cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Globe Thermometer Response under Varying Thermal Components

This study investigates the effect of air velocity and other thermal components on the globe thermometer response. An experiment was conducted in an environmental chamber in order to measure globe temperatures under varying air velocity, relative humidity and air temperature. This study was performed under three different radiant heat levels. It was found that air velocity has a significant effect on the globe thermometer response. This effect is quantified in this study. Neither air temperature nor relative humidity was found to have a significant effect on globe thermometer response.
A ONE-STEP METHOD FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF A VINYL-CONTAINING SILSESQUIOXANE AND OTHER ORGANOLITHIC MACROMOLECULAR PRECURSORS

A unique one-step high-yield synthesis for the introduction of a vinyl-containing functional group into an octasilsesquioxane, [Si8O12](OR)8, molecule has been developed. The target molecule, along with the bromine and malonate derivatives, have been synthesized and characterized by a variety of traditional techniques. These silsesquioxane-based derivatives are valuable compounds which can be used to form hybrid polymers of silicic acids and new ceramic materials.
Nuclear Structure Studies in the Tin Isotopes with ( d , p ) and ( d , t ) Reactions

The neutron single-particle states in the odd isotopes of tin are identified by ($d, p$) angular distribution studies. The cross sections for exciting these states by ($d, p$) and ($d, t$) reactions are measured, and the results are analyzed to give values of ${{V}_{j}}^{2}$ (in Kisslinger-Sorens$\stackrel{\mathrm{\ifmmode \dot{}\else \.{}\fi{}}}{\mathrm{o}}$n notation), the fraction by which each of the single-particle states is full, for each subshell in each isotope. These are used to calculate ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{j}$, the unperturbed single-particle energies; the results are reasonably consistent. If the observed energies of single-particle states are used to predict the ${V}_{j}$, the agreement is generally good, but some discrepancies are noted and an explanation is offered.Other weakly excited states are found in the region of the single-particle states. At higher excitation energies, several rather sharp levels are strongly excited in ($d, p$) reactions. Their energy, cross section, and regularities among the isotopes suggests that these are single-particle levels from the next major shell ($82lN\ensuremath{\le}126$); however, their angular distributions cannot be used for identification as they are the same for all levels in this region and show little structure. This last fact is not easily explained.Some of the two quasi-particle excitation states in the even isotopes of Sn are identified and the apparent pairing energy is thereby measured; it is surprisingly found to vary rapidly with mass number. Spectra from ($d, p$) and ($d, t$) reactions in isotonic pairs ${\mathrm{Cd}}^{114}$-${\mathrm{Sn}}^{116}$ and ${\mathrm{Cd}}^{116}$-${\mathrm{Sn}}^{118}$ are compared to show that the single-particle neutron states are much more radically affected by the addition of two protons than by the addition of two neutrons, contrary to the usual assumption in shell model theory.$Q$ values for ($d, p$) and ($d, t$) reactions on the major isotopes of tin are measured.
Trends in mean waist circumference and abdominal obesity among US adults, 1999-2012.

Waist circumference is a simple and valuable anthropometric measure of total and intra-abdominal body fat.1 The clinical guidelines from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute on the identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults recommend that clinicians assess waist circumference of their patients.2 Although the prevalence of abdominal obesity has increased in the United States through 2008,3 its trend in recent years is unknown. Therefore, our objective was to provide recent information about the trends in mean waist circumference and prevalence of abdominal obesity among adults in the United States from 1999 to 2012.
Quantum Effect on Collisions in Electron-positron Plasmas

Quantum effects on the electron-positron scattering are investigated in electron-positron plasmas. The corrected Kelbg potential, taking into account the quantum effects, is applied to describe the electron-positron interaction potential in electron-positron plasmas. The Born approximation is considered to obtain high-energy electron-positron scattering cross sections. The results show that the differential electron-positron scattering cross sections increase with increasing thermal de Broglie wavelength, i. e., decreasing plasma temperature. The differential electron-positron scattering cross sections decreases with increasing collision energy. It is also found that the quantum effects on the differential scattering cross section are small for forward and backward scattering angles.
Use of a microbiological assay with tri-enzyme extraction for measurement of pre-fortification levels of folates in enriched cereal-grain products

Abstract January 1, 1998 was the effective date for PDA regulations that mandated the fortification in the USA of a wide range of enriched cereal-grain products with folic acid at levels specified in federal regulations. Because data on prefortification levels of folate in such products are limited, we measured folate in 56 enriched foods, including enriched breads and rolls, flours, corn grits and meals, rices, and macaroni and noodle products. Folate was measured by a modification of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists' microbiological method 992.05 using Lactobacillus casei . Foods were composited, suspended in 0. 1 m phosphate buffer containing 1% ascorbic acid (pH 7.8), autoclaved and cooled. Chicken pancreas conjugase was added and the suspensions were incubated for 16h at 37 °C. Values for folate in enriched products were (μg/lOOg): bread and rolls, 24–40; flours, 19–24; corn grits and meals, 22–32; macaroni and noodle products, 27–42; rice, 19–32. Because the single-enzyme method is usually insufficient to liberate food-bound folates, suspensions of foods were also incubated with α-amylase and conjugase followed by treatment with protease to determine the effects of the tri-enzyme digestion on release of folates. For many foods, total folate was 20–30% higher after the tri-enzyme digestion than after incubation with conjugase alone. The modifications of AOAC method 992.05 described here provide a microbiological assay method for the determination of folates in cereal-grain products that may be appropriate for collaborative testing.
Die-package stress interaction impact on transistor performance

Shifts in transistor performance due to mechanical stress resulting from interaction of die, packaging, test socketing, and board mount are discussed. Mechanical stress induced transistor drive current shifts are measured indirectly using ring oscillator frequencies. P and N effects are extracted independently using appropriately weighted oscillators, and P/N shifts in opposite directions agree with numerical models, which also predict significant differences between stress states associated with packaged-die test and the final usage configuration. The shifts show systematic variation across the die, raising concerns for predictable circuit performance. An example is SRAM caches, where die-package interactions may degrade VCCmin. The results highlight the need to fully characterize these stress effects in both the test and final usage configurations. These shifts, while significant, can be managed through a combination of package technology, circuit techniques, process optimization, and strategic product floor planning.
Therapy Insight: gastrointestinal complications of diabetes—pathophysiology and management

Patients with diabetes often have gastrointestinal symptoms, but the extent and severity of this problem and the specificity of the symptoms are not nearly as well defined as frequently assumed. Any part of the gastrointestinal tract can be affected, and the presenting symptoms depend on the composite of dysfunctional elements. Gastroesophageal reflux, Candida esophagitis, gastroparesis, diarrhea and constipation are among the many common gastrointestinal complications of diabetes. No specific risk factor for the development of these complications has been identified and their etiology is most likely to be multifactorial, involving both reversible and irreversible processes. Treatment should be directed at tighter glycemic and symptom control, which can bring about clinical improvement for many patients. For other patients, however, effective clinical management is problematic because no therapies are available to prevent or correct the underlying disease mechanisms. Studies now suggest that reduced levels of key trophic factors cause transdifferentiation of pacemaker interstitial cells of Cajal into a smooth-muscle-like phenotype. If this really is the case, therapies directed at restoring the normal milieu of trophic signals could correct the dysfunction of the interstitial cells of Cajal and resolve many gastrointestinal complications. Advances in stem cell technology also hold promise to provide a cure for diabetes and to correct abnormalities in gastrointestinal pathology.
An On-Line System for Heterogeneous Distributed Computing and Advanced Visualization of Test Cell Data

In most turbine engine testing facilities, the tools and techniques of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and advanced visualization have never been applied to facilitate (near) real-time analysis of the test hardware. New computer software technology has now been applied which allows server-to-client remote procedure calls (RPC), enabling supercomputers to be called from within the online test scanning program. Coupled with advanced visualization software and graphics workstations, it is possible to view the inside of a test while it is being conducted. Such capability can be as valuable to researchers in steering tests as X-rays are to doctors in diagnosing health.This report presents results from a library of software for on-line visualization. Using this system, a full turbomachine (compressor) has been visually analyzed by interpolating pressure instrument rakes to give a full flow field view of the engine (compressor). All data values at each grid cross-section are non-dimensionalized and viewed at varying ranges of iso-distortion surfaces. Regions of low or high energy can be seen as they proceed through the compressor stages. A full range of capabilities are displayed for both pressure and temperature using computer animation techniques recorded to video. Such views are unique and may provide extra information to help understand flow phenomena such as inlet distortion and how it relates, for example, to stall margin.CFD efforts are also described in conjunction with the use of RPC to supercomputers. A stream function meridional, 2D/quasi-3D solution to five blade rows is shown in context with rotating blade rows and shown on video. The value of the computer work is all generic and can be applied in almost any scientific area where on-line computer systems are used.Copyright © 1995 by ASME
Electrodeposition of adherent copper film on unmodified tungsten

Abstract Adherent Cu films were electrodeposited onto polycrystalline W foils from purged solutions of 0.05 M CuSO 4 in H 2 SO 4 supporting electrolyte and 0.025 M CuCO 3 Cu(OH) 2 in 0.32 M H 3 BO 3 and corresponding HBF 4 supporting electrolyte, both at pH 1. Films were deposited under constant potential conditions at voltages between −0.6 V and −0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl. All films produced by pulses of 10 s duration were visible to the eye; copper colored, and survived the Scotch tape test. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of metallic Cu, with apparent dendritic growth. No sulfur impurity was observable by XPS or EDX. Kinetics measurements indicate that the Cu nucleation process in the sulfuric bath is slower than in the borate bath. In both baths, nucleation kinetics does not correspond to either instantaneous or progressive nucleation. Films deposited from 0.05 M CuSO 4 /H 2 SO 4 solution at pH>1 at −0.2 V exhibited poor adhesion and decreased Cu reduction current. In both borate and sulfate baths, small Cu nuclei are observable by SEM upon deposition at higher negative overpotentials, while only large nuclei (approx. 1 μm or larger) are observed upon deposition at less negative potentials.
Interrelationships between μ opioid and melanocortin receptors in mediating food intake in rats

Abstract The present study examined the interrelationships between feeding responses produced by μ opioid receptor agonists and melanocortin-3 or 4 (MC-3/4) receptor antagonists. Feeding induced by the μ-sensitive opioid peptide, β-endorphin (βEND, 10 μg, icv) was significantly and dose-dependently reduced by pretreatment with the MC-3/4 receptor agonist, melanotan-II (MTII: 0.01–10 nmol, icv). Moreover, the selective μ opioid antagonist, β-funaltrexamine (βFNA: 2–20 μg, icv), significantly and dose-dependently reduced feeding and weight gain elicited by the potent MC-3/4 receptor antagonist, SHU-9119 (0.5 nmol, icv), especially at those intake periods (24–48 h) when SHU-9119 produced maximal ingestive effects. These data extend previous findings demonstrating interactions between opioid and melanocortin receptors in the mediation of food intake.
On the nonlinear evolution of baroclinic instability over topography

Abstract A theory is presented for the nonlinear evolution of fluctuations in a zonal baroclinic shear flow over topography on a β-plane. It extends an earlier linearized theory on the same subject, which showed that unstable growth was possible for hybrid modes made up of a pair of primary modes with the same frequency but different wavenumbers, each stable in the absence of topography, but made unstable by topography with wavenumber that bridges the wavenumber gap between the primary modes. The slow evolution of the amplitudes of the hybrid modes can be expressed quite generally in terms of elliptic functions that fluctuate regularly between maximum and minimum values determined in a complicated way by initial amplitudes and parameters characterizing the primary modes. For small initial amplitudes, the evolution can be described in terms of even simpler function, i.e., trains of hyperbolic-secant pulses that recur with a period that depends on the logarithm of (the inverse of) the initial amplitude. Maximum fluctuation velocities comparable to, or even larger than, mean flow velocities can be achieved for disturbances of the scale of the internal deformation radius (typically 50 km in the oceans, 1000 km in the atmosphere), topography variations 10% of total fluid depth, and parameters typical of oceans and atmosphere.
The elusive source of myofibroblasts: problem solved?

Fibrosis is omnipresent and contributes to a substantial proportion of all natural deaths. A recent study ( pages 1262–1270 ) provides evidence that the mysterious perivascular cell, also known as the pericyte, is the cell type responsible for fibrotic disease in skin and skeletal muscle.
Sesquiterpene lactones of Eupatorium scabridum

Abstract Eupatorium scabridum , a hybrid biotype presumed to arise by hybridization of E. rotundifolium and E. semiserratum furnished anti-tumor sesquiterpene lactones characteristic of the putative parents.
Beam and plasma direct converters

Two types of direct converters, one for beams and one for plasma, are under development with voltages and power densities approaching reactor-like conditions. Beam direct conversion raises the efficiency of producing neutral beams, can save millions of dollars when applied to next-generation experiments, and can improve the power balance of driven reactors. Direct conversion allows positive ion beams to be made into neutrals efficiently up to 150 keV for D/sup 0/, 225 keV for T/sup 0/ and 300 keV for /sup 3/He/sup 0/. Above these energies, the efficiency is less than 50% and falling rapidly, requiring negative ions to be used for neutral beam formation, which even they can benefit from direct conversion because the conversion fraction from negatives to neutrals is less than 100% (approximately 80% plasma cell, approximately 60% gas cell). The in-line beam direct conversion concept uses either electrostatic or magnetic fields for electron suppression. At low powers (approximately 1 kW continuous) and low voltage (10 to 15 keV), both have operated at an efficiency better than 70%.
Stimulation of proteolysis on calmodulin

Abstract The proteolysis of calmodulin by fungal protease (type XIX) was greatly enhanced in the presence of dGTP and MS2 RNA. Whereas, only moderate proteolytic activation on bacterial proteases (type XXVI) was observed in the presence of MS2 RNA. No appreciable proteolysis of calmodulin by bacterial protease (type IX) was observed. Proteolytic fragments of calmodulin cleaved by fungal protease exhibited unusual low mobility during SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Similar decreased electrophoretic mobility was also noted in the proteolytic fragments of other Ca2+-binding proteins including S-100A protein and parvalbumin.
Computer simulation helps improve design of mixers for photographic reagents

Polaroid has improved the design of reactor mixing tanks by using computer simulation to evaluate the shearing, orientation and the circulation of the fluid under alternate mixer designs. The turbulent mixers used in the past do not work well with the new high‐viscosity photographic reagents because large shear rates necessary for efficient structure breakdown exist only within those limited regions of the tank in close proximity to the blade/impellers. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was used to evaluate a variety of different mixing designs with an eye towards modifying existing tanks to overcome these problems. The result was the development of a retrofit design to the existing tank that provides far superior mixing of the new reagents.
MASPIC: Intensity-Based Tandem Mass Spectrometry Scoring Scheme That Improves Peptide Identification at High Confidence

Algorithmic search engines bridge the gap between large tandem mass spectrometry data sets and the identification of proteins associated with biological samples. Improvements in these tools can greatly enhance biological discovery. We present a new scoring scheme for comparing tandem mass spectra with a protein sequence database. The MASPIC (Multinomial Algorithm for Spectral Profile-based Intensity Comparison) scorer converts an experimental tandem mass spectrum into a m/z profile of probability and then scores peak lists from potential candidate peptides using a multinomial distribution model. The MASPIC scoring scheme incorporates intensity, spectral peak density variations, and m/z error distribution associated with peak matches into a multinomial distribution. The scoring scheme was validated on two standard protein mixtures and an additional set of spectra collected on a complex ribosomal protein mixture from Rhodopseudomonas palustris. The results indicate a 5-15% improvement over Sequest for high-confidence identifications. The performance gap grows as sequence database size increases. Additional tests on spectra from proteinase-K digest data showed similar performance improvements demonstrating the advantages in using MASPIC for studying proteins digested with less specific proteases. All these investigations show MASPIC to be a versatile and reliable system for peptide tandem mass spectral identification.
Enacting Conceptual Metaphor through Blending: Learning Activities Embodying the Substance Metaphor for Energy

We demonstrate that a particular blended learning space is especially productive in developing understanding of energy transfers and transformations. In this blended space, naturally occurring learner interactions like body movement, gesture, and metaphorical speech are blended with a conceptual metaphor of energy as a substance in a class of activities called Energy Theater. We illustrate several mechanisms by which the blended aspect of the learning environment promotes productive intellectual engagement with key conceptual issues in the learning of energy, including distinguishing among energy processes, disambiguating matter and energy, identifying energy transfer, and representing energy as a conserved quantity. Conceptual advancement appears to be promoted especially by the symbolic material and social structure of the Energy Theater environment, in which energy is represented by participants and objects are represented by areas demarcated by loops of rope, and by Energy Theater's embodied action, i...
Isoscalar monopole strength in 56Fe and 58Ni

Abstract The giant resonance region up to E x =30 MeV was studied in 58 Ni with inelastic scattering of 240 MeV α particles at small angles including 0°. It is shown that the total isoscalar monopole strength in the region E x =12 to 25 MeV in 58 Ni is E GMR > 24.8 MeV in contrast to the E GMR ≈ 17 MeV expected from systematics of other nuclei. For 56 Fe, the angular distribution for a peak at E x = 16.15 MeV having a width Γ = 5.52 MeV is fit well by an L=2 DWBA calculation exhausting 56% of the E2 energy- weighted sum rule. The angular distribution for a peak at E x = 19.2 MeV having a width Γ = 7.45 MeV is fit well by a combination of 100% of the E1 sum rule and 12% of the E0 sum rule for the breathing mode.
CROPLAND CONCENTRATIONS IN THE SOUTH

ABSTRACT The harvested cropland of the South in 1974 was concentrated in environmentally favored “islands” that are separated by wide expanses of woodland. The traditional cash crops of the region—cotton, tobacco, peanuts, rice, and sugar cane—are even more heavily concentrated in these islands, where the land is best suited to crop production. The concentration of harvested cropland and cash crops in the islands has increased since World War II because the acreage of cropland harvested has declined dramatically in the poorer and less competitive areas. The inherent quality of the land has been the principal determinant of these changes in land use.
AFIT Neural tactile sensor

A biologically inspired tactile sensor, the AFIT Neural Tactile Sensor (NTS), is proposed and experimentally evaluated. Incorporating ANN pattern recognition techniques, the NTS offers previously unattainable benefits in sensor size, simplicity, flexibility, sensitivity, and utility.
A classroom outsourcing experience for software engineering learning

Outsourcing of software development is a key part of globalization, oft misunderstood by computer science students, and possibly a cause of declining enrollments in the field. The authors developed and implemented an outsourcing experience for students in an advanced software engineering course. Student teams at two universities developed game playing programs and outsourced key parts of their systems to the other university. Results show students improved their understanding of outsourcing, developed better appreciation for the importance of software engineering techniques, and created ad hoc communication protocols between teams. The paper concludes with recommendations for expanding the approach used to other universities to create a more inclusive computer science and software engineering teaching environment.
Nonstop flying is safer than driving

The relative safety of driving and flying is important in many situations that involve selecting a mode of transportation. The traditional view, that flying via scheduled airlines is safer than driving, has recently been challenged by Evans et al.(1) They concluded that for a low-risk driver it is safer to drive on rural interstate highways (the safest roads) than to fly if the trip length is less than 602 miles. We reestimated the fatality probabilities for flying by taking into account that the risk of flying is dependent on the number of nonstop segments flown, but, for all practical purposes, is independent of the length of the trip. Our calculations indicate that, for average or high-risk drivers, it is always safer to fly than to drive. Furthermore, even for a low-risk driver, nonstop flying is safer than driving on rural interstate highways for a trip distance of more than 303 miles; the corresponding breakeven distances for flights that involve two and three segments are 606 and 909 miles, respectively.
A comparison inequality for rational functions

We establish a new inequality for rational functions and show that it implies many inequalities for polynomials and their polar derivatives.
On the validity of the capillarity approximation in the rate theory of homogeneous nucleation

Abstract An Einstein model is used to calculate the internal vibrational free energy of approximately spherical fcc crystallites as a function of crystallite size at T/θ = 1. It is found that the free energy per surface atom does not become convergent until a size of about 3 × 107 atoms is reached. The excess free energy at convergence is used to define the macroscopic surface tension for use in the capillarity approximation. The internal free energy of microcrystallites containing of the order of 100 atoms is fortuitously well described by the capillarity approximation. A good estimate of the total free energy of the microcrystallite (nucleus) is obtained from the capillarity approximation only by adding the contributions from free translation and rotation and the replacement partition function.
The double-power approach to spherically symmetric astrophysical systems

In this paper, we present two simple approaches for deriving anisotropic distribution functions for a wide range of spherical models. The first method involves multiplying and dividing a basic augmented density with polynomials in $r$ and constructing more complex augmented densities in the process, from which we obtain the double-power distribution functions. This procedure is applied to a specific case of the Veltmann models that is known to closely approximate the Navarro-Frenk-White (NFW) profile, and also to the Plummer and Hernquist profiles (in the appendix). The second part of the paper is concerned with obtaining hypervirial distribution functions, i.e. distribution functions that satisfy the local virial theorem, for several well-known models. In order to construct the hypervirial augmented densities and the corresponding distribution functions, we start with an appropriate ansatz for the former and proceed to determine the coefficients appearing in that ansatz by expanding the potential--density pair as a series, around $r=0$ and $r=\infty$. By doing so, we obtain hypervirial distribution functions, valid in these two limits, that can generate the potential--density pairs of these models to an arbitrarily high degree of accuracy. This procedure is explicitly carried out for the H\'enon isochrone, Jaffe, Dehnen and NFW models and the accuracy of this procedure is established. Finally, we derive some universal properties for these hypervirial distribution functions, involving the asymptotic behaviour of the anisotropy parameter and its relation to the density slope in this regime. In particular, we show that the cusp slope--central anisotropy inequality is saturated.
Is P50 suppression a measure of sensory gating in schizophrenia

Abstract Background: Abnormal P50 response has been hypothesized to reflect the sensory gating deficit in schizophrenia. Despite the extensive literature concerning the sensory filtering or gating deficit in schizophrenia, no evidence has been provided to test the relationship of the P50 phenomenon with patients’ experiences of perceptual anomalies. Methods: Sixteen drug-free DSM-IV diagnosed schizophrenic patients who reported moderate to severe perceptual anomalies in the auditory or visual modality were examined as compared to 16 schizophrenic patients who did not report perceptual anomalies, and 16 normal subjects. Both control groups were age- and gender-matched with the study group. Results: Patients reporting perceptual anomalies exhibited P50 patterns that did not differ from normal subjects. In contrast, patients who did not report perceptual anomalies showed the abnormal P50 ratios previously found to be associated with schizophrenia. Conclusions: These paradoxical findings do not support the hypothetical relationship between the P50 and behavioral measures of sensory gating, suggesting that additional studies are needed to further explore the clinical correlates of the P50.
Cytochalasin B: Effects on Microfilaments and Movement of Melanin Granules within Melanocytes

The intracellular translocation of melanin granules within both epidermal and dermal melanocytes of Rana pipiens is influenced by cytochalasin B. Cytochalasin B prevents dispersion of pigment granules by melanocytestimulating hormone (MSH) and causes centripetal movement of pigment granules that have been dispersed by MSH. Microfilaments are abundant in the dendritic processes of epidermal melanocytes in which pigment granules have been dispersed by MSH. Microfilaments are dramatically reduced in number in the processes of melanocytes that have been lightened by cytochalasin B. These observations suggest that microfilaments mediate dispersion of pigment granules.
Aluminum and renal osteodystrophy A diminishing clinical problem

Aluminum-associated osteomalacia is a serious complication of advanced renal disease. Sources o f aluminum include the water used for hemodialysis and the gastrointestinal absorption o f aluminum from the antacids used to bind dietary phosphorus in an effort to prevent hyperparathyroidism. Definitive diagnosis is made by bone biopsy and staining for aluminum. Noninvasive testing using the deferoxamine challenge test together with serum PTH levels is also of value in many instances. The goal for the future is to eliminate aluminum-related osteodystrophy by the avoidance of aluminum, control of phosphorus with non-aluminum-containing binders, and development of novel approaches to facilitate phosphorus removal by dialysis.
Risk of cesarean delivery in nulliparous women at greater than 41 weeks' gestational age with an unengaged vertex.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether an unengaged vertex significantly increased the risk of cesarean delivery in nulliparous patients at 41 weeks or greater. Study design The medical records from all nulliparous patients greater than 41 weeks' gestation delivered at a single institution were reviewed. Patients undergoing both spontaneous and induced labor were included. Multivariate analyses were used to compare the influence of admission fetal station versus induction of labor on the risk of cesarean delivery. Results Four hundred forty-eight nulliparous women at greater than 41 weeks' gestation were delivered at our institution during the study period. Sixty-two percent of these patients underwent induction of labor. There was a statistically significant increase in cesarean delivery rate compared with station (6% of patients at −1 station, 20% at −2 station, 43% at −3 station, and 77% at −4 station; P =.001). Compared with patients with an engaged vertex, patients with an unengaged vertex had 12.4 times the risk of cesarean delivery. Most of the cesarean deliveries were performed for failure to progress. On the basis of multivariate analysis, the odds of cesarean delivery were better predicted by fetal station than induction of labor. Conclusion Nulliparous patients at 41 weeks or greater with an unengaged vertex are 12.4 times more likely to be delivered by cesarean section than a patient with an engaged vertex.
The Study of Mycobacterium leprae Infection in Interferon-γ Gene—Disrupted Mice as a Model to Explore the Immunopathologic Spectrum of Leprosy

Mycobacterium leprae infection was evaluated in interferon-gamma knockout (GKO) mice. At 4 months, growth of the bacilli in the footpads of GKO mice plateaued a log(10) higher than that in control mice. Control mice exhibited mild lymphocytic and histiocytic infiltrates, whereas GKO mice developed large, unorganized infiltrates of epithelioid macrophages and scattered CD4 and CD8 T cells. Flow cytometric analysis of popliteal lymph node cells demonstrated similar profiles of T cells; however, GKO cells exhibited an elevated proliferative response to M. leprae antigen. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA was decreased in GKO mice, whereas macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha and interleukin-4 and -10 mRNA expression were augmented. Control and GKO activated macrophages inhibited bacterial metabolism and produced nitrite. Thus, although deficient in an important Th1 cytokine, GKO mice possess compensatory mechanisms to control M. leprae growth and feature elements resembling mid-borderline leprosy in humans.
Ventricular tachycardia duration and form are associated with electrical discontinuities bounding the core of the reentrant circuit.

Electrical Discontinuities at the Core Boundary. Background: Successful prediction of reentrant ventricular tachycardia duration and form from sinus-rhythm electrogram signals in canine hearts is relevant to clinical studies, to potentially improve catheter ablation treatment during EP study. Methods/Results: Following LAD ligation of canine hearts, activation maps were constructed from 312 border zone sites 4-5 days postinfarction. When reentrant ventricular tachycardia was inducible via programmed stimulation, the core of the circuit was defined on the maps as the enclosed area formed by the adjoining lines of slowest conduction and block bounding the protected region of the reentrant circuit. The number, location, and width of points of entrance or exit of the activation wavefront about the core were determined. Core perimeter location was then marked on the sinus-rhythm activation map, and the difference in activation time at opposite recording sites along the core perimeter was measured. Mean sinus-rhythm activation was highly discontinuous along the core perimeter in 10 transient reentry experiments (30.1 ′ 4.4 ms), moderately discontinuous in 13 sustained experiments (16.7 ′ 1.8 ms), and only slightly discontinuous in 5 noninducible experiments (9.7 ′ 1.7 ms). For transient versus sustained experiments, the entrance/exit points were narrower (mean: 6.5 ′ 1.0 mm vs 9.5 ′ 1.8 mm) with larger sinus-rhythm discontinuity across them (mean: 23.8 ′ 6.0 ms vs 11.8 ′ 2.1 ms). As core size increased, so did the number of entrance/exits present during reentry (P < 0.001). With increasing core size, four-loop (quatrefoil) reentry was frequently observed. Conclusions: Whether reentrant ventricular tachycardia will be inducible in the canine infarct border zone, and its duration and form, is associated with the characteristics of electrical discontinuities present about the core perimeter.
Mouse model of encephalopathy and novel treatment strategies with substrate competition in glutaric aciduria type I.

Glutaric aciduria type I (GA-1) results from an inherited defect in a common step of lysine, hydroxylysine and tryptophan metabolism. This defect is associated with an age-dependent susceptibility to encephalopathy commonly preceded by non-specific childhood illnesses or fasting. The brain injury that develops with encephalopathic crisis in GA-1 is anatomically and symptomatically similar to Huntington’s disease, affecting the striatum. The mechanism of injury remains poorly understood. Recently, an animal model of GA-1 encephalopathy was developed by providing GA-1 mice with added dietary lysine. This model shows age-dependent susceptibility similar to the human disease. Enhanced lysine accumulation and utilization in the immature brain correlates with increased glutaric acid levels and age-dependent susceptibility. Neurotransmitter and Krebs cycle intermediate depletion in this model represent novel findings toward uncovering the mechanism of neuronal injury. Additionally this mouse model is responsive to glucose analogous to human GA-1 and provides insight toward the mechanism of this effect. Together these findings led to a new treatment strategy of competing with brain lysine uptake that shows promising results. This research serves as a model for understanding blood brain barrier amino acid transport at critical stages of development and may help advance understanding of brain injury and development of treatments in other IEMs including urea cycle disorders.
The Theoretical Influence of Immunity between Strain Groups on the Progression of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Epidemics

BACKGROUND Emerging research suggests that genetically distinct strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis may modulate the immune system differently. This may be of importance in high-burden settings where > or =1 genetic group of M. tuberculosis confers significant morbidity. METHODS A dynamic mathematical model was constructed to evaluate how different degrees of cross-immunity among M. tuberculosis groups could affect epidemics of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). RESULTS Simulated populations with immunogenically distinct TB strain groups experienced a heightened risk of drug-resistant TB, compared with populations without such strain diversity, even when the same rates of case detection and treatment success were achieved. The highest risks of infection were observed in populations in which HIV was prevalent. Drug-resistant strains with very low transmission fitness could still propagate in environments with reduced cross-immunity among different strain groups, even after common targets for case detection and treatment success are reached. CONCLUSIONS It is possible that the propagation of drug-resistant strains could depend not only on the rate of development of resistance and the fitness of the drug-resistant strains but, also, on the diversity of the strains in the region. The risk of infection with drug-resistant strains could be amplified in locations where there is reduced cross-immunity between originating strain groups. This amplification may be most profound during the first few decades of TB treatment expansion.
Discrete layer-stripping algorithms and feasibility conditions for the 2D inverse conductivity problem

We develop a discrete layer-stripping algorithm for the 2D inverse conductivity problem. Unlike previous algorithms, this algorithm transforms the problem into a time-varying 1D Schr¨ odinger equation inverse scattering problem, discretizes this problem and then solves the discrete problem exactly. This approach has three advantages: (i) the poor conditioning inherent in the problem is concentrated in the solution of a linear integral transform at the beginning of the problem, to which standard regularization techniques may be applied and (ii) feasibility conditions on the transformed data are obtained, satisfaction of which ensures that (iii) the solution of the discrete nonlinear inverse scattering problem is exact and stable. Other contributions include solution of discrete Schrequation inverse potential problems with time-varying potentials by both layer-stripping algorithms and solution of nested systems of equations which amount to a time-varying discrete version of the Gel'fand-Levitan equation. An analytic and numerical example is supplied to demonstrate the operation of the algorithm.
Merg1a K+ channel induces skeletal muscle atrophy by activating the ubiquitin proteasome pathway

Skeletal muscle atrophy results from an imbalance in protein degradation and protein synthesis and occurs in response to injury, various disease states, disuse, and normal aging. Current treatments for this debilitating condition are inadequate. More information about mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of muscle atrophy is necessary for development of more effective therapies. Here we show that expression of the mouse ether-a-go-go related gene (Merg1a) K+ channel is up-regulated in skeletal muscle of mice experiencing atrophy as a result of both malignant tumor expression and disuse. Further, ectopic expression of Merg1a in vivo induces atrophy in healthy wt-bearing mice, while expression of a dysfunctional Merg1a mutant suppresses atrophy in hindlimb-suspended mice. Treatment of hindlimb-suspended mice with astemizole, a known Merg1a channel blocker, inhibits atrophy in these animals. Importantly, in vivo expression of Merg1a in mouse skeletal muscle activates the ubiquitin proteasome pathway that is responsible for the majority of protein degradation that causes muscle atrophy, yet expression of a dysfunctional Merg1a mutant decreases levels of ubiquitin-proteasome proteolysis. Thus, expression of Merg1a likely initiates atrophy by activating ubiquitin-proteasome proteolysis. This gene and its product are potential targets for prevention and treatment of muscle atrophy.
The Impact of a Classroom-Based Guidance Program on Student Performance in Community College Math Classes:

Passing through remedial and required math classes poses a significant barrier to success for many community college students. This study uses random assignment to investigate the impact of a “ligh...
Immunotherapy of bladder cancer with cytokine gene-modified tumor vaccines

This study explored the use of cytokine gene-modified tumor cells as cellular vaccines for the treatment of bladder cancer. The mouse MBT-2 tumor is an excellent model for human bladder cancer. This carcinogen-induced tumor of bladder origin resembles human bladder cancer in its etiology and histology and responds to treatment in a manner similar to that of its human counterpart. In a previous study we have shown that interleukin 2 (IL-2)-secreting, irradiated, MBT-2 cell preparations were capable of curing animals from orthotopically established tumors and engendered protective immunological memory in the cured animals. In this study we have compared the effectiveness of several cytokines and found that while IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and gamma-interferon were only weakly effective in the therapeutic vaccination protocol, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor was almost as effective as but not superior to IL-2, as reported previously for another tumor model system. Induction of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte correlated only poorly with the therapeutic benefit of the cytokine gene-modified tumor cell preparations, questioning its prognostic value for the development of improved genetically modified tumor vaccines.
Mycobacterium liflandii Outbreak in a Research Colony of Xenopus (Silurana) tropicalis Frogs

A research colony of Xenopus (Silurana) tropicalis frogs presented with nodular and ulcerative skin lesions. Additional consistent gross findings included splenomegaly with multiple tan-yellow nodular foci in the spleen and liver of diseased frogs. Copious acidfast positive bacteria were present in touch impression smears of spleen, skin, and livers of diseased frogs. Histologically, necrotizing and granulomatous dermatitis, splenitis, and hepatitis with numerous acid-fast bacilli were consistently present, indicative of systemic mycobacteriosis. Infrequently, granulomatous inflammation was noted in the lungs, pancreas, coelomic membranes, and rarely reproductive organs. Ultrastructurally, both extracellular bacilli and intracellular bacilli within macrophages were identified. Frogs in the affected room were systematically depopulated, and control measures were initiated. Cultured mycobacteria from affected organs were identified and genetically characterized as Mycobacterium liflandii by polymerase chain reaction amplification of the enoyl reductase domain and specific variable numbers of tandem repeats. In recent years, M. liflandii has had a devastating impact on research frog colonies throughout the United States. This detailed report with ultrastructural description of M. liflandii aids in further understanding of this serious disease in frogs.
Age at asthma onset and subsequent asthma outcomes among adults with active asthma.

Summary Introduction Little is known about the extent to which the age at which asthma first began influences respiratory health later in life. We conducted these analyses to examine the relationship between age at asthma onset and subsequent asthma-related outcomes. Methods We used data from 12,216 adults with asthma who participated in the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Asthma Call-back Survey to describe the distribution of age at asthma onset. Linear regression was used to estimate associations of age at asthma onset with asthma-related outcomes, including symptoms in the past 30 days and asthma-related emergency visits. Results Asthma onset before age 16 was reported by an estimated 42% of adults with active asthma, including 14% with onset at 5–9 years of age who reported experiencing any asthma symptoms on 21% of days in the past month. Compared to this group, the percentage of days in the past month with any asthma symptoms was 14.8% higher (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.4, 24.1) among those whose asthma onset occurred at Conclusion Age at asthma onset may affect subsequent asthma-related outcomes.
Nomenclature of red cell shapes. A commentary.

The commentary to follow has grown out of discussions by the participants of the symposium. Is has been submitted to them for their comments and thus expresses their views as well as my own.
Crystallization kinetics during polymer processing—Analysis of available approaches for process modeling

An analysis of available methods of dealing with polymer crystallization for process modeling is presented. Problems encountered in using isothermal data to predict nonisothermal results are discussed and illustrated using experimental data for nylon 6. A half-time analysis is used to evaluate and extrapolate the isothermal crystallization rates. It is concluded that none of the available models are entirely satisfactory for computing nonisothermal crystallization from isothermal data, though the Nakamura model is shown to be more satisfactory for process modeling than other models discussed in the literature. A nonlinear regression method is presented for directly fitting nonisothermal crystallinity data using the Nakamura model to obtain crystallization rate equation parameters. Two empirical methods for including amorphous orientation effects are also considered and evaluated by comparing predicted results to online experimental data for melt spinning of nylon 6.
Atwood ratio dependence of Richtmyer–Meshkov flows under reshock conditions using large-eddy simulations

We study the shock-driven turbulent mixing that occurs when a perturbed planar density interface is impacted by a planar shock wave of moderate strength and subsequently reshocked. The present work is a systematic study of the influence of the relative molecular weights of the gases in the form of the initial Atwood ratio A. We investigate the cases A = ± 0.21, ±0.67 and ±0.87 that correspond to the realistic gas combinations air–CO_2, air–SF_6 and H_2–air. A canonical, three-dimensional numerical experiment, using the large-eddy simulation technique with an explicit subgrid model, reproduces the interaction within a shock tube with an endwall where the incident shock Mach number is ~1.5 and the initial interface perturbation has a fixed dominant wavelength and a fixed amplitude-to-wavelength ratio ~0.1. For positive Atwood configurations, the reshock is followed by secondary waves in the form of alternate expansion and compression waves travelling between the endwall and the mixing zone. These reverberations are shown to intensify turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation across the mixing zone. In contrast, negative Atwood number configurations produce multiple secondary reshocks following the primary reshock, and their effect on the mixing region is less pronounced. As the magnitude of A is increased, the mixing zone tends to evolve less symmetrically. The mixing zone growth rate following the primary reshock approaches a linear evolution prior to the secondary wave interactions. When considering the full range of examined Atwood numbers, measurements of this growth rate do not agree well with predictions of existing analytic reshock models such as the model by Mikaelian (Physica D, vol. 36, 1989, p. 343). Accordingly, we propose an empirical formula and also a semi-analytical, impulsive model based on a diffuse-interface approach to describe the A-dependence of the post-reshock growth rate.