadening coefficients γair(296 K) and temperature exponents n were inferred for strong transitions in five narrow regions, near 7185.60, 7203.89, 7405.11, 7426.14 and 7435.62 cm−1 that had been targeted as attractive for future diagnostics applications. Most of the measured results, determined within an accuracy of 5%, are found to be in better agreement with HITRAN 2004 than with earlier editions of this database. Large discrepancies (>10%) between measurements and HITRAN 2004 database are identified for some of the probed transitions. These new spectroscopic data for H2O provide a useful test of the sensor design capabilities of HITRAN 2004 for combustion and other applications at elevated temperatures.
Prehospital Spinal Immobilization and the Backboard Quality Assessment Study

Introduction. Prehospital spinal immobilization (PSI) for patients with suspected spinal injury has been the universal standard of practice for emergency medical services (EMS) in the United States since the early 1970s. PSI research has faced numerous methodological difficulties, including an inability to evaluate whether the immobilizations being studied were carried out appropriately. The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of spinal immobilization to a long spine board in patients presenting via EMS to an emergency department (ED). Methods. All noncritically ill patients presenting to a tertiary care academic trauma center who had been immobilized on a long spine board for EMS transport were approached for enrollment. Each subject was evaluated for the number andlocation of restraining straps andtheir degree of tightness. Results. Of 50 consenting subjects, 15 (30%) had at least one unattached strap or piece of tape that should have attached their head to the board. Of 50 subjects, 44 (88%...
Zigzag zinc blende ZnS nanowires: Large scale synthesis and their structure evolution induced by electron irradiation

Large scale zigzag zinc blende single crystal ZnS nanowires have been successfully synthesized during a vapor phase growth process together with a small yield of straight wurtzite single crystal ZnS nanowires. AuPd alloy nanoparticles were utilized to catalyze a vapor-solid-solid growth process of both types of ZnS nanowires, instead of the more common vapor-liquid-solid growth process. Surprisingly, the vapor-phase grown zigzag zinc blende ZnS nanowires are metastable under high-energy electron irradiation in a transmission electron microscope, with straight wurtzite nanowires being much more stable. Upon exposure to electron irradiation, a wurtzite ZnO nanoparticle layer formed on the zigzag zinc blende ZnS nanowire surface with concomitant displacement damage. Both electron inelastic scattering and surface oxidation as a result of electron-beam heating occur during this structure evolution process. When prolonged higher-voltage electron irradiation was applied, local zinc blende ZnS nanowire bodies evolved into ZnS-ZnO nanocables, and dispersed ZnS-ZnO nanoparticle networks. Random AuPd nanoparticles were observed distributed on zigzag ZnS nanowire surfaces, which might be responsible for a catalytic oxidation effect and speed up the surface oxidation-induced structure evolution. Open image in new window
Sevoflurane general anesthesia: an alternative technique in the pediatric oral and maxillofacial surgery patient.

Abstract Purpose: The objective of this prospective descriptive study was to report our experience with an alternative general anesthetic technique, using sevoflurane for the pediatric patient, in an ambulatory setting. Patients and Methods: Twenty consecutive pediatric patients participated over a 4-month period. A general anesthetic technique, using mask induction with sevoflurane and maintenance with a nasal trumpet as airway, was used throughout the surgical procedure. A standard anesthesia and recovery record was made for each patient; this included observations for untoward effects and complications. Results: The average time for induction of anesthesia was 95 seconds, time from termination of sevoflurane to eye opening was 8 minutes, and duration of recovery was 30 minutes. Procedure time for each case did not exceed 10 minutes. Two patients had transient tachycardia. Conclusions:: The results of this prospective descriptive study indicate that this technique is an effective and acceptable alternative to other modalities for the control of apprehension and fear in the pediatric patient in an ambulatory oral and maxillofacial facility.
Soil nutrient supply in natural and managed forests

Soils differ in their ability to supply the nutrients necessary to sustain forest productivity. Nutrients are added through natural processes such as weathering of primary and secondary soil minerals, mineralization of soil organic matter including the forest floor layer, fixation of nitrogen primarily through symbiotic microorganisms, and natural or induced atmospheric deposition. Nutrients become unavailable for plant uptake through immobilization by soil microorganisms and through chemical and mineralogical reactions including precipitation and adsorption reactions and ionic fixation within lattice structures of clay minerals. Losses of nutrients can take place through soil leaching and erosional processes. Nutrients can also be added or lost through human activities such as fertilization and harvesting. Nutrient supply continually shifts with the rate and direction dependent on the prevailing processes in the soil system, but subject to overriding human influence. Over relatively short periods of time, the soil nutrient supply can be subject to seasonal fluctuations. Factors affecting long-term nutrient availability are functions of soil mineralogy, the rate of mineralization of the organic matter of the soil and forest floor layer, and plant-soil relationships of the species occupying the site (deciduous vs. coniferous species, deep vs. shallow rooting, symbiotic nitrogen fixation).
Enhanced Electrokinetic Remediation of Heavy Metals in Glacial Till Soils Using Different Electrolyte Solutions

Previous electrokinetic remediation studies involving the geochemical characterization of heavy metals in high acid buffering soils, such as glacial till soil, revealed significant hexavalent chromium migration towards the anode. The migration of cationic contami- nants, such as nickel and cadmium, towards the cathode was insignificant due to their precipitation under the high pH conditions that result when the soil has a high acid buffering capacity. Therefore the present laboratory study was undertaken to investigate the performance of different electrolyte ~or purging! solutions, which were introduced to either dissolve the metal precipitates and/or form soluble metal complexes. Tests were conducted on a glacial till soil that was spiked with Cr~VI! ,N i~II!, and Cd~II! in concentrations of 1,000, 500, and 250 mg/kg, respectively, under the application of a 1.0 VDC/cm voltage gradient. The electrolyte solutions tested were 0.1M EDTA ~ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid!, 1.0M acetic acid, 1.0M citric acid, 0.1M NaCl/0.1M EDTA, and 0.05M sulfuric acid/0.5 M sulfuric acid. The results showed that 46 - 82% of the Cr~VI! was removed from the soil, depending on the purging solution used. The highest removal of Ni~II! and Cd~II! was 48 and 26%, respectively, and this removal was achieved using 1.0M acetic acid. Although cationic contaminant removal was low, the use of 0.1M NaCl as an anode purging solution and 0.1M EDTA as a cathode purging solution resulted in significant contaminant migration towards the soil regions adjacent to the electrodes. Compared to low buffering capacity soils, such as kaolin, the removal of heavy metals from the glacial till soil was low, and this was attributed to the more complex composition of glacial till. Overall, this study showed that the selection of the purging solutions for the enhanced removal of heavy metals from soils should be primarily based upon the contaminant characteristics and the soil composition.
Osteofascial Compartment Syndrome in the Dog

Experimentally induced osteofascial compartment syndrome (OFCS) has been reported in the craniolateral compartment of the canine crus. In this study, anatomic dissections and contrast radiographs were used to describe three additional osteofascial compartments in canine limbs. Experimental OFCS was produced in four different compartments, and caused muscle and nerve pathology in each. When compartment pressures were evaluated in traumatized animals, moderate elevations in compartment pressures were found. A compartment syndrome that developed in one dog was surgically decompressed, returning elevated pressures to a safe level.
Fusion of live audio recordings for blind noise reduction

The prevalence of digital cameras and video-capable mobile phones enables the common practice of audiences capturing recordings of live music performances. It is now increasingly common to find some of these personal recordings online, uploaded to popular video hosting websites. Recognizing the desire of music fans to obtain a recording of good audio quality, we offer a time-domain fusion technique for combining these samples to achieve higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) than the single best original sample. When no composite output can improve SNR, the best original sample recording is returned. The scenario is modeled as a single blind source with multiple diverse receivers. As every live performance is unique, we assume no prior knowledge of a reference signal, and no knowledge of the original recordings' SNRs. Using statistical characteristics among the samples, we infer relative SNR, rank samples by quality, and determine whether a composite delivers improvement. The technique can be applied in a variety of contexts where multiple receivers have opportunity to capture audio, speech, or other signals.
A model of synchronous collaborative information visualization

We describe a model of the process by which people solve problems using information visualization systems. The model was based on video analysis of forty dyads who performed information visualization tasks in an experiment. We examined the following variables: focused questions vs. free data discovery, remote vs. collocated collaboration, and systems judged to have high and low transparency. The model describes the stages of reasoning and generating solutions with visual data. We found the model to be fairly robust across task type, collaborative setting, and system type, though subtle differences were found. We propose that system transparency can support some stages of the process, and that support is needed in the last stage to help users translate their findings from visual to written representations.
Constitutive equation for vapor drift velocity in two-phase annular flow

A constitutive equation for a vapor drift velocity which specifies the relative motion between phases in the drift flux model is developed for two-phase annular flows. The constitutive equation is derived by taking into account the interfacial geometry, the body force field, and the interfacial momentum transfer, since these macroscopic effects govern the two-phase diffusions. A comparison of the model with three sets of experimental data obtained over a wide range of flow parameters shows a satisfactory agreement.
Linear time delay model for studying load balancing instabilities in parallel computations

A linear time-delay system is proposed to model load balancing in a cluster of computer nodes used for parallel computations. The linear model is analysed for stability in terms of the delays in the transfer of information between nodes and the gains in the load balancing algorithm. This model is compared with an experimental implementation of the algorithm on a parallel computer network.
Organic Hydrogel Templates for Tunable Mesoporous Silica Hybrid Materials

Porous coatings at the surface of living cells have application in human cell transplantation by controlling the transport of biomolecules to and from the cells. Sol-gel-derived mesoporous silica materials are good candidates for such coatings, owing to their biocompatibility, facile solution-based synthesis conditions, and thin film formation. Diffusion and transport across the coating correlates to long-range microstructural properties, including pore size distribution, porosity, and pore morphology. Here, we investigated collagen-fibril matrices with known biocompatibility to serve as templating systems for directed silica deposition. Type 1 collagen oligomers derived from porcine skin are extensively characterized such that we can predict and customize the final collagen-fibril matrix with respect to fibril density, interfibril branching and viscoelasticity. We show that these matrices template and direct the deposition of mesoporous silica at the level of individual collagen fibrils. We varied the fibril density, silicic acid concentration, and time of exposure to silicifying solution and characterized the resulting hybrid materials by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and rheology. Microstructural properties of the collagen-fibril template are preserved in the silica surface of hybrid materials. Results for three different collagen fibril densities, corresponding to shear storage moduli of 200 Pa, 1000 Pa, and 1600 Pa, indicate that increased fibril density increases the absolute amount of templated silica when all other silica synthesis conditions are kept constant. Additionally, mechanical properties of the hybrid material are dominated by the presence of the silica coating rather than the starting collagen matrix stiffness.
Who is Rational Economic Man

There is, in Sarajevo, a man who comes out into the streets each day and plays his cello on the sidewalk. He does this at the same time each day, no matter how much shooting or shelling is going on, no matter how great the danger to himself. He describes himself as having decided to take a stand for beauty in the face of horror. Can the rational choice paradigm, as currently practiced in the various disciplines of economics, philosophy, political science, and law, offer an account of this man's decision and his behavior?This admirable man seems to be a rebuke to the philosophies of calculated self-interest. Can we offer some account of his behavior, without descending into the tautological claim that he did what he did because he wanted to? Can we offer some insight into his wants that will make him intelligible? And not only intelligible, but can we account for him in a way that highlights his admirability, rather than suggesting that he is in some way an aberration, or perhaps even a fool?There is a deep disorder within the human condition. All of the essays in the present volume point to this fact in one way or another. Some characterize the disorder as a conflict between virtue and self-interest. Others point to the dichotomy between the individual and other persons as being the source of the tension between morality and self-interest. Some of the essays attempt to resolve the tension by collapsing the two categories into each other.
Magnetic Film Scratch-Pad Memories

An economic comparison has been made between fully integrated scratch-pad memories and thin magnetic-film scratch-pad memories on the basis of assumed component costs. On this basis, magnetic film memories are more expensive than fully integrated memories for very small memories, as expected. In terms of the assumptions made, the economic crossover as a function of memory size between the two memory types lies between 500 and 10 000 bits of storage. Two sample thin-film scratch-pad memory designs are given which have comparatively simple electronic circuitry using integrated circuit power supplies. This electronic circuitry also is amenable to integrated or hybrid circuit implementation.
On achieving complete testability of synchronous sequential circuits with synchronizing sequences

A completely testable circuit does not have any undetectable or redundant faults. We consider the problem of making synchronous sequential circuits that have synchronizing sequences completely testable for stuck-at faults. The method proposed is based on the removal of logic corresponding not only to redundant faults, but also to some undetectable yet irredundant faults. Thus, the proposed approach reduces the circuit size in addition to reducing or eliminating the extra hardware that may be otherwise necessary to render the circuit completely testable. A theoretical framework for achieving this goal was established earlier (1993). In this work, we give a detailed procedure based on the concepts of the previous work and give experimental results of its application.
Chemical Induction of Endogenous Retrovirus Particles from the Vero Cell Line of African Green Monkeys

Endogenous retroviral sequences are present in high copy numbers in the genomes of all species and may be expressed as RNAs; however, the majority are defective for virus production. Although virus has been isolated from various Old World monkey and New World monkey species, there has been no report of endogenous retroviruses produced from African green monkey (AGM) tissues or cell lines. We have recently developed a stepwise approach for evaluating the presence of latent viruses by chemical induction (Khan et al., Biologicals 37:196–201, 2009). Based upon this strategy, optimum conditions were determined for investigating the presence of inducible, endogenous retroviruses in the AGM-derived Vero cell line. Low-level reverse transcriptase activity was produced with 5-azacytidine (AzaC) and with 5′-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine (IUdR); none was detected with sodium butyrate. Nucleotide sequence analysis of PCR-amplified fragments from the gag, pol, and env regions of RNAs, prepared from ultracentrifuged pellets of filtered supernatants, indicated that endogenous retrovirus particles related to simian endogenous type D betaretrovirus (SERV) sequences and baboon endogenous virus type C gammaretrovirus (BaEV) sequences were induced by AzaC, whereas SERV sequences were also induced by IUdR. Additionally, sequence heterogeneity was seen in the RNAs of SERV- and BaEV-related particles. Infectivity analysis of drug-treated AGM Vero cells showed no virus replication in cell lines known to be susceptible to type D simian retroviruses (SRVs) and to BaEV. The results indicated that multiple, inducible endogenous retrovirus loci are present in the AGM genome that can encode noninfectious, viruslike particles.
Mice lacking the Cβ subunit of PKA are resistant to angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction.

Background PKA is a ubiquitous, multi-subunit cellular kinase that regulates a number of different physiological responses in response to cAMP, including metabolism, cell division, and cardiac function. Numerous studies have implicated altered PKA signaling in cardiac dysfunction. Recently, it has been shown that mice lacking the catalytic β subunit of PKA (PKA Cβ) are protected from age-related problems such as weight gain and enlarged livers, and we hypothesized that these mice might also be resistant to cardiomyopathy.