cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Military science: The evolving science of war

Sharon Weinberger assesses two studies probing the roles of physics and psychology in conflicts past, present and future.
On the Accuracy of Molecular Weight and Radius of Gyration Measured by Right-Angle Light Scattering with SEC-Viscometry

Abstract The use of a right-angle light scattering detector with a size exclusion chromatograph equipped with an online viscometer provides a convenient method of estimating polymer molecular weight distribution. The 90° scattered intensity provides an initial estimate of the molecular weight at each elution slice. This value is then improved using an estimate of the light-scattering asymmetry based on the measured intrinsic viscosity in order to determine the 0° scattering intensity required to obtain the true molecular weight. In addition, an estimate of the radius of gyration can be obtained. In this paper the accuracy of the method is examined for different linear polymers and also for branched polymers. In most cases molecular weights within 2% of the true values can be obtained up to 1 × 106 g/mol. Errors are about 5% for molecular weights of 2 × 106 g/mol and rapidly increase for higher molecular weights. The errors in the radius of gyration estimated using this method are higher (∼ 10%); however, ...
Multiply charged diatomic molecular ions OH2+ and OH3+

Abstract The approach of a multiply charged ion and a neutral atom takes place along an initially attractive potential energy curve which may contain several bound vibrational levels. The number and location of the discrete levels are modified by the interaction of the initial molecular state with the charge transfer state into which a predissociation can occur. The energy level structure and the decay widths may be described in a multistate adiabatic or diabatic representation. The two-state equations are solved for the multiply charged molecular ions OH 2+ and OH 3+ and the energy levels and predissociation widths are derived from the resonance structures.
The mouse prolactin gene family locus.

In the mouse, there is a large family of paralogous genes closely related to PRL. The objective of this report was to investigate the organization of the mouse PRL gene family locus. PRL family genes reside on chromosome 13 of the mouse genome. The PRL gene family members were localized to a series of overlapping bacterial artificial chromosome clones and arranged based on structural relationships. Additionally, several new members of the PRL gene family were identified. Placental lactogen I (PL-I) was found to be encoded by three closely related (>98% exon sequence identity) contiguous genes (termed: PL-Iα, PL-Iβ, and PL-Iγ). Two previously unidentified mouse orthologs for members of the rat PRL family, PRL-like protein-I (PLP-I) and PLP-K were discovered, as were two new members of the PLP-C subfamily, PLP-Cγ and PLP-Cδ, and two new entirely unique members of the PRL family, PLP-N and PLP-O. Amino acid sequences predicted from the latter two genes most closely resembled proliferin-related protein. Each ...
Parental effects in Plantago lanceolata L. III. Measuring parental temperature effects in the field.

Abstract To determine the evolutionary importance of parental environmental effects in natural populations, we must begin to measure the magnitude of these effects in the field. For this reason, we conducted a combined growth chamber–field experiment to measure parental temperature effects in Plantago lanceolata. We grew in the field offspring of controlled crosses of chamber-grown parents subjected to six temperature treatments. Each treatment was characterized by a unique combination of maternal prezygotic (prior to fertilization), paternal prezygotic, and postzygotic (during fertilization and seed set) temperatures. Offspring were followed for three years to measure the effects of treatment on several life-history traits and population growth rate, our estimate of fitness. Parental treatment influenced germination, growth, and reproduction of newborns, but not survival or reproduction of offspring at least one year old. High postzygotic temperature significantly increased germination and leaf area at 1...
Plasma Start-up in HIT-II and NSTX Using Transient Coaxial Helicity Injection

The method of transient coaxial helicity injection (CHI) has previously been used in the HITII experiment at the University of Washington to produce 100 kA of closed flux current. The generation of the plasma current by CHI involves the process of magnetic reconnection, which has been experimentally controlled in the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory to allow this potentially unstable phenomenon to reorganize the magnetic field lines to form closed, nested magnetic surfaces carrying a plasma current up to 160 kA. This is a world record for non-inductive closed-flux current generation, and demonstrates the high current capability of this method.
Mesoscopic thermal transport and energy dissipation in carbon nanotubes

We have measured the thermal conductivity of an individual multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) using a microfabricated suspended device. The observed thermal conductivity is more than 3000 W/K-m at room temperature, which is two orders of magnitude higher than the estimation from previous experiments that used macroscopic mat samples. In addition, the temperature distributions in electrically heated MWNTs have been measured with a scanning thermal microscope. The temperature profiles along the tube axis in MWNTs indicate the bulk dissipation of electronic energy to phonons, which suggests diffusive electronic transport.
Teaching design patterns by stealth

Learning design patterns is tough, even for seasoned programmers who have seen lots of programs and hence have a sense for constructs that tend to recur. Teaching design patterns to new programmers is even tougher. As Asher Sterkin states, "Teaching design patterns in isolation is similar to studying a foreign language with only a dictionary." [4]. It is far better to try to teach design patterns using killer examples to help motivate and illustrate each pattern. I propose here something a little more radical: to teach by stealth. With a small number of principles of good program design, and using a running case study that grows in complexity through the semester, we can, through class discussions and exercises, "invent" programming solutions that turn out to be some of the important design patterns. The official names and definitions of the pattern [2, 3] are revealed only after the fact, if at all.
Functional fractionation-ratchets

Electrophoretic ratchets have been developed for both analytical and preparative electrophoresis. These ratchets use a new type of pulsed field. The quality of the fractionations meets the usual standards for biochemistry-based electrophoresis. The supporting medium is either an agarose gel or a capillary-contained polymer solution. The electrophoretic ratchets are effective with a particle that has an electrophoretic mobility (μ=velocity/electrical field) that varies as the electrical field varies. A ratchet developed for DNA molecules is effective because μ increases in magnitude as the electrical field increases in magnitude. Ratchets developed for both DNA–protein complexes and spheres are effective because of the opposite dependence of μ on the electrical field. Ratchet-based gel electrophoresis can be performed in a continuous, preparative mode. Ratchet-based capillary electrophoresis provides a necessary component for cyclic capillary electrophoresis. Cyclic capillary electrophoresis of DNA is a procedure for analyzing a DNA profile in several segments. These segments are separated by electrophoretic enhancements of the DNA profile. Cyclic capillary electrophoresis is being developed for increasing both the length and the accuracy of the analysis of a DNA-sequencing ladder.
Field Experiences with eXtreme Programming: Developing an Emergency Response System

eXtreme Programming (XP) is a well-known agile software development method. While a number of reports have been published on explaining the XP methodology and the perceived benefits when using XP for system development in recent years, less is known about the actual operationalization of the XP principles. This paper presents an action research study reporting on the experiences of implementing the XP methodology in a development project for a Web-based, distributed information system. The goal of this research was to increase the understanding of how to effectively operationalize XP techniques so that the system being developed catered to today's fast-paced technological environment by allowing the developers to respond quickly to innovative and changing requirements. Overall, the research indicates that most of the XP principles could be effectively implemented; however, three of the principles required modification (i.e., testing, pair programming, customer collocation). Several benefits resulted from the usage of XP. The rapid prototyping enabled information technology developers and users to clarify system requirements, communicate openly, quickly build rapport, and create an interface that was easy to use and learn. Further, the research found that where the technology was new or foreign to the development team and the user, the XP process was flexible enough to support several iterations of technology and produce prototypes in a timely manner. Pair programming appeared to work effectively and offer value; however, it is not always practically feasible.
Cation-stimulated ATPase activity in purified plasma membranes from tobacco hornworm midgut.

Abstract Purified goblet cell apical membranes from Manduca sexta larval midgut exhibit a specific ATPase activity approx. 20-fold higher than that in the 100 000 × g pellet of a midgut homogenate. The already substantial ATPase activity in this plasma membrane segment is doubled in the presence of 20–50 mM KCl. At ATP concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 mM, the presence of 20 mM KCl leads to a 10-fold increase in the enzyme's affinity for ATP. ATPase activity is greatest at a pH of approx. 8. In addition to ATP, GTP serves as a substrate, but CTP, ADP, AMP and p-nitrophenyl phosphate do not. Either Mg2+ or Mn2+ is required for activity and cannot be replaced by Ca2+ or Zn2+. The ATPase activity of goblet cell apical membranes is inhibited by neither the typical (Na+ + K+)-ATPase inhibitors, ouabain and orthovanadate, nor by the typical mitochondrial F1F0-ATPase inhibitors, azide and oligomycin. Although 1.5 μM DCCD is ineffective, 150 μM DCCD leads to total inhibition of ATPase activity. The ATPase activity of goblet cell apical membranes is stimulated not only by K+, but also, in order of decreasing effectiveness, by Rb+, Li+, Na+ and even Mg2+. Replacement of Cl− by Br−, F− and HCO3− has less influence than variation of the cations. However, replacement of Cl− by NO3− inhibits strongly this ATPase activity. The ATPase activity described above is characteristic of the alkali metal ion pump containing apical membranes of goblet cells and is not enhanced to a similar degree in other purified midgut epithelial cell plasma membrane segments. Its localization, its broad cation specificity and its insensitivity to ouabain all mimic properties of active ion transport by the lepidopteran midgut and suggest this ATPase as a possible key component of the lepidopteran electrogenic alkali metal ion pump.
Usefulness of a free radical scavenger in preventing doxorubicin-induced heart failure in dogs

This study was designed to investigate whether either of 2 dosage schedules of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was effective in preventing chronic doxorubicin-induced heart failure in dogs. Thirty-eight dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: controls, 10 dogs; doxorubicin only, 12 dogs; doxorubicin + low dose NAC, 8 dogs; and doxorubicin + high dose NAC, 8 dogs. All dogs except the controls received 1 mg/kg of doxorubicin weekly for 8 weeks and then every other week for 8 weeks. The doxorubicin + low-dose NAC group received 140 mg/kg of NAC 30 minutes before each dose of doxorubicin. The doxorubicin + high-dose NAC group received NAC before and then twice a day for 5 days. Systolic time intervals and echocardiograms were obtained weekly; cardiac catheterization was performed at the conclusion of the study. Of the 38 dogs in the study, 9 died; all deaths were in the doxorubicin treatment groups. The incidence of death was not different between the doxorubicin-only, the doxorubicin + low-dose and the doxorubicin + high-dose NAC groups. The noninvasive and the invasive and the catheterization data generally revealed poorer cardiac function of the doxorubicin treatment groups than in controls. However, no significant differences existed between the doxorubicin-only and doxorubicin + low-dose and doxorubicin + high-dose NAC groups. In conclusion, NAC in a low- or high-dose regimen did not significantly ameliorate doxorubicin cardiac toxicity. Because NAC is a free radical scavenger, perhaps doxorubicin cardiac toxicity is not a result of free radical generation.
The Mutability of Educational Credentials as Hiring Criteria How Employers Evaluate Atypically Highly Credentialed Job Candidates

Although there is no single “overeducation” thesis, most accounts hold that increasingly large numbers of employees have educational credentials beyond those needed for performance on their jobs. R...
The differential equation for the Feynman-Kac formula with a Lebesgue-Stieltjes measure

We investigate the ‘Feynman-Kac formula with a Lebesgue-Stieltjes measure’, in which the time integration is performed with respect to a Borel measure and not just an ordinary lebesgue measure as in the classical case. We derive the corresponding differential equation, which reduces to the heat or the Schrodinger equation in the standard cases. Actually, we observe two distinct phenomena: first, the differential equation is governed by the continuous part of the measure: secondly, the solution undergoes a discontinuity at every point in the support of the discrete part of the measure. Alternately, we obtain a Volterra-Stieltjes integral equation. We conclude by finding an explicit expression for the solution and a certain product integral representation. These results and the methods of proof suggest possible physical interpretations and various mathematical developments.
Banded-cast metal crowns

This paper describes a practical and rapid technical procedure for constructing a clinically satisfactory complete metal veneer banded-cast type of crown. The technic deviates from the procedure more commonly utilized in that it eliminates the custom makeup of a fitted band from flat plate gold stock requiring the sweat­ ing or soldering so frequently disliked by many dentists. This banded-cast type of crown must not be confused with the other types which use rolled stock gold plate such as the swaged, or the swagedcast or soldered combination methods.
Core‐Sheath Structure in Electrospun Nanofibers from Polymer Blends

Electrospinning of polymer blends offers the potential to prepare functional nanofibers for use in a variety of applications. This work focused on control of the internal morphology of nanofibers prepared by electrospinning polymer blends to obtain core-sheath structures. Polybutadiene/ polystyrene, poly(methylmethacrylate)/polystyrene, polybutadiene/ poly(methylmethacrylate), polybutadiene/polycarbonate, polyaniline/polycarbonate, and poly(methylmethacrylate)/ polycarbonate blends were electrospun from polymer solutions. It was found that the formation of core-sheath structures depends on both thermodynamic and kinetic factors. Incompatibility and large solubility parameter difference of the two polymers is helpful for good phase separation, but not sufficient for the formation of core-sheath structures. Kinetic factors, however, play a much more important role in the development of the nanofiber morphology. During the electrospinning process, the rapid solvent evaporation requires systems with high molecular mobility for the formation of core-sheath structures. It was found that polymer blends with lower molecular weight tend to form core-sheath structures rather than co-continuous structures, as a result of their higher molecular mobility. Rheological factors also affect the internal phase morphology of nanofibers. It was observed the composition with higher viscosity was always located at the center and the composition with lower viscosity located outside.
Lilium x ‘Black Beauty’—a potential bridging hybrid in Lilium

Lilium ‘Black Beauty’, a rare intersectional hybrid previously reported sterile, was re-examined for pollen and ovule fertility. No pollen tubes were detected following incubation of styles pollinated with ‘Black Beauty’ pollen. However, embryos varying in size from small globular to long boat-shaped and only rarely associated with endosperm, were found in 0.1–1.0% of the ovules in ‘Black Beauty’ pistils pollinated with ‘Oriental’ or ‘Aurelian’ division lilies. Aseptic extraction and culture of these embryos on a nutritive medium resulted in growth, germination, and plantlets. It is apparent that with embryo culture, ‘Black Beauty’ has unique value as a species bridge in that it accepts pollen of both ‘Oriental’ and ‘Aurelian’ lilies, two of the major commercial lily divisions.
Effects of Soil Reinforcing Materials on the Surface Hardness, Soil Bulk Density, and Water Content of a Sand Root Zone

This study was conducted to determine the effect of various types and rates of soil reinforcing materials on soil bulk density, soil water content, surface hardness, and turfgrass density of a high-sand root zone exposed to three levels of simulated traffic (wear). Six soil reinforcing materials were mixed at varying rates with a high-sand root zone. These included DuPont Shredded Carpet, Netlon, Nike Lights, Nike Heavies, Turfgrids, and Sportgrass. Three levels of wear were imposed on each treatment. The types and rates of reinforcing materials had varying effects on surface hardness, bulk density, water content, and turf density of the root zone. Surface hardness and soil bulk density were correlated during the 2-yr test period (r = 0.63). The reinforcing treatments that lowered soil bulk density and surface hardness were DuPont Shredded Carpet, Nike Lights, and Nike Heavies. Reinforcing material treatments that increased or did not affect soil bulk density generally resulted in increased surface hardness compared with nonamended controls. These treatments included Netlon and Turfgrids. Surface hardness generally became more pronounced as the level of wear increased for Netlon, Turfgrids, and Sportgrass treatments. The Sportgrass treatment consistently measured lower in soil water content than the control and had a turfgrass density lower than the control on all rating dates in 1996 but did not differ from the control in 1997. Athletic field managers considering using reinforcing materials should be aware that the type of material and rate influence athletic field surface hardness.
TH-A-18C-02: An Electrostatic Model for Assessment of Joint Space Morphology in Cone-Beam CT

Purpose: High-resolution cone-beam CT (CBCT) of the extremities presents a potentially valuable basis for image-based biomarkers of arthritis, trauma, and risk of injury. We present a new method for 3D joint space analysis that exploits the high isotropic spatial resolution of CBCT and is sensitive to small changes in disease-related morphology. Methods: The approach uses an “electrostatic” model in which joint surfaces (e.g., distal femur and proximal tibia) are labeled as charge densities between which the electric field is solved by approximation to the Laplace equation. The method yields a unique solution determined by the field lines across the “capacitor” and is hypothesized to be more sensitive than conventional (Sharp) scores and immune to degeneracies that limit simple distance-along-axis or closest-point analysis. The algorithm was validated in CBCT phantom images and applied in two clinical scenarios: osteoarthritis (OA, change in loadbearing tibiofemoral joint space); and assessment of injury risk (correlation of 3D joint space to tibial slope). Results: Joint space maps computed from the electrostatic model were accurate to within the voxel size (0.26 mm). The method highlighted subtle regions of morphological change that would likely be missed by conventional scalar metrics. Regions of subtle cartilage erosion were well quantified,more » and the method confidently discriminated OA and non-OA cohorts. 3D joint space maps correlated well with tibial slope and provide a new basis for principal component analysis of loadbearing injury risk. Runtime was less than 5 min (235×235×121 voxel subvolume in Matlab). Conclusion: A new method for joint space assessment was reported as a possible image-based biomarker of subtle articular change. The algorithm yields accurate quantitation of the joint in a manner that is robust against operator and patient setup variation. The method shows promising initial results in ongoing trials of CBCT in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and injury risk assessment. Research supported by R01 and R21 grants from the National Institutes of Health, academic-industry partnership with Carestream Health, and a grant from the US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center.« less
Particulate barium fluxes and their relationships to biological productivity

Abstract To understand better the processes that control the transport of particulate barium through the water column and its preservation in marine sediments, we measured particulate barium fluxes along an equatorial transect at 140°W using moored sediment traps. The fluxes of barium correlate strongly with the fluxes of organic carbon; however, this relationship is non-linear—higher carbon fluxes have proportionately less associated barium. As a result we observe spatial and temporal variations of roughly a factor of three in the barium-to-organic carbon ratio. Understanding this variability may help to define the processes that determine the geochemical behavior of Ba in the oceans. Several hypotheses that could influence the flux of Ba and its relationship to organic carbon flux have been proposed: barite formation in barium- and sulfate-enriched microenvironments formed during particle settling; lateral advection of carbon and barium from continental margins; the influence of seawater barium concentration; and Ba scavenging by aluminosilicates. Our study reveals temporal variability in the Ba/Corg values that occurs over timescales of less than one month. Also, depth profiles of carbon and Ba fluxes show that the variability originates at depths less than 1200 m and is conveyed throughout the water column. Both the rapid changes and the upper water column origin of the signals point to upper-ocean biological processes as the predominant cause of the variability in the barium-to-organic carbon ratios. We also observe, however, a 25% increase in Ba flux below 1200 m. The deep sources of Ba could result from barite formation linked to continued organic carbon degradation or from lateral sources of particulate barium. Because the spatial and temporal changes in Ba/Corg values correlated to changes in particulate opal and organic carbon fluxes, ocean ecology appears to have an important influence on barium fluxes. A better understanding of the processes that contribute to the particulate barium flux is needed before the accumulation of barium in marine sediments can be used as a quantitative proxy for ocean productivity.
The use of physical restraints on paediatric intensive care units.

Summary Background : Physical restraints are used in critical care units in an attempt to reduce the risk of treatment interference. Their use remains controversial and there are concerns regarding the effectiveness and safety of restraint techniques. There are few data available on the prevalence of physical restraint use in Paediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) in the UK and we have therefore conducted a cross-sectional survey to define current clinical practice. Methods : A postal questionnaire was sent to all UK PICU with questions on the use of physical restraint techniques, including the use of splints across the joints of limbs and of securing limbs to the bed. Consent issues were also addressed. Results : Of those units responding 68% reported that physical restraint techniques were used within those units. Ten units (36% of those responding) reported the use of manual holding of patients, 16 units (57% of those responding) reported the use of splints across the joints of limbs, three units reported the use of swaddling as a restraint technique while one unit secured limbs of patients to the bed. None of the units obtained written consent prior to the use of physical restraints and 53% obtained verbal consent. Conclusions : Physical restraint is a commonly used technique on PICU in the UK. There is considerable variation in clinical practice and current clinical guidelines which are available do not deal specifically with children. Prospective randomized trials would be necessary to fully investigate the role of physical restraints amongst critically ill children.
Design considerations for high-speed internetworking among compute blades within a blade server chassis

The next generation of compute servers is going to be based on clusters of compute blades integrated within a common chassis The integration of advanced networking functions within the chassis promises to simplify the deployment of servers on a large scale by eliminating the need to deploy external inter-network devices on a one-to-one basis (e.g., one or more network ports per server). This paper examines the internetworking requirements for incorporating several very high-speed and redundant communication links on a common midplane for the interconnection of compute blades within the chassis and to the external network infrastructure.
Adeno-Associated Virus Rep78 Protein and Terminal Repeats Enhance Integration of DNA Sequences into the Cellular Genome

Two adeno-associated virus (AAV) elements are necessary for the integration of the AAV genome: Rep78/68 proteins and inverted terminal repeats (ITRs). To study the contribution of the Rep proteins and the ITRs in the process of integration, we have compared the integration efficiencies of three different plasmids containing a green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression cassette. In one plasmid, no viral sequences were present; a second plasmid contained AAV ITRs flanking the reporter gene (integration cassette), and a third plasmid consisted of an integration cassette plus a Rep78 expression cassette. One day after transfection of 293 cells, fluorescent cells were sorted by flow cytometry and plated at 1 cell per well. Two weeks after sorting, colonies were monitored for stable expression of GFP. Transfection with the GFP plasmid containing no viral sequences resulted in no stable fluorescent colonies. Transfection with the plasmid containing the integration cassette alone (GFP flanked by ITRs) produced stable fluorescent colonies at a frequency of 5.3% +/- 1.0% whereas transfection with the plasmid containing both the integration cassette and Rep78 expression cassette produced stable fluorescent colonies at a frequency of 47% +/- 7.5%. Southern blot analysis indicated that in the presence of Rep78, integration is targeted to the AAVSI site in more than 50% of the clones analyzed. Some clones also showed tandem arrays of the integrated GFP cassette. Both head-to-head and head-to-tail orientations were detected. These findings indicate that the presence of AAV ITRs and the Rep78 protein enhance the integration of DNA sequences into the cellular genome and that the integration cassette is targeted to AAVS1 in the presence of Rep78.
Image retrieval using hierarchical self-organizing feature maps

This paper presents a scheme for image retrieval that lets a user retrieve images either by exploring summary views of the image collection at diAerent levels or by similarity retrieval using query images. The proposed scheme is based on image clustering through a hierarchy of self-organizing feature maps. While the suggested scheme can work with any kind of low-level feature representation of images, our implementation and description of the system is centered on the use of image color information. Experimental results using a database of 2100 images are presented to show the eAcacy of the suggested scheme. ” 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Signal Processing Suggestions for High Power RF Pulse Devices

Though high powered microwave (HPM) devices have been in existence for many decades, there seems to be no universally accepted method for hardware test and evaluation. Which data is taken is many times determined by the type of equipment available for testing. As a result, the data taken on the HPM devices may or may not be readily compared to data taken on similar devices at different facilities. This makes any type of government assessment extremely difficult. The following research discusses a few methods that could be implemented to ensure reasonable and comparable data collection of pulser type devices.
The functional significance of the long extensors and juncturae tendinum in finger extension

To determine the role of the long extensors and soft tissues in the extension and interaction of the fingers, we applied traction to the extensors and measured the angles of the finger joints. The tendons, juncturae tendinum and intertendinous fascia, and the web between the fingers were sequentially sectioned, and the effects on the joints were again determined with tendon traction. Traction produced hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joints and some extension of the interphalangeal joints, although the latter remained partially flexed, producing a clawhand. Cutting the long extensor tendons had no effect on the interaction between adjacent fingers. Traction on the extensor digitorum communis to the index and the extensor indicis proprius produced the same extension of index finger joints and adjacent digits. Traction on the extensor digitorum communis to the index produced 32% of the maximal extension of the long finger MP joint. We reduced this to 22% by cutting the juncturae and intertendinous fascia and to 5% by cutting the web. The interaction between fingers was greater on the ulnar half of the hand because of the juncturae but was similarly reduced by ablative cuts of these structures.
Recognition and Prevention of Distillate Fuel Emulsions

This paper describes a case study involving chronic plugging of 5μm particulate filters in a gas turbine diesel fuel system in a Red Sea refinery. Rapid plugging of the filters was caused by water-in-diesel emulsions generated in diesel fuel supply tanks. Sludge with a wax-like appearance recovered from the 5 μm filters was, in fact, found to be composed of up to 50 percent water with no significant wax content. X-ray studies of the filter catch solids revealed a variety of iron oxide phases, sodium chloride, and high concentrations of sodium sulfate. Microbial cultures inoculated from storage tank ‘rag’ layers yielded moderate to high counts of general aerobic bacteria (GAB), moderate fungal cultures (yeast and molds) and low sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB). Elemental analysis of water in supply tanks where microbial activity was highest revealed ion concentrations similar to those found in Red Sea water. Sulfur isotope ratios in sulfate from filter catches suggest that much of the sulfate was derived from microbial metathesis of sulfur-bearing hydrocarbons. Frequent contamination of on-shore liquid hydrocarbon fuel tanks with sea water can cause corrosion and create a favorable environment for bacterial growth. Surfactant byproducts of microbial activity are capable of stabilizing emulsions, suspending water soluble salts such as sodium sulfate, and metals such as lead and copper. Copper is well known to promote gum formation, while all of these contaminants are potentially corrosive to gas turbine hot gas path components.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Synaptic and Cellular Influences on the Composite EEG Signal During Seizures

We utilize neuronal network models to identify the potential effects of the synaptic, cellular, and membrane behaviors on the characteristics and the composites of epileptic EEG. In these network models the average membrane potential of neurons in a network is calculated while epileptiform activity in this network is simulated. Our results suggest that seizure activity may trigger changes in synaptic efficacy and alter membrane excitability. These alterations contribute to the pattern of frequency changes observed in simulated average membrane potential signal. We suggest that these factors may influence seizure dynamics and contribute to the ictal EEG pattern in humans
Building a relational database for a physician document index.

We show how three existing medical knowledge bases: Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), Standardized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED) and Current Medical Information and Technology (CMIT) are mapped into a relational data model and stored on an Apollo workstation and an Intelligent Database Machine. Since two of these knowledge bases have been used in the indexing of medical literature and patient records, they can be useful not only as direct views on the organization of medical concepts but also as tools for the retrieval of documents. In order that the concepts from one knowledge base can be connected to those of the other knowledge base, a method has been developed for the semi-automatic merging of MeSH, SNOMED and CMIT. This method takes advantage of the relational model and the synonyms that are given in SNOMED and CMIT, in order to recommend concepts to be merged. An expert interacts with the system to accept or reject the recommendations of the computer. The method would apply equally well to other ...
Asymptotic analysis of an on-line algorithm for the single machine completion time problem with release dates

In the single machine mean completion time problem with release dates, a set of jobs has to be processed non-preemptively on a single machine. No job can be processed before its release date, and the objective is to determine a sequence of the jobs on the machine which minimizes the sum of the completion times of all jobs. In this paper, we prove the asymptotic optimality of the shortest processing time among available jobs algorithm, in which at the completion time of any job, the next job to be scheduled is the shortest job among all those released but not yet processed. This algorithm is particularly attractive because it falls in the class of easy to implement and computationally inexpensive on-line algorithms.
Expression and Activity of the Fas Antigen in Bovine Ovarian Follicle Cells

The Fas antigen is a cell surface receptor that triggers apoptosis when bound to Fas ligand (FasL). Studies were undertaken to determine whether the cow provides a suitable model to study the role of the Fas pathway in inducing apoptosis of ovarian cells during follicular atresia. Expression of Fas antigen mRNA and responsiveness to FasL-induced killing in vitro were measured. Effects of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon-gamma (IFN) were studied because of previous demonstrations of their role in Fas-mediated apoptosis in other cell types. Fas antigen mRNA was detectable in cultured granulosa and theca cells, and expression was increased by treatment with IFN but not TNF. Granulosa and theca cells were resistant to FasL-induced killing unless pretreated with IFN. TNF had no effect on FasL-induced killing. Granulosa and theca cell cultures in which killing occurred in response to FasL stained positively for annexin V, an early marker for cells undergoing apoptosis. These results provide a basis for further studies using the bovine ovary to examine the role of the Fas antigen in follicular atresia.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome in the Intensive Care Setting

Management of patients with Zollinger-Ellison syn drome differs markedly from management of patients with idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion or routine peptic ulcer disease. Because of the possible complica tions arising from gastric acid hypersecretion or from complications caused by the gastrinoma itself, patients with these disorders frequently present to critical care physicians. It is important that critical care physicians be familiar with the acute presentation of patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome as well as the appropriate treatment. We review the important points pertaining to the recognition and treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syn drome in the acute care setting.
Tumorigenesis as a consequence of genetic instability in Brca1 mutant mice.

Abstract Germline mutations in Brca1 are responsible for most cases of familial breast and ovarian cancers, but somatic mutations in the gene are rarely detected in sporadic tumors. Moreover, mouse embryos carrying Brca1 -null mutations or homozygous deletions of Brca1 exon 11 of ( Brca1 Δ11 / Δ11 ) die during gestation due to proliferation defects, raising questions about the mechanisms by which Brca1 represses tumor formation. Molecular analysis reveals that these Brca1 mutations cause hypersensitivity to γ-irradiation and chromosomal abnormalities in embryos and embryonic fibroblast cells (MEFs). Notably, Brca1 Δ11 / Δ11 MEFs maintain an intact G 1 -S checkpoint, but are defective in G 2 -M checkpoint control. They also contain multiple, functional centrosomes, which lead to unequal chromosome segregation and aneuploidy. These data uncover an essential role for Brca1 in maintaining genetic stability through regulation of centrosome duplication and G 2 -M checkpoint, and provide a molecular basis for its role in tumorigenesis. Finally, we show that conditional mutation of Brca1 in mammary epithelium causes increased apoptosis and abnormal ductal development. Mammary tumor formation in mutant mice occurs after long latency and is associated with p53 mutations. These results are consistent with a model that Brca1 acts as a caretaker gene, whose absence does not directly initiate tumorigenesis, instead, causes genetic instability, which triggers further alterations and ultimately leads to tumor formation.
Trachoma: new assault on an ancient disease

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that approximately 5.9 million persons are blind or have severe vision-loss as a result of trachoma, and another 10 million are at high risk. Trachoma preferentially affects the most deprived communities, and within these communities, women and children bear the brunt of the burden. In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on research and heightened enthusiasm for strengthening trachoma control programs in afflicted countries. WHO has convened an alliance of member countries, non-governmental organizations, and other partners for the Global Elimination of Blinding Trachoma by the year 2020, and endorsed the multi-faceted SAFE strategy for trachoma control. SAFE-Surgery, Antibiotics, Face-washing, and Environmental improvement-has incorporated sound research on elements likely to reduce trachoma, and trachomatis blindness, in endemic communities. This review summarizes current knowledge about trachoma and its causative agent, Chlamydia trachomatis, the epidemiology and risk factors for trachoma as a prelude to reviewing the SAFE strategy. While ongoing research to support the knowledge base for SAFE must continue to be a priority, the full implementation of SAFE is the best hope for countries to reduce the global burden of blindness from this preventable cause.
Mercury cadmium telluride as an infrared detector material

The properties of the alloy semiconductor Hg 1-x Cd x Te and its application as an infrared detector material are reviewed. The selection of this alloy system as an infrared detector material is discussed. Bulk and epitaxial crystal growth techniques are described and representative electrical data presented which show the free carrier concentration to be in the 1014-1015cm-8range. The flexibility of this ternary system is then discussed relative to the compositional dependence of the energy gap. Photoconductive response data are presented for detectors having response peaks of 4-20 microns over the temperature range 15°-300°K. The expression E g = 1.6(x - 0.134) + 0.1335(0.435 - x)(T/100 -1) 40° < T < 240°K 0.15 < x < 0.35 is shown to represent the compositional and temperature dependence of the energy gap within the specified limits.
Energy intake and expenditure during sedentary screen time and motion-controlled video gaming

Background: Television watching and playing of video games (VGs) are associated with higher energy intakes. Motion-controlled video games (MC) may be a healthier alternative to sedentary screen-based activities because of higher energy expenditures, but little is known about the effects of these games on energy intakes. Objective: Energy intake, expenditure, and surplus (intake − expenditure) were compared during sedentary (television and VG) and active (MC) screen-time use. Design: Young adults (n = 120; 60 women) were randomly assigned to the following 3 groups: television watching, playing traditional VGs, or playing MCs for 1 h while snacks and beverages were provided. Energy intakes, energy expenditures, and appetites were measured. Results: Intakes across these 3 groups showed a trend toward a significant difference (P = 0.065). The energy expenditure (P < 0.001) was higher, and the energy surplus (P = 0.038) was lower, in MC than in television or VG groups. All conditions produced a mean (±SD) energy surplus as follows: 638 ± 408 kcal in television, 655 ± 533 kcal in VG, and 376 ± 487 kcal in MC groups. The OR for consuming ≥500 kcal in the television compared with the MC group was 3.2 (95% CI: 1.2, 8.4). Secondary analyses, in which the 2 sedentary conditions were collapsed, showed an intake that was 178 kcal (95% CI: 8, 349 kcal) lower in the MC condition than in the sedentary groups (television and VG). Conclusion: MCs may be a healthier alternative to sedentary screen time because of a lower energy surplus, but the playing of these games still resulted in a positive energy balance. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT01523795","term_id":"NCT01523795"}}NCT01523795.
Social competence in the school setting: prospective cross-domain associations among inner-city teens.

Luthar, Suniya S. Social Competence in the School Setting: Prospective Cross-Domain Associations among Inner-City Teens. Child Development, 1995, 66, 416–429. In this 6-month prospective study of 138 ninth-grade inner-city students, associations among different aspects of school-based social competence were examined. In addition, links between initial emotional adjustment and subsequent social competence at school were explored. Aspects of social competence examined included academic achievement, peer reputation, and teacher-rated classroom behaviors. Emotional adjustment was measured based on self-reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Consonant with views positing continuity and coherence of development, high temporal consistency was found within each social competence domain. In addition, superior adjustment in one domain was sometimes associated with subsequent improvements in other spheres as well. Exceptions found to this pattern were that (a) both as an antecedent and as a consequent variable, peer-rated sociability was negatively linked with other indices of school-based functioning, and (b) among girls, high anxiety was related to improved performance at school over the year. Ecological influences in adolescent adjustment are discussed, and implications of the findings for future research are explored.
Academic Performance of Behaviorally Disordered and Learning-Disabled Pupils

The purpose of the study was to contrast the academic performance of behaviorally disordered (BD) and learning-disabled (LD) pupils. Sixteen LD and 16 BD pupils were given three standardized achievement tests. In 10 of 12 comparisons significant dif ferences were found; in all cases BD pupils were functioning at a higher grade level than were LD pupils. Implications in relation to cross-categorical education are discussed.
Mobile Assets Monitoring for Fleet Maintenance

Fleet managers are continuously looking for ways of increasing the operational efficiency of their fleets and reducing cost. Key aspects are containing downtime, improving fuel economy, reducing maintenance cost, and increasing vehicle residual value. Moreover, there is also great interest in coaching drivers by stressing safety and encouraging best driving practices. Telematic tools are becoming more affordable for monitoring fleet utilization remotely, eliminating the error-prone process of manual recording and providing an efficient way of analyzing vehicle utilization. An important benefit of remote electronic monitoring is in the ability to tailor maintenance practices to fleet operating requirements. An even greater benefit is achieved when the system incorporates remote diagnostic capabilities so that vehicles can be serviced faster and more reliably. On-board vehicle utilization profiling can be combined with off-board model-based predictive analysis for implementing cost cutting measures in servicing the fleets. However, the complexity and affordability of the infrastructure required to support such systems are key issues for making remote fleet monitoring a growing business.
Smooth stabilizers for measures on the torus

For a dissipative Anosov diffeomorphism $f$ of the 2-torus, we give examples of $f$-invariant measures $\mu$ such that the group of $\mu$-preserving diffeomorphisms is virtually cyclic.
Airshed pollution modeling: a case study in application development in an HPF environment

In this paper, we describe our experience with developing Airshed, a large pollution modeling application, in the Fx programming environment. We demonstrate that high level parallel programming languages like Fx and High Performance Fortran offer a simple and attractive model for developing portable and efficient parallel applications. Performance results are presented for the Airshed application executing on Intel Paragon and Cray T3D and T3E parallel computers. The results demonstrate that the application is "performance portable", i.e., it achieves good and consistent performance across different architectures, and that the performance can be explained and predicted using a simple model for the communication and computation phases in the program. We also show how task parallelism was used to alleviate I/O related bottlenecks, an important consideration in many applications. Finally, we demonstrate how external parallel modules developed using different parallelization methods can be integrated in a relatively simple and flexible way with modules developed in the Fx compiler framework. Overall, our experience demonstrates that an HPF-based environment is highly suitable for developing complex applications, including multidisciplinary applications.
Intrapulmonary Percussive Ventilation as a Lung Recruitment Strategy in Brain-Dead Organ Donors.

Objective:To determine the strength of the evidence evaluating the effectiveness of intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) as a safe alternative or adjunctive therapy to traditional chest phys...
The Iowa Route: A History of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway

Review of: The Iowa Route: A History of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Rail-way, by Don L. Hofsommer.