cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technology and application of high speed fault location,isolation and self-healing in DC distribution network

With the continuous increase of DC load, the research of DC distribution network has been developed rapidly. Compared with the traditional AC distribution network, DC distribution network has the advantages of less conversion times, high efficiency, low cost, simple control structure, no need to consider the frequency and phase and reactive power compensation equipment. Compared with AC distribution network, DC distribution network has more flexible operation mode and less power supply points However, the more flexible operation mode of DC distribution network also brings the problem of fault location and self-healing. The fault location, isolation and self-healing control strategy of AC distribution network can not be applied to DC distribution network. In this paper, a high-speed fault location, isolation and self-healing method for DC distribution network is proposed. Based on high-speed goose communication, a comprehensive evaluation is carried out according to the fault status of the power grid, and the millisecond level fault location, isolation and self-healing of DC distribution network are completed. The coordinated control equipment based on this method is successfully applied in Tongli integrated energy service center. When the fault occurs in this area, uninterrupted power supply is realized in the non fault area, which verifies the correctness and practicability of this method.
Pore architecture and particulate organic matter in soils under monoculture switchgrass and restored prairie in contrasting topography.

Bioenergy cropping systems can substantially contribute to climate change mitigation. However, limited information is available on how they affect soil characteristics, including pores and particulate organic matter (POM), both essential components of the soil C cycle. The objective of this study was to determine effects of bioenergy systems and field topography on soil pore characteristics, POM, and POM decomposition under new plant growth. We collected intact soil cores from two systems: monoculture switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and native prairie, at two contrasting topographical positions (depressions and slopes), planting half of the cores with switchgrass. Pore and POM characteristics were obtained using X-ray computed micro-tomography (μCT) (18.2 µm resolution) before and after new switchgrass growth. Diverse prairie vegetation led to higher soil C than switchgrass, with concomitantly higher volumes of 30-90 μm radius pores and greater solid-pore interface. Yet, that effect was present only in the coarse-textured soils on slopes and coincided with higher root biomass of prairie vegetation. Surprisingly, new switchgrass growth did not intensify decomposition of POM, but even somewhat decreased it in monoculture switchgrass as compared to non-planted controls. Our results suggest that topography can play a substantial role in regulating factors driving C sequestration in bioenergy systems.
SU-E-T-576: Obesity as a Factor in Prostate Cancer Treatment Modality and Outcomes

Purpose: Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in American males. To date, no single study has examined the effect of obesity on the outcomes of all three treatment modalities in a single population. We examined the relationship between obesity and prostate cancer treatment decisions as well as outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of the patients treated for prostate cancer with curative intent between January 1998 and December 2010. Wilcoxon ranksum and Chi-Square tests were used to analyze the association between treatment mode and body mass index (BMI). Cox proportional Hazards models adjusted for risk category, age, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) were performed to evaluate the effects of BMI on overall, disease-free, biochemical recurrence-free, incontinence-free, and impotence-free survival. Results: A total of 1681 patients were included in the analysis, including 338 that received BT, 439 that received EBRT, and 904 that received RP. When BMI was assessed as a continuous variable, median BMI was higher in patients treated with BT (29.4) than in those treated with EBRT (28.8) or RP (28.9) (P = 0.0677, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). After stratifying BMI into two groups (BMI < 29.4 or ≥ 29.4), Chi-Square test showed that the treatment mode was significantly related to BMI where the proportion of high BMI individuals undergoing was 50.9% for BT, 42.4% for EBRT, and 43.2% for RP (P = 0.0309). Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to assess the relationship between BMI and survival outcomes. For patients receiving EBRT, BMI was a significant risk factor for incontinence-free survival where HR for incontinence in the lower BMI group was 0.515 (95% CI 0.307–0.865, P = 0.0121). Conclusion: BMI appears to be related to prostate cancer treatment decisions, High BMI (≥ 29.4) is associated with poorer incontinence-free survival for EBRT. This study was supported by a grant from the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation
Continuity and Discontinuity in Family Therapy Training

Abstract This paper describes a format and learning process for experientially teaching and training graduate students to do family therapy. Its approach parallels and is continuous with the existing communication skills laboratories, yet also includes a method of confronting the discontinuity inherent in the circular/relational dimension of family therapy. The format consists of (1) student logs, (2) relaxation training, (3) modeling/demonstration, (4) family interview practice, and (5) videotape feedback. The learning process activities are designed to increase the students' ability to stay in tune with their own and the family's sensory experience and to increase students' ability to think and perceive holistically. The main activity of the three-hour course consists of role-playing family therapy sessions. The four skill clusters or levels of interview development described are: (1) responsiveness, (2) systems orientation, (3) confronting family structure, and (4) strategic orientation.
How are the locations of objects in the environment represented in memory

This chapter summarizes a new theory of spatial memory. According to the theory, when people learn the locations of objects in a new environment, they interpret the spatial structure of that environment in terms of a spatial reference system. Our current conjecture is that a reference system intrinsic to the collection of objects is used. Intrinsic axes or directions are selected using egocentric (e.g., viewing perspective) and environmental (e.g., walls of the surrounding room) cues. The dominant cue is egocentric experience. The reference system selected at the first view is typically not updated with additional views or observer movement. However, if the first view is misaligned but a subsequent view is aligned with natural and salient axes in the environment, a new reference system is selected and the layout is reinterpreted in terms of this new reference system. The chapter also reviews evidence on the orientation dependence of spatial memories and recent results indicating that two representations may be formed when people learn a new environment; one preserves inter-object spatial relations and the other comprises visual memories of experienced views.
Sphingosine enhances apoptosis of radiation-resistant prostate cancer cells.

Ceramide has been implicated as an important component of radiation-induced apoptosis of human prostate cancer cells. We examined the role of the sphingolipid metabolites—ceramide, sphingosine, and sphingosine–1-phosphate—in susceptibility to radiation-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cell lines with different sensitivities toγ -irradiation. Exposure of radiation-sensitive TSU-Pr1 cells to 8-Gy irradiation led to a sustained increase in ceramide, beginning after 12 h of treatment and increasing to 2.5- to 3-fold within 48 h. Moreover, irradiation of TSU-Pr1 cells also produced a marked and rapid 50% decrease in the activity of sphingosine kinase, the enzyme that phosphorylates sphingosine to form sphingosine-1-phosphate. In contrast, the radiation-insensitive cell line, LNCaP, had sustained sphingosine kinase activity and did not produce elevated ceramide levels on 8-Gy irradiation. Although LNCaP cells are highly resistant to γ-irradiation-induced apoptosis, they are sensitive to the death-inducing effects of tumor necrosis factor α, which also increases ceramide levels in these cells (K. Kimura et al. , Cancer Res., 59: 1606–1614, 1999). Moreover, we found that although irradiation alone did not increase sphingosine levels in LNCaP cells, tumor necrosis factor α plus irradiation induced significantly higher sphingosine levels and markedly reduced intracellular levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate. The elevation of sphingosine levels either by exogenous sphingosine or by treatment with the sphingosine kinase inhibitor N , N -dimethylsphingosine induced apoptosis and also sensitized LNCaP cells to γ-irradiation-induced apoptosis. Our data suggest that the relative levels of sphingolipid metabolites may play a role in determining the radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cells, and that the enhancement of ceramide and sphingosine generation could be of therapeutic value.
Risk of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Malfunction With Radiation Therapy: Location, Dose, or Energy?

IMPORTANCE Risk stratification and management paradigms for patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) requiring radiotherapy (RT) vary widely and are based on limited clinical data. OBJECTIVE To identify the incidence and predictors of CIED malfunction and describe associated clinical consequences in a large cohort of patients treated with photon- and electron-based RT.
Occurrence of an Inducible Glutaminase in Bacillus licheniformis

We report the presence of l-glutamine aminohydrolase activity (EC 3.5.1.2) in extracts of B. licheniformis A5. The activity was induced by glutamine and repressed by glucose.
Lunar Surface-To-Surface Power Transfer

A human lunar outpost, under NASA study for construction in the 2020's, has potential requirements to transfer electric power up to 50‐kW across the lunar surface from 0.1 to 10‐km distances. This power would be used to operate surface payloads located remotely from the outpost and/or outpost primary power grid. This paper describes concept designs for state‐of‐the‐art technology power transfer subsystems including AC or DC power via cables, beamed radio frequency power and beamed laser power. Power transfer subsystem mass and performance are calculated and compared for each option. A simplified qualitative assessment of option operations, hazards, costs and technology needs is also described. Based on these concept designs and performance analyses, a DC power cabling subsystem is recommended to minimize subsystem mass and to minimize mission and programmatic costs and risks. Avenues for additional power transfer subsystem studies are recommended.
Discovery of patterns in global earth science data using data mining

The climate and earth sciences have recently undergone a rapid transformation from a data-poor to a data-rich environment. In particular, climate and ecosystem related observations from remote sensors on satellites, as well as outputs of climate or earth system models from large-scale computational platforms, provide terabytes of temporal, spatial and spatio-temporal data. These massive and information-rich datasets offer huge potential for understanding and predicting the behavior of the Earth's ecosystem and for advancing the science of climate change.
Factors Affecting the Uptake of α-Amino Acids by Human Placental Villus: Acetylcholine, Phospholipid Methylation, Ca++ and Cytoskeletal Organization

Efficient transport of amino acids by the placenta is necessary for growth of the fetus. Information on the regulatory mechanisms of amino acid transport in human placenta is relatively limited. Several investigators have studied the uptake of amino acids by isolated placental villi or slices from human placenta using mainly a-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) (Miller and Berndt, 1974; Smith and Depper, 1974; Schneider and Dancis, 1974; Gusseck et al., 1975; Rowell and Sastry, 1978, 1981; Welsch et al., 1981a; Barnwell and Sastry, 1982). These studies have provided variables which influence the uptake of AIB by placenta. They have also provided information on optimum temperature (37°C) and optimum pH (7.4 to 7.8) for AIB uptake and oxidative energy sources for the uptake of AIB (Longo et al., 1973; Miller and Berndt, 1974). According to Christensen’s (1973) nomenclature, AIB is transported primarily by the A system. It can also fit the ASC and L systems, and, therefore, it has equal or greater access to transport systems than many of the natural neutral amino acids.
Patrilocality and recent migrations have little impact on shaping patterns of genetic structure of the Armenian population.

In general, genetic distances between human populations (also within one ethnic group) are larger for the Y chromosome markers than for the mtDNA. It is usually explained by higher rate of female versus male migration due to the cultural practice of patrilocality, when women move to their husbands’ residence after marriage. Recently found a reversed picture for the genetic variation in some ethno-territorial groups confirm the strict role of cultural traditions in shaping patterns of populations’ genetic structure. To test the role of patrilocality for the genetic structure of the Armenian population, we compared the Y chromosome and the mtDNA haplotype variations among and between geographical groups identified according to paternal (maternal) grandparental place of birth, from one side, and the populations currently living in the same geographical areas, from the other side. The results demonstrate that the Armenian population is regionally more structured for the Y chromosome than for the mtDNA. Additionally, in spite of expressed directivity of migration processes (caused by the phenomenon of patrilocality as well), the patterns of genetic variations for the populations of the same geographic areas remain without any significant changes during the last three generations.
Maccovius (1588–1644) on the Son of God as ἀυτόθεος

The character of the Second Person of the Trinity as eternally ἀυτόθeος, developed especially in the context of polemics with Antitrinitarians, is an important, albeit somewhat neglected, element in Calvin’s Christology. This article sets forth how, one theological generation later, Johannes Maccovius, the famed Polish Reformed theologian at Franeker, forcefully taught this doctrine within the context of his interactions with the followers of Arminius who denied this teaching, of whom he was one of their fiercest opponents. Maccovius dealt with this christological issue in a variety of works ranging from his work on theological aphorisms to his disputations and classroom lectures. Through a vast array of definitions, distinctions, and arguments, Maccovius is able to demonstrate his excellent qualities as an exegete, dogmatician, and polemicist, illustrating how he in his own writings strengthened and built on Calvin’s thought as a scholastic theologian from the period of early Reformed Orthodoxy.
Die Chemie von Antikörpern

Traditionell konzentrierte sich die Immunchemie darauf, die molekulare Grundlage der Affinitat und Spezifitat von Antikorperbindungen zu verstehen, doch in den letzten zwanzig Jahren hat auf diesem Gebiet eine bedeutende Verschiebung stattgefunden. Wir fragen uns nun, wie man die bemerkenswerten Eigenschaften von Antikorpern und der Immunantwort in der Chemie nutzen kann – vom Uberprufen grundlegender Theorien der Enzymkatalyse zur Synthese neuer Katalysatoren. Auserdem wird das Konzept der molekularen Diversitat, das diesen Experimenten zu Grunde liegt, nun auf eine grose Zahl anderer Probleme angewandt – von Bibliotheken von Biopolymeren bis hin zu solchen von Festkorpermaterialien. Diese Untersuchungen bieten nicht nur fundamentale Einblicke in viele biologische, chemische und physikalische Vorgange, sondern Chemikern auch einen anderen Zugang zur Synthese neuer molekularer Funktionen.
Autofluorescence detection of oxidized LDL in monocytes: a novel risk factor for the assessment of atherosclerosis?

Oxidative modification of the major cholesterol carrying lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), renders it more atherogenic as well as inducing unique fluorescence spectral characteristics that distinguish it from native (non-oxidized) LDL. This fluorescence feature has been identified using a microspectrofluorometry system capable of recording autofluorescence of individual cultured macrophages incubated with oxidized LDL. Differences in fluorescence spectra between individual control cells and oxidized LDL loaded cells could also be elicited using dye-enhanced fluorescence with neutral lipid probes such as nile red. Autofluorescence spectroscopy applied to the detection of intracellular oxidized LDL accumulation in circulating monocytes may be useful for identifying a novel risk factor in the assessment of atherosclerosis.
Dikes, joints, and faults in the upper mantle

Three different types of macroscopic fractures are recognized in upper-mantle and lower-crustal xenoliths in volcanic rocks from around the world: 1. (1) joints that are tensile fractures not occupied by crystallized magma products 2. (2) dikes that are tensile fractures occupied by mafic magmas crystallized to pyroxenites, gabbros or hydrous-mineral-rich rocks, 3. (3) faults that are unfilled shear fractures with surface markings indicative of shear displacement. In addition to intra-xenolith fractures, xenoliths commonly have polygonal or faceted shapes that represent fractures exploited during incorporation of the xenoliths into the host magma that brought them to the surface. The various types of fractures are considered to have formed in response to the pressures associated with magmatic fluids and to the ambient tectonic stress field. The presence of fracture sets and crosscutting relations indicate that both magma-filled and unfilled fractures can be contemporaneous and that the local stress field can change with time, leading to repeated episodes of fracture. These observations give insight into the nature of deep fracture processes and the importance of fluid-peridotite interactions in the mantle. We suggest that unfilled fractures were opened by volatile fluids exsolved from ascending magmas to the tops of growing dikes. These volatile fluids are important because they are of low viscosity and can rapidly transmit fluid pressure to dike and fault tips and because they lower the energy and tectonic stresses required to extend macroscopic cracks and to allow sliding on pre-existing fractures. Mantle seismicity at depths of 20–65 km beneath active volcanic centers in Hawaii corresponds to the depth interval where CO2-rich fluids are expected to be liberated from ascending basaltic magmas, suggesting that such fluids play an important role in facilitating earthquake instabilities in the presence of tectonic stresses. Other phenomena related to the fractures include permeation of peridotite by fluid inclusions derived by degassing of magmas, partial melting of peridotite and dike rocks, and metasomatic alteration of peridotite host rock by magmas emplaced in fractures. These effects of magmatism generally reduce the bulk density of peridotite and might also reduce seismic velocities. The velocity contrasts between fractured and unfractured peridotite might be detected by seismic-velocity profiling techniques.
USA600 (ST45) Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infections in Urban Detroit

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a major source of invasive infections, implicated in 18,000 deaths annually ([9][1]). Mortality rates of 20 to 30% for patients with MRSA bloodstream infections (BSIs) have been reported, with a recent study, spanning 15 years,
Improving Scatterometry Retrievals of Wind in Hurricanes Using Non-Simultaneous Passive Microwave Estimates of Precipitation and a Split-Step Advection/Convection Model

One of the current problems in the accurate estimation of over-ocean wind from scatterometry observations is the proper accounting for precipitation. Specific cases such as hurricanes are particularly difficult, because precipitation in the eye wall and rain bands can be quite heavy, and therefore, affect the scatterometer signatures so drastically that a category-4 hurricane can appear, to the scatterometer, to have category-1 winds. We have developed an approach to infer and account for the signature of the precipitation from non-simultaneous passive-microwave measurements of rain, with the help of geostationary IR measurements. In this note, we describe the basic approach, and the results of applying it to the data taken by the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission Microwave Imager measurements several hours before and after the QuikSCAT observation of Hurricane Rita in September 2005. We also describe how we are enhancing the approach with more realism in the assimilation of the IR information.
The Ex Ante Function of the Criminal Law

Criminal legal codes draw clear lines between permissible and illegal conduct, and the criminal justice system counts on people knowing these lines and governing their conduct accordingly. This is the ex ante function of the law; lines are drawn, and because citizens fear punishments or believe in the moral validity of the legal codes they do not cross these lines. But do people in fact know the lines that legal codes draw? The fact that several states have adopted laws that deviate from other state laws enables a field experiment to address this question. Residents (N = 203) of states (Wisconsin, Texas, North Dakota, and South Dakota) that had adopted a minority position on some aspect of criminal law reported the relevant law of their state to be no different than did citizens of majoritarian states. Path analyses using structural equation modeling suggest that people make guesses about what their state law holds by extrapolating from their personal view of whether or not the act in question ought to be criminalized.A legal code in a complex society is designed to have several functions. First, it is designed to announce beforehand the rules by which citizens must conduct themselves, on pain of criminal punishment. Second, if a person violates one of these rules of conduct, the criminal law must determine whether the violator is to be held criminally liable. Third, another part of its adjudicatory function, where liability is imposed the law must determine the general range, or grade, of punishment to be imposed.It is the first function that is of interest to us here, the so-called ex ante function of the criminal law. The code announces in advance what actions count as criminal; thus the citizenry can use the announcement to guide their actions to avoid criminal conduct. The law, in other words, draws bright lines between allowable and unallowable conduct, and those lines enable the citizens to regulate their conduct so they do not break the laws. To use a familiar metaphor, the criminal law specifies what sorts of actions are out of bounds, and the penalties for those actions, so the players will stay in bounds. The criminal justice system relies on people knowing the law and knowing where the boundaries for their conduct lie. Ignorance does not excuse unlawful conduct, a fact summarized in the phrase ignorance of the law is no excuse. Such a rule is defended as a useful means of creating an incentive for citizens to learn the law.
Ionization of excited hydrogen atoms by elliptically polarized fields: experiment vs. theories

Abstract We present experimental results for the ionization of hydrogen atoms with an initial principal quantum number n 0 in the range 31–45, by an elliptically polarized (EP), ω/2 π =9.904 GHz microwave electric field with peak amplitude F . For this range, the scaled frequency n 0 3 ω is relatively low, 0.04487–0.1372. Some data show local maxima and minima in the F -dependence of the ionization probability P ion . Classical 3d Monte Carlo calculations carried out by Richards quantitatively reproduce the striking sensitivity of this behavior to EP, and classical theory shows it to be a resonant dynamical process. A different theoretical approach by Oks and Uzer uses quantal Floquet theory to show how this driven system is related to a hydrogen atom in crossed electric and magnetic fields. We show that their quantal theory does reproduce the position of some local experimental minima in P ion , but it also predicts some minima that do not occur and fails to predict others that do occur experimentally. Finally, we present EP experimental data for P ion vs. F that exhibit significant oscillations not anticipated by any theoretical approach. We speculate on their origin.
NI-55PARAMETRIC MAPS OF CONTRAST AGENT DIFFUSION USING A NOVEL DIFFUSION-PERFUSION MODEL APPLIED TO DCE-MRI CAN DIFFERENTIATE NON-ENHANCING TUMOR FROM EDEMA IN HUMAN GLIOBLASTOMA

INTRODUCTION: We propose a new method for estimating the diffusion of contrast agent in the perfusion scan, dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-MRI. We term the new parameteres “effective diffusion coefficients (Deff)”, due to the possibility of simultaneous diffusion and bulk flow in the brain. METHODS: Twenty-six glioblastoma patients were scanned after informed consent. All scans were acquired at the time of declared progression of the tumor. MRI was performed with a 3T Siemens scanner (Erlangen, Germany). A total of 130 images were acquired with five-second time resolution. The bolus of gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (Gd-DTPA, gadopenetic acid, Magnevist) was injected after 10-13 images. Diffusion was estimated via a perfusion-diffusion combination model. RESULTS: To establish whether the diffusion estimates provide new information or can simply be explained by perfusion, we first assess the correlation between diffusion and the traditional DCE parameter from the Tofts model, Ktrans. Within enhancing tumor lesions, where Ktrans is typically used to assess neovascularization, the average correlation is 0.28 ± 0.07 (mean ± standard error), which shows that diffusion estimates depend little on perfusion. We then compare interpatient variability of the same two parameters in normal appearing white matter, with Deff having mean to standard deviation ratio, a form of signal to noise ratio, of 1.55, while the same metric for Ktrans was 0.87. The mean of Deff in NAWM is 3.8x10−4 mm2/s and in tumor is 6.39x10−3 mm2/s. Finally, we determine thresholds that best separate tumor voxels from non-tumor voxels and assess classification accuracy over five trials with sensitivity/specificity of Deff being 91.6/75.3 and for Ktrans, 75.2/74.9, with sensitivity being significanly higher with Deff (p = 3.2x10−9). DISCUSSION: Our preliminary results suggest that Deff provides new information about glioblastomas not achievable by the Tofts model, has greater robustness across patients than Ktrans, and is more sensitive to tumors.
Battery thermal models for hybrid vehicle simulations

Abstract This paper summarizes battery thermal modeling capabilities for: (1) an advanced vehicle simulator (ADVISOR); and (2) battery module and pack thermal design. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) ADVISOR is developed in the Matlab/Simulink environment. There are several battery models in ADVISOR for various chemistry types. Each one of these models requires a thermal model to predict the temperature change that could affect battery performance parameters, such as resistance, capacity and state of charges. A lumped capacitance battery thermal model in the Matlab/Simulink environment was developed that included the ADVISOR battery performance models. For thermal evaluation and design of battery modules and packs, NREL has been using various computer aided engineering tools including commercial finite element analysis software. This paper will discuss the thermal ADVISOR battery model and its results, along with the results of finite element modeling that were presented at the workshop on “Development of Advanced Battery Engineering Models” in August 2001.
Synthesis of deoxophylloerythroetioporphyrin (DPEP) and three ring homologs by an improved b-bilene methodology

Abstract Deoxophylloerythroetioporphyrin, an important porphyrin molecular fossil from oil shales and petroleum, and three homologs with six-, seven- or eight-membered exocyclic rings have been prepared by a one pot cyclization of b-bilenes with TFA-trimethyl orthoformate in dichloromethane.
Gravimetric sensing of metallic deposits using an end-loaded microfabricated beam structure

Abstract In this communication, the gravimetric sensitivities of two geometrically different microfabricated beam structures are reported. Each was loaded serially with gold followed by chromium metal by vapor depositing through a shadow mask exposing only the end of the structures. The change in fundamental resonance frequency was found to be solely a function of the density of the deposited for deposits less than 50 nm in thickness. Therefore, the change in the resonance frequency of the mechanical beam is solely a function of the end-loaded mass. The gravimetric sensitivities of the fundamental mode of excitation for these structures, measured under ambient excitation conditions, is of the order of 103 cm2 g−1 while the minimum detectable mass density with this type of structure can be as small as approximately 0.5 ng cm−2. A theoretical relationship is provided that enables further enhancement of the gravimetric sensitivity of these structures through decreasing the thickness and density of the microsensor. Through establishing a quantitative comparison between these structures and other, more traditional acoustic wave sensors, it will be shown that these micromechanical devices offer potential advantages in environmental monitoring applications.
A cost-effective multigrid projection operator

A novel heuristic residual analysis is proposed to derive a computationally cost-effective residual projection operator in multigrid with the five-point Red-Black Gauss-Seidel relaxation for solving the two-dimensional Poisson equation. This optimal residual injection operator is as cheap as the trivial injection operator, but is more efficient than the costly full-weighting operator and achieves near-optimal convergence rate.
Neonatal and Pediatric Perspectives in Picc Placement

The nurse providing care to the acute or critically ill child is all too familiar with the issues surrounding vascular access. Establishing and maintaining the correct access device is an ongoing problem. There are several types of vascular access devices available to the patient. Before placing any device, a thorough assessment of the patient is necessary. Choosing the wrong device can delay or interrupt the application of therapy. A peripherally inserted central catheter is one example of a vascular access device, and it is defined as a catheter inserted via a peripheral vein with the tip residing in the superior or inferior vena cava. This type of central catheter is commonly used in pediatric patients because it can offer reliable and stable vascular access. When appropriate, children with peripherally inserted central catheters can be discharged to the outpatient setting.
Symmetric quadrature rules on a triangle

Abstract We present a class of quadrature rules on triangles in R 2 which, somewhat similar to Gaussian rules on intervals in R 1, have rapid convergence, positive weights, and symmetry. By a scheme combining simple group theory and numerical optimization, we obtain quadrature rules of this kind up to the order 30 on triangles. This scheme, essentially a formalization and generalization of the approach used by Lyness and Jespersen over 25 years ago, can be easily extended to other regions in R 2 and surfaces in higher dimensions, such as squares, spheres. We present example formulae and relevant numerical results.
In-depth chromatographic analyses of illicit cocaine and its precursor, coca leaves

Chromatographic methodology used for the in-depth alkaloid analyses of coca leaves and for the characterization of alkaloidal impurities and manufacturing by-products in illicit refined cocaine samples is reviewed. This includes liquid-liquid partition and liquid-solid adsorption column chromatography, packed- and capillary-column gas chromatography with flame-ionization, electron-capture, nitrogen-phosphorous and mass spectrometric detection, and high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The rationale supporting the presence and determination of processing impurities/by-products in cocaine samples is discussed, and chromatographic methodology used for the development of drug impurity signature profiles is presented.
A method to grow hemispherical single crystals

Abstract A method for growing hemispherical metallic single crystals of copper, nickel, silver and lead up to 8 mm diameter is described. The melt is freely suspended by wetting and the solidification initiates at a tip which is directly attached to a heat sink. The technique is highly compatible with ultrahigh vacuum requirements, and samples with very clean surfaces can be prepared.
What Money Can Buy: Examining the Effects of Prepaid Monetary Incentives on Survey Response Rates among College Students.

This study examined the effects of prepaid monetary incentives on college students' rate of responding to a survey designed to assess beliefs and values. It also assessed the extent to which incentive effectiveness depended on such student characteristics as gender, race, and socioeconomic status. The findings suggest that $2 incentives enhance response rates over $0, but that $5 incentives do not substantially improve response rates over $2 incentives. Further, although the descriptive findings suggested that the effectiveness of incentives varied across different groups of students, multivariate analyses identified no such differences.
Recent Origin of the Solar System Dust Bands

Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) observations in 1983 revealed the existence of several solar system dust bands. These dust bands are believed to be debris produced by recent disruption events among main-belt asteroids, particularly because dust particles have short dynamical and collisional lifetimes. Using young asteroid families as tracers of recent disruptions in the main belt, we linked the most prominent IRAS dust bands with their sources. We propose that the source regions of the dust bands with inclination 935 and 21 are the Veritas asteroid family at 3.17 AU and the Karin cluster located inside the Koronis asteroid family at 2.865 AU, respectively. The Veritas family and the Karin cluster formed by collisional disruptions of their ~140 and ~25 km diameter parent bodies at 8.3 ± 0.5 and 5.8 ± 0.2 Myr ago, respectively. Asteroid material from the former source may represent about one-quarter of the interplanetary dust particles that have been collected in the Earth's stratosphere (and that have been extensively studied in laboratories). We were unable to identify a recent collision in the main-belt region that could be responsible for the 14 IRAS dust band. The region of the Themis family remains the best candidate for this dust band. We speculate that the (4652) Iannini cluster (5 Myr old, ~12° inclination) is the source for the J/K dust band and that the (1521) Seinajoki cluster (~15° inclination) is the ultimate source for the M/N dust band. We point out that the dust bands' spatial distributions are consistent with our proposed sources. This, and the fact that many prominent but ancient asteroid families have no associated dust bands, strongly suggests that dust bands are primarily by-products of recent asteroid breakup events that occur throughout the main belt.
Occurrence of Meloidogyne fallax in North America, and Molecular Characterization of M. fallax and M. minor from U.S. Golf Course Greens

Several species of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are known to have significant presence on turfgrass in golf course greens, particularly in the western United States. Nematodes isolated from a golf course in King County, WA were identified as Meloidogyne minor based on analysis of the large ribosomal subunit (LSU 28S D2-D3 expansion segment), the internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 (ITS rDNA), the intergenic spacer region 2 (IGS2), and the nuclear protein-coding gene Hsp90. Sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) primers that were originally designed to be specific for M. fallax were found to cross-react with M. minor. A population from California was determined to be M. fallax based on juvenile tail morphology and analysis of the ribosomal markers and Hsp90, comprising the first report of this species in North America. Using trees based on Hsp90 genomic alignments, the phylogenetic relationships of these populations and known root-knot nematode species were congruent with previous trees based on ribosomal genes. Resolution of M. fallax and M. chitwoodi using Hsp90 was equivalent to species separation obtained with 28S or 18S rDNA alignments. The strengths and weaknesses of ribosomal and Hsp90 markers, and the use of SCAR polymerase chain reaction as diagnostic tools are discussed.
Polymeric Optical Intensity Modulator with More than 40 GHz of 3-dB Electrical Bandwidth with Low Drive Voltage

In travelling-wave electro-optic modulation, the index mismatch between the optical and the RF waves Δ n = e − n, where e is the effective dielectric constant and n is the effective refractive index of the medium, is one of the major factors which limit the bandwidth of the device. Nonlinear optical (NLO) polymers offer unique advantages for high speed travelling-wave design by virtue of their low dielectric constant resulting in a near perfect velocity matching between the optical and the RF wavevectors1,2. In this paper, an electro-optic Mach Zehnder intensity modulator with more than 40 GHz of 3-dB electrical bandwidth in a nonlinear optical polymer developed by Hoechst Celanese is reported. Low drive voltages were achieved with a travelling-wave electrode length of 12 mm.
Regulation of copper metabolism in the mottled mouse.

• Menkes' kinky-hair syndrome is an X-linked recessive neurodegenerative and connective-tissue disorder, with decreased serum copper and ceruloplasmin—copper oxidase concentrations and tissue-specific increases in copper content. Clinical manifestations can be related to relative copper deficiency and reduced activity of cuproenzymes in multiple organs. An animal model is provided by mice hemizygous for mutant alleles, such as the blotchy allele, at the X-linked mottled locus. This locus may be homologous in mouse and man. The basic defect is unknown but has been thought to reside in the regulation of the function or synthesis of metallothioneins. In the blotchy mouse and in cultured skin fibroblasts derived therefrom, we showed that the mutation specifically affects the metabolism of copper and not other trace metals. Excessive accumulation and abnormal (reduced) exit kinetics were demonstrated for copper but not for the related trace metals cadmium and zinc. While metallothionein-I messenger RNA (mRNA) concentrations were elevated in blotchy fibroblasts, the elevations in metallothionein-I mRNA in response to metallothionein inducers (cadmium, copper) were similar in blotchy and control cells. Further, metallothionein-I mRNA levels were indistinguishable in mutant and control fibroblasts containing equivalent intracellular copper concentrations. Finally, metallothionein-I mRNA content was not elevated in blotchy kidneys at early developmental stages, before storage of excessive copper. The aggregate data suggest that the basic defect in the blotchy mouse—and, by analogy, in Menkes' syndrome—does not reside in defective modulation of metallothionein function and does not cause abnormal regulation of metallothionein synthesis. ( Arch Dermatol 1987;123:1545-1547a)
Efficient vector quantization technique for images

Image transmission is a very effective method of conveying information for a large number of applications. Vector quantization (VQ) is the most computational demanding technique that uses a finite set of vectors as its mapping space. It was shown that VQ is capable of producing good reconstructed image quality. However, it has the problem of computation complexity in the codebook creation part. We have found that neural networks is a fast alternative approach to create the codebooks. Neural network appears to be particularly well-suited for VQ applications. In neural networks approach we use parallel computing structures. Also, most neural network learning algorithms are adaptive and can be used to produce effective scheme for training the vector quantizer. A new method for designing the vector quantizer called Concentric-Shell Partition Vector Quantization is introduced. It first partitions the image vector space into concentric shells and then searches for the smallest possible codebook to represent the image vector space, while adhering to the visual perceptive qualities such as edges and textures in the image representation. In this paper, we are presenting neural networks using the frequency sensitive learning algorithm and the concentric-shell partitioning approach for VQ. This new technique will show the simplicity of the neural network model while retaining the computational advantages.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On the Clapeyron equation

Abstract During the past one hundred and thirty years scientists and engineers have made practical use of the Clapeyron equation. In this note we trace the development of the equation and present a cyclic thermodynamic derivation of it.
Lessons from murine models of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex disease that manifests immunologic abnormalities in the skin. The immunologic changes of AD are characterized by a T helper cell type 2 (Th2)-dominated immune response in its acute phase and a Th1/Th2 mixed immune response in its chronic phase. Although the clinical presentation and pathologic changes are initially in the skin, AD may be, in part, a systemic disorder. In fact, AD is often considered to be the initial manifestation of the "atopic march" that progresses from AD to allergic rhinitis and asthma. In the past several years, a number of murine models of AD have been developed or discovered, and studies on these models have contributed greatly to our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of this disease. This review is focused on these recent, illuminating advances in animal models of AD.
Human: Work-place model An integrated approach to occupational injury and illness

Occupational safety and health is a multidisciplinary activity and the specific disciplines involved are defined by the characteristics of process, the human operator and the design, environment and organization of the work space. The need is established for an integrated approach to the technology, the practice and the training for occupational safety and health and a model is proposed to provide this integration. Specific examples are given to show how the model provides approaches to each of these three aspects. The significance of the model to the identification of relevant control technologies and the subsequent selection of the most appropriate solution is illustrated for a variety of industrial occupations.
Reconstitution of the type II [3H]estradiol binding site with recombinant histone H4.

Abstract Previously, we identified the rat uterine nuclear type II [ 3 H]estradiol binding site as histone H4 and an unknown 35 kDa protein with histone H4 immunoreactivity. Studies using calf thymus histones indicated that the 35 kDa protein was likely a dimer of histone H3 and H4. Further study of the type II site required methodology for producing sufficient quantities of recombinant histones, which retained ligand-binding properties. A variety of production methods produce sufficient quantities of histone for binding analyses were evaluated prior to finding a successful technique. The present studies describe techniques for the production of recombinant histones that retain the ligand binding properties of type II binding site. Binding studies with recombinant protein mirrored [ 3 H]estradiol binding assays with rat uterine nuclear preparations. Histone H4 specifically binds [ 3 H]estradiol with a low affinity ( K d ∼20 nM) and in a cooperative fashion (curvilinear Scatchard plot; Hill coefficient ∼4). Although histone H3 does not appear to bind ligand, regeneration of the histone H3/H4 pair produced a 35 kDa protein equivalent to the 35 kDa protein labeled with [ 3 H]luteolin in rat uterine nuclear extracts and calf thymus histones. These data confirm the identification of histone H4 as a key component of the type II site. Future studies with recombinant proteins will lead to the identification of the “nucleosomal ligand-binding domain” for methyl- p -hydroxyphenyllactate (MeHPLA) and related ligands and delineation of their epigenetic control of gene expression and cell proliferation.
The finite deformation of internally pressurized hollow cylinders and spheres for a class of compressible elastic materials

Abstract The finite elastic deformation of hollow circular cylinders and spheres under applied uniform internal pressure is studied and conditions for the initiation of a localized shear bifurcation are obtained. The location of this bifurcation relative to the pressure maximum is investigated. It is shown that when the ratio of the outer undeformed radius to the inner undeformed radius is larger than a critical value, the shear bifurcation occurs before the pressure maximum is attained, while when this ratio is smaller than the critical value, the converse is true. The analysis is carried out for a particular compressible elastic foam rubber material (the Blatz-Ko material). The results are obtained in closed analytic form.
Manganese accumulates in iron-deficient rat brain regions in a heterogeneous fashion and is associated with neurochemical alterations.

Previous studies have shown that iron deficiency (ID) increases brain manganese (Mn), but specific regional changes have not been addressed. Weanling rats were fed one of three semipurified diets: control (CN), iron deficient (ID), or iron deficient/manganese fortified (IDMn+). Seven brain regions were analyzed for Mn concentration and amino acid (glutamate, glutamine, taurine, γ-aminobutyric acid) concentrations. Both ID and IDMn+ diets caused significant (p<0.05) increases in Mn concentration across brain regions compared to CN. The hippocampus was the only brain region in which the IDMn+ group accumulated significantly more Mn than both the CN and ID groups. ID significantly decreased GABA concentration in hippocampus, caudate putamen, and globus pallidus compared to CN rats. Taurine was significantly increased in the substantia nigra of the IDMn+ group compared to both ID and CN. ID also altered glutamate and glutamine concentrations in cortex, caudate putamen, and thalamus compared to CN. In the substantia nigra, Mn concentration positively correlated with increased taurine concentration, whereas in caudate putamen, Mn concentration negatively correlated with decreased GABA. These data show that ID is a significant risk factor for central nervous system Mn accumulation and that some of the neurochemical alterations associated with ID are specifically attributable to Mn accumulation.