cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dissolution and growth of (1 0 1̄ 4) calcite in flowing water: estimation of back reaction rates via kinetic Monte Carlo simulations

Although calcite is an important mineral for many processes, there have been relatively few simulations of it's growth and dissolution behavior. Such simulations are complicated by the multitude of defect types and by the asymmetry of the crystal. The present work combined a kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) technique with the Kossel crystal (100) simple cubic concept and the Blasius boundary layer model to simulate the simultaneous growth and dissolution of the (1014)calcite cleavage surface in flowing water. The objective was to determine the activation energies of the back reaction (growth) from those of the forward reaction (dissolution) by obtaining agreement with cleavage-step morphologies and step dissolution velocities previously measured using an atomic force microscope (AFM). Blasius boundary layer conditions for the flowing fluid defined a model that treated the solid, the dissolution/growth interface, and the fluid kinetics. Microscopic reversibility and the laws of large number s gave an expression for the back reaction activation energies in terms of the forward reaction energies and the entropy of mixing, a quantity estimated from the concentration of desorbates in a very small fluid layer adjacent to the interface. The KMC simulations produced cleavage-step morphologies that were in qualitative agreement with observations from AFM.more » The kinetics were dominated by diffusion events on the solid/fluid interface and in the fluid, as expected. The relative magnitudes of the desorption and adsorption activation energies were consistent with experimental data, entropic arguments, and crystal roughening theories. Qualitative agreement with measured step velocities was best when the boundary layer parameters were given physically reasonable values, indicating that the model is self consistent.« less
The Overall Elastic Dielectric Properties of Fiber-Strengthened/Weakened Elastomers

By employing recent results (Lopez-Pamies, O., 2014, “Elastic Dielectric Composites: Theory and Application to Particle-Filled Ideal Dielectrics,” J. Mech. Phys. Solids, 64, p. 6182 and Spinelli, S. A., Lefevre, V., and Lopez-Pamies, O., “Dielectric Elastomer Composites: A General Closed-Form Solution in the Small-Deformation Limit,” J. Mech. Phys. Solids, 83, pp. 263–284.) on the homogenization problem of dielectric elastomer composites, an approximate solution is generated for the overall elastic dielectric response of elastomers filled with a transversely isotropic distribution of aligned spheroidal particles in the classical limit of small deformations and moderate electric fields. The solution for such a type of dielectric elastomer composites is characterized by 13 (five elastic, two dielectric, and six electrostrictive) effective constants. Explicit formulae are worked out for these constants directly in terms of the elastic dielectric properties of the underlying elastomer and the filler particles, as well as the volume fraction, orientation, and aspect ratio of the particles. As a first application of the solution, with the objective of gaining insight into the effect that the addition of anisotropic fillers can have on the electromechanical properties of elastomers, sample results are presented for the case of elastomers filled with aligned cylindrical fibers. These results are confronted to a separate exact analytical solution for an assemblage of differential coated cylinders (DCC), wherein the fibers are polydisperse in size, and to full-field simulations of dielectric elastomer composites with cylindrical fibers of monodisperse size. These results serve to shed light on the recent experimental findings concerning the dielectric elastomers filled with mechanically stiff fibers. Moreover, they serve to reveal that high-permittivity liquid-like or vacuous fibers—two classes of filler materials yet to be explored experimentally—have the potential to significantly enhance the electrostriction capabilities of dielectric elastomers.
Structural characterization of modified hemoglobins.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the structural characterization of chemically or genetically altered hemoglobins at the level of modifications to the primary structure. Most of the procedures used depend on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Strategies for structural characterization necessitate several steps before peptide and amino acid analyses can be done because chemical modifications often lead to heterogeneous mixtures of reaction products. The chapter presents a scheme for structural characterization of modified hemoglobins and outlines the steps utilized. The first step is to assess the degree of heterogeneity of the material to be characterized. The second step, if possible and practical, should be the isolation of single pure hemoglobin components by either preparative ion-exchange HPLC or low-pressure liquid column chromatography. The third step is to assess heterogeneity of the reaction mixture and to identify the modified globin chain(s) because of the presence of two different kinds of globin chain subunits in most hemoglobins. This is most simply and rapidly accomplished by analytical reversed-phase HPLC using a C4 column. The fourth step is the actual isolation of the modified globin chain of interest by preparative reversed-phase HPLC.
Monitoring a progressing transesterification reaction by fiber-optic near infrared spectroscopy with correlation to 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Biodiesel is a promising alternative diesel fuel ob- tained from vegetable oils, animal fats, or waste oils by transes- terifying the oil or fat with an alcohol such as methanol. In an extension of previous work, fiber-optic near infrared spec- troscopy was used to quantitatively monitor the transesterifica- tion reaction (6-L scale) of a vegetable oil (soybean oil) to methyl soyate. The results were correlated with 1 H nuclear mag- netic resonance spectroscopy. The method described here can
Prospects for antiestrogen chemoprevention of breast cancer.

The purpose of the workshop was to consider the available data supporting, and the feasibility of, a clinical trial to test the hypothesis that antiestrogen therapy can prevent the appearance of clinical breast cancer. Here the important perspectives and identified research needs will be summarized
SIN, A NOVEL DROSOPHILA PROTEIN THAT ASSOCIATES WITH THE RNA BINDING PROTEIN SEX-LETHAL

Sex-lethal (SXL) is an RNA binding protein that acts as a regulator of both alternative pre-mRNA splicing and translation. Because SXL must sometimes function at some distance from its binding sites, it is believed that it must interact with other proteins. We used a yeast two-hybrid screen to isolate a novel Drosophila protein, SIN (SXL interactor), that interacts specifically with SXL. A direct physical association was demonstrated in vitro, and a single SXL RNA binding domain was sufficient for the interaction. SIN shows a high degree of similarity to a mammalian protein of unknown function. The cytogenetic location of Sin is 78A2-4. The transcript, which is abundant in early embryos, appears to be of maternal origin.
Reactions of the amine-containing drugs fluoxetine and metoprolol during chlorination and dechlorination processes used in wastewater treatment.

The reactivities of the amine-containing pharmaceuticals fluoxetine and metoprolol with hypochlorite were studied using conditions that simulate wastewater disinfection including neutral pH (7.0), a range of reaction times (2–60 min), and a molar excess of hypochlorite relative to the pharmaceutical concentration (5.7 times). The reactions were monitored using liquid chromatography (LC) with several detection modes including ultraviolet absorbance (UV), mass spectrometry (MS), and post-column reaction/reductive electrochemistry (EC) for determining active chlorine products. At levels of 10 μM, both compounds reacted rapidly (<2 min) to form principally N-chloramine products that were stable in aqueous solution for at least 1 h. The reaction was also studied in wastewater, and similar reactivity was noted. These results demonstrate that the cations fluoxetine and metoprolol are likely to be rapidly transformed into neutral N-chloramines during wastewater disinfection. The reactivity of the N-chloramines was also studied with sulfite to simulate dechlorination, which is often employed in wastewater treatment. Both N-chloramines reacted slowly with sulfite. In the pure water dechlorination experiments, it was estimated that 70% and 10% of the peak areas remained after 2 min reaction time for fluoxetine and metoprolol, respectively. At longer reaction times both N-chloramines had been completely reduced by sulfite, and the product of the sulfite reduction reaction was the parent pharmaceutical amine. Since typical dechlorination times in wastewater treatment are on the order of seconds, this suggests the chloramines formed from these two basic drugs might evade dechlorination and be released into the environment. The implications of chloramine release are discussed.
Personal Death Anxiety and Communication About Advance Directives Among Oncology Social Workers

This study examined the extent to which the death anxiety of oncology social workers impacts the completion of personal advance directives, and their communication about advance directives with patients. One hundred fourteen members of the Association of Oncology Social Work completed death anxiety and advance directive communication practices survey instruments. Two research questions served as the foundation for the study: (a) To what extent does death anxiety correlate with the completion of personal advance directives, and (b) To what extent does death anxiety correlate with the communication with patients about advance directives? Sixty-eight percent of the respondents reported having completed a personal advance directive. Results indicated that as death anxiety scores increased, the communication scores decreased related to disclosure of information about advance directives and values in living. The study findings contribute to furthering the understanding of practice challenges that oncology socia...
On the reliability and validity of children’s metamemory

Test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity of a metamemory battery were assessed. Fifty-five second-graders were given an extensive metamemory battery on two occasions separated by a 6-week interval. Test-retest correlations ranged from.29 to.49 for individual subtests, with a correlation of .67 for the composite battery. The children were then given training on the use of an interrogative-elaboration strategy to aid paired associate learning. Following three training sessions, tests for strategy maintenance and generalization were administered. Correlations relating strategy use with metamemory were significant for the transfer tasks, even when general knowledge was partialled out. The concept of metamemory appears useful in explaining production deficiencies and insightful strategy invention in young children.
Tamoxifen paradoxically decreases paclitaxel deposition into cerebrospinal fluid of brain tumor patients.

Background: P-glycoprotein (Pgp) mediates, in part, resistance to natural product chemotherapy drugs which constitute over half of the available drugs for cancer treatment. Tamoxifen (TAM) enhances intracellular deposition of natural product chemotherapy in human cell lines by inhibition of Pgp. Pgp is highly expressed in the choroid plexus and is thought to be a key component of the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). We conducted a prospective, randomized study to assess if Pgp inhibition by TAM alters deposition of paclitaxel in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Methods: Ten patients with either primary or metastatic brain tumors were randomized to: paclitaxel alone (175 mg/m2/IV) or a course of TAM (160 mg/m2 PO BID on Days 1–5) followed by paclitaxel (175 mg/m2/IV on Day 5). CSF and plasma samples were obtained following paclitaxel infusion; paclitaxel and TAM concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography assays. Results: Paclitaxel was detected in the CSF of six of the 10 patients. Peak CSF paclitaxel concentrations of the paclitaxel and paclitaxel–TAM groups ranged between 3.5–57.4 and 2.3–24.6 nM, respectively. Though there was a 2.4-fold higher mean CSF paclitaxel concentration and a 3.7-fold higher median peak CSF:plasma paclitaxel ratio for those who received paclitaxel alone as compared to combined paclitaxel–TAM, it was not statistically significant (P = 0.22). In one patient enrolled to both arms, higher CSF concentrations of paclitaxel and higher paclitaxel CSF: plasma ratios were observed when given paclitaxel alone. Conclusions: The trend towards lower paclitaxel CSF concentrations when given with TAM is consistent with the published finding that Pgp’s localization in the endothelial cells of the choroid plexus works in an opposite direction and keeps drugs in the CSF. Thus, agents which inhibit Pgp, such as TAM, may increase efflux of Pgp substrates out of the BCSFB and may paradoxically lower CSF concentrations of natural product chemotherapy drugs. Conceptually, this finding implies that the Pgp in the BBB and BCSFB keeps natural toxins such as paclitaxel, from entering the brain (BBB) and, if they do enter the brain, keeps them in the CSF (BCSFB) where they may be less harmful than if they re-entered the brain. Thus, our work supports this novel idea and adds to the understanding of the functions of the BCSFB.
Lipoprotein lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine. Effect of lipid organization and apolipoprotein C-II on enzyme activity.

Abstract The effect of phospholipid organization on the lipoprotein lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine was examined with sonicated vesicles and Triton X-100 or lysomyristoylphosphatidylcholine solubilized lipid. Triton X-100-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine substrates were prepared at various ratios of detergent to phospholipid so as to produce lipid structures varying from bilayers to micelles. Apolipoprotein C-II, the activator protein for lipoprotein lipase, enhanced the rate of the lipoprotein lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine for each substrate tested. Although the absolute rate of lipoprotein lipase catalysis was different for each, the activation factor (the ratio of lipoprotein lipase activity with apolipoprotein C-II to that without the activator protein) was nearly constant, with a value of approximately 16. We conclude that the enhancement of lipoprotein lipase activity by apolipoprotein C-II is independent of the physical form of the phospholipid substrate.
Benefits of early tracheostomy in severely burned children.

OBJECTIVE The role of tracheostomy in burn patients is controversial. Previous studies, primarily in adults, suggested that severely burned patients with tracheostomies have a higher incidence of tracheostomy site infections, mortality, and pneumonia. The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of early tracheostomy in severely burned children. DESIGN Case series study analyzing mechanical ventilation and sedation requirements before and 24 hrs after tracheostomy. SETTING Regional pediatric burn center. PATIENTS All children admitted to a regional pediatric burn center requiring tracheostomy from March 1, 1998, to October 1, 2001. METHODS Data were recorded on patients' demographics, extent of burn, presence of inhalation injury, and mortality. Mechanical ventilation variables measured pretracheostomy (pre) and posttracheostomy (post) and included mode of ventilation, ventilator settings, peak inspiratory pressures, and arterial blood gases (Pao2, Paco2, pH, and oxygen saturation). Calculated variables included compliance, Pao2:Fio2 ratio, and minute ventilation. Tracheostomy-related variables recorded included the interval to tracheostomy insertion, the duration of tracheostomy, and tracheostomy complications. MAIN RESULTS A total of 38 patients (with a mean age of 4.7 +/- 0.6 yrs and a mean total body surface area involvement of 54% +/- 4%, 63% with inhalation injury) underwent tracheostomy a mean of 3.9 +/- 0.7 days after admission. Overall mortality was 21%. There were no tracheostomy site infections, tracheostomy-related deaths, or tracheal stenoses in survivors. Peak inspiratory pressures were lower after tracheostomy (30.4 +/- 1.4 [pre] vs. 27.6 +/- 1.5 cm H2O [post]; p <.05), ventilatory volumes were higher (190 +/- 22 mL [pre] vs. 225.5 +/- 25 [post]; p <.05), compliance improved (10.5 +/- 1.4 [pre] vs. 15.1 +/- 2.3 mL/cm H2O [post]; p <.05), and the Pao2:Fio2 ratio improved (300.6 +/- 20 [pre] vs. 348.6 +/- 16 [post]). There was no difference in oxygenation, ventilation, minute ventilation, or pH after tracheostomy. CONCLUSIONS Early tracheostomy in severely burned children is safe and effective. It provides a secure airway and may result in improvement in ventilator management for these children.
A different universe: reading Loewald through "On the therapeutic action of psychoanalysis".

Hans Loewald’s classic paper, “On the Therapeutic Action of Psychoanalysis” (1960), is one of our field’s most comprehensive and elegant accounts of the analytic attitude and stance that are requir...
Energy Transfer and Ionization Processes in a Reduced-Pressure Argon ICP

The spectral characteristics of an argon/helium ICP operated at reduced-pressure are presented. The state population distributions deduced from quantitative intensity measurements for plasma neutral and cationic species suggest that the argon/helium plasma is essentially an argon plasma with respect to energy stratification. Comparisons are made with recently reported results for an atmospheric-pressure argon/helium ICP.
Quadrupolar relaxation of hyperpolarized krypton-83 as a probe for surfaces.

Abstract This work reports the first systematic study of relaxation experienced by the hyperpolarized (hp) noble gas isotope 83Kr ( I = 9 / 2 ) in contact with surfaces. The spin-lattice relaxation of 83Kr is found to depend strongly on the chemical composition of the surfaces in the vicinity of the gas. This effect is caused by quadrupolar interactions during brief periods of surface adsorption that are the dominating source of longitudinal spin relaxation in the 83Kr atoms. Simple model systems of closest packed glass beads with uniform but variable bead sizes are used for the relaxation measurements. The observed relaxation rates depend strongly on the chemical treatment of the glass surfaces and on the surface to volume ratio. Hp 83Kr NMR relaxation measurements of porous polymers with pore sizes of 70–250 μm demonstrate the potential use of this new technique for material sciences applications.
Spatial and seasonal associations of benthic macroinvertebrates and detritus in an Alaskan subarctic stream

Seasonal and spatial patterns of benthic invertebrate abundance were examined in relation to benthic detritus in Monument Creek, an Alaskan subarctic stream. The total macroinvertebrate fauna showed a mid-summer low in abundance, increasing to seasonal highs in winter/early spring (November/May). Shredders were a small portion of the benthic fauna or leaf pack fauna in summer but increased rapidly (in biovolume) following autumnal leaf fall to dominate the fauna by early winter (October/November). Abundance was strongly correlated with quantity of detritus in the sample. Comparison of benthic macroinvertebrate densities from Alaskan streams with comparable data from temperate zone streams shows that Alaskan streams are similar to temperate zone streams in range of abundance. Each unit of benthic detritus in Monument Creek is associated with a relatively large number of small (low individual biomass) shredders compared to streams in temperate regions. Detrital resources in this subarctic stream were meager, compared to temperate streams, and appeared to strongly influence the spatial and temporal patterns of detritivores.
Synthesis of 2′-O-substituted β-D-Gal-(1→4)-β-D-GlcNAc-1-0-Bn as specific acceptors for α-L-(1→3) fucosyltransferases

Abstract The synthesis of 2′-O-methyl lactosamine-β-OBn and 2′-O-α-L-fucopyranosyl lactosamine-β-O-Bn were accomplished through the use of a key glycosyl donor, phenyl 3, 4, 6-tri-O-acetyl-2-O-chloroacetyl-1-thio-α-D-galactopyranoside, with benzyl 3, 6-di-O-benzoyl-2-deoxy-2-phthalimido-β-D-glucopyranoside as an acceptor.
Auditing standards in Poland: past, present and future

Purpose – To describe and discuss historical, current and possible future auditing standards and related issues in Poland so that investors, auditors and others are aware of the specific needs and limitations facing the country.Design/methodology/approach – The accounting and auditing history of Poland is provided as background information and then more recent developments since the fall of Communism to the present day are discussed to demonstrate that progress has been made. Future needs are outlined and various suggestions are made.Findings – Provides specific details as to the current state of the auditing standards in Poland as they relate to the standards in other countries. Recognizes the need for time to make improvements but highlights areas of critical importance.Practical implications – A comprehensive analysis of the state of auditing standards in Poland. Useful for academics and others who might have a desire to participate/assist in the development of new standards. Provides perspective with ...
UPSTROKE TIME RATIO IN VALVULAR AORTIC INSUFFICIENCY.

Abstract The upstroke time ratio has been studied in 15 normal controls and in 31 patients with pure aortic regurgitation and varying stages of myocardial involvement. The upstroke time ratio results were as follows: 15 normal subjects, 0.50 to 0.70; 31 patients with rheumatic aortic valvular insufficiency, of whom 9 had cardiac decompensation, 0.50 to 0.80; and 22 with no evidence of myocardial failure, 0.31 to 0.50. These patients were graded from 0 to IV, depending upon the degree of aortic regurgitation by the Braunwald method. Those with lower ratio had grade III and IV regurgitant index and were found to have good myocardial reserve. Others with grade III and IV and elevated ratio were classified as having poor myocardial reserve, and should be high surgical risks if open heart surgery is performed. The upstroke time ratio is an indirect measurement of aortic valvular regurgitation and is a useful index in evaluating secondary myocardial involvement.
Skills evaluation in minimally invasive surgery using force/torque signatures.

Background: One of the more difficult tasks in surgical education is to teach the optimal application of instrument forces and torques necessary to facilitate the conduct of an operation. For laparoscopic surgery, this type of training has traditionally taken place in the operating room, reducing operating room efficiency and potentially affecting the safe conduct of the operation. The objective of the current study was to measure and compare forces and torques (F/T) applied at the tool/hand interface generated during laparoscopic surgery by novice (NS) and experienced (ES) surgeons using an instrumented laparoscopic grasper and to use this data for evaluating the skill level.
A critique of vole clocks

Abstract Recent attempts to estimate the age of deposition of European fossil localities using mathematical equations derived from size change of the first lower molar in arvicolid rodent lineages as a function of time prompted an assessment of the value of this approach. The accuracy of “vole clocks” depends on accurate dating of a fossil system and establishment of a directional size change pattern through time in a given species from the dated system. Results of this review suggest that vole clocks have limited value for biochronology. In addition to several methodological and statistical problems with published studies, vole clocks in general are untenable because paleontological systems cannot resolve dating to the level of accuracy necessary to construct an accurate equation, size and shape change is never monotonic (constant velocity) in lineages, and size commonly reverses direction in lineages on all time scales.
Quality of pressure-cooked potatoes

Three lots of mature potatoes of different variety and location were studied to obtain information on the quality on the cooked product by pressure cooking of pared whole and pared sliced potatoes. Three specific gravity groups of each lot were used. Dry matter of the raw and cooked samples was determined and the quality of the cooked products was scored by a palatability panel of five trained judges.
Bubble shape instability and sonoluminescence

Abstract Light from a sonoluminescing bubble is extinguished if the amplitude of the acoustic field that drives the bubble oscillation exceeds a certain threshold. It has been suggested that shape instability of the bubble surface is responsible. The effect of viscosity on such an instability is examined here.
Outcome of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit † 221

Background: The outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit is unknown. The reported incidence of CPR in general pediatric intensive care unit is between 1.4% and 6.0%, and CPR success and survival rates vary from 12% to 64% and 9% to 31% respectively. The objective of this study was to determine the rates of success and survival of children who had CPR in a specialized cardiac intensive care unit setting, and define the influence of pre-arrest variables, if any, on the outcome.
Combustion and extinction of PMMA cylinders during depressurization in low-gravity

Combustion and extinction behavior of a diffusion flame over polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cylinders during depressurization in low gravity are examined experimentally and via numerical simulations. Low-gravity conditions were obtained using the NASA Lewis Research Center's reduced-gravity aircraft. Effects of reduced pressure and transient depressurization on the visible flame are examined. The flammability of the burning solid is determined as a function of pressure and solid phase center temperature at constant velocity; as the solid-phase temperature increases, the extinction pressure decreases. The numerical model assumes a two-dimensional model with a quasi-steady gas phase and an unsteady solid phase. A parametric study is conducted to examine the effects of forced flow, heating of the solid phase, and depressurization rates on the extinction boundary. One case with conditions similar to the low-gravity aircraft experiments is presented in detail. The predicted extinction boundaries from the parametric study are quasi-steady in nature and could be relevant to the International Space Station's fire fighting scenario.
“Speech / is your fit weapon”: Mary Russell Mitford’s Rienzi and the Gendering of Speech Acts

Although Napoleon Bonaparte and Cola di Rienzi were both figures that occupied the imaginations of Romantic writers such as Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, and William Hazlitt, Mary Russell Mitford, in her play Rienzi (1828), is the first author to point out the similarities in both their biographical trajectories and their relationship to (and corruption of) the language of liberty. Engaging with the rudiments of John Horne Tooke’s early speech‐act theory, Mitford demonstrates the ability of language to transform reality. In Rienzi, however, speech acts have the ability to become oppressive when only one person is allowed to speak; thus Mitford demonstrates how necessary it is for a variety of voices – and women’s voices in particular – to be heard. In an age when plays were subjected to the censorship of the Examiner of Plays, Mitford, having herself suffered under these censorship laws, makes a compelling case against the oppressive censorship of the Licensing Act.
B-cell tolerance.

Discrimination between self and non-self in humoral immunity is mediated in part by elimination or inactivation of self-reactive B-cell clones. This type of repertoire censoring requires that self-reactive B cells make a choice between these and alternative cellular fates. The details of this developmental decision-making and the steps where it is prone to go awry in autoimmunity have yet to be untangled, but genetic analysis appears likely to lead the way.
CFD modeling of a storm-water hydrodynamic separator.

Proliferation of manufactured unit operations to separate particulate matter (PM) transported in storm water has generated interest in modeling of such units beyond conventional “% removal” and “black-box” type evaluations. One such unit operation is a screened hydrodynamic separator (HS) combining settling and to a lesser extent inertial separation by means of an annular static screen. However, performance and mechanistic evaluations of HS units are challenged by loadings with wide PM particle size distributions (PSDs) at a range of flow rates. Wastewater-based methods such as total suspended solids (TSS) and auto samplers further challenge such evaluations. This study utilized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model PM separation by a HS coupled with measured PSDs, flow rates [1–125% of hydraulic capacity ( Qd ) =15.9 L∕s ], and head loss through pilot-scale testing with representative sampling and material balances. The static screen was modeled as porous cylinder, a k-e model accounted for flow tu...
Reptilian Eosinophils: Beauty and Diversity by Light Microscopy

Figure 1. The morphology of eosinophils in different reptile species. Wright–Giemsa stain. 9100 objective. From left to right (A) Red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria), (B) Cayman lizard (Dracaena guianensis), (C) Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), (D) Pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri), (E) Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), (F) Green iguana (Iguana iguana), (G) Northern red bellied turtle (Pseudemys rubriventris), (H) Galapagos tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra), (I) Rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria), (J) American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), (K and L) Kemp’s ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), (M–O) Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), (P) Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).
Complement to the Wigner-Kirkwood expansion.

We extend the region of applicability of phase-space techniques, for the study of quantum systems, by developing an expansion for the Wigner distribution function and correlation functions, in powers of an interaction potential. These results are not restricted to the near-classical regime (expansion in powers of \ensuremath{\Elzxh}), in contrast to the Wigner-Kirkwood expansion. The relation to other perturbation methods (Lindstedt-Poincar\'e, Green's function) is explored.
Primary transitional cell carcinoma of prostatic periurethral ducts.

Abstract Primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostatic periurethral ducts is c distinct histologic variety of prostate carcinoma. Traditional methods of therapy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate are ineffective. A review of the literature suggests that appropriate radical surgical therapy should be considered for early control of this disease.
Catalysis kinetics of macro-reticular ion exchange resins

Abstract The development of a new class of ion-exchange resins which possesses macro-porosity superimposed on a conventional ion-exchange gel structure presents new kinetic problems. This paper considers the kinetics of this class of catalysts and presents the general analytical solution for a steady-state first-order reversible-reaction situation. The effect of pertinent physical parameters on both the concentration profiles and on reaction rate is indicated. Limiting rates for high surface area catalysts are predicted, and an estimate of the optimum catalyst porosity necessary to achieve maximum volumetric activity is presented. Finally, the maximum rate advantage of this new class of catalysts over conventional ion-exchange catalysts is noted.
Direct Measurements of Viscoelastic Flows in Micro-Contractions

Direct measurement techniques are employed to quantify the kinematics of DNA flows in micro-contraction devices. Flow through micro-contractions subjects the fluid to large spatial gradients in velocity, thereby eliciting viscoelastic effects. Additionally, in this microfluidic flow environment, the fully extended length of the macromolecule L will approach the characteristic length scale of the channel geometry h. This is a unique flow environment that is not yet well understood. Knowledge of the fundamental physics that govern this flow regime will have a profound impact on optimization of lab-on-a-chip systems incorporating macromolecular flows. This study investigates the flow of semi-dilute λ-DNA solutions in a 2:1 micro-contraction where L/h ∼ 0.32. Video microscopy and streak images of semi-dilute DNA flows reveal large vortex regions in the corners of the contraction, which are indicative of strong elastic behavior. Velocity fields constructed using Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) demonstrate the first use of this tool for obtaining velocity measurements of viscoelastic flows in microfluidic systems.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Urbanization Elicits a More Atherogenic Lipoprotein Profile in Carriers of the Apolipoprotein A-IV-2 Allele Than in A-IV-1 Homozygotes

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is increasing in developing countries, particularly in urban areas. The impact of urbanization and apolipoprotein (apo) A-IV genetic polymorphism on plasma lipoproteins was studied in 222 men and 236 women from rural and urban Costa Rica. The apoA-IV allele frequencies were 0.937 for apoA-IV-1 and 0.062 for apoA-IV-2, Significant interactions between the apoA-IV polymorphism and area of residence (rural versus urban) were detected for HDL cholesterol (P = .003), apoA-I (P = .05), LDL particle size (P = .01), and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio (P = .005). Urban compared with rural carriers of the apoA-IV-2 allele had significantly lower plasma HDL cholesterol (0.95 versus 1.17 mmol/L) and apoA-I (980 versus 1140 mg/L), a significantly higher LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio (3.35 versus 2.39), and significantly smaller LDL particles (258 versus 263 A). In contrast, no significant rural-urban differences for these parameters were found in apoA-IV-1 homozygotes. Regardless of their apoA-IV phenotype, urban residents consumed more saturated fat (P = .02) and smoked more cigarettes per day (P = .03) than rural residents. A significant interaction between saturated fat intake and apoA-IV phenotype was found for HDL cholesterol (P or = 1 cigarette per day) had significantly lower HDL cholesterol (P < .005) and apoA-I (P < .01) concentrations than nonsmokers (< 1 cigarette per day), particularly among carriers of the apoA-IV-2 allele (-19% and -13%) compared with apoA-IV-1 (-4% for both). After taking these lifestyle characteristics into account, the areas of residence by phenotype interactions for plasma lipoprotein concentrations were no longer statistically significant. Lifestyles associated with an urban environment, such as increased smoking and saturated fat intake, elicit a more adverse plasma lipoprotein profile among Costa Rican carriers of the apoA-IV-2 allele than in apoA-IV-1 homozygotes. Therefore, under the conditions studied, persons with the apoA-IV-2 allele may be more susceptible to CHD.
The Niche Concept: Suggestions for Its Use in Human Ecology

The Hutchinsonian concept of the ecological niche can be made operational for studies in human ecology by defining it in terms of thedistinctive ways of using resources for subsistence that set “cultural species” apart. Subsistence variety, the number of resources used for subsistence, and how much each is depended on are measures of distinctiveness, and the amount of variety present can be defined as thewidth of the ecological niche. The calculation of niche width from subsistence data is discussed, and examples are given from several human groups with reference to total resource variety, resource variety in space, and resource variety in time. The importance of selecting niche dimensions for niche width measurement is stressed, and examples are given of width differences resulting from measuring variety in quantity (biomass or calories) and variety in quality (protein, essential minerals, etc.). Finally, some implications of niche width measurements for human ecology are discussed.
SV2 acts via presynaptic calcium to regulate neurotransmitter release

Synaptic vesicle 2 (SV2) proteins, critical for proper nervous system function, are implicated in human epilepsy, yet little is known about their function. We demonstrate, using direct approaches, that loss of the major SV2 isoform in a central nervous system nerve terminal is associated with an elevation in both resting and evoked presynaptic Ca(2+) signals. This increase is essential for the expression of the SV2B(-/-) secretory phenotype, characterized by changes in synaptic vesicle dynamics, synaptic plasticity, and synaptic strength. Short-term reproduction of the Ca(2+) phenotype in wild-type nerve terminals reproduces almost all aspects of the SV2B(-/-) secretory phenotype, while rescue of the Ca(2+) phenotype in SV2B(-/-) neurons relieves every facet of the SV2B(-/-) secretory phenotype. Thus, SV2 controls key aspects of synaptic functionality via its ability to regulate presynaptic Ca(2+), suggesting a potential new target for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of epilepsy.
Prevention of stomal recurrence in patients requiring emergency tracheostomy for advanced laryngeal and pharyngeal tumors

Abstract Since 1976, patients requiring emergency tracheostomy for advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer at the University of Cincinnati have been treated with a short course of prelaryngectomy radiation in an attempt to decrease the incidence of stomal recurrence. Twenty-one patients were treated after emergency tracheostomy with a course of radiation that usually consisted of 20 Gy in five fractions followed by laryngectomy 1 or 2 days later. Most patients also received postoperative radiotherapy of some type. The follow-up of 18 evaluable patients revealed only two (11%) stomal recurrences--a quite acceptable rate for this high-risk population. Overall, however, local recurrences were seen in ten patients (56%), which is higher than reported in most series of similar tumors. The most likely explanation for this seems to be that the short course preoperative radiation prevented the administration of adequate postoperative radiation for residual disease, which was usually present. An alternative treatment policy would be a planned course of moderate- to high-dose postoperative radiation, which could sterilize tumor in the entire locoregional area including the stoma.
Eating disorders and exercise: a structural equation modelling analysis of a conceptual model.

Objective Despite the well-established health benefits of physical activity, the role of exercise for eating disorders (ED) is controversial; thus dictating a need for a better understanding of the mechanisms of exercise and ED. The purpose of our study was to examine a conceptual model that hypothesizes regular exercise without psychological compulsion might impart beneficial effects for preventing and treating ED. Method University students (N = 539) completed self-report assessments of quality of life, exercise level, ED risk and exercise dependence symptoms. Structural equation modelling analysis was undertaken to examine the conceptual model's proposed relationships. Results Mediation analysis and model comparison tests showed that the partially mediated model without the physical well-being latent construct fit the data best. Discussion Our results provided initial support for the conceptual model by showing that the psychological benefits, but not the physical benefits, conveyed by exercise were associated with reduced ED risk. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association
Solution of integer programs for power electronics

Inductive inference methods are applied to obtain approximate solutions to integer programming problems arising from the control of power electronic equipment. Divan demonstrated a novel power inverter circuit using a resonant link running at a fixed frequency. This circuit reduces waveform synthesis to specification of a binary sequence, which determines the state of the inverter’s switches, and results in a large 0-1 integer programming problem. DeMarco and Divan proposed to select an optimal sequence with respect to a linear cost function using a branch-and-bound method. We show that this is not an efficient approach for realistic problems and propose an alternate strategy using simulated annealing. We have incorporated machine learning to synthesize the control sequence in real-time. Results comparing the two methods and demonstrating on-line control synthesis are given.
Microarrays: a tool for ecologists and protozoologists!

A major difficulty in microbial ecology is identifying and enumerating the members of the microbial community, both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The advent of PCR and molecular tools offers new windows into microbial communities that do not require cultivation, thus bypassing some selective artifacts and the effort required to maintain cultures. Our goal is to develop community microarrays that have the capability to assess thousands of taxa within a single sample, including important members of the microbial community. We describe the basic approach to microarray development and preliminary results from three lakes that are providing insight into microbial communities.
Grid-enabling a vibroacoustic analysis toolkit

A vibroacoustic analysis toolkit for launch vehicle telemetry was refactored as a service architecture using Globus Toolkit 4.0. We grid-enabled two tools in the analysis flow, managing their remote execution workflow from a desktop client. We examine the performance of the tools and the processing time for the entire tool chain. The results indicate that coordinated communication and execution scheduling as part of workflow management can significantly improve overall efficiency. Our experience also shows that the service-oriented architecture approach, using grid computing tools, can provide a more flexible system design, in addition to improved performance and increased utilisation of resources.
Inhibition of chemotactic motility and trans-endothelial migration of human neutrophils by sphingosine 1-phosphate

In previous studies, we reported that sphingosine 1-phosphate (Sph-1-P) inhibits the chemotactic motility of some cancer cell lines such as mouse melanoma cells, as well as human smooth muscle cells, at a very low concentration, as demonstrated by a transwell migration assay method (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89, 9698, 1992; J. Cell Biol. 130, 193, 1995). In this study, we investigated the effect of Sph-1-P on the chemotactic motility and invasiveness of human neutrophils, utilizing three different assay systems: (a) a transwell migration assay where IL-8 or fLMP was added as a chemotactic factor, (b) a phagokinetic assay with gold colloids, and (c) a trans-endothelial migration assay with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) plated on collagen layers. We found that among various sphingosine derivatives, Sph-1-P specifically inhibited the IL-8- or fLMP-induced chemotactic migration of neutrophils at concentrations below 1 μM. Phagokinetic activity of neutrophils was also suppressed by Sph-1-P, but more moderately than by the PKC inhibitory sphingosine analog, trimethylsphingosine. Finally, Sph-1-P inhibited trans-endothelial migration and invasiveness of neutrophils into HUVEC-covered collagen layers, whereas no effect on their adhesion to HUVECs was observed. These observations strongly suggest that Sph-1-P can act as a specific and effective motility regulator of human neutrophils, raising the possibility of future applications of Sph-1-P, or its analogs, as anti-inflammatory agents regulating invasive migration of neutrophils through endothelial layers at injured vascular sites.
Polyglutamine Neurodegeneration: Expanded Glutamines Enhance Native Functions

An intriguing set of neurodegenerative disease are the nine disorders caused by the expansion of a unstable trinucleotide CAG repeat where the repeat is located within the coding of the affected gene, that is, the polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases. A gain-of-function mechanism for toxicity in polyQ diseases is widely thought to have a major role in pathogenesis. Yet, the specific nature of this gain-of-function is a matter of considerable discussion. The basic issue concerns whether toxicity stems from the native or normal function of the affected protein versus a novel function induced by polyQ expansion. For at least three of the polyQ disease considerable evidence is accumulating that pathology is mediated by a polyQ-induced exaggeration of a native function of the host protein.
Fibrillary glomerulonephritis without immunoglobulin deposits in the kidney

Three patients are presented, who by electron microscopy, showed prominent fibrillary deposits in the glomeruli, and in two, also around the tubules. By immunohistology these two cases had no immunoglobulins in either glomeruli or around the tubules. In the third case, which probably represents a slightly different form of the disease, minor deposits of IgM were found in the glomeruli, while fibrillary deposits were extensive and widespread. It is suggested that precursors of fibrillary deposits may not be the same in all cases.
Designing a mouse trap using the analytic hierarchy process and expert choice

Abstract An approach to an engineering design problem with constraints showing how the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) helps to elucidate the thinking process in the many different stages a design goes through. The model developed demonstrates how decisions are interrelated withe decisions reached in one model leading to the creation of another model. Though the topic may appear humorous, in one example we have captured the intricacy of many human endeavors. The first decision was to select the method for extinguishing the rodent's life (electric shock was chosen). The second decision was focused on where to deliver the shock. Next we had to solve the problems of attracting the mouse, the physical shape of the trap, and marketing it.
Overhead scanners: reports from the field

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to gather information about user experiences with overhead scanners, in order to better inform purchasing decisions.Design/methodology/approach – The method of obtaining information was a survey, publicized via several listservs frequented by higher education digitization personnel, and available for four months in 2010. Participants were asked to identify their scanner, rate the extent to which they would recommend it, and describe usage patterns, speed, problems they encountered with hardware and software, and also what they like about their scanner.Findings – In total, 52 respondents described 71 scanners covering 19 different brands (30 models, two unspecified). The number of complaint entries for hardware and software were even, with 39 responses for each (55 per cent). When asked to what extent the respondent would recommend the product, 30 per cent (21 respondents) would highly recommend their scanner (“Yes, it's great!”), 39 per cent (28 respondents) said ...