cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A transient DMSO treatment increases the differentiation potential of human pluripotent stem cells through the Rb family

The propensity for differentiation varies substantially across human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lines, greatly restricting the use of hPSCs for cell replacement therapy or disease modeling. Here, we investigate the underlying mechanisms and demonstrate that activation of the retinoblastoma (Rb) pathway in a transient manner is important for differentiation. In prior work, we demonstrated that pre-treating hPSCs with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) before directed differentiation enhanced differentiation potential across all three germ layers. Here, we show that exposure to DMSO improves the efficiency of hPSC differentiation through Rb and by repressing downstream E2F-target genes. While transient inactivation of the Rb family members (including Rb, p107, and p130) suppresses DMSO’s capacity to enhance differentiation across all germ layers, transient expression of a constitutively active (non-phosphorylatable) form of Rb increases the differentiation efficiency similar to DMSO. Inhibition of downstream targets of Rb, such as E2F signaling, also promotes differentiation of hPSCs. More generally, we demonstrate that the duration of Rb activation plays an important role in regulating differentiation capacity.
Research on Transmission Characteristic of Electronic Current Transformer Shunt for Flexible HVDC

This paper studies the transmission characteristics of electronic current transformer (ECT) shunt for flexible HVDC. Firstly, the influences of temperatures and skin which effect on measurement errors are analyzed on the basis of introducing the working principles of ECT. Then, according to the ECT used in engineering application for flexible HVDC, the simulation model is established in PSCAD/EMTDC. Finally, study transmission characteristics by measuring current of the Nan'ao flexible HVDC system as well as changing critical parameters of the model. Simulation results indicate that the main reasons of causing measurement errors are temperatures and skin effect. It is obviously that the measurement errors can be reduce by reducing shunt conductor radius. Besides, the design of ECT shunt should be checked against by the installation location.
The Costs of Drugs in Infectious Diseases: Branded, Generics, and Why We Should Care

While health care providers have largely turned a blind eye, the cost of health care in the US has been skyrocketing, in part as a result of rising drug prices. Patent protections and market exclusivity, while serving to incentivize targeted new drug development, have exacerbated inequitable outcomes and reduced access, sometimes fueling national epidemics. Branded drug manufacturers face few barriers to exorbitant pricing of drugs with exclusivity-as in the cases of Sovaldi, Zyvox, and Truvada. Furthermore, albendazole, pyrimethamine, and penicillin demonstrate that generic medications without patent exclusivity are not guaranteed to have durably low costs, especially where manufacturer competition is lacking. There is a way forward: through education and awareness, cost-conscious guideline development, government regulation, and market-level incentives, health care providers can collaborate to contain drug prices, curbing expenditures overall while expanding health care access to patients.
Detection limits affect the predictability of the presence of an invasive harmful alga across geographic space

To better comprehend microbial invasions, researchers need more insight into how environmental conditions affect biogeographic patterns in microbes. Recent study suggests that environmental conditions are important predictors for when invasive microbes might become established, actively participating members of a community, but that dispersal also can be important in determining invasion success in conducive environments. In this study, we explored how detection limits affected the ability of a local-scale environmental model to predict the presence of the putative microbial invader Prymnesium parvum at a regional scale. The local-scale model was robust when applied to the regional dataset. Regardless of sensitivity (i.e., minimum detection limit used), P. parvum presence was well predicted by environmental parameters. The highest accuracy was obtained at a detection limit that corresponds with detection limits routinely achieved using standard microscope-based analysis, while lower detection limits typical of molecular approaches worsened the model’s predictive capabilities. Although many mechanisms may be limiting our ability to predict P. parvum presence at low abundances (e.g., dispersal, source-sink dynamics, methodological limitations), we argue here that environmental filtering plays a role in regulating population growth above these low abundances. The importance of environmental traits in predicting the presence of this microbial species suggests that environmental conditions are critical determinants of the establishment and spread of P. parvum.
Effects of Damage Distribution on Evolution

Recent micromechanically inspired phenomenological theories using internal state variable (ISV) representations of damage have been used to predict the thermomechanical behavior of microcracked solids. These models do not, in an explicit manner, account for distributions of microcracks in a representative volume element (RVE) and have been used successfully only to determine the effective moduli of damaged solids. It has been demonstrated that while the distribution and interaction of damage entities within an RVE generally have a minor effect on the effective moduli, it has a significant effect on the evolution of damage and failure at the macroscale. Damage evolution rates, in general, cannot be described adequately by such theories because of their inability to account for interactions between damage entities in an arbitrary distribution. Key issues pertaining to the development of viable damage evolution equations using a continuum damage mechanics approach are addressed. In particular, limitations associated with the use of ISVs that can be expressed either in terms of macroscopically measurable quantities or through a spatial average of the geometric features of individual damage entities are discussed. Numerical simulations of evolving crack systems in two-dimensional perfectly brittle solids indicate that "effective stress" models may have difficulty in characterizing damage evolution in brittle microcracked solids when the damage consists of cracks of variable size or spatial distributions. An argument for implementing ISVs based on higher-order moments of the damage distribution within an RVE is presented.
Hadronic final states in DIS at NNLO QCD with parton showers

We present a parton-shower matched next-to-next-to-leading-order QCD calculation for hadronic final-state production in deep-inelastic scattering. The computation is based on the Unlops method and is implemented in the publicly available event generation framework Sherpa. Results are compared to measurements performed by the H1 Collaboration.
Observation of psi production in e+e- annihilation at 29 GeV.

Inclusive psi production in e/sup +/e/sup -/ annihilation at 29 GeV has been measured with the Mark II detector. The psi cross section is found to be 1.1 +- 0.5 +- 0.4 pb. After subtraction of the expected contribution from B decay, an upper limit of 0.02sigma/sub ..mu..//sub ..mu../ is obtained for other sources of psi production.
Resequencing of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Promoter Reveals Haplotype Structure and Functional Diversity.

Our group has previously reported that SNPs in the VEGF promoter are strongly associated with efficacy and toxicity to the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab in metastatic breast cancer. In order to better understand the biologic mechanism for our previously reported biomarkers, we embarked on a comprehensive evaluation of the genetic variation in the VEGF promoter coupled with a study of its intrinsic function. By resequencing 96 DNA samples (48 Caucasians, 48 African-Americans) for the VEGF promoter, we elucidated its complete haplotype structure and identified SNPs that were not previously reported in prior resequencing efforts. SNPs that were identified included twenty previously reported SNPs/insertions/deletions, one novel SNP, and one novel deletion. Among these variants, we identified five SNPs (VEGF-3818G/T, -2305G/T, -1210C/A, -1154G/A, & -7C/T) that tag six haplotypes capturing 74% of the genetic variation of the VEGF promoter. Subsequently, we cloned the six major haplotypes into reporter constructs in order to determine the effect of genetic variation on function. The reporter assays were performed in 5 breast cancer cell lines representing all ER and HER-2 statuses along with an inflammatory breast cancer cell line. We demonstrate that there is significant variation in promoter-induced expression among the haplotypes. More importantly, we show that the haplotypes containing the SNPs previously reported to be associated with increased survival with the use of bevacizumab are high-expressing haplotypes, thus lending putative functional evidence to the prior clinical finding. Further, we also report the presence of a low-expressing haplotype predominantly in African-Americans. Altogether, these results set the foundation for future studies elucidating the role of VEGF genetic variation with response to anti-angiogenic therapy and associations with angiogenesis-related diseases. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 2122.
Systemic treatment options for advanced biliary tract carcinoma

Advanced biliary tract cancers (BTC) include a diverse collection of rare and heterogenous tumors with poor prognosis. The combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin is the established first-line therapy for advanced BTC. There are no accepted standard treatments in the second line setting, though there are several ongoing clinical trials that implement chemotherapy as a therapeutic strategy. The understanding of the molecular landscape of BTC has offered hope of targeted therapies to the identified actionable genomic aberrations, such as FGFR2 gene fusions, mutations of IDH1/2, HER2, BRAC1/2 and BRAF. Pembigatinib has become the first approved targeted therapy for BTC with FGFR2 fusion or other rearrangements. Recent immunotherapy has opened new therapy avenues in BTC with pembrolizumab approved for either microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) or DNA mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) advanced solid tumors, including BTC. The combination of immunotherapy with other modalities is currently being evaluated in different clinical trials, since single agent immunotherapy appears to provide modest benefits in advanced BTC. In this review, we summarize the current status of treatment options, including systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and various combinations in advanced BTC.
« Je suis le contraire de l’établi »: réappropriation spatiale et identitaire dans Trésors à prendre de Violette Leduc

This paper examines the aesthetic representation and criticism of mass tourism in Violette Leduc’s travel diary, Tresors a prendre (1960). By analyzing a complex network of metaphors, I demonstrate...
Principles of Pricing: An Analytical Approach

Pricing drives three of the most important elements of firm success: revenue and profits, customer behavior and firm image. This book provides an introduction to the basic principles for thinking clearly about pricing. Unlike other marketing books on pricing, the authors use a more analytic approach and relate ideas to the basic principles of microeconomics. Rakesh Vohra and Lakshman Krishnamurthi also cover three areas in greater depth and provide more insight than may be gleaned from existing books: 1) the use of auctions, 2) price discrimination and 3) pricing in a competitive environment.
Developmental roles for growth factor-regulated secreted proteins.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on mitogen-regulated protein (MRP), the placental lactogens (PLs), cathepsin L (CL), plasminogen activator, collagen, and fibronectin. Many of the growth factor-induced secreted proteins are involved in forming the extracellular matrix (ECM); therefore, the role these proteins play in this process is also reviewed. Because the secreted proteins are so tightly regulated by growth factors in culture systems, it is expected that studies of their regulation and function in development will provide important new knowledge that will help to understand the contribution that growth factors make to developmental processes. The relationship between growth factors and the ECM has been made more clear since the discovery that growth factors stimulate fibroblasts to synthesize and secrete essential components of the ECM. Other growth factor-induced glycoproteins, such as plasminogen activators and collagenases, help to shape the ECM through their proteolytic activities.
Market Complicity and Christian Ethics

The marketplace is a remarkable social institution that has greatly extended our reach so shoppers in the West can now buy fresh-cut flowers, vegetables, and tropical fruits grown halfway across the globe even in the depths of winter. However, these expanded choices have also come with considerable moral responsibilities as our economic decisions can have far-reaching effects by either ennobling or debasing human lives. In this book, Albino Barrera examines our own moral responsibilities for the distant harms of our market transactions from a Christian viewpoint, identifying how the market's division of labour makes us unwitting collaborators in others' wrongdoing and in collective ills. His important account covers a range of different subjects, including law, economics, philosophy, and theology, in order to identify the injurious ripple effects of our market activities.
Importance of quantum decoherence in brain processes.

Based on a calculation of neural decoherence rates, we argue that the degrees of freedom of the human brain that relate to cognitive processes should be thought of as a classical rather than quantum system, i.e., that there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the current classical approach to neural network simulations. We find that the decoherence time scales ( approximately 10(-13)-10(-20) s) are typically much shorter than the relevant dynamical time scales ( approximately 10(-3)-10(-1) s), both for regular neuron firing and for kinklike polarization excitations in microtubules. This conclusion disagrees with suggestions by Penrose and others that the brain acts as a quantum computer, and that quantum coherence is related to consciousness in a fundamental way.
Implementation of a programmable phased logic cell [FPGA]

Traditional field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) have been controlled by a global clock, which means that all signals have to be routed efficiently to meet the synchronous timing constraints. A phased logic FPGA does not require a global clock; it accomplishes its synchronization by encoding value and timing information of a single bit with two separate wires. In this project, two standard cell designs for a phased logic FPGA were simulated, fabricated in 0.5 /spl mu/m and 1.5 /spl mu/m CMOS technologies, and tested successfully.
Heat Denaturation Profiles of Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase (Rubisco) and Rubisco Activase and the Inability of Rubisco Activase to Restore Activity of Heat-Denatured Rubisco

We compared the heat-denaturation profiles of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and Rubisco activase and further examined the ability of Rubisco activase to restore the activity of heat-denatured Rubisco originally reported (E. Sanchez de Jimenez, L. Medrano, and E. Martinez-Barajas [1995] Biochemistry 34: 2826-2831). Rubisco was heat-treated in both the carbamylated and uncarbamylated forms and in the presence and absence of 10 mM dithiothreitol (DTT). Both forms were highly resistant to heat denaturation and further protection was gained in the presence of DTT. A 50% loss in total activity occurred after 1 h at 57.5 and 55.2[deg]C for uncarbamylated Rubisco and at 60.2 and 59.6[deg]C for carbamylated Rubisco, in each case with and without DTT, respectively. In contrast, Rubisco activase lost 50% activity after only 5 min at 33[deg]C and the loss in activity was not affected by the presence of Rubisco. When Rubisco, heat-denatured to various extents, was incubated at room temperature with Rubisco activase or bovine serum albumin as a control, Rubisco activase did not have a significant specific ability to restore Rubisco activity. We conclude that Rubisco activase alone does not have the ability to restore the activity of heat-denatured Rubisco and is unlikely to protect or restore Rubisco activity from heat denaturation in vivo because it is more heat-labile than Rubisco.
Cyclosporin A inhibits Al-induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria in aged rabbits

Neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease are characterized by a progressive and selective neuronal loss via an apoptosis mechanism, and there is a growing body of evidence which supports a central role of mitochondria in this apoptotic cell death. Release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol is considered a critical step in apoptosis. Here we report that aluminum maltolate induces cytochrome c translocation into the cytosol as early as 3 hours in aged but not in young rabbit hippocampus. Pretreatment with cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of the mitochondria permeability transition pore (MTP), blocks cytochrome crelease. Therefore, it appears that aluminum maltolate-induced cytochrome c release results from opening of the MTP. This effect implicates aging as a prerequisite factor, since the MTP does not open in young animals. Mitochondrial injury thus may represent a primary initiator of neurodegeneration.
Qualitative analysis of the impact of clock timing error and/or frequency offsets on an OFDM waveform demodulator

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a discrete multitone (DMT) waveform that is used on dispersive channels such as the subscriber twisted pair associated with asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) or with digital television terrestrial broadcasting (DTTB). Implementation is based upon the IFFT for modulation and the FFT for demodulation. Orthogonality is obtained by having the DMT carrier spacing the same as the baud rate, and having the FFT demodulation process accumulate over exactly one baud symbol. However, orthogonality can only occur if the demodulator clock is synchronized to the modulator and no frequency offsets are present. This paper discusses, in a qualitative manner, the impact of attempting to FFT demodulate the OFDM waveform if clock synchronization has not occurred and/or if frequency offsets have accumulated on the channel.
Multiple mechanisms account for lower plasma iron in young copper deficient rats.

Copper deficiency lowers brain copper and iron during development. The reduced iron content could be due to hypoferremia. Experiments were conducted to evaluate plasma iron and “ferroxidase” hypotheses by determining copper and iron status of Holtzman albino rats following gestational/lactational copper deficiency. Copper deficient (Cu−) dams on treatment for 5 weeks, two of gestation and three of lactation, had markedly lower copper content of milk and mammary tissue, and lower milk iron. Newborn pups from Cu− dams had lower copper and iron concentrations. Compared to Cu+ pups, Cu− pups, analyzed between postnatal age (P) 0 and P26, were smaller, anemic, had lower plasma iron, cardiac hypertrophy, and near zero ceruloplasmin activity. Liver copper in Cu+ pups increased then decreased during development and major reductions were evident in Cu− pups. Liver iron in Cu+ pups decreased with age while nursing but increased after eating solid food. Liver iron was lower in Cu− pups at P0 and P13 and normal at P20 and P26. Small intestinal copper decreased with age in Cu+ pups and was lower in Cu− pups. Intestinal iron levels in Cu− pups were higher than Cu+ pups postweaning in some experiments. Reduction in plasma iron in Cu− pups is likely due to a decreased “ferroxidase” function leading to lower placental iron transport, a lower milk iron diet, and partial block in iron uptake from intestine but is not due to failure to mobilize hepatic iron, in contrast to older rats eating diet with adequate iron.
A world population growth model: Interaction with Earth's carrying capacity and technology in limited space

Abstract Up to 1900, world population growth over 1500 years fitted the quasi-hyperbolic format P ( t ) = a /( D − t ) M , but this fit projected to infinite population around 2000. The recent slowdown has been fitted only by iteration of differential equations. This study fits the mean world population estimates from CE 400 to present with “tamed quasi-hyperbolic function” P ( t ) = A /[ln( B + e ( D − t )/ τ )] M , which reverts to P = a /( D − t ) M when t . With coefficient values P ( t ) = 3.83 × 10 9 /[ln(1.28 + e (1980 − t)/22.9 )] 0.70 , the fit is within ± 9%, except in 1200–1400, and projects to a plateau at 10.2 billion. An interaction model of population, Earth's carrying capacity and technological–organizational skills is proposed. It can be approximately fitted with this P ( t ) and an analogous equation for carrying capacity.
High intensity ultrasound-assisted extraction of oil from soybeans

Abstract The application of 20 kHz high-intensity ultrasound during extraction of oil from two varieties of soybeans (TN 96-58 and N 98-4573) using hexane, isopropanol and a 3:2 hexane–isopropanol mixture was evaluated. In a simplified extraction procedure, ground soybeans were added to solvents and ultrasonicated between 0 and 3 h at ultrasonic intensity levels ranging from 16.4 to 47.6 W/cm 2 . Oil was recovered after distillation and yield and composition determined. Using hexane as a solvent, yield generally increased as both application time and intensity of ultrasound increased. Solvent type influenced the efficiency of the extraction, i.e., the highest yield was obtained using ultrasound in combination with the mixed solvent. Gas chromatography analysis of ultrasonicated soybean oil did not show significant changes in fatty acid composition. Results were attributed to mechanical effects due to ultrasonically induced cavitation increasing permeability of plant tissues. A comparison of scanning electron microscopy images of raw and ultrasonicated soybeans indicated development of microfractures and disruption of cell walls in ground soybean flakes. Our study suggests that high-intensity ultrasound may reduce time required to extract edible oils from plant sources and hence improve throughput in commercial oil production processes.
Work aversion and associated changes in dopamine and serotonin transporter after methamphetamine exposure in rats

Rationale Methamphetamine (mAMPH) administration in animals can lead to a variety of cognitive and behavioral deficits. We previously reported non-acute reversal learning impairments after a single-day administration of mAMPH, providing evidence of this drug’s selective effects on inhibitory control. Effortful decision-making (i.e., how much effort to invest in rewards) is an aspect of cognition that has not yet been explored after mAMPH.
Difference of the digital sums of an integer base b and its prime factors

Abstract Let p 1 , ..., p k be primes and m =Π i = 1 k p i be an integer base b ; S ( b , m ) denotes the sume of digits function base b , and S p ( b , m ) =Σ i = 1 k S ( b , p i ). If m is composite and c is defined by S p ( b , m ) − S ( b , m ) = c , we shall say that m is an element of the set I b ( c ). We show that I b ( c ) is an infinite set for all integers c and all integers b ≥ 8, and prove that, for c ≥ 0, the values of S ( b , m )/ S p ( b , m ) are dense in the interval [0, 1]. This provides the answer, for an arbitrary base b ≥ 8 and integer c , to a question posed by A. Wilansky about the set I 10 (0), the elements of which Wilansky termed “Smith” numbers.
Effect of nuclear radiation on the mechanical relaxation behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene

Nuclear radiation effect on structural and mechanical relaxation behavior of polytetrafluorethylene at audio frequencies
Compound State Resonances in Molecular Collisions - The Integral Elastic Cross Section for D (sub 2) -Xe Scattering

Compound state resonances in molecular collisions, stressing scattering cross sections behavior for deuterium-xenon
Ion mixing and phase diagrams

Abstract Interactions induced by ion irradiation are generally considered to be non-equilibrium processes, whereas phase diagrams are determined by phase equilibria. These two entities are seemingly unrelated. However, if one assumes that quasi-equilibrium conditions prevail after the prompt events, subsequent reactions are driven toward equilibrium by thermodynamical forces. Under this assumption, ion-induced reactions are related to equilibrium and therefore to phase diagrams. This relationship can be seen in the similarity that exists in thin films between reactions induced by ion irradiation and reactions induced by thermal annealing. In the latter case, phase diagrams have been used to predict the phase sequence ofstable compound formation, notably so in cases of silicide formation. Ion-induced mixing not only can lead to stable compound formation, but also to metastable alloy formation. In some metal-metal systems, terminal solubilities can be greatly extended by ion mixing. In other cases, where the two constituents of the system have different crystal structures, extension of terminal solubility from both sides of the phase diagram eventually becomes structurally incompatible and a glassy (amorphous) mixture can form. The composition range where this bifurcation is likely to occur is in the two-phase regions of the phase diagram. These concepts are potentially useful guides in selecting metal pairs that from metallic glasses by ion mixing. In this report, phenomenological correlation between stable (and metastable) phase formation and phase diagram is discussed in terms of recent experimental data.
Photodissociation of ClONO2 at 235 nm: Final product yields and energy partitioning

The photodissociation of ClONO 2 at 235 nm was investigated using resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, which permits the state selective detection of Cl( 3 P 3 / 2 ) (Cl) and Cl( 3 P 1 / 2 ) (Cl * ) atom products. The angular and speed distributions for the Cl, Cl * , and ClO channels were derived from forward convolution fitting of time-of-flight spectra. The anisotropy parameters for the Cl elimination channels are 0.5 ′ 0.15 and 1.2 ′ 0.15 for the atomic ground and excited states respectively, indicating that the states arise from different electronic excited states. The anisotropy parameter for the ClO + NO 2 channel is 1.0 ′ 0.15. On the basis of simulations to the TOF data, we have determined a total Cl atom quantum yield of 0.42 ′ 0.1 and a ClO quantum yield of 0.58 ′ 0.1. The fraction of nascent NO 3 fragments that undergo secondary dissociation was calculated based on the measured internal energy distribution. The NO 2 + O channel has a quantum yield of 0.20, and NO + O 2 channel has a quantum yield of 0.006. The results are discussed in light of previous measurements at both longer and shorter wavelengths and suggest that at short wavelengths the spontaneous secondary dissociation of NO 3 to yield NO 2 + O is important and will substantially reduce the impact of the Cl + NO 3 channel on stratospheric ozone depletion.
Utilization of an intense beam of 800 MeV protons to prepare radionuclides

Abstract Since the early 1970s, a program has been under way at this institution to employ the excess proton beam emerging from the major experimental areas of the LAMPF accelerator to make a wide variety of radioactive nuclides. This article presents a review of the targets irradiated, cross section data and nuclide yield measurements.
An AC-AC power converter for custom power applications

A versatile AC-AC converter that can be utilized as a control device for custom power applications is presented. The converter has the ability to regulate bus voltage through voltage sags and overvoltages, and act as a solid state circuit breaker. Performance characteristics under typical conditions are presented along with experimental verification of converter operation. Technical feasibility, protected efficiency and other practical implementation issues are discussed. Operation of the power converter is illustrated using EMTP simulations.
Nuclear Thermal Rocket Simulation in NPSS

Four nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) models have been created in the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) framework. The models are divided into two categories. One set is based upon the ZrC-graphite composite fuel element and tie tube-style reactor developed during the Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application (NERVA) project in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The other reactor set is based upon a W-UO2 ceramic- metallic (CERMET) fuel element. Within each category, a small and a large thrust engine are modeled. The small engine models utilize RL-10 turbomachinery performance maps and have a thrust of approximately 33.4 kN (7,500 lbf ). The large engine models utilize scaled RL-60 turbomachinery performance maps and have a thrust of approximately 111.2 kN (25,000 lbf ). Power deposition profiles for each reactor were obtained from a detailed Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP5) model of the reactor cores. Performance factors such as thermodynamic state points, thrust, specific impulse, reactor power level, and maximum fuel temperature are analyzed for each engine design.
Stability margins of superconductors cooled with subcooled He II

Abstract This review describes a simple method for calculating the stability margins of superconductors cooled with subcooled He II. The method, which is based on an idea of Seyfert et al.1, accounts for both time-dependent Gorter-Mellink heat transport and the effects of interfacial Kapitza resistance. The method has been compared favourably with heat transfer data of Seyfert et al.1 and stability data of Meuris2 and Pfotenhauer and van Sciver3. A simple design procedure based on the method is presented.
Oscillatory double diffusive convection in crystal growth

Abstract A detailed numerical study of oscillatory convection in a horizontal container which models crystal growth by the physical vapor transport technique has been carried out. The enclosure is subjected to simultaneous horizontal temperature and concentration gradients. The primary goals of this investigation are to predict the critical parameters associated with this phenomena and their influence on the heat and mass transport processes. Our results indicate that the onset of oscillatory motion occurs at a Grashof number (Gr) of about 10 4 in opposing double diffusive convection. Thus oscillatory convection takes place at a significantly reduced critical Gr compared with the case of pure thermal convection. We also found that boundary fluxes at the interfaces promote the onset of oscillation and increase the heat and mass transfer. The effects of different species and enclosure sizes on the critical states are presented.
Rectilinear oscillations of a rigid inclusion in an infinite elastic medium

Abstract In this paper we present an exact analysis of the problem of rectilinear oscillations of a rigid inclusion in the shape of a convex body of revolution. The method is one of boundary-perturbation technique. For convenience, we have confined our attention to the case of axisymmetry, although the method can be used fruitfully for other nonaxisymmetric problems. In the way of illustration, we have applied the technique to the cases of a perturbed sphere and an oblate spheroid. In the latter case we have calculated the force necessary to maintain steady oscillations of the spheroid correct to first order in frequency.
How the ordinary becomes extraordinary

Abstract I learned during a recent trip to Great Britain that Queen Victoria adored her husband Prince Albert, as probably no woman had loved a man before, or maybe since, her sovereignty as queen. That tribute to that great and unending love and dedication was never so keenly felt as on the night of Sunday, June 27, 1999. It was on this night when thousands of nurses from throughout the world crowded into Royal Albert Hall for the opening ceremony of the centennial conference of the International Council of Nurses. A person might ask: “How does an ordinary nurse take part in and benefit from such an extraordinary nursing event?” The answer to this question became apparent to me from the moment I crossed the threshold of the Royal Albert Hall and the International Council of Nurses Centennial conference began. Nurs Outlook 2000;48:105–6.
REACTIVE MIXING IN TURBULENT GASES

Abstract Conversion of the ozone-nitric oxide reaction was measured along a non-premixed flow reactor. Conversion was less than the homogeneous limit with a single jet mixer, allowing determination of the mean product of the reactant concentration fluctuations. The liquid decay law was measured with a very rapid reaction and was found, within experimental error, to be equal to the normalized mean product of the reactant concentration fluctuation in the reacting gas. The results imply that the mixing decay law can be taken as the same for gases and liquids, and that the reactive-mixing model developed for liquids also applies to gases. Thus the design procedure developed for liquids may also be used in gases. In addition, since the mixing decay law is easily measured in liquids, a gas phase reactor may be conveniently designed by measuring d in a pilot scale reactor with a very rapid liquid phase reaction.
Indexicality of wọ́n: Yoruba language and culture

The Yoruba pronoun wọn is equivalent to the English pronoun they, and can occur in various syntactical constructions including passives. Indefinite pronouns of passive constructions by definition are silent about the identity of their subject. However, Yoruba peoples' cultural interpretation attributes definiteness, concreteness, and agency to the indefinite pronoun wọn in specific usages. Based on the study of utterances obtained from popular, contemporary usages, and individual narratives all featuring the passivized pronoun wọn, this article examines Yoruba habitual practices. It argues that understanding the cultural meaning of wọn is invaluable for understanding the Yoruba peoples' habitual view of causality in addition to the way it guides their interpersonal interactions. Further, wọn is shown to index a certain Yoruba worldview and to guide their efforts to achieve their presumed goals of earthly existence. The article does four things: (1) it explicates the content of the pronoun wọn, exemp...
Evaluation of compliance with a computerized protocol: Weaning from mechanical ventilator support using pressure support

Study objectives: To use a computerized consultation system to evaluate the feasibility of a mechanical ventilator weaning protocol which used the rapid shallow breathing index to guide adjustments in pressure support. A program to monitor user compliance and reasons for noncompliance was built into the computerized consultation system. Methods: A total of nine critically ill patients (ten weaning episodes) were enrolled in the protocol. The respiratory therapists performed routine computer charting in the electronic database. They accepted or declined the explicit instructions generated by the computerized protocol and displayed on the bedside terminal. The consultation program monitored whether accepted instructions were implemented by the user. Results: Patient's therapy was controlled by protocol for a total of 1075 h (mean 108 h, range 4 to 339 h) and 94.8% (1321/1394) of instructions were followed by the clinical staff. Of the 42 instructions clinical staff refused to follow, 23 (55%) were extubation instructions. There were 52 (3.7%) incorrect instructions generated with 24 software errors, 21 errors in underlying logic, and seven user misunderstanding errors. Conclusions: A high level of user compliance with this protocol was achieved. The methods described herein to monitor compliance and reasons for noncompliance within a protocol are reusable in the domain of mechanical ventilation and possibly in other domains.
Effect of L-histidine on creatine, histidine, and 1-methylhistidine excretion of normal and vit. E-deficient rabbits.

Summary1. Effects of L-histidine on excretion of 1-methylhistidine, histidine, and creatine of normal and Vit. E-deficient rabbits have been studied. 2. L-histidine caused an increased excretion of histidine from animals on a normal and Vit. E-deficient diet. 3. Three rabbits on a normal diet and 2 of 3 on a normal diet + L-histidine failed to excrete 1-methylhistidine in the urine. 4. Vit. E-deficient animals excreted small amounts of histidine, but large quantities of 1-methylhistidine and creatine. 5. Vit. E-deficient rabbits fed 1% L-histidine excreted less 1-methylhistidine and creatine, but increased amounts of histidine. 6. 1% L-histidine was shown to prolong the lives of Vit. E-deficient rabbits.
Trials of endovascular treatment for superficial femoral artery occlusive lesions: a call for medically managed control patients.

Background The prevalence of occlusive peripheral vascular disease in the superficial femoral artery approaches 20% in patients over the age of 60. Symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (intermittent claudication) is present in 3% to 7% of patients over the age of 60. The attraction of minimally invasive, percutaneous endovascular angioplasty (PTA) for this large number of patients has resulted in multiple trials of new PTA ± stenting devices. The purpose of this report is to determine whether trials should include controlled patients who have optimal medical management including supervised exercise. Methods and Results In 2007 through 2008, there were 12 active trials of PTA and stent with 9 of the trials randomized and 6 trials using PTA as the control arm. No trial used a medically managed group. Between 1990 and 2008, a search of PubMed disclosed six publications (five randomized trials) comparing PTA ± stent with medically (exercise) managed claudicants. None of the medically managed patient groups experienced a significant increase in ABI, whereas endovascular patients had an early increase in ABI, which was variably sustained to 1 and 2 years. However, after 6 months, the maximum walking distance was significantly increased in the exercised patients and remained longer than that of the interventional group in four of five trials at 1 to 2 years. Conclusion Endovascular treatment was superior to medical treatment in functional outcome at 1 year in only one of the five randomized trials for claudication. In the other four trials, medical treatment produced a greater maximum walking distance at 1 to 2 years. Current trials lack optimal medical controls. New trials of PTA + stent should include a medically managed group of patients in a supervised exercise program as the comparator arm. The outcome measure should be maximum walking distance to demonstrate added functional benefit of the new device.
Electrochemical characterization and immersion corrosion of a consolidated silver dental biomaterial.

Abstract A consolidated silver (CS) material, an alternative to dental amalgam, was studied for corrosion. Chemically precipitated silver particles were acid activated and pressure consolidated to a volume porosity of 25%. In selected tests comparisons were made between CS and melted and cast silver particles (MS), silver with a known mass fraction purity of 99.998% (FS), a silver-palladium alloy (SP), and a dispersed-phase amalgam (DA). Fusayama artificial saliva was used with controlled variations in pH, sulfide content, mucin content, and absorbed oxygen content. Electrochemical polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and immersion methods were used. Results revealed differences in the zero current potentials E ( I =0) from forward polarization between CS and MS (or FS) in deaerated solution. By superposition of the cathodic polarization curves, the area for CS was increased by 7.3 times and was enclosed within an outer shell of material 5.5 μm thick. Polarization resistance was significantly the highest for SP, followed in order by MS (or FS) and CS or DA. With scanning electron microscopy, CS was shown to be significantly more susceptible than MS to long-term immersion corrosion. The modeled equivalent electrical circuits for CS and DA involved a double layer capacitance, a charge transfer resistance, and an element attributed to adsorption. The active pore depth for CS from the transmission line model for porous solids revealed satisfactory agreement with polarization results. It is concluded that the corrosion susceptibility of CS in Fusayama solution, while similar to that for DA, is greater than it is for MS.
The echo Doppler spectrum of valvular abnormalities in the hospitalized octogenarian.

Cardiac valves thicken and become more opaque with advancing age. As more individuals live longer and as more treatment modalities such as valvuloplasty evolve, the presence and significance of these valvular abnormalities become important. We retrospectively studied 628 octogenarian patients to try and define further the presence and significance of these abnormalities detected by Doppler echocardiography. A group of 547 patients were suitable for analysis. Age ranged from 80 to 96 years (mean 84.4). The female:male ratio was 1.9:1. Mitral, aortic, and tricuspid regurgitation (MR, AR, and TR) were significant if the jet moved > 2 cm from the plane of the valve away or toward the transducer, depending on transducer position. Mitral regurgitation was detected in 331 patients (60.5%) and was significant in 82 patients (15%). Aortic regurgitation was detected in 276 patients (50.5%) and was significant in 70 patients (12.8%). Tricuspid regurgitation was detected in 131 patients (23.9%) and was significant in 30 patients (5.5%). Regurgitant lesions were detected in two valves in 150 patients (27.4%) three valves in 57 patients (10.4%), in all four valves in 17 patients (3.1%). Aortic stenosis was detected in 160 patients (29.3%). The gradient range was 16-156 mmHg (mean 47.8). Significant aortic stenosis was present in 70 patients (12.8%) (gradient >50 mmHg), of whom 54 had isolated pure aortic stenosis and 16 had mixed lesion. In 40% of these patients, significant aortic stenosis was an unexpected finding at two-dimensional echocardiography. Valvular pathology is common in the octogenarian population. It is uncertain to what extent this represents physical adaptation to aging or true pathology, but these findings may have important implications with regard to bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis and potential valvuloplasty in the aged population.
Interfacing a fixed-pitch-angle wind turbine with a double-output induction generator

Abstract We describe the performance of a variable-speed, constant-frequency, double-output induction generator (VSCF—DOIG) that is being driven by a fixed-pitch angle wind turbine. The induction generator is run according to a control strategy that forces the generator to extract more than its rated stator power output from the wind without being overheated. Since, in the steady state, the mechanical power developed by the wind turbine is balanced by the electromechanical power developed by the generator, the interfacing problem may be solved by representing the wind turbine performance curve C p = f( λ ) as a polynomial function of the induction generator slip and wind speed. Using this approach, the induction generator outputs that correspond to a given wind speed can easily be calculated. This procedure is superior to previously used trial and error methods.
Urinary Excretion Kinetics for Evaluation of Drug Absorption III*: Method for Calculation of Absorption Rate and Application to Tetracycline Absorption in Humans

A method was developed to calculate drug absorption rate from urinary excretion rate measurements and applied to study tetracycline absorption in humans after oral ingestion of 25, 50, 100, and 200-mg. doses. Calculation of absorption rate indicated that this drug was absorbed at a rate of about 100 to 140 mg./hr., one hour after 200-mg. doses, and at about 20 to 30 mg./hr., one hour later. Rates at these times decreased when the dose was reduced. Wide individual variation in absorption rate was observed among members of the test panel.
Effects of acute ethanol administration and cold exposure on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis

A single dose of ethanol increases cellular levels of the mRNA encoding thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in neurons of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), but blocks the cold-induced increase in the levels of this mRNA. Because the thyrotropic response to cold is dependent upon TRH secretion, we hypothesized that ethanol uncouples the stimulus-induced regulation of TRH secretion from the stimulus-induced regulation of TRH expression. We employed two complementary strategies to test this hypothesis. The first was to determine whether ethanol alters pituitary sensitivity to TRH. Animals given a single intraperitoneal injection of ethanol (3 g/kg) that produced a blood alcohol concentration of nearly 300 mg/100 mL exhibited the same increase in circulating levels of TSH following an intravenous infusion of TRH. Thus, ethanol does not appear to alter pituitary sensitivity to TRH. Second, we tested whether ethanol blocks the cold induction of c-fos expression in TRH neurons of the PVN. Both cold exposure and ethanol induced the expression of c-fos in the PVN and in TRH neurons; the effects of cold and ethanol on c-fos expression were additive. Thus, ethanol clearly does not block the cold activation of TRH neurons.
Current Understanding and Potential Immunotherapy for HIV-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus (SCCA)

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is a rare disease in the average population but is an increasing concern among immunocompromised individuals, such as the HIV-seropositive. Coinfection with human papillomavirus (HPV) in this population is common. HPV infection is difficult to clear with a compromised immune system, which results in a greater risk of tumor development and a more aggressive progression of the disease. The recent approval of a prophylactic HPV vaccine for cervical cancer has sparked an interest in a search for improved immunotherapeutic multimodality therapies to combat anogenital tumors associated with the virus. In this review, we discuss the known mechanisms of action of HIV-associated SCCA, examine the current treatments for the disease, and focus on the potential of an immunotherapeutic vaccine approach for both prophylactic and therapeutic application.
Asymptotic coverage in random sequential adsorption on a lattice

Series expansions for the time-dependent coverage in random sequential adsorption on a lattice are reviewed. A transformation is carried out, resulting in combinatorial expressions in which only nonrepeating lattice walks are required. Convergence is greatly accelerated, and application is made to the asymptotic coverage of previously solved lattices as well as Bethe lattices and cactuses, or Bethe lattices with the bonds replaced by triangles. The method is extended to multisite correlations as well.