cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulsatile Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Release during the Progesterone-Induced LH Surge in the Female Rhesus Monkey*

LH pulses during the progesterone (P)-induced LH surge were examined in ovariectomized and estrogen-treated female monkeys. Animals received a 2.5-mg P or oil injection 24 h after administration of 30 ng estradiol benzoate. The animals were fitted with jugular catheters connected to a tether-swivel system. Blood samples were collected at 10-min intervals starting 3–4 h before and ending 12–20 h after P or oil injection. Plasma LH was measured by both bioassay and RIA. LH pulses were determined by the PULSAR program. P administration induced a BIA-LH surge with a latency of 71 ± 10 min in all seven animals. The P-induced bioassayable LH (BIA-LH) surge consisted of an ascending phase (204 ± 24 min), a plateau period (174 ± 32 min), and a descending phase (376 ± 60 min). Oil injection did not cause a LH surge (n = 4). BIA-LH release before P and that during the P-induced LH surge were pulsatile. Pulse intervals of BIA-LH before P treatment (57.1 ± 5.2 min) were not different from those before (55.0 ± 11.7 mi...
Enhancing the strength of the tendon-suture interface using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride and cyanoacrylate.

Purpose Preventing gap or rupture is important to achieving a successful outcome after tendon repair. Weak sutures break; strong sutures fail by pull-out at the tendon–suture interface. In this study, we investigated the use of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and cyanoacrylate to enhance the strength of the tendon–suture interface. Methods Twenty-four canine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were used to test EDC and cyanoacrylate reinforcement methods, with 12 tendons in each group. A single-loop suture technique was used to test the tendon–suture interface strength. Results The mean ultimate strengths of the EDC group and the cyanoacrylate group were significantly higher than those of their respective control groups. The stiffness of the group with cyanoacrylate-augmented loops was significantly higher than that of its respective control group. There was no significant difference in stiffness between the 2 reinforcement methods. Conclusions Our results suggest that tendon–suture interface reinforcement may improve the pull-out failure strength of a suture construct and thereby increase the effectiveness of stronger suture materials. Future studies might address the effects of different kinds and methods of reinforcement with various suture materials and constructs and in different tissues.
Mechanisms of bronchial reactivity: the role of immunoglobulin E.

Introduction The fact that asthma can be exacerbated by exposure to dust has been recognized for hundreds of years. In 1921,Kern reported that the majority of patients with asthma showed immediate, i.e., wheal and flare, skin tests to extract of dust from their own houses (I). This observation was confirmed, and subsequently Storm van Leeuwenand coworkers (2)demonstrated that if patients weremoved out of their houses into a "climate chamber" their asthma improved. Thus, by the time Rackemann (3)proposed a classification of asthma in 1949 it was widely recognized that a large proportion of patients had "extrinsic asthma." At that time, however, the major constituents of house dust had not been defined. Immunoglobulin E (lgE) had not been discovered,and the only concept of what dust exposure did to the lungs was to "trigger attacks." Between 1964 and 1970, "the world turned upside down." In 1964, Voorhorst and Spieksrna (4) demonstrated that dust mites werethe major source of house dust allergens. In 1967, Ishizaka and coworkers (5) proved that wheal and flare responses weremediated by IgE antibodies. In 1970, Altounyan (6) reported that patients with seasonal asthma had increases in nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) during the pollen season, which returned to normal in the months after the season. Dr. Altounyan also showed that a pharmaceutical agent, cromolyn sodium, could reduce this allergen-induced increase in bronchial reactivity (6). Together these three discoveries established the basis for many of the studies on asthma of the last 20 yr. Once it was appreciated that allergens would produce reversible increases in BHR it became obvious to ask whether this was an inflammatory process (7). When Cockcroft and coworkers (8) and others (9, 10) demonstrated that increased BHR after allergen provocation correlated with late bronchial reactions, it was assumed that the effect of allergens on BHR must involveinflammation in some waycomparable to the known cellular infiltrate of a late reaction in the skin. Because in most parts of the world the most common epidemiologic association with chronic asthma is immediate hypersensitivity to dust mites, the central questions became: How do dust mites contribute to nonspecific bronchial reactivity, and why is this apparently restricted to patients who have IgE antibodies?
Propagation and reflection of thermal waves in a finite medium

Abstract For situations involving extremely short times following the start of transients or for very low temperatures near absolute zero, the classical diffusion theory of heat conduction breaks down since the wave nature of thermal energy transport becomes dominant. In this work, analytical solutions are developed for the hyperbolic heat conduction equation describing the wave nature of thermal energy transport in a finite slab with insulated boundaries subjected to a volumetric energy source in the medium. The exact analytical solutions developed for the temperature field and heat flux show that the release of a concentrated pulse of energy gives rise to a severe thermal wave front which travels through the medium at a finite propagation speed, dissipating energy in its wake and reflecting from the insulated surfaces.
Ultra-compact polymer and silicon modulator design based on photonic crystal ring resonators

Ultra-small silicon-based photonic-crystal ring resonators (PCRRs), both passive and active, will be key contributors to the emerging low-power nanophotonic technology. We have modeled and simulated the diameter-dependent loss, Q, and FSR of such PCRRs and find a 0.02 dB "intrinsic" loss that is independent of diameter, unlike the ~1/D loss of micro-strip resonators. Close to 100% drop efficiency at the drop channel of 1557.5nm was obtained by design with a high spectral selectivity of Q greater than 1319 in the single-ring PCRR-based add-drop filters with ring radius of 1.2 μm. Ultra-compact polymer modulators were proposed and simulated, based on the hybrid integration of functional polymer materials with Si based PCRRs, which can lead to high speed modulators, suitable for photonic integration and RF photonics.
In silico modeling of nitric oxide production, transport and consumption in the lungs

Nitric oxide (NO) mediates a vast array of physiological functions in the lungs, and our understanding of these events has improved dramatically over the past decade. Once produced enzymatically and intracellularly, NO can diffuse as a free molecule, or undergo chemical reactions to preserve and alter the biological activity. In silico modeling of these non-linear, multiscale and dynamic processes plays a crucial role in our understanding of, and thus our ability to manipulate, these events to treat pulmonary disease.
Psychological comparisons of irritable bowel syndrome to chronic tension and migraine headache and nonpatient controls.

Comparisons were made among patients with IBS (n=55), tension headache (n=69), or migraine headache (n=68) and nonpatient controls (n=64) on the MMPI and several other psychological tests, including BDI, STAI, Life Events, and Psychosomatic Symptom Checklist. With two nonsignificant exceptions (MMPI scale F and Life Events) the groups were consistently ordered, in terms of increasing psychological distress: Normals < Migraine Headache < Tension Headache < IBS. The IBS patients were more like the tension headache patients than any other group. Subgroups of IBS patients, on the basis of presence or absence of diarrhea or constipation in addition to abdominal pain, were generally not significantly different on the psychological tests.
An analysis of an arctic channel network using a digital elevation model

Abstract Drainage basins possess spatial patterns of similarity that can be characterized by universal qualities in the fractal dimension and the cumulative area distribution. Features called water tracks often drain hillslopes in basins with permafrost and impose significant control on the hydrologic response of watersheds. We analyzed the arrangement of channel networks and water tracks in Imnavait Creek in Northern Alaska to determine if basins with permafrost possess the same universal characteristics as basins without permafrost. Using digital elevation models (DEMs), we explored the hillslope/channel scaling regimes, the spatial distribution of mass through the cumulative area distribution, and the fractal characteristics of channel networks in the Kuparuk River basin in Northern Alaska. Fractal analysis, slope–area analysis, and field mapping suggest that water tracks are positioned on the hillslopes where channels should occur. Fully-developed channel networks, however, possess certain universal characteristics in aggregation patterns that are manifested in a common cumulative area distribution. Imnavait Creek possesses those universal characteristics only above the scale of the hillslope water track, or when the drainage areas reach the main channels in the valley bottom. Our interpretation is that a rudimentary channel network formed on the hillslopes, but never developed into a mature channel network because permafrost is limiting erosion. Consequently, the undissected hillslopes are extensive. Given the dependence of permafrost on a cold climate, a warming climate and subsequent degradation of permafrost may have significant impacts on the erosional development of channel networks in the Arctic.
The prevention of occupational cancer

Occupational exposures to carcinogens are widespread and can result in tragic consequences for exposed workers. Clinicians are in a unique position to identify associations between workplace exposures and human malignancy, and virtually all occupational carcinogens have first been recognized by astute clinicians. Further, occupational cancers are usually preventable, and clinicians can be very effective in triggering preventive activities by industry, unions, and public authorities.
A Molecular Switch Created by In Vitro Recombination of Nonhomologous Genes

We have created a molecular switch by the in vitro recombination of nonhomologous genes and subjecting the recombined genes to evolutionary pressure. The gene encoding TEM1 beta-lactamase was circularly permuted in a random fashion and subsequently randomly inserted into the gene encoding Escherichia coli maltose binding protein. From this library, a switch (RG13) was identified in which its beta-lactam hydrolysis activity was compromised in the absence of maltose but increased 25-fold in the presence of maltose. Upon removal of maltose, RG13's catalytic activity returned to its premaltose level, illustrating that the switching is reversible. The modularity of RG13 was demonstrated by increasing maltose affinity while preserving switching activity. RG13 gave rise to a novel cellular phenotype, illustrating the potential of molecular switches to rewire the cellular circuitry.
Cross-cultural Issues in Art Therapy

This article examines the conditions under which art therapy might be a culturally appropriate intervention. The aspects of art therapy and assessment that may be assimilationist or ethnocentric ar...
Outcome of aggressive removal of cavernous sinus meningiomas

Despite recent advances in surgery of the cavernous sinus, meningiomas in that area offer a formidable challenge. The rationale for aggressive surgical removal of cavernous sinus meningiomas is based on the presumption that the extent of removal is inversely related to the rate of recurrence. Over the past 10 years, 41 patients with histologically benign meningiomas involving the cavernous sinus underwent aggressive surgery. Total removal, as confirmed by intraoperative inspection and postoperative radiological studies, was achieved in 31 patients (76%). Twelve patients have been followed for more than 5 years; 10 underwent total tumor removal and only one of these experienced recurrence (5 years after surgery). The other two patients underwent subtotal removal and had symptomatic and radiological evidence of regrowth 3 and 4 years after surgery. Pre-existing cranial nerve deficits improved in only 14% of the patients, remained unchanged in 80%, and worsened permanently in 6%. Seven patients experienced a total of 10 new cranial nerve deficits, four of which involved the nerves subserving ocular motor function. Extraocular muscle function did not worsen in the 25 patients with a seeing eye ipsilateral to the tumor, and no instance of visual worsening occurred. Two patients died 4 months after surgery, one from severe delayed vasospasm and hypothalamic infarction and the other because of a myocardial infarction. Another patient died from a pulmonary embolus on the 9th postoperative day. There were three instances of cerebral ischemia; one was transient, lasting less than 24 hours, while two were related to injury of the middle cerebral artery and resulted in residual hemiplegia. Other complications included three cases of nonfatal pulmonary emboli, two cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and one instance each of exposure keratitis, acute hypothyroidism, and cerebral edema.
The Effects of Tutoring an Adult with Child-incurred Brain Injuries☆

Abstract It is problematic that adults, who did not learn to read as children, suffer illiteracy. Teaching adults experiencing illiteracy is difficult. Adult learners, especially those with special needs, often pose educational challenges to educators. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of one-on-one reading tutoring with an adult experiencing illiteracy because of brain injuries received as a child. This is a qualitative purposive case study using phonetic instruction as the intervention to answer the question: Can tutoring increase the reading skills of an adult with a lifelong brain injury? The naturalistic setting gave holistic results revealing the factors that enabled the participant to increase personal reading skills. Themes were identified: success was experienced because the tutor was willing to spend half the tutoring session building a relationship with her, the tutor searched for materials that were both meaningful and consistent with phonetic instruction, and the tutor used was flexible teaching methods. Pre and post-tests were used to quantify reading gains. It has been concluded that adults can learn to read. The recommendation is to democratically work with adults; give them power and control.
A THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION OF CONVECTIVE TRANSPORT IN THE HOLLOW-FIBER REACTOR

A hollow-fiber reactor is a device within which a catalytically active material, generally comprising enzymes or cells, is retained by hollow-fiber membranes. In recent experimental work we examined the rate of transport of a non-reacting tracer through microbial cells contained within such a reactor, and obtained results that could not be described using a theoretical model in which the solute was assumed to be transported only by diffusion. This failure can be attributed to the fact that there is some convective fluid movement through the membranes and the catalytically active region in hollow-fiber reactors. We have developed two models that provide a quantitative description of the effect of this flow on the transport of either a non-reacting tracer or a solute that is consumed with first-order or Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The predictions of these models have been examined over a wide range of the applicable parameters, and show that convective transport can have a marked effect on the behavior of a ...
Team Creative Processes: The Importance of Complementary and Shared Mental Models

Past research suggests that knowledge diversity is utilized during creative processes, divergent and convergent thinking, to come up with novel and useful solutions. Whereas research examining the relationship between knowledge diversity and process outcomes has been mixed, differentiating knowledge into mental models may help explain team creative processes and outcomes. Herein, two types of mental models, complementary and shared mental models, are related to team creative processes. Complementary mental models are those knowledge structures held by team members that have unique role-specific task-relevant content. Shared mental models are those knowledge structures held by team members that contain similar content. These mental models provide a finer-grained perspective of knowledge and show how each team member's knowledge may contribute to divergent and convergent creative processes and outcomes. Further, a framework relating mental models and creative processes is presented and potential facilitation approaches are discussed.
New Proposed Mechanism of Actin-Polymerization-Driven Motility

We present the first numerical simulation of actin-driven propulsion by elastic filaments. Specifically, we use a Brownian dynamics formulation of the dendritic nucleation model of actin-driven propulsion. We show that the model leads to a self-assembled network that exerts forces on a disk and pushes it with an average speed. This simulation approach is the first to observe a speed that varies nonmonotonically with the concentration of branching proteins (Arp2/3), capping protein, and depolymerization rate, in accord with experimental observations. Our results suggest a new interpretation of the origin of motility. When we estimate the speed that this mechanism would produce in a system with realistic rate constants and concentrations as well as fluid flow, we obtain a value that is within an order-of-magnitude of the polymerization speed deduced from experiments.
Point-Counterpoint: Large Multiplex PCR Panels Should Be First-Line Tests for Detection of Respiratory and Intestinal Pathogens

ABSTRACT The first FDA-approved multiplex PCR panel for a large number of respiratory pathogens was introduced in 2008. Since then, other PCR panels for detection of several respiratory and gastrointestinal pathogens have been approved by the FDA and are commercially available, and more such panels are likely to become available. These assays detect 12 to 20 pathogens, and some include pathogens that typically cause different manifestations of infection, although they infect the same organ system. Some of these tests are labor-intensive, while others require little labor, and all of them are expensive, both for the laboratory and for the patient or insurer. They include a bundle of tests with limited or no options for selecting which tests will be performed. Laboratories and hospitals have adopted different strategies for offering these assays. Some have implemented strategies to limit the use of the tests, such as limiting the frequency with which patients can be tested, restricting testing to specific groups of patients (e.g., immunocompromised patients), or providing education to encourage the use of less expensive tests before using large multiplex panels. Others have offered these assays without limiting their use, either relying on the ordering provider to exercise good judgment or because such assays are thought to be appropriate for first-line diagnostic testing. In this Point-Counterpoint, Paul Schreckenberger of Loyola University Medical Center explains why his laboratory offers these assays without restriction. Alex McAdam of Boston9s Children Hospital explains the concerns about the use of these assays as first-line tests and why some limitations on their use might be appropriate.
Beach-Profile Evolution under Spilling and Plunging Breakers

Beach-profile evolution, along with measurements of waves, currents, and sediment concentration, under spilling and plunging breakers of similar height were studied in the three-dimensional Large-Scale Sediment Transport Facility at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. Unidirectional irregular waves were generated over a fine-sand beach. Beach-profile shape reached equilibrium after 1,330 and 280 min of spilling and plunging wave actions, respectively. Near the main breaker line, the profile evolved differently under plunging and spilling breakers. Across most of the midsurf zone dominated by surf bores, the equilibrium profile shapes were similar. Uniform energy dissipation per unit volume at equilibrium, as assumed in the Dean 1977 model and often used in cross-shore sediment-transport modeling, was measured for both cases across most of the surf zone except at the main breaker line, where a much greater rate of dissipation occurred. The bar/trough formation and maintenance were closely related to the local patterns of sediment suspension and bed scour at the plunging point.
“Electronic Structure and Bonding of All Crystalline Phases in the Silica–Yttria–Silicon Nitride Phase Equilibrium Diagram”

This paper reviews the structures and properties of 10 binary, ternary, and quaternary crystals within the equilibrium phase diagram of the SiO2–Y2O3–Si3N4 system. They are binary compounds SiO2, Y2O3, Si3N4; ternary compounds Si2N2O, Y2Si2O7, and YSi2O5; and quaternary crystals Y2Si3N4O3 (M-melilite), Y4Si2O7N2, (N-YAM), YSiO2N (wallastonite), and Y10(SiO4)6N2 (N-apatite, N-APT). Although the binary compounds are well-known and extensively studied, the ternary and the quaternary crystals are not. Most of the ternary and the quaternary crystals simply have been referenced as secondary phases in the processing of nitrogen ceramics. Their crystal structures are complex and not precisely determined. In the quaternary crystals, there exists O/N disorder in that the exact atomic positions of the anions cannot be uniquely determined. It is envisioned that a variety of cation–anion bonding configurations exist in these complex crystals. The electronic structure and bonding in these crystals are, therefore, of great interest and are indispensable for a fundamental understanding of structural ceramics. We have used ab initio methods to study the structure and bonding properties of these 10 crystals. For crystals with unknown or incomplete structural information, we use an accurate total energy relaxation scheme to obtain the most likely atomic positions. Based on the theoretically modeled structures, the electronic structure and bonding in these crystals are investigated and related to various local cation–anion bonding configurations. These results are presented in the form of atom-resolved partial density of states, Mulliken effective charges, and bond order values. It is shown that Y–O and Y–N bonding are not negligible and should be a part of the discussion of the overall bonding schemes in these crystals. Spectroscopic properties in the form of complex, frequency-dependent dielectric functions, X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), and the electron energy-loss near-edge structure (ELNES) spectra in these crystals also are calculated and compared. These results are discussed in the context of specific bonding configurations between cations (silicon and yttrium) and anions (oxygen and nitrogen) and their implications on intergranular thin films in polycrystalline Si3N4 containing rare-earth elements.
Evaluation and resilience of ecotourism in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal.

Ecotourism has been promoted to reconcile seemingly conflicting goals of tourism development and nature conservation. Given its importance, how has ecotourism fared in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) and how resilient was it to the Maoist insurgency in Nepal (1996–2006)? Drawing upon more than 10 months of field research, participant observation, semi-structured surveys and content analysis of 21 annual reports, ecotourism was evaluated by organizing ACA's programmes and activities under the four major emerging themes, namely local capacity building, waste management, education and infrastructure development; the most prominent theme was local capacity building. Annual visitor numbers declined during the insurgency, but ecotourism managed to survive, mainly due to self-organization of local tourism entrepreneurs. Local tourism entrepreneurs facilitated self-organization through capacity building and diversification of livelihoods. In the aftermath of the insurgency, visitor numbers rebounded and ecotourism continued to develop and evolve; ecotourism was thus resilient to the insurgency. Building local capacity, facilitating self-organization and diversifying livelihoods can enhance the resilience of ecotourism, sustaining stability and helping to deal with uncertainty.
Optimizing the timing of chemotherapy for mobilizing autologous blood hematopoietic progenitor cells

BACKGROUND: Postchemotherapy mobilization results were reviewed in patients undergoing apheresis before planned autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplantation to improve the timing of collection procedures. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 135 attempts to collect autologous HPC were studied in 132 unique patients with lymphoid malignancies (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and Hodgkin's disease). Chemotherapy mobilization regimens included cyclophosphamide (n = 59), ICE (n = 46), or other regimens (n = 30). Granulocyte–colony-stimulating factor (CSF) was administered once daily at a dose of 5 μg per kg starting 2 days after the last dose of chemotherapy; granulocyte-macrophage–CSF was added at a daily dose of 5 μg per kg 6 days later. Apheresis was initiated when the blood CD34+ content was more than 20 per μL. RESULTS: In an initial cohort of 37 patients, 27 percent required apheresis during the weekend. An optimized timing for chemotherapy mobilization was developed based on retrospective data; prospective implementation of the new algorithm reduced the incidence of weekend apheresis to 13 percent in the subsequent 98 consecutive patients (p < 0.05). A median of 9 × 106 (range, 0.4 × 106-96 × 106) CD34+ cells per kg was collected from the entire cohort of 135 patients after a mean of 1.8 days of apheresis. Apheresis was initiated following a median (±SD) of 10 ± 2.7 days of cytokines. CONCLUSION: In the majority of patients, the first day of apheresis occurred 11 to 13 days after the last dose of chemotherapy with a variety of different chemotherapy regimens. Administering the last dose of chemotherapy on Thursday or Friday versus Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday was associated with a 77 percent lower incidence in the frequency of weekend apheresis collections (p < 0.001).
NMR INVESTIGATION OF PAIRED HYDROGEN ATOMS IN PLASMA-DEPOSITED AMORPHOUS SILICON

When two identical spins have separations which are smaller than those between the other spins in the solid, their NMR spectrum consists of a characteristic doublet, the Pake doublet. This doublet provides information on the bonding of the atoms and their separations. Two different Pake doublets have been observed in the hyrdogen NMR spectrum of plasma-deposited amorphous silicon. The first is due to SiH2, part of the H that is bonded to the a-Si network. The second is due to H2, molecular hydrogen which is trapped in voids in the a-Si: Hmatrix.
Appraisal of myeloperoxidase for evaluation of patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes.

Recognition of inflammation as a critical contributor to atherothrombosis has led to the pursuit of new approaches for diagnosis and treatment of patients with coronary heart disease ([1][1]). As the intricate relationships between cellular and noncellular participants in the inflammatory aspects of
Spark Ignition Engine Combustion Modeling Using a Level Set Method with Detailed Chemistry

A level set method (G-equation)-based combustion model incorporating detailed chemical kinetics has been developed and implemented in KIVA-3V for SparkIgnition (SI) engine simulations for better predictions of fuel oxidation and pollutant formation. Detailed fuel oxidation mechanisms coupled with a reduced NOX mechanism are used to describe the chemical processes. The flame front in the spark kernel stage is tracked using the Discrete Particle Ignition Kernel (DPIK) model. In the G-equation model, it is assumed that after the flame front has passed, the mixture within the mean flame brush tends to local equilibrium. The subgrid-scale burnt/unburnt volumes of the flame containing cells are tracked for the primary heat release calculation. A progress variable concept is introduced into the turbulent flame speed correlation to account for the laminar to turbulent evolution of the spark kernel flame. To test the model, a homogeneous charge propane SI engine was modeled using a 100-species, 539-reaction propane mechanism, coupled with a reduced 9-reaction NOx mechanism for the chemistry calculations. Good agreement with experimental cylinder pressures and NOx data was obtained as a function of spark timing, engine speed and EGR levels. The model was also applied to a stratified charge two-stroke gasoline engine simulations, and good agreement with measured data was obtained.
New Type of Draft Tube Spout-Fluid Bed. Part 2: Modeling and Design of the Acceleration Section of the Riser for the Pneumatic Transport of 1 mm Glass Spheres

A new type of draft tube spout-fluid bed (DTSFB) generically similar to a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) possesses a unique combination of capabilities as a fluid-particle contacting system or multiphase reactor. This paper focuses on the modeling of the acceleration section of the draft tube (a riser) of a DTSFB for the dilute phase pneumatic transport of 1 mm glass spheres in a turbulent air stream. An analytical expression for a dimensionless dynamic pressure gradient distribution in the acceleration section (y(ζ)) is derived from the solution of an isoperimetric problem of the calculus of variations. The gradient is shown to be a function of a single dimensionless parameter, which is the ratio of the dynamic pressure drop in the acceleration section and the dynamic pressure gradient in the nonacceleration section. It is shown that ∫01 y(ζ) dζ is maximized in the acceleration section of the riser. As a result, the pressure drop required to overcome the resisting forces in the acceleration section is m...
Phonon-based mesh optimization for the Monte Carlo on-the-fly thermal scattering temperature fit coefficients

Abstract In a series of papers, we have introduced a new sampling method for Monte Carlo codes for the low-energy secondary scattering parameters that greatly reduces data storage requirements. The method is based on the temperature dependence of the energy transfer (beta) and squared momentum transfer (alpha) between a neutron and a target nuclide. Cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) in beta and alpha are constructed for a range of temperatures on a mesh of incident energies in the thermal range and temperature fits are created for beta and alpha at discrete CDF probability lines. The secondary energy and angle distributions generated from the fit coefficients showed good agreement with the standard Monte Carlo sampling. However, some discrepancies still existed because the CDF probability mesh values were selected uniformly and arbitrarily. In this paper, a physics-based approach for optimally selecting the CDF probability meshes for the on-the-fly sampling method is introduced, using bound carbon in graphite as the example nuclide. This approach is based on the structure of the phonon frequency distribution of thermal excitations. From the study, it was determined that low ( 0.9) beta CDF probabilities are important to the structure of the beta probability density functions (PDFs) while very low ( −4 ) alpha CDF probabilities are important to the structure of the alpha PDFs. The final meshes contain 200 probability values for both beta and alpha. This results in 14.5 MB of total data storage for the on-the-fly coefficients which are used for any temperature realization. This is a significant reduction in data storage from current methods that require around 25 MB per temperature.
Filtering out the other side? Cross-cutting and like-minded discussions on social networking sites

Disagreement persists as to whether social networking sites (SNSs) are used more frequently to facilitate cross-cutting or like-minded discussions. We examine the relationship between the use of SNSs and involvement in discussions with politically similar and dissimilar others among a sample of US Democrats and Republicans. Affective polarization is negatively related to involvement in cross-cutting discussions, suggesting that individuals extend their dislike of the opposing political party to out-party members within their online social networks. Moreover, political discussion with one’s friends on SNSs plays a mediating role in involvement in both cross-cutting and like-minded discussions. Finally, party identification moderates the relationship between SNS use and involvement in cross-cutting discussions, indicating that Republicans participate more frequently than Democrats in cross-cutting exchanges on SNSs. In the light of these findings, we discuss the contribution of SNSs to the ideals of deliber...
An empirically-based coupling algorithm for transient simulation

In this dissertation, we suggest an alternative simulation procedure based on coupling to estimate a certain class of transient performance measures. When the stationary distribution of the underlying process is known, a coupling-based estimator has been established (see Glynn and Wong (1996)). This estimator provides an efficient way to simulate transient quantities. We use a similar approach in the setting where stationary information is not available. In particular, we allocate some of our computational resources to generate an estimate of the stationary distribution. Then we use this empirical distribution in place of the stationary distribution in our coupling-based simulation. We provide some background in transient simulation, coupling theory, and the construction of the coupling-based estimator in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 is devoted to the empirically-based coupling estimator, based on the idea we described in the last paragraph. In addition to empirically-based coupling estimator, we also establish a central limit theorem and develop a numerical procedure to obtain confidence intervals based on this estimator. Finally, we provide some experimental results to compare the simulation efficiency using the conventional estimator and the empirically-based coupling estimator.
Chemosurgery in the Treatment of Skin Cancer

Available for more than three decades, this approach to the most common cancer in man is still not widely used despite its 98% cure rate. One reason is that misunderstanding exists concerning the role of zinc chloride in the procedure: It is not a topical chemotherapeutic agent but serves to fix the lesion for surgical excision. The steps in the procedure are repeated until all tumor growth has been extirpated.
Thin layer chromatographic determination of deoxynivalenol in wheat and corn

A thin layer chromatographic (TLC) method for determining deoxynivalenol (DON) in corn and wheat was developed. DON is extracted from the grain with acetonitrile-water (84 + 16) and filtered through a column of mixed alumina-charcoal-Celite (0.5 g + 0.7 g + 0.3 g). The solvent is evaporated on a steam bath. Ethyl acetate is added to the residue and heated to dissolve DON. After cooling, the residue is transferred to a vial with additional ethyl acetate and is dissolved in CHCl3-acetonitrile (4 + 1) for TLC on an AlCl3-impregnated silica gel plate with CHCl3-acetone-isopropanol (8 + 1 + 1). The plate is heated in a 120 degrees C oven for 7 min; a blue fluorescent spot is produced under longwave ultraviolet light. DON is quantitated visually and/or fluorodensitometrically by comparison with reference standards. The minimum detectable amount of DON is ca 20 ng/spot. The limit of DON determination is ca 40 ng/g for wheat and 100 ng/g for corn. Recoveries of DON added to wheat and corn at 100, 500, and 1000 ng/g levels were 85, 93, and 88% and 77, 80, and 80%, respectively.
Teaching in global collaborations: Navigating challenging conversations through cosmopolitan activity

Abstract This article examines teachers’ participation in a global collaboration, an educational partnership connecting educators and students online. A challenge that emerged involved how to engage in and facilitate online interactions that made manifest participants’ conflicting beliefs and opinions, what I refer to as challenging conversations. To mediate challenging conversations, teachers experimented with new digital tools and practices, especially creating and remixing videos, to foster mutual understanding. I discuss findings about how teachers created contexts and conditions for cosmopolitan practice by ethically navigating these challenging conversations, suggesting that a framework of cosmopolitan activity highlights important ethical dimensions in educational cross-cultural collaborations.
The development of functionally responsive T cells.

This chapter provides an overview of the properties of mature thymus-derived (T) cells, including both the molecules they use for recognition and the molecules they use in responses. The diversity of characteristics that are loosely considered “T cell specific” allows tackling critically the issue of the way they are coordinated in development. T lymphocytes play central roles in immune responses and in the regulation of cell growth for several hematopoietic lineages. The importance of these cells is derived from their unique integration of specific antigen recognition with an impressively versatile, highly regulated array of possible effector functions. T cell development is divided into four phases. First is an expansion phase prior to T cell receptor (TCR) rearrangement, which appears to be correlated with programming of at least some response genes for inducibility. Second is a controlled phase of TCR gene rearrangement. Third is the complex process of selection. Whereas peripheral T cells can undergo forms of positive selection and negative selection, neither is exactly the same phenomenon that occurs in the thymic cortex. The fourth stage is the reconversion of the positively selected TCR αβ cell into a responsive effector cell.
Experiences using a novel Python-based hardware modeling framework for computer architecture test chips

This poster will describe a taped-out 2×2mm 1.3 M-transistor test chip in IBM 130 nm designed using our new Python-based hardware modeling framework. The goal of our tapeout was to demonstrate the ability of this framework to enable Agile hardware design flows.
Tactile Morse Code Using Locational Stimulus Identification

This research investigated several haptic interfaces designed to reduce mistakes in Morse code reception. Results concluded that a bimanual setup, discriminating dots/dashes by left/right location, reduced the amount of errors to only 56.6 percent of the errors compared to a unimanual setup that used temporal discrimination to distinguish dots and dashes.
Total Long-Chain n-3 Fatty Acid Intake and Food Sources in the United States Compared to Recommended Intakes: NHANES 2003–2008

The American Heart Association recommends consuming fish (particularly oily fish) at least two times per week, which would provide ≈ 0.5 g/day of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Previous analyses indicate that this recommendation is not being met; however, few studies have assessed different ethnicities, subpopulations requiring additional n-3 fatty acid intake (i.e., children and pregnant and/or lactating women), or deciles of intake. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2008 was used to assess n-3 fatty acid intake from foods and supplements in the US population, according to age, sex, and ethnicity. A unique “EPA equivalents” factor, which accounts for potential conversion of shorter-chain n-3 fatty acids, was used to calculate total long-chain n-3 fatty acid intake. Data are reported for 24,621 individuals. More than 90% consumed less than the recommended 0.5 g/day from food sources (median = 0.11 g/day; mean = 0.17 g/day). Among the top 15% of n-3 fatty acid consumers, fish was the largest dietary contributor (71.2%). Intake was highest in men aged 20 years or more, and lowest in children and women who are or may become pregnant and/or are lactating. Among ethnicities, intake was lowest in Mexican-Americans. Only 6.2% of the total population reported n-3 fatty acid supplement use, and this did not alter median daily intake. Additional strategies are needed to increase awareness of health benefits (particularly among Mexican-Americans and women of childbearing age) and promote consumption of oily fish or alternative dietary sources to meet current recommendations.
Predictors of Resectability and Survival in Patients With Borderline and Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer who Underwent Neoadjuvant Treatment With FOLFIRINOX.

Objective:The aim of this study was to determine (1) whether preoperative factors can predict resectability of borderline resectable (BR) and locally advanced (LA) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) after neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX, (2) which patients might benefit from adjuvant therapy, and (3) su
How Hard to Fight? Cross-Player Effects and Strategic Sophistication in an Asymmetric Contest Experiment

Many political phenomena—from wars to elections and lobbying—involve winner-take-all contests in which the value of the prize differs across the actors involved and from one issue to the next. To b...
Cardiometabolic risks and omega-3 index in recent-onset bipolar I disorder.

OBJECTIVES The aims of the present study were to characterize cardiometabolic risk factors in a cohort of bipolar disorder patients with limited exposure to psychotropic medications, and to evaluate their associations with mood symptoms and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) blood levels. METHODS Cardiometabolic risk assessments were compared in individuals with bipolar I disorder experiencing a first manic or mixed episode or an early depressive episode (n=117) and healthy subjects (n=56). Patients were medication free at assessment and had no or limited exposure to mood-stabilizer or antipsychotic medications prior to the current admission. Associations among cardiometabolic parameters and Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale (CGI-S), manic (Young Mania Rating Scale [YMRS]), and depressive (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HDRS]) symptom ratings were evaluated within the bipolar group. RESULTS Following adjustment for demographic variables (i.e., age, gender, and parental education), significantly higher fasting triglyceride levels were observed in the bipolar group compared to the healthy group (121.7 mg/dL vs 87.0 mg/dL; P<.01). There were no clear trends for other metabolic indicators, including blood pressure, body mass index, and fasting glucose. Nineteen percent of the bipolar group and 6% of the healthy group met the criteria for metabolic syndrome (P=.23). The omega-3 index was lower in the bipolar group (3.4% vs 3.9%; P<.01). Within the bipolar group, no associations were found between the cardiometabolic parameters and CGI-S, YMRS, and HDRS symptom ratings. CONCLUSIONS Recent-onset medication-free bipolar disorder is associated with higher triglyceride levels. These findings are suggestive of early metabolic dysregulation prior to long-term psychotropic medication exposure. Lower omega-3 PUFA levels in individuals with bipolar I disorder represent a potential therapeutic target for additional investigation.
Membrane-Bound Hormone Receptors

Receptors are those cellular structures with which biologically active hormones and drugs first interact. Physiologically these receptors perform two essential functions. The first is that of recognition of a particular biologically active chemical structure presumably by some complimentarity in the structure of the hormone or drug and the receptor itself. This recognition is effected by specific binding of the hormone or drug to the cellular receptor structures. The second function of these receptors is that of activation of biological processes. This may be effected through a stimulation of an enzyme activity, a change in the membrane conductance for a specific ion, etc. For certain hormones, e.g., the steroid hormones, the receptors appear to be cytoplasmic in location (Baulieu et al., 1971). For many other hormones and drugs, however, the receptor structures appear to be located within the plasma membranes of the responsive target cells. This chapter will be confined to the latter class of hormone receptors.
Who Benefits from Improved Search in Platform Markets

Online platforms invest large sums in their search technology. Motivated by this observation, we investigate how lowering search costs affects the welfare of market participants, in a model where buyers with horizontally differentiated tastes search and then compete for differentiated goods in an auction. We identify a "matching effect", whereby lower search costs lead to better matches; and a "segmentation effect" whereby lower search costs endogenously shift market participation in favor of some goods and against others. We prove that there is a unique equilibrium, and demonstrate that the decentralized market achieves the social planner's solution. Decreasing search costs thus improves joint welfare; and yet surprisingly it is possible for segmentation effects to dominate matching effects, and joint seller revenue to fall.
TEMPERATURE-PROGRAMMED LIQUEFACTION OF LOW RANK COAL. EVALUATION OF COAL DEPOLYMERIZATION REACTIONS BY CPMAS 13C NMR AND PYROLYSIS-GC-MS

Publisher Summary Temperature-programmed liquefaction (TPL) aims at efficient conversion of low rank coals by controlling the rate of pyrolytic cleavage of weak bonds and minimizes the coupling or crosslinking of radicals and thermally sensitive groups. In primary coal liquefaction, the thermally derived reactive fragments (radicals) must be stabilized to achieve molecular weight reduction, otherwise they will promptly recombine or crosslink to form more refractory materials. This chapter discusses a study to understand the structural changes brought about in organic matrix of a low rank coal by TPL at different temperatures. The coal used was a Montana subbituminous coal obtained from the Penn State Coal Sample Bank. The selected temperature program consisted of a low-temperature stage at 200°C for 15 min, slow heating to a final temperature at about 7°C/min, followed by a 30 min hold at the final temperature.
Illustrating the Human Side of Teaching and Learning

Those involved in teaching and learning chemistry interact with the science in ways that are unique. The covers of individual issues of the Journal represent an archive of how those interactions have been captured, what they represent, and how they have changed with time.
Ellipsis in tautologous conditionals: the contrast condition on ellipsis

I compare two theories to account for the novel observation that ellipsis is ungrammatical in tautologous conditionals, e.g. If John is wrong, then he is *(wrong) . One theory attributes the ungrammaticality to a contrast failure in ellipsis parallelism (Rooth 1992a,b); the other to triviality at a more abstract, logical level (Gajewski 2009). The ellipsis parallelism theory prevails on further data, joining Griffiths (to appear) in arguing that contrast plays a role in ellipsis licensing. Contrast is further shown to be sensitive to intensionality.