cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modified Design of Novel Variable-Focus Lens for VHFGW

The present author previously published a paper at STAIF 2006 detailing the design of a novel variable‐focus lens for use with very‐high frequency gravitational waves (VHFGWs, typically around 3GHz). Such a lens would be invaluable in the design of advanced GW optics for communications applications since focusing would be achievable electrically with no moving parts. The design was based upon the published calculations of Li and Torr (in 1992 and 1993) claiming to show that GWs propagate inside superconductors with a phase velocity reduction by a factor n ∼ 300× and a corresponding wavenumber increase. Successful demonstration of this lens would also confirm the controversial Li and Torr result. Type II superconductors do not completely expel large magnetic fields, but instead allow vortices of magnetic flux to channel the magnetic field through the material. Within these vortices, the superconductor is magnetically quenched and so has properties similar or identical to those of non‐superconductors. Varying the applied magnetic field varies the proportion of material quenched and superconducting. For GW wavelengths significantly larger than the typical vortex separation, the GW propagation through a type II superconductor is therefore dependent upon the applied magnetic field. Since a conventional optical lens may be regarded as a position‐dependent phase shifter, and the VHFGW phase‐shift depends upon the applied magnetic field, the design of a VHFGW lens therefore reduces to producing a suitable applied magnetic field variation that gives a technologically‐useful spatial variation of phase shift. Thus, in this paper, a modified method of producing the required magnetic field is introduced, as well as a more detailed discussion of the VHFGW propagation through the superconducting material with an applied field. The component described is unparalleled in conventional optics because the focal length is varied completely electrically and has no mechanical moving parts. This gives the potential of much greater reliability than could be obtained by copying equivalent optical glass lens designs, and the control can also be considerably faster (limited only by circuit design). Therefore, fast auto‐focusing, zooming, and imaging tomography of VHFGW using electronic servos may be feasible.
Acoustic and electromechanical behavior of 1-3 piezocomposites for ultrasonic transducer applications

A model is derived for the analysis of the dynamic behavior of 1-3 piezocomposites. Based on this model, the effective parameters and their dependence on the aspect ratio of the unit cell of a 1-3 composite, can be evaluated. From the model we show that the mechanical quality factor of a composite can be lower than that of both the ceramic and polymer. The predictions are compared with experimental results and the agreement between the two is quite satisfactory.
A role for CTCF and cohesin in subtelomere chromatin organization, TERRA transcription, and telomere end protection.

The contribution of human subtelomeric DNA and chromatin organization to telomere integrity and chromosome end protection is not yet understood in molecular detail. Here, we show by ChIP-Seq that most human subtelomeres contain a CTCF- and cohesin-binding site within ∼1–2 kb of the TTAGGG repeat tract and adjacent to a CpG-islands implicated in TERRA transcription control. ChIP-Seq also revealed that RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) was enriched at sites adjacent to the CTCF sites and extending towards the telomere repeat tracts. Mutation of CTCF-binding sites in plasmid-borne promoters reduced transcriptional activity in an orientation-dependent manner. Depletion of CTCF by shRNA led to a decrease in TERRA transcription, and a loss of cohesin and RNAPII binding to the subtelomeres. Depletion of either CTCF or cohesin subunit Rad21 caused telomere-induced DNA damage foci (TIF) formation, and destabilized TRF1 and TRF2 binding to the TTAGGG proximal subtelomere DNA. These findings indicate that CTCF and cohesin are integral components of most human subtelomeres, and important for the regulation of TERRA transcription and telomere end protection.
Economic Growth and Equality in Rural China: Xiyang County as Development Experience and Model

This article first describes the basic outlines of the transformation of the political economy of Xiyang County from the 1960s to 1976. Particular attention is given to the relationship between rapid economic growth and the achievement of increased equality at various levels. Second, we describe and evaluate recent Chinese criticisms which relate to the experience of growth coupled with increased equality in Xiyang, and consider the efforts of some other places to emulate that experience. Finally, the significance of Xiyang County's experience is reevaluated in the light both of the criticisms and of new information on the development of another Chinese county in which the authors carried out field research in 1979.
Synaptic organization of the vertebrate retina.

Abstract Recent studies by electron microscopy have described the synaptic contacts in vertebrate retinas. In the outer plexiform layer, receptors contact bipolar dendrites and horizontal cell processes. In most species, horizontal cell synapses onto bipolar dendrites and other horizontal cell processes are observed. In the inner plexiform layer, bipolar terminals contact ganglion cell dendrites and amacrine cell processes. Amacrine processes make feedback synapses on bipolar terminals, feed-forward synapses on ganglion cell dendrites, and lateral synapses on other amacrine processes. The frequency of amacrine synapses varies between species and can be correlated with ganglion cell complexity. Intracellular recordings in mudpuppy show that distal retinal neurons respond to light with slow, sustained graded potentials. Receptors hyperpolarize in response to direct, focal illumination. Horizontal cells hyperpolarize to illumination over a wide area. Bipolars respond by depolarization or hyperpolarization to central illumination; surround illumination antagonizes this response. In the proximal retina amacrine cells depolarize transiently at on and off of illumination. Ganglion cells of two types are encountered. One type shows center-surround organization; its receptive field resembles that of the bipolars. The second type responds transiently to on and off; its activity resembles the amacrine response. The latter type of ganglion cell often shows directionally selective responses to moving spots, suggesting that the amacrine cell is involved in mediating complex ganglion cell responses such as motion and directional sensitivity.
Depreciation and profitability under rate of return regulation

This paper examines the widely-held notion that the regulatory approach to setting earnings equalizes the accounting and internal rates of return, and that this condition holds for any depreciation profile. The evidence suggests that the practical usefulness of this proposition for policy-making may be quite limited. This paper also examines the underlying premise—that, because of its relative constancy over time, the regulated rate of return must equal the internal rate of return—and finds that contrary to earlier suggestions, this result does not always hold in the multi-asset case.
Effects of L-arginine-derived nitric oxide synthesis on cardiovascular responses to stimulus-evoked somatosympathetic reflexes in the gracile nucleus.

The purpose of these studies was to determine the role of gracile nucleus (Gr) and the effects of L-arginine-derived nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in the nucleus on the cardiovascular responses to somatosympathetic reflexes (SSR). Electrical stimulation of sural and tibial nerve to evoke excitatory and inhibitory SSR was carried out in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate were monitored during stimulus-evoked SSR following microinjections of the agents into Gr. Cardiovascular responses to electrical stimulation of the sural and tibial nerves were blocked by microinjection of lidocaine into Gr. The hypertensive and tachycardiac responses to stimulation of the sural nerve were attenuated by bilateral microinjection of L-arginine into Gr, but enhanced by the presence of nNOS antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (oligos) in the area. Microinjection of L-arginine into Gr facilitated the hypotensive and bradycardic responses to stimulation of the tibial nerve while pretreatment with nNOS antisense oligos into Gr attenuated the tibial stimulation evoked inhibitory SSR. The stimulus-evoked responses were not altered by microinjection of nNOS sense oligos into Gr. The results show that the cardiovascular responses to stimulus-evoked SSR were inhibited by the presence of a blockade of neuronal conduction in the Gr. L-Arginine-derived NO synthesis in the Gr attenuates the cardiovascular responses to stimulus-evoked excitatory SSR and facilitates the responses to inhibitory SSR. We conclude that NO in the Gr plays an inhibitory role in the central cardiovascular control through SSR regulation.
“Ann and Myself”: rhetoric, sexualities, and silence at lowell

This paper analyzes The Lowell Offering as it negotiated issues of female—specifically working-class—sexuality and propriety. A reading is offered of the various positions regarding marriage represented in the Offering that particularly focuses on the story “Ann and Myself.” I argue that this story is notable not only for its resistance to the containment of women through definition vis-a-vis their marital state, but also for the possible sexualities created in its narrative silences.
The Transparency of Ocean Water and the Visibility Curve of the Eye

Measurements of the absorption of ocean water for monochromatic light throughout the visible spectrum are recorded and show that the sea water is about as transparent as pure water. When daylight is passed through 40 meters of water the resulting spectral intensity curve is very similar to the visibility curve of the eye both as regards shape and the position of the maximum. Early life on the earth developed in a watery environment with a vaporous atmosphere. This permits the suggestion that the visibility curve of the eye owes its general characteristics to the spectral intensity curve of Palaeozoic daylight.
Super ballot numbers

Abstract The Catalan numbers C n = (2n)! n!(n+1)! are are well-known integers that arise in many combinatorial problems. The numbers 6(2n)! n!(n + 2)! , 60(2n)! n!(n + 3)! , and more generally (2r + 1)! r! · (2n)! n!(n + r + 1)! are also integers for all n. We study the properties of these numbers and of some analogous numbers that generalize the ballot numbers, which we call super ballot numbers.
TopMaker: A Technique for Automatic Multi-Block Topology Generation Using the Medial Axis

ABSTRACT A two-dimensional multi-block topology generation technique has been developed. Very general configurations are addressable by the technique. A configuration is defined by a collection of non-intersecting closed curves, which will be referred to as loops. More than a single loop implies that holes exist in the domain, which poses no problem. This technique requires only the medial vertices and the touch points that define each vertex. From the information about the medial vertices, the connectivity between medial vertices is generated. The physical shape of the medial edge is not required. By applying a few simple rules to each medial edge, the multi-block topology is generated with no user intervention required. The resulting topologies contain only the level of complexity dictated by the configurations. Grid lines remain attached to the boundary except at sharp concave turns where a change in index family is introduced as would be desired. Keeping grid lines attached to the boundary is especially important in the area of computational fluid dynamics where highly clustered grids are used near no-slip boundaries. This technique is simple and robust and can easily be incorporated into the overall grid generation process. mesh generation by Price and Armstrong [5,6] using Midpoint
Methadone maintenance and sex role orientation in males.

Summary The study examines the sex role orientation of male drug addicts in methadone maintenance treatment. Forty patients in the experimental group were drawn from the active pool of a methadone maintenance clinic. This group was matched against another group of 40 subjects with the same demographic characteristics. The results indicate no significant difference in sex role orientation and suggest the need for future study.
SENSORY EVALUATION OF CHEDDAR CHEESE MADE WITH SODIUM CHLORIDE OR MIXTURES OF SODIUM AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDE

Cheddar cheese (three trials) was made from split lots of curd, salted with NaCl or mixtures of NaCl/KCl and ripened at 3 ± 1C. Preferences for cheese, as determined by consumer panels, were significantly (P 0.05) by age of cheese. In the first order of presentation, cheese made with NaCl was preferred over those made with NaCl/KCl, whereas in the second order of presentation cheese made with 1.52% NaCl/KCl (2:1) was preferred. In the third order of presentation, cheese made with 1.72% NaCl (rather than 1.5%) was preferred. Overall, mean scores were higher for cheeses made with NaCl than with NaCl/KCl. However, the score of cheese made with ca. 1.5% NaCl/KCl was not significantly (P > 0.05) different from that of cheese made with ca. 1.5% NaCl. Cheese made with ca. 1.5% NaCl/KCl (2:1) was consistently preferred over cheeses containing more KCl.
Solubility of polar organic solutes in nonaqueous systems: role of specific interactions.

The changes in solubility of several polar organic solutes when polar organic solvents are added to a relatively inert solvent such as isooctane were determined. The relative changes in solubility predicted from regular solution theory using solubility parameters often did not agree with the observed results. However, the solubilities could be rationalized mathematically by assuming the formation of specific solute–solvent complexes. Agreement of the thermodynamic data reported here with such models provides further evidence that specific interactions, when they occur, are more important than the bulk properties of the pure components in determining drug solubilities in nonaqueous systems. Specific examples demonstrate the relationship between the solubility and molecular structure of the solute and solvent. For example, solubility can be related to the hydrogen-donating and hydrogen-accepting abilities of the solute and solvent. Steric factors also appear to play a role in solubility, while structural modifications in a solute or solvent molecule far removed from the interactive functional group have little influence on molar solubility changes with the added polar cosolvent.
Senescent Reservoirs and Ecological Restoration: An Overdue Reality Check

The recent publication of Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems: Science, Technology, and Public Policy has generated much scientific, public, and political discussion. Although the book emphasizes the restoration of entire aquatic ecosystems, discussion of senescent dams and human-made reservoirs is absent. The important societal and ecological roles of reservoirs warrant a closer examination of the potential ecological restoration of aging reservoirs. Problems with long-term reservoir management include lack of long-term management strategies, sedimentation, hazardous waste accumulation, impacts of recreational use, and the creation of new aquatic and riparian habitats. Policy conflicts may arise when habitats created in the reservoir are destroyed to restore the downstream habitats or when created habitats upstream undergo successional changes that impact the commercial or recreational value of the reservoir. Rare or endangered species may also create similar conflicts. The establishment of an ecological restoration bonding program that includes environmental education and conservation prior to new dam construction may aid in resolving potential conflicts in the future.
Using Neural Networks to Modularize Software

This article describes our experience with designing and using a module architecture assistant, an intelligent tool to help human software architects improve the modularity of large programs. The tool models modularization as nearest-neighbor clustering and classification, and uses the model to make recommendations for improving modularity by rearranging module membership. The tool learns similarity judgments that match those of the human architect by performing back propagation on a specialized neural network. The tool's classifier outperformed other classifiers, both in learning and generalization, on a modest but realistic data set. The architecture assistant significantly improved its performance during a field trial on a larger data set, through a combination of learning and knowledge acquisition.
Free to Quit or Obligated to Stay? The Effects of Prior Layoffs on Voluntary Turnover

This paper uses survival analysis to examine the relationship between previously experienced layoffs and current hazard for voluntary turnover in a large, nationally representative sample. We draw on and test competing logics concerning psychological contract violation and contrast effects. Results indicate that prior layoffs increase the hazard of voluntary turnover, though the effect diminishes as layoffs accumulate. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
A new exercise in concurrency

This article presents an exercise to be assigned whenever undergraduates are introduced to the concepts of concurrency and semaphores. It also presents several possible strategies to solve said exercise along with a "coded" solution.
Solution properties of rare earth elements in silicate melts: Inferences from immiscible liquids

Abstract The partitioning behavior of rare earth elements (REE) between immiscible silicate liquids was investigated as a function of temperature and total REE oxide concentration. REE preferentially partition into the end-member liquids that are rich in network-modifying cations, with two-liquid partition coefficients greater than any other cation. The two-liquid partition coefficients of REE in a given experiment are essentially identical to one another. No evidence was seen to suggest that the solution mechanisms of REE in high-silica liquids vary with differences in their ionic radii. “Two-lattice” models of trace element solution behavior fail to remove the compositional dependence of REE two-liquid partition coefficients due to the assumption that all network-forming and network-modifying cations mix ideally with one another. As a result, it is probably incorrect to derive physical interpretations from the results of the application of two-lattice models. The results are applied to the origins of the LREE-enriched phenocryst-matrix partition coefficients seen for some ferromagnesian minerals in high-silica rhyolites. Since liquids with extremely high concentrations of T-O-T linkages do not strongly discriminate between the REE on the basis of their ionic radii, the anomalous REE crystal-matrix partition coefficient patterns are best explained as the result of contamination of these minerals by LREE accessory phases.
Leucine-enriched nutrients and the regulation of mammalian target of rapamycin signalling and human skeletal muscle protein synthesis.

Purpose of reviewTo highlight recent studies that have examined the cell-signalling mechanisms responsible for the amino acid (primarily leucine and the essential amino acids) stimulation of human skeletal muscle protein synthesis.Recent findingsIngestion of a leucine-enriched essential amino acid n
Superconductivity in bulk A15 Nb3Si under pressure

We have determined the effect of hydrostatic pressureP on the superconducting transition temperatureTc of bulk, A15 Nb3Si. For 0≤P≤20 kbar (2 GPa),Tc decrease linearly with increasing pressure at a rate ∂Tc/∂P=−2.67×10−5 K/bar. From an estimate of ∂Tc/∂P obtained using recent band structure calculations for the density-of-electronic-states change as a function of lattice parameter in Nb3Si, we conclude that the pressure dependence of the electron-phonon interaction primarily determines ∂Tc/∂P.
A simple method to estimate gain-bandwidth product and the second pole of the operational amplifiers

A simple method of determining both gain-bandwidth (GB) product and the second pole position of an operational amplifier (OA) is suggested. This method is based on phase measurement in the frequency domain. It does not require additional OAs or resistance measurements. >
Catalytic hydrodenitrogenation of an SRC-II coal liquid: Effect of hydrogen sulphide

Abstract The addition of hydrogen sulphide to an SRC-II coal liquid under hydrodenitrogenation conditions resulted in a significant decrease in the nitrogen content of the product. The reaction was run in a batch reactor for 1 h at 400 °C with a presulphided Harshaw CoMo catalyst and at 1200psig (8.39 MPa) initial H 2 S H 2 pressure.
On the benefits of a mathematical solutions approach to time value of money instruction: arguments and evidence

Abstract This paper proposes several educational benefits to be derived by abandoning the traditional textbook focus on time value of money (TVM) tables and requiring student-generated mathematical solutions to TVM problems. These include: (1) greater reinforcement and appreciation for the theoretical concepts underlying TVM analysis; (2) improved professional preparation for dealing with real-life TVM applications; and (3) a better backdrop from which to introduce more sophisticated TVM topics calling for a requisite mathematical understanding (e.g., effective interest rates and exponential growth between discrete interest periods). Comparative computational efficiency and learning effectiveness are empirically evaluated in an experiment on two groups of students: those who reinforced their learning using a mathematical approach and those who reinforced their learning using tables. Students that employed the mathematical approach scored significantly higher on a common achievement test and also completed the tests in significantly less time. A post-experimental attitudinal questionnaire revealed statistically significantly stronger student preferences for the mathematical approach.
Higher education's revolving door: confronting the problem of student drop out in US colleges and universities

The high rate of student dropout between the first and second year of college is a major concern for the majority of US colleges and universities. But dropout (or stop out) from higher education affects students in different ways, depending upon a number of factors. Although for the last 30 years, educational researchers have studied the dropout phenomenon, research to date has tended to focus upon student characteristics or the impact of external environments. Little research exists that explores the role of the college or university environment—especially the classroom itself—on student persistence. And while college and university educators have employed a variety of programs to improve retention—for example, first‐year seminars, learning communities, and Supplemental Institution—retention rates remain disappointingly static. A final frontier yet to be explored in retention research is the basic structure of higher education, especially the way instruction is designed and delivered.
Evolving Epidemiologic Trends in Nonclear Cell Renal Cell Cancer: An Analysis of the California Cancer Registry

Objective To evaluate the California Cancer Registry in order to define nonclear cell renal cell cancer (RCC) clinical features and outcomes, identify prognostic variables, and generate hypotheses for further study. Methods Patients with invasive RCC tumors in the California Cancer Registry from 1998 to 2009 (n = 38,251) were analyzed, of which 4483 (11.7%) were of the nonclear cell type. Baseline clinical demographics and tumor characteristics were collected. Primary outcome measures were 3-year cause-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). Results Of 4483 nonclear cell RCC cases, 3304 (73.7%) were diagnosed between 2004 and 2009. Histologic distribution was as follows: papillary 63.9%, chromophobe 33.6%, and "other" 2.5% (including medullary and collecting duct tumors). Univariate analysis showed that chromophobe histology, female sex, and higher socioeconomic status were associated with significantly better OS and CSS. Patients in the later era (2004-2009) appeared to have better OS. Multivariate analysis showed the following to be independently associated with outcomes (hazard ratios shown for CSS and OS, respectively): chromophobe (0.48, 0.56; P P P P P P = .006; 1.25, P = .03). Conclusion This large registry analysis demonstrated emerging epidemiologic trends in this uncommon RCC subset. Clinical variables associated with CSS and OS were identified that can potentially inform the design of future clinical trials in nonclear cell RCC.
Syntheses of Dibenzo[h,rst]Pentaphene and Naphtho[1,2,3,4-rst]Pentaphen

Abstract Syntheses of the fused heptacyclic polyarenes dibenzo[h,rst]pentaphene (1), naphthol[1,2,3,4-rst]pentaphene (2), and the pentacyclic polyarene 8H-naphth[1,2,3-de]anthracene (8), of interest in carcinogenesis research, are described.
Raman studies of peroxide formation, decomposition, and reduction on Ba/MgO

Ba/MgO is an active catalyst for the oxidative coupling of methane to form ethane and ethylene. It has been proposed that activation of methane occurs via reaction with peroxide species present at the surface of the catalyst. In the present work, Raman spectroscopy has been used to investigate the formation, decomposition, and reduction of BaO2 on 4 mol% Ba/MgO. The presence of BaO2 is evidenced by the presence of a band at 842 cm−1. The peroxide forms above 300°C but is stable to decomposition at temperatures up to 500°C. Reduction of BaO2 to BaO proceeds via Ba(OH)2. BaCO3 forms when either BaO or BaO2 is exposed to CO2. Once formed, BaCO3 is stable to decomposition in He or O2 at temperatures up to 500°C. Only BaCO3 is observed when a mixture of CH4 and O2 is passed over the catalyst at 500°C.
Requirements for accurately diagnosing chronic partial upper urinary tract obstruction in children with hydronephrosis

Successful management of hydronephrosis in the newborn requires early accurate diagnosis to identify or exclude ureteropelvic junction obstruction. However, the presence of hydronephrosis does not define obstruction and displays unique behavior in the newborn. The hydronephrotic kidney usually has nearly normal differential renal function at birth, has not been subjected to progressive dilation and except for pelvocaliectasis does not often show signs of high-grade obstruction. Furthermore, severe hydronephrosis resolves spontaneously in more than 65% of newborns with differential renal function stable or improving. The diagnosis of obstruction in newborn hydronephrosis is challenging because the currently available diagnostic tests, ultrasonography and diuretic renography have demonstrated inaccuracy in diagnosing obstruction and predicting which hydronephrotic kidney will undergo deterioration if untreated. Accurate diagnosis of obstruction is possible but it requires an understanding of the uniqueness of both the pathophysiology of obstruction and the biology of the kidney and renal collecting system in this age group. We examine here the requirements for making an accurate diagnosis of obstruction in the young child with hydronephrosis.
New cross section functions for hot 18F atom collisions with H2, HD and D2

Abstract New analytic reaction cross-section functions are reported for hot 18 F atoms reacting with H 2 , HD and D 2 . A realistic model is proposed for the total non-reactive cross section in these systems throughout the center-of-mass collision energy range 0–100 eV.
STUDIES ON THE LEUKOCYTOSIS AND LYMPHOCYTOSIS INDUCED BY BORDETELLA PERTUSSIS I. RADIOAUTOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE CIRCULATING CELLS IN MICE UNDERGOING PERTUSSIS-INDUCED HYPERLEUKOCYTOSIS

By the use of radioautographic techniques it was shown that the lymphocytosis induced by Bordetella pertussis in mice was not caused by an increased production of lymphocytes but was primarily due to the entry into the circulation of mature cells from tissue pools. The accompanying polymorphonuclear leukocytosis was due to both proliferation of myeloid elements and entry of mature cells from tissue reserves, with the former the predominant mechanism.
High-speed signaling performance of multilevel wiring on glass substrates for 2.5-D integrated circuit and optoelectronic integration

This paper reports on the evaluation of high-speed signaling performance of multilevel metallic interconnects on glass substrates. The wafer fabrication, transfer process, and passive electrical characterization of interconnects are addressed. Measurement results demonstrate less than 5 dB/cm insertion loss below 20 GHz. Moreover, 2-level wiring on glass with inter-level vias is utilized to implement 3.6-mm long transmission lines that connect high-speed transceivers and optoelectronic devices in a VCSEL-based optoelectronic fiber link. The relative performances of diverse configurations with and without wiring on glass are compared. Error-free link operation at a bit-error-rate (BER) of 10-12 is demonstrated up to 30 Gb/s with ~3 dB sensitivity penalty for the link with glass carrier transmission lines.
Axitinib sensitization of high Single Dose Radiotherapy

Background and purpose Single Dose Radiation Therapy (SDRT) provides remarkably high rates of control even for tumors resistant to fractionated radiotherapy. SDRT tumor control depends on acute acid sphingomyelinase-mediated endothelial cell injury and monoclonal antibodies targeting Vascular Endothelial Cell Growth Factor (VEGF) signaling radiosensitized tumor endothelium when delivered immediately prior to irradiation. Here we evaluate the ability of the oral VEGF receptor inhibitor, axitinib, to sensitize tumor endothelium and increase tumor control with SDRT.
Viability and proliferation of pluripotential cells delivered to tendon repair sites using bioactive sutures--an in vitro study.

Purpose We evaluated the fate of pluripotential stem cells adherent to a suture carrier after being passed through tendon tissue in vitro . Methods FiberWire suture segments were coated with poly-L-lysine (PLL) and a 2 × 10 6 C3H10T1/2 (a mouse embryo pluripotential cell line) cell suspension. The sutures were incubated for 7 days, passed through two 1-cm segments of acellularized rabbit Achilles tendons and tied (horizontal mattress). The repairs were frozen and sectioned (6 μm). The sections were stained with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and a live/dead viability/cytotoxicity (calcein/ethidium homodimer) kit and examined with fluorescent microscopy to evaluate cell presence and viability. Alamar Blue was used in parallel to assess metabolic activity. Results PLL-coated sutures showed a 3-fold increase in fluorescence when compared with the phosphate-buffered saline-coated controls. At day 3, fluorescence was 2.2 times greater. At day 5, a 2-fold increase was found, and at day 8 there was no significant difference in values. Furthermore, after delivery of the cells into tendon, fluorescence readings for the samples (n = 19) showed 9450 compared with the positive control at 21,218. At 96 hours the mean was 27,609 compared with 34,850 for the positive control. The difference in fluorescence means at 48 hours and 96 hours were significant (p Conclusions Sutures seeded with pluripotential embryonic cells deliver cells to a tendon repair site. The cells deposited at the repair site survive the trauma of passage and remain metabolically active, as seen in staining and metabolic assay studies. Use of bioactive sutures leads to repopulation of the acellular zone surrounding sutures within the tendon.
Past, present and future of optical design at the College of Optical Sciences

The College of Optical Sciences, OSC, has seen three periods of optical design teaching and development. The first years 1964-1969; the golden years 1970-1999; and the new millennia years. Today the college offers a comprehensive and professional curriculum in optical design learning, and enjoys a strong heritage in optical design. This paper provides a perspective into the history and future prospects in optical design at the OSC.
Allosteric regulation of type I hexokinase: A site-directed mutational study indicating location of the functional glucose 6-phosphate binding site in the N-terminal half of the enzyme.

The Type I isozyme of mammalian hexokinase has evolved by a gene duplication–fusion mechanism, with resulting internal duplication of sequence and ligand binding sites. However, 1:1 binding stoichiometry indicates that only one of these is available for binding the product inhibitor, Glc-6-P; the location of that site, in the N- or C-terminal half, remains under debate. Recent structural studies (Aleshinet al., Structure6, 39–50, 1998; Mulichaket al., Nature Struct. Biol.5, 555–560, 1998) implicated Asp 84 or its analog in the C-terminal half, Asp 532, in binding of Glc-6-P. Zenget al.(Biochemistry35, 13157–13164, 1996) demonstrated that mutation of Asp 532 to Lys or Glu did not affect inhibition by the Glc-6-P analog, 1,5-anhydroglucitol-6-P. These same mutations, as well as mutation to Ala, at the Asp 84 position are now shown to result in increasedKifor 1,5-anhydroglucitol-6-P. The ability of Pito antagonize inhibition by the Glc-6-P analog is severely diminished or abolished by these mutations, suggesting that antagonism is dependent on precise positioning of the inhibitory hexose 6-phosphate. The structure of the enzyme complexed with Glc and Pihas been determined, and shows that Pioccupies the same site as the 6-phosphate group in the complex with Glc-6-P. Thus, antagonism between these ligands results from competition for a common anion binding site in the N-terminal half.
On “Getting It”: Resistance, Temporality, and the “Ethical Shifting” of Discursive Interaction

An interactionist theory of discourse offers an explanation of why sometimes—not because they do not understand the language, not because they are unintelligent, and not because they are morally deficient—our interlocutors simply do not “get it,” and no amount of argument will help. Discourse succeeds only when interlocutors allow the resistance to their cognitive expectations they encounter to guide their revisions of signs' meanings by shifting their apperception between and within fields of ethical relationships. These shifts enable interlocutors to account for the temporal orders of events structured by the ethical fields within which their discursive partners act, enabling them to adjust their own discursive actions accordingly.
White noise from dark matter: 21 cm observations of early baryon collapse

In concordance cosmology, dark matter density perturbations generated by inflation lead to nonlinear, virialized minihalos, into which baryons collapse at redshift $z\ensuremath{\sim}20$. We survey here novel baryon evolution produced by a modification of the power spectrum from white noise density perturbations at scales below $k\ensuremath{\sim}10h\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{Mpc}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ (the smallest scales currently measured with the Lyman-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ forest). Exotic dark matter dynamics, such as would arise from scalar dark matter with a late phase transition (similar to an axion, but with lower mass), or primordial black hole dark matter, create such an amplification of small scale power. The dark matter produced in such a phase transition collapses into minihalos, with a size given by the dark matter mass within the horizon at the phase transition. If the mass of the initial minihalos is larger than $\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$, the modified power spectrum is found to cause widespread baryon collapse earlier than standard $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\mathrm{CDM}$, leading to earlier gas heating. It also results in higher spin temperature of the baryons in the 21 cm line relative to $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\mathrm{CDM}$ at redshifts $zg20$ if the mass of the minihalo is larger than $1{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$. It is estimated that experiments probing 21 cm radiation at high redshift will contribute a significant constraint on dark matter models of this type for initial minihalos larger than $\ensuremath{\sim}10{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$. These experiments may also detect (or rule out) primordial black holes as the dark matter in the window $30{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}\ensuremath{\lesssim}{M}_{H}\ensuremath{\lesssim}4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{3}{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ still left open by strong microlensing experiments and other astrophysical constraints. Early experiments reaching to $z\ensuremath{\approx}15$ will constrain minihalos down to $\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{3}{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$.
Large Exit Windows For High Power Beam Directors

Feasibility of a 3.5 m diameter, segmented, solid, exit window for a high-power laser beam director was investigated. Effects of laser heating, gravity, and differential pressure loads were analyzed. A design was found for which structural deflections and stresses were within allowable limits. The time-varying optical aberrations introduced by the window were less than 0.01 1.tm rms after removal of bias, tilt, and focus aberrations for two window materials. Static aberrations caused by differences in optical thickness of the finished window panels were found to be relatively large and potentially uncorrectable if common optical finishing tolerances were assumed. Three potential solutions for accommodating the optical thickness variations are discussed.
Generation Means Analysis of Oil Concentration in Peanut

The current interest in biodiesel production has resulted in a concurrent interest in increasing the oil concentration in high-yielding cultivars, which could make peanuts (Arachis hypogaea.) more desirable as a biofuel source. Currently, peanut seed is approximately 450 to 500 g kg−1 oil on a dry weight basis, depending upon location grown, and there is relatively little genetic variation for oil concentration among adapted high-yielding cultivated peanut genotypes. Thus, identifying sources of variation and elucidating the genetics of oil concentration in peanut is essential to advancing the development of high oil genotypes. The objective of this study was to determine the types of gene action governing the inheritance of oil concentration in peanut by generation means analysis. The F1, F2, and backcross generations of two different runner peanut crosses segregating for oil concentration were evaluated in College Station, Texas, in 2010. Significant differences in oil concentration among the generation...
Parallel algorithm and dynamic exponent for diffusion-limited aggregation

A parallel algorithm for ``diffusion-limited aggregation'' (DLA) is described and analyzed from the perspective of computational complexity. The dynamic exponent z of the algorithm is defined with respect to the probabilistic parallel random-access machine (PRAM) model of parallel computation according to $T \sim L^{z}$, where L is the cluster size, T is the running time, and the algorithm uses a number of processors polynomial in L\@. It is argued that z=D-D_2/2, where D is the fractal dimension and D_2 is the second generalized dimension. Simulations of DLA are carried out to measure D_2 and to test scaling assumptions employed in the complexity analysis of the parallel algorithm. It is plausible that the parallel algorithm attains the minimum possible value of the dynamic exponent in which case z characterizes the intrinsic history dependence of DLA.
DDT and HCH residue load in mother's breast milk: a survey of lactating mother's from remote villages in Agra region.

Abstract Breast milk is the natural and optimal food for the infants. In addition to meeting the nutritional needs, breast milk provides numerous immunological, developmental, psychological, ecological and practical advantages. The levels of the DDT and HCH residues in human milk collected from remote rural part of Agra were analysed. β and γ isomers of HCH accounts for the major residue of total HCH excreted in breast milk. δ-HCH was not detected in the samples. 95% of the samples were found to be contaminated with DDT and its metabolites. DDD was found in 88% of the samples analyzed. The total concentration of DDT and HCH were found lower than the previous studies carried out in India. The study shows the decreasing levels of these organochlorine pesticides from the environment. Total concentration of total DDT is higher than total HCH.
Successful implantation of a Berlin heart biventricular assist device in a failing single ventricle.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has traditionally been used for short-term mechanical support in pediatric cardiac failure, but its utility is limited by prolonged waiting times for allografts. Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are being used with increasing frequency in children as a long-term bridge to transplantation. We report our experience with placement of a biventricular assist device (BIVAD) in a child with failing Fontan circulation as a bridge to transplantation.
Comparing Reconstruction Algorithms for Electrical Impedance Tomography

An improved electrical impedance tomographic reconstruction algorithm is presented that is generally guaranteed to converge. The algorithm is attractive for several reasons. A modified Newton?Raphson method varies a finite-element model of resistivities to fit a set of voltage measurements in a least-squared sense. Two procedures for calculating the Jacobian matrix are derived. One is standard, while the other is based on the compensation theorem. This second procedure is more efficient for computations, and just as accurate as the standard one. The inherent ill-conditioning in the approximate Hessian matrix of the linearized system is eliminated using the Marquardt method. Results from two-dimensional computer simulations are compared to four other reconstruction algorithms, which are based on methods proposed by other authors. The modified Newton?Raphson method provided significantly better reconstructions than any of the other methods. The algorithms compared are the perturbation, equipotential, iterative-equipotential, and the double-constraint methods. The modified Newton?Raphson method was found to be sensitive to measurement error, but future work in designing electrode-probing configurations is expected to reduce this sensitivity.
Latitude-dependent vertical mixing and the tropical thermocline in a global OGCM

[1] In most ocean general circulation models (OGCM), mixing in the pycnocline is treated with a constant background diffusivity. This creates the following problem. To obtain the observed sharp equatorial thermocline, OGCMs must adopt a pycnocline diffusivity ten times smaller than observed at mid-latitudes. The conflict can only be resolved by switching to a spatially variable mixing. In this work we present the GISS mixing model supplemented by Gregg et al.'s [2003] finding that the rate of dissipation of internal gravity waves is latitude dependent. We use the new GISS model in a global OGCM and obtain an equatorial thermocline in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans that is sharper than without the latitude dependence. The model results for the Pacific compare favorably with Kessler's [1990] data. The meridional overturning in the Atlantic and the global poleward heat transport are nearly unchanged from the values obtained without latitude dependence.
Fast hisslers in substorms

‘Fast hisslers,’ or very brief bursts of auroral hiss dispersed in the whistler mode, have been found to occur in substorms at Byrd station, Antarctica. Broad band VLF data recorded on tape during breakup phases of substorms were monitored aurally. In two of 19 substorm breakup phases observed at Byrd station, fast hisslers were heard. The data were subsequently spectrum analyzed to permit measurement of whistler mode dispersion, from which the altitudes of their origin were estimated. Some of the fast hisslers exhibited a ‘nose’ or nonextremal frequency of earliest arrival. This feature permitted an estimate of altitude of origin that is nearly independent of the field line electron density distribution model. Altitudes of origin of 1800–30,000 km are deduced. Some fast hisslers have been observed at phases other than the breakup phase. Fast Fourier transform spectra show that fast hisslers are indistinguishable from dispersed short pulses of band-limited white noise. Incoherent Cerenkov radiation from precipitating auroral electrons is of insufficient intensity to account for this phenomenon.
The Mid-Cretaceous Super Plume, carbon dioxide, and global warming

Carbon-dioxide releases associated with a mid-Cretaceous super plume and the emplacement of the Ontong-Java Plateau have been suggested as a principal cause of the mid-Cretaceous global warming. A carbonate-silicate cycle model is developed to quantify the possible climatic effects of these CO2 releases, utilizing four different formulations for the rate of silicate-rock weathering as a function of atmospheric CO2. CO2 emissions resulting from super-plume tectonics could have produced atmospheric CO2 levels from 3.7 to 14.7 times the modern preindustrial value of 285 ppm. Based on the temperature sensitivity to CO2 increases used in the weathering-rate formulations, this would cause a global warming of from 2.8 to 7.7 C over today's glogal mean temperature. Altered continental positions and higher sea level may have been contributed about 4.8 C to mid-Cretaceous warming. Thus, the combined effects of paleogeographic changes and super-plume related CO2 emissions could be in the range of 7.6 to 12.5 C, within the 6 to 14 C range previously estimated for mid-Cretaceous warming. CO2 releases from oceanic plateaus alone are unlikely to have been directly responsible for more than 20 percent of the mid-Cretaceous increase in atmospheric CO2.
A hybrid GA - SA algorithm for Just-in-Time scheduling of multi-level assemblies

Abstract The environment is a manufacturing facility that produces multi-level assemblies in a Just-In-Time (JIT) fashion. The due-dates and lot-sizes of the end-items are given, and the objective is to determine a lot-for-lot operations schedule that minimizes the cumulative production lead-time. The scheduling problem within such an environment is NP-hard, and therefore, the performance of heuristics may vary depending on the specific problem instance. To address this problem an effective hybrid Genetic Algorithm-Simulated Annealing (GA-SA) algorithm is developed. The GA starts with an initial population generated by well known scheduling heuristics, a critical path heuristic, and randomly generated schedules. The scheduling work is shared by the GA and SA in two phases that alternate until convergence: (1) Phase I is the GA that crosses over solutions for different work-centers, and (2) Phase II is the SA that improves the sequence of operations on individual work-centers. The effectiveness of the proposed heuristic is assessed via numerical studies.