cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tuning the photoreactivity of Z-hexatriene photoswitches by substituents – a non-adiabatic molecular dynamics study

To understand how substituents can be used to increase the quantum yield of photochemical electrocyclic ring-closing of the Z-hexa-1,3,5-triene (HT) photoswitch forming cyclohexadiene (CHD), we investigate the S1 photo dynamics of HT and its derivatives 2,5-dimethyl-HT (DMHT), 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-HT (2,5-IMHT), 1-isopropyl-4-methyl-HT (1,4-IMHT), and 2,5-diisopropyl-HT (DIHT) using time-dependent density functional theory surface hopping dynamics. We report detailed photoproduct distributions, formation mechanisms, branching ratios, and wavelength-dependent product quantum yields. Most products have been confirmed experimentally and include all-trans HT derivatives, cyclopropanes, cyclobutenes, cyclopentene, cyclohexadienes, and bicyclic compounds. Regarding CHD formation, we find that for the 2,5-substituted derivatives DMHT, 2,5-IMHT, and DIHT, the branching ratios increase with increasing size of the substituents. In contrast the branching ratios of the E/Z-isomerization decrease with increasing size of the substituents. Due to steric interactions, increasing the size of the substituents increases the amount of gZg rotamers in the ground state, which are prone to CHD formation and have lower E/Z-isomerization probability. Furthermore, we find [1,4], [1,5], and [1,6]-sigmatropic hydrogen shift reactions occurring at large percentages (5% to 15%); for sterical reasons these reactions stem from tZg conformers. DIHT shows the lowest percentage of side product formation among the 2,5-substituted molecules and highest CHD branching ratio; its CHD quantum yield can be increased up to more than 64%, by excitation of DIHT on the red tail of its absorption spectrum, whereas the Z/E-isomerization is reduced below 5% and side reactions practically vanish. This makes DIHT the best candidate for applications in molecular switches.
(158) Responders and Non-Responders of Conditioned Pain Modulation May Depend On Testing Site and Repeated Measurement

Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) measures the efficiency of endogenous pain inhibition and is regarded as a systemic effect. It is unknown, whether individuals respond to CPM similarly between test sites and the effect of repeated measurements. The aim of this study was to investigate within individuals 1) whether CPM magnitude is consistent between test sites within the same CPM trial, 2) whether CPM responders and non-responders are similar between test sites, and 3) if these relations change with repeated measurement (within and between sessions). Twenty subjects (19.9±1.3 years; 10 females) participated in three experimental sessions separated by approximately one week. CPM was measured 4 times; once in the first and third sessions and twice in the second session (separated by 45-minutes of quiet rest). CPM was measured as the percent change in pressure pain thresholds at the right quadriceps and deltoid muscles (test stimuli) before and during ice-water immersion (conditioning stimulus; 6±0.5°C; 2-minute duration) of the left foot. Intraclass correlations (ICCs(2,k)) were computed between assessment sites in each CPM trial. CPM responders at each assessment site were determined based on a change greater than the standard error of measurement of each assessment site. Cohen's Kappa was computed to determine the level of agreement between the sites in each CPM trial. In the first and third sessions, there was good agreement in CPM magnitude between assessment sites (ICC first session=0.611 [0.008-0.847]; ICC third session=0.535 [-0.093-0.810]) but poor agreement in responders vs. non-responders (κ first session=-0.053; κ third session=-0.098). During the second session, agreement in both CPM trials improved between the sites in terms of magnitude (ICC first trial=0.878 [0.694-0.952]; ICC second trial=0.867 [0.669-0.947]) and responders/non-responders (κ first trial=-0.762; κ second trial=-0.375). The site of the test stimulus may produce opposite outcomes and influence how endogenous pain inhibition is interpreted.
Synthesis and radical copolymerization of novel propyl cyanoacrylate monomers

Novel phenyl-trisubstituted propyl 3-(R-phenyl)-2-cyanoacrylates (where R is 2,4,5-trimethyl, 2,4,6-trimethyl, 2,3-dimethyl-4-methoxy, 2,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy, 2,4-dimethoxy-3-methyl, 2,4-dimethoxy-6-methyl, 4-hydoxy-3,5-dimethyl, 2,3,4-trimethoxy, 2,4,5-trimethoxy, 2,4,6-trimethoxy, 3,4,5-trimethoxy) were prepared using piperidine-catalyzed condensation of substituted benzoic aldehydes and propyl ester of cyanoacetic acid with good yields (72–97 wt%). The ethenylbenzene copolymerization of cyanoacrylates (at 3/1 mol feed ratio) in solution with radical initiation at 70 °C resulted in formation of copolymers having MW 3.9 to 27.8 kD and 8.4–25.8 mol% of cyanoacrylate. FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR were used to analyze the structure. Thermal behavior of the copolymers was analyzed by DSC, Tg (81–129 °C) and TGA. Decomposition of the copolymers in nitrogen occurred in two steps, first in the 200–500 °C range with residue (0.5–7.3 wt%)and then in the 500–800 °C range.
Blood-based monitoring identifies acquired and targetable driver HER2 mutations in endocrine-resistant metastatic breast cancer

Plasma genotyping identifies potentially actionable mutations at variable mutant allele frequencies, often admixed with multiple subclonal variants, highlighting the need for their clinical and functional validation. We prospectively monitored plasma genotypes in 143 women with endocrine-resistant metastatic breast cancer (MBC), identifying multiple novel mutations including HER2 mutations (8.4%), albeit at different frequencies highlighting clinical heterogeneity. To evaluate functional significance, we established ex vivo culture from circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from a patient with HER2-mutant MBC, which revealed resistance to multiple targeted therapies including endocrine and CDK 4/6 inhibitors, but high sensitivity to neratinib (IC50: 0.018 μM). Immunoblotting analysis of the HER2-mutant CTC culture line revealed high levels of HER2 expression at baseline were suppressed by neratinib, which also abrogated downstream signaling, highlighting oncogenic dependency with HER2 mutation. Furthermore, treatment of an index patient with HER2-mutant MBC with the irreversible HER2 inhibitor neratinib resulted in significant clinical response, with complete molecular resolution of two distinct clonal HER2 mutations, with persistence of other passenger subclones, confirming HER2 alteration as a driver mutation. Thus, driver HER2 mutant alleles that emerge during blood-based monitoring of endocrine-resistant MBC confer novel therapeutic vulnerability, and ex vivo expansion of viable CTCs from the blood circulation may broadly complement plasma-based mutational analysis in MBC.
310. Compared to patients’ preoperative expectations, surgeons’ preoperative expectations more often correspond to patient-reported fulfillment of expectations two years after lumbar surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Patients and surgeons may not have the same preop expectations of lumbar surgery. Whose expectations more closely coincide with patient-reported fulfillment of expectations has implications for preoperative surgeon-patient communication. PURPOSE To determine if patient-reported fulfilment of expectations measured postop more closely matched patients’ or surgeons’ expectations measured preop. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Prospective 2-year longitudinal study, tertiary spine center. PATIENT SAMPLE A total of 402 lumbar surgery patient-surgeon pairs. OUTCOME MEASURES HSS Lumbar Spine Surgery Expectations Survey METHODS Patients of 5 spine surgeons were interviewed preop with the valid 20-item Expectations Survey addressing symptoms, physical function and psychological well-being. The survey asks how much improvement is expected for each item with response options of complete to no improvement and a total score is generated (range 0-100). Surgeons completed an identical survey asking them to rate expected improvement for each patient for each item, yielding a similar 0-100 score. Two years postoperatively, patients completed the survey again asking how much improvement they actually received for each item with options ranging from complete to no improvement. A “patient proportion” reflecting expectations fulfilled was calculated as the improvement received (numerator) divided by the improvement expected (denominator); range 0 (no improvement) to 1 (improved as expected) to >1 (improved more than expected). A similar “surgeon proportion” was calculated using patient-reported improvement received (numerator) divided by surgeons’ improvement expected (denominator). Patients’ and surgeons’ proportions were compared and then assessed in multivariable analysis. RESULTS Mean age was 55, 55% were men, 21% were self-described as non-white race/ethnicity and 79% had degenerative spine conditions. Surveys were independently completed within 10 days preoperative. Patients completed the postop survey after 2.1 years; during this period 11% had a spine-related rehospitalization. The mean proportion of expectations fulfilled was .79±.34 for patients and 1.01±.43 for surgeons (p CONCLUSIONS Compared to patients’ preoperative expectations, surgeons’ preoperative expectations more often corresponded to patient-reported fulfillment of expectations two years after lumbar surgery. These findings have potential implications for clinical practice including ensuring surgeons impart and patients acknowledge realistic expectations, and whether surgeons’ predictions of patient-reported outcome is a potential metric for quality of care. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
Cos-theta Nb 3 Sn Dipole for a Very Large Hadron Collider

A series of 1 m long Nb3Sn dipole models with a magnetic field of 10–11 T in a 43.5 mm bore was developed at FNAL as part of a research and development effort for a Very Large Hadron Collider. This chapter describes the magnet design in single-aperture and twin-aperture configurations, details of the magnet short model fabrication, and summarizes the results of magnetic, mechanical, and quench protection analyses, and model test results.
Unilateral Nonvisualization of a Transverse Dural Sinus on Phase-Contrast MRV: Frequency and Differentiation from Sinus Thrombosis on Noncontrast MRI

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Unilateral decreased/nonvisualization of a transverse dural sinus on MRV poses a diagnostic dilemma when gadolinium administration is contraindicated. We determined the frequency of unilateral decreased/nonvisualization of the transverse dural sinus and the performance of pregadolinium MR imaging sequences in diagnosing transverse sinus thrombosis in the presence of unilateral decreased/nonvisualization on phase-contrast MRV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive 3D phase-contrast MRV (VENC, 30 cm/s) and routine brain imaging (noncontrast sagittal T1, axial T2, FLAIR, DWI, GRE, and postgadolinium 3D-MPRAGE images) performed during a 3-year period for a total of 208 patients. Nonvisualization of a transverse dural sinus was defined as ≥50% nonvisualization of the transverse sinus caliber versus the contralateral side on MRV. Noncontrast imaging findings were considered abnormal when hyperintense signal was present on T2, FLAIR, T1, and DWI, and there were T2* blooming artifacts on GRE and DWI. Postgadolinium 3D-MPRAGE was used to confirm the diagnosis of transverse sinus thrombosis. RESULTS: Nonvisualization of a transverse dural sinus was observed in 72/208 (34.6%) patients on MRV; 56/72 (77.8%) were without transverse sinus thrombosis, and 16/72 (22.2%) patients had transverse dural sinus thrombosis. Nonvisualization of a transverse dural sinus was seen in 56/192 (29.2%) patients without transverse sinus thrombosis and 16/16 (100%) with transverse sinus thrombosis. Abnormal findings on DWI (transverse sinus hyperintense signal or T2* blooming artifact) are 93.8% sensitive and 100.0% specific for transverse sinus thrombosis. Other noncontrast MR imaging sequences ranged from 56.3%–68.8% sensitive and 91.1%–100.0% specific. CONCLUSIONS: Nonvisualization of a transverse dural sinus is a frequent phenomenon on phase-contrast MRV. DWI can be effectively used to exclude sinus thrombosis when nonvisualization of a transverse dural sinus is a diagnostic conundrum on phase-contrast MRV and contrast-enhanced studies are contraindicated.
A narrative history of the American Balint Society 1990-2020.

An historical narrative tracing the inception, evolution, structure, educational focus, integration with international Balint movements and challenges to future growth of the American Balint Societ...
Alternative payment approaches for advancing comprehensive medication management in primary care.

The increasing prevalence of complex, chronic conditions has profound implications on the growing demand and cost of health care. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation is testing data-driven approaches to care delivery and payment that are drawn from innovative practices of health care providers and other partners in the health care community. The shift from fee-for-service to value-based care and performance-based payment places increased priority on improved outcomes at lower costs. To advance comprehensive medication management, pharmacists need to understand the opportunities in the evolving value-based payment models and align medication optimization with the specific goals and incentives of these models.
Addressing Discrimination Through Individual Enforcement

This paper reports the findings from an empirical research project conducted in 2017-19 about the dispute resolution model for resolving individual claims of discrimination in Victoria, Australia. It identifies the ongoing barriers to enforcement and makes recommendations for how the enforcement system could be improved to tackle broader, systemic discrimination.
Repeal Tax Incentives for Esops

The proposal would repeal special tax incentives given to employee stock ownership plans, as well as the exemption granted to those plans from the investment diversification requirement of the ERISA. The proposal is made as a part of the Shelf Project, a collaboration among tax professionals to develop - and perfect proposals to help Congress when it is ready to raise revenue. Shelf Project proposals are intended to raise revenue without raising rates because the best systems have the lowest feasible tax rates and taxes that are unavoidable. Shelf projects defend the tax base and improve the rationality and efficiency of the tax system.Alonger description of the Shelf Project is found at ‘‘The Shelf Project: Revenue-Raising Proposals that Defend the Tax Base,’’ Tax Notes, Dec. 10, 2007, p. 1077, Doc 2007-22632, or 2007 TNT 238-37.Shelf Project proposals follow the format of a congressional tax committee report in explaining current law, what is wrong with it, and how to fix it.
The second law of thermodynamics as variation on a theme of Carathodory

This paper revisits the second law of thermodynamics via certain modifications of the axiomatic foundation provided by the celebrated 1909 work of Carathodory. It is shown that his postulate of adi...
Effect of parenteral nutrition duration on patterns of growth and body composition in very low-birth-weight premature infants.

Background Parenteral nutrition (PN) is essential to support premature infants' growth and varies with enteral nutrition (EN) advancement rates. Data on PN duration's impact on premature infants' growth is limited. The aim of this multicenter observational study was to determine early PN duration effect on body composition at term corrected gestation (CGA) in very low birth weight (VLBW) premature infants. Methods VLBW infants exposed to PN in the first week of life and exposed to significantly different EN regimens, were divided into two groups per early PN duration. Infants with a birth weight (BW) Results 62 and 53 infants were assigned to the short- and long- PN groups respectively. The two groups were significantly different in BW and gestational age (GA), so a nested case-control study was conducted after matching 36-infant pairs. Infants in the long-PN group had significantly lower fat-free mass (FFM) z-scores but both groups had comparable fat mass (FM) z-scores. Long-PN was a significant negative predictor of FFM z-score in the multivariate regression analysis. Conclusion In VLBW premature infants, PN duration is negatively associated with FFM z-scores at term CGA without affecting FM z-scores. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Energizing The US Resource Innovation Ecosystem: The Case for an Aligned Intermediary to Accelerate GHG Emissions Reduction

By 2050, the world population is forecasted to reach 10 billion people, and consumption of natural resources is expected to increase four-fold above current rates. Radical resource innovation – across energy, agriculture, water, and waste – is required to prepare the world for this future. Without it, we risk irreversible climate change, military conflict over resource access, and deepening inequity in the developing world. Paradoxically, there are no shortages of breakthrough technologies being developed in universities, national labs, and garages that could be as transformative today as the steam turbine in the 19th century or the solar cell in the 20th. What there is a shortage of, however, is patient, early-stage capital to support the transformation of these projects into lasting, profitable companies. Even growth-stage companies in this space sometimes lack access to project capital to execute first-of-a-kind demonstrations and deployments, and to achieve price competitiveness at commercial scale. In short, preventing a climate catastrophe demands that we create a new investment toolkit that can help bridge the “valleys of death” faced by these companies. We thus believe that the resource innovation ecosystem could benefit from the creation of a new aligned intermediary (“AI”). The purpose of this document is to propose the AI as a uniquely aligned financial services organization whose mission would be to specifically help Long-Term Investors (“LTIs”) – such as pensions, endowments, sovereign funds, family offices, and foundations – identify, screen, assess, and invest in high-potential companies that are producing the most impactful, and indeed profitable, solutions to climate change.
Looking at mRNA splicing and transport in situ.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes protocols for in situ analysis of the organization of intact salivary gland polytene nuclei with particular attention to pre-messenger RNA (mRNA) metabolism. The chapter discusses the construction of chimeric genes with high expression levels in polytene salivary gland nuclei. A crucial feature of this experimental system is the capability to engineer and reintroduce genes heavily transcribed in salivary gland nuclei and specifically designed for analysis. The Drosophila salivary gland is enclosed in a basement membrane-like structure that must be breached to permit efficient access of nucleic acid and antibody probes. This is done in two ways. The first is to generate “thick” cryosections. These cut a salivary gland lobe in roughly five serial sections with complete and nearly complete nuclei in essentially every section. The second strategy is to generate “smear” preparations. The basement membrane is ruptured by gentle squashing that leaves most nuclear envelopes intact. The resulting nuclei are somewhat “flattened;” however, many nuclear structures are preserved and much information can be gained from such preparations.
Adaptive source rate control for real-time wireless video transmission

Hybrid ARQ schemes can yield much better throughput and reliability than static FEC schemes for the transmission of data over time-varying wireless channels. However these schemes result in extra delay. They adapt to the varying channel conditions by retransmitting erroneous packets, this causes variable effective data rates for current PCS networks because the channel bandwidth is constant. Hybrid ARQ schemes are currently being proposed as the error control schemes for real-time video transmission. An important issue is how to ensure low delay while taking advantage of the high throughput and reliability that these schemes provide for. In this paper we propose an adaptive source rate control (ASRC) scheme which can work together with the hybrid ARQ error control schemes to achieve efficient transmission of real-time video with low delay and high reliability. The ASRC scheme adjusts the source rate based on the channel conditions, the transport buffer occupancy and the delay constraints. It achieves good video quality by dynamically changing both the number of the forced update (intracoded) macroblocks and the quantization scale used in a frame. The number of the forced update macroblocks used in a frame is first adjusted according to the allocated source rate. This reduces the fluctuation of the quantization scale with the change in the channel conditions during encoding so that the uniformity of the video quality is improved. The simulation results show that the proposed ASRC scheme performs very well for both slow fading and fast fading channels.
Establishing and Structuring Criteria for Measuring Knowledge Management Efforts

Establishing criteria for knowledge management is an imperative aspect of management as it helps determine results. Our research indicated that widely-accepted criteria and performance measures have not been developed for knowledge management. Our survey-based research, which used a questionnaire targeting knowledge management professionals as respondents, was aimed at establishing criteria for assessing knowledge management success. Using these criteria, a computer-assisted model is used to understand the shared underlying organizational framework in which KM operates and to identify how these criteria were linked. These relations should be explored and utilized to improve organizational performance. Future research should focus on translating the soft measures of knowledge management into detailed metrics.
Coupled translation and replication of poliovirus RNA in vitro: synthesis of functional 3D polymerase and infectious virus.

Poliovirus RNA polymerase and infectious virus particles were synthesized by translation of virion RNA in vitro in HeLa S10 extracts. The in vitro translation reactions were optimized for the synthesis of the viral proteins found in infected cells and in particular the synthesis of the viral polymerase 3Dpol. There was a linear increase in the amount of labeled protein synthesized during the first 6 h of the reaction. The appearance of 3Dpol in the translation products was delayed because of the additional time required for the proteolytic processing of precursor proteins. 3Dpol was first observed at 1 h in polyacrylamide gels, with significant amounts being detected at 6 h and later. Initial attempts to assay for polymerase activity directly in the translation reaction were not successful. Polymerase activity, however, was easily detected by adding a small amount (3 microliters) of translation products to a standard polymerase assay containing poliovirion RNA. Full-length minus-strand RNA was synthesized in the presence of an oligo(U) primer. In the absence of oligo(U), product RNA about twice the size of virion RNA was synthesized in these reactions. RNA stability studies and plaque assays indicated that a significant fraction of the input virion RNA in the translation reactions was very stable and remained intact for 20 h or more. Plaque assays indicated that infectious virus was synthesized in the in vitro translation reactions. Under optimal conditions, the titer of infectious virus produced in the in vitro translation reactions was greater than 100,000 PFU/ml. Virus was first detected at 6 h and increased to maximum levels by 12 h. Overall, the kinetics of poliovirus replication (protein synthesis, polymerase activity, and virus production) observed in the HeLa S10-initiation factor in vitro translation reactions were similar to those observed in infected cells. Images
Forty years of canine vaccination.

During the last 40 years vaccines have been developed that have greatly reduced the incidence of infectious diseases of dogs. In general, modified live products have been superior to inactivated vaccines for dogs. It can be expected that recombinant and/or DNA vaccines may dominate the market in the future. Although most vaccines on the market are safe and efficacious, there have been exceptions where disease was induced by vaccination or dogs were not protected. The failure of protection may in part be due to variations in individual vaccine batches. Only potency tests but not efficacy tests are required, which may not be sufficient. For example, a virus titer in a vaccine may be meaningless if the minimum protective dose is not known. Overattenuated virus (e.g., CDV-Ond or parvovirus in cat cells) may have a high titer in tissue culture but is not immunogenic. The question of frequency of vaccination of dogs should be addressed. Annual revaccinations for CDV, CPV, and CAV are probably not needed. However, it would be desirable to collect more data to support less frequent vaccinations. Annual immunization for bacterial diseases such as kennel cough, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis should continue. It also would be desirable to develop more oro/nasal vaccines, perhaps combined with newly developed vectors that are less likely to induce undesirable side effects that may be seen after parenteral vaccination. Finally a word of warning against homeopathic "nosodes" to replace tested canine vaccines. They will appear highly effective as long as the majority of dogs remain vaccinated. As soon as a nonvaccinated dog population is large enough to allow virulent agents to spread, disease outbreaks will occur and we will be back where we began 40 years ago.
The interpretation of solar system abundances at the N = 50 neutron shell

New data on CI chondrite abundances demonstrate a high degree of smoothness for the A= 75-100 mass range for odd A nuclei, except for a single element peak at Y ascribable to the s-process peak for the N = 50 neutron shell. Literature estimates of s-process abundances, N., permit a smooth N. curve to be drawn; however the resultant "non-s" abundance curve (nominally r-process) does not show a peak analogous to peaks associated with the N = 82 or 126 shells. However, both the nominal N. and "non-s" abundance curves show similar rapid increases below mass 70. It is more reasonable to ascribe the "non-s" rise as an artifact from relatively small differences in the N. and total abundances, indicating that a relatively broad r-process peak is indeed present. The solar system even A abundances in this mass region are not smooth but show a saw-tooth structure which is also reflected in neutron capture cross sections, indicating that the saw-tooth is an s-process feature. The r-only even A nuclei define the r-process peak assuming that it is smooth. Assuming the systematics of the r-process even and odd A abundance peaks at the N = 82 and 126 shells apply to N = 50, the odd A r-process peak for N = 50 can be obtained, which in turn permits a new calculation of N. for odd A. The new N, is relatively smooth, but, contrary to expectations, the product of N. and the neutron capture cross section is not a smooth function of A, but contains structure, especially a rise between masses 82-84, which is not compatible with an exponential distribution of neutron exposures.
Simulations of stress-induced twinning and de-twinning: A phase field model

Twinning in certain metals or under certain conditions is a major plastic deformation mode. Here we present a phase field model to describe twin formation and evolution in a polycrystalline fcc metal under loading and unloading. The model assumes that twin nucleation, growth and de-twinning is a process of partial dislocation nucleation and slip on successive habit planes. Stacking fault energies, energy pathways (γ surfaces), critical shear stresses for the formation of stacking faults and dislocation core energies are used to construct the thermodynamic model. The simulation results demonstrate that the model is able to predict the nucleation of twins and partial dislocations, as well as the morphology of the twin nuclei, and to reasonably describe twin growth and interaction. The twin microstructures at grain boundaries are in agreement with experimental observation. It was found that de-twinning occurs during unloading in the simulations, however, a strong dependence of twin structure evolution on loading history was observed.
Combined Effects of Dexamethasone and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 on Parathyroid Hormone Secretion in Cultured Bovine Parathyroid Cells

Abstract The present studies investigate the effects of glucocorticoids on the function of the parathyroid glands using primary cultures of bovine parathyroid cells. Treatment of parathyroid cell cultures with dexamethasone for 48 h caused a dosedependent stimulation of PTH secretion. The minimal concentration of dexamethasone required for a significant stimulation of PTH secretion was 0.1 nM. The stimulatory effect of dexamethasone on the secretion of PTH was found within 12 h of treatment with 100 nM dexamethasone. The steroids deoxycorticosterone and cortexolone, which do not have glucocorticoid activity were without effect of PTH secretion. Since glucocorticoids may modulate the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] in other tissues, additional studies were performed to evaluate the interactions of glucocorticoids and 1,25-(OH)2D3. Addition of 1,25-(OH)2D3 to parathyroid cell cultures for 48 h significantly suppressed PTH secretion. In the presence of dexamethasone, however, 1,25-(OH)2D3 a...
Transient flow and heat transfer leading to periodic state in a cavity with inlet and outlet ports due to incoming flow oscillation

Abstract A finite-volume-based computational study of transient laminar flow and heat transfer (neglecting natural convection) leading to periodic state within a square cavity with inlet and outlet ports due to an oscillating velocity at the inlet port is presented. The inlet port is placed at the top of the left wall and the outlet port is positioned at the bottom of the right wall of the cavity. The inlet velocity varies sinusoidally with time for a range of dimensionless frequencies (St = 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2 and 10). The instantaneous Reynolds number also varies sinusoidally between 100 and 500 and Pr = 5. It takes more cycles for the temperature field to reach its periodic state in comparison to the corresponding flow field. For cases with higher Strouhal numbers, it takes more cycles to reach a periodic state. The throughflow stream undergoes cyclic growth and decay. The throughflow is in constant contact with the clockwise rotating primary vortex, which in turn interacts with two rotating vortices on the left wall. A counterclockwise rotating vortex at the top right corner also experiences periodic growth and decay. Minimal heat transfer is consistently observed on the left wall. In contrast, certain segments of the other three walls and the boundary of the throughflow are zones of active heat exchange. For St = 0.1, the mean Nusselt numbers on the four walls clearly exhibit large amplitudes of oscillation and periodicity. With St = 10, the amplitudes of oscillation on various walls are generally degraded. These behaviors are directly linked to the relation between the period of oscillation and the convection time scale. Regardless of the Strouhal number, heat transfer enhancement in comparison to the steady state case is consistently observed. The best heat transfer rate is realized when the Strouhal number is close to unity. This is the case when the period of the incoming stream resonates with the convection time scale.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ROADSIDE ACCIDENTS OF POLICE, EMERGENCY, AND NON-EMERGENCY VEHICLES IN ILLINOIS

ABSTRACT The subject of roadside accidents involving police vehicles has received little attention by law enforcement agencies and researchers alike. The purpose of this exploratory study is: (1) to provide the frequency of roadside accidents involving police vehicles, other emergency vehicles, and large and small passenger cars in the state of Illinois; (2) to identify the types of vehicles involved in roadside accidents, the time of day, the accident location, and the frequency of injuries; (3) to illustrate from prior literature the human factors assumed to be causal agents in both aircraft and roadside accidents; and (4) to suggest precautionary measures for police agencies regarding roadside accidents. Data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) were utilized as the basis of our study. This exploratory study was limited to the IDOT data base that conforms with the Illinois uniform accident report form. The data suggest that police vehicles exhibit a greater risk of becoming involved in...
A family of incentive-compatible and non-subsidizing optimal resource allocation problems

Abstract This paper provides a structure unifying several recent results on an incentive optimal resource allocation problem. They include an incentive-compatible modification of the Heal Algorithm, a generalization of it allowing the formation of secret coalitions and a class of center-free resource allocation algorithms as special cases. Our framework encompasses these earlier results and allows us to characterize a large class of incentive-compatible and non-subsidizing optimal resource allocation algorithms.
A High Prevalence of HLA-H 845A Mutations in Hemochromatosis Patients and the Normal Population in Eastern England☆

Abstract ABSTRACT: We have examined normal individuals and all the patients currently being treated for hemochromatosis at the Norfolk and Norwich hospital for mutations in the HLA-H gene. We found a gene frequency in 200 normal subjects for the 845A (C282Y) allele of 0.085, corresponding to a carrier frequency of 17% which is among the highest reported anywhere in the world. The frequency for the less penetrant 187G (H63D) allele was 0.16 among 58 of the normal subjects, which corresponds to a carrier frequency of 32%. All 18 hemochromatosis patients were homozygous for the 845A allele which is not significantly different from other reports in our subset of 12 unrelated patients. These findings present a snapshot of a relatively stable population containing a predicted 3,500 individuals homozygous for the 845A allele but not diagnosed with hemochromatosis. This population will be an excellent model for studies on the penetrance of the 845A homozygous genotype and population screening.
Using smart sensing to simplify the problem of classifying defects: case study

This paper describes a general methodology for designing and testing a defect classification system for uniform web materials and a very difficult case study is used to illustrate the specific algorithms. We show that the proper selection of the sensing strategy can greatly simplify the inspection problem an increase the efficacy of the inspection system. This is shown by comparing performances of two configurations of the inspection system, one incorporating a smart sensor and the other a conventional sensor.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pulsed plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition from hexafluoropropylene oxide: Film composition study

Films deposited using pulsed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) from hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). As compared to continuous rf PECVD, pulsed excitation increases the CF2 fraction in the film. Film composition was determined as a function of plasma processing conditions including on-time, off-time, pressure, flow rate, substrate temperature, electrode spacing, substrate potential, and input power. Varying the on–off pulsing cycle resulted in compositional control of the deposited films. At a low duty cycle [ton/(ton + toff)], up to 70% CF2 could be incorporated into the film. The input gas, HFPO, may facilitate greater CF2 incorporation into the films as this gas thermally decomposes into a difluorocarbene. Both absolute on-time and off-time, rather than simply duty cycle, are important parameters for determining film composition. A simple model was developed to describe the experimentally determined variation %CF2 as a function of substrate temperature and off-time. This model accounts for changes in film composition due to plasma-surface modification and differences in gas-phase chemistry. The model suggests that surface modification by the plasma is the dominant factor only for long on-times or for low deposition rates. However, the gas-phase concentration of CF2 relative to other film-forming species is typically the controlling factor under conditions which achieve the high %CF2 in the film. The gas-phase composition will depend on both abslute on-time and off-time, rather than simply on the duty cycle. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polm Sci 67:1489–1502, 1998
Screening for Barrett's esophagus in asymptomatic women.

Background Barrett's esophagus (BE) has been detected in approximately 10% of patients with chronic GERD. Previous studies demonstrated a similar prevalence of BE in asymptomatic adults. Objective To determine the prevalence of BE in asymptomatic women. Design We invited women scheduled for routine screening colonoscopy (for colorectal cancer) and women undergoing endoscopic examination before bariatric surgery to participate. Patients experiencing heartburn symptoms more than once per month were excluded. Setting Outpatients at Stanford University and Palo Alto VA Health Care System. Interventions Biopsies of the esophagogastric junction in the setting of suspected BE, and completion of symptom and health-related quality of life questionnaires to ensure that subjects were asymptomatic. Main Outcome Measurement Identification of BE. Results We detected BE in 8 (6%) of 126 subjects, including 3 (5%) of 61 of the women in the colorectal cancer screening cohort and 5 (8%) of 65 of the women in the pre–bariatric surgery cohort, all of whom had BE measuring 2 cm or less (P = .30). Patients found to have BE were more likely to be older (mean age 60 years vs 49 years, respectively; P = .04), but there was no difference in mean body mass index, ethnicity, or tobacco or alcohol use between patients with and without BE. BE was only present in pre–bariatric surgery subjects younger than the age of 50 and was most common in the 61- to 70-year age cohort in both groups. Erosive esophagitis, microscopic reflux changes, and Helicobacter pylori infection were not more common in the pre–bariatric surgery group. Limitation Small number of subjects with BE detected. Conclusions Short-segment BE was detected in 6% of asymptomatic women undergoing screening endoscopic examinations.
Temporal pattern of insulin-like growth factor-I response to exogenous bovine somatotropin in lactating cows

The effect of exogenous bovine somatotropin (bST) treatment on the temporal pattern of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in serum of four multiparous Holstein cows was examined. Cows (190 +/- 24 days postpartum) were treated with daily subcutaneous injections of recombinant bST (40 mg) or excipient for 12-day periods in a crossover experimental design. During excipient treatment, concentrations of IGF-I in serum were relatively constant throughout the day and averaged 70 ng/ml. Following the first bST injection, serum IGF-I began increasing after a lag of 5 to 7 hr and progressively increased over the first 2 days of treatment. Serum IGF-I levels were approximately 2-fold greater than control values at the end of day 1 of bST treatment, with a 3-fold elevation observed at the end of day 2. Concentrations of IGF-I in serum plateaued by day 3 of bST treatment. Serum concentrations of IGF-I did not follow the oscillating pattern of bST in serum resulting from daily bST injections. Milk yield (3.5% fat-corrected) plateaued after 6 days of bST treatment and was increased 61% (+15.3 kg). Both IGF-I and milk yield remained essentially constant across days for the remainder of treatment. Following cessation of treatment, serum IGF-I and milk yield gradually declined, returning to control values after approximately 4 days. The temporal pattern of circulating concentrations of IGF-I is consistent with a role for IGF-I in mediating a portion of the effects of exogenous bST in lactating cows.
On calibration of tunnelling microscope vacuum gaps using electron interferometry

Abstract Recently Becker, Golovchenko, and Swartzentruber observed the Gundlach oscillations of the conductance with the scanning tunnelling microscope. They proposed using the sensitivity of these oscillations to the barrier potential to determine absolute vacuum gaps. In this paper we investigate this intriguing possibility further. The results of our self-consistent conductance and tip trajectory calculations are encouraging. However, it is clear that accurate determination of absolute vacuum gaps requires more precise information than is currently available regarding the structure of the tip and the detailed behaviour of the image potential, particularly near the vacuum- electrode interfaces. We also look at the differences between effective and nominal vacuum gaps and bias voltages when the barrier is time dependent due to lattice vibrations and bias modulation respectively.
Fluvial‐aeolian interactions: Part I, modern systems

Two modern fluvial-aeolian depositional systems (Great Sand Dunes National Monument, Colorado and the Mojave River Wash, California) are remarkably similar in spite of different climates, sizes, fluvial sediment textures, and relative directions of aeolian and fluvial transport. Dune growth and migration, and deflation of blowouts create 8–10 m of local relief in unflooded aeolian landscapes. There are six prominent fluvial-aeolian interactions. (1) Fluvial flow extends into the aeolian system until it is dammed by aeolian landforms; (2) interdune areas (overbank-interdunes) upstream of aeolian dams, and alongside channels are flooded; (3) water erodes dunes alongside channels and interdunes; (4) flood waters deposit sediment in interdune areas; (5) fluvially derived groundwater floods interdunes (interdune-playas); (6) wind erodes fluvial sediment and redeposits it in the aeolian system. Unique and characteristic sediments are deposited in overbank-interdunes and in interdune-playas, reflecting alternate fluvial and aeolian processes and rapidly changing flow and salinity conditions. These fluvial-aeolian interdune deposits are characterized by irregular, concave-up bases and flat upper surfaces containing mudcracks or evaporite cement. Characteristic low-relief surfaces form in aeolian systems as an effect of flooding. Fluvial deposits are resistant to aeolian deflation. Aeolian sand is preserved when flood sediments are deposited around the bases of the dunes. Thus repetitive fluvial and aeolian aggradation tends to be ‘stepwise’ as interdune floors are suddenly raised during floods. The effects of flooding should be easy to recognize in ancient aeolianites, even beyond the area covered with overbank muds.
PALATABILITY OF THREE SPECIES OF FISH AND AROMA OF WATER FROM SITES ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

SUMMARY –Since commercial fishery on the Mississippi River has been declining, an attempt was made to assess the palatablilty of fish from selected sites above and below the entry of effluent from St. Louis. Also, the relationship between palatability of fish and aroma of water was studied. Carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeusl, flathead catfish (Pylodictus olivaris Rafinesque), freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque) and water were sampled from 5 sites on the Mississippi River. In the first sampling period (August 15-September 9, 1967), sensory scores for flavor were low for fish from the site immediately below the source of pollution and gradually improved as the sites were separated geographically from this point. This trend was repeated in the second sampling period (October 3l–November 30. 1967) for freshwater drum, but scores for flavor of carp in this period decreased as distance of the site from the entry of effluent increased. In the third sampling (April 11–May 14, 1968). no such trends were apparent. Fewer significant differences were observed for aroma of the fish than for flavor. In the second sampling period, aroma of water from the control site, odor-free water and tap water did not differ significantly from each other, but differed from water from all other sites which did not differ from each other. Water from the control site was more odorous when evaluated at 60°C than when tested at 46°C.
Representation and Reasoning about Evolutions of the World in the Context of Reasoning about Actions

The first step in reasoning about actions and change involves reasoning about how the world would evolve if a certain action is executed in a certain state. Most research on this assumes the evolution to be only a single step and focus on formulating the transition function that defines changes between states due to actions. In this paper we consider cases where the evolution is more than just a single change between one state and another. This is manifested when the execution of an action may trigger execution of other actions, or when multiple agents act on the environment following certain strategies.
Moments of an uncertain linear oscillator: errors due to time-discretized approximations to white-noise excitation

Abstract Several first- and second-order moments are studied for an underdamped single-degree-of-freedom linear oscillator with arbitrarily large stiffness uncertainty. General analytical relations for the moments are found and numerically integrated in a time-discretized framework when the excitation is either mean-zero Gaussian white noise, or one of two discretized approximations to white noise: a stepwise constant load or a discrete impulse load (band-limited white noise). Several aspects of moment computation are addressed. These include: the effect of oscillator uncertainty on the range of step sizes over which either discretized load model approximates white noise; the relative convergence rates of the moments computed using the discretized load models to the true moments; and the behavior of the approximate moments within each step. This latter topic is enlightening since the manner in which step-to-step error accumulation occurs becomes clear.
Optimal Capacity Management With Stochastic Market Demand and Imperfect Information

Over-capacity has been a major problem in the world economy over the past decade. Reconfigurable capacity, and optimal capacity management policies, can contribute to increased economic stability. This research introduces a new approach to optimal capacity management for a firm faced with uncertainties and imperfect information of the market demand. It presents an optimal policy for the capacity management problem in a firm facing stochastic market demand, based on Markov decision theory. To make the approach more realistic, it is assumed that the firm has imperfect information of its stochastic market demand, and can only observe its previous sales. Optimal policies are presented as boundaries representing the optimal capacity expansion and reduction levels.Copyright © 2003 by ASME