cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fine particle dispersion in a commercial aircraft cabin

The spread of particles or contaminants in aircraft cabins is of interest due to the large number of passengers and their close proximity to each other. This close proximity causes concern about the spread of disease and contaminants among passengers. To understand the aircraft cabin environment and the dispersion of fine particles, an experimental study was conducted in an 11-row wide-body aircraft cabin mockup. The experiment focused on the longitudinal dispersion of particles throughout the cabin. The data show the regions close to the source experience higher levels of exposure and higher levels of variation, while locations farther from the source show lower exposure levels and less variation. The variations close to the source likely stem from the interaction of the quick injection burst of particles with chaotic airflow. Particles release in the second row were detected at all locations in the cabin mockup, but there was roughly a 37% decrease in concentration with each successive row in the longit...
Multifrequency Inductive Power Transfer

This paper presents a generalized analysis of an inductive power transfer system where multiple frequencies are used to transfer power through the magnetic link. Specifically, we consider a system that amplifies both the fundamental and the third harmonic generated by a full-bridge inverter in order to transfer power to a receiver at both frequencies. The system is analyzed in a generalized manner, by looking at the transconductance function at the transmitter and the receiver for each of the harmonics. Using this approach, the emitted field strength, inverter losses, combined transmitter and receiver coil conduction losses, and VA ratings are compared to a reference single-frequency system. The analysis shows that the dual-frequency system can outperform the single-frequency equivalent for all metrics considered; however, in practice, a tradeoff between the performance criteria is necessary, since the optimal operation points for each criterion cannot be attained with a single design.
Unique inhibition of a serine esterase

Abstract The inhibition of insect juvenile hormone esterase by 3-octylthio-1,1,1-trifluoropropan-2-ol (K i 9.5 × 10 −10 M) indicates that serine esterases may be unique from serine proteases.
Phase Behavior of an ABC Triblock Copolymer Blended with A and C Homopolymers

The structures of ternary blends composed of a nearly symmetric poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-dimethylsiloxane) (SID) triblock copolymer (volume fractions of S/I/D = 0.20/0.59/0.21, Mn = 40 000 g/mol) and equal volume fractions of low-molecular-weight polystyrene (Mn = 2360 g/mol) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (Mn = 2200 g/mol) are investigated by small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering and transmission electron microscopy. When the total homopolymer volume fraction exceeds 65%, the blend macroscopically separates into ordered homopolymer-poor and -rich regions. Between 45 and 65% homopolymer volume fraction, hexagonally packed core−shell cylinders form with PDMS cores and PI shells. Between 15 and 45% homopolymer volume fraction, a core−shell gyroid morphology is observed with PDMS cores and PI shells. These core−shell variations of the classical structures of diblock copolymers are attributed to a small asymmetry in segment−segment interaction parameters. The neat SID block copolymer has a new complex ordered...
Equalized Delay Lines

An improved design of signal delay lines is discussed in which phase distortion is held within the narrow limits required. The decrease of time delay at higher frequencies due to decrease of effective inductivity is compensated by a rise in effective capacitance due to distributed bridge capacities. In some high-impedance lines the natural coil capacitance will sufflice for this compensation; in other cases a controlled amount of bridge capacitance is introduced by means of floating patches of metal foil along the coiled conductor, insulated from it, from each other, and from ground. Echoes, due to mismatch of the lines at high frequencies, may be suppressed by dividing the winding into sections, each too short to yield an echo component within the transmitted frequency range. The design of typical delay lines for 400, 1000, and 3000 ohms impedance is discussed and their delay, attenuation, and impedance characteristics are shown. A delay line with lumped iron-dust cores is described. A practical design is presented for the lumped-parameter low-pass filter m= 1.27, as used for delay lines with very low impedance and for very high voltages.
A novel muscle biopsy clamp yields accurate in vivo sarcomere length values

The measurement of in vivo muscle sarcomere length facilitates the definition of in vivo muscle functional properties and comparison of muscle designs amongst functional muscle groups. In vivo sarcomere lengths are available for just a handful of human muscles, largely due to the technical challenges associated with their measurement. The purpose of this report was to develop and test a muscle biopsy clamp that can quickly and accurately measure in vivo muscle sarcomere length. To test the device, muscle biopsies (n=23) were removed from the tibialis anterior muscles of New Zealand White rabbits immediately after sarcomere length measurements were made using laser diffraction. The muscle biopsy contained within the clamp was immediately fixed in Formalin for subsequent sarcomere length measurement. Comparisons of clamp-based and diffraction-based sarcomere lengths demonstrated excellent agreement between the two techniques, especially when the biopsy was obtained at relatively long lengths (above 2.6 microm). Given the intraoperative speed and simplicity of this technique and the relatively low-cost of the biopsy clamp, this method of measuring muscle sarcomere length should help investigators generate much-needed in vivo muscle structural and functional data.
Norway rat young respond to the energetic demands of their thermal environment with metabolic compensations

Abstract Adult rats use metabolic compensations to reduce energetic costs of thermoregulation in their thermal environment. To determine if their altricial young can display these compensations, rats were housed (postnatal days 0–85) in 25 and 33 °C environments. Metabolizable energy intake was recorded weekly and oxygen consumption responses to acute 17, 25, and 33 °C air exposure were recorded every 3 weeks. Thirty-three°C-housed rats consumed less metabolizable energy, gained less body mass, and showed lower oxygen consumption levels in response to 25 °C air compared to 25 °C-housed rats. These results indicate young rats display metabolic compensations in response to their thermal environment.
Reexploration Following Vertical Banded Gastroplasty: Technical Observations, and Co-morbidity from Dentition, Smoking and Esophageal Pathology

This is a retrospective review of 260 consecutive patients, of one surgeon, operated on for morbid obesity. There were 245 primary, and 15 referred secondary, patients. For primary cases, there was a 0.8% (2/245) mortality, and 4.4% (11/245) emergency reexploration rate. Of these 2.5% (6/245) were at 30 days (all >2 years). Ten (4.1%) were electively reexplored because of vertical partition staple-line disruptions. Of the three staplers used, we show one (USS Corp. TA 90B) has demonstrably fewer disruptions. Identifiable causes of long-term morbidity include cigarette smoking in young females (2/245), a full set of upper dentures (2/245) and preexisting esophageal dysmotility (1/245).
The indium(I) bromide-indium(III) bromide system

Abstract A cryoscopic phase study of the system indium(I) bromide-indium(III) bromide has been made. Evidence has been found for the existence of three intermediate compounds: In2Br3, In4Br7 and InBr2. The results of the phase study have been verified by X-ray powder patterns and by an extraction experiment. In the light of Pauling's “radius ratio theory” and previous work on indium halides, it is postulated that In2Br3 exists as In3I[InIIIBr6] and that InBr2 exists as InI[InIIIBr4]. No structure is proposed for In4Br7.
The Radiotoxicology of Radithor: Analysis of an Early Case of latrogenic Poisoning by a Radioactive Patent Medicine

Radithor was a radioactive patent medicine that was touted as a metabolic stimulant and aphrodisiac. We have obtained several original samples of Radithor and have used these historical specimens and a computer-based calculation model to perform a retrospective analysis of a famous case of Radithorrelated radium poisoning. Our data suggest that the victim's cumulative skeletal radiation dose may have exceeded 350 Sv by the time he died. This figure far exceeds most current estimates of what radiation exposure level would constitute a rapidly lethal dose if given acutely. The physiological response to long-term internal radiation exposure and the highly localized nature of alpha particle irradiation may require the development of new models for the assessment of risk in cases of internal alpha particle irradiation. ( JAMA. 1990;264:619-621)
Progesterone receptor and the mechanism of action of progesterone antagonists.

Abstract Currently available progesterone antagonists have been suggested to fall into two categories based on differences in how they interact with and inactivate the progesterone receptor (PR). The anti-progestin ZK98299 (Type I) impairs PR association with DNA, while Type II compounds (RU486, ZK112993, ZK98734) promote PR binding to DNA. Type II agents, therefore, appear to inhibit receptor activity at a step downstream of DNA binding, presumably failing to induce conformational changes in PR structure required for enhancement of transcription. This paper discusses both published and unpublished data supporting the concept of two types of progestin antagonists. Using PR-mediated induction of reporter genes in breast cancer cells as an assay for biological response, both types of anti-progestins, after correction for difference in steroid binding affinity, inhibit progestin induction substoichiometrically. However, Type II anti-progestins are more potent, inhibiting at lower ratios of antagonist to agonist than ZK98299. This suggests that in addition to behaving by classical competitive mechanisms these compounds (in particular Type II) may exhibit additional activity as transrepressors of PR in the same cell bound to hormone agonist. Transrepression may occur by the combined mechanisms of heterodimerization and competition for binding to DNA. In support of this, mixed ligand dimers form readily in solution between a PR subunit bound to agonist and another bound to either type of anti-progestin, whereas these mixed ligand dimers bind poorly, if at all, to specific progesterone response elements (PREs) in vitro. Additionally, when added as a single ligand, Type II agents increase PR dimerization in solution and PR affinity for PREs as compared with single ligand dimers formed by progestin agonist. This contrasts with ZK98299, when given as a single ligand, which reduces PR affinity for PREs without disrupting solution dimerization. Thus the higher affinity of PR for PREs may account for the greater biological potency of Type II compounds as compared with ZK98299. As a further distinction between types of antiprogestins, ZK98299 minimally stimulates phosphorylation of PR whereas RU486 increases site-specific phosphorylation of PR in a manner indistinguishable from that of hormone agonist. Additionally, ZK98299 is not susceptible in vivo to functional switching to a partial agonist by cross talk with cAMP signal transduction pathways, as occurs with Type II compounds. Thus, ZK98299 under certain conditions may be a more pure antagonist than Type II compounds.
Higher-risk periods for suicide among VA patients receiving depression treatment: prioritizing suicide prevention efforts.

Background Health systems with limited resources may have the greatest impact on suicide if their prevention efforts target the highest-risk treatment groups during the highest-risk periods. To date, few health systems have carefully segmented their depression treatment populations by level of risk and prioritized prevention efforts on this basis.
Symmetric Fast Marching Schemes for Better Numerical Isotropy

Existing fast marching methods solve the Eikonal equation using a continuous (first-order) model to estimate the accumulated cost, but a discontinuous (zero-order) model for the traveling cost at each grid point. As a result the estimate of the accumulated cost (calculated numerically) at a given point will vary based on the direction of the arriving front, introducing an anisotropy into the discrete algorithm even though the continuous partial differential equation (PDE) is itself isotropic. To remove this anisotropy, we propose two very different schemes. In the first model, we utilize a continuous interpolation of the traveling cost, which is not biased by the direction of the propagating front. In the second model, we upsample the traveling cost on a higher resolution grid to overcome the directional bias. We show the significance of removing the directional bias in the computation of the cost in some applications of the fast marching method, demonstrating that both methods make the discrete implementation more isotropic, in accordance with the underlying continuous PDE.
Reduction of acid chlorides with sodium borohydride in N, N-dimethylformamide: Nature of the reaction intermediate and a method for its conversion to the corresponding aldehyde with minimal alcohol formation

Abstract By use of sodium borohydride under the proper reaction conditions, direct conversion of both aliphatic and aromatic acid chlorides to the corresponding aldehyde can be achieved in 80–95% yield.
Theoretical studies of ultrathin film-induced faceting on W(111) surfaces

Abstract We have used local volume (or EAM) potentials to study the pyramidal faceting (or reconstruction) of a W(111) surface induced by face center cubic (fcc) metals Pd, Pt, Au, and a body center cubic (bcc) metal Mo. We found that the surface-energy differences of (211) and (111) surfaces of bcc W increases as one or few monolayers of Pd, Pt, Au, and Mo films are deposited. We found that the lateral relaxation which is allowed on the (211) surface further increases the surface energy anisotropy as the thickness of the fcc metal film increases. Our calculated results are consistent with the argument that the surface energy anisotropy is the driving force for the faceting, but do not rule out three-dimensional (3D) island growth as another possible mechanism for the (211) faceting. We also found that there is a possible bilayer growth mode in W(211) surfaces with Pt and Pd films.
Regulation of Cell Migration by the Calcium-dependent Protease Calpain

Integrin receptors play an important role during cell migration by mediating linkages and transmitting forces between the extracellular matrix and the actin cytoskeleton. The mechanisms by which these linkages are regulated and released during migration are not well understood. We show here that cell-permeable inhibitors of the calcium-dependent protease calpain inhibit both β1 and β3 integrin-mediated cell migration. Calpain inhibition specifically stabilizes peripheral focal adhesions, increases adhesiveness, and decreases the rate of cell detachment. Furthermore, these inhibitors alter the fate of integrin receptors at the rear of the cell during migration. A Chinese hamster ovary cell line expressing low levels of calpain I also shows reduced migration rates with similar morphological changes, further implicating calpain in this process. Taken together, the data suggest that calpain inhibition modulates cell migration by stabilizing cytoskeletal linkages and decreasing the rate of retraction of the cell's rear. Inhibiting calpain-mediated proteolysis may therefore be a potential therapeutic approach to control pathological cell migration such as tumor metastasis.
Transcriptional robustness and protein interactions are associated in yeast

Background: Robustness to insults, both external and internal, is a characteristic feature of life. One level of biological organization for which noise and robustness have been extensively studied is gene expression. Cells have a variety of mechanisms for buffering noise in gene expression, but it is not completely clear what rules govern whether or not a given gene uses such tools to maintain appropriate expression. Results: Here, we show a general association between the degree to which yeast cells have evolved mechanisms to buffer changes in gene expression and whether they possess protein-protein interactions. We argue that this effect bears an affinity to epistasis, because yeast appears to have evolved regulatory mechanisms such that distant changes in gene copy number for a protein-protein interaction partner gene can alter a gene’s expression. This association is not unexpected given recent work linking epistasis and the deleterious effects of changes in gene dosage (i.e., the dosage balance hypothesis). Using gene expression data from artificial aneuploid strains of bakers’ yeast, we found that genes coding for proteins that physically interact with other proteins show less expression variation in response to aneuploidy than do other genes. This effect is even more pronounced for genes whose products interact with proteins encoded on aneuploid chromosomes. We further found that genes targeted by transcription factors encoded on aneuploid chromosomes were more likely to change in expression after aneuploidy. Conclusions: We suggest that these observations can be best understood as resulting from the higher fitness cost of misexpression in epistatic genes and a commensurate greater regulatory control of them.
Amyloid imaging, risk disclosure and Alzheimer’s disease: ethical and practical issues

PET ligands that bind with high specificity to amyloid plaques represent a major breakthrough in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research. Amyloid neuroimaging is now approved by the US FDA to aid in the diagnosis of AD, and is being used to identify amyloid-positive but asymptomatic individuals for secondary AD prevention trials. The use of amyloid neuroimaging in preclinical populations raises important ethical and practical challenges, including determining appropriate uses of this technology, evaluating the potential benefits and harms of disclosing results, and communicating effectively about testing with patients and family members. Emerging policy issues also require consideration (e.g., legal safeguards for biomarker-positive individuals). Further research is needed to inform effective and ethical implementation and regulation of amyloid imaging.
Spectrum Detection in Cognitive Networks by Minimizing Hidden Terminal Problem

In the wireless network, the node is visible but is not available for communication. Similarly, the primary signal is present and difficult to detect. The primary signal problem is similar to hidden node problem, but currently interpreted as false alarms. In this research, two models (probability based and Drake's equation) were designed and tested through simulations. The results show that Drake's equation with probability-based model performs better than basic probability-based model to detect the hidden signal.
Energy-awareness in dynamic traffic grooming

We introduce an energy-efficient traffic grooming scheme for promoting greener optical networks. The scheme considers a modular node architecture, reuses already active components during request allocations, and conserves total energy consumption in the network.
Short distance non-perturbative effects of large distance modified gravity

In a model of large distance modified gravity we compare the non-perturbative Schwarzschild solution of [G. Gabadadze, A. Iglesias, Phys. Rev. D 72 (2005) 084024, hep-th/0407049] to approximate solutions obtained previously. In the regions where there is a good qualitative agreement between the two, the non-perturbative solution yields effects that could have observational significance. These effects reduce, by a factor of a few, the predictions for the additional precession of the orbits in the Solar system, still rendering them in an observationally interesting range. The very same effects lead to a mild anomalous scaling of the additional scale-invariant precession rate found by Lue and Starkman.
Intraluminal crystalloids in whole‐organ sections of prostate

Demonstration of intraluminal crystalloids and mucin can aid in the diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Crystalloids have been reported in 10% to 23% of prostatic adenocarcinomas. This incidence may not be accurate, however, because previous studies were based on specimens obtained by transurethral resection or transrectal biopsy. This study was based on the examination of 54 prostates (9 obtained from radical prostatectomies for prostate cancer and 45 from cystoprostatectomies for bladder carcinoma) processed by a whole-organ section method. Crystalloids were found in all nine prostatic carcinomas from radical prostatectomy specimens. Thirty-one of 45 specimens from cystoprostatectomies had single or multiple foci of adenocarcinoma; of these, 20 cases (64.5%) had crystalloids. Numbers of crystalloids varied not only from case to case but also from area to area within the same case. Crystalloids were occasionally identified in benign and dysplastic glands that were adjacent to areas of carcinoma. Cases without prostatic carcinoma and benign or dysplastic glands distant from areas of carcinoma did not contain crystalloids. Twenty-four prostatic adenocarcinomas had intraluminal mucin; mucin was not found in benign glands. In conclusion we found the incidence of crystalloids to be higher than that reported in previous studies, a difference we believe is because of sampling. We confirm previous observations that intraluminal crystalloids and mucin are helpful in diagnosing prostate adenocarcinoma.
Barriers to Use of Electronic Adherence Monitoring in an HIV Clinic

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate barriers to Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) measurement of adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy in an HIV clinic.DESIGN:Descriptive, cross-sectional study measured MEMS adherence to one antiretroviral for one month.SETTING:HIV clinic in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.PARTICIPANTS:Sixty-four men on a stable antiretroviral treatment regimen.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Decanting (removing >1 dose at a time) before and during monitoring over a 30-day observation period was used to determine the qualitative impact of MEMS on adherence. The adherence index was the proportion of prescribed doses not missed.RESULTS:Subjects were primarily white (73%) with mean CD4+ count 408 cells/mm3, log viral load 1.81 copies/mL, and duration of antiretroviral therapy 5.5 years. Twenty-seven (42%) had some decanting routine established prior to monitoring; 12 (44%) of these patients used daily decanters and 15 (56%) used weekly pillboxes. Of those who decanted prior to the study, 10 (37%...
Importance Sampling Simulation in UltraSAN

Traditional simulation techniques perform poorly when estimating performance measures based on rare events. One solution to this problem is the use of importance sampling. However, two problems that have limited the use of importance sampling are the lack of a formal framework for specifying importance sampling strategies, and the fact that in most cases the simulations must be hand-coded — a very time-consuming process. This paper presents a software tool that facilitates experimentation with importance sampling by addressing these two problems. First, the tool is based on a flexible framework for specifying importance sampling simulations in terms of stochastic activity networks. Second, once specified, the importance sampling simulation program is automatically generated by the tool, freeing the researcher to focus on the modeling problem. The effectiveness of the software is demonstrated through the solution of a machine-repairman model with Weibull distributed failure times and a delayed group repair...
Image Registration and Fusion for Interventional MRI Guided Thermal Ablation of the Prostate Cancer

We are investigating interventional MRI (iMRI) guided thermal ablation treatment of the prostate cancer. Functional images such as SPECT can detect and localize tumor in the prostate not reliably seen in MRI. We intend to combine the advantages of SPECT with iMRI-guided treatments. Our concept is to first register the low-resolution SPECT with a high resolution MRI volume. Then by registering the high-resolution MR image with iMRI acquisitions, we can, in turn, map the functional data and high-resolution anatomic information to iMRI images for improved tumor targeting. For the first step, we used a mutual information registration method. For the latter, we developed a robust slice to volume (SV) registration algorithm. Image data were acquired from patients and volunteers. Compared to our volume-to-volume registration that was previously evaluated to be quite accurate, the SV registration accuracy is about 0.5mm for transverse images covering the prostate. With our image registration and fusion software, simulation experiments show that it is feasible to incorporate SPECT and high resolution MRI into the iMRI-guided treatment.
Controller design for continuous stirred tank reactor based on feedback linearization

For nonlinear characteristics of continuous stirred tank reactor, the conventional solution is linearization on the control point. But this method has some disadvantage, that is, when the control point moves, the system response error will become larger. To solve this problem, the paper proposes the I/O feedback linearization. For the continuous stirred tank reactor, the paper selects the appropriate system output, and does continuous derivation for each component until the control input variable appears in the expression. When certain conditions are met, the system can be linearized globally, through the substitution between the control input variables. In order to test the feasibility of the method, the paper builds simulation model, and the simulation results show that The system output has a good tracking ability, besides, the System shows the fast response and reliable stability.
Maxwell–Boltzmann Distributions

describes a distribution for maximal states consistent with the available energy. If the separation between discrete energies is reduced to a continuum, the Boltzmann factor is proportional to the probability for an infinitesimal energy range. The partition function is an integration of Boltzmann factors over the range of continuous energies. The Boltzmann factor for dɛ
Dexamethasone inhibition of interferon-alpha 2-induced stimulation of cortisol and growth hormone secretion in chronic myeloproliferative syndrome

This study investigated the acute effects of interferon-alpha 2 (IFN-alpha 2) on hormonal secretion in adult patients affected by a chronic myeloproliferative syndrome and tried to shed some light on the mechanism by which IFN-alpha 2 stimulates cortisol and GH secretion in humans. We compared the pattern of IFN-alpha 2-induced cortisol and GH release with that elicited after the same challenge given subsequent to pretreatment with dexamethasone (Dex). We studied eight patients affected by a chronic myeloproliferative syndrome (thrombocythemia) who had been selected for treatment with IFN-alpha 2. Four sets of experiments were performed: 1) 2 mL iv saline was given at 0800 h in eight cases; 2) 3 x 10(6) IU iv IFN-alpha 2 was given at 0800 h in eight cases; 3) 3 x 10(6) IU iv IFN-alpha 2 was given at 0800 h after pretreatment with 1.5 mg Dex (1 mg at midnight the previous night and 0.5 mg at 0700 h on the day of the test) in six cases; and 4) 2 mL iv saline was given at 0800 h after the same Dex pretreatment in four cases. Cortisol and GH were measured in plasma samples drawn at 30-min intervals between 0800 and 1300 h. Acute iv administration of IFN-alpha 2 stimulated the release of both cortisol and GH in each patient with a significant increment vs. control values, as assessed by areas under the curve. The administration of Dex significantly decreased basal plasma cortisol secretion and abolished cortisol response to IFN-alpha 2 administration. These data suggest that the stimulatory action of IFN-alpha 2 on cortisol release is mediated via a modulation of the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis rather than through a direct effect at the level of the adrenal cortex. After Dex plus saline administration, no significant effect was observed on plasma GH levels, which remained low. Dex administration significantly decreased GH response to IFN-alpha 2. These data suggest that a hypothalamic or pituitary stimulation (or both) is involved in the mechanism of IFN-alpha 2-induced GH secretion. It remains to be established whether IFN-alpha 2 directly stimulates pituitary somatotropic cells or whether the cytokine exerts a stimulatory action on GH secretion by indirectly modulating the hypothalamic or pituitary activity. In conclusion, acute iv administration of IFN-alpha 2 represents a potent stimulus for cortisol and GH secretion in adult human subjects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Vector Coding: A Technique for Quantification of Intersegmental Coupling in Multicyclic Behaviors

The evaluation of a vector coding technique to quantify intersegmental coupling within a limb over multiple cycles of walking is described. The angular position of the knee with respect to the hip during walking was examined based on relative motion plots generated from videographic data. Participants included one able-bodied individual and one with spinal cord injury; the latter was assessed before and after participating in an assisted walking program. Vector coding of the frame-to-frame changes in hip/knee relationship was used to quantify the relative motion plots. Vector analysis techniques were then used to produce a single value that represents the overall variability of the hip/knee coupling relationship over multiple cycles. Hypothetical and random data were also used to evaluate the coding algorithm. In addition, the technique was compared to an earlier method in the analysis of this same data. Vector coding provided an easily interpretable method of quantifying the intersegmental coupling relat...
Qsym over Sym is free

We study here the ring 2Jn of Quasi-symmetric functions in the variables x1, x2,..., xn. Bergeron and Reutenauer (personal communication) formulated a number of conjectures about this ring; in particular, they conjectured that it is free over the ring Λn of symmetric functions in x1, x2,..., xn. We present here an algorithm that recursively constructs a Λn-module basis for 2Jn thereby proving one of the Bergeron-Reutenauer conjectures. This result also implies that the quotient of 2Jn by the ideal generated by the elementary symmetric functions has dimension n!. Surprisingly, to show the validity of our algorithm we were led to a truly remarkable connection between 2Jn and the harmonics of Sn.
Vitamin D endocrine physiology.

Quantitative aspects of vitamin D 3 endocrine physiology are briefly reviewed, together with the supporting evidence. Net calcium absorption of at least 200 mg/d is required to offset typical obligatory losses and thereby to protect the skeleton. The ability of the body to regulate intestinal calcium absorption is optimal at serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 concentrations >80 nM. Vitamin D 3 inputs from all sources required to sustain such a level amount to 3600-4200 IU/d. Daily oral intakes as high as 10,000 IU are safe.
Generalized one-multiplier lattice discrete 2-D filters: minimal circuit and state-space realization

A circuit realization is presented for generalized one-multiplier lattice discrete two-dimensional (2-D) filters. The proposed structure has a minimum number of delay elements and multipliers. Based on this circuit realization, the corresponding state-space realization-representation is derived. The dimension of the 2-D state-space vector is minimal and the corresponding transfer function is characterized by the all-pass property.
Metabolic syndrome reduces the survival benefit of the obesity paradox after infrainguinal bypass.

Background Metabolic syndrome, having risen to epidemic proportions in the United States, is associated with future cardiovascular disease and mortality and increased postoperative complication rates. However, the impact of metabolic syndrome on outcomes after infrainguinal bypass surgery remains poorly defined. Methods Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2005–2011, patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass were identified. Data on preoperative risk factors, operative details, and 30-day outcomes were collected. Metabolic syndrome was defined as the concomitant presence of obesity (body mass index: >30 kg/m 2 ), hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Results A total of 19,604 patients underwent an infrainguinal bypass, 16% of whom suffered from metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome were younger ( P P P P = 0.02). On multivariate regression, metabolic syndrome remained associated with the development of any complication (OR: 1.55; P P P P = 0.09). When compared to obese patients without metabolic syndrome, those with metabolic syndrome had a higher rate of any postoperative complication (22.5% vs. 16.6%) and death (1.82% vs. 1.42%). Conclusions Patients with metabolic syndrome are at an increased risk of postoperative complications after infrainguinal bypass. Despite increased morbidity, metabolic syndrome was not associated with inferior 30-day mortality, but did diminish the survival benefit of the obesity paradox.
Breastfeeding trends and patterns.

A brief overview of world breastfeeding trends and patterns based primarily on demography is presented. There are many problems in studying breastfeeding. In developed countries the duration and prevalence of breastfeeding have declined in the past 100 years. However in the last 2 decades there has been an upturn. In developing countries there have also been declines in breastfeeding especially in urban areas and Latin America. There is no pattern of steady and irreversible decline in breastfeeding duration and incidence. A few international organizations have been promoting breastfeeding but few resources have been spent on it. Many breastfeeding promotion programs have had a short-term impact. Social characteristics involved in breastfeeding include: 1) urba/rural residence; 2) education; 3) ethnic groups; and 4) world regions. In most countries especially developing countries rural women breastfeed longer than urban women. Educational patterns vary. There are pronounced ethnic differences in breastfeeding. Women in Africa the Middle East and South Asia breastfeed the longest. Women in Southeast Asia breastfeed less; while Latin American women feed for less time. MOre information is needed on breastfeeding trends and patterns in more countries for a longer time.
Development of the Standalone Package for Enhanced Estimation of Dose Distribution for Space Radiation Applications

One of the many significant challenges mankind faces as we look to expand our footprint in outer space is the hostile space radiation environment. Not unlike many other mission parameters, the dose...
Effects of Multi-Generational Wartime Lore on Family Adaptability

This research looks at the long-term, multigenerational effects of stories and beliefs in families located in regions that suffered greatly from war. It studies the negative emotional resonances of certain words and ideas that connect back to the trauma of the original war experiences, as well as lingering disavowed belief systems. It also provides methods of measuring physical changes that carry-over in male testosterone levels and overall subsequent esteem issues in social dynamics.
Neither counterfeit nor paradise: The carrying capacity of pre‐Columbian ecosystems in Brazil

The size of Brazil's population before colonization is indicative of the devastation from slavery, disease, and general upheaval that followed. The question is controversial, however: The coast and Amazon floodplains were heavily settled, yet the extent to which complex societies occupied the upland forests and savannas is uncertain. The carrying capacities of 461 indigenous domains east of 57°W longitude are estimated using 3 approaches: a predator–prey model of energy flow calibrated with remote-sensing data; feasible yields of maize, manioc, beans, and potatoes; and protein availability from hunting. Native ecosystems were capable of sustaining dozens of people per square kilometer, but the actual density was probably closer to a lower bound of 0.50. Within Amazonia, the floodplain could have supported several times more inhabitants than plateau forests, savannas, or scrubland. The overall standard of living was likely higher than commonly believed, although life in prehistoric Brazil was nonetheless far from “paradise.”
COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN SYMPATRIC CARNIVORA

Predators that spend a large proportion of their food collecting budget on the catching and killing of prey after the prey have once been dis- covered are shown to specialize on prey of a certain size. Such specialist predators frequently coexist in hunting sets with other predators of similar morphology and hunting abilities. The coexistence is probably the result of size difference between the predator species, which leads to each predator species in a hunting- set taking a different set of prey species. On the basis of their differing sizes, weasels seem to comprise one such hunting set, but all weasels eat mostly mouse- sized food. It is demonstrated that weasels differ in their degree of specialization on mouse-sized food, larger weasels taking a greater size variety. This difference is possibly a coexistence-stabilizing force. Theoretically, coexistence might occur between two competing species if the larger, poorer competitor preyed on the smaller, better one. Such a situation may be present within the weasel hunting set. In general, size differences provide a potent means of permitting similar species of carnivore to coexist.
Selling Germany in South-Eastern Europe: Economic Uncertainty, Commercial Information and the Leipzig Trade Fair 1920–40

On the eve of the Second World War Germany dominated the exports and imports of south-eastern Europe. Yet the institutions that supported Germany's trade in the 1930s were formed during the previous decade. This article shows how one institution, the Leipzig trade fair, helped overcome many of the problems that had disrupted German commerce with Yugoslavia after the First World War. During a decade when German firms were only slowly returning to the region, the fair built an extensive trading network in south-eastern Europe that relayed economic news, found agents for German firms, and advertised for German products. By the 1930s the fair's representatives had become the backbone of Germany's trade network in south-eastern Europe.
Lost in the categorical shuffle: evidence for the social non-prototypicality of black women.

The white male norm hypothesis (Zarate & Smith, 1990) posits that White men's race and gender go overlooked as a result of their prototypical social statuses. In contrast, the intersectional invisibility hypothesis (Purdie-Vaughns & Eibach, 2008) posits that people with membership in multiple subordinate social groups experience social invisibility as a result of their non-prototypical social statuses. The present research reconciles these contradictory theories and provides empirical support for the core assumption of the intersectional invisibility hypothesis-that intersectional targets are non-prototypical within their race and gender ingroups. In a speeded categorization task, participants were slower to associate Black women versus Black men with the category "Black" and slower to associate Black women versus White women with the category "woman." We discuss the implications of this work for social categorical theory development and future intersectionality research.
The conduction theory and neologistic jargon.

In recent asphasiological studies of neologistic jargon, it has been postulated that the meaningless lexical items (most often functioning as nouns) produced (in otherwise well-formed syntactic mat...
Prostaglandin E2 inhibits oxygen consumption in rabbit medullary thick ascending limb.

The effect of prostaglandin (PG) E2 on transport-dependent oxygen consumption (QO2) of rabbit medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL) cells was studied. Exogenous PGE2, at a concentration of 30 microM, inhibited ouabain-sensitive QO2 by 70%. Addition of either ouabain or bumetanide, after PGE2, further depressed QO2, whereas PGE2 had no effect when added after these transport inhibitors. There was no significant inhibition of QO2 by PGE2 in the absence of either Na or Cl. The QO2 of amphotericin-treated cells was inhibited by the addition of PGE2. Therefore the inhibitory effect of PGE2 was on the transport-dependent moiety of QO2 and was independent of Na entry. Other prostanoids had no significant effect on MTAL QO2. Suspensions of isolated MTAL cells accumulated PGE2 at about one-fifth the rate of outer medullary collecting duct cells. Finally, PGE2 caused an increase in intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate levels by approximately 100%. Although the precise mechanism of action is unclear, P...
Oral health care in pediatric AIDS.

At the time of this writing, over 1500 cases of HIV infection in children under 13 have been documented. Estimates have been made that ten times that number exist. The oral manifestations of HIV infection in these children, the management of these problems, and access to care pose significant issues for the dentist who treats children. In Washington, D.C., in March of 1989, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Office of Maternal Child Health funded a conference and workshop on oral complications of HIV infection in the pediatric population. This report uses information presented at the workshop and certain recent key papers to provide an overview of current knowledge about pediatric AIDS.
Intravertebral ANG II effects on plasma renin and Na excretion in dogs at constant renal artery pressure.

Studies were performed to determine whether intravertebral angiotensin II infusion (iva ANG II) decreases renin release by increasing renal perfusion pressure (RPP) and to investigate possible effects of iva ANG II on renal function. RPP was electronically servocontrolled in 12 conscious dogs equipped with chronic vascular catheters and a suprarenal aortic balloon constrictor while iva ANG II was infused bilaterally for 60 min at 0.33 ng.kg-1.min-1. Without servocontrol, iva ANG II increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) from 101 +/- 4 to 106 +/- 5 mmHg, urine flow (V) from 0.36 +/- 0.03 to 0.45 +/- 0.04 ml/min, and sodium excretion (UNaV) from 36.2 +/- 7.0 to 62.7 +/- 6.6 mumol/min. Plasma renin activity (PRA) decreased from 6.9 +/- 0.7 to 5.0 +/- 0.6 ng ANG I.ml-1.3 h-1. With servocontrol, iva ANG II increased MAP from 102 +/- 4 to 109 +/- 5 mmHg while RPP remained constant with a variation of less than +/- 1 mmHg. PRA did not change significantly (5.9 +/- 0.3 to 7.0 +/- 0.7 ng ANG I.ml-1.3 h-1). V decreased from 0.33 +/- 0.02 to 0.26 +/- 0.01 ml/min, and UNaV decreased from 49.0 +/- 5.7 to 29.7 +/- 4.4 mumol/min. The data provide evidence that iva ANG II decreases renin release by increasing RPP and stimulating the renal baroreceptor and/or the macula densa mechanisms. In addition, at constant RPP, ANG II exerts a central action to decrease UNaV.
Force and Seal Evaluation of Elastomeric O-Rings

The purpose of this program is to measure the force on an elastomeric O-ring while it is compressed and held at constant thickness during cool-down from room temperature to 76°K. The O-ring functions as a seal during the test, and the force and temperature at which a leak begins is noted. In addition, the force-temperature curve is continuously recorded so that not only the end points but the shapes of the curves for various elastomers can be compared.
The new DoD automatic test systems executive organization

In 1990, the DoD Inspector General began a series of audits which led to language in the FY-1994 Appropriations Bill recommending that the Secretary of Defense direct a DoD ATS acquisition policy and establish a formal implementation mechanism to ensure strategy compliance. On 29 April 1994, USD (A&T) established DoD ATS policy and appointed the Navy as the DoD Executive Agent for ATS. NAVAIR PMA260 was appointed by Navy to serve as the ATS Executive Agent Office. The EAO organized an ATS Management Board that consisted of the Colonel/Navy Captain level ATS principals from each of the services. A number of Integrated Product Teams were established under the EAO and AMB to carry out the main technical functions of the EA. In 1997, the services formally agreed via a Joint Memorandum of Agreement on the various policies, procedures and organizational responsibilities to be implemented. On 31 March 2003, the General Accounting Office (GAO) submitted a report which made several recommendations to the Secretary of Defense. In response to the GAO Report, OSD(AT&L) directed the services to perform an assessment of the EA function. A Joint Service IPT was chartered to define alternative approaches to executing the ATS EA role and to provide an ATS EA assessment report that contained a recommended course of action. OSD directed that the AMB continue to serve as the DoD coordinating body for ATS matters, that NAVAIR PMA260 be directed to continue the Executive Agent Office functions as the DoD ATS Executive Directorate, and that Service Acquisition Executives agree upon procedures for ATS acquisitions in a new Joint MOA. This new JMOA defines the revised DoD ATS organizational structure and details responsibilities and procedures to be followed throughout DoD for ATS acquisition and modernization.
Autophagy and autoimmunity

Autophagy is a highly conserved protein degradation pathway from yeasts to humans that is essential for removing protein aggregates and misfolded proteins in healthy cells. Recently, autophagy-related genes polymorphisms have been implicated in several autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis. Numerous studies reveal autophagy and autophagy-related proteins also participate in immune regulation. Conditional deletions of autophagy-related proteins in mice have rendered protection from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and TNF-mediated joint destruction in animal models of multiple sclerosis and experimental arthritis respectively. As autophagy is strongly implicated in immune functions such as removal of intracellular bacteria, inflammatory cytokine secretion, antigen presentation, and lymphocyte development, in this review we summarized current understanding of the roles of autophagy and autophagy proteins in autoimmune diseases.
Human Viperin Causes Radical SAM-Dependent Elongation of Escherichia coli, Hinting at Its Physiological Role

Viperin (virus inhibitory protein, endoplasmic reticulum-associated, interferon-inducible) is a widely distributed protein that is expressed in response to infection and causes antiviral effects against a broad spectrum of viruses. Viperin is a member of the radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) superfamily of enzymes, which typically employ a 4Fe-4S cluster to reductively cleave SAM to initiate chemistry. Though the specific reaction catalyzed by viperin remains unknown, it has been shown that expression of viperin causes an increase in the fluidity of lipid membranes, which impedes the budding of nascent viral particles from the membrane inhibiting propagation of the infection. Herein, we show that expression of the human viperin homologue induces a dramatically elongated morphology of the host Escherichia coli cells. Mutation of an essential cysteine that coordinates the radical SAM cluster abrogates this effect. Thus, the native radical SAM activity of viperin is likely occurring in the host bacteria,...