cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ocular adnexal lymphoma presenting as incidental tarsal follicles.

Abstract Purpose To report a case of ocular adnexal lymphoma presenting as asymptomatic follicles discovered incidentally on routine examination. Observations A 43-year-old woman presented for routine annual examination and was incidentally found to have unilateral giant follicles in the left eye inferior fornix. She denied any ocular or systemic symptoms. The remainder of the examination was unremarkable, and the patient was otherwise healthy. A conjunctival biopsy revealed a diagnosis of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. She underwent external beam radiation therapy, resulting in complete resolution of the follicles. Conclusions and Importance Awareness of atypical presentations of conjunctival lymphoma and thorough slit lamp examinations, even on routine exams, may help expedite diagnosis and treatment.
Experiments with neutron induced neutron emission from U-235, Pu-239, and graphite

A neutron induced neutron emission experiment was conducted as the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). In this experiment, a sample was placed in a well collimated neutron beam and was surrounded by an array of 28 fast neutron detectors (EJ-309). The experiment was performed with a neutron flight path of 21.5 m from the source to the sample, and 1 m from the sample to the detectors. The neutron emission from the sample was measured as a function of neutron time of flight covering an incident energy range from 0.7- 20 MeV. The samples included U-235, Pu-239, carbon (graphite), and blanks that matched the encapsulation of the sample. The measured samples were constantly cycled in and out of the neutron beam. This type of experiment measures neutron emission from all reactions occurring in the sample such as fission and elastic and inelastic scattering. Similar to the methodology previously developed at RPI [1], the measurements were compared with detailed simulations of the experiment using different cross section evaluations for the sample. The observed differences can be attributed to the evaluated neutron cross section and angular distributions. The carbon sample was used as a reference to validate both the experiment and simulation methodology and showed good agreement between experiments and simulations. A review of the experimental setup, analysis methods, and some of the results will be presented.
Differences between Stevens-Johnson syndrome versus toxic epidermal necrolysis

Background To retrospectively review the outcomes of two rare cutaneous diseases, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and to question the practice of averaging the mortality rate on the assumption that they are one disease. Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with SJS and TEN by a dermatologist between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2020, at our institution was performed. Seventy-one patients were identified (21 pediatric and 50 adults). Pathology slides from 32 adult patients (64%) were evaluated by a blinded board-certified dermatopathologist. Results Of the adult patients, 31 had SJS, two had SJS-TEN overlap, and 17 had TEN. All 21 patients in the pediatric group were diagnosed with SJS mainly caused by Mycoplasma. Mortality rates were 6.5% for SJS among adults and 35.3% for TEN. Chemotherapy-induced TEN is a trigger with 50% mortality. Conclusions SJS was more common in adults and pediatric cases than TEN (3:1) and had a much better prognosis and outcome. Combining and averaging the mortality rates of TEN and SJS are not advised as SJS is mainly a mucocutaneous disorder with good prognosis versus TEN, a systemic toxicity of multiple organs with deep skin detachment.
RANS simulations for transition and turbulent flow regimes in wire-wrapped rod bundles

Abstract Internal flows through rod assemblies are commonly found in heat exchangers, steam generators, and nuclear reactors. One of the fuel assembly designs considered for liquid metal-cooled reactors utilizes wires helically wrapped around each fuel rod as spacers. The wires keep the fuel pins separated, enhancing the turbulent mixing, and heat transfer, but also affecting the pressure drop. It is of interest the understanding of the fluid flow phenomena in the sodium-cooled fast reactor as it is one of the Generation IV advanced reactor designs and it has been a motivating topic of research for the last decade. A wire-wrapped fuel assembly replica with 61-pins has been in operation at the Thermal-Hydraulic Research Laboratory of Texas A&M University. This facility produced high-fidelity velocity and pressure drop data for validation of computational fluid dynamics codes. This study investigates the effects of geometrical features and operating conditions on the flow behavior of the 61-pin wire wrapped bundle using Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) models to predict the axial and transverse pressure drops for a range of Reynolds numbers from 1,270 to 100,000. The friction factor predictions were in satisfactory agreement with the experimental data and the Upgraded Chen and Todreas correlation. The internal subchannel velocity results were compared with experimental data and Large Eddy Simulations (LES) and found in reasonable agreement. This study demonstrates that RANS is a suitable approach in predicting velocity and pressure fields in wire-wrapped rod bundles, with a relatively low computational effort.
Unusually slow spike frequency adaptation in deep cerebellar nuclei neurons preserves linear transformations on the sub-second time scale

Abstract Purkinje cells (PCs) are spontaneously active neurons of the cerebellar cortex that inhibit glutamatergic projection neurons within the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) that in turn provide the primary cerebellar output. Brief reductions in PC firing rapidly increase DCN neuron firing. However, prolonged reductions in PC inhibition, as seen in some disease states, certain types of transgenic mice, and in acute slices of the cerebellum, do not evoke large sustained increases in DCN firing. Here we test whether there is a mechanism of spike-frequency adaptation in DCN neurons that could account for these properties. We find that prolonged optogenetic suppression of PC synapses in vivo transiently elevates PC firing that strongly adapts within ten seconds. We perform current-clamp recordings at near physiological temperature in acute brain slices to examine how DCN neurons respond to prolonged depolarizations. Adaptation in DCN neurons is exceptionally slow and bidirectional. A depolarizing current step evokes large initial increases in firing that decay to less than 20% of the initial increase within approximately ten seconds. Such slow adaptation could allow DCN neurons to adapt to prolonged changes in PC firing while maintaining their linear firing frequency-current relationship on subsecond time scales.
Exhaustion of coronary vasodilatory reserve in the resting state: Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes after intervention

OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND Resting coronary blood flow approximates flow with maximal vasodilation in very severe coronary stenosis. We studied the incidence of exhausted vasodilatory reserve by FFR, its clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis after FFR guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS Consecutive patients undergoing FFR-guided PCI for coronary stenosis with reduced resting blood flow (baseline Pd/Pa < 0.8) were included. Basal maximal vasodilation (BMV) was defined as less than 5% difference between resting Pd/Pa and FFR, that is, FFR-baseline Pd/Pa < 0.05. RESULTS Of 658 vessels that underwent FFR-guided PCI in 602 patients, 151 vessels had resting blood flow in the ischemic range (baseline Pd/Pa ≤ 0.8) and were included in the analysis. Of these, 28 lesions in 28 patients met criteria for BMV (4.25% of the entire registry and 18.5% of those with the reduced basal coronary flow). Stenosis severity was a significant predictor of the presence of BMV. In long term follow-up (median 106 ± 3.6 months), BMV was not associated with increased target vessel revascularization (TVR) or major adverse cardiac event compared to non-BMV(OR 1.9, 95% CI 0.7-4.8, p-value 0.2 and OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.75-2.5, p = 0.3, respectively). CONCLUSION Low baseline Pd/Pa that approximates fractional flow reserve (exhausted vasodilatory reserve) defines a subgroup of patients with severe coronary artery stenosis. Prognosis, when treated with PCI along with medical therapy, appears similar to those with intact vasodilatory reserve.
The Impact of Fiscal Policy on Housing in the U.S.

Theory and empirical evidence have provided contradictory predictions and findings on the impact of government spending on housing investment and home values. An increase in government outlays may boost output and activity, but housing investment, like other investment, could be subject to crowding out. We employ traditional vector-autoregressions, which have been employed in all previous studies on the topic. Given deficiencies in the VAR method we also utilize local linear projections. In addition we directly compare the impact of government spending on both housing investment (residential investment, permits, sales, starts) and non-residential investment. We find fiscal expansion leads to unambiguously greater crowding out of housing activity than for non-housing investment. We also find housing is more sensitive to monetary policy than non-residential investment. Thus housing appears more sensitive to policy shocks than non-housing capital spending. In contrast to housing investment, home prices, while reacting negatively to government spending shocks, don’t exhibit the magnitude of the reaction of housing, or even non-housing investment. This likely reflects the sticky price nature of housing markets, with falling purchases leading to greater “time on market” more than falling prices.
Redefining Indications for Modern Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty: Clinical Outcomes and Survivorship in Patients >75 Years Old.

BACKGROUND Most studies on cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have excluded patients >75 years due to concerns that older patients have poorer bone mineral density and osteogenic activity. This study compared the midterm outcomes and survivorship of cemented and cementless TKA of the same modern design performed in patients >75 years. METHODS We identified a consecutive series of 120 primary cementless TKA performed in patients >75 years. Each case was propensity score matched 1:3 with 360 cemented TKA of the same modern design based on age, sex, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, bilateral procedures, liner type and year of surgery. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS-JR) and Short Form-12 (SF-12) were collected preoperatively, at 6 months and 2 years. Implant survivorship was recorded at mean 4.2 years (range, 2.0-7.9). RESULTS Mean age was 79.0±3.4 years (range, 75-92) in the cemented cohort and 78.9±3.5 (range, 75-91) in the cementless cohort (p=0.769). There was no difference in final postoperative scores or improvement in scores at 2 years. The percentage of patients that met the minimal clinically important difference was also similar (KOOS-JR, 68.9% vs. 69.2%, p=0.955; SF-12 Physical, 71.7% vs. 66.7%, p=0.299). Seven-year survivorship free from aseptic revision was 99.4% for cemented knees and 100% for cementless knees (log-rank, p=0.453). CONCLUSION Patients over 75 years undergoing cementless or cemented TKA of the same modern design had comparable outcomes and survivorship in the midterm. The theoretical risks of cementless fixation in this age group were not realized in this study.
The Discourse of Foreignness in U.S. Language Education

Levine’s chapter presents and analyzes public discourses about the teaching and learning of languages other than English in the U.S. It proposes that several interrelated and often superficially opposing messages create a “discourse of foreignness” that may help inform our thinking about U.S. language education. The strands of this discourse are discussed in categories that embrace both its historical forms and more currently dominant ones. Individual acts of discourse in public venues, such as Congressional hearings, TV interviews, op-ed pieces, and political speeches, complementary arguments supporting “English only” movements as well as positive discourses that stress the utility and global need for an American citizenry that is bi- or multilingual are presented. Because the public discourse about language education lags behind current best practices recommended by current language research, it is suggested that educators need to engage in shifting such perceptions by entering into media discussions of why foreign language study remains significant both personally and in the national interest.
Innate Immunity in Campylobacter Infections

This chapter addresses the current knowledge pertaining to innate immunity and Campylobacter, and highlights important areas of future research. With a better understanding of the intricacies of immunity comes the realization that our host defenses cannot be strictly divided into innate and adaptive systems. Host defense mechanisms relevant to protection against a gastrointestinal infection such as Campylobacter include the multiple cellular and soluble factors. Although the interplay between many of these components and Campylobacter are not fully understood, the chapter reviews the current knowledge and outlines areas in need of further study. Innate immune defenses found in the gastrointestinal tract appear extremely effective in limiting C. jejuni to the gut. The direct antimicrobial activities of these phagocytes is attributable to production of antimicrobial peptides/proteins, ROS, and RNS (the latter mainly by mononuclear phagocytes and/or macrophages). The sequencing of several Campylobacter genomes and improved mutagenesis techniques can facilitate molecular studies of particular Campylobacter genes with specific innate immune components. From the point of view of the host, genomewide association studies of genetic polymorphisms associated with alterations in host defense functions may provide insight into those genes that are important for defense against Campylobacter infection.
Dens in dente; reports of nine cases.

Abstract Nine cases of “dens in dente” are reported which vary in complexity from a moderate invagination in the region of the lingual pit of maxillary incisors to an almost complete invagination reaching the apex of the tooth. The last case is reported in detail with a histologic description.
Duality for k-Degree Percolation on the Square Lattice

A generalization of the standard percolation problem, called k-degree percolation, is considered on the square lattice. In k-degree percolation, one investigates the probability of existence of an infinite path in which each vertex has k or more open edges incident to it.
Friedrich Schleiermacher: Between Enlightenment and Romanticism

Introduction Part I. Taking the Measure of Schleiermacher: 1. Revisiting Dilthey on Schleiermacher and biography 2. Schleiermacher, Mendelssohn and Enlightenment theology: comparing On Religion (1799) and Jerusalem (1783) 3. Hegel and Schleiermacher in Berlin: a many-sided debate 4. Kierkegaard's not so hidden debt to Schleiermacher Part II. Signposts of a Public Theologian: 5. Schleiermacher's Letters on the Occasion and the crisis of Berlin Jewry 6. A proposal for a new Berlin University 7. Schleiermacher and the theology of bourgeois society: a critique of the critics Part III. Textual Readings and Milestones: 8. Schleiermacher's theory of language: the ubiquity of a romantic text 9. Shaping an academic discipline: the Brief Outline on the Study of Theology 10. Rhetoric and substance in the revision of The Christian Faith (1821-2) 11. On Religion as a religious classic: hermeneutical musings after two hundred years.
Spiro K. Antiochos Receives 2013 John Adam Fleming Medal: Citation

The John Adam Fleming Medal is awarded for “original research and technical leadership in geomagnetism, atmospheric electricity, aeronomy, space physics, and related sciences.” Originality and technical leadership are exactly the characteristics that distinguish the research of Spiro K. Antiochos. Spiro possesses a truly unique combination of physical insight, creativity, and mastery of the concepts and mathematical and numerical tools of space physics. These talents have allowed him to develop completely original theories for major observational problems and to test and refine those theories using sophisticated numerical simulation codes that he himself helped to develop. Spiro's physical insight is especially impressive. He has an uncanny ability to identify the fundamental aspects of complex problems and to see physical connections where others do not. This can sometimes involve ideas that may initially seem counterintuitive to those with less creativity. Many of Spiro's revolutionary advances have opened up whole new areas of study and shaped the course of space physics. Examples include the breakout model for coronal mass ejections (CMEs), the S-web model for the slow solar wind, and the thermal nonequilibrium model for solar prominences. The breakout model is of special significance to AGU as it strives to promote science for the betterment of humanity. CMEs are enormous explosions on the Sun that can have major “space weather” impacts here on Earth. They affect technologies ranging from communication and navigation systems to electrical power grids. Breakout is the leading theory for why CMEs occur and may one day be the foundation for more accurate space weather forecasting.
Quality Evaluation of Abstracts Presented at the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting

Abstract Study Objective To examine the rate of abstract publication from the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting (SGSASM), 2004 to 2012. Study Design This is a retrospective study in which all abstracts presented at the SGSASM from 2004 to 2012 were reviewed. Information was collected on oral (O), oral poster (OP), and poster (P) presentations. To evaluate for publication, all abstracts were searched for in the US National Library of Medicine's PubMed database. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate whether there were differences in distribution of published studies by first author location and affiliation and number of abstract authors. Design Classification Canadian Task Force III. Measurements and Main Results In total, 867 abstracts were reviewed, including all O, OP, and P presentations. Video and tips and tricks presentations were excluded. Overall rate of publication for all abstracts from 2004 to 2012 was 55.7%, comprising 82.4% for O presentations, 60.9% for OP presentations, and 41.4% for P presentations. There was no significant difference in location for published abstracts (p = .878), although published abstracts had a significantly greater number of authors (p Conclusion Over a 9-year period (2004–2012), the rate of abstract publication at the SGSASM was 55.7%, which is similar to other academic meetings. The comparability of this publication rate shows that the abstract selection committee is able to select high-quality research with limited information provided in abstract submissions.
Spirituality, Religion, and Aging Research in Social Work: State of the Art and Future Possibilities

ABSTRACT This article identifies the unique contributions social work has made to the study of spirituality and religion in relation to aging, based on respect for their diverse expressions. Definitions of religion and spirituality that particularly relate to late life are provided. The study of spirituality and aging is situated in four historical phases ranging from sectarian origins (1890s to 1920), to professionalization and secularization (1920s–1970s), to renewed interest (1980s to mid 1990s), to the current phase characterized by transcending boundaries. Interdisciplinary research by social workers is prevalent. Topics of study include a wide range of religious and nonreligious spiritual perspectives, cultural groups, and life domains. There is an expansion of interest in international research and collaboration on spirituality and aging as well. Future research possibilities include functions of religion and spirituality for older adults, spirituality in relation to professional direct practice, p...
Shared memory multiprocessor implementation and evaluation of Hough transform algorithm

The authors present several parallel implementations of the Hough transform on a shared memory multiprocessor, namely, the Encore Multimax. Various implementation strategies are described, and results are discussed. >
Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man

Congratulations to Dr. Baselt for the publication of his 10th edition and the expansion of his classic toxicology text to cover over 1,500 medications and chemicals. This enduring work provides a c...
7 Å projection map of the S-layer protein sbpA obtained with trehalose-embedded monolayer crystals

Two-dimensional crystallization on lipid monolayers is a versatile tool to obtain structural information of proteins by electron microscopy. An inherent problem with this approach is to prepare samples in a way that preserves the crystalline order of the protein array and produces specimens that are sufficiently flat for high-resolution data collection at high tilt angles. As a test specimen to optimize the preparation of lipid monolayer crystals for electron microscopy imaging, we used the S-layer protein sbpA, a protein with potential for designing arrays of both biological and inorganic materials with engineered properties for a variety of nanotechnology applications. Sugar embedding is currently considered the best method to prepare two-dimensional crystals of membrane proteins reconstituted into lipid bilayers. We found that using a loop to transfer lipid monolayer crystals to an electron microscopy grid followed by embedding in trehalose and quick-freezing in liquid ethane also yielded the highest resolution images for sbpA lipid monolayer crystals. Using images of specimens prepared in this way we could calculate a projection map of sbpA at 7 A resolution, one of the highest resolution projection structures obtained with lipid monolayer crystals to date.
A Noncontacting Method for Material Property Determination for Articular Cartilage from Osmotic Loading

Abstract Articular cartilage is one of several biological tissues in which swelling effects are important in tissue mechanics and function, and may serve as an indicator of degenerative joint disease. This work presents a new approach to quantify swelling effects in articular cartilage, as well as to determine the material properties of cartilage from a simple free-swelling test. Samples of nondegenerate and degenerate human patellar cartilage were subjected to osmotic loading by equilibrating the tissue in solutions of varying osmolarity. The resulting swelling-induced strains were measured using a noncontacting optical method. A theoretical formulation of articular cartilage in a free-swelling configuration was developed based on an inhomogeneous, triphasic mechano-chemical model. Optimization of the model predictions to the experimental data was performed to determine two parameters descriptive of material stiffness at the surface and deeper cartilage layers, and a third parameter descriptive of thickness of the cartilage surface layer. These parameters were used to determine the thickness-averaged uniaxial modulus of cartilage, H A . The obtained values for H A were similar to those for the tensile modulus of human cartilage reported in the literature. Degeneration resulted in an increase in thickness of the region of "apparent cartilage softening," and a decrease in the value for uniaxial modulus at this layer. These findings provide important evidence that collagen matrix disruption starts at the articular surface and progresses into the deeper layers with continued degeneration. These results suggest that the method provides a means to quantify the severity and depth of degenerative changes in articular cartilage. This method may also be used to determine material properties of cartilage in small joints in which conventional testing methods are difficult to apply.
A model for trace metal sorption processes at the calcite surface: Adsorption of Cd2+ and subsequent solid solution formation

Abstract The rate of Cd2+ sorption by calcite was determined as a function of pH and Mg2+ in aqueous solutions saturated with respect to calcite but undersaturated with respect to CdCO3. The sorption is characterized by two reaction steps, with the first reaching completion within 24 hours. The second step proceeded at a slow and nearly constant rate for at least 7 days. The rate of calcite recrystallization was also studied, using a Ca2+ isotopic exchange technique. Both the recrystallization rate of calcite and the rate of slow Cd2+ sorption decrease with increasing pH or with increasing Mg2+. The recrystallization rate could be predicted from the number of moles of Ca present in the hydrated surface layer. A model is presented which is consistent with the rates of Cd2+ sorption and Ca2+ isotopic exchange. In the model, the first step in Cd2+ sorption involves a fast adsorption reaction that is followed by diffusion of Cd2+ into a surface layer of hydrated CaCO3 that overlies crystalline calcite. Desorption of Cd2+ from the hydrated layer is slow. The second step is solid solution formation in new crystalline material, which grows from the disordered mixture of Cd and Ca carbonate in the hydrated surface layer. Calculated distribution coefficients for solid solutions formed at the surface are slightly greater than the ratio of equilibrium constants for dissolution of calcite and CdCO3, which is the value that would be expected for an ideal solid solution in equilibrium with the aqueous solution.
CMOS biosensor devices and applications

Affinity biosensor use bio-recognition element and transducers to convert the (bio)chemical event into a recordable signal. CMOS compatible silicon nanowires configured as field effect transistor (Si NW-FETs) have shown significant advantages for real-time, label-free and highly sensitive detection of a wide range of biomolecules. Here we discuss the physics, limitations, and applications for nanowire FETs sensor technologies.
The 10th generation international geomagnetic reference field

Abstract The International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) on 12 December 2004 released the 10th generation International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF)—the latest version of a standard mathematical description of the Earth's main magnetic field and used widely in studies of the Earth's deep interior, its crust, ionosphere and magnetosphere. The coefficients were finalised by a task force of IAGA. The IGRF is the product of a large collaborative effort between magnetic field modellers and the institutes involved in collecting and disseminating magnetic field data from satellites and observatories around the world.
Why Scale Forms in the Oil Field and Methods To Predict It

Predicting potential scaling problems can be difficult, and numerous saturation indices and computer algorithms have been developed to determine if, when, and where scaling will occur. The Langelier, Stiff-Davis, and the Oddo-Tomson saturation indices, all widely used in the oil field, are compared and contrasted relative to calcium carbonate scale. New saturation indices for barium, strontium, and calcium sulfate scale formation are introduced and discussed, along with an updated version of the Oddo-Tomson calcium carbonate index. An updated version of the CaCO[sub 3] saturation index is presented that includes correction terms for fugacity effects and changes in the solubility of CO[sub 2] in oil and gas wells as function of temperature, pressure, water cut, and hydrocarbons present. The CaCO[sub 3] saturation index does not require a measured pH and can accommodate the presence of weak acids, such as H[sub 2]S, and wake organic acids in the system. The sulfate scale production methods (for gypsum, hemihydrate, and anhydrite) are easy to use, reliable, and designed for field use by an operator who may be untrained in chemistry. The prediction methods can be applied to any production well where calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, strontium sulfate, or barium sulfate scale occurs.
EFFECT OF UNDERNUTRITION ON AMINO ACID COMPARTMENTATION IN THE DEVELOPING RAT BRAIN

—Rat pups undernourished through 21 days of age show abnormal patterns of cerebral amino acid metabolism. The pattern of incorporation of radioactivity from l-[U-14C]leucine into amino acids derived from tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates was altered, with significantly more 14C being incorporated into glutamate and aspartate in the underfed rats than in controls. Glutamate compartmentation, manifested in the ratio of specific radioactivities of glutamine to glutamate, developed more slowly in the. diet-restricted group. These results are similar to those seen in neonatally-thyroidectomized rats and suggest decreased growth of neuronal processes. This impairment of amino acid metabolism returns to normal after a 7-week period of adequate nutrition.
Incorporation of Myofilament Activation Mechanics into a Lumped Model of the Human Heart

The success and usefulness of lumped cardiovascular models are directly dependent on the physiological fidelity of their formulation. In most existing lumped formulations for the heart, the compliance of the chamber is modeled based on its electrical analog, the capacitor. This has traditionally resulted in the use of a pre-described time-varying stiffness modulus for simulating the cardiac contractions. Unfortunately, such a time-varying stiffness does not include any physiological contractile machinery and thus no dependency on fiber sarcomere length and intracellular calcium concentrations, key mechanisms responsible for proper cardiac function. In this paper a lumped cardiovascular model is presented that is based on the incorporation of detailed myofilament activation for simulating the ventricular calcium binding and crossbridging mechanism. Upon validation against experimental data, it is shown that the new myofilament activation-based model considerably increases the physiological validity and internal consistency of the cardiovascular simulations in comparison to the traditional variable compliance-based models. It is also shown, through specific case studies, that the present model can serve as a quick response tool for testing various hypotheses concerning the impact of the calcium binding and crossbridge kinetics on the overall performance of the cardiovascular system.
Experimental Investigation of Heat Transfer Rates in Rocket Thrust Chambers

Analysis of heat transfer in rocket engine thrust chambers that use convergent-divergent nozzles
Hydrogen evolution by templated cadmium indate nanoparticles under natural sunlight illumination

Abstract Carbon-doped cadmium indate (CdIn 2 O 4 ) nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol–gel templating method using the block co-polymer surfactant Pluronic F127 and evaluated for hydrogen generation activity under artificial and natural solar illumination. Each catalyst powder was loaded with platinum as a cocatalyst in order to promote charge carrier separation. BET surface area measurements indicated an increase in surface area with F127 introduction of up to 5 times the area of the non-templated sample. Natural sunlight illumination experiments showed the hydrogen evolution rate of CdIn 2 O 4 was 17 μmol h −1 as compared to 2.1 μmol h −1 for the Pt:TiO 2 reference material. The H 2 rate was determined to be similar under both stirring and non-stirring conditions for the CdIn 2 O 4 catalyst, which resulted from 10 min irradiation exposure times. Laboratory experiments confirmed this effect and showed that at longer, out to 60 min, irradiation times the evolution rate was 3 times greater for stirred over non-stirred samples. The templated nanoparticle CdIn 2 O 4 catalysts are promising for solar hydrogen conversion.
The dynamics of atmospheric dust particles in aircraft auxiliary power radial inflow turbines

The results of analytical and experimental studies of the trajectories that atmospheric dust particles follow as they move through a radial inflow turbine are presented. The study reveals the nature of the impacts that occur within the turbine and indicates which surfaces are expected to experience the most severe erosion. In addition, a dimensionless parameter is derived which can be used during preliminary design analysis to indicate the sizes of the particles that will be most damaging to the turbine.
Familial systemic lupus erythematosus: immunogenetic studies in eight families.

Familial SLE provides a unique opportunity to study the relationships of previously associated genetic factors (HLA and complement component deficiencies) to the occurrence of SLE, other immune disorders, and autoantibodies in families. Thus, eight families containing two or more affected members with SLE (n = 22) and their relatives (n = 40) were examined for HLA genotypes, complement components and autoantibodies. Among the 40 non-SLE relatives, 7 (18%) had other immune diseases, including thyroid disease in 2, rheumatoid arthritis in 2, ITP in 2, and Henoch-Schonlein purpura in one. This compared to 4 of the 22 SLE patients (also 18%) of whom 3 had thyroid disease and one PSS. Eleven non-SLE relatives (28%) had ANA, which was in high-titer in 5 (13%). Eleven (28%) had antibodies to ssDNA, and one had a BFP. Only the SLE patients had antidsDNA, Ro(SSA), Sm or nRNP. A heterozygous C2 deficiency (C2D) was found in only one of the seven kindreds studied, and followed an A25, B18 DR7 haplotype. Heterozygous C2D, however, was inherited by only one of three family members with SLE. HLA-DR2 occurred in 36% and DR3 in 36% of SLE patients, which was not significantly different from either non-SLE family members or unrelated local controls. Sib pair analysis of seven sets presented here and seven from two published reports, demonstrated only random distribution with SLE. Similarly, other immune disorders and autoantibodies followed no consistent HLA haplotypes or DR specificities. Interestingly, DR2 and/or DR3 were found in five of the six patients (83%) having anti-ro(SSA) antibodies (p = NS). These data strongly suggest that genetic factors (other than HLA and complement component deficiencies) and/or environmental factors are necessary for the expression of SLE and other immune abnormalities in lupus families.
Compartmental study of diffusion and relaxation measured in vivo in normal and ischemic rat brain and trigeminal nerve.

The correlation between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2 of water in rat brain and trigeminal nerve was investigated using a hybrid diffusion-weighted–CPMG imaging sequence. Little dependence of ADC on T2 was found in brain regions of interest, which is postulated to be due to rapid exchange between intra- and extracellular water. Conversely, the ADC of water in trigeminal nerve was found to change significantly with echo time (TE). Parallel to the nerve and with a constant diffusion time (tdiff = 10.8 ms), the ADC increased by approximately 30% between TEs of 25 ms and 185 ms; perpendicular to the nerve, the ADC decreased by a similar amount over the same range of TE. Measurements made following the onset of global ischemia yielded lower ADCs, with similar dependence on TE. Observations that transverse relaxation of water in nerves is multiexponential have previously been interpreted in terms of microanatomical compartments in slow exchange. In the context of this interpretation, our data suggest that diffusional anisotropy is greater outside than within the myelinated axons. Further, data following the onset of global ischemia suggest that the mechanism(s) by which ADC is reduced affect most or all microanatomical environments of nerve, at least insofar as they are represented over the TE domain investigated. Magn Reson Med 43:837–844, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Search for evidence of impact at the Permian-Triassic boundary in Antarctica and Australia

Life on Earth was almost destroyed some 250 m.y. ago in the most profound of all known mass extinction events. We investigated the possible role of impact by an extraterrestrial bolide through chemical and mineralogical characterization of boundary breccias, search for shocked quartz, and analysis for iridium in Permian-Triassic boundary sections at Graphite Peak and Mount Crean, Antarctica, and Wybung Head, Australia. Thin claystone breccias at the isotopically and paleobotanically defined boundary at all three locations are interpreted as redeposited soil rather than impact ejecta. The breccias at all three locations also yielded shocked quartz, but it is an order of magnitude less abundant (0.2 vol%) and smaller (only as much as 176 micrometers m diameter) than shocked quartz at some Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary sites. Faint iridium “anomalies” were detected (up to 134 pgṁg −1 ). These values are an order of magnitude less than iridium anomalies at some Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary sites. Furthermore, peak iridium values are as much as 1 m below the isotopically and paleobotanically defined boundary. The idea that impact caused the extinctions thus remains to be demonstrated convincingly.
The detection of Aspergillus fumigatus antibodies in sera by immunogold-silver staining

The demonstration of circulating antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus is a useful criterion in the diagnosis of a number of the clinical forms of Aspergillus-induced diseases. Several antibody assays are available for the detection of specific antibodies. Some of these methods are sensitive and specific, but need sophisticated equipment, expensive reagents and cumbersome procedures while others are less sensitive and time consuming. The usefulness of the immunogold-silver assay (IGSA) was evaluated in the present study. The results obtained indicate that IGSA was comparable to other antibody detection assays, but is comparatively simple and less expensive.
Probing spin-orbit quenching in Cl (2P) + H2 via crossed molecular beam scattering

In our previous work we investigated electronically non-adiabatic effects in $\rm Cl~(^{2}P_{3/2,1/2})+D_{2}$ using crossed molecular beam scattering coupled with velocity mapped ion imaging. The prior experiments placed limits on the cross-section for electronically non-adiabatic spin-orbit excitation $\rm Cl~(^{2}P_{3/2})+D_{2} \to Cl^*~(^{2}P_{1/2})+D_{2}$ and electronically non-adiabatic spin-orbit quenching $\rm Cl^*~(^{2}P_{1/2})+D_{2}\to Cl~(^{2}P_{3/2})+D_{2}$ . In the present work, we investigate electronically non-adiabatic spin-orbit quenching for $\rm Cl^*~(^{2}P_{1/2})+H_{2}$ which is the required first step for the reaction of Cl* to produce ground state HCl+H products. In these experiments we collide Cl (2P) with H2 at a series of fixed collision energies using a crossed molecular beam machine with velocity mapped ion imaging detection. Through an analysis of our ion images, we determine the fraction of electronically adiabatic scattering in Cl* +H2, which allows us to place limits on the cross-section for electronically non-adiabatic scattering or quenching. We determine the following quenching cross-sections σ quench(2.1 kcal/mol) = 26 ± 21 A2, σ quench(4.0 kcal/mol) = 21 ± 49 A2, and σ quench(5.6 kcal/mol) = 14 ± 41 A2.
Thick-Target Processes and White-Light Flares

Observations indicate that fast electrons in solar flares, which cause the hard X-ray burst and the impulsive microwave burst, lose energy predominantly by collisional processes. This requires a thick-target theory of the emission, for which the electron spectrum inferred from the X-ray spectrum becomes 1.5 powers steeper than in the usual thin-target theory. The low-energy end of this spectrum contains enough energy above about 5 keV to supply the white-light continuum emission occasionally observed in major flares. The penetration of the nonthermal electrons creates long-lived excess ionization which enhances the free-free and free-bound continuum in the heated medium. The emission will occur high above the photosphere at small optical depth in the visible continuum. Thus its spectrum will extend into the infrared and ultraviolet.
Simultaneous determination of levetiracetam and its acid metabolite (ucb L057) in serum/plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Abstract Objective Levetiracetam and its acid metabolite have almost identical MRMs. They therefore need to be separated chromatographically prior to quantitation. Research design and methods The sample is deproteinized with acetonitrile containing Ritonavir as internal standard, centrifuged and the supernatant diluted with water (1:2 v/v). Sixty microliters of the supernatant is injected into the LC–MS/MS and Levetiracetam (LEV) and LEV metabolite separated chromatographically at room temperature employing a Supelco C 18 column and a 0.1% formic acid methanol gradient at pH of 2.5. Results The retention times for LEV metabolite, LEV and Ritonavir were 4.50, 5.38 and 9.18 min, respectively. Calibration curves in spiked plasma were linear over the concentration range of 0–50 μg/mL for LEV and 0.0–5.0 µg/mL for LEV metabolite. Intra- and inter-run imprecision ( n = 10) gave CVs of 2.3–4.7%, 3.4–8.9% for LEV and 2.9–3.9%, 3.3–7.4% for LEV metabolite. Recoveries of both LEV and LEV metabolite were close to 100%. Results for LEV were compared with those obtained by a commercial reference laboratory ( r = 0.974). Conclusion The procedure is reliable, quick, and inexpensive. LEV and LEV metabolite co-elute using C-18 columns at pHs > 3.0 and previously published methods employing these conditions could therefore be subject to metabolite interference. In this method LEV and LEV metabolite are separated at pH 2.5. The total run time including the washing step is 10 min/sample, making this method suitable when moderate throughput is needed such as in clinical or commercial reference laboratories.
Superconductivity dependent friction of water, nitrogen, and superheated He films adsorbed on Pb(111).

We report a quartz crystal microbalance study of sliding friction levels in ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$, and superheated He films adsorbed on Pb(111) substrates alternating in and out of the superconducting state. Reductions in friction upon entry into the superconducting state are greater for ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ than He, consistent with a recent theory that linked electronic friction to adsorbate polarizability. Our work also reveals that repetitive cycling of an externally applied magnetic field may impact friction.
SU‐E‐T‐319: The Effect of Slice Thickness On IMRT Planning

Purpose: The accuracy of volume estimated of a treatment planning system is investigated in this study. In addition, the effect of slice thickness on IMRT planning is also studied. Methods: The accuracy in volume determination was investigated using a water phantom containing various objects with known volumes ranging from 1–100cm{sup 3}. The phantom was scanned with different slice thickness (1–10 mm). The CT data sets were sent to Eclipse TPS for contour delineation and volume calculation. The effect of slice thickness on IMRT planning was studied using a commercial phantom containing four different shaped objects. The phantom was scanned with different slice thickness (1–5 mm). IMRT plans were generated for the different CT datasets to calculate TCP, homogeneity (HI) and conformity indices (CI). Results: The variability of volumes with CT slice thickness was significant especially for small volume structures. The minimum and maximum error in the volume estimation is in the range of −2.3% to 92%. On the other hand, with increasing slice thickness, the PTV mean dose and TCP values decreases. Maximum variation of ∼5% was observed in mean dose and ∼2% in TCP with slice thickness change from 1–5 mm. The relative decrease in target volume receiving 95%more » of prescribed dose is ∼5% slice thickness change from 1–5 mm. HI increases up to 163% and CI decreases by 4% between 1–5 mm slice thickness change, producing highly inhomogeneous and least conformal plan. Conclusion: Accuracy of volume estimation is dependent on CT slice thickness and the contouring algorithm in a TPS. During TPS commissioning and for all clinical protocols, evaluation of volume should be included to provide the limit of accuracy in DVH calculation. A smaller slice thickness provides superior dosimetry with improved TCP values. Thus, the smallest possible slice thickness should be used for IMRT planning.« less
Pentobarbital and the effects of GABA and K+ on primary afferent terminals

Abstract Barbiturates prolong (and at times increase) primary afferent depolarization (PAD), the mechanism is unknown. Sucrose gap recordings from the dorsal roots (DR) of frog spinal cords were used to clarify this problem. Addition of pentobarbital (PB) to the superfusate (10−5 − 2× 10−4 M) increased the duration of dorsal root potentials (DRP's) generated by DR (DR-DRP) and ventral root (VR-DRP) stimulation. The DR-DRP amplitude increased slightly while the VR-DRP amplitude increased significantly after a 10 min exposure to PB (10−4 M); then upon continued PB application both potentials declined to below control levels. DR responses to repeated applications of GABA (10−3 M) and to elevated [K+](10 mM) showed an immediate increase in the response amplitude followed by a progressive decrease. The initial increase in the GABA response, but not the [K+] response, was also observed after prolonged application of PB. PB increased the duration of GABA, but not K+, depolarizations. PB reduced and prolonged the DRP produced by a tetanic stimulus and the focal potential recorded in the dorsal horn. Exposure to PB (10−4 − 2× 10−4 M; 10,90 min) did not change the high affinity uptake or spontaneous release of [3H]GABA. The K+-evoked [3H]GABA release was significantly decreased by PB (5×10−5 − 2× 10−4 M). PB appears to act postsynaptically at the Cl− conductance channel and presynaptically by reducing transmitter release.