cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluid flow in subduction zones: The role of solid rheology and compaction pressure

Abstract Arc volcanoes tend to occur at locations where the slab is at approximately 100 km depth but most models of fluid production from the downgoing slab suggest fluids are released over a wide range of depths. Reconciling the models with the observations suggests that focusing of slab-produced fluids is necessary if flux-melting is a primary mechanism for the production of arc magmas. This paper investigates one possible mechanism for inducing focusing of fluid flow toward the sub-arc mantle. Through a series of simplified models we explore the role of compaction pressure gradients in modifying fluid flow. These gradients are produced by variations in fluid flux interacting with the permeability and viscosity structure of the solid mantle. When these gradients are neglected, high-permeability systems are dominated by buoyancy and fluid flow is primarily vertical. However, when included, compaction pressure terms have three principal effects: (i) enhancement of upslope flow within high-permeability layers in the slab produced by local dehydration reactions, (ii) deflection of fluids along the sloping rheologically strengthening region in the upper thermal boundary layer, and (iii) production of non-linear porosity waves that locally modulate the flow of fluids and can allow significant transient accumulation of fluids. We demonstrate significant localization of fluid flux toward the sub-arc region due to the permeability and solid viscosity structure. We also estimate the amount of melting expected among the different models and show that models with compaction pressure could produce ∼10% flux melting, whereas distributed fluid flow produces ≲1% in most cases.
Multiframe deep neural networks for acoustic modeling

Deep neural networks have been shown to perform very well as acoustic models for automatic speech recognition. Compared to Gaussian mixtures however, they tend to be very expensive computationally, making them challenging to use in real-time applications. One key advantage of such neural networks is their ability to learn from very long observation windows going up to 400 ms. Given this very long temporal context, it is tempting to wonder whether one can run neural networks at a lower frame rate than the typical 10 ms, and whether there might be computational benefits to doing so. This paper describes a method of tying the neural network parameters over time which achieves comparable performance to the typical frame-synchronous model, while achieving up to a 4X reduction in the computational cost of the neural network activations.
Spontaneous resolution of an endocapsular hematoma.

Purpose To report a case of endocapsular hematoma that cleared spontaneously without intervention. Methods We examined and followed up a 68-year-old man who developed an endocapsular hematoma 2 1/2 years after a standard extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Results After several months without intervention, the endocapsular hematoma completely resolved. Conclusions Observation may be a rational treatment option in some patients with endocapsular hematoma.
Understanding Racial Differences in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome Traits

Epidemiologic data demonstrate a positive association between obesity and certain measures related to the metabolic syndrome that differ among individuals of different ethnic/racial backgrounds. The effect of genetic and environmental factors on these differences is not completely understood; however, insightful information can be obtained by taking into account the degree of ancestral admixture in populations.
Heat capacity of poly(butylene terephthalate)

The low-temperature heat capacity of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) was measured from 5 to 330 K. The experimental heat capacity of solid PBT, below the glass transition, was linked to its approximate group and skeletal vibrational spectrum. The 21 skeletal vibrations were estimated with a general Tarasov equation with the parameters Θ1 = 530 K and Θ2 = Θ3 = 55 K. The calculated and experimental heat capacities of solid PBT agreed within better than ±3% between 5 and 200 K. The newly calculated vibrational heat capacity of the solid from this study and the liquid heat capacity from the ATHAS Data Bank were applied as reference values for a quantitative thermal analysis of the apparent heat capacity of semicrystalline PBT between the glass and melting transitions as obtained by differential scanning calorimetry. From these results, the integral thermodynamic functions (enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs function) of crystalline and amorphous PBT were calculated. Finally, the changes in the crystallinity with the temperature were analyzed. With the crystallinity, a baseline was constructed that separated the thermodynamic heat capacity from cold crystallization, reorganization, annealing, and melting effects contained in the apparent heat capacity. For semicrystalline PBT samples, the mobile-amorphous and rigid-amorphous fractions were estimated to complete the thermal analysis. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4401–4411, 2004
Comparing freshman and senior engineering design processes: an in-depth follow-up study

In this paper we report the results of an in-depth study of engineering student approaches to open-ended design problems. We collected verbal protocols from 61 senior (fourth year) engineering students and reanalyzed protocols from 32 freshman (first year) engineering students as they worked on two design problems. The design processes of these student groups were compared. Results show that seniors produced higher quality solutions, spent more time solving the problem, considered more alternative solutions and made more transitions between design steps than the freshmen. This dataset also includes protocols for 18 within-subject participants. These students participated in the study first as freshmen and later as seniors, affording us the opportunity to compare design process changes over time on the individual student level. Finally, this paper includes results for design process differences across the two design problems.
The kinetic basis for age-associated changes in quercetin and genistein glucuronidation by rat liver microsomes.

Abstract The dietary bioavailability of the isoflavone genistein is decreased in older rats compared to young adults. Since flavonoids are metabolized extensively by the UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), we hypothesized that UGT flavonoid conjugating activity changes with age. The effect of age on flavonoid glucuronidation was determined using hepatic microsomes from male F344 rats. Kinetic models of UGT activity toward the flavonol quercetin and the isoflavone genistein were established using pooled hepatic microsomal fractions of rats at different ages, and glucuronidation rates were determined using individual samples. Intrinsic clearance (Vmax/Km) values in 4-, 18- and 28-month-old rats were 0.100, 0.078 and 0.087 ml/min/mg for quercetin-7-O-glucuronide; 0.138, 0.133 and 0.088 for quercetin-3′-O-glucuronide; and 0.075, 0.077 and 0.057 for quercetin-4′-O-glucuronide, respectively. While there were no differences in formation rates of total quercetin glucuronides in individual samples, the production of the primary metabolite, quercetin-7-O-glucuronide, at 30 μM quercetin concentration was increased from 3.4 and 3.1 nmol/min/mg at 4 and 18 months to 3.8 nmol/min/mg at 28 months, while quercetin-3′-O-glucuronide formation at 28 months declined by a similar degree (P≤.05). At 30 and 300 μM quercetin concentration, the rate of quercetin-4′-O-glucuronide formation peaked at 18 months at 0.9 nmol/min/mg. Intrinsic clearance values of genistein 7-O-glucuronide increased with age, in contrast to quercetin glucuronidation. Thus, the capacity for flavonoid glucuronidation by rat liver microsomes is dependent on age, UGT isoenzymes and flavonoid structure.
HECT Domain-containing E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Nedd4 Interacts with and Ubiquitinates Sprouty2

Sprouty (Spry) proteins are important regulators of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in development and disease. Alterations in cellular Spry content have been associated with certain forms of cancers and also in cardiovascular diseases. Thus, understanding the mechanisms that regulate cellular Spry levels are important. Herein, we demonstrate that Spry1 and Spry2, but not Spry3 or Spry4, associate with the HECT domain family E3 ubiquitin ligase, Nedd4. The Spry2/Nedd4 association involves the WW domains of Nedd4 and requires phosphorylation of the Mnk2 kinase sites, Ser112 and Ser121, on Spry2. The phospho-Ser112/121 region on Spry2 that binds WW domains of Nedd4 is a novel non-canonical WW domain binding region that does not contain Pro residues after phospho-Ser. Endogenous and overexpressed Nedd4 polyubiquitinate Spry2 via Lys48 on ubiquitin and decrease its stability. Silencing of endogenous Nedd4 increased the cellular Spry2 content and attenuated fibroblast growth factor-elicited ERK1/2 activation that was reversed when elevations in Spry2 levels were prevented by Spry2-specific small interfering RNA. Mnk2 silencing decreased Spry2-Nedd4 interactions and also augmented the ability of Spry2 to inhibit fibroblast growth factor signaling. This is the first report demonstrating the regulation of cellular Spry content and its ability to modulate receptor tyrosine kinase signaling by a HECT domain-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase.
Silica-supported chromium catalysts for ethylene polymerization: The active oxidation states of chromium

Abstract The reduction of Cr(III) SiO 2 to Cr(II) SiO 2 with CO led to a change in the kinetically significant site for the polymerization of ethylene at low temperatures and pressures. Cr(III) SiO 2 displayed higher activity than Cr(II) SiO 2 over the same range of reaction temperatures. Cr(II) SiO 2 catalysts were characterized by a sharp falloff in polymerization activity at temperatures Cr(III) SiO 2 and Cr(II) SiO 2 were 10.6 and 17.1 kcal mole −1 , respectively. Hydrogen sulfide poisoning of Cr(III) SiO 2 and Cr(II) SiO 2 indicated that the active fraction of Cr was 13 and 34% of the total chromium, respectively. Infrared spectra of adsorbed CO and NO suggest that the active sites on Cr(II) catalysts are C-type Cr(II) ions with at least two vacant coordination positions available for the growing polymer chain and the monomer. Thermal activation of Cr(II) SiO 2 catalysts at 700 °C ( in vacuo ) resulted in both an increase in the concentration of C-type Cr(II) ions and polymerization activity. A decrease in the activation energy of ethylene polymerization for Cr(II) SiO 2 (700) and a blue shift in the infrared band associated with the nitrosyl complex of this species suggest that the thermal treatment modified the surface coordination of these ions. Most importantly, thermal activation of Cr(II) SiO 2 produced a Cr(II) catalyst which is active for ethylene polymerization at 25 °C.
Influence of nanoparticle diameter on conjugated enzyme activity

Abstract Lactase conjugated to nanomaterials represents an area of significant potential to the food processing as a means to produce novel value-added products, reduce waste, and enable diagnostics. While it is recognized that, in general, matter exhibits unique properties when manipulated at the nanoscale, little is known about how reducing the size of the carrier to the nanoscale effects attached lactase. The purpose of this work is to investigate the influence of particle size on activity retention of lactase ( Aspergillus oryzae ) covalently conjugated to magnetic nanoparticles of varying sizes. Lactase was attached to carboxylic acid functionalized magnetic nanoparticles 18 nm, 50 nm, and 200 nm in diameter using carbodiimide chemistry. After attachment, activity retention was 73%, 39%, and 14% compared to the free enzyme for the 18 nm, 50 nm, and 200 nm conjugates, respectively. The apparent K m was not significantly different as a function of particle size while the apparent k cat decreased with increasing particle size. Reducing the particle size of magnetic nanoparticles can increase the activity retention of conjugated lactase. This work provides improved understanding of enzyme-nanoparticles systems and allows for enhanced design of lactase-conjugated materials.
Rotational Aortogram With Three-Dimensional Reconstruction in a Case of Celiac Artery Stenosis

A 65-year-old woman with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease presented to the hospital after 4 months of severe postprandial diffuse abdominal pain 15 minutes after eating and accompanied by emesis. Before admission, she had undergone a complete gastrointestinal evaluation, including liver and pancreatic function tests, an abdominal ultrasound that showed no signs of hepatobiliary disease, and an upper endoscopy that showed mild erosive gastritis with a positive test for Helicobacter …
Bovine mitochondrial oxygen consumption effects on oxymyoglobin in the presence of lactate as a substrate for respiration

Research suggests that NADH formed from lactate addition can increase mitochondrial oxygen consumption. However, limited research has assessed the subsequent effects of lactate-mediated mitochondrial oxygen consumption on oxymyoglobin. Therefore, our objective was to assess the effects of bovine mitochondrial oxygen consumption on oxymyoglobin in the presence of lactate, LDH, and NAD. Isolated beef cardiac and skeletal muscle mitochondria (n=5) were reacted with lactate (40 mM), LDH (100 units), and NAD (0.02 mM) to initiate oxygen consumption. Myoglobin redox state was measured to assess the effects of oxygen consumption on oxymyoglobin. The addition of lactate-LDH-NAD to mitochondria increased (p<0.05) both oxygen consumption and conversion of oxymyoglobin to deoxymyoglobin compared with control mitochondria without substrates. The addition of antimycin A to mitochondria decreased oxygen consumption and deoxymyoglobin formation (p<0.05). The results suggest that increased oxygen consumption can influence myoglobin redox state and this effect might be partially responsible for the darkening effect in lactate enhanced beef.
A ROTATING FIELD MHD HYDROSTATIC THRUST BEARING.

It is found that the load capacity of a magnetohydrodynamic thrust bearing with a rotating disk can be increased by rotating the axial magnetic field at a suitable speed in a direction opposite to that of the disk rotation. This method of improving the bearing performance is considered to be efficient if the Hartmann number is not too large. Thus for a given load, the size and weight of the magnet to be used in a thrust bearing with rotating field can be reduced considerably.
Structure−Property Relationships for Poly(pyrrolone-imide) Gas Separation Membranes

Previous studies have examined polypyrrolone and polyimide membranes for gas separations. For the first time this study examines poly(pyrrolone-imide) copolymers for the O2/N2, CO2/CH4, and C3H6/C3H8 separation. Combining these two classes of polymers is designed to provide rigidity and desirable mechanical properties in addition to high-quality gas transport properties. Specifically, the copolymer 6FDA-TAB/DAM was studied while systematically varying the TAB/DAM ratio in order to quantitatively alter the structure of the polymer matrix. Most copolymers studied exhibited results near or above the “upper bound” for O2/N2, CO2/CH4, and C3H6/C3H8 separations. Surprisingly, a maximum in C3H6/C3H8 selectivity was found as a function of the TAB/DAM ratio, and this does not follow the trend expected based on previous literature data. A similar trend has also been observed in carbon molecular sieve materials with varying material structure. This demonstrates that certain materials may show excellent size selectiv...
Documentation of pain care processes does not accurately reflect pain management delivered in primary care.

BACKGROUND Researchers and quality improvement advocates sometimes use review of chart-documented pain care processes to assess the quality of pain management. Studies have found that primary care providers frequently fail to document pain assessment and management.
Pressure profiles along an abrupt 4:1 planar contraction

The ability to accurately predict the pressure profile along an abrupt 4:1 planar contraction is investigated. Predicted pressure profiles obtained using the Phan Thien and Tanner (PTT) and generalized Newtonian fluid (GNF) models are compared to experimental measurements for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) polymer melts. The results obtained for the extensional strain hardening, LDPE resin show that numerical predictions are consistently less than the experimental values by 10-15%. Furthermore, no significant difference between the PTT and GNF predictions were observed over the range of convergent solutions. On the other hand, the numerical predictions for the LLDPE melt were within 1.5-7% of the experimental values over the entire range of stable flow rates investigated. Again, the differences in accuracy of the PTT and GNF models were small. In fact, the GNF model was generally more accurate than the PTT model for the case of LLDPE. Closer investigation of the predicted streamlines patterns near the contraction clearly shows larger, more intense vortices for the extensional strain hardening LDPE than for the LLDPE melt, which is in agreement with experimental observations. However, analysis of the plane of symmetry shows that the magnitude of the planar extensional stress is mitigated by the fluid relaxation behavior as the melt briefly passes through the contraction region. Although it appears that a viscoelastic constitutive equation is not necessary for predicting the pressure profile along an abrupt 4:1 planar contraction, this is a fortuitous result of the small extensional deformations observed in the contraction region over the limited range of convergent solutions.
Kinetics and block of dopamine uptake in synaptosomes from rat caudate nucleus.

Abstract: The dopamine (DA) uptake system in mammalian nerve terminals was studied by measuring the unidirectional influx of tritiated DA into synaptosomes prepared from rat caudate nucleus. Two distinct time-dependent components of DA uptake were observed. The principal component was saturable with respect to DA concentration, required both external Na and Cl, and was competitively blocked by micromolar concentrations of the psychotropic agents cocaine, benztropine, nomifensine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine. This principal component of uptake has the properties expected for a carrier-mediated transport system. The second component, which accounted for about 10–30% of the DA uptake at 2 μM DA, was not saturable, and was independent of external Na, Cl, and blockers of the carrier-mediated system. The saturable, Na-dependent component had an apparent Km(DA) of about 0.5 μM The dependence of DA uptake on external Na was sigmoid [Hill coefficient = 2; Ka(Na) = 45 mM] whereas the dependence on Cl was best described by a rectangular hyperbola [Ka(Cl) = 15 mM]. Depolarizing conditions (elevated external K) reduced the rate of DA influx. The data are consistent with a carrier-mediated DA transport mechanism in which each DA molecule entering the nerve terminal via the carrier is accompanied by two or more Na ions and one Cl ion in a rheogenic process carrying one or more net positive charges into the cell. Net, concentrative accumulation of DA inside nerve terminals may be accomplished by utilizing the Na electrochemical gradient to drive DA against its electrochemical gradient via this carrier system.
Streptokinase and human fibronectin share a common epitope: implications for regulations of fibrinolysis and rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease characterized by a destructive inflammatory process in joinsts. Fibronectin (FN) is present at a high concentration in rheumatid syniovial tissue and it is a chemoattractant for inflammatory cells. FN fragments also play significant and specific roles in promoting inflammation. In the present study, we demonstrate that FN and the streptococcal plasminogen activatior streptokinase (SK) share a common epitope which is recognized by both a rabbit anti-SK IgG and a human anti-SK IgG isolated from the serum of a rheumatoid arthritis patient. This cross-reactive antibody was present in the plasma of of 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The region of homology is present in a 90-kDa FN fragment generated by plasmin (Pm) digestion of FN. Amino terminal sequence analysis of this fragment demonstrates that it contains the cell binding domain of FN and the domain responsible for plasminogen binding. The epitope common to SK and FN is not reactive in native FN and it is exposed as a consequenc of Pm digestion. It is, however, exposed in native SK. Examination of the sequences of FN and SK indicates a region of homology containing the sequence LTSRPA. This sequence, moreover, is present in the 90-kDa FN fragment generated by Pm digestion. The sequence is present in the amino terminal domain of SK which is essential for its ability to serve as a plasminogen activator. LTSRPA coupled to a carrier protein also reacts with anti-SK antibodies obtained from rabbit or the plasma of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These suggest that the Pm-generated FN 90-kDa fragment may rect with circulating antibodies originally elicited by streptococcal infections. These immune complexes may play a role in the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis.
Pancreas underutilization according to united network for organ sharing data.

A total of 10,682 cadaveric donors met the inclusion criteria, and 2,593 PA TXs (24%) were performed from this donor pool. The number of donors per year between ages 10 and 40 years slowly increased from 2484 in 1992 to 2768 in 1995. The percentage of donors for whom PA consent was not requested decreased from 6.4% in 1992 to 3.4% in 1995 (P , .01). The rate of PA consent requested but not obtained showed a slower but still significant downward trend from 9.2% in 1992 to 6.5% in 1995 (P , .01). The most common reason for PA consent not being obtained was “emotional,” accounting for 47% of cases. “Other” and “unknown” categories accounted for 26% and 24%, respectively, of cases. Overall, permission for PA retrieval was obtained in over 90% of cases in which consent for other organ retrieval was obtained. In donors in whom consent for PA retrieval was obtained, recovery did not occur in 54%. Poor organ function/donor instability and the inability to find a suitable recipient were the most commonly known cited reasons for nonrecovery, both accounting for 24% of cases. Increases in PA nonrecovery due to positive serology/ donor history (from 9.7% to 13.2%) and disease/damaged organs (from 5% to 8%) occurred during the study period (both P , .01). Other and unknown reasons for PA nonrecovery together accounted for 34% of cases. The number of PA grafts recovered per year ranged from 832 to 1231. Of PA grafts that were recovered, 4% were discarded, 18% were sent for research, 18% were used for islet cells, and 60% were transplanted. The rate of transplantation of recovered PA grafts increased from 52% in 1992 to 74% in 1995 (P , .01).
The Negotiation of Child Care and Employment Demands Among Low-Income Parents

Low-income working mothers face significant child care challenges. These challenges are particularly salient in an era of welfare reform, when welfare recipients are under increased pressure to find a job. The current study examines how child care demands are negotiated for an urban sample of low-income mothers. The sample includes a racially and ethnically diverse group of 57 respondents with and without welfare experience who are mothering children under 13 years of age and working in entry-level jobs. Findings suggest that respondents seek arrangements that are affordable, convenient, and safe, and informal arrangements may be most compatible with convenience and cost considerations. Informal care is not universally available, however, andmay be less reliable. Implications for child care policy are discussed.
Zinc Oxide Nanocrystals for Non-resonant Nonlinear Optical Microscopy in Biology and Medicine

In this paper we show that biocompatible zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals (NCs) having non-centrosymmetric structure can be used as non-resonant nonlinear optical probes for targeting in bioimaging applications in vitro by use of the second order processes of second harmonic and sum frequency generation, as well as the third order process of four wave mixing. These non-resonant processes provide advantages above and beyond traditional two-photon bioimaging: (i) the probes do not photo-bleach; (ii) the input wavelength can be judiciously selected; and (iii) no heat is dissipated into the cells, ensuring longer cell viability and ultimately longer imaging times. ZnO NCs have been synthesized in organic media by using a non-hydrolytic sol-gel process, and subsequently dispersed in aqueous media using phospholipid micelles, and incorporated with the biotargeting molecule folic acid (FA). Sum Frequency, Second Harmonic and non-resonant four wave mixing non-linear signals from this stable dispersion of ZnO NCs, targeted to the live tumor (KB) cells were used for imaging. Robust intracellular accumulation of the targeted (FA incorporated) ZnO nanocrystals could be observed, without any indication of cytotoxicity.
The Evolution of the HIV/AIDS NGO Hyperlink Network

Hyperlink networks are dynamic systems of representational communication. In order to understand the varied influences on processes that produce these systems, this research examines the evolution of a HIV/AIDS nongovernmental organization (NGO) hyperlink network over one year. The results demonstrate that different factors influence the rate of variation, selection, and retention of hyperlinks. The presence of a greater number of corporate or government hyperlinks to a NGO Website is related to the rate of variation. Network embeddedness and issue network participation are related to the selection of hyperlinks. Finally, indegree centrality and issue network participation are related to hyperlink retention. Implications for the study of hyperlink networks as dynamic representational communication systems are drawn from the results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Real-time complexity metrics for Smalltalk methods

This paper presents the rationale for ubiquitous and immediate metric feedback on the complexity of Smalltalk methods whenever they are viewed or changed. It also presents seven metrics for Smalltalk methods that can be quickly and easily determined from the code and are suitable for real-time feedback. For each of these metrics, there is a description, an explanation of how it is determined and why it is related to complexity, and suggestions for how to improve code that receives a poor rating for the metric.
Imbalanced DNA synthesis induced by cytosine arabinoside and fludarabine in human leukemia cells.

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated that cytosine arabinoside (araC) induces an accumulation of Okazaki fragments, while fludarabine (FaraA) inhibits Okazaki fragment synthesis. We extended these observations in the present study to provide insights into various mechanisms by which these anticancer drugs affect DNA replication and induce genomic instability in human CEM leukemia cells. Neither araC nor FaraA induced a detectable amount of re-replicated DNA in S-phase cells, which indicated that drug-induced alterations in Okazaki fragment synthesis were not accompanied by DNA re-replication. Synthesis on both leading and lagging DNA strands within the c- myc locus was measured in cells incubated with equitoxic concentrations of araC or FaraA. In araC-treated cells, nascent DNA from the lagging strand was enriched about 5-fold compared with the leading strand. In contrast, FaraA did not induce any replication imbalance. AraC- and FaraA induced changes in the frequency of N -(phosphonacetyl)-l-aspartate (PALA) resistance and the extent of CAD gene amplification were monitored as markers of drug-induced genomic instability. At concentrations that reduced cloning efficiency by 50% ( ic 50 ), araC increased the frequency of PALA resistance about 4-fold, while FaraA did not have a significant effect on the frequency of PALA resistance. Pretreatment with araC also increased the extent of CAD gene amplification. We propose that the imbalanced DNA synthesis induced by araC leads to the accumulation of Okazaki fragments on the lagging arms and single-stranded DNA regions on the leading arms of replication forks. The formation of these abnormal replication structures was associated with the generation of genomic instability.
Development and In Vitro-In Vivo Evaluation of Polymeric Implants for Continuous Systemic Delivery of Curcumin

The introduction of curcumin into clinics is hindered by its low water solubility and poor bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, we developed curcumin implants using poly (e-caprolactone) as the polymeric matrix. Implants were prepared by melt-extrusion method; in vitro drug release was optimized for effects of polymer composition, drug load, surface area and water-soluble additives. Implants were also tested under in vivo conditions for cumulative curcumin release, and liver concentration was correlated with its efficacy to modulate selected xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (CYP1A1 and GSTM). Drug release from implants followed biphasic release pattern with Higuchi kinetics and was proportional to the surface area of implants. Drug release increased proportionately from 2 to 10% (w/w) drug load, and incorporation of 10% (w/w) of water-soluble additives (F-68, PEG 8000 and cyclodextrin) did not significantly alter the drug release. In vivo drug release was found to be ∼1.8 times higher than in vitro release. Curcumin was detected at 60 ± 20 ng/g in the liver after four days of implantation and was almost constant (8–15 ng/g) for up to 35 days. This time-dependent drop in curcumin level was found to be due to induction of CYP1A1 and GSTM (μ) enzymes which led to increased metabolism of curcumin. Our data showed that these implants were able to release curcumin for long duration and to modulate liver phase I and phase II enzymes, demonstrating curcumin’s biological efficacy delivered via this delivery system.
Climatic Trends in the Southern Hemisphere

Abstract Observations of monthly mean sea level pressure, surface air temperature, and 500 mb and 300 mb geopotential heights and temperatures are used to study trends in the Southern Hemisphere from 1951–81. The winter mean sea level pressure fell over the Indian/Atlantic half of the hemisphere from the 1950s to the 1960s, and rose over the other half. Generally, these trends reversed from the 1960s to the 1970s. The trends are equivalent barotropic. The trends of temperatures are often regionally dependent. There was a significant warming over Antarctica from the 1960s to 1970s at all upper levels except for a small area on the Indian Ocean side.
TRPing up reperfusion: neutrophil TRPM2 channels exacerbate necrosis and contractile dysfunction in post-ischaemic myocardium

This editorial refers to ‘Neutrophil TRPM2 channels are implicated in the exacerbation of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury’ by T. Hiroi et al ., pp. 271–281, this issue. Myocardial infarction, stroke, and other ischaemic disorders are leading causes of morbidity and mortality. As a consequence, intensive research efforts have been directed at determining the mechanisms underlying cell death and dysfunction induced by ischaemia. Although reperfusion is essential to rescue ischaemic tissues, re-establishing the blood supply is not without peril as it can provoke overproduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS, RNS), inflammation, and an excessive rise in intracellular calcium levels as common triggers for cell dysfunction and death in post-ischaemic tissues. Thus, oxidative/nitrosative stress, neutrophils, other immunocytes, and calcium overload are now recognized as key contributors to the reperfusion-induced component of total tissue injury sustained in organs subjected to ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R).1 Although a number of calcium channels have been implicated in I/R, recent work has focused attention on the potential role of redox-sensitive transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channels as novel mediators.1–5 These channels consist of six transmembrane domains and intracellular N and C termini that form monovalent cation channels with selectivity for Ca2+ and to a lesser extent Mg2+.2–5 TRPM2 channels are expressed by a variety of cells and together with TRPM6 and TRPM7 are unique among ion channels in that their C-terminus contains enzymatic domains that exhibit ADP ribose (ADPR) pyrophosphatase activity, providing this domain with a site for ADPR binding and activation of the channel.2–5 With regard to mechanisms relevant to I/R, TRPM2 channels are also activated by direct oxidation of channel moieties by H2O2 or indirectly via activation of enzymatic pathways [poly(ADPR) polymerase (PARP), poly(ADPR) glycohydrolase, or the NAD/cADPR glycohydrolases CD38 …
Efficient compression and delivery of stored motion data for avatar animation in resource constrained devices

Animation of Virtual Humans (avatars) is done typically using motion data files that are stored on a client or streaming motion data from a server. Several modern applications require avatar animation in mobile networked virtual environments comprising of power constrained clients such as PDAs, Pocket-PCs and notebook PCs operating in battery mode. These applications call for efficient compression of the motion animation data in order to conserve network bandwidth, and save power at the client side during data reception and motion data reconstruction from the compressed file. In this paper, we have proposed and implemented a novel file format, termed the Quantized Motion Data (QMD) format, which enables significant, though lossy, compression of the motion data. The motion distortion resulting from the reconstructed motion from the QMD file is minimized by intelligent use of the hierarchical structure of the skeletal avatar model. The compression gained by using the QMD files for the motion data is more than twice achieved via standard MPEG-4 compression using a pipeline comprising of quantization, predictive encoding and arithmetic coding. In addition, considerably fewer CPU cycles are needed to reconstruct the motion data from the QMD files compared to motion data compressed using the MPEG-4 standard.
A probabilistic approach to generation maintenance scheduler with network constraints

Abstract Most generating unit maintenance scheduling packages consider the preventive maintenance schedule of generating units over a one or two year operational planning period in order to minimize the total operating cost while satisfying system energy requirements and maintenance constraints. In a global maintenance scheduling problem, we propose to consider network constraints and generating unit outages in generation maintenance scheduling. The inclusion of network constraints in generating unit maintenance will increase the complexity of the problem, so we decompose the global generator scheduling problem into a master problem and sub-problems using Benders decomposition. At the first stage, a master problem is solved to determine a solution for maintenance schedule decision variables. In the second stage, sub-problems are solved to minimize operating costs while satisfying network constraints and generators’ forced outages. Benders cuts based on the solution of the sub-problem are introduced to the master problem for improving the existing solution. The iterative procedure continues until an optimal or near optimal solution is found.
Computer simulation in template-directed oligonucleotide synthesis

A computer simulation (KINSIM) modeling up to 33 competing reactions was used in order to investigate the product distribution in a template-directed oligonucleotide synthesis as a function of time and concentration of the reactants. The study is focused on the poly(C)-directed elongation reaction of an oligoguanylate (a 7-mer is chosen) with guanosine 5′-monophosphate-2-methylimidazolide (2-MeImpG), the activated monomer. It is known that theelongation of oligoguanylates to form oligomeric products such as 8-mer, 9-mer, 10-mer, etc., is in competition with (1) thedimerization and further oligomerization reaction of 2-MeImpG that leads to the formation of dimers and short oligomers, and (2) thehydrolysis of 2-MeImpG that forms inactive guanosine 5′-monophosphate, 5′-GMP. Experimentally determined rate constants for the above three processes at 37°C and pH 7.95 were used in the simulation; the initial concentrations of 2-MeImpG, [M]o, and of the oligoguanylate primer, [7-mer]o, were varied, and KINSIM calculated the distribution of products as a function of time until equilibration was reached, i.e., when all the activated monomer has been consumed. In order to sort out how strongly the elongation reaction may be affected by the competing hydrolysis and dimerization, we also simulated the idealized situation in which these competing reactions do not occur. Simulation of the idealized system suggests that (1) the fraction of [7-mer]o that has reacted as well as the product distribution after equilibration do not depend on the absolute concentrations of the reactants, but only on their ratio, [M]o/[7-mer]o; (2) the rate of elongation is proportional to [7-mer]o and not to [M]o; and (3) as the [M]o/[7-mer]o ratio increases longer oligomers are formed. The results of the computer simulation with the experimental system, i.e., elongation in the presence of both hydrolysis and dimerization, are similar to the ones obtained with the idealized system as long as dimerization and hydrolysis are not responsible for consuming a substantial fraction of 2-MeImpG.
Foraging and refuge use by a pond snail: Effects of physiological state, predators, and resources

Abstract The costs and benefits of anti-predator behavioral responses should be functions of the actual risk of predation, the availability of the prey's resources, and the physiological state of the prey. For example, a food-stressed individual risks starvation when hiding from predators, while a well-fed organism can better afford to hide (and pay the cost of not foraging). Similarly, the benefits of resource acquisition are probably highest for the prey in the poorest state, while there may be diminishing returns for prey nearing satiation. Empirical studies of state-dependent behavior are only beginning, however, and few studies have investigated interactions between all three potentially important factors. Here I present the results of a laboratory experiment where I manipulated the physiological state of pond snails ( Physa gyrina ), the abundance of algal resources, and predation cues ( Belostoma flumineum waterbugs consuming snails) in a full factorial design to assess their direct effects on snail behavior and indirect effects on algal biomass. On average, snails foraged more when resources were abundant, and when predators were absent. Snails also foraged more when previously exposed to physiological stress. Snails spent more time at the water's surface (a refuging behavior) in the presence of predation cues on average, but predation, resource levels, and prey state had interactive effects on refuge use. There was a consistent positive trait-mediated indirect effect of predators on algal biomass, across all resource levels and prey states.
Dip-pen nanolithography: controlling surface architecture on the sub-100 nanometer length scale.

A new method for patterning surfaces with organic structures, termed "dip-pen" nanolithography (DPN), has been developed. DPN allows one to deliver collections of molecules to a surface in a positive printing mode. The technique offers 15 nm linewidths and 5 nm spatial resolution. Current capabilities and future applications of DPN are discussed.
Recurrence rates of primary nonmelanoma skin cancers treated by surgical excision compared to electrodesiccation-curettage in a private dermatological practice.

background. The incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States, continues to increase. It is important that physicians know what treatment modalities will be the most efficacious. objective. The purpose of this study was to compare recurrence rates by treatment modality for primary basal and squamous cell carcinomas in a private dermatological practice. methods. Between June 1993 and December 1994, 268 consecutive primary nonmelanomic tumors were treated by surgical excision or electrodesiccation and curettage in our practice. The charts of the 191 patients treated were retrospectively reviewed, and recurrence data were compared by treatment modality. results. The recurrence rates between the two types of treatment were not found to be significantly different. conclusion. In contrast to other studies reported from academic centers in which surgical excision has been found to have lower recurrence rates than tumors treated with curettage and electrodesiccation, this study found recurrence rates for two treatments to be approximately the same.
Case report of myocardial infarction in labor

Substernal and epigastric pain occurring during labor was not considered important until the first postpartum day when an obvious myocardial infarction was diagnosed in a 37-year-old woman. Angiography revealed normal coronary arteries, and the myocardial infarction was postulated to be due to arterial spasm in association with smoking, oxytocin, ephedrine, and epidural anesthesia.
Three-dimentional ultrasound imaging of the atrial septum: Normal and pathologic anatomy

Abstract Objectives. This study investigated the feasibility of producing three-dimensional gray scale ultrasound images of the atrial septum to demonstrate normal and pathologic anatomy. Background. Two-dimensional echocardiography is the principal technique used for imaging the atrial septum. Although the diagnostic accuracy of two-dimensional echocardiography is high, its capability for displaying complex three-dimensional relations is limited. Methods. Three-dimensional ultrasound images were reconstructed from tomographic images obtained during routine transesophageal echocardiographic examinations. Custom-made semiautomatic algorithms for image enhancement, interpolation and segmentation were used to produce volumetric gray scale images. Volume-rendered displays of the atrial septum were generated for analysis. Sequential three-dimensional images were generated through the cardiac cycle and displayed cinematographically to permit assessment of motion. Results. The three-dimensional obtained from six patients clearly demonstrated normal and pathologic anatomy of the atrial septum, including atrial septal defects, atrial septal aneurusm and aortic valve ring abscess. The images could be manipulated electronically to demonstrate spatial relations and internal structural details. Conclusions. Three-dimensional gray scale reconstruction of ultrasound images obtained by transesophageal echocardiography is feasible. These images clearly demonstrate anatomic details and spatial relations. The gray scale images may be interactively manipulated to optimize the clinician's visualization of the atrial septum and its associated pathologic conditions.
The Johnsons’ Plight: The Role of Captivity on Anglo‐American Identity

The possibility and reality of captivity was one of many parts of the American experience that added to a developing Anglo-American identity. Using the 1754 captivity of the Johnson family of Charlestown, New Hampshire as the focal point, this article explores the ways in which the fear and insecurity associated with captivity and with captivity stories had an impact on American identity. Individual settlers along the borders of Anglo settlement obtained land and lived with the hope of personal improvement and better lives for their families. But opportunity came at the price of constant insecurity, fear and, occasionally, captivity by Native Americans. Captives discovered that their individual identities were lost and their children were abandoned in bureaucratic efforts caught up in the imperial struggles between Britain and France. Imperial or provincial government authorities seemed powerless to free them. Insecurity inspired adaptability. Many captives became cultural mediators as they negotiated between cultures and created useful networks to assist in obtaining freedom. They were willing to try a range of tactics to mould themselves to the needs of the moment. Captivity narratives and news explicitly exposed the increasingly divergent paths of colonies and metropole. Captivity forged the links of distrust of government, cultural adaptability and greater individual agency with a familial focus and added them to the chain of American identity.
Selective reversible protection of ethylenediamine for the synthesis of methacryl-based monomers

The hydrophilic monomers, 2-aminoethylmethacrylamide (AEMA), N,N-bis (2-hydroxypropyl) aminoethylmethacrylamide (HPAEMA) and N,N,N′-tris(2-hydroxypropyl) ethylenediamine methacrylate (HPEDM), were prepared through selective and reversible protection of ethylenediamine. Ethylenediamine was selectively protected by trimethylsilylation to give N,N,N′-tris-and N,N-bis(trimethylsilyl) ethylenediamine. Stoichiometric addition of methacryloyl chloride to N,N,N′-tris (trimethylsilyl) ethylenediamine gave exclusively N,N-bis (trimethylsilyl) aminoethylmethacrylamide (BTAEMA) in quantitative yield. Desilylation with methanol also produced AEMA in quantitative yield. Treatment of AEMA with propylene oxide produced HPAEMA monomer in 92.4% yield. N,N-Bis (trimethylsilyl) ethylenediamine was treated with propylene oxide, and desilylated to give 92.8% yield of N,N-bis(2-hydroxypropyl) ethylenediamine. Upon treatment with glycidyl methacrylate, HPEDM monomer was produced in 75.6% yield. The selective and reversible protection of ethylenediamine provides a convenient and efficient method for generating asymmetrically substituted ethylenediamine-based monomers.
Next Season's Hurricanes

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are a hazard to life and property ( 1 , 2 ), as was tragically apparent following Super Typhoon Haiyan's landfall in the Philippines in 2013 and Hurricane/extratropical system Sandy's landfall in the New York tri-state area in 2012. Yet TCs also provide vital water, sometimes relieving drought ( 3 ). Predictions of the path and intensity of individual TCs are usually sufficiently good several days in advance that action can be taken. In contrast, predictions of seasonal TC activity months in advance must still be made more regionally relevant to produce information that can be acted on, for example, to improve storm preparedness.
Experiencing self versus observing self: the semantics of stative extensions in Japanese

Abstract Japanese stative extensions, -iru , -oru , and -aru , change not only the aspectual contours of the predicates to which they affix, but also their epistemological perspectives. Predicates without stative extensions reflect the speaker’s role as an experiencer, while ones with them indicate the speaker’s observer role. This paper suggests that stative extensions introduce ‘distance’ between the speaker and the utterance. The experiencer role is associated with speaker involvement, no ‘distance’, and no stative extension. In contrast, the observer role is associated with speaker detachment, some ‘distance’, and the incorporation of the stative extension.
Cardiovascular disease prevention among youth: visioning the future.

Abstract Health behaviors among youth are interrelated and appear likely to extend into adult years. Thus cardiovascular disease prevention among youth will continue to be needed and may be critical to the prevention of high risk in the first place. These prevention efforts should be guided by behavioral models and etiological research. Healthy environments are important for the maintenance of healthy behaviors among young people and we need to know better how to change them. More over, successful prevention strategies among youth need to be disseminated globally as rapidly as they are found.