cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The reinstatement of dissonance and psychological discomfort following failed affirmations

The research in this article examined the consequences of a failed attempt to reduce dissonance through a self-affirmation strategy. It was hypothesized that disconfirming participants' affirmations would reinstate psychological discomfort and dissonance motivation. In Experiment 1, high-dissonance participants who affirmed on a self-relevant value scale and received disconforming feedback about their affirmations expressed greater psychological discomfort (Elliot & Devine, 1994) than either affirmation-only participants or low-dissonance/affirmation disconformed participants. In Experiment 2, disconfirmation of an affirmation resulted in increased attitude change. The results of both experiments suggested that a failed attempt to reduce dissonance reinstates psychological discomfort and dissonance motivation. We discuss how the reduction of psychological discomfort may play a role in the success of affirmations in reducing dissonance-produced attitude change. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atmospheric turbulence profile estimation using a single laser guide star

In this paper a technique for estimating a range resolved atmospheric turbulence profile statistics is investigated that uses a single laser guide star in conjunction with a Shack-Hartmann wave front sensor. The technique utilizes the fact that light passing through different layers to different wave front sensor apertures in the wave front sensor array will pass through different regions of the atmosphere whose relative distance varies as a function of distance from the laser guide star. This causes the correlation between tilts measured by each pair of wave front sensors in the array to measure different weighting of the power of the index of refraction variation in the turbulence profile as a function of altitude. This variation allows a set of linear equations to be constructed that can be solved to yield the C2n profile. This general technique has been utilized to estimate the turbulence profile using multiple sources and apertures. This paper suggests the possibility of extending the technique to be used with a set of hardware frequently encountered in adaptive optics systems. The application of this technique at many astronomical telescopes would simply involve an additional signal processing function with no change to the optics or other hardware. Simulations performed in this paper serve to demonstrate the degree to which a single guide star could be used with an array of wave front sensors to recover the turbulence profile.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Antifungals targeted to the cell wall.

Serious fungal infections are increasingly common in immunocompromised patients and existing antifungals do not completely satisfy the medical need. The latter have either considerable toxicity, e.g., amphotericin, which is, however, less toxic in lipid formulations, or have limited activity, e.g., azoles. Cell wall acting antifungals are inherently selective and fungicidal; two classes of compounds - nikkomycin Z targeted at chitin synthase, and echinocandin LY 303366 and pneumocandin L-743,872 targeted at α-1,3-glucan synthase - are currently in clinical development.
Second language acquisition and schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that results in language-related symptoms at various discourse levels, ranging from semantics (e.g. inventing words and producing nonsensical strands of s...
Gloxy: An oxygen‐sensitive coal for accurate measurement of low oxygen tensions in biological systems

This paper describes the characteristics of a new oxygen sensitive, paramagnetic material that has some significant advantages for measurements of tissue pO2 by in vivo EPR. This paramagnetic component of Welsh coal, termed "gloxy" was found to have valuable EPR features that allow accurate measurement of low oxygen tensions in vivo; these include large oxygen-dependent changes in linewidth, a high number of paramagnetic spin centers (resulting in high signal amplitude), and stability in tissue allowing repeated pO2 measurements to be made in vivo with high precision. Renal pO2 was measured deep in the medulla region of isolated perfused kidneys and found to be lower than that in the cortex (1.7 +/- 0.05 and 7.1 +/- 0.3 mm Hg, respectively). The quality of the EPR signal obtained from the renal outer medulla and also from tumors in mice was such that the pO2 measurements were obtained with a precision of +/-3% of the measured pO2 (Kidney: 1.7 +/- 0.05 mmHg; Tumor: 1.37 +/- 0.04 mmHg). In vitro tests on the viability of cells and in vivo studies using Gloxy demonstrate the stability and inertness of this oxygen-sensitive material.
PCBs and DDE in tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) eggs and nestlings from an estuarine PCB superfund site, New Bedford Harbor, MA, U.S.A.

While breeding tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) have been used as biomonitors for freshwater sites, we report the first use of this species to assess contaminant bioaccumulation from estuarine breeding grounds into these aerial insectivores. Eggs and nestlings were collected from nest boxes in a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminated estuary, the New Bedford Harbor Superfund site (NBH, Massachusetts, USA), and a reference salt marsh, Fox Hill (FH, Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA). Sediments, eggs, and nestlings were compared on a ng g−1 wet weight basis for total PCBs and DDE (1,1-bis-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethene), metabolite of DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-(p-chlorophenyl)ethane). NBH samples contained high concentrations of PCBs compared to FH for sediment (36,500 and 0.2), eggs (11,200 and 323), and nestlings (16,800 and 26). PCB homologue patterns linked tree swallow contamination to NBH sediment. NBH samples were also contaminated with DDE compared to FH for sediment (207 and 0.9) and nes...
Determination of Aliphatic Amines in Water Using Derivatization with Fluorescein Isothiocyanate and Capillary Electrophoresis/Laser-Induced Fluorescence Detection

Detection-oriented derivatization of aliphatic amines and amine functional groups in compounds of environmental interest was studied using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) with separation/determination by capillary electrophoresis/laser-induced fluorescence. Determinative levels down to 10 ppb were studied in deionized and environmental waters. Practical detection limits of 30 to 100 ppb or more were realized, depending on analyte and water source. Criteria were developed to compare results to desired performance in a derivatization method. FITC was judged to be a moderately successful reagent with drawbacks including extensive by-products, lack of specificity to analyte class, requirement to study each potential analyte carefully, and derivatization limits near 30 ppb. Advantages include low cost of reagent, ease in handling, and synthesis of an ionized derivative for free zone electrophoresis.
Forage Pasture Production, Risk Analysis, and the Buffering Capacity of Triticale

Many livestock producers minimize input costs by relying solely on naturalized, mixed-species pasture, but expose themselves to risks associated with forage yields that fluctuate in response to variable environmental conditions. This study was undertaken to assess winter triticale (xTriticosecale spp.) as a potential component of forage systems from the perspective of reducing forage yield risk. Triticale was sown each month from May until October in replicated plots for five consecutive years. Monthly harvests of triticale and mixed-pasture plots were made through October during the year of establishment and in April and May the following spring. Monte Carlo simulation modeled differences between triticale and mixed pasture yields for each planting month and harvest month combination. The models predicted that triticale yields in August (June planted) and October (August planted) should exceed mixed pasture yields by averages of 0.62 ± 0.32 (mean ± standard deviation) and 0.77 ± 0.52 Mg ha -1 , respectively. Yields of triticale planted in July or later and harvested in the following spring were also predicted to exceed mixed pasture by 0.50 ±0.21 Mg ha -1 for July planted/April harvest to 1.33 ± 0.32 Mg ha -1 for September planted/April harvest. Risk analysis produced probabilities of benefit from incorporating triticale into forage systems, thus generating more meaningful results than conventional ANOVA.
High-cycle fatigue of hybrid carbon nanotube/glass fiber/polymer composites

Glass fiber polymer composites have high strength, low cost, but suffer from poor performance in fatigue. Mechanisms for high-cycle (>104 cycles) fatigue failure in glass fiber composites consist primarily of matrix-dominated damage accumulation and growth that coalesce and propagate into the fibers resulting in ultimate fatigue failure. This investigation shows that the addition of small volume fractions of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the matrix results in a significant increase in the high-cycle fatigue life. Cyclic hysteresis measured over each cycle in real time during testing is used as a sensitive indicator of fatigue damage. We show that hysteresis growth with cycling is suppressed when CNTs are present with resulting longer cyclic life. Incorporating CNTs into the matrix tends to inhibit the formation of large cracks since a large density of nucleation sites are provided by the CNTs. In addition, the increase in energy absorption from the fracture of nanotubes bridging across nanoscale cracks and nanotube pull-out from the matrix is thought to contribute to the higher fatigue life of glass composites containing CNTs. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy suggests possible mechanisms for energy absorption including nanotube pull-out and fracture. The distributed nanotubes in the matrix appear to inhibit damage propagation resulting in overall improved fatigue strength and durability.
Ameliorative effect of MK-801 on retinal ischemia.

ABSTRACT The efficacy of MK-801, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, was evaluated in a rat model of retinal ischemia induced by elevated intraocular pressure. Intraperitoneal injection of MK-801 at 0, 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg was given immediately after reperfusion. At 7 days after reperfusion, the inner retinal thickness, as measured from histologic sections of the retinas, of the 10 mg/kg treated group showed significant beneficial effect, while the other doses had no significant effect. Retinal ganglion cell counts on flat preparations of the retinas showed a beneficial dose dependent effect of MK-801 with the lowest dose showing no effect, 3 mg/kg showing marginal effects and 10 mg/kg showing significant effects. Intravitreal infusion of MK-801 during the ischemic period suppressed ischemia/reperfusion-induced internucleosomal DNA fragmentation measured at 18 hours after the insult as well as retinal tissue responses measured at 7 days. These findings suggested that the NMD A receptors may have an ...
Phonological Skill and Articulation Time Independently Contribute to the Development of Memory Span.

One hundred twenty 6- to 10-year-olds were administered three measures of speed of processing, three memory span tasks, three tasks assessing phonological skill, and three articulation tasks assessing the speed with which they could say familiar stimuli aloud. Regression analyses revealed that performance on the span tasks was predicted by performance on the phonology and articulation tasks but not by age or performance on the processing speed tasks. Results are discussed in terms of the processes responsible for age-related change in memory span.
The effect of prior experience on vacation behavior.

Abstract This research applied consumer involvement theory to describe, interrelate, and explain the repeat visit phenomenon and empirically tested the effect of past experience on tourists’ vacation behaviors. The results indicated that prior experience influenced current trips in terms of activity participation and expenditure patterns. These changes in behavior invoke different demands and requirements unique to the repeat vacation market. Since the quality of experience is central in destination loyalty management, knowledge about changes in behavior associated with this accumulation can be instrumental for destinations seeking to provide creative, relevant, and meaningful experiences to their different market segments.
Validation of a self-report/behavioral subject selection procedure for analog fear research*

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the validity of a two-stage selection procedure for analog fear research. The Mutilation Questionnaire and a new behavioral commitment screening procedure were used to identify 20 high-fear and 20 low-fear subjects. As predicted, high-fear subjects exhibited greater subjective discomfort and physiological responsiveness to slides of fearful stimuli than low-fear subjects. The results provided evidence of predictive validity for the two-stage selection procedure. Factors recommending to researchers the investigation of mutilation anxiety as an analog of clinical anxiety are discussed.
Providing confidential care to teenagers.

Despite repeated recommendations to provide confidential health services to teenager boys and girls, few adolescents are getting the confidential care that is needed for the delivery of preventive care and screening for problems such as depression and unprotected sexual activity according to new research.
The necessity to adequately visualize impacted maxillary third molars: report of three cases

Three case reports illustrate the inability to detect the presence of the impacted maxillary third molars by conventional periapical radiography. In each case there was extensive cystic proliferation causing damage to the bony maxilla, antrum, and tooth-bearing areas. The pathological conditions were subsequently detected by further radiographic study, and surgically treated.
Effect of Polymeric Adlayers on Heteroaggregation Kinetics

An interesting, hitherto unreported phenomenon involving interactions between polymer-coated, oppositely charged colloids is investigated experimentally and theoretically. Experimental stability for heteroaggregation of poly(ethylene oxide)−poly(propylene oxide)−poly(ethylene oxide) coated, oppositely charged polystyrene spheres is quantified as a function of monovalent salt concentration by dynamic light scattering and compared with a primitive extension of DLVO theory, where the average volume fraction of polymer in the adlayers is used as the adjustable parameter. The energy barrier to aggregation is predicted to increase with increasing electrolyte concentration, behavior exactly opposite that of an electrostatically stabilized colloid. Two regions of heterostability may be defined: (1) at low ionic strength, stability ratios are less than unity and independent of triblock molecular weight, and (2) at moderate to high ionic strength, stability ratios exceed unity and depend on the triblock molecular ...
Reducing self-control depletion effects through enhanced sensitivity to implementation: Evidence from fMRI and behavioral studies

Research suggests self-control relies on a limited set of resources that can be diminished by use. Recent theories posit that there are two stages of self-control: recognizing the need for control and implementing controlled responses. We conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment and an intervention experiment to investigate whether one or both stages were affected by the prior exercise of self-control. Results from both experiments indicated that only the implementation stage was affected. Further, we demonstrate that self-control can be increased by an intervention designed to boost implementation, as opposed to the recognition of the need to control one's responses.
Retention of sarcoplasmic calcium inhibits development of the phencyclidine-restraint experimental myopathy

The myopathy induced in the rat by the central nervous system stimulant, phencyclidine (PCP), and restraint is characterized by extensive myofibrillar sarcomere disruption in hind limb muscles and massive increases in plasma creatine kinase (CPK) activity. The effects of dantrolene sodium on this myopathy were studied to determine if modulation of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum could alter the development of the myopathy. Dantrolene prevented both the sarcomere disruption and the increase in plasma CPK activity produced in the PCP-restraint model. The inhibitory effect was not due to a decrease in the locomotor activity produced by PCP. The findings are consistent with a role for excess sarcoplasmic calcium, originating from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, in the development of this myopathy.
Naloxone-induced taste aversions in opiate-naïve Lewis and Fischer 344 rat strains

Abstract Background The Lewis (LEW) and Fischer (F344) rat strains appear differentially sensitive to the aversive effects of several used and abused drugs. Naloxone, a mu opioid receptor antagonist that induces aversions in outbred rats but has no abuse potential, was assessed to determine the characteristics of compounds for which the strains differ. Methods Opioid-naive male LEW and F344 rats were given access to saccharin followed by low (Experiment 1) and high (Experiment 2) doses of naloxone every 4th day for five pairings. Aversions were assessed in both one-bottle and two-bottle tests. Results In Experiment 1, aversions were evident at 10 mg/kg (one-bottle) and at 5.6 and 10 mg/kg (two-bottle) with no apparent strain difference for either assessment. In Experiment 2, aversions were evident for LEW animals (but not F344) at 18 and 32 mg/kg (one-bottle). LEW animals injected with 32 mg/kg displayed greater aversions than F344 animals receiving the same dose. Both strains displayed aversions at all doses in the two-bottle test with no strain difference. Conclusions Naloxone induced aversions that were strain dependent only at specific doses and under the one-bottle testing condition. These results parallel those of several other used and abused drugs but differ dramatically from those seen with morphine in the two strains (F344 > LEW). Further assessments utilizing the LEW–F344 model should investigate other drugs to establish the set of compounds for which the strains differ and to characterize the mechanism underlying the observed differences.
‘‘Battered data’’—Some clinical effects of the abuse of multiple regression methods: A second look at some observations on Ro07−0582 (Misonidazole)

The paper presents an argument for the wider use of simple and standard statistical methods in the design and evaluation of both laboratory and clinical experiments with toxic radiosensitizers. It also presents an argument against the frequent practice of superposing a curve estimated from laboratory observations upon scattergrams of clinical observations to thereby assist the reader to the (often fallacious) inference that the two disparate sets of observations have enough in common bo be graduated by the same curve. Such a practice achieves a substitution of reasoning by analogy for the more reliable statistical procedures of estimation and of testing a hypothesis.
Response and Responsibility: Regulating Noise Pollution in the Marine Environment 1

The ocean is becoming an increasingly noisy environment. With a rise in commercial shipping, resource extraction activities, and military-related activities, the underwater ocean environment is a v...
Fast multiresolution image querying

We present a method for searching in an image database using a query image that is similar to the intended target. The query image may be a hand-drawn sketch or a (potentially low-quality) scan of the image to be retrieved. Our searching algorithm makes use of multiresolution wavelet decompositions of the query and database images. The coefficients of these decompositions are distilled into small “signatures” for each image. We introduce an “image querying metric” that operates on these signatures. This metric essentially compares how many significant wavelet coefficients the query has in common with potential targets. The metric includes parameters that can be tuned, using a statistical analysis, to accommodate the kinds of image distortions found in different types of image queries. The resulting algorithm is simple, requires very little storage overhead for the database of signatures, and is fast enough to be performed on a database of 20,000 images at interactive rates (on standard desktop machines) as a query is sketched. Our experiments with hundreds of queries in databases of 1000 and 20,000 images show dramatic improvement, in both speed and success rate, over using a conventional L1, L2, or color histogram norm. CR
Gibberellins, inhibitors, and tuber formation in the potato, Solanum tuberosum

Endogenous gibberellins were measured in extracts of ‘Red Pontiac’ potato tubers sampled during tuber ontogeny. Stolons contained high levels of activity and developing tubers low activity, as indicated by elongation in the dwarf pea and maize mutant bioassays. However, dilution of the extracts of young tubers revealed that low gibberellin-like activity may have been due to the presence of an inhibitor. Based on co-chromatography this inhibitor was found not to be abscisic acid nor did abscisic acid induce tuber formation after treatment of the intact plant, treatment of the developing stolons or after addition to potato stolons grown in tissue culture medium.
Safety and Feasibility of Transradial Access for Visceral Interventions in Patients with Thrombocytopenia

Purpose Transradial access (TRA) has shown lower morbidity and decreased bleeding complications compared with transfemoral access (TFA). This study evaluates the safety and feasibility of TRA in patients with a platelet count of [lte] 50,000/µL for visceral interventions. Material and Methods Patients who underwent visceral interventions via the radial artery with a platelet count [lte] 50,000/µL on the day of procedure were retrospectively reviewed. In all cases, a Barbeau test was performed. A 5F Glidesheath (Terumo Medical Corporation, Somerset, New Jersey) was placed in the left radial artery using ultrasound guidance. Following sheath placement, a combination of 3000 U heparin, 2.5 mg verapamil, and 200 mcg nitroglycerin was administered intra-arterially. A TR band (Terumo Medical Corporation, Somerset, New Jersey) was used for hemostasis upon completion of each procedure. Technical success, major and minor adverse events, and procedural details were recorded. Results From 1 July 1 2012 to 1 September 2014, a total of 960 peripheral interventions via TRA were performed, of which 51 procedures were performed in 44 patients (Age: 63.8 ± 10.2 years, 11 female, 33 male) with a platelet count [lte] 50,000/µL (median [interquartile range]: 39 [34 to 44.5]/µL). Interventions included chemoembolization (n = 30), radioembolization mapping (n = 15), radioembolization (n = 2), splenic embolization (n = 3), and renal embolization (n = 1). Technical success was achieved in 50/51 (98%) cases. There was 1 case of severe vessel spasm requiring ipsilateral femoral crossover. There were no major adverse events at 30 days. Minor access site bruising occurred in 3 patients (6%) and was treated conservatively in all cases. Conclusions Transradial visceral interventions in patients with thrombocytopenia are both feasible and safe.
Robotic capability determined from planes of motion

A consequence of the specification of robots using kinematically simple joints is a simplified kinematic analysis. The analysis is performed here in terms of points and planes; i.e., the point/plane method. It is shown that the capability of a robot is completely specified by its planes of motion; the logical position space of a robot is defined in terms of these planes, and capability is presented in tables.
Factors Influencing Electrically Induced Convulsions in Rats

(1942). Factors Influencing Electrically Induced Convulsions in Rats. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 227-234.
DEPRESSION OF CONTRACTILITY IN RAT HEART MUSCLE BY FREE FATTY ACIDS DURING HYPOXIA

Abstract In papillary-muscle preparations from rat hearts, linoleate depressed contractility and increased resting force during hypoxia and anoxia, while dextrose had the opposite effects.
A model for estimating ultrasound attenuation along the propagation path to the fetus from backscattered waveforms.

Accurate estimates of the ultrasound pressure and/or intensity incident on the developing fetus on a patient-specific basis could improve the diagnostic potential of medical ultrasound by allowing the clinician to increase the transmit power while still avoiding the potential for harmful bioeffects. Neglecting nonlinear effects, the pressure/intensity can be estimated if an accurate estimate of the attenuation along the propagation path (i.e., total attenuation) can be obtained. Herein, a method for determining the total attenuation from the backscattered power spectrum from the developing fetus is proposed. The boundaries between amnion and either the fetus’ skull or soft tissue are each modeled as planar impedance boundaries at an unknown orientation with respect to the sound beam. A mathematical analysis demonstrates that the normalized returned voltage spectrum from this model is independent of the planes orientation. Hence, the total attenuation can be estimated by comparing the location of the spectral peak in the reflection from the fetus to the location of the spectral peak in a reflection obtained from a rigid plane in a water bath. The independence of the attenuation estimate and plane orientation is then demonstrated experimentally using a Plexiglas plate, a rat’s skull, and a tissue-mimicking phantom.
Editorial: Sustainability research and sustainable research

This PDF file contains the editorial “Editorial: Sustainability research and sustainable research” for JNP Vol. 4 Issue 01
Optical constants of the constituents of manganese—bismuth films

The optical constants of the manganese and bismuth constituents, and of the silicon monoxide protective coating of MnBi films have been measured. These values were used to compute the reflectance as a function of film thickness, which were compared with reflectance measurements at 6328 A made during film deposition.
Monte Carlo simulation of rock slope reliability

Abstract One of the most important problems encountered in probabilistic rock slope stability analysis is the correlation that exists among the random variables involved in the design equation. Some existing probabilistic models assume independence between the random variables by ignoring all possible correlations. Other models realize the importance of including the correlations in the mathematical formulation; however, the associated mathematical complications require inclusion of some simplifying assumptions, such as Gaussian distribution of all random variables involved in the design equation. Therefore, it is important to develop techniques to deal with the correlations while maintaining the desired accuracy. This paper is concerned with reliability analysis of rock slopes against single plane sliding under the influence of water. A modified Monte Carlo Simulation is used to determine the reliability of rock slopes including possible correlations between the variables entering into the design equation. These variables do not have to be normally distributed and can have different probability density functions. Finally, a computer program has been developed to perform all the necessary calculations.
Detection and monitoring of ovarian cancer.

Abstract Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of death among women in the United States and remains the most common cause of death from a gynecologic malignancy. Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage in which 5-year survival rate is approximately 30%. Given that the 5-year survival rate is greater than 90% for women diagnosed at an early stage, early detection in women presenting with vague symptoms is crucial to improve outcome. Diagnosis of ovarian cancer is largely based on symptoms, imaging, and laboratory biomarkers. Overall, more than 200 potential biomarkers differentially expressed in ovarian cancer have been identified (Lokshin, 2012 [1] ). However, no single marker has been found useful for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Increased sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer are observed when multiple markers are used in combination. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently cleared two algorithms to evaluate the risk of ovarian cancer for women who present with pelvic mass. In this review, we will summarize the most recent serum biomarkers and clinical applications of biomarkers for the early detection and treatment monitoring of ovarian cancers. We will also discuss the algorithms for predicting the risk of ovarian cancers.
Hot corrosion of alumina

The hot corrosion of single crystal and polycrystalline aluminas has been investigated in SO2–SO3–O2 environments and in the presence of molten Na2SO4-based deposits at temperatures of 700 and 1000 °C. The effect of microstructure and impurities on the corrosion has been emphasized. Weight changes and wetting angles were determined, and the evolution of the morphology of the exposed substrates and the reaction products was investigated in detail. The corrosion was small under the conditions of this study and generally increased with the impurity content of the polycrystalline aluminas. Based on the experimental results, particularly those obtained by electron microscopy and microanalysis using the SEM/EPMA (scanning electron microscope–electron probe microanalyzer), mechanisms are proposed for the corrosion of polycrystalline aluminas which emphasize the role of the silicate impurities and the synergy of their corrosion with that of the alumina grains. As a result, the alumina grains were dissolved by acidic fluxing under the acidic and the basic experimental conditions.
Three-Dimensional Thermohydrodynamic Analyses of Rayleigh Step Air Foil Thrust Bearing with Radially Arranged Bump Foils

A three-dimensional (3D) thermohydrodynamic (THD) model for air foil thrust bearings (AFTBs) is presented. The nonisothermal Reynolds equation is solved using pressure boundary conditions at the cooling air plenum considering local temperature-dependent viscosity and density. Air film temperature is calculated using the 3D energy equation with thermal boundary conditions at the top foil, thrust runner, and top foil’s leading edge. The cooling air plenum distributes the cooling air to multiple radially arranged cooling channels. The plenum temperature and pressure are found from mass and energy balance equations applied to the plenum. Temperature fields of the top foil, bump foils, thrust disc runner, bearing plate, and cooling air channels are also solved through appropriate energy balance equations with their surroundings. A robust computational algorithm with multiple iteration loops was developed to find all the temperature fields. THD analyses were performed for AFTB with outer radius of 50 mm up to 1...
Crohn's Disease and Acute Pancreatitis: A Review of Literature

Crohn's disease, a transmural inflammatory bowel disease, has many well-known extra-intestinal manifestations and complications. Although acute pancreatitis has a higher incidence in patients with Crohn's disease as compared to the general population, acute pancreatitis is still relatively uncommon in patients with Crohn's disease. Patients with Crohn's disease are at an approximately fourfold higher risk than the general population to develop acute pancreatitis. The risk of developing acute pancreatitis is higher in females as compared to males. Acute pancreatitis can occur at any age with higher incidence reported in patients in their 20s and between 40-50 years of age. The severity and prognosis of acute pancreatitis in patients with Crohn's disease is the same as in general population. Acute pancreatitis can occur before onset of intestinal Crohn's disease, this presentation being more common in children than adults. It can also occur as the presenting symptom. However, most commonly it occurs after intestinal symptoms have manifest with a mean time interval between the initial presentation and development of acute pancreatitis being 2 years. There are several etiological factors contributing to acute pancreatitis in patients with Crohn's disease. It is not clear whether acute pancreatitis is a direct extra-intestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease; however, majority of the cases of acute pancreatitis in patients with Crohn's disease are due to GS and medications. Drugs used for the treatment of Crohn's disease that have been reported to cause acute pancreatitis include 5-ASA agents, azathioprine and 6 mercaptopurine, metornidazole and corticosteroids. Recent evidence has emerged correlating both type 1 and 2 autoimmune pancreatitis with Crohn's disease. Understanding the association between the two disease entities is key to effectively manage patients with Crohn's disease and acute pancreatitis. Image: Monmouth Medical Center. Long Branch, NJ, USA.
Neurobiology of Mice Selected for High Voluntary Wheel-running Activity

SYNOPSIS. Selective breeding of house mice has been used to study the evolution of locomotor behavior. Our model consists of 4 replicate lines selectively bred for high voluntary wheel running (High-Runner) and 4 bred randomly (Control). The major changes in High-Runner lines appear to have taken place in the brain rather than in capacities for exercise. Their neurobiological profile resembles features of human Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and is also consistent with high motivation for exercise as a natural reward. Both ADHD and motivation for natural rewards (such as food and sex), as well as drugs of abuse, have been associated with alterations in function of the neuromodulator dopamine, and HighRunner mice respond differently to dopamine drugs. In particular, drugs that block the dopamine transporter protein (such as Ritalin and cocaine) reduce the high-intensity running of High-Runner mice but have little effect on Control mice. In preliminary studies of mice exercised on a treadmill, brain dopamine concentrations did not differ, suggesting that changes in the dopamine system may have occurred downstream of dopamine production (e.g., receptor expression or transduction). Brain imaging by immunohistochemical detection of c-Fos identified several key regions (prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, caudateputamen, lateral hypothalamus) that appear to play a role in the differential response to Ritalin and in the increased motivation for running in High-Runner mice. The activation of other brain regions, such as the hippocampus, was closely associated with wheel running itself. Chronic wheel running (several weeks) also increased the production of new neurons to apparently maximal levels in the hippocampus, but impaired learning in High-Runner mice. We discuss the biomedical implications of these findings.
The Unique Significance and Origin of the Cretaceous-Tertiary Boundary: Historical Context and Burdens of Proof

The abruptness and intensity of the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary have been deemphasized by some authors over recent years, mainly by those skeptical of an impact origin for the boundary. However, it was recognized at the birth of stratigraphy as both abrupt and of major importance. It was used to define the change from the Mesozoic to the Cenozoic; the boundary has become continually more precisely defined and its global sequences more correlatable. It is now unique in being an event boundary marked by an iridium-bearing layer of global extent, rather than an arbitrary boundary in a sequence of little change. The Permian-Triassic boundary, in contrast, is arbitrary and the transition is not yet proven to be abrupt, the extinctions that define it perhaps having taken place in pulses over several millions of years. Some of those who have denied the importance (and in some cases even the existence) of an impact in the Cretaceous-Tertiary extinctions have placed burdens of proof on the impact hypothesis that they do not place on strictly terrestrial mechanisms. Terrestrial mechanisms have always been unsatisfactory (or at least unconvincing for global, massive, multienvironment faunal change) and are now even more so. Some authors have required of the impact hypothesis attributes that are not inherent in it, including particular patterns of extinction selectivity and timing.
Biomimetic sonar locates and recognizes objects

An active sonar is described that adaptively changes its location and configuration in response to the echoes it observes in order to locate an object, position it at a known location, and identify it using features extracted from the echoes. The sonar consists of a center transmitter flanked by two receivers that can rotate and is positioned at the end of a robot arm that has five degree-of-freedom mobility. The sonar operates in air using Polaroid transducers that are resonant at 60 kHz with a nominal wavelength equal to 6 mm. The emitted pulse has a short duration with a useful bandwidth extending from 20 to 130 kHz. Using binaural information, the transmitter rotates to position an echo-producing object on its axis to maximize the acoustic intensity incident on the nearest echo-producing feature. The receivers rotate to maximize the echo amplitude and bandwidth. These optimizations are useful for differentiating objects. The system recognizes a collection of ball bearings, machine washers, and rubber O-rings of different sizes ranging from 0.45 to 2.54 cm, some differing by less than 1 mm in diameter. Learning is accomplished by extracting vectors of 32 echo envelope values acquired during a scan in elevation and forming a data base. Recognition is accomplished by comparing a single observed echo vector with the data base to find the least squared error match. A bent-wire paper clip illustrates the recognition of an asymmetric pose-dependent object.
The regulatory RNA gene micF is present in several species of Gram-negative bacteria and is phylogenetically conserved

micF RNA post-transcriptionally regulates Escherichia coli outer membrane protein F (OmpF), in response to temperature increase and other environmental stress conditions, by binding to ompF mRNA and destabilizing the message. Southern analyses show that the micF gene is present in related Gram-negative bacteria, including Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, Northern analyses indicate that micF RNA and ompF mRNA levels are thermally regulated in several related species in a manner similar to the thermoregulation in Escherichia coli. DNA sequences from Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurium, and Klebsiella pneumoniae show greater than 96% homology in the micF gene when compared to the Escherichia coli micF sequence. Upstream of micF, sequences show considerable variation, although several distinct regions are highly conserved. Some of these conserved regions correspond to known binding sites for the transcription factor OmpR and the DNA-binding protein integration host factor. In addition, E. coli micF RNA incubated with protein extracts from other species forms heterologous ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). The formation of these heterologous RNPs indicates both the presence of micF RNA-binding protein homologues in other species and a conservation of RNA-protein recognition sites. This work demonstrates that the micF RNA regulatory system is present in other Gram-negative bacterial species and that this system appears to be phylogenetically conserved.
Bulk black hole, escaping photons, and bounds on violations of Lorentz invariance

There are reasons (which we enumerate) to think that an infinite extra dimension will harbor a black hole. In this case, brane-localized modes of gravity and gauge fields become quasilocalized, and light from a distant object can become extinct as it is lost to the black hole. In a concrete scenario, where the photon is localized by gravity, we find that the extinction rate for propagating photons is at least comparable to the correction to the real part of the frequency. That results, for example, in a stringent bound on renormalization of the speed of light.
Lead thrombi associated with externalized cables on Riata ICD leads: a case series

St. Jude Riata family ICD leads are subject to an FDA class I recall due to insulation failure, cable extrusions, and a high rate of electrical failures. We present multiple cases of large intravascular thrombus formation adherent to externalized conductor cables on Riata leads. Our observations highlight a previously unknown risk of large or calcified thrombus formation involving externalized conductors. We suggest that these leads should be screened for thrombi prior to potential lead extraction to determine the safest approach. Serial echocardiography may help detect progressive thrombus formation. The role of systemic anticoagulation for prevention or treatment of these thrombi remains unclear.
Studies on the mechanism of action of the aptamer BAX499, an Inhibitor of tissue factor pathway inhibitor

Abstract Introduction Promoting thrombin generation by inhibiting tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a potentially viable therapeutic approach to the prevention and/or treatment of bleeding in hemophilia. In this report, we studied the interaction between an aptamer (BAX499; formerly ARC19499) and TFPI that resulted in inhibition of TFPI-mediated regulation of the tissue factor pathway. Materials and Methods: Enzyme kinetic analyses were performed to study the interaction between BAX499 and recombinant TFPI against factor Xa, the extrinsic Xase and prothrombinase activities. Diluted prothrombin time assay was used to investigate the effects of BAX499 on factor VIII-deficient plasma collected from hemophilia patients. Results Our results indicate that after binding of BAX499 to TFPI, the TFPI/ BAX499 complex retains factor Xa inhibitory activity, albeit with reduced affinity. When tested in an extrinsic Xase activity assay, BAX499 delayed TFPI-mediated inhibition of extrinsic Xase activity. In addition, BAX499 reversed TFPI inhibition of the prothrombinase complex. BAX499 shortened the dilute prothrombin time in factor VIII-deficient plasma, and when added to freshly drawn hemophilia A blood either with or without a factor VIII inhibitor, the whole blood clotting time was also shortened. These results suggest that BAX499 may be a useful addition to the armamentarium of bypassing agents to control bleeding in hemophilic patients with inhibitors.
A Mobile Host Approach for Wireless Powering and Interrogation of Structural Health Monitoring Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications can provide the data collection necessary for rapid structural assessment after an event such as a natural disaster puts the reliability of civil infrastructure in question. Technical challenges affecting deployment of such a network include ensuring power is maintained at the sensor nodes, reducing installation and maintenance costs, and automating the collection and analysis of data provided by a wireless sensor network. In this work, a new "mobile host" WSN paradigm is presented. This architecture utilizes nodes that are deployed without resident power. The associated sensors operate on a mechanical memory principle. A mobile host, such as a robot or unmanned aerial vehicle, is used on an as-needed basis to charge the node by wireless power delivery and subsequently retrieve the data by wireless interrogation. The mobile host may be guided in turn to any deployed node that requires interrogation. The contribution of this work is the first field demonstration of a mobile host wireless sensor network. The sensor node, referred to as THINNER, capable of collecting data wirelessly in the absence of electrical power was developed. A peak displacement sensor capable of interfacing with the THINNER sensor node was also designed and tested. A wireless energy delivery package capable of being carried by an airborne mobile host was developed. Finally, the system engineering required to implement the overall sensor network was carried out. The field demonstration took place on an out-of-service, full-scale bridge near Truth-or-Consequences, NM.
Performance analysis of the TLS algorithm for image reconstruction from a sequence of undersampled noisy and blurred frames

A theoretical analysis is proposed to evaluate the robustness of the total least square (TLS) algorithm for image reconstruction from a sequence of undersampled noisy and blurred frames in the wavenumber domain. Since the data samples in the wavenumber domain are complex-valued, the results from the TLS theory developed for the case of real-valued data are adapted to the situation at hand. It is shown that the image quality can be improved as more frames become available. In the case of blurred frames, higher resolution images may be reconstructed using the TLS algorithm with post-deblurring. Finally, computer simulation results are provided to demonstrate the robustness of the TLS algorithm for image reconstruction. >
Isosmotic Volume Regulation by Human Lymphocytes

The conventional assumptions in cell physiology, and specifically in the membrane-osmotic pump theory, are that cellular water and ions exist primarily in a physical state like that of a dilute aqueous solution, that the macroscopic concentration gradients of ions mirror true chemical or electrochemical activity gradients, that fixed charges on intracellular macromolecules require balancing by counter-ions that tend to follow a Donnan equilibrium, and that the outwardly-directed Na pump is required to maintain normal cellular volume against the forces in the Donnan equilibrium that tend to produce an excessive osmotic pressure. These concepts have been crystallized in terms of the “pump-leak, double-Donnan” formulations of the maintenance of cellular volume.
Book Review: The Struggle for Administrative Legitimacy

It is telling that the winners of [Daniel] Ernst’s history are not the hardened legal realists whom we generally think of as building, and justifying, the New Deal state. Rather, Ernst turns the spotlight on reform-minded corporate lawyers, such as Charles Evans Hughes and John Lord O’Brian, who stepped back from the edge of realism. While accepting the necessity of the administrative state for managing a modern economy, they fought to imbue that state with a legalistic conception of “fair play” and a distinctively lawyerly form of expertise. These political and intellectual moderates would have agreed with Sunstein and Vermeule when they write that “[a] dose of legal realism . . . has its place, but . . . respect for the governing rules is not optional.” Just as for Sunstein and Vermeule, the APA evacuated administrative law of “any kind of ideological valence,” for Ernst, the “rule of lawyers” insulated the administrative state from becoming a weapon in the hands of any particular social or economic group.It apparently goes without saying — neither Ernst nor his protagonists say it — that the impartiality of the “rule of lawyers” admits one important exception. Under a “rule of lawyers,” the administrative state will persistently favor one socioeconomic bloc: lawyers and the interests they serve. From this perspective, Tocqueville’s Nightmare can be read as a narrative of regulatory capture: the capture of the administrative state by lawyers themselves. But while regulatory capture is generally understood as a threat to administrative legitimacy, Ernst suggests that lawyerly capture is its condition precedent. If he is right, important new questions come to the fore: how did lawyers win the struggle to equate administrative legitimacy with their control of the administrative state, and what exactly did they win by defining administrative legitimacy in this way? Ernst’s ingenious history not only forces us to ask these questions, but also helps us answer them.