cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activation of protein kinase B by WNT4 as a regulator of uterine leiomyoma stem cell function.

Objective To investigate the functional interaction between the Wnt/β-catenin and protein kinase B (Akt) pathways in leiomyoma stem cells (LSC). Design Laboratory study. Setting Research laboratory. Patient(s) Premenopausal women (n = 36; age range: 28 to 49 years) undergoing hysterectomy or myomectomy for leiomyoma. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Gene expression, protein phosphorylation, and cell proliferation. Result(s) Cells from human leiomyoma tissues were sorted by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) into three populations: LSC, intermediate cells (LIC), and differentiated cells (LDC) with the function of the Wnt/β-catenin and Akt signaling pathways in leiomyoma cells evaluated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analyses. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway components were differentially expressed in each leiomyoma cell population. WNT4 was distinctly overexpressed in LIC, and its receptor FZD6 was primarily expressed in LSC. WNT4 stimulated Akt phosphorylation, activated β-catenin, and increased primary leiomyoma cell proliferation. These stimulatory effects were abolished by cotreatment with the Akt inhibitor, MK-2206. WNT4 up-regulated the expression of pro-proliferative genes, c-Myc and cyclin D1, specifically in LSC; this was also abrogated by Akt inhibition. Conclusion(s) Our data suggest that WNT4 regulates LSC proliferation via Akt-dependent β-catenin activation, representing a key step toward a better understanding of LSC regulation and potentially novel therapeutic targets.
Ergodicity and invariant measures for a diffusing passive scalar advected by a random channel shear flow and the connection between the Kraichnan-Majda model and Taylor-Aris Dispersion

We study the long time behavior of an advection-diffusion equation with a random shear flow which depends on a stationary Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (OU) process in parallel-plate channels enforcing the no-flux boundary conditions. We derive a closed form formula for the long time asymptotics of the arbitrary $N$-point correlator using the ground state eigenvalue perturbation approach proposed in \cite{bronski1997scalar}. In turn, appealing to the conclusion of the Hausdorff moment problem \cite{shohat1943problem}, we discover a diffusion equation with a random drift and deterministic enhanced diffusion possessing the exact same probability distribution function at long times. Such equations enjoy many ergodic properties which immediately translate to ergodicity results for the original problem. In particular, we establish that the first two Aris moments using a single realization of the random field can be used to explicitly construct all ensemble averaged moments. Also, the first two ensemble averaged moments explicitly predict any long time centered Aris moment. Our formulae quantitatively depict the dependence of the deterministic effective diffusion on the interaction between spatial structure of flow and random temporal fluctuation. This noteably contrasts the white noise case from the OU case. Further, this approximation provides many identities regarding the stationary OU process dependent time integral. We derive explicit formulae for the decaying passive scalar's long time limiting probability distribution function (PDF) for different types of initial conditions (e.g. deterministic and random). All results are verified by Monte-Carlo simulations.
Investigating undergraduate students’ proof schemes and perspectives about combinatorial proof

Abstract Combinatorics is an area of mathematics with accessible, rich problems and applications in a variety of fields. Combinatorial proof is an important topic within combinatorics that has received relatively little attention within the mathematics education community, and there is much to investigate about how students reason about and engage with combinatorial proof. In this paper, we use Harel and Sowder’s (1998) proof schemes to investigate ways that students may characterize combinatorial proofs as different from other types of proof. We gave five upper-division mathematics students combinatorial-proof tasks and asked them to reflect on their activity and combinatorial proof more generally. We found that the students used several of Harel and Sowder’s proof schemes to characterize combinatorial proof, and we discuss whether and how other proof schemes may emerge for students engaging in combinatorial proof. We conclude by discussing implications and avenues for future research.
Greater Eurasia as a Conservative Initiative

Conservatism is a political philosophy about managing change. Conservatism stipulates that the modern must be developed on the foundation of the traditional as societies thrive when they are positioned between continuity and change.
Optical Networks - Recent Advances

Foreword. On Dynamic Wavelength Assignment in WDM Optical Networks M. Alanyali. Wavelength Assignment Algorithms for WDM Ring Architectures G. Ellinas, K. Bala. Dynamic Traffic Scheduling for QoS Support in WDM/TDM Networks with Arbitrary Tuning Latencies N.-F. Huang, et al. Optimal Placement of Wavelength Converters in WDM Networks for Parallel and Distributed Computing Systems X. Jia, et al. Lightpath Establishment in Wavelength-Routed WDM Optical Networks J.P. Jue. Multifiber WDM Networks L. Li, A.K. Somani. Recent Developments in Optical Multistage Networks Y. Pan, et al. Connection Management for Wavelength-Routed Optical WDM Networks B. Ramamurthy, et al. Multicast Routing in WDM Optical Networks N. Sreenath, et al. Architecture and Analysis of Terabit Packet Switches Using Optoelectronic Technologies T.-S. Wang, S. Dixit. Allocation of Wavelength Converters in All-Optical Networks G. Xiao, Y.-W. Leung.
Fitts and VR: Evaluating Display and Input Devices with Fitts' Law:

This paper describes an experiment using Fitts' Law to evaluate performance in target acquisition tasks comparing a typical virtual reality (VR) display and input device with a typical computer workstation display and input device. The objective was to determine the effects of using VR hardware on target acquisition performance and validate Fitts' Law in a VR setting. Participants performed 2D target acquisition tasks varying width of target, distance of target, and angle of target from starting point. Factors that showed significantly different acquisition times included input device, distance from target, width of target, and angle of target from starting point. Display type did not show significance. In addition, acquisition times significantly increased throughout the experiment, indicating fatigue. Extending the use of Fitts' Law as an evaluation tool for VR systems is discussed.
How one galaxy can be a cluster

One would expect a galaxy cluster to be a cluster of galaxies. Now a strange object has been discovered whose X-ray emission betrays it as a massive cluster, but which only contains one obvious galaxy at optical wavelengths. Odder still, this dark cluster is rich in heavy elements, presumably produced by stars - but what stars?
Prefailure and Post-Failure Soil Plasticity Models

It is shown in this paper that a slightly modified form of the rigid-plastic yield-vertex model for geological materials will contain as a special case both the rigid-plastic form of the yield-vertex model and the sliding deformation model. This result is interesting because the yield-vertex model is a prefailure model and the sliding deformation model is a post-failure model. The specific result of interest is that, if the two pairs of localization directions in the nonwork-hardening form of the rigid-plastic yield-vertex model coincide, then the continued deformation in the post-failure regime is that hypothesized in the sliding deformation model. The analysis is confined to two dimensions.
HOMOLOGOUS VIABLE TOOTH TRANSPLANTATION. A CLINICAL, IMMUNOLOGIC, AND HISTOLOGIC STUDY.

Abstract Thirty-six teeth have been surgically transplanted; of these twenty-seven were homografts and nine were autografts. Both clinical and radiographic evaluations suggest successful acceptance of these teeth by hosts, even though some of the specimens are going on the fourth year. Histologic examination of one of the homotransplants (surgically removed en bloc) suggests some replacement of tooth structure by viable bone, but the overwhelming mass of the specimen has retained its dental identity. Where there was a difference in blood group antigens between donor and recipient, three of the transplanted hosts manifested an increase in blood group antibodies suggesting the possibility of an immune response. Further and more varied studies are anticipated.
Simple pre-processors significantly improve LZ 1 compression

Summary form only given. The effectiveness of the LZ 1 class of lossless adaptive data compression algorithms can, for many different types of data, be significantly improved by employing a dual stage compression/decompression process. A pre-processing stage first re-codes the input data stream in such a way as to make it more amenable to subsequent LZ 1 compression. To decode the data, the inverse post-processing function is applied to the output from an LZ 1 decompressor, thus regenerating the original.
Physical chemical and technical limitations to intragastric titration.

Intragastric titration, introduced in 1973, has become more popular than in the past and is being applied to the study of gastric secretion under a variety of conditions using NaHCO3 and NaOH as titrant. Physical chemical and technical considerations point to limitations on the conditions under which quantitative results can be obtained. At low end point pH, the limitation relates to volume expansion by secretions and titrant. Errors increase exponentially so that at pH 1.11 a 66% error is incurred and at pH 0.93 a 100% error would result. Neutralization with NaHCO3 poses limitations when CO2 is not effectively removed from the stomach, and even at pH 5.5 errors as large as 20% can be incurred. Errors increase markedly at high end point pH. Use of end point pHs above the pKa' of carbonic acid could lead to large amounts of factitious acid secretion i f the intralumenal contents are in equilibrium with CO2 entering from the gastric wall. There seems no reason that intragastric titration should not be a useful and quantitative method within the end point pH range of 4.0–4.5. In vivo validation of each experimental condition is needed.
Computing Near Optimal Strategies for Stochastic Investment Planning Problems

We present efficient techniques for computing near optimal strategies for a class of stochastic commodity trading problems modeled as Markov decision processes (MDPs). The process has a continuous state space and a large action space and cannot be solved efficiently by standard dynamic programming methods. We exploit structural properties of the process, and combine it with Monte-Carlo estimation techniques to obtain novel and efficient algorithms that closely approximate the optimal strategies.
Overview of CPL and LHP Applications on NASA Missions

Capillary Pumped Loops (CPL’s) and Loop Heat Pipes (LHP’s) are finding increased acceptance on upcoming NASA spacecraft missions, as well as military and commercial applications. The transition from a research and development tool to an “off the shelf” system is underway. The state of the art of two phase systems (TPS) is reviewed and applications on various NASA missions are discussed, with particular emphasis on new technology developments. Upcoming research areas and flight experiments are also addressed, along with recommendations for future activities.
Activation of αVβ3 on Vascular Cells Controls Recognition of Prothrombin

Regulation of vascular homeostasis depends upon collaboration between cells of the vessel wall and blood coagulation system. A direct interaction between integrin αVβ3 on endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells and prothrombin, the pivotal proenzyme of the blood coagulation system, is demonstrated and activation of the integrin is required for receptor engagement. Evidence that prothrombin is a ligand for αVβ3 on these cells include: (a) prothrombin binds to purified αVβ3 via a RGD recognition specificity; (b) prothrombin supports αVβ3-mediated adhesion of stimulated endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells; and (c) endothelial cells, either in suspension and in a monolayer, recognize soluble prothrombin via αVβ3. αVβ3-mediated cell adhesion to prothrombin, but not to fibrinogen, required activation of the receptor. Thus, the functionality of the αVβ3 receptor is ligand defined, and prothrombin and fibrinogen represent activation- dependent and activation-independent ligands. Activation of αVβ3 could be induced not only by model agonists, PMA and Mn2+, but also by a physiologically relevant agonist, ADP. Inhibition of protein kinase C and calpain prevented activation of αVβ3 on vascular cells, suggesting that these molecules are involved in the inside-out signaling events that activate the integrin. The capacity of αVβ3 to interact with prothrombin may play a significant role in the maintenance of hemostasis; and, at a general level, ligand selection by αVβ3 may be controlled by the activation state of this integrin.
Microgeographic differentiation of chromosomal and enzyme polymorphisms in Drosophila persimilis.

We studied microgeographic and temporal genetic differentiation in natural populations of Drosophila persimilis with respect to chromosome inversion and enzyme polymorphisms. Both inversion frequencies and allozyme frequencies varied significantly over short distances. Neither differed significantly between morning and evening collections. Because several studies of the dispersal behavior of this species have been performed, we attempt to fit the observed data to mathematical models which relate dispersion to random genetic drift and to spatially varying selection coefficients. We conclude that the observations are due at least partly to behavioral differences among genotypes. i.e., habitat preferences. These results have implications for genetic load theory and models of selection in heterogeneous environments.
On partial observability in discrete event control with pushdown systems

Consider an event alphabet Σ. The Supervisory Control Theory of Ramadge and Wonham asks the question, given a plant model G, with language ℒ M (G) ⊆ Σ* and another language K ⊆ ℒ M (G), is there a supervisor ϕ such that ℒ M (ϕ/G) = K. This question is complicated when the output of G is partially masked by M, which sends some events to the empty string ∈. This leads to the notion of the observability of K with respect to L and the mask M. We have K is observable with respect to L and M if for all s; t ∈ K if sσ ∈ K and M(s) = M(t) and tσ ∈ L, then tσ ∈ K. The property of observability can be related to a much stronger property normality, which is easily decidable when G has a finite number of states and K is also generated by a finite state machine.
ARPC1/Arc40 Mediates the Interaction of the Actin-related Protein 2 and 3 Complex with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein Family Activators

Abstract The actin-related protein 2 and 3 (Arp2/3) complex is a seven-subunit protein complex that nucleates actin filaments at the cell cortex. Despite extensive cross-linking, crystallography, genetic and biochemical studies, the contribution of each subunit to the activity of the complex remains largely unclear. In this study we characterized the function of the 40-kDa subunit, ARPC1/Arc40, of the yeast Arp2/3 complex. We showed that this subunit is indeed a stable component of the Arp2/3 complex, but its highly unusual electrophoretic mobility eluded detection in previous studies. Recombinant Arc40 bound the VCA domain of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family activators at a Kd of 0.45 μm, close to that of the full complex with VCA (0.30 μm), and this interaction was dependent on the conserved tryptophan at the COOH terminus of VCA. Using a newly constructed Δarc40 yeast strain, we showed that loss of Arc40 severely reduced the binding affinity of the Arp2/3 complex with VCA as well as the nucleation activity of the complex, suggesting that Arc40 contains an important contact site of the Arp2/3 complex with VCA. The Δarc40 cells exhibited reduced growth rate, loss of actin patches, and accumulation of cables like actin aggregates, phenotypes typical of other subunit nulls, suggesting that Arc40 functions exclusively within the Arp2/3 complex.
Low ph effects on swimming activity of Ambystoma salamander larvae

Swimming activity of larval Ambystoma laterale increased linearly with pH between pH 4.0 and 6.5; near inactivity occurred at pH 4.0. Ambystoma maculatum exhibited a weaker relationship between activity and pH, and overall was less active than A. laterale. However, survival of larval A. maculatum declined linearly with pH in the presence of adult diving beetles (Dytiscus verticalis), with significantly lower survival below pH 4.8. These results suggest that, as with embryos, salamander larvae may suffer from pH levels below 5.0, even though these levels are not directly lethal. Because of their sensitivity, ease, and short duration, activity tests are recommended with amphibian larvae for use in other risk assessments.
Electron distributions of diatomic molecules in momentum space

Abstract The electron distribution of diatomic molecules in momentum space is considered. The Dirac transformation is applied to the various molecular orbitals in position space to obtain the momentum orbitals for N2 and LiF molecules. The total electron density in momentum space and the difference density between the molecule and the separated atoms in momentum space are given and discussed from an interpretive viewpoint.
Primary vaccination with low dose live dengue 1 virus generates a proinflammatory, multifunctional T cell response in humans

The four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1-DENV-4) have a large impact on global health, causing 50-100 million cases of dengue fever annually. Herein, we describe the first kinetic T cell response to a low-dose DENV-1 vaccination study (10 PFU) in humans. Using flow cytometry, we found that proinflammatory cytokines, IFNγ, TNFα, and IL-2, were generated by DENV-1-specific CD4(+) cells 21 days post-DENV-1 exposure, and their production continued through the latest time-point, day 42 (p<0.0001 for all cytokines). No statistically significant changes were observed at any time-points for IL-10 (p = 0.19), a regulatory cytokine, indicating that the response to DENV-1 was primarily proinflammatory in nature. We also observed little T cell cross-reactivity to the other 3 DENV serotypes. The percentage of multifunctional T cells (T cells making ≥ 2 cytokines simultaneously) increased with time post-DENV-1 exposure (p<0.0001). The presence of multifunctional T cells together with neutralizing antibody data suggest that the immune response generated to the vaccine may be protective. This work provides an initial framework for defining primary T cell responses to each DENV serotype and will enhance the evaluation of a tetravalent DENV vaccine.
Incipient oxidation of (110) nickel

Oxidation of nickel surface studied for exposure to oxygen at room and elevated temperatures and high vacuum
Automatic axis generation for 3D virtual-bronchoscopic image assessment

Virtual bronchoscopy is emerging as a means for assessing high-resolution 3D CT images of the chest. The central axes, or paths, of the airways can provide virtual-bronchoscopic systems with a logical reference frame for quantitation and navigation. Unfortunately, the manual and automatic methods proposed to date for determining these axes are either time- consuming, error prone, or provide imprecise results. We give a preliminary presentation of an adaptive automated approach for finding smooth central axes through the major airways. Using this method, we are able to extract multiple axes through a 3D image in only a few minutes for a typical 512 by 512 by 25 CT image. The method works on anisotropically sampled gray-scale images and requires no prior segmentation. We describe the method and present initial validation results for phantom, animal, and human images. Visual results are also provided using a virtual bronchoscopic system.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Experimental investigations of plasma accelerators for space vehicle guidance and propulsion

Abstract A description is given of experimental studies concerning the possible application of a plasma accelerating device as a small thrust electric drive for space propulsion and attitude control. The particular laboratory model discussed employs a capacitor discharge across the gap between two electrodes to create a highly ionized but electrically neutral plasma which is electromagnetically accelerated into a chamber in which an attempt has been made to simulate the pressure conditions of outer space. A novel valve has been devised which serves the dual purpose of introducing the minute amounts of propellant required while obviating the need for external switching of the discharge. As a result of this development, a considerable improvement in the efficiency of energy conversion of earlier models has been affected. Specific impulses obtained with the T-tube accelerator have been in the range of 1000–20,000 sec, with calculated efficiency of conversion of stored electrical energy to mechanical energy as high as 60 per cent. Although the measurements discussed are of a preliminary nature, it is believed that they clearly demonstrate that more detailed and advanced research into plasma acceleration problems is fully justified.
Low-temperature behavior of the correlation length and the susceptibility of the ferromagnetic quantum Heisenberg chain

The renormalization-group recursion relations for the spin-S nearest-neighbor quantum Heisenberg ferromagnet recently derived by Chakravarty and the present author are analyzed in one dimension. It is found that the susecptibility \ensuremath{\chi} is given at low temperatures T by T\ensuremath{\chi}=${C}_{\ensuremath{\chi}}^{(0)}$(${\mathrm{JS}}^{2}$/T) [1+${C}_{\ensuremath{\chi}}^{(1)}$\ensuremath{\eta}+O(${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{2}$)], where J is the exchange coupling and the dimensionless expansion parameter \ensuremath{\eta} is given by \ensuremath{\eta}=${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$(T/${\mathrm{JS}}^{3}$${)}^{1/2}$. For the correlation length \ensuremath{\xi} we find (\ensuremath{\xi}/a)=${C}_{\ensuremath{\xi}}^{(0)}$(${\mathrm{JS}}^{2}$/T) [1+${C}_{\ensuremath{\xi}}^{(1)}$\ensuremath{\eta}+O(${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{2}$)], where a is the lattice spacing. The values of the coefficients ${C}_{\ensuremath{\chi}}^{(j)}$ and ${C}_{\ensuremath{\xi}}^{(j)}$ (j=0,1), have been determined by fitting the above expressions with Monte Carlo data obtained for the S=1/2 Heisenberg chain at temperatures as low as T/J=0.01.
Impurity effects on adhesive energies

Abstract Some simple arguments are made about the effect of impurities on adhesive interactions at solid junctions. A universal adhesive force relation is derived for brittle adhesion. The adhesive binding energy, ΔE, is an important parameter in brittle adhesion forces. ΔE has also been shown by others to be important when there is plastic flow. We found that impurity effects on ΔE are determined by the segregation energies to the junction and to the free surfaces. At low temperatures, if it is energetically more favorable for impurities to segregate to the surfaces than to the junction, then the impurities will decrease ΔE. The converse is also true. For example, for self junctions which are in registry, ΔE is decreased if surface segregation is exothermic and increased if it is endothermic. These segregation energy relationships are consistent with the results of a number of experiments on the effects of impurities on adhesion forces and grain boundary embrittlement.
CVIPtools: A software package for computer imaging education

New computer imaging software is described. CVIPtools illustrates principles of computer imaging and enables rapid development of complex algorithms. The easy-to-use graphical user interface makes available over 170 functions to students and artists, astronomers, geographers, and others who want to explore imaging but lack programming knowledge. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 5: 213–220, 1997
Three-dimensional echocardiographic analysis of valve anatomy as a determinant of mitral regurgitation after surgery for atrioventricular septal defects.

Abstract Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a significant complication after atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) surgery. The relation of the valve leaflet morphology and the MR mechanism remains a conundrum. Two-dimensional echocardiography depicts leaflet edges, whereas volume-rendered 3-dimensional echocardiography provides direct visualization of the surface areas of the mitral valve leaflets. This study examines the relation of mitral valve anatomy as determined by 3-dimensional echocardiography with MR origins in patients after AVSD repair. Twenty-seven patients with AVSD surgery and Doppler color MR were prospectively enrolled (median age was 5 years and 16 patients had Down syndrome). Doppler color flow imaging of the MR jet and 3-dimensional echocardiography of the mitral valve were performed with a probe in the transthoracic or transesophageal position. Enface 3-dimensional views of the mitral valve from the left atrium were reconstructed. Analysis of the 3-dimensional data was possible in 21 of the 27 patients. Mean area ratios of the 3 mitral leaflets were calculated (superior 40 ± 7%, inferior 35 ± 5%, mural 25 ± 6%). Both intra and interobserver variability on the area measurements were
Mural and valvular endocarditis of mice infected with encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus

Abstract The encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus is shown to infect readily the heart of mice and to produce myocarditis and valvular endocarditis. In these experiments 1–2 day old newborn mice were found to have extensive mural and valvular endocardial damage, whereas the adult mice had only minor lesions. The pathologic changes include degeneration and necrosis of lining endothelial and stromal cells and inflammatory changes of the valves. The finding of EMC viral crystals in the valves and myocardium of these animals proves the direct entry of virus into the valvular tissue and muscles of the heart. EMC virus can cause both mural and valvular endocarditis in newborn mice. These experiments, with the fact that the EMC virus forms readily detectable crystals, establish a good model for studying viral endocarditis and the natural history of the disease in animals and lend further support to the probable role of viruses in the production of valvulitis in man.
Isolating blocks and epsilon chains for maps

Abstract The relationship between the outputs and computer simulations of dynamical systems and their true orbit structures is explored. Epsilon chains are used as a mathematical representation of computer generated pseudo-orbits. The question “When is a pseudo-orbit shadowed by a true orbit” is discussed. Isolated invariant sets are defined and are shown to be contained in special neighborhoods called isolating blocks. The Conley index is extended and applied to maps.
Simulation code generation on WWW using object-oriented manufacturing resource model

Today's dynamic manufacturing environment demands the information models that CIM applications rely on to be robust to frequent changes, including the acquisition and dismissal of manufacturing resources. The object-oriented paradigm, which models the real world in terms of objects, is ideal for a manufacturing resource model due to its properties of modularity and encapsulation. In this report, a methodology is proposed for the systematic creations of an object-oriented resource model. A prototype information model representing the manufacturing environment is presented and mapped into a relational database for data storage, and an application is shown for the manipulation of a modular resource model database. The functionality of this application is demonstrated with an interface to an ARENA simulation model. The potential for this model to interact with other CIM applications, including process planning, production planning, CAD, and SFCS is discussed. This pioneers the new areas of e-simulation to rapidly configurable manufacturing facilities to ensure the anticipated performance.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A run-around heat exchanger system to improve the energy efficiency of a home appliance using hot water

A significant portion of the energy consumed by many home appliances using hot water is used to heat cold supply water. Such home appliances generally are supplied water at a temperature lower than the ambient temperature, and the supply water is normally heated to its maximum operating temperature, often using natural gas or an electrical heater. In some cases, it is possible to pre-heat the supply water and save energy that would normally be consumed by the natural gas or electrical heater. In order to save the energy consumed by an appliance using water heater, a run-around heat exchanger system is used to transfer heat from the ambient to the water before an electrical heater is energized. A simple model to predict the performance of this system is developed and validated, and the model is used to explore design and operating issues relevant to the run-around heat exchanger system. Despite the additional power consumption by the fan and pump of the run-around heat exchanger system, the experimental data and analysis show that for some systems the overall energy efficiency of the appliance can be improved, saving about 6% of the energy used by the baseline machine.
Quantitative histochemical and microchemical changes in the adult mouse central nervous system after section of the infraorbital and optic nerves

Abstract The sensory projections from the whiskers of mice and other rodents synapse somatotopically in 3 subnuclei in the brainstem trigeminal complex, in the ventrobasal complex of the thalamus and in the somatosensory cortex. Deafferentation of the whiskers in adult animals results in qualitative and quantitative changes in activities of the metabolic enzymes in the somatosensory cortex (e.g. J. Neurosci. , 1 (1981) 929–935). We determined the time course and extent of changes in the subcortical trigeminal centers of adult mice after deafferentation. The right infraorbital nerve was sectioned in mice under surgical anesthesia; the animals survived for periods up to 26 weeks. The optic nerve was also cut to evaluate the effects of central tract section. Some brains were prepared histochemically for the mitochondrial enzymes cytochrome oxidase (CO) and succinic dehydrogenase (SDH), and some were prepared for microchemical analysis of the enzymes citrate synthase (CS), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and phosphorylase. All deafferented and intact nuclei were examined in each animal quantitatively. The oxidative enzymes (CO, SDH, CS and MDH) that were analyzed by histochemical and microchemical approaches showed a decrease in activities as early as 3 weeks postdeafferentation, a trend that continued up to 12 weeks in all the subcortical trigeminal stations and lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) when compared with the intact side. By 25 weeks postlesion, the levels were comparable to the intact side except that in the LGN, the levels remained depressed. The phosphorylase levels increased at around 3 weeks postoperation and remained elevated 25 weeks postlesion. Each case provided results on the effects of deafferentation at a given time point throughout the trigeminal pathway. Direct quantitative correlation of histochemical and microchemical approaches for glycolytic enzymes is consistent with a coordinate regulation of these molecules. The changes in enzyme levels in all nuclei occur simultaneously and to a similar degree. This strongly suggests that neuronal activity plays an important role in regulating metabolic machinery throughout this pathway in adults.
Teaching industrial ecology and environmental management in Second Life

Abstract Second Life is a virtual, open-access, and user-generated environment that has served as a platform for hosting everything from rock concerts to scientific conferences. Many institutions have also used Second Life as an educational tool, for example by, showcasing scientific exhibits or embedding video and images for learning purposes. Here we discuss the creation and use of an interactive, virtual industrial facility – the Elihu Paper Company – as a way to complement a traditional facility tours in a course in industrial environmental management. Virtual facilities offer a number of educational advantages over real-life ones: they are always open and available for tours, they can be accessed instantaneously from anywhere where there is an adequate internet connection, and most importantly, tours and embedded information can be tailored to specific educational objectives. Our experience in using Elihu Paper as a formal facility visit for the past several years shows that students had significantly more time than usual to ask questions, could and did explore the facility independently, and were still able to produce facility reports that fulfilled the educational objectives of the visits, including mapping material flows and explaining pollution prevention and sustainability opportunities.
Vibrational energy relaxation of polyatomic molecules in liquid solution via the linearized semiclassical method.

Vibrational energy relaxation (VER) of polyatomic, as opposed to diatomic, molecules can occur via different, often solvent assisted, intramolecular and/or intermolecular pathways. In this paper, we apply the linearized semiclassical (LSC) method for calculating VER rates in the prototypical case of a rigid, symmetrical and linear triatomic molecule (A−B−A) in a monatomic liquid. Starting at the first excited state of either the symmetric or asymmetric stretches, VER can occur either directly to the ground state or indirectly via intramolecular vibrational relaxation (IVR). The VER rate constants for the various pathways are calculated within the framework of the Landau−Teller formalism, where they are expressed in terms of two-time quantum-mechanical correlation functions. The latter are calculated by the LHA−LSC method, which puts them in a “Wignerized” form, and employs a local harmonic approximation (LHA) in order to compute the necessary multidimensional Wigner integrals. Results are reported for the...
Posterior reversible encephalopathic syndrome due to severe hypercalcemia in AIDS

A reversible syndrome of headache, altered mental status, seizures and cerebral visual abnormalities with neuroradiological studies suggesting predominantly posterior white matter abnormalities has been described. This syndrome has been referred to as posterior reversible encephalopathic syndrome (PRES). PRES has been associated with hypertensive encephalopathy, eclampsia and treatment with immunosuppressive or cytotoxic agents. Rare case reports describe association with hypercalcemia. We present a patient with AIDS, Mycobacterium avium intracellulare related hypercalcemia with posterior reversible encephalopathic syndrome.
The effect of modification of expressive displays on vicarious emotional arousal

Abstract Several recent experiments have demonstrated that modulation of the facial expressive response is accompanied by changes in autonomic arousal and subjective response to painful stimuli. The present study asked whether facial self-regulation may also bring about changes in covert vicarious emotional experience. Three groups of subjects were exposed to a videotaped model displaying intermittent pain to shock in a differential vicarious autonomic conditioning paradigm. Subjects in the inhibit and amplify groups were asked, respectively, (a) to inhibit their facial muscles or (b) to pose a facial response of pain when the model was shocked. It was predicted that the inhibit group would show less autonomic arousal to the model's expressive display (empathy) and less conditioning (as measured by skin conductance and heart rate change), and the amplify group more empathy and conditioning, than a third group who was given no facial instruction . In fact, the amplify group showed more skin conductance arousal, heart rate acceleration, and activity in response to the model's expressive display of pain than did the other two groups (which were not different from each other), but no more autonomic or facial conditioning. The overall pattern of physiological data is interpreted as generally supportive of a facial feedback theory of emotion: where significant between-groups' differences were obtained in facial activity, as in vicarious instigation, autonomic arousal differences also emerged; where no expressive differences were obtained, as in vicarious conditioning, no differences in autonomic arousal were found.
Intracutaneous asthma vaccine therapy in asthmatic children: its application and clinical value.

Summary In order to lessen the tendencytoward constitutional reactions with subsequent aggravation of asthma which sometimes follows subcutaneous injections of bacterial vaccines into asthmatic children, we began in 1948 to administer the vaccine by the intracutaneous route. The vaccine used (designated by us as A. Vac.) was prepared from pure cultures of different organisms isolated from the bronchoscopically aspirated bronchial secretions of many asthmatic patients. It was believed that such a vaccine might prove superior to the commercial stock vaccines usually employed. By varying the concentration of the A. Vac. and by keeping the dosage small (not more than 0.1 ml.), we felt that it could be given intracutaneously without too much discomfort to the patient. Series of injections were given annually in the fall and winter months over a six-year period to asthmatic children with histories of repeated “colds” preceding their attacks. Attempts were made at first to compare the results of this method with that in patients receiving the injections subcutaneously, also to evaluate the usefulness of Hydase added to the vaccine, and, finally, to determine the most satisfactory dilution and dosage schedules. The results of an experience with 125 clinic and private patients given a total of 2,036 injections strongly suggests that the intracutaneous method of administration using up to 0.1 ml. of varying concentrations of A. Vac. seemed definitely superior to the subcutaneous method, in that the incidence of constitutional reactions was relatively minimal; also it was easier to regulate the dosage because of the ability to visualize the local reaction following intracutaneous injections. Finally, despite the obvious drawbacks from attempted statistical analysis dependent upon clinical evidence and parents' opinions, those patients receiving this form of therapy reported more beneficial results both in relation to their asthma as well as in the lessened tendency to upper respiratory infections. Whether the use of our A. Vac. rather than other types, stock or autogenous, had advantages could not be determined by their clinical studies. But if other types of vaccines are utilized, it is suggested that they be given intracutaneously in the manner already outlined.
Bacterial inactivation of wound infection in a human skin model by liquid-phase discharge plasma.

Background: We investigate disinfection of a reconstructed human skin model contaminated with biofilm-formative Staphylococcus aureus employing plasma discharge in liquid. Principal Findings: We observed statistically significant 3.83-log10 (p,0.001) and 1.59-log10 (p,0.05) decreases in colony forming units of adherent S. aureus bacteria and 24 h S. aureus biofilm culture with plasma treatment. Plasma treatment was associated with minimal changes in histological morphology and tissue viability determined by means of MTT assay. Spectral analysis of the plasma discharge indicated the presence of highly reactive atomic oxygen radicals (777 nm and 844 nm) and OH bands in the UV region. The contribution of these and other plasma-generated agents and physical conditions to the reduction in bacterial load are discussed. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the potential of liquid plasma treatment as a potential adjunct therapy for chronic wounds.
Disequilibrium and human capital in pharmacy labor markets: evidence from four states.

Abstract Objectives To estimate the association between pharmacists' stocks of human capital (work experience and education), practice setting, demographics, and wage rates in the overall labor market and to estimate the association between these same variables and wage rates within six distinct pharmacy employment sectors. Wage estimation is used as a proxy measure of demand for pharmacists' services. Design Descriptive survey analysis. Setting Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Participants Licensed pharmacists working 30 or more hours per week. Intervention Analysis of data collected with cross-sectional mail surveys conducted in four states. Main Outcome Measures Hourly wage rates for all pharmacists working 30 or more hours per week and hourly wage rates for pharmacists employed in large chain, independent, mass-merchandiser, hospital, health maintenance organization (HMO), and other settings. Results A total of 2,235 responses were received, for an adjusted response rate of 53.1%. Application of exclusion criteria left 1,450 responses from full-time pharmacists to analyze. Results from estimations of wages in the pooled sample and for pharmacists in the hospital setting suggest that advanced training and years of experience are associated positively with higher hourly wages. Years of experience were also associated positively with higher wages in independent and other settings, while neither advanced education nor experience was related to wages in large chain, mass-merchandiser, or HMO settings. Conclusion Overall, the market for full-time pharmacists' labor is competitive, and employers pay wage premiums to those with larger stocks of human capital, especially advanced education and more years of pharmacy practice experience. The evidence supports the hypothesis that demand is exceeding supply in select employment sectors.
SU-E-J-209: Verification of 3D Surface Registration Between Stereograms and CT Images

Purpose: Stereography can provide a visualization of the skin surface for radiation therapy patients. The aim of this study was to verify the registration algorithm in a commercial image analysis software, 3dMDVultus, for the fusion of stereograms and CT images. Methods: CT and stereographic scans were acquired of a head phantom and a deformable phantom. CT images were imported in 3dMDVultus and the surface contours were generated by threshold segmentation. Stereograms were reconstructed in 3dMDVultus. The resulting surfaces were registered with Vultus algorithm and then exported to in-house registration software and compared with four algorithms: rigid, affine, non-rigid iterative closest point (ICP) and b-spline algorithm. RMS (root-mean-square residuals of the surface point distances) error between the registered CT and stereogram surfaces was calculated and analyzed. Results: For the head phantom, the maximum RMS error between registered CT surfaces to stereogram was 6.6 mm for Vultus algorithm, whereas the mean RMS error was 0.7 mm. For the deformable phantom, the maximum RMS error was 16.2 mm for Vultus algorithm, whereas the mean RMS error was 4.4 mm. Non-rigid ICP demonstrated the best registration accuracy, as the mean of RMS errors were both within 1 mm. Conclusion: The accuracy of registration algorithm in 3dMDVultus was verified and exceeded RMS of 2 mm for deformable cases. Non-rigid ICP and b-spline algorithms improve the registration accuracy for both phantoms, especially in deformable one. For those patients whose body habitus deforms during radiation therapy, more advanced nonrigid algorithms need to be used.
Assessing the Senate: Critical Issues Considered

Based on a national study of 750 4-year institutions, this study assesses the current state of senates and identifies factors that contribute to senate effectiveness. Findings show that although cultural elements of campus governance are positive, faculty are dissatisfied with the quality of their involvement in decision making. Regression analyses show that high levels of faculty involvement in the senate and influence in particular areas of decision making are significant predictors of senate effectiveness. Based on the findings, the study raises questions aimed at advancing the study and practice of institutional governance with particular attention to the role of faculty senates.
Abductive Theorem Proving for Analyzing Student Explanations to Guide Feedback in Intelligent Tutoring Systems

The Why2-Atlas tutoring system presents students with qualitative physics questions and encourages them to explain their answers through natural language. Although there are inexpensive techniques for analyzing explanations, we claim that better understanding is necessary for use within tutoring systems. In this paper we motivate and describe how the system creates and uses a deeper proof-based representation of student essays in order to provide students with substantive feedback on their explanations. We describe in detail the abductive reasoner, Tacitus-lite+, that we use within the tutoring system. We also discuss evaluation results for an early version of the Why2-Atlas system and a subsequent evaluation of the theorem-proving module. We conclude with the discussion of work in progress and additional future work for deriving more benefits from a proof-based approach for tutoring applications.
Known by the company they keep: a study of political campaign contributions made by the United States public accounting profession

Abstract The U.S. public accounting profession commits substantial financial resources to federal election campaigns. In this paper, we explore the potential motivations for and consequences of those actions. We investigate the political contributions made by the profession during periods of proposed professional reform. We also analyze political contributions made during the 1997–1998 U.S. federal election cycle, with the intent of identifying systematic relationships between the levels of those contributions and the ideological profiles of the legislators receiving them. We argue that the profession is engaged politically in the management of its professional role in society and in the support of large clients’ interests. We also argue that the legislators supported by the profession have legislative agendas that are much broader than those of direct interest to the profession, and therefore the profession’s support may have unintended consequences. Our analyses of contributions data reveal that the profession shows preference for legislators who are sympathetic to pro-business agendas. At the same time, the legislators who receive financial support from the profession tend to favor conservative agendas, and tend to oppose agendas advanced by Civil Rights, Labor, Liberal, and Women’s groups. Our study provides insights into the fundamental role played by the accounting profession in U.S. society and the effects of the profession’s efforts to shape public policy.
Debris cloud dynamics

Abstract The hypervelocity impact of a projectile upon a thin metal plate and subsequent formation of back-surface debris is reviewed. At sufficiently high impact velocities, roughly greater than 3.0 km/s (depending upon the shock impedances of the materials involved), shock formation and interaction dominate and control the overall response of both the projectile and the target plate. We focus upon the importance of shock heating, melting, and vaporization in this application. Because of the complexity of the physical interactions, numerical simulation of such problems is necessary to draw quantitative conclusions. Thus, we also assess the current status of computational modeling of this kind of impact event, specifically addressing recent work bearing on the sensitivity of such modeling to the equations of state and certain numerical issues.