cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enthalpy of combustion of fuels as a function of distillate cut : Application of an advanced distillation curve method

In previous work, several significant improvements in the measurement of distillation curves for complex fluids were introduced. The modifications to the classical measurement provide for (1) temperature and volume measurements of low uncertainty, (2) temperature control based upon fluid behavior with a model predictive temperature controller, and, most important, (3) a composition-explicit data channel in addition to the temperature−volume relationship that usually comprises the measurement. This latter modification was achieved with a new sampling approach that allows precise qualitative as well as quantitative analyses of each fraction, during the measurement of the distillation curve. In this paper, we utilize the composition-explicit information to characterize distillate cuts in terms of available energy content. This is critical information in the study of real fuels. The measure we use for the fluid energy content is the composite enthalpy of combustion for each component selected for identificati...
Complete response of endemic Kaposi sarcoma lesions with high-dose-rate brachytherapy: treatment method, results, and toxicity using skin surface applicators.

Abstract Purpose To analyze the clinical outcome of Kaposi sarcoma skin lesions treated with high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy in patients with a minimum of 2 years of followup. Methods and Materials Between February 2006 and July 2008, all patients with Kaposi sarcoma who received 192Ir HDR brachytherapy using a skin surface applicator were evaluated for clinical response. Responses to treatment and toxicity were scored using standard criteria. Results Sixteen cases were collected. Treatment was delivered in four to six fractions, over a period of approximately 12 days. The specified dose ranged from 24 to 35 Gy. Median followup the lesion was 41.4 months. No lesion was greater than 2 cm. All patients had a complete response to treatment, with no evidence of local recurrence or tumor progression. Thirteen lesions developed Grade 1 and two lesions had Grade 2 acute skin reactions. One patient developed late skin changes with telangiectasias and hypopigmentation. Conclusions HDR brachytherapy treatment seems to be an effective noninvasive option for patients with small cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma lesions, delivering excellent cosmesis and local control in our small series. Fewer fractions over a shorter period used in our group offer patients more convenience compared with other common regimens. Although HDR is being used more frequently for many surface applications, additional clinical studies with larger numbers of patients and longer followup are needed to confirm the general impression that it is an excellent option for many patients.
Measurement of Turbulent Heat Transfer Rates on the Aft Portion and Blunt Base of a Hemisphere-Cylinder in the Shock Tube

Turbulent heat transfer rates on the aft portion and on the blunt base of a hemisphere cylinder were measured in the 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" GALCIT shock tube over a range of shock Mach numbers between 3. 25 and 5. 1 and initial pressures between 3 and 17 em. Hg. The local Reynolds numbers on the cylindrical afterbody varied between 3.5 x 10^4 and 3.0 x 10^5 per em. A side support was used for the model in order to eliminate the disturbing effect of a rear sting support. The measured turbulent heat transfer rates on the cylindrical portion agreed very well with previous flat plate measurements for small temperature differences, although the ratio of stagnation to surface enthalpy varied between 3 to 8 in the present tests. Only a slight effect of this large variation in h_s/h_w was detected in this range of local Mach numbers, i.e., 1.25 < M_e < 1.5. The measured heat transfer rate on the base indicated that at the center of the base the heat transfer rate is comparable to that on the surface just ahead of the base, while the heat transfer rate falls off to 1/2 to 1/3 of this value towards the rim of the base. This unexpected distribution of heat transfer rate over the base, and particularly the high value at the center, shows the necessity for a careful study of wake phenomena.
Dynamic Simulation of Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS)

The simulation method to be used in FMS should be multilevel and dynamic and should incorporate solid modeling techniques. This means that operation control simulation in FMS should rely on information sources provided from different levels of the organization; thus there should be an overall planning level and a dynamic, or real-time, level. One should also conclude from this article that, without understanding the design principles and operating rules of FMS, the simulation model created will be inadequate and in most cases misleading. Because of this, FMS simulation should be performed by a team, incorporating the manufacturing system designers as well as the simulation experts.
Cardiovascular outcomes of a positive nuclear stress test but negative coronary angiography in a multiethnic male predominant cohort.

Background: Patients presenting with chest pain and evidence of functional ischemia by myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), but lacking commensurate angiographic disease pose a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. They are often dismissed as having 'false-positive MPI'. Moreover, a majority of the available long-term outcome data for it has been derived from homogenous female populations. In this study, we sought to evaluate the long-term outcomes of this presentation in a multiethnic male-predominant cohort. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified 47 patients who presented to our institution between 2002 and 2005 with chest pain and evidence of ischemia on MPI, but with no significant angiographic disease on subsequent cardiac catheterization (cases). The occurrence of adverse cardiovascular outcomes (chest pain, congestive heart failure, acute myocardial infarction and stroke) post-index coronary angiogram was tracked. Similar data was collected for 37 patients who also presented with chest pain, but normal MPI over the same period (controls). Overall average follow-up was over 22 months. Results: Fifty-three percent (26/47) of the cases had one or more of the adverse outcomes as compared with 22% (8/37) of controls (P < 0.01). Of these, 13 (50.0%) and 3 (37.5%) were males, respectively. Conclusions: Ischemia on MPI is predictive of long-term adverse cardiovascular outcomes despite normal ('false-negative') coronary angiography. This appears to be gender-neutral.
MRM server: a context-aware and location-based mobile e-commerce server

This paper introduces a Mobile Resource Management (MRM) system for mobile E-commerce developed last year, mainly focusing on the server's implementation. The major advantages of the MRM are: (1) It provides location-based and context-aware services for mobile users. (2) It helps mobile E-commerce service providers (such as local advertisers) improve the effectiveness of their services, (for example through: better advertisements). (3) It improves real-time E-commerce services. In this paper, we describe the architecture of MRM system first, then describe our implementation of the server in detail, point out the problems in constructing such kind of system, and finally, show some new real life examples made possible by MRM.
Veterinarians in disasters

Vets play an important role in responding to disasters but, says Sebastian Heath , they could play a more significant role by shaping society‘s attitudes to animals and by disease mitigation and preparedness THROUGHOUT the centuries veterinarians have played critical roles in disasters. After several decades of large-scale disasters involving animals, recent events such as the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the earthquake in Haiti, the Korean foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, tornadoes and oil spills in the USA and many other less publicised events mean it is timely to review the critical roles veterinarians play. In a generic sense, disasters are shocks to social and economic systems, where, temporarily, the need for resources outstrips their supply; if people or animals are not affected we usually do not think of the event as disastrous. In most natural and technological disasters the shock is typically the result of a sudden destructive event, such as an earthquake, inclement weather, or exposure to an infectious disease agent, hazardous material or radiation. For these types of disasters the scope of the impact can usually be defined quickly and the response is rapid, supporting the desire to return to the status quo as quickly as possible. In biological disasters, such as an outbreak of contagious disease, the scope of the event is often not known at the outset and the immediate response is often clouded by debates over how best to respond, which can be perceived as inaction. Since large-scale disasters are rare and their timing often unpredictable, they have been shrouded in myths. Misconceptions also predominate common descriptions of what happens with animals in disasters and have reinforced a limited, albeit conventional, view of the role of veterinarians. Hence, to better understand the …
Reactive spreading: adsorption, ridging and compound formation

Reactive spreading, in which a chemically active element is added to promote wetting of noble metals on nonmetallic materials, is evaluated. Theories for the energetics and kinetics of the necessary steps involved in spreading are outlined and compared to the steps in compound formation that typically accompany reactive wetting. These include: fluid flow, active metal adsorption, including nonequilibrium effects, and triple line ridging. All of these can be faster than compound nucleation under certain conditions. Analysis and assessment of recently reported experiments on metal/ceramic systems lead to a focus on those conditions under which spreading proceeds ahead of the actual formation of a new phase at the interface. This scenario may be more typical than believed, and perhaps the most effective situation leading to enhanced spreading. A rationale for the pervasive variability and hysteresis observed during high temperature wetting also emerges.
Laparoscopic radiofrequency thermal ablation of renal tissue with and without hilar occlusion.

Purpose: Few studies have evaluated the effect of radiofrequency thermal ablation on renal tissue, although it has been used clinically to treat small renal masses. We studied the size and histology of lesions created with radiofrequency thermal ablation administered via the laparoscopic approach with and without hilar occlusion in a porcine model.Materials and Methods: The lower pole of each kidney was exposed laparoscopically in 11 farm pigs. In each kidney a 7-electrode dry radiofrequency thermal ablation probe was inserted at an identical location and deployed to a diameter of 2 cm. Energy was applied for 8 minutes at an average temperature of 100C. The left renal hilum of each pig was clamped during radiofrequency thermal ablation. Two pigs were sacrificed immediately, and 3 each were sacrificed at 24 hours, 2 and 4 weeks. The size and shape of the lesions created were measured and examined histologically.Results: There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Laparoscopic ultrasound co...
The CD8+ Leu‐7+ subset of T cells in Crohn's disease: distinction between cytotoxic and covert suppressor functions

An expanded T cell subpopulation (CD8+ Leu-7+) has previously been reported in the peripheral blood of patients with Crohn's disease. This subpopulation of T cells was associated with a 'covert suppressor' function, particularly in patients with mild/early Crohn's disease, suppressing immunoglobulin production in vitro when cultured in the presence of pokeweed mitogen. T cells with the same CD8+ Leu-7+ phenotype have also been shown to exhibit non-major histocompatability complex-restricted cytotoxicity when triggered by anti-CD3 antibodies, and this cytotoxic activity has also been shown to be elevated in patients with Crohn's disease. Because cytotoxic cells can have immunoregulatory properties, we investigated the possible relationship between the cytotoxic and 'covert suppressor' functions of the CD8+ Leu-7+ subset of T lymphocytes in patients with mildly active Crohn's disease. Although the correlation between T cell cytotoxic activity and the CD8+ Leu-7+ cells was confirmed, no evidence for covert suppressor activity was found; there were no significant differences between the amount of IgM secreted by B cells from normal subjects and patients with Crohn's disease when cultured with T cells at increasing T:B ratios. In addition, IgM production by peripheral blood B cells did not correlate with either the number of CD8+ Leu-7+ cells or with the level of cytotoxic T cell activity. Furthermore, when B cells and CD4+ T cells were co-cultured with increasing numbers of CD8+ T cells, there was no evidence for excessive suppressor T cell activity in Crohn's disease. Although some patients exhibited low levels of IgM production, this was due to diminished B cell function, rather than excessive T suppressor activity or defective T helper activity. We conclude that the CD8+ Leu-7+ T cell subset is associated with cytotoxic but not with enhanced or covert suppressor activity in Crohn's disease. The previously described covert suppressor function attributed to cells with this phenotype in Crohn's disease was not found to account for diminished B cell responsiveness in vitro and is unlikely to be of major pathophysiologic significance in the majority of patients.
Observations of acoustic-gravity waves in the thermosphere following Space Shuttle ascents

Abstract Using an ionospheric Doppler sounder at Havelock, North Carolina, we observed upper atmospheric waves generated by three ascents of the Space Shuttle during 1990–1991. The exhaust plume's initial explosion and subsequent buoyant rise apparently launch acoustic and buoyancy waves, respectively. The bouyancy waves observed close (
Exchange Rates and State ‐ Led Capitalism: What Can the NIC's Learn from Japan?

Having failed the free-market, laissez-faire, capitalist-economic-development interpretation, Japan's economic success is currently accorded a “revisionist” approach: it is treated as a “special case” on the grounds that Japan operates along a different set of cultural, economic, and political imperatives. This paper offers an alternative systematic economic interpretation of the “Japanese Miracle” which has transference to other countries. It is based on the Ricardo Principle, and uses purchasing-power-parity data to analyze Japanese development policies that led to successfully “leapfrogging” the process of economic development. The state of underdevelopment, with initial conditions that led to specialization in labor-intensive, low-value-added exports, and resulted in low wages and low living standards was ended “prematurely” in the 1960s, lest the country be trapped in its static comparative advantage. The state of development was then launched, with specialization in capital- and technology-intensive exports that had dynamic comparative advantage down-the-road. The process is characterized as “State-led capitalism,” with the government using its strong arm to the purpose of achieving pluralistic economic development.
A review of portfolio use in residency programs and considerations before implementation.

Background: Portfolios, often described as collections of evidence, are discussed as a means of teaching or assessing the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education competencies. Yet, it is unclear how many residency programs utilize portfolios. The purpose of this article is to (a) review the literature on portfolio use in graduate medical education; (b) examine efficacy of portfolio use, based upon studies in the field; and (c) offer a discussion of considerations for implementing portfolios. Summary: Two searches of PubMed, OVID, JSTOR, SCOPUS, and FirstSearch Wilson Select were conducted between October 2006 and April 2007 to identify studies and articles related to portfolio usage. Thirty-nine articles met criteria and were reviewed. Conclusions: There is wide variation in how portfolios are utilized within U.S. residency programs. The challenge for graduate medical education is to create consensus on the definition and purpose of portfolios, such that best practices in portfolio implementa...
Average growth and extinction in a competitive Lotka-Volterra system

Abstract In this paper, we answer an earlier conjecture. Consider a class of nonautonomous competitive Lotka–Volterra systems. We show that certain inequalities involving the interaction coefficients and averages of the growth rates imply that the system is persistent. However, reversing one of these inequalities implies that the N th species goes to extinction.
Is time to chemotherapy a determinant of prognosis in advanced-stage ovarian cancer?

Abstract Objectives Clinicians often question when to start chemotherapy after patients undergo surgery for ovarian cancer. A major unproven concern is whether a long postoperative delay reduces the benefits of an extensive procedure and leads to disease progression. Our objectives were to evaluate the correlation between clinical and pathologic variables and to evaluate the effect of the "time to chemotherapy" (TTC) interval on survival. Methods We retrospectively studied data from 218 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IIIC or IV ovarian cancer (TNM stage T3c or T4) who were consecutively treated between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 1998. Results Mean age at diagnosis was 64 years (range, 24–87 years; median, 65 years), and 206 patients received postoperative platinum-based chemotherapy. Mean TTC interval was 26 days (range, 7–79 days; median, 25 days). No correlation was found between operative time and TTC interval length ( P =0.99). Age and performance of rectosigmoidectomy were correlated with longer TTC interval ( P =0.009 and P =0.005, respectively), but TTC was not a predictor of overall survival (odds ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.98–1.01; P =0.85). Differences in TTC interval length (≤17 days, 18–26 days, 27–33 days, or ≥34 days) did not affect survival ( P =0.93). Even after categorizing patients by residual disease ( Conclusions Concerns about the TTC interval should not be used to justify spending less time in the operative arena or using a more conservative approach for patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
SagS Contributes to the Motile-Sessile Switch and Acts in Concert with BfiSR To Enable Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Formation

The interaction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with surfaces has been described as a two-stage process requiring distinct signaling events and the reciprocal modulation of small RNAs (sRNAs). However, little is known regarding the relationship between sRNA-modulating pathways active under planktonic or surface-associated growth conditions. Here, we demonstrate that SagS (PA2824), the cognate sensor of HptB, links sRNA-modulating activities via the Gac/HptB/Rsm system postattachment to the signal transduction network BfiSR, previously demonstrated to be required for the development of P. aeruginosa. Consistent with the role of SagS in the GacA-dependent HtpB signaling pathway, inactivation of sagS resulted in hyperattachment, an HptB-dependent increase in rsmYZ, increased Psl polysaccharide production, and increased virulence. Moreover, sagS inactivation rescued attachment but abrogated biofilm formation by the ΔgacA and ΔhptB mutant strains. The ΔsagS strain was impaired in biofilm formation at a stage similar to that of the previously described two-component system BfiSR. Expression of bfiR but not bfiS restored ΔsagS biofilm formation independently of rsmYZ. We demonstrate that SagS interacts directly with BfiS and only indirectly with BfiR, with the direct and specific interaction between these two membrane-bound sensors resulting in the modulation of the phosphorylation state of BfiS in a growth-mode-dependent manner. SagS plays an important role in P. aeruginosa virulence in a manner opposite to that of BfiS. Our findings indicate that SagS acts as a switch by linking the GacA-dependent sensory system under planktonic conditions to the suppression of sRNAs postattachment and to BfiSR, required for the development of P. aeruginosa biofilms, in a sequential and stage-specific manner.
COMBINATIONS OF BUFFER-STOCKS AND BUFFER-FUNDS FOR WOOL PRICE STABILISATION IN AUSTRALIA

In this paper a preliminary analysis is presented of a combined buffer-fund and buffer-stock as an alternative to a pure buffer-fund or a pure buffer stock for stabilising wool prices. The alternatives analysed are designed so that each provides the same prices to producers as did the Reserve Price Scheme over the period of analysis. Least-cost combinations of policy instruments are derived. The results show that there is considerable potential for cost savings to be made by combining buffer-fund and buffer-stock instruments.
The development of hyponatremia following combination chemotherapy for metastatic germ cell tumors

The combination of high dose vinblastine, cisplatin, and bleomycin is an extremely effective, but potentially quite toxic, program for the treatment of metastatic germ cell tumors. In addition to the well-described toxicities, we have noted moderate to severe hyponatremia associated with these drugs. Twelve patients who were receiving this combination chemotherapy program had serum electrolyte levels, plasma osmolality, and creatinine clearance performed prior to and again 5 to 9 days after chemotherapy. Nine of the patients had standard water load tests prior to and again 6 to 15 days after chemotherapy. All 12 patients developed a fall in serum sodium concentrations following chemotherapy, and four patients had severe symptoms attributable to the hyponatremia. Eight patients also developed hypoosmolality suggesting that the hyponatremia was secondary to impaired water handling. In five patients further evidence of impaired water handling was documented by the development of an abnormal standard water load test following chemotherapy. The hyponatremia and impaired water handling may be due primarily to the high doses of vinblastine in the chemotherapeutic program. Patients who are receiving this combination chemotherapy program should be observed for the development of hyponatremia. The presence of severe, symptomatic hyponatremia and impaired water handling may require appropriate treatment including water restriction and hypertonic saline administration.
Problem-focused versus emotion-focused coping strategies and repatriation adjustment

Failure to cope with a stressful repatriation transition can derail the global career experience. Repatriate stress-coping behaviors have not been examined empirically, however. This study explores the factor structure of an extensive array of coping strategies and their relation with repatriate adjustment. Data collected from 282 repatriates involved in a boundaryless repatriation experience reveal a factor structure consistent with problem- and emotion-focused dimensions documented elsewhere. Regression analysis finds negative associations between emotion-focused coping strategies and repatriate general, interaction, and work adjustment and positive relations between problem-focused strategies and repatriate interaction and work adjustment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Information Exchange and Strategic Behavior in Supply Chains: Application to the Food Sector

Information technology (IT) facilitates information exchange between retailers and suppliers. Based on evidence from food industry, information strategies under uncertainty are analyzed, using game theory. Some key results are under certain conditions, retailers withhold valuable sales data from suppliers even if this means less supply coordination; a revealed equilibrium exists where suppliers learn retailers' market data despite retailers' withholding of such data; this leads either to full information convergence or, surprisingly, incomplete information convergence with some informational asymmetry left; retailers with greater market power and numerous suppliers are more inclined to share, rather than to withhold, information.
Fast euclidean minimum spanning tree: algorithm, analysis, and applications

The Euclidean Minimum Spanning Tree problem has applications in a wide range of fields, and many efficient algorithms have been developed to solve it. We present a new, fast, general EMST algorithm, motivated by the clustering and analysis of astronomical data. Large-scale astronomical surveys, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and large simulations of the early universe, such as the Millennium Simulation, can contain millions of points and fill terabytes of storage. Traditional EMST methods scale quadratically, and more advanced methods lack rigorous runtime guarantees. We present a new dual-tree algorithm for efficiently computing the EMST, use adaptive algorithm analysis to prove the tightest (and possibly optimal) runtime bound for the EMST problem to-date, and demonstrate the scalability of our method on astronomical data sets.
Fabrication of Heteronanorod Structures by Dynamic Shadowing Growth

Multilayered heterogeneous one-dimensional (1-D) nanostructures are important building blocks for nanodevice applications. A practical nanofabrication technique to produce heterogeneous nanostructures with arbitrary materials must have the ability to control the dimensions and uniformity, to control the alignment, and to control the interfacial properties of the heterogeneous nanostructures. In this paper, we demonstrate a simple but versatile method to fabricate three-dimensional (3-D) heterogeneous nanorod structures by multilayer dynamic shadowing growth (DSG). DSG is a process based on the geometric shadowing effect and substrate rotation in a physical vapor deposition system. By combining DSG and the sputtering technique, we successfully fabricated Au/Si matchstick nanorods which can further be developed as a novel biosensor for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) detection. By changing the source materials during the deposition, we demonstrate that complicated heterostructured nanorod arrays, such as Si/Ni multilayer nanosprings, can be easily produced, and they exhibit particular magnetic anisotropic behavior. We also use the DSG technique to coat a thin catalyst layer asymmetrically on the side of a nanorod backbone, and therefore design catalytic nanomotors with a variety of geometries capable of performing multiple desired motions in a fuel solution. This fabrication method reveals an optimistic step towards complex heteronanorod array design and fabrication.
Tracing the composition changes of Japan's consumer budget, 1920–1980

Data over a wide time span are used to verify the superiority of a demand system over simple alternatives.
An immobilization and localization technique for SRT and IMRT of intracranial tumors

A noninvasive localization and immobilization technique that facilitates planning and accurate delivery of both intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and linac based stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) of intracranial tumors has been developed and clinically tested. Immobilization of a patient was based on a commercially available Gill-Thomas-Cossman (GTC) relocatable frame. A stereotactic localization frame (LF) with the attached NOMOS localization device (CT pointer) was used for CT scanning of patients. Thus, CT slices contained fiducial marks for both IMRT and SRT. The patient anatomy and target(s) were contoured on a stand-alone CT-based imaging system. CT slices and contours were then transmitted to both IMRT and SRT treatment planning systems (TPSs) for concurrent development of IMRT and SRT plans. The treatment method that more closely approached the treatment goals could be selected. Since all TPSs used the same contour set, the accuracy of competing treatment plans comparison was improved. SRT delivery was done conventionally. For IMRT delivery patients used the SRT patient immobilization system. For the patient setup, the IMRT target box was attached to the SRT LF, replacing the IMRT CT Pointer. A modified and lighter IMRT target box compatible with SRT LF was fabricated. The proposed technique can also be used for planning and delivery of 3D CRT, thus improving its accuracy. Day-to-day reproducibility of the patient setup can be evaluated using a SRT Depth Helmet. 2002 American College of Medical Physics.
22-thio-23,24-bisnor-5-cholen-3β-ol: an active site-directed inhibitor of cytochrome P450scc

Abstract The title compound (22-Thiol) was prepared from the 22-hydroxy derivative via the isothiouronium salt. Using purified enzyme components from bovine adrenocortical mitochondria, 22-Thiol was found to be a potent, competitive inhibitor (Ki = 0.7 μM) of cholesterol side chain cleavage. Spectral studies showed that binding of 22-Thiol to cytochrome P450scc produces changes characteristic of sulfur coordination to the heme-iron, suggesting that its high affinity arises from a dual interaction with the cholesterol binding site and the heme. Together with previous results obtained with 22-amino and 22-hydroxy analogues, these findings provide support for the proximity of C-22 and the heme-iron of cytochrome P450scc in the enzyme-substrate complex.
Development and environmental durability of mullite and mullite/YSZ dual layer coatings for SiC and Si3N4 ceramics

Abstract Development of refractory oxide environmental coatings for SiC and Si3N4 ceramics, interaction with simulated combustion environments, and long-term durability under thermal cycling in air are discussed. Mullite coating performance data indicate its ability to limit the molten salt corrosion. Two-layer mullite/YSZ coating showed promise as a barrier coating limiting enhanced silica volatilization by water vapor in a simulated lean-burn combustion environment. The mullite/YSZ dual layer coatings showed excellent resistance to cracking and debonding for 1000 h using 2-h thermal cycles in air at 1200–1300°C. A CVD SiC bond coat developed for Si3N4 dramatically enhanced the adherence of mullite coatings. Contamination of silica scale by alkali and alkali earth metal oxides resulted in enhanced oxidation and pore formation which is an issue for the long-term environmental durability of these coatings.
Rapid recovery of Brugia malayi larvae following experimental infection of cats

Abstract A large proportion (68%) of Brugia malayi larvae dissected from infected Aedes togoi mosquitoes and applied to artificially produced puncture wounds on the rear feet of cats were recovered from the corresponding popliteal lymph node or adjacent afferent lymphatic vessels when the infected animals were dissected from 1 to 8 days after infection. This localization of larvae provides a basis for subsequent observations on the development and eventual distribution of the parasite in relation to infection sites, degree of exposure and effects of reinfection.
Evidence that histidine protonation of receptor-bound anthrax protective antigen is a trigger for pore formation

The protective antigen (PA) component of the anthrax toxin forms pores within the low pH environment of host endosomes through mechanisms that are poorly understood. It has been proposed that pore formation is dependent on histidine protonation. In previous work, we biosynthetically incorporated 2-fluorohistidine (2-FHis), an isosteric analogue of histidine with a significantly reduced pKa (∼1), into PA and showed that the pH-dependent conversion from the soluble prepore to a pore was unchanged. However, we also observed that 2-FHisPA was nonfunctional in the ability to mediate cytotoxicity of CHO-K1 cells by LFN−DTA and was defective in translocation through planar lipid bilayers. Here, we show that the defect in cytotoxicity is due to both a defect in translocation and, when bound to the host cellular receptor, an inability to undergo low pH-induced pore formation. Combining X-ray crystallography with hydrogen−deuterium (H−D) exchange mass spectrometry, our studies lead to a model in which hydrogen bond...
Involvement of the mesopallidal dopamine system in ethanol reinforcement

The current study was designed to test the hypothesis that acquisition of signal-induced anticipation of self-administered ethanol and operant oral self-administration of ethanol increases the extracellular levels of dopamine in the ventral pallidum of alcohol-preferring (P) rats. The study was also designed to explore the association between behavioral activity and dopamine efflux in the ventral pallidum. Adult, female P rats were randomly assigned to operantly self-administer 15% (volume/volume) ethanol, 0.0125% (weight/volume) saccharin, or water. In addition, all groups were acclimated in the operant chambers to periods of habituation, anticipation, and postadministration. The ethanol group showed significant increases in extracellular levels of dopamine in the ventral pallidum during (1) the first 10 min of the anticipation period, (2) the last 10 min of the self-administration period, and (3) the initial 10 min of the postadministration period. There were no significant differences in motor activity during anticipation and self-administration of ethanol, saccharin, or water. These findings support the suggestion that dopaminergic activation in the ventral pallidum is involved in ethanol-seeking and ethanol-drinking behaviors and directly implicate the mesopallidal dopamine system in the reinforcing actions of ethanol.
Axons of Xenopus neural tube respond to reversals of neural tube orientation

Axonal trajectories of the Kolmer-Agduhr (KA) neurons of Xenopus embryos, were observed after anterior-posterior (A-P) inversions of neural tube grafts to determine whether KA axons follow cell-inherent directional cues, cues from their immediate environment, or rostrocaudal signals from the embryo. KA axons form one of the earliest ascending spinal pathways in Xenopus and are visible in the lateral marginal zone of whole mounts processed for GABA immunoreactivity. Grafts were made at trunk levels at stages 22–24, 3–5 h before the first KA neurons were detectable and prior to axonal outgrowth. Embryos were fixed and immunostained 6–36 h later. KA trajectories within and adjacent to reversed grafts were compared to those of nonrotated control grafts and to neural tube lengths comparable in position and in length in unoperated embryos. Most KA axons within rotated grafts followed the graft's orientation. However, others changed direction, taking novel routes including turning to conform to the orientation of the host embryo. Reorientations were most common near the posterior host/graft interface. Some host KA cells also reoriented, always within a few hundred microns of the graft interface. Taken together, these growth patterns show that most KA axons within the grafts grow normally with respect to the original polarity of the graft neural tube and maintain that direction even into tissue of opposite polarity, suggesting that their routes are mainly determined by cell-intrinsic and/or local tissue factors. However, the reorientation of many other axons, particularly near graft seams, implies that KA axons can respond to local fluctuations in directional or segment identity signals generated in both host and graft after this perturbation. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Play-the-Winner Rule and Inverse Sampling in Selecting the Better of Two Binomial Populations

Abstract In this article two sampling rules are analyzed for the problem of selecting the better of two binomial populations. The first is alternate sampling (vector-at-a-time) and the second is the “play-the-winner” rule introduced by Robbins [3], and discussed by Zelen [8]. The termination rule studied is inverse sampling. One result is that the probabilities of correct selection for these two methods of sampling are exactly equal. It is also found that the play-the-winner sampling is uniformly preferable to the vector-at-a-time sampling rule in the sense that for the same probability requirement the expected number of trials on the poorer population is always smaller.
The temperature dependencies of lanthanide-induced NMR shifts: Evaluation of theoretical approaches and experimental evidence

Abstract Bleaney's theory represents an excellent approximation in the calculation of the variation of magnetic susceptibility anisotropy as a function of f-electron configuration in complexes of trivalent lanthanide ions. Owing to certain approximations employed in his approach, Bleaney's prediction of a linear dependence of the anisotropy upon T−2 is not strictly correct. The more complete calculational procedure of Horrocks et al. predicts significant deviations from the simple T−2 temperature dependence in some cases. Experimental single-crystal magnetic anisotropy data on two axially symmetric Yb(III) complexes and a nonaxial Yb(III) shift reagent adduct reveal significant deviations from a linear dependence on T−2. Bleaney's assumption of an isotropic Lande splitting factor, gj is shown to be consistent with large g-tensor anisotropies of individual lanthanide ion levels and with large first-order Zeeman contributions to the observed shifts.
Direct-bandgap nanopillar photovoltaics based on patterned catalyst-free epitaxy

In this work, we present next-generation solar cells based on GaAs 3-D nanostructures compared to conventional 2-D approaches as a path to low-cost, high-efficiency photovoltaics. Arrays of GaAs nanopillars are capable of waveguiding light into the absorbing semiconductor, reaching broadband absorption values close to unity, with only a fraction of material utilized in planar solar cells. Furthermore, GaAs is a direct-bandgap compound semiconductor thus requiring only ~ 1μm of material to absorb most of the above-bandgap photons. In-situ surface passivation to limit non-radiative recombination and optical management are both exploited in the practical devices presented. Optical focusing phenomena arising from the dome-shaped morphology of the top transparent contact are discussed and modeled through finite-difference time-domain numerical simulations. Comparisons are made in terms of photocurrent density-voltage (JV) characteristics (1sun, AM 1.5 conditions) and external quantum efficiency.
Homogeneity of Powassan virus populations in naturally infected Ixodes scapularis

Powassan virus (POWV, Flaviviridae: Flavivirus) is the sole North American member of the tick-borne encephalitis complex and consists of two distinct lineages that are maintained in ecologically discrete enzootic transmission cycles. The underlying genetic mechanisms that lead to niche partitioning in arboviruses are poorly understood. Therefore, intra- and interhost genetic diversity was analyzed to determine if POWV exists as a quasispecies in nature and quantify selective pressures within and between hosts. In contrast to previous reports for West Nile virus (WNV), significant intrahost genetic diversity was not observed. However, pN (0.238) and dN/dS ratios (0.092) for interhost diversity were similar to those of WNV. Combined, these data suggest that purifying selection and/or population bottlenecks constrain quasispecies diversity within ticks. These same selective and stochastic mechanisms appear to drive minor sequence changes between ticks. Moreover, Powassan virus populations seem not to be structured as quasispecies in naturally infected adult deer ticks.
One fine day

In the post-apocalyptic wasteland grows the most dangerous threat of all, a flower. If left unattended and not vigorously exterminated, these colorful organisms could creep into civilized areas and soon blanket the land with dreaded, luscious greenery. It is up to two brave yet careless souls to keep this invasive threat contained.
Healing Characteristics of a Type I Collagenous Structure Treated with Corticosteroids

One hundred twenty-eight skeletally mature New Zea land White rabbits were used to study the effect of a single corticosteroid injection on the biomechanical, biochemical, and histologic aspects of ligamentous healing. Two steroid dosages were used. The amount of the low-dose steroid was calculated by determining the corticosteroid concentration at which fibroblastic synthesis of collagen was inhibited in vitro. A human equivalent dose of betamethasone was used as the high-dose steroid injection. These two steroid doses and a saline control were injected around a transected medial collateral-ligament. At 10 days all groups showed significantly inferior biomechanical properties relative to noninjected controls. By 3 weeks the human equivalent steroid dose group continued to demonstrate signifi cantly inferior properties. Histologic and biochemical analyses confirmed the biomechanical results. The clinical relevance of the study was that the delivery of a human equivalent steroid dose into an acutely injure...
The effects of vegetation density and habitat disturbance on the spatial distribution of ixodid ticks (Acari: Ixodidae).

Larval, nymphal, and adult Amblyomma americanum (L.), and adult Dermacentor variabilis (Say) ticks were collected using timed dragging techniques, in an attempt to examine how different habitat variables affect models that describe the distribution of ticks in Virginia, USA. Tick count data were modeled using two approaches: (i) habitat and edge, and (ii) habitat, edge, vegetation density and levels of disturbance. Nymphs and adults tended to follow a forest edge distribution when analysed by habitat and edge. Using all variables, we detected a positive relationship with forest edges and negative associations with high-density vegetation. When larvae were modeled by habitat and edge, we failed to detect associations with the edges of habitats. When all variables were included in the larval analysis, disturbed meadow edges emerged as important in the first year, and the categories of disturbed and maturing habitat in the second year. Vegetation density and levels of disturbance were marginally important towards explaining the distribution of nymphs and adults; however, levels of disturbance were potentially more important to the distribution of larvae, than habitat types. Using the habitat and edge variables, and predicted mean encounter rates for all stages of A. americanum and adult D. variabilis, we successfully cross-validated our predictions of high, moderate and low tick densities in both years. The results for nymphs and adults were combined to develop a colour-coded threat assessment map. We estimated that the majority of ticks were located on ~ 20% of the landscape. The potential uses of geographical information system-based threat maps are discussed.
Recovery of erectile function after nerve sparing radical prostatectomy and penile rehabilitation with nightly intraurethral alprostadil versus sildenafil citrate.

Purpose: To our knowledge we report the first large, randomized, prospective penile rehabilitation clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of nightly intraurethral alprostadil vs sildenafil citrate after nerve sparing prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized, open label, multicenter American study in men with normal erectile function who underwent bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy. The International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain was the primary end point. Subjects initiated nightly treatment within 1 month of surgery with intraurethral alprostadil or oral sildenafil citrate (50 mg) for 9 months. After 1-month washout and before sexual activity subjects self-administered sildenafil citrate (100 mg) for a total of 6 attempts in 1 month. Secondary end points were the global assessment question, sexual encounter profile, Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction and measured stretched penile length.Results: Of 139 men who ...
Factors influencing Olympic performance: interviews with Atlanta and Nagano U.S. Olympians.

To gain a better understanding of factors perceived to have positively and/or negatively influenced Olympic athlete performance and to examine differences in performance factors cited by athletes who met or exceeded performance expectations and athletes who failed to meet expectations, 8 Atlanta and 7 Nagano Olympians were interviewed. Interviews were conducted via telephone, tape recorded, transcribed, and content analyzed by three investigators. Major factors perceived to have positively influenced performance included mental skills and preparation, attitude towards the Olympics, support services and support facilitation, multifaceted preparation, physical preparation, and coaching. Major factors perceived to have negatively influenced performance included departing from normal routine, media distractions, coach issues, overtraining, and injury. The two groups, those who met or exceeded expectations and those who did not meet expectations, differed on only a few positive performance factors, including a...
Rate-range for an FH-FSK acoustic modem

Signals transmitted through underwater channels experience attenuation due to dissipation of acoustic energy by spreading as well as by absorption. The path loss due to absorption is found to be highly dependent upon the frequency. Ambient noise, which also greatly affects accurate reception of the signal, is also highly dependent upon frequency. For these reasons, the received SNR cannot be assumed to be constant over wideband acoustic signaling schemes. In this paper we determine the (signaling) rate vs. range curves for a FH-FSK modem considering the frequency selective nature of signal attenuation in an acoustic medium.
Radial basis function networks with Q-Metric & Q-Aggregate nodes

Radial basis function artificial neural networks using different types of nodes are described in this paper. Two new functions referred to as Q-metrics and Q-aggregates are utilized together to provide highly nonlinear and adaptive node operations. Q-metric distance functions are used in place of the conventional distance functions of the radial basis functions in the hidden layer of the network. Q-aggregate operators are used in the output layer to summarize the information delivered by the hidden layer. Separate classification and regression networks relying on these functions that use simple mathematical formation to characterize dynamic system behaviors in broad ranges of unconventional metric and aggregation spaces are proposed here. We present this approach in application to real-valued signal processing tasks, with suitable optimization algorithms, so that the parameters of the models can be tuned automatically. The new approach has been used to solve real-world problems and it shows promising results.
A Novel Image Coding Method Based on Hybrid Fractal

In this paper we present a novel image coding method, which adopts a nonlinear model based on hybrid fractal. we generalize 64 kinds of geometry transformations based on it. The process of selecting Domain Block and transforming modes is speeded up by defining eigenvalues. Based on the rapid matching strategy of Range Block's Neighborhood, non-matching blocks are coded by truncation coding, and smooth blocks are coded by average coding and three-level qua-tree coding scheme. The compression performance of this method is excellent, especially in coding time.