cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The relation of motion sickness to the spatial–temporal properties of velocity storage

Tilting the head in roll to or from the upright while rotating at a constant velocity (roll while rotating, RWR) alters the position of the semicircular canals relative to the axis of rotation. This produces vertical and horizontal nystagmus, disorientation, vertigo, and nausea. With recurrent exposure, subjects habituate and can make more head movements before experiencing overpowering motion sickness. We questioned whether promethazine lessened the vertigo or delayed the habituation, whether habituation of the vertigo was related to the central vestibular time constant, i.e., to the time constant of velocity storage, and whether the severity of the motion sickness was related to deviation of the axis of eye velocity from gravity. Sixteen subjects received promethazine and placebo in a double-blind, crossover study in two consecutive 4-day test series 1 month apart, termed series I and II. Horizontal and vertical eye movements were recorded with video-oculography while subjects performed roll head movements of approx. 45 degrees over 2 s to and from the upright position while being rotated at 138 degrees /s around a vertical axis. Motion sickness was scaled from 1 (no sickness) to an endpoint of 20, at which time the subject was too sick to continue or was about to vomit. Habituation was determined by the number of head movements that subjects made before reaching the maximum motion sickness score of 20. Head movements increased steadily in each session with repeated testing, and there was no difference between the number of head movements made by the promethazine and placebo groups. Horizontal and vertical angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (aVOR) time constants declined in each test, with the declines being closely correlated to the increase in the number of head movements. The strength of vertiginous sensation was associated with the amount of deviation of the axis of eye velocity from gravity; the larger the deviation of the eye velocity axis from gravity, the more severe the motion sickness. Thus, promethazine neither reduced the nausea associated with RWR, nor retarded or hastened habituation. The inverse relationship between the aVOR time constants and number of head movements to motion sickness, and the association of the severity of motion sickness with the extent, strength, and time of deviation of eye velocity from gravity supports the postulate that the spatiotemporal properties of velocity storage, which are processed between the nodulus and uvula of the vestibulocerebellum and the vestibular nuclei, are likely to represent the source of the conflict responsible for producing motion sickness.
Economic Analysis of Large-Scale Upstream River Basin Development on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia Considering Transient Conditions, Climate Variability, and Climate Change

The upper Blue Nile Basin in Ethiopia harbors considerable untapped potential for irrigation and large-scale hydropower development and expansion. Numerous water resources system models have been developed to evaluate these resources, yet often fail to adequately address critical aspects, including the transient e.g., filling stages of reservoirs, relevant streamflow retention policies and downstream consequences, construction staggering, and the implications of stochastic modeling of variable climate and climate change. This omission has clear economic impacts on benefits and costs and could be pivotal in national policy and decision making. The Investment Model for Planning Ethiopian Nile Development dynamic water resources system model is outlined and applied to address these aspects. For the hydropower and irrigation development projects specified, model results disregarding transient and construction stagger aspects demonstrate overestimations of $6 billion in benefits and 170% in downstream flows compared to model results account- ing for these aspects. Benefit-cost ratios for models accounting for transient conditions and climate variability are found to range from 1.2-1.8 under historical climate regimes for the streamflow retention policies evaluated. Climate change scenarios, represented either by changes in the frequency of El Nino and La Nina events or by the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios projections, indicate potential for small benefit-cost increases, but also reflect the potential for noteworthy decreases, relative to the historical climate conditions. In particular, stochastic modeling of scenarios representing a doubling of the historical frequency of El Nino events indicates benefit-cost ratios as low as 1.0, even under perfect foresight optimization modeling, due to a lack of timely water. However, even at this ratio, Ethiopia, at current growth rates, may still be unable to absorb all the potential energy developed, reinforcing the need for significant economic planning and the necessity of securing energy trade contracts prior to extensive expansion.
Electron microscopy study of fine, homogeneously distributed epsilon (ϵ) phase in the cobalt aluminide phase of CoCrAl(Y) alloys

Abstract A fine, homogeneously distributed ϵ phase has been observed and identified in the cobalt-aluminide phase of a Co-20Cr-10Al cast, homogenized and air cooled alloy. This phase is produced by the supersaturation of the aluminide phase with Co, Cr and Al. A heterogeneously nucleated form of ϵ phase platelet has been observed in the same cast alloy as above and also in an EBPVD overlay coating of similar composition. Both forms of this phase have a hexagonal closed packed crystal structure with c o = 0.411 nm. The heterogeneous ϵ has the lattice parameter a o = 0.257 nm. The homogeneous ϵ has a slightly smaller a o by approximately 0.003 nm. The orientation relationship of both forms of ϵ to the surrounding aluminide matrix phase is the Burgers orientation relationship, given previously. Additional diffraction maxima were observed in the X-ray diffraction patterns of both materials corresponding to ϵ phase (100) and (101) type interplanar spacings. The c axis of the homogeneously distributed ϵ disks was lying in the plane of the disk since rel rods were perpendicular to the c axis. The heterogeneously nucleated platelets had various lengths and widths, with thickness ranging from 20–30 nm. The homogeneously distributed disks were approximately 1.4 nm thick and 20–28 nm in diameter. Finally, the approximate composition of the heterogeneously nucleated ϵ in the EBPVD material was Co-26Cr-5Al. The approximate composition of the homogeneously distributed ϵ in the cast material was Co-25.5Cr-2.5Al.
Can microRNA profiling in maternal blood identify women at risk for preterm birth

Objective MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are highly conserved single-stranded noncoding RNAs that play a crucial role in gene regulation, have now been identified as important players in many diseases states. MiRNAs have also been demonstrated to be reliable and useful biomarkers to identify those women who are at risk for specific adverse outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine whether miRNA profiles in maternal blood are different in women who are destined to have a preterm, compared with a term, birth. Study Design A nested case-control study was performed with maternal serum that was collected as part of a larger prospective cohort. MiRNA expression profiles in maternal serum were compared between women who ultimately had a preterm birth (n = 40) compared with term birth (n = 40). MiRNA expression profiles were created with the use of the Affymetrix GeneChip miRNA Array. The data were analyzed with the significance of analysis of microarrays and principle components analyses. A false discovery rate of 20% was used to determine the most differentially expressed miRNAs. Results Of the 5640 miRNAs that were analyzed on the array, 4 miRNAs were significantly different between cases and control subjects. Two of the 4 miRNAs were mature miRNAs. The fold difference in expression was Conclusion MiRNA profiles in maternal blood were not significantly different in women who were destined to have a preterm, compared with a term, birth. MiRNAs in maternal blood are unlikely to become clinically useful biomarkers for the prediction of preterm birth.
Population Biology of Steelhead Spawning Runs in Three Pennsylvania Tributaries to Lake Erie

Little is currently known about the population biology of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) that spawn in Pennsylvania's Lake Erie tributaries or the role of natural reproduction in supporting this fishery despite its popularity and importance. The goal of this study was to describe the population characteristics of steelhead spawning runs in Crooked Creek, Godfrey Run, and Trout Run, three Pennsylvania Lake Erie tributaries that are annually stocked with 80,000 to 200,000 yearling steelhead. From fall 1997 to spring 1999, returning adult steelhead were sampled during both fall and spring spawning runs using seines and backpack electrofishing gear. Sex was determined using external characteristics, total length was measured, and a scale sample was collected from each fish. Scales were analyzed to determine age, life history patterns, and relative contributions of wild and hatchery-reared fish to seasonal spawning runs. Male steelhead dominated sex ratios in both Godfrey Run and Trout Run during both seasons, while female steelhead were more prevalent in Crooked Creek. Stream-age 1 steelhead were predominant in both fall and spring runs in all three streams. During both seasons in all streams, the majority of males returned after spending only one summer in Lake Erie while most female steelhead returned at lake-age-2. The relative contribution of wild steelhead to Pennsylvania spawning runs was minimal in all three streams for both seasons. As a result, future success of Pennsylvania's steelhead fishery will likely require the continuation of annual tributary stocking of steelhead smolts.
Radiative ionization in slow ion-atom collisions☆

Abstract Bremsstrahlung from the ionization of inner shell electrons in slow ion atom collisions is considered. The yield predicted by the binary encounter approximation is small compared with experiment in 12–33 MeV O + Zr and O + Au collisions.
Teaching Beginning Braille Reading Using an Alphabet or Uncontracted Braille Approach

This study examined the effects of using a research based print reading program modified to accommodate beginning braille readers using an alphabet or uncontracted braille reading approach with five beginning braille readers. Four of the 5 participants displayed a clear increase in their ability to read high frequency words when they began using the Early Steps reading program modified to an Early Steps Alphabet Braille Reading Program. Study findings indicate that access to reading activities and materials afforded to sighted peers resulted in improved reading outcomes for children with visual impairments. Teachers, participants, and family members all viewed the use of the uncontracted braille reading program and materials favorably. Specialized reading instruction was also perceived as beneficial by teachers of students with visual impairments when the training addressed the specific needs of braille readers.
The Characteristics-Based Matching (CBM) Method for Compressible Flow With Moving Boundaries and Interfaces

Recently, Euterian methods for capturing interfaces in multi-fluid problems become increasingly popular While these methods can effectively handle significant deformations of interface, the treatment of the boundary conditions in certain classes of compressible flows are known to produce nonphysical oscillations due to the radical change in equation of state across the material interface. One promising recent development to overcome these problems is the Ghost Fluid Method (GFM). The present study initiates a new methodology for boundary condition capturing in multifluid compressible flows. The method, named Characteristics-Based Matching (CBM), capitalizes on recent developments of the level set method and related techniques, i.e., PDE-based re-initialization and extrapolation, and the Ghost Fluid Method (GFM). Specifically, the CBM utilizes the level set function to capture interface position and a GFM-like strategy to tag computational nodes. In difference to the GFM method, which employs a boundary condition capturing in primitive variables, the CBM method implements boundary conditions based on a characteristic decomposition in the direction normal to the boundary. In this way over-specification of boundary conditions is avoided and we believe so will be spurious oscillations. In this paper we treat (moving or stationary) fluid-solid interfaces and present numerical results for a select set of test cases. Extension to fluid-fluid interfaces will be presented in a subsequent paper.
SocialVPN: Enabling wide-area collaboration with integrated social and overlay networks

Trusted collaborative systems require peers to be able to communicate over private, authenticated end-to-end channels. Network-layer approaches such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) exist, but require considerable setup and management which hinder the establishment of ad-hoc collaborative environments: trust needs to be established, cryptographic keys need to be exchanged, and private network tunnels need to be created and maintained among end users. In this paper, we propose a novel system architecture which leverages existing social infrastructures to enable ad-hoc VPNs which are self-configuring, self-managing, yet maintain security amongst trusted and untrusted third parties. The key principles of our approach are: (1) self-configuring virtual network overlays enable seamless bi-directional IP-layer connectivity to socially connected parties; (2) online social networking relationships facilitate the establishment of trust relationships among peers; and (3) both centralized and decentralized databases of social network relationships can be securely integrated into existing public-key cryptography (PKI) implementations to authenticate and encrypt end-to-end traffic flows. The main contribution of this paper is a new peer-to-peer overlay architecture that securely and autonomously creates VPN tunnels connecting social peers, where online identities and social networking relationships may be obtained from centralized infrastructures, or managed in a decentralized fashion by the peers themselves. This paper also reports on the design and performance of a prototype implementation that embodies the SocialVPN architecture. The SocialVPN router builds upon IP-over-P2P (IPOP) virtual networks and a PKI-based tunneling infrastructure, which integrates with both centralized and decentralized social networking systems including Facebook, the Drupal open-source content management system, and emailing systems with PGP support. We demonstrate our prototype's ability to support existing, unmodified TCP/IP applications while transparently dealing with user connectivity behind Network Address Translators (NATs). We also present qualitative and quantitative analyses of functionality and performance based on wide-area network experiments using PlanetLab and Amazon EC2.
Evidence suggesting that health education for self-management in patients with chronic arthritis has sustained health benefits while reducing health care costs.

Objective. To determine the effects of the Arthritis Self-Management Program 4 years after participation in it. Methods. Valid self-administered instruments were used to measure health status, psychological states, and health service utilization. Results. Pain had declined a mean of 20% and visits to physicians 40%, while physical disability had increased 9%. Comparison groups did not show similar changes. Estimated 4-year savings were $648 per rheumatoid arthritis patient and $189 per osteoarthritis patient. Conclusion. Health education in chronic arthritis may add significant and sustained benefits to conventional therapy while reducing costs.
The enhancement of VEGF-mediated angiogenesis by polycaprolactone scaffolds with surface cross-linked heparin

This study investigates the effect of surface cross-linked heparin on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated angiogenesis in porous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds in vivo. We tested the hypothesis that VEGF delivered by scaffolds coated with a sub-micron thick layer of immobilized heparin would accelerate angiogenesis. The bioactivity of retained VEGF was confirmed by its phosphorylation of VEGF receptor-2. After 7 and 14 days of subcutaneous implantation in mice, the heparin-PCL scaffolds loaded with VEGF displayed significantly higher infiltration of blood vessels which traversed the entire scaffold thickness (2 mm). The stability and function of the newly formed vessels were confirmed by smooth muscle cell coverage and vessel perfusability, respectively. The contribution of individual components was assessed by varying the VEGF dose and heparin thickness. Prolonging the cross-linking reaction on PCL scaffolds resulted in higher heparin content, thicker heparin layer, and higher VEGF retention. While a dose dependent angiogenic response was observed with VEGF, higher amount of cross-linked heparin did not translate into additional improvement in angiogenesis for a given dose of VEGF. The synergism of immobilized heparin and VEGF in stimulating angiogenesis was observed in vivo.
Catalyst: a DSIP design flow development in industry

The Motorola System on Chip Design Technologies (SoCDT) team aims at providing a system design environment for its customers. The Toulouse branch concentrates on design efforts incorporating DSP functionality. This is referred to as the Catalyst methodology. We found that in current systems very often the software development cycle is longer than that of the silicon development. To ease the software burden, we have changed the silicon architecture and its flow to permit the DSP software to be written in the C language instead of assembler code, as is normally done. The resulting architecture is domain specific; it is smaller, has a reduced design cycle and is simpler to implement because it is tuned to the application software we are providing. This paper will describe the methodology which we are developing to create domain specific architectures, it shows one example architecture and aspects which are critical for industry acceptance.
Failure Analysis of Al 356-T6 Clutch Lever

A permanent mold cast Al 356-T6 aluminum clutch pedal lever is investigated to determine the mode of failure. The part is investigated using visual inspection, metallography, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and hardness (HRB) testing. The part is found to have casting defects ranging from extreme porosity to intergranular fusion voids causing brittle fracture of clutch lever.
Ultrahigh-gain bulk solid-state stimulated Brillouin scattering phase-conjugation material.

We report what is believed to be the first observation of phase conjugation by stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in TeO2 single crystal. The observed very low threshold for phase-conjugate mirror (PCM) formation, high PCM reflectivities in this initial experiment, and commercial availability of material hold promise for a host of practical applications in the near future. The resultant steady-state gain parameter, ∼100 cm/GW, is to our knowledge the largest ever reported for any SBS material.
Learning to learn in the accounting Principles course: Outcome assessment of an integrative business analysis project

Abstract This paper reports on an effort to integrate some of the Accounting Education Change Commission's recommendations for the Principles course. A project involving comprehensive analysis of a publicly traded company was introduced in the Managerial Accounting course as a vehicle to develop critical thinking, problem solving, ethical sensitivity, team-work, and communication skills among sophomore-level business majors. As a means of assessing outcomes, a follow-up questionnaire was administered to measure the effectiveness of the project, and results were analyzed. The project was found to have made positive impacts across several dimensions of the learning process. Implications for Accounting curricula are discussed.
Inferring and quantifying the role of an intrinsic current in a mechanism for a half-center bursting oscillation: A dominant scale and hybrid dynamical systems analysis

This paper illustrates an informatic technique for inferring and quantifying the dynamic role of a single intrinsic current in a mechanism of neural bursting activity. We analyze the patterns of the most dominant currents in a model of half-center oscillation in the leech heartbeat central pattern generator. We find that the patterns of dominance change substantially over a cycle, allowing different local reductions to be applied to the model. The result is a hybrid dynamical systems model, which is a piecewise representation of the mechanism combining multiple vector fields and discrete state changes. The simulation of such a model tests explicit hypotheses about the mechanism and is a novel way to retain both mathematical clarity and scientific detail in answering mechanistic questions about a complex model. Several insights into the central mechanism of “escape-release” in the model are elucidated by this analysis and compared with previous studies. The broader application and extension of this technique is also discussed.
Expected and Actual Case Ascertainment and Treatment Rates for Children Infected with Hepatitis C in Florida and the United States: Epidemiologic Evidence from Statewide and Nationwide Surveys

Objective To evaluate the rate of pediatric hepatitis C virus (HCV) case ascertainment relative to the estimated number of actual cases. Study design Data from Florida and United States health departments were used to assess pediatric HCV case ascertainment rates in Florida and nationwide. The percentage of children infected with HCV from Miami-Dade County receiving medical care by a pediatric gastroenterologist was estimated based on data obtained from physician questionnaires. Results From 2000 through 2009, 2007 children were identified as having positive HCV antibody tests in Florida, only 12% of the expected number (n = 12 155). An estimated 1.6% of the expected children with HCV who tested Ab-positive (37 of 1935) were actively followed by a pediatric gastroenterologist in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Across the United States, only 4.9% of the expected cases have been identified. Conclusions The identification of children infected with HCV in the nation as a whole is grossly inadequate. Only a small fraction of cases are identified. In Florida, less than 2% of children identified receive treatment. Lack of identification and lack of treatment of children infected with HCV constitute critical public health problems. Strategies to increase awareness of HCV infection and to screen at-risk individuals could substantially improve morbidity and mortality while reducing health care costs.
The Hayes tephra deposits, and upper Holocene marker horizon in south-central Alaska

Abstract The most widespread of all Holocene tephra deposits in the Cook Inlet region of south-central Alaska is a set of deposits from Hayes volcano. Because of their unique phenocryst content—biotite in rare amounts and a high proportion of amphibole to pyroxene—the deposits are readily identifiable at all but the most distant sites where they are very fine grained. Eighteen radiocarbon dates from eight upland sites limit the age of the tephra set to between about 3500 and 3800 yr. The set originated at Hayes volcano in the Tordrillo Mountains 150 km northwest of Anchorage; seven or possibly eight closely succeeding deposits, low-silica dacite in composition, compose two main lobes that extend northeast for 400 km and south for at least 250 km from the vent. We estimate the total tephra volume to be 10 km 3 ; multiple layers imply four to six larger and two or three smaller eruptions. The deposits are a nearly isochronous marker horizon that should be useful in future archeologic, geologic, and palynologic studies in the region.
Efficient synthesis of fluorescent-PET probes based on [18F]BODIPY dye

We report the direct conversion of fluorescent probes to PET/fluorescent probes after efficient [19F]/[18F] exchange at the BODIPY motif. The radiolabeling of a NIR BODIPY dye was also established, which was conjugated with the RGD peptide for PET/fluorescence imaging of integrin expression in vivo.
Introduction to listed options [Wireless Investor]

This column provides an introduction to listed options. "Unlisted options" contains comments on a peripherally related topic, the uses and abuses of unlisted options. Subsequent columns have looked at the mathematics of options pricing and describe options-based investment strategies
Calcium/calmodulin dependent kinase II contributes to persistent central neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury

Chronic central neuropathic pain after central nervous system injuries remains refractory to therapeutic interventions. A novel approach would be to target key intracellular signaling proteins that are known to contribute to continued activation by phosphorylation of kinases, transcription factors, and/or receptors that contribute to changes in membrane excitability. We demonstrate that one signaling kinase, calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), is critical in maintaining aberrant dorsal horn neuron hyperexcitability in the neuropathic pain condition after spinal cord injury (SCI). After contusion SCI at spinal level T10, activated CaMKII (phosphorylated, pCaMKII) expression is significantly upregulated in the T7/8 spinal dorsal horn in neurons, but not glial cells, and in oligodendrocytes in the dorsal column in the same rats that displayed at-level mechanical allodynia. Furthermore, identified spinothalamic neurons demonstrated significant increases of pCaMKII after SCI compared to sham-treated control animals. However, neither astrocytes nor microglia showed pCaMKII expression in either sham-treated or SCI rats. To demonstrate causality, treatment of SCI rats with KN-93, which prevents CaMKII activation, significantly attenuated at-level mechanical allodynia and aberrant wide dynamic range neuronal activity evoked by brush, pressure, and pinch stimuli and a graded series of von Frey stimuli, respectively. Persistent CaMKII activation contributes to chronic central neuropathic pain by mechanisms that involve maintained hyperexcitability of wide dynamic range dorsal horn neurons. Furthermore, targeting key signaling proteins is a novel, useful therapeutic strategy for treating chronic central neuropathic pain.
High performance teleoperation for industrial work robots

We have developed a set of perception and control technologies to support practical and effective teleoperation of industrial work robots for use in a variety of industries and tasks. This system is suitable for control of remote mobile robots and manipulators in industrial settings, contaminated or hazardous areas, and on remote platforms over low-bandwidth communications links and would be especially well suited to a variety of applications in power generation and transmission. Our approach combines high-quality, bandwidth-adaptable, 360 degree video, a persistent virtual 3D view of the workspace which is built on the fly, and a robust operator control system to provide a highly effective teleoperation system. This system provides good operator performance over a wide range of available bandwidths, enhanced operator situational awareness, and is resistant to the adverse effects of communications interruptions and slow-downs.
Thermal conductivity of individual carbon nanofibers

Abstract In the present paper, we present results of thermal conductivity measurements in commercially-available, chemical vapor deposition grown, heat-treated and non-heat-treated individual carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The thermal conductivity measurements are made using the T-type probe experimental configuration using a Wollaston wire probe inside a high resolution scanning electron microscope. The results show a significant increase in the thermal conductivity of CNFs that are annealed at 2800 °C for 20 h when compared with the non-heat-treated CNF samples. When adjusted for thermal contact resistance, the highest measured thermal conductivity is 449 ± 39 W/m-K. The average thermal conductivity of the heat-treated samples is 163 W/m-K, while the average thermal conductivity of the non-heat-treated samples is 4.6 W/m-K. The results demonstrate the importance of the quality of the CNFs, in particular their heat treatment (high temperature annealing), in controlling their thermal conductivity for thermal management applications.
SUBCLAVIAN-CAROTID BYPASS TO AN ISOLATED CAROTID BIFURCATION : A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

Most patients with occlusion of the common carotid artery will have concomitant occlusion of the internal and external carotid arteries. A few, however, will maintain antegrade internal carotid flow via retrograde flow from the ipsilateral external carotid artery. These patients remain at risk for hemispheric transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), ischemic stroke, or vertebrobasilar insufficiency/global cerebral ischemia. Historically, diagnosis of this condition has relied on cerebral arteriography and/or blind exploration of the carotid bifurcation. More recently, color-enhanced duplex ultrasonography has been used to facilitate the diagnosis and has allowed focused, delayed arteriographic views of the appropriate carotid bifurcation, making blind exploration unnecessary. From 1985 to 1994, nine patients with TIAs (n=5), completed stroke with minimal residual deficit (n=2), or vertebrobasilar insufficiency (n=2) were found to have occlusion of the common carotid artery with a patent carotid bifurcation on duplex ultrasound images. All nine had this particular anatomic condition confirmed by arteriography and were subsequently treated by subclavian-carotid bypass using autologous reversed saphenous vein (n=5) or synthetic (n=4) grafts. Five of nine patients required concomitant bifurcation endarterectomy. There were no perioperative strokes or TIAs and no operative deaths. Six of eight survivors remain asymptomatic at 1 to 92 months' follow-up (mean 37.1 months). Symptomatic patients with occluded common carotid arteries and patent bifurcations can be treated surgically with low operative morbidity and good long-term results.
The Lasagna Technology for In Situ Soil Remediation. 2. Large Field Test

A novel, in situ remediation technology called Lasagna is being developed for cleaning up contamination in heterogeneous or low-permeability soils. The technology uses electrical current to drive contaminants from the soil into treatment zones installed directly in the contaminated area. The collaboration between a consortium of industry (Monsanto, DuPont, and General Electric) with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has led to two field tests at a DOE plant, chosen for its combination of low-permeability soil and trichloroethylene (TCE) as the sole contaminant. This paper describes the first field test in which TCE in the contaminated soil was transported into carbon-containing treatment zones where it was trapped. The test was very successful, removing over 98% TCE from the contaminated soil, with most treated samples showing greater than 99% removal. The success of this test paved the way for the second and much larger field test in which TCE was degraded in place.
Research notes: Prevalence of selected microbial pathogens in processed poultry waste used as dairy cattle feed.

Abstract Processed poultry litter intended for dairy cattle feed was collected on 13 dairy ranches in the San Joaquin Valley of California and analyzed for the presence of significant bacterial pathogens associated with clinical disease in cattle or foodborne disease in humans. Litter samples were collected from the surface and interior of the litter piles upon arrival on the dairies and 2 to 4 wk later. Litter samples were cultured for Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, and other bacteria. The temperature of the litter piles was obtained on the surface and interior at each sampling. Dry matter was determined for each sample. No Salmonella, E. coli O157, or Campylobacter was identified (n = 104). Other E. coli strains were found in 8 out of 52 samples on arrival and 4 out of 52 samples at 2 to 4 wk after arrival. Although the surface and interior temperatures of the litter pile were different (23 C vs 50 C, respectively), the mean temperatures did not significantly change with time on the ranches. Average dry matter content did not differ between samples. In conclusion, the pathogens under investigation were not detected in processed poultry litter on these California dairy ranches upon arrival at the dairy or 2 to 4 wk later.
Improving The Prognostic Value Of FDG-PET For NSCLC Patients Treated With SABR Using Advanced Computational Modeling

suppression weighted (T2FS) sequences. The cohort had a median followup period of 33 months (range: 9-70) during which 19 patients developed lung metastases. Forty-one different textures (e.g., homogeneity, coarseness, large zone emphasis, etc.) were extracted from the tumor region (excluding surrounding edema) of the separate (FDG-PET, T1 and T2FS) and fused (FDG-PET/T1 and FDG-PET/T2FS) PET/MR scans. Fusion of the scans was implemented using the wavelet transform. The construction of prediction models from the combination of different textural features was then performed using logistic regression with feature set reduction, forward feature selection, and correction for small sample size effect. The performance of the resulting models for lung metastases prediction was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) on bootstrap resampling in order to maximize their generalizability to out-of-sample STS population. Results: Overall, textures extracted from fused scans outperformed those from separate scans for the prediction of lung metastases by 10%. The best performance was found using a multivariable model with the following 3 texture parameters extracted from fused scans: small zone emphasis, zonesize variance and high gray-level zone emphasis. The average prediction performance of this model using 1000 bootstrapping testing sets yielded an AUC of 0.978 0.001, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.909 0.006 and 0.899 0.004, respectively. Finally, the uncertainty of the texture model due to contouring variations was analyzed to be 15% using two different contours: one including the visible edema in the vicinity of the tumors, and one excluding it. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that textural features extracted from fused FDG-PET/MR scans can be used to assess lung metastasis risk at diagnosis of STS. Accurate risk assessment could improve patient outcomes by allowing better treatment adaptation. For future work, we intend to generalize the methodology developed in this study to other cancer types and clinical endpoints. Author Disclosure: M. Vallieres: None. C.R. Freeman: None. S. Skamene: None. I. El Naqa: None.
Case Studies and Comparisons of the CALIPSO Aerosol Optical Depth Measurements and aerosol type estimates

The CALIPSO Level II data are analyzed to assess the veracity of the CALIPSO aerosol type identification algorithm and generate distributions of aerosol types and their respective optical characteristics. The distributions show that the classification algorithm has no surface type or diurnal dependencies. For this initial assessment of algorithm performance, we analyze global distributions of the CALIPSO aerosol types, along with distributions of integrated attenuated backscatter, backscatter color ratio, and volume depolarization ratio for each type. The aerosol type distributions are further partitioned according to various geophysical discriminators (e.g., geographic region, land vs. ocean, and day vs. night). The algorithm generates the expected results in most scenes. The total color ratio distributions show significant overlap between the aerosol types. Since the aerosol typing algorithm uses a logical decision tree based on fixed thresholds, we test the sensitivity of the typing algorithm to perturbations in these threshold values. To test the CALIPSO extinction to backscatter ratio estimates, we compare extinction-to-backscatter ratios derived using the transmittance method to the values in the look up tables.
Muon Capture on Carbon

To check the predictions of a universal Fermi interaction, negative muons were brought to rest in a 1\textonehalf{}-in. filament scintillator chamber and the rate for the reaction ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\mathrm{C}}^{12}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{B}}^{12}+\ensuremath{\nu}$ was measured. Ninety-seven ${\mathrm{B}}^{12}$ events were observed, giving a capture rate of (6.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.9)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{3}$/sec. This number is in agreement with the predictions of a universal Fermi interaction, a pion-induced pseudoscalar term with ${g}_{P}=+8{g}_{A}$, and a conserved vector current.
Limitations on accurate shape determination using amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy.

Abstract The limitations of amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy to accurately measure the shape or form of features are investigated. The control feedback loop and the dynamics of the cantilever limit the response time of the atomic force microscope. Simply subtracting appropriately scaled amplitude (error) signal from the topography data significantly improves the accuracy of the data and can correct for the slow response time of the feedback loop. Two mechanisms were found to induce topographic errors independent of scan speed. The first is the change in tip/surface interaction at a step edge observed by comparison with results from a ‘virtual’ sample. The second is due to friction between the probe and sample but only for a specifically oriented step edge determined by the direction of oscillation of the cantilever.
Process-wide integration of solvent mixtures

Abstract This paper presents a systematic design approach to the generation of batch process flowsheets with integrated solvent recovery and recycling. The approach is based on the proposition that highly non-ideal phase behavior, in particular azeotropy, creates barriers to solvent recovery and recycling, and that solvent mixtures that cannot be recycled inevitably become toxic waste. The systematic alteration of the mixtures formed in a batch process in order to facilitate solvent recovery and recycling is therefore investigated. The design approach is realized as a mathematical programming problem. The primary objective is to design the compositions of stream candidates that will (or can be) subject to recovery such that the quantity of solvents crossing the plant boundary is minimized, subject to a variety of constraints such as reaction stoichiometry, solvation of reactions, selectivity achievable, etc. The advantage of a mathematical programming formulation is that it facilitates the analysis and integration of very complex networks where the trade-offs are not obvious. For this approach to be valuable, the model employed must be abstract but reflect accurately the complex physical behavior that drives the decision process (e.g. azeotropy), the resulting mathematical program must be compact and solvable efficiently for problem sizes of industrial relevance, and the results must be generated in a form that can be interpreted easily by the engineer to improve the process design. The formulation presented satisfies all these criteria. The novel design methodology has been successfully demonstrated in two realistic case studies.
On the fiber-reinforced birefringent composite materials: Experimental results reveal residual birefringence and initial isoclinic coincident with the axis of material symmetry

The isochromatic and isoclinic parameters for fiber-reinforced birefringent materials are examined. Experimental results reveal residual birefringence and an initial isoclinic coincident with the axis of material symmetry. These preliminary data also indicate that the isoclinic angle is neither a measure of the principal strain nor the principal-stress directions within the composite.
Serum β-N-acetyl hexosaminidase (β-NAH) as a discriminant between malignant and benign extrahepatic biliary obstruction: Comparison with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)

Fifty-one patients (16 with malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction, ten with benign extrahepatic biliary obstruction, eight with alcoholic liver disease, five with viral hepatitis and 12 with liver metastases) and 19 adult healthy controls were studied with determinations of beta-N-acetyl hexosaminidase (a lysosomal enzyme which is cleared from the circulation by the Kupffer cells), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), serum bilirubin, alkaline-phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Both CEA and beta-NAH were elevated in each disease group. Elevated beta-NAH levels distinguished between benign and malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction better than CEA levels. Beta-NAH levels for the malignant and the benign groups were 47.6 +/- 14.7 U/l and 23.0 +/- 4.7 U/l (mean +/- S.D.) respectively. The groups differed significantly (P less than 0.001). Plasma CEA levels for both groups were 18.7 +/- 38.9 and 7.2 +/- 3.3 ng/ml (mean +/- S.D.) respectively. Beta-NAH levels for the 19 normal controls were 15.8 +/- 3.5 U/l (mean +/- S.D.). Beta-NAH also was significantly elevated in patients with hepatic metastases (36.9 +/- 20.1 U/l). In 25 cancer patients with metastases other than in the liver beta-NAH levels (18.3 +/- 5.2) were not significantly elevated over the control group. It has potential value as a marker for non-CEA-producing liver metastases.
The effect of Se antagonism on the metabolic fate of Hg in Allium fistulosum

Significant effort has been devoted to studying the mutually protective effect of selenium and mercury in mammals. However, a limited number of studies have investigated the potential selenium–mercury antagonism in plants, which may prove informative for ultimate phytoremediation purposes. In this study, the Allium fistulosum, green onion, was used to investigate the metabolic fate of mercury in conjunction with or exclusion of selenium. The plants were grown in perlite media and supplemented with sodium selenite and mercuric chloride. Total elemental analysisviamicrowave digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) detection, showed that the A. fistulosum accumulated 50 times more mercury than selenium, both elements were predominately sequestered in the root fraction, and a mutual antagonism was observed. Size exclusion and capillary reversed phase chromatography were coupled to ICPMS to investigate the plant root and leaf extracts. The data suggest a possible selenium–mercury association in a protein containing macromolecule, which is not further metabolized upon translocation to the aerial plant regions. The selenium–mercury association may be formed by combining small selenium molecules, which are normally translocated to the aerial plant regions. Data from enzymatic and acid hydrolysis suggests formation of stable mercury metabolites in the plant when supplemented in conjunction with selenium.
Room Temperature Ionic Liquids for Separating Organics from Produced Water

Abstract The distribution of polar organic compounds typical of water contaminants (organic acids, alcohols, and aromatic compounds) associated with oil and gas production was measured between water and nine hydrophobic, room‐temperature ionic liquids. The ionic liquids used in this study were 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bistrifluoromethanesulfonylimide, 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bistrifluoromethanesulfonylimide, 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bistrifluoromethanesulfonylimide, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bistrifluoromethanesulfonylimide, 1‐butyl‐1‐methyl‐pyrrolidinium bistrifluoromethanesulfonylimide, trihexyltetradecylphosphonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, tributyltetradecylphosphonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium methanesulfonate. Sensitivity of the distribution coefficients to salinity, temperature, concentration, and pH was investigated. Partitioning into the ionic liquid varied considerably. Acetic acid did not significantl...
Almost degenerate perturbation theory

Abstract A partitioning type of perturbation treatment is desirable for determining the energies and wavefunctions of a quantum mechanical system having a set of strongly interacting states. The Kirtman method as modified by Certain and Hirschfelder is presented in a form which makes it easy to apply. In either the limit of complete degeneracy or the limit of weak interactions, this treatment reduces to the usual Rayleigh-Schrodinger formulation.
Stock density indices: Development, use, and limitations

Abstract The purposes of this paper are to review the development and assess the utility of stock density indices. Stock density indices, specifically proportional stock density (PSD) and relative stock density (RSD), were developed to quantify length‐frequency data. Length categories for standardized determination of stock density indices were based on percentages of world‐record length for each fish species; five‐cell length categories have been proposed for many warm‐ and coolwater fishes, but few coldwater fishes. Both seasonal patterns in sampling data and gear‐related biases can affect length‐frequency data used to determine stock density indices. Stock density indices have been correlated with population dynamics (recruitment, growth, and mortality), relative abundance, and condition for many fish species; coefficients of determination typically are low, and much of the variability in the relations is unexplained. Stock density indices for predator and prey fish populations tend to be inversely rel...
Dipyridophenazine complexes of Ru(II): Versatile optical sensors for small and large molecules

Bis(phenanthroline)dipyridophenazineruthenium(II), [(Ru(phen)2dppz]2+, exhibits unusual optical properties compared to other derivatives of [Ru(bpy)3]2+. [Ru(phen)2dppz]2+ does not exhibit photoluminescence in water, but does emit brightly at approximately 610 nm in the presence of nonaqueous solvents or hydrated polymers like DNA and Nafion. We have observed this `light switch' effect upon binding [Ru(phen)2dppz]2+ to a protein with a hydrophobic pocket (chymotrypsin), suggesting that we may be able to develop optical probes of protein tertiary structure. We have also prepared derivatives of [Ru(phen)2dppz]2+ that have ancillary ligands other than phenanthroline, and find that these molecules change color upon exposure to small molecules; the environmental parameters we have been able to assess so far include Lewis acidity, the nature of hydrated counterions, polarity, and hydrogen-based donation ability.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Imines that React with Phenols in Water over a Wide pH Range

Cyclic imine derivatives that react with phenols, including tyrosine residues of peptides, have been developed. Reactions of the imines with phenols proceeded in water over a wide pH range (pH 2-10) at room temperature to 37 °C and afforded Mannich products without the need of additional catalysts.
Nematic and Smectic Ordering of 4-n-Octyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl Studied by Carbon- 13 NMR

Abstract A new NMR method called RHODIUM (Removal of HOmonuclear DIpolar-couplings and the Use of off-Magic-angle-spinning) has been applied to study the molecular ordering of 4-n-octyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl (8CB) as a function of temperature. C-H dipolar coupling constants of various carbon atoms in 8CB were obtained from natural abundance carbon-13 NMR. Order parameters of the benzene rings and those of the C-H bonds in the octyl chain were calculated from the dipolar coupling constants. The order parameter of the -CN axis can also be calculated from the chemical shift of the -CN group. The results are consistent with the second order nature of the smectic A-nematic phase transition in 8CB.