cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Digoxin immune fab protects endothelial cells from ouabain-induced barrier injury.

Citation Wang Y, Fan R, Gu Y, Adair CD. Digoxin immune Fab protects endothelial cells from ouabain-induced barrier injury. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 66–72 Problem Endogenous digitalis-like factors (EDLF) inhibit sodium pump Na+/K+ATPase activity, and maternal EDLF levels are elevated in preeclampsia (PE). This study determined whether digoxin immune Fab (DIF) could protect endothelial cells (ECs) from EDLF-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction. Method of study ECs were treated with escalating doses of ouabain (a known EDLF) in the presence or absence of DIF. EC barrier integrity was examined by junction protein VE-cadherin and occludin expressions. EC permeability was determined by horseradish-peroxidase (HRP) leakage and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER). Results EC junction protein VE-cadherin distribution was disrupted in cells treated with ouabain. DIF, but not control IgG Fab fragment, blocked ouabain-induced decreases in VE-cadherin and occludin expressions and prevented ouabain-induced HRP leakage and TEER changes. Conclusion DIF protects ECs from ouabain-induced barrier injury, providing evidence of beneficial effects of DIF on EC function and supporting that Na+/K+ATPase might be a therapeutic target to ameliorate endothelial dysfunction.
Working With the Bereaved: Multiple Lenses on Loss and Mourning, by Simon Shimshon Rubin, Ruth Malkinson, and Eliezer Witztum

The purpose of Working With the Bereaved: Multiple Lenses on Loss and Mourning is to examine different topics related to grief and bereavement reactions to loss. Specifically, a two-track model of ...
Cellular effects of lead

The particular level of exposure to lead which results in an adverse health effect is related to many factors including “critical organ content,” route of administration and a number of metabolic and nutritional factors (Goyer and Mahaffey, 1972). Important considerations related to toxic manifestations of a heavy metal are its distribution among subcellular components and interaction with cellular function and whether it is complexed to a diffusible ligand or is bound to a non-diffusible complex. This paper is a review of available information regarding the subcellular distribution of lead, effects on cellular organelies and the relationship of these effects to symptoms of lead toxicity, and is modified from an earlier working paper submitted to a task group on metal accumulations (Goyer, 1972).
A componential approach for bilingual reading and comparative writing system research: The role of phonology in Chinese writing as a test case

The special circumstances of bilingual and second language literacy learning offer investigators an important additional vantage point from which to better understand the components of reading ability. Cross-writing system comparisons complement this perspective. Comparing writing systems, and how children learn to read through the medium of each system provides for tests of a number of hypotheses currently under discussion. One particularly instructive series of tests involves the contrast between alphabetic and non-alphabetic writing systems. This review of the research will examine proposals related to the role of phonology in word identification with a special focus on the morpho-syllabic/logographic Chinese orthography. A componential, or modular, approach to the study of reading ability will be evaluated in relation to claims made from different perspectives on the question of the activation of phonological representations in reading. In particular, is the Universal Phonological Principle, proposed by C. Perfetti, compatible with a modular approach to the study of reading ability?
The analysis of popular collective action

Abstract Most models of popular collective action treat it as the behavior of single social units having unitary dispositions that explain the behavior. Since in fact it consists largely of strategic interaction among several parties, activates and builds on existing social networks, and follows a dynamic that no single-actor model can represent, available models are inadequate. Through sustained discussion of the rural conflicts of 1830 in England, this paper illustrates the critique, sketches an alternative approach centering on the analysis of repertoires of contention, and describes techniques for standardizing narratives of contention that are compatible with the alternative approach.
Effect of acute and chronic intermittent hypoxia on DNA topoisomerase IIα expression and mitomycin C-Induced DNA damage and cytotoxicity in human colon cancer cells

Recently, we reported that alterations in topoisomerase II (topo II) activity appear to contribute to mitomycin C (MMC) resistance in HT-29R13 human colon cancer cells under aerobic conditions. In this study, the expression of topo II alpha and topo II beta in parent HT-29 and MMC resistant variant HT-29R13 cells was investigated under aerobic, acute hypoxic (after 4 hr in 95% N2, 5% CO2 < 0.01% O2), and chronic intermittent hypoxic (after 4 hr hypoxia/day x 7 days) conditions. Acute hypoxia induced topo II alpha mRNA and protein, effects that were more pronounced in HT-29 cells. Chronic intermittent hypoxia caused a decrease in topo alpha mRNA and protein, changes that were again more pronounced in HT-29 cells. The observed changes in topo II alpha protein were associated with parallel changes in topo II activity under all conditions tested. Topo II beta mRNA was expressed at a very low level in both cell lines under aerobic and hypoxic conditions. Compared with cells under aerobic conditions, HT-29 cells were more sensitive to MMC under acute hypoxia but more resistant under chronic intermittent hypoxia. In contrast, the senstivity of HT-29R13 cells was unchanged under acute hypoxia, but the cells were more resistant under chronic intermittent hypoxia. Under all conditions tested, the degree of cytotoxicity corresponded to the frequency of MMC-induced DNA cross-links and topo II alpha protein levels and activity. Our results demonstrated that MMC cytotoxicity in hypoxic cells is highly dependent upon the type of hypoxia and the cell type. Hypoxia has significant effects on topo II alpha expression in HT-29 and HT-29R13 cells which correlate with MMC cytotoxicity.
Effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and mescaline on self-stimulation

Abstract The effects of two psychotomimetic drugs, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and mescaline on intrahypothalamic self-stimulation behavior were investigated to test their action on the central reward system. Rats were trained to press a lever to receive intracranial electric stimulation through a set of stereotaxically implanted bipolar electrodes in the posterior lateral hypothalamus. Both Δ9-THC (1–25 mg kg in 4% Tween in saline) and mescaline (6.3–25 mg kg ) injected i.p. caused a decrease in self-stimulation responding. A rough doseresponse relation was observed with both the drugs at these doses. Following repeated injection of a particular daily dose, tolerance developed to both these drugs within 9 days. However, no cross-tolerance was observed between these two drugs in this schedule.
Microwave spectrum, r0 structure, barriers to internal rotation and ab initio calculations of gauche-1,1-difluoropropane

Abstract The microwave spectra of four isotopomers, CH 3 CH 2 12 CHF 2 , CH 3 CH 2 13 CHF 2 , CD 3 CH 2 12 CHF 2 and CD 3 CD 2 12 CHF 2 , of gauche -1,1-difluoropropane, in the ground vibrational state were recorded and assigned. From the measured frequencies for the R and Q branches of the a-, b- and c-type transitions, accurate values for the rotational constants were obtained along with values for Δ J , Δ JK , δ J and Δ K . The dipole moment components were evaluated from the measurements of the Stark effects of the ground state rotational transitions and the determined values are: | μ a |=2.044(3), | μ b |=0.851(5), | μ c |=0.711(35) and | μ tot |=2.326(3) D. Ab initio molecular orbital calculations have been carried out with valence electron correlation by the perturbation method to second-order with various basis sets up to MP2(full)/6-311+G(d,p) from which structural parameters, barriers to internal rotation, and distortion constants have been obtained. The C–H distance of 1.095±0.002 A for the CHF 2 moiety has been determined from the isolated stretching frequency from the CD 3 CD 2 12 CHF 2 molecule. The r 0 parameters have been obtained by combining the ab initio predicted values with the microwave rotational constants and these parameters for the heavy atoms are: r C 1 –F 5 =1.370(5), r C 1 –F 6 =1.372(5), r C 1 –C 2 =1.505(3), r C 2 –C 3 =1.522(3) A, ∠C 1 C 2 C 3 =112.2(5), ∠C 2 C 1 F 5 =109.8(5), ∠C 2 C 1 F 6 =110.9(5)°. The adjusted r 0 parameters have also been obtained for 2,2-difluoropropane, CH 3 CF 2 CH 3 . The results are compared to those of some similar molecules.
On the potential for private insurers to reduce the inefficiencies of moral hazard

The presence of moral hazard gives rise to inefficiencies in insurance markets. In two recent papers (Arnott and Stiglitz [I9861 and Greenwald and Stiglitz [1986]), these inefficiencies provide the impetus for an analysis of government intervention to improve welfare. The implications of this analysis are that government should tax those goods that increase expected insurance claims while goods that decrease expected claims should be subsidized. Such Pigovian-type taxes improve welfare when there is moral hazard because each consumer ignores the effect of his consumption of these goods on the average cost and, hence, the price of insurance for all consumers. The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential for insurance firms privately to provide these subsidies/taxes that mitigate the effects of moral hazard (Deere 1988, unpublished manuscript). Private insurers have a strong incentive to increase profits by subsidizing the purchase of goods that reduce expected claims. A biannual dental exam is an example of such a good that is routinely subsidized by insurance firms. There is a similar incentive regarding goods that increase expected claims. Though insurance firms cannot levy a private tax, they can effectively increase the price of such goods by making the premium depend on the purchase of these goods. Higher rates for smokers is a common example. Given such strong incentives, what limits the effectiveness of these private actions in reducing the inefficiencies of moral hazard? One obvious difference between private subsidies and premium surcharges is that a surcharge requires insurance firms to monitor consumption, which limits their usefulness. There are also, however, limits on the use of private subsidies. A subsidy to a policyholder will not reduce expected claims if the policyholder resells the good. If all firms but one give a subsidy, then the price in the resale market will be the subsidized price. The remaining firm could thus enjoy the benefits of a subsidized good-reduced claims-without bearing the cost of a subsidy. Hence, a successful subsidy scheme will involve goods that are not easily resold. Given the limitations imposed by resale, are private subsidies very common? The subsidized dental exams mentioned above are an almost perfect example of
A call for the home media network

"The best way to predict the future is to invent it."---Alan Kay "…or at least posit a vision for others to build."---The authors
Frequency of apoptotic keratinocytes in the feline epidermis: a retrospective light-microscopic study of skin-biopsy specimens from 327 cats with normal skin or inflammatory dermatoses

A retrospective light-microscopic study was performed on 294 biopsy specimens of haired skin from cats with various feline inflammatory dermatoses and specimens from cats with normal skin. Conditions expected to frequently have apoptotic epidermal keratinocytes (AKs) (including erythema multiforme, systemic lupus erythematosus, thymoma-associated exfoliative dermatitis, solar dermatitis, and viral dermatopathies) were found to have significantly more AKs than other types of inflammatory dermatoses. Nevertheless, we found more than two AKs in many skin-biopsy specimens from inflammatory conditions not expected to have frequent AKs (especially those from ectoparasitic dermatoses). Only a single AK was found in 1/33 cats with normal skin.
A parallel polygon-clipping algorithm

We describe a new parallel polygonclipping algorithm based on a novel technique that allows a processor to compute output vertices independently of the results of the other processors. The basis for the method is a collision-free labeling scheme to compute the labels of the vertices of the output polygon. This labeling scheme depends only on the id of the vertices of the output polygon. This labeling scheme depends only on the id of the vertex in the input polygon. This procedure allows us to defer the synchronization between processors to the final stages of the algorithm, reduces the amount of overhead due to fine-grain synchronization, and helps makes the algorithm efficient.
The Problem With Diagnosis Related Group 475

The reimbursement of hospital Part A cost by Medicare under the original prospective payment system (PPS) created serious financial problems for hospitals in many areas but was especially serious in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Subsequent revisions of the PPS corrected some of the financial burden of the cost of such patients when the patient required tracheostomy for prolonged ventilator care, Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) 483. The problem that remains, however, is that only patients with a medical diagnostic classification (MDC) within the MDC 4 area, Diseases and Disorders of the Respiratory System, qualify for DRG 475, the only DRG other than DRG 483 that recognizes the cost of mechanical ventilation. This study evaluates the Part A costs of medical and surgical patients who received mechanical ventilation for ≥ 3 days during 1 year at Saint Marys Hospital and Rochester Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN, who did not qualify for DRG 475. The analysis of the financial effect of these patients under the Medicare system reveals a significant monetary loss and this is compared to other payor groups.
Theoretical Study of the Electronic Properties of Trigonal Se under Pressure

Pseudopotential calculations for the pressure dependence of the dielectric constants and energy-band structure of trigonal Se are presented. The calculations explain recent experimental observations of a strong pressure dependence for the optic spectra of Se. It is shown that interchain interactions and not local-field corrections are most important in describing the pressure data.
The role of P870 in bacterial photosynthesis.

Abstract In Chromatium chromatophores, a 30-nsec flash causes an absorbance decrease at 882 nm which is interpreted as an oxidation of P870. The quantum yield is close to one. The reaction is complete in less than 0.5 μsec. It does not occur in the presence of dithionite. With a half-time of 2 μsec, the 882-nm absorbance increases again. Separate measurements show that cytochrome C422 becomes oxidized at the same rate. The 882-nm absorbance increase is interpreted as a reduction of oxidized P870 (P870 + ). There appears to be a direct electron transfer between cytochrome C422 and P870 + . The 2-μsec P870 + reduction is generally incomplete at 298 °M. It does not occur at 80 °K, nor does the cytochrome oxidation occur at this temperature. At 298 °K, the addition of N -methylphenazonium methosulfate (PMS) causes the 2-μsec reduction to be complete. In the presence of PMS, the cytochrome oxidation occurs with a quantum yield near one, and its rate and extent are similar to those which occur in whole cells. In Rhodospirillum rubrum chromatophores, the P870 + reduction is much slower. In this species, the initial absorbance changes of P800 are complete within 0.2 μsec. The results support the view that P870 oxidation is the primary chemical reaction of photosynthesis in Chromatium chromatophores.
Adhesiveness of Blood Platelets in Arteriosclerosis Obliterans, Thromboangiitis Obliterans, Acute Thrombophlebitis, Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease

Total and adhesive platelet counts were made on normal individuals and on patients with myocardial infarction, thromboangiitis obliterans, and other peripheral vascular diseases. Tests were made in several cases while patients smoked and after abstaining from tobacco. Repeated tests were done while patients were receiving dicumarol anticoagulant therapy. A rise in adhesive platelet counts was found in cases of thromboangiitis obliterans, particularly with activity of the disease, and in cases of thrombophlebitis. Cessation of cigarette smoking in cases of thromboangiitis obliterans resulted in a significant decrease in platelet adhesiveness.
Metastability of isoformyl ions in collisions with helium and hydrogen

The stability of HOC(+) ions under conditions in interstellar molecular clouds is considered. In particular, the possibility that collisions with helium or hydrogen will induce isomerization to the stable HCO(+) form is examined theoretically. Portions of the electronic potential energy surfaces for interaction with He and H atoms are obtained from standard quantum mechanical calculations. Collisions with He atoms are found to be totally ineffective for inducing isomerization. Collisions with H atoms are found to be ineffective at low interstellar temperatures owing to a small (about 500 K) barrier in the entrance channel; at higher temperatures where this barrier can be overcome, however, collisions with hydrogen atoms do result in conversion to the stable HCO(+) form. Although detailed calculations are not presented, it is argued that low-energy collisions with H2 molecules are also ineffective in destroying the metastable ion.
Moral Selves and Moral Scenes: Narrative Experiments in Everyday Life

Through what kind of inaugural scenes is the moral self born? And what are the practices, within that scene, through which one tries to become a moral person, or a different sort of moral self, a person one is not but wishes to be? These questions are at the heart of the recent ethical turn in anthropology and sociocultural studies more broadly. In this paper, I explore three moral imaginaries: the trial, the artisan workshop and the moral laboratory. Turning to ethnographic material, I compare how these social imaginaries illuminate the moral work of people engaged in trying to create good lives for themselves and those they care about. Drawing upon a long-term study of a group of African-American families caring for children with significant illnesses and disabilities, I examine people's attempts to transform not only themselves but also the social and material spaces in which they live.
Effect of thyrotropin-releasing hormone on human pituitary thyrotropin, prolactin, placental lactogen, and chorionic thyrotropin.

The effect of synthetic thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) on serum thyrotropin (hTSH), prolactin (hPRL), chorionic thyrotropin (hCT), and placental lactogen (hPL) was investigated in 13 normal pregnant women who had therapeutic abortions at 8–22 weeks of gestation. Five hundred μg TRH injected iv increased serum hTSH consistently in all subjects. The baseline serum hTSH was 6.1 ± 0.7 (SE) μU/ml, and the mean maximum increment was 26.3 ± 4.7 μU/ml. Serum hPRL levels also increased in all subjects after giving TRH. The baseline serum hPRL was 27.5± 4.5 ng/ml, and the mean maximum increment was 37.0 ± 7.4 ng/ml. The minimum level of detection of hCT was 2.5 μU/ml based on its cross-reaction in a radioimmunoassay for bovine pituitary TSH. Serum hCT was detected in sera of only 4 pregnant women and showed no significant change after TRH. Serum hPL levels varied from 1.1 ng/ml to 2.8 μg/ml and showed no significant change after TRH. Studies were also carried out to determine the effect of TRH in vitro on frag...
Wigner, Moyal, and Precursors to canonical coherent states

The phase space formulation of quantum mechanics pioneered by Wigner and developed by Moyal is shown to contain relevant concepts useful in the study of canonical coherent states.
Lipophilic aroylhydrazone chelator HNTMB and its multiple effects on ovarian cancer cells

Metal chelators have gained much attention as potential anti-cancer agents. However, the effects of chelators are often linked solely to their capacity to bind iron while the potential complexation of other trace metals has not been fully investigated. In present study, we evaluated the effects of various lipophilic aroylhydrazone chelators (AHC), including novel compound HNTMB, on various ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV-3, OVCAR-3, NUTU-19). Cell viability was analyzed via MTS cytotoxicity assays and NCI60 cancer cell growth screens. Apoptotic events were monitored via Western Blot analysis, fluorescence microscopy and TUNEL assay. FACS analysis was carried out to study Cell Cycle regulation and detection of intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) HNTMB displayed high cytotoxicity (IC50 200-400 nM) compared to previously developed AHC (oVtBBH, HNtBBH, StBBH/206, HNTh2H/315, HNI/311; IC50 0.8-6 μM) or cancer drug Deferoxamine, a hexadentate iron-chelator (IC50 12-25 μM). In a NCI60 cancer cell line screen HNTMB exhibited growth inhibitory effects with remarkable differences in specificity depending on the cell line studied (GI50 10 nM-2.4 μM). In SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells HNTMB treatment led to chromatin fragmentation and activation of the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis with specific down-regulation of Bcl-2. HNTMB caused delayed cell cycle progression of SKOV-3 through G2/M phase arrest. HNTMB can chelate iron and copper of different oxidation states. Complexation with copper lead to high cytotoxicity via generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) while treatment with iron complexes of the drug caused neither cytotoxicity nor increased ROS levels. The present report suggests that both, non-complexed HNTMB as a chelator of intracellular trace-metals as well as a cytotoxic HNTMB/copper complex may be developed as potential therapeutic drugs in the treatment of ovarian and other solid tumors.
Physiologic implications of metal-ion transport by ZIP14 and ZIP8

Zinc, iron, and manganese are essential trace elements that serve as catalytic or structural components of larger molecules that are indispensable for life. The three metal ions possess similar chemical properties and have been shown to compete for uptake in a variety of tissues, suggesting that they share common transport proteins. Two likely candidates are the recently identified transmembrane proteins ZIP14 and ZIP8, which have been shown to mediate the cellular uptake of a number of divalent metal ions including zinc, iron, manganese, and cadmium. Although knockout and transgenic mouse models are beginning to define the physiologic roles of ZIP14 and ZIP8 in the handling of zinc and cadmium, their roles in the metabolism of iron and manganese remain to be defined. Here we review similarities and differences in ZIP14 and ZIP8 in terms of structure, metal transport, tissue distribution, subcellular localization, and regulation. We also discuss potential roles of these proteins in the metabolism of zinc, iron, manganese, and cadmium as well as recent associations with human diseases.
Striped holographic superconductor

We study inhomogeneous solutions of a 3+1-dimensional Einstein-Maxwell-scalar theory. Our results provide a holographic model of superconductivity in the presence of a charge density wave sourced by a modulated chemical potential. We find that below a critical temperature T{sub c} superconducting stripes develop. We show that they are thermodynamically favored over the normal state by computing the grand canonical potential. We investigate the dependence of T{sub c} on the modulation's wave vector, which characterizes the inhomogeneity. We find that it is qualitatively similar to that expected for a weakly coupled Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieer theory, but we point out a quantitative difference. Finally, we use our solutions to compute the conductivity along the direction of the stripes.
Slow flow of a non‐newtonian fluid past a droplet

The problem of slow flow past a droplet is considered where both materials may be represented as fluids of grade 3 and where the outer fluid is of infinite extent. Both non-Newtonian and inertial effects are included in the analysis. A double perturbation technique and the method of matched asymptotic expansions are employed to obtain solutions to the equation of motion. Solutions, in the form of Legendre polynomial series, are obtained for the stream function (both outside and inside the droplet), for the drag force exerted on the droplet, and for the shape of the droplet. The results obtained are in complete agreement with those obtained by other workers for the flow of a Newtonian fluid past a Newtonian droplet and for the flow of a fluid of grade 3 past a solid sphere. Droplet shape predictions are in qualitative agreement with experimentally observed shapes.
Is water uptake by reptilian eggs regulated by physiological processes of embryos or a passive hydraulic response to developmental environments

Abstract Moisture availability is critical for successful embryonic development in many organisms. In most oviparous reptiles, for example, water exchange between eggs and the surrounding environment can have substantial fitness consequences, but regulation of this process is unclear. Here, we evaluate whether water uptake by eggs of the lizard Anolis sagrei is regulated by the presence of a live embryo or is a passive hydraulic response to substrate moisture conditions. Many eggs laid in our captive colony were infertile or contained embryos that died during early stages of development, yet these ‘dead’ eggs continued to gain mass similar to that of ‘live’ eggs at least during the first half of incubation. Our results suggest that water uptake by eggs is largely a passive hydraulic process during the first half of incubation, but active regulation by embryos may be necessary during latter stages. Maternal effects (e.g., deposition of salts into yolk) could influence this passive process during early incubation.
524 Racial and Ethnic Differences in Initial Listing Status for Heart Transplantation

Purpose: Few data exist describing racial/ethnic differences in patients prior to heart transplantation (HT). The purpose of this study is to determine if there are racial/ethnic differences in initial listing status (1A, 1B, or 2) for HT. Methods and Materials: Using the UNOS STAR database, we retrospectively examined adults who were listed for HT from 2001-09. We limited our analysis to White, African-American (AA) and Hispanic patients. We used multinomial logistic regression to determine the relative risk ratio (RRR) of being listed Status 1B and 1A vs 2 for Hispanics and AA as compared to Whites. Results: 23,060 patients were included. 74% were White, 18% were AA, and 8% were Hispanic. As compared to Whites, AA and Hispanics were younger, more likely to be female, to have a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, be on inotropes, to have higher pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary artery wedge pressure, to have Medicaid or Medicare as their primary source of insurance, and to have not attended college. AA and Hispanics were significantly more likely to be listed status 1A or 1B vs 2 as compared to Whites. After controlling for the above demographics, socioeconomic factors, and comorbidities (also including BMI, h/o diabetes, h/o previous transplant, h/o malignancy, other life support, and blood type) these differences were no longer observed.
Cavitation at Micro-Scale in MEMS Fluid Machinery

Cavitation has long been a concern in the engineering of fluid machinery. The state of the art in MEMS is now such that micro-machines are being designed and built which, by conventional macro-world criteria, can operate in cavitating regimes. Specifically, cavitation in 900-micron-chord cascades characteristic of micro-centrifugal pumps was investigated through analysis and experiment for working fluids of water and ethanol. The primary finding was that cavitation in these micro-devices exhibited static and dynamic behavior very similar to that expected in large scale flows. Furthermore, conventional cavitation models coupled to 2D and 3D CFD simulations matched the micro-scale data well in predicting the onset of cavitation and the length of the cavitation zones. Also, no mechanical damage from cavitation was found. This implies that vacitation in micro-machines will offer no unusual surprises to device designers.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Thermal Energy Performance of a Solar Thermal Electric Panel

AbstractThe main goal of this research was to develop and understand the performance of a hybrid roof system that combined an amorphous junction photovoltaic panel in combination with copper panel and tubing encased in a low-iron glass. The setup encompassed 160 sq ft of the solar thermal electric panel (STEP) system supplied with a glycol-water closed-loop system. The system was fixed to a simulated roof assembly built at the optimal angle of 61° for winter solstice for the local area (Rolla, Missouri). The encased combination panel provided consistent electrical efficiency and mixed thermal efficiencies based on the hours of operation. In conclusion this paper will discuss experimental performance analysis on the STEP system thermal and overall outcomes. Further testing on the effects of a glazed versus unglazed panel yielded a 23% reduction in solar electric production; however, it increased thermal collection by approximately 200%. The present study shows that the idea of a STEP system is viable. A pr...
A mechanism responsible for reducing compression strength of through-the-thickness reinforced composite material

A study was conducted to identify one of the mechanisms that contributes to the reduced compression strength of composite materials with through-the-thickness (TTT) reinforcements. In this study a series of thick (0/90) laminates with stitched and integrally woven TTT reinforcements were fabricated and statically tested. In both the stitching and weaving process a surface loop of TTT reinforcement yarn is created between successive TTT penetrations. It was shown that the surface loop of the TTT reinforcement 'kinked' the in-plane fibers in such a manner that they were made ineffective in carrying compressive load. The improvement in strength by removal of the surface loop and 'kinked' in-plane fibers was between 7 and 35 percent.
Pulse Contrast Measurements of the Texas Petawatt Laser

Temporal contrast of the Texas Petawatt laser is presented. The contrast is influenced by pencil beam prepulses on the timescale up to 110ns and by parametric fluorescence on the timescale of the OPCPA pump laser.
Evergreen understory dynamics in Coweeta forest, North Carolina

A number of studies have elucidated the distributional patterns of various components of Southern Appalachian forests. The evergreen understory here is composed largely of a dominant ericaceous shiub, Rhododendron maximum L., which is believed to be expanding and inhibiting the development of other species with consequent impacts on overall forest structure and composition. We use a GIS and logistic regression to exam- ine this less-studied forest element in the Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory, North Carolina, over a 17-year period to determine whether expansion is occurring and, if so, whether it can be predicted based on terrain characteristics. We examine two adjacent, physically similar basins with differing degrees of experimental manipulation in the 20th century in an attempt to examine the role of environmental and historical factors in deter- mining spatial patterns of persistence, expansion, and decline of the evergreen understory. Results indicate that significant expansion of the evergreen understory occurred in both basins during the period 1976-1 993, and that stream proximity, topographic setting, and elevation are related to patterns of evergreen-understory dynamics. Patterns differ between the two basins, suggesting that disturbance and differing land-use histories are also influ-
Upregulation of Surface Markers on Dying Thymocytes

Using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) to detect cells undergoing early apoptosis, we have defined the surface markers expressed on CD4+CD8+ thymocytes undergoing spontaneous or steroid-induced apoptosis in tissue culture. Some surface markers, e.g., CD4, CD8, and heat stable antigen, are downregulated on apoptotic thymocytes. Surprisingly, however, other markers are upregulated; this applies to T cell receptor beta/CD3, CD69, and CD25 expression. Upregulation of these markers is restricted to a discrete subset of apoptotic cells.
Contested histories of rhetoric: The politics of preservation, progress, and change

This essay argues that the two principal modes of organizing rhetorical theories in histories of rhetoric, according to influence or systems, are problematic. Influence and systems histories frequently mask or distort the particularity of rhetoric's history, and they implicitly disenfranchise future retheorizing of rhetoric. These problems result from the preservative and progressive politics that inhere in the ostensibly neutral organizational devices of influence and systems respectively. In conclusion, the essay forwards an alternative critical history that privileges the notions of text, particularity, change, and criticism.
Catheter ablation of scar-based ventricular tachycardia: Relationship of procedure duration to outcomes and hospital mortality

Background Ablation has become an important option for treatment of ventricular tachycardia (VT). The influence of procedure duration on outcomes remains unexamined. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of procedure duration on outcomes and complications over an 8-year period Methods Patients referred for scar-mediated VT ablation from 2004 to 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Procedure duration was defined as the time from the insertion of catheters through the femoral vein to the time of their withdrawal. Procedure duration was analyzed in relationship with baseline and intraoperative covariates, acute procedural outcomes, complications, and 6-month clinical outcomes. Results One hundred forty-eight patients underwent VT ablation with mean procedure duration of 5.7 ± 1.8 hours. VT recurrence and survival at 6 months were 46% and 82%, respectively, and were not associated with procedure duration. Hospital mortality increased with intraoperative intraaortic balloon pump insertion (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 13.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.35–79.94, P = .004) and was improved with successful ablation of the clinical VT as a procedural end-point (adjusted OR 0.13, 95% Cl 0.03–0.54, P = .005). The association between procedure duration and hospital mortality remained after adjusting for significant baseline variables (adjusted OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.14–2.68, P = .0098) and intraoperative variables (adjusted OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.12–2.29, P = .0104). Conclusion Hospital mortality was significantly increased by unsuccessful clinical VT ablation as a procedural end-point and intraoperative intraaortic balloon pump insertion. However, after adjusting for significant baseline and intraoperative covariates, procedure duration still was associated with increased hospital mortality. Procedure duration had no impact on VT recurrence and survival at 6 months.
A simple and inexpensive water bath adapting a contact scanner for thyroid and testicular imaging

Construction and operation of a simple and inexpensive water bath adapting a contact B-scanner for thyroid and testicular imaging is described. The device consists of two parts: a water bath with supporting frame, and a bead chain arrangement attached to the scanner arm to maintain the transducer at a constant height above the skin during scanning.
Energy dissipation in sliding

Abstract It is expected that the dissipation of energy in bodies which are sliding will alter their properties and hence affect their behavior in further sliding-in application. A description of the energy dissipation distribution in the sliding of one body over another is attempted. It is first demonstrated that the existence of a non-zero relative velocity between the sliding bodies indicates that sliding is a non-equilibrium process. A near-equilibrium analysis of the process using entropy production is then used to show that in sliding energy is dissipated. Limitations inherent in the near-equilibrium analysis make it necessary to study the far-from-equilibrium sliding process by use of energy conservation concepts. A model of the energy dissipation process in sliding as two coupled non-linear equations is developed. The non-linearity of the model makes many kinds of solution behavior possible. Of special interest is the possibility of cyclic energy dissipation behavior in the sliding bodies.
Comparative induction of xenobiotic metabolism in rodent kidney, testis and liver by commercial mixtures of polybrominated biphenyls and polychlorinated biphenyls, phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene: absolute and temporal effects.

Abstract Male Fischer 344 rats were killed at various times after single or multiple treatments with polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), sodium phenobarbital (NaPB) or 3-methylchlanthrene (3MC). p-Chloro-N-methyl-aniline N-demethylase (PCNAMA) and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activities were determined in the 14 000 g supernatant fraction (postmitochondrial supernate, PMS) of renal, testicular and hepatic homogenates. Cytochrome P-450 (P-450) concentrations were determined in the 100 000 g pellet fractions of the same homogenates and the effects of enzyme induction on the sentivities of AHH in PMS to inhibition by α-napthoflavone (ANF) and metyrapone (MET) in vitro were determined. Single treatments with PBB or PCB induced hepatic P-450 only, while multiple treatments with PBB, PCB or 3MC induced both renal and hepatic P-450; NaPB induced only hepatic P-450, while testicular P-450 concentration was unaffected by the inducers. Treatments with PBB, PCB or 3MC shifted the Soret maxima of renal and hepatic dithionite-reduced P-450 difference spectra to shorter wavelengths. Multiple treatments with PBB, PCB or 3MC increased renal and hepatic AHH activities, but NaPB induced hepatic AHH only. Renal activity was increased more rapidly than hepatic AHH after a single treatment with PBB, PCB or 3MC and returned more rapidly to control. The renal AHH induced by PBB and PCB, like that induced by 3MC, was more sensitive to inhibition by ANF in vitro than was renal AHH from naive rats. Hepatic AHH induced by PBB and PCB, unlike that induced by NaPB or 3MC, exhibited no net alterations in sensitivities to the inhibitory effects of ANF or MET. Testicular AHH activity was not induced by PBB, PCB, NaPB or 3MC. Multiple treatments with PBB, PCB or NaPB increased hepatic, but not renal or testicular PCNMA activities. The organ-specificity and time-dependency of the effects of PBB, PCB, NaPB and 3MC on P-450 concentrations and AHH activities suggest that drug metabolism in kidney, testis and liver are regulated by separate control mechanisms. It may be possible to exploit such differences in organ response to enzyme inducers as tools with which to discern the roles of local metabolism in renal and testicular chemical injury.
An axiomatic version of Fitch’s paradox

A variation of Fitch’s paradox is given, where no special rules of inference are assumed, only axioms. These axioms follow from the familiar assumptions which involve rules of inference. We show (by constructing a model) that by allowing that possibly the knower doesn’t know his own soundness (while still requiring he be sound), Fitch’s paradox is avoided. Provided one is willing to admit that sound knowers may be ignorant of their own soundness, this might offer a way out of the paradox.
Observation of the 13.2-nm laser line of nickel-like Cd in a capillary discharge

ABSTRACT We report the observation of line emission at 13.2 nm from the kl 1S0 -4p 'P1 laser transition ofNi-like Cd in a plasmacolumn created by a high-power capillary discharge. Time-resolved soft x-ray pinhole images of the plasma columnshow that the plasma column maintains good symmetry up to the time of maximum compression. The observeddynamics of the plasma column is compared with model simulations. These results advance the possibility of observinglaser amplification in Ni-like Cd at 13.2 urn and in other short-wavelength Nickel-like ion transitions in a discharge- created plasma.Keywords: x-ray lasers, capillary discharges 1. INTRODUCTION There is significant interest in the possibility of extending capillary discharge lasers to shorter wavelengths. Largeamplification in capillary discharge-pumped ultrashort wavelength lasers has been achieved in Ne-like Ar, Ne-like S andNe-like Cl at wavelengths ranging from 46.9 nm to 60.8 nm [1-3]. The tabletop Ne-like Ar laser operating at 46.9 urnhas produced the highest average power reported to date for a soft x-ray laser, 3.5 mW [4], and it has been successfullyutilized in several applications [5].
Designing a course in family communication

Family communication is expanding rapidly as a specialty area in the communication discipline, as demonstrated by the growing number of family communication textbooks and well-attended family communication pedagogy panels at Speech Communication Association (SCA) conventions. Founded in 1989, the SCA Commission on Family Communication attracted 290 members in 1991— 1992, the first year of the SCA unit membership checkoff system (K. Richley, SCA National Office, personal communication, October 27, 1992). While this growth has contributed to a burgeoning array of teaching resources unavailable even five years ago, the rapid expansion of the field also means that there are few well-trod paths to follow in designing a course in family communication. To complicate matters, students who register for the course tend to have unrealistic expectations about the role of communication in marriage (Burggraf, Pearson, Folske, & Sotos, 1992) and families; also, tapping into students' family lives raises knotty ethical issues (Berko, 1992; BuerkelRothfuss, 1990). Thus, teachers of family communication are confronted with pedagogical decisions unique in our discipline. The purpose of this article is to identify some of the paths being developed in family communication with respect to philosophical and pedagogical issues, and to examine current controversies in developing a family communication course. A suggested syllabus and some techniques for teaching family communication from a variety of approaches are presented. The article concludes with a discussion of methods for terminating and following up the family communication course.
Consensus sequence for processing of peptide precursors at monobasic sites

Many regulatory peptide precursors undergo post-translational processing at mono- and/or dibasic residues. Comparison of amino acids around the monobasic cleavage sites suggests that these cleavages follow certain sequence motifs and can be described as the rules that govern monobasic cleavages: (i) a basic amino acid it present at either 3, 5, or 7 amino acids N-terminal to the cleavage site, (ii) hydrophobic aliphatic amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine, or methionine) are never present in the position C-terminal to the monobasic amino acid at the cleavage site, (iii) a cysteine is never present in the vicinity of the cleavage site, and (iv) an aromatic amino acid is never present at the position N-terminal to the monobasic amino acid at the cleavage site. In addition to these rules, the monobasic cleavages follow certain tendencies: (i) the amino acid at the cleavage site tends to be predominantly arginine, (ii) the amino acid at the position C-terminal to the cleavage site tends to be serine, alanine or glycine in more than 60% of the cases, (iii) the amino acid at either 3, 5, or 7 position N-terminal to the cleavage site tends to be arginine, (iv) aromatic amino acids are rare at the position C-terminal to the monobasic amino acid at the cleavage site, and (v) aliphatic amino acids tend to be in the two positions N-terminal to and the two positions C-terminal to the cleavage site, except as noted above. When compared with a large number of sequence containing single basic amino acids, these rules and tendencies are capable of not only correctly predicting the processing sites, but also are capable of excluding most of the single basic sequences that are known to be uncleaved. Many or these rules can also be applied to correctly predict the dibasic and multibasic cleavage sites suggesting that the rules and tendencies could govern endoproteolytic processing at the monobasic, dibasic and multibasic sites.
On the value of information within a collaborative decision making framework for airport departure operations

As airport surface surveillance technologies develop, aircraft ground position information becomes more easily available and accurate. The value of these technologies, and more particularly the value of surface surveillance information, can be derived from the operational enhancements they provide within Air Traffic operations. This article provides a better understanding of the value of surface surveillance systems within tomorrow's collaborative framework, where departures, and more specifically push-back times, will be collaboratively optimized. It quantifies analytically the potential benefits yielded by providing surveillance information to the agent which is entrusted with tactically optimizing push-back and taxi clearances under nominal conditions. This work proposes a novel approach to the valuation of surveillance information. A stochastic model of surface operations is developed and calibrated to emulate departure surface operations at LaGuardia Airport. Two levels of information are examined within a tactically optimized Collaborative Decision Making framework. For each level, emissions and number of taxiing aircraft are analyzed in order to determine the value of surveillance information. Safety benefits, however, are not considered in this paper. It was estimated that surface surveillance information could improve optimization of departure operations, by reducing emissions and the number of taxiing aircraft by 5.7%, without impacting the runway utilization rate.
A fast numerical method for solving the three-dimensional Stokes' equations in the presence of suspended particles

Abstract A new fast numerical method for solving the three-dimensional Stokes' equations in the presence of suspended particles is presented. The fluid dynamics equations are solved on a lattice. A particle is represented by a set of points each of which moves at the local fluid velocity and is not constrained to lie on the lattice. These points are coupled by forces which resist deformation of the particle. These forces contribute to the force density in the Stokes' equations. As a result, a single set of fluid dynamics equations holds at all points of the domain and there are no internal boundaries. Particle size, shape, and deformability may be prescribed. Computational work increases only linearly with the number of particles, so large numbers (500–1000) of particles may be studied efficiently. The numerical method involves implicit calculation of the particle forces by minimizing an energy function and solution of a finite-difference approximation to the Stokes' equations using the Fourier-Toeplitz method. The numerical method has been implemented to run on all CRAY computers: the implementation exploits the CRAY's vectorized arithmetic, and on machines with insufficient central memory, it performs efficient disk 1/O while storing most of the data on disk. Applications of the method to sedimentation of one-, two-, and many-particle systems are described. Trajectories and settling speeds for two-particle sedimentation, and settling speed for multiparticle sedimentation from initial distributions on a cubic lattice or at random give good quantitative agreement with existing theories.