cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Critical heat flux for subcooled flow boiling in micro-channel heat sinks

Abstract Critical heat flux (CHF) was measured and examined with high-speed video for subcooled flow boiling in micro-channel heat sinks using HFE 7100 as working fluid. High subcooling was achieved by pre-cooling the working fluid using a secondary low-temperature refrigeration system. The high subcooling greatly reduced both bubble departure diameter and void fraction, and precluded flow pattern transitions beyond the bubbly regime. CHF was triggered by vapor blanket formation along the micro-channel walls despite the presence of abundant core liquid, which is consistent with the mechanism of Departure from Nucleate Boiling (DNB). CHF increased with increasing mass velocity and/or subcooling and decreasing hydraulic diameter for a given total mass flow rate. A pre-mature type of CHF was caused by vapor backflow into the heat sink’s inlet plenum at low mass velocities and small inlet subcoolings, and was associated with significant fluctuations in inlet and outlet pressure, as well as wall temperature. A systematic technique is developed to modify existing CHF correlations to more accurately account for features unique to micro-channel heat sinks, including rectangular cross-section, three-sided heating, and flow interaction between micro-channels. This technique is shown to be successful at correlating micro-channel heat sink data corresponding to different hydraulic diameters, mass velocities and inlet temperatures.
VLSI architecture for device simulation

In this paper, VLSI architectures for solving nonlinear equations are presented, such as the elliptic partial differential equations arising from semiconductor device modeling using a Newton-SOR (Successive Over Relaxation), finite difference, iterative scheme. The computation time for the matrix inversion using these pipeline array structures is O(m) instead of O(m^2) units required on a sequential machine, where m is the number of grid points in a particular coordinate direction. The much lower number of processing elements required in this approach simply means that these array structures can easier be implemented on a chip than those using direct methods. The architectures of the chips suitable for two-dimensional and three-dimensional device simulation are illustrated in this paper. They can equally apply to the solution of some other nonlinear equations such as the ones in circuit simulation, process simulation and some other engineering analyses, provided that a successive type of algorithm such as SOR is used, so that the data can be pipelined and the equations can be solved more efficiently than by a sequential machine.
Trophic Structure and Climatic Information From Isotopic Signatures in Pleistocene Cave Fauna of Southern England

The preservation of trophic structure and climatic information in Kent's Cavern Upper Pleistocene mammal bones and teeth was assessed by comparing the isotopic composition of modern and fossil equivalents. Yields of collagen from both bone (N=19) and tooth (N=49) were extremely variable, with values relative to modern bone ranging from 0% to 100%. No evidence of preferential preservation of tooth collagen was detected. The carbon and nitrogen isotopic differences in the herbivore versus carnivore collagen from Kent's Cavern fauna were consistent with those observed in modern faunas. Moreover, an enrichment of 0·4-1·7‰ in15N was observed in tooth collagen of both deer and hyena as compared to bone collagen. This enrichment presumably reflects a trophic shift from the consumption of milk during infancy. Herbivores and carnivores had distinct differences in the carbon isotopic composition of enamel carbonate hydroxylapatite, similar to those measured in modern specimens from similar climatic environments. The spacing between the Δ13C values (difference between isotopic composition in collagen and carbonate hydroxylapatite) of Kent's Cavern herbivores and carnivores is similar to that measured in modern mammals from a single locality. The preservation of primary oxygen isotopic composition of enamel carbonate hydroxylapatite was more difficult to assess, however. Oxygen isotopic compositions of Kent's Cavern enamel are systematically lower than those of contemporaneous faunas from Southern France, which is consistent with a latitudinal effect on rainfall oxygen isotopic compositions. Although the Kent's Cavern specimens have been subjected to extensive diagenetic alteration, the biological isotopic signals seem to have utility for paleoecological reconstructions.
Charge Abundances of the Solar Wind Ions Inferred from Cometary X-Ray Spectra

An emission spectrum of X-rays from comet McNaught-Hartley (C/1999 T1) detected with the Chandra X-ray telescope is analyzed on the assumption that it results from electron captures by heavy ions of the solar wind colliding with the atoms and molecules of the cometary atmosphere. An accurate value of the relative abundance of O+8 and O+7 ions is obtained by comparing the spectrum derived from the measurement data with the predicted spectrum. A close match is found for an abundance ratio of O+8 to O+7 of 0.34 ± 0.07, the uncertainty reflecting the measurement statistics. A similar analysis of the contribution from captures by Ne+9 ions leads to an abundance ratio of Ne+9 to O+7 of 0.02 with an uncertainty of 40%. The spectrum consists of many unresolved lines. The brightest feature is composed mostly of the 2 3S1 → 1 1S0 spin-forbidden line of O+6 at 561 eV with 74% of the intensity and the 2 3P1 → 1 1S0 intercombination line at 568 eV with 12%. The strongest of the O+7 lines is the Lyα transition at 654 eV with an intensity of 29%, relative to the O+6 lines. The sensitivity of cometary X-ray spectra to variations in the abundances of highly charged oxygen ions in the solar wind is investigated.
Alienation and the absurd in two stories by cortazar

(1974). Alienation and the Absurd in Two Stories by Cortazar. Kentucky Romance Quarterly: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 43-58.
Nurse staffing and postsurgical adverse events: an analysis of administrative data from a sample of U.S. hospitals, 1990-1996.

Objective. To examine the impact of nurse staffing on selected adverse events hypothesized to be sensitive to nursing care between 1990 and 1996, after controlling for hospital characteristics. Data Sources/Study Setting. The yearly cross-sectional samples of hospital discharges for states participating in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 1990–1996 were combined to form the analytic sample. Six states were included for 1990–1992, four states were added for the period 1993–1994, and three additional states were added in 1995–1996. Study Design. The study design was cross-sectional descriptive. Data Collection/Extraction Methods. Data for patients aged 18 years and older who were discharged between 1990 and 1996 were used to create hospital-level adverse event indicators. Hospital-level adverse event data were defined by quality indicators developed by the Health Care Utilization Project (HCUP). These data were matched to American Hospital Association (AHA) data on community hospital characteristics, including registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN) staffing hours, to examine the relationship between nurse staffing and four postsurgical adverse events: venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, pulmonary compromise after surgery, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia. Multivariate modeling using Poisson regression techniques was used. Principal Findings. An inverse relationship was found between RN hours per adjusted inpatient day and pneumonia (p<.05) for routine and emergency patient admissions. Conclusions. The inverse relationship between pneumonia and nurse staffing are consistent with previous findings in the literature. The results provide additional evidence for health policy makers to consider when making decisions about required staffing levels to minimize adverse events.
Vivid bad outcome influences the decisions of older adults about treatment timing: a randomized field experiment with an abdominal aortic aneurysm analog.

In balancing the risk of rupture from an asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) against the risk of perioperative mortality, data-based guidelines recommend surgical repair when the AAA diameter reaches 5.5 cm, whereas smaller AAAs should be followed with periodic surveillance. Previous work with vascular surgeon subjects and a computer-based AAA analog simulation showed that, even when constantly updated with the relevant statistics, experiencing a prior bad watchful waiting outcome shortened the time until they made the decision to operate. Using the same simulation, this field experiment enrolled healthy older volunteers (n = 107). Participants were randomly assigned to experience either a bad outcome demonstration with an expanding balloon that bursts (experimental) or an expanding, nonbursting balloon (control). Participants then made decisions about how many times to allow the balloon to expand before opting-out of the simulation. The main outcome measure was the amount of time participants continued watchful waiting before opting-out. A Cox-regression analysis assessed the likelihood of opting-out after each expansion while controlling for censoring and important covariates, including baseline anxiety, uncertainty attitudes, and risk preferences. The bad outcome demonstration group ended the simulation significantly earlier than did the control subjects (Hazard ratio: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.05–3.74). These results extend previous findings from vascular surgeons to older adults at higher risk for AAA. The preceding bad outcome influenced subsequent decisions, even when statistical risk information was readily available. The influence of recent experience on medical decision making by patients with life-threatening conditions may be under-appreciated.
Neuronal morphology and neuropil structure in the stomatogastric ganglion of the lobster, Homarus americanus

The stomatogastric nervous system (STNS) has long been used as a model system for the study of central pattern generation, neuromodulation, and network dynamics. Anatomical studies of the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion (STG) in different species have mostly been restricted to subsets of neurons and/or general structural features. For the first time, we describe the morphology of all STG neurons belonging to the two circuits that produce the well-described pyloric and gastric rhythms in the lobster, Homarus americanus. Somata sit on the dorsal and lateral surface of the STG and send a single primary neurite into the core of the neuropil, which is mostly made up of larger lower order branches. The perimeter of the neuropil consists mostly of finer higher order branches. Immunohistochemical labeling for synaptic proteins is associated with the small diameter branches. Somata positions are not constant but show preferred locations across individuals. The number of copies is constant for all neuron types except the PY and GM neurons (PY neuron number ranges from 3 to 7, and GM neuron number ranges from 6 to 9). Branch structure is largely nondichotomous, and branches can deviate substantially from cylindrical shape. Diameter changes at branch points can be as large as 20-fold. Clearly, the morphology of a specific neuron type can be quite variable from animal to animal. J. Comp. Neurol. 501:185–205, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Contextual Factors Meditating Contests Between Male Chacma Baboons in Botswana: Effects of Food, Friends and Females

We examined aggressive displays among male chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) over a 23-mo period in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. High-ranking males were more likely than middle- or low-ranking males to participate in displays. Regardless of rank, all males were more likely to participate in chases or physical fights if their opponent’s rank was similar to their own. Most chases and fights, including those that led to injuries, were also between similarly-ranked males. The rate of both aggressive displays and approachretreat interactions increased in the weeks before rank reversals, suggesting that rank challenges were preceded by a period when males assessed each others’ competitive ability and/or motivation. Aggressive displays between disparately-ranked opponents occurred most frequently in contests involving resources of high fitness value: the defense of meat, the defense of estrous females, and the protection of infants against infanticidal attacks. Silent displays were more likely to occur in these three contexts than were displays that occurred as part of more slowly escalating interactions, in which opponents first exchanged calls. Results suggest that competitive encounters among male baboons follow patterns predicted by evolutionary game theory.
Polymerization of cyclic sulfides

The ring-opening polymerizations of cyclic sulfides containing three-, four-, and fivemembered rings were studied. In conjunction with these polymerizations, the relative basicities of the cyclic sulfides employed were also investigated. Polymerizations were effected by the use of phosphorus pentafluoride, boron trifluoride ethyl ether, triethylaluminum, and trimethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate. The resulting polymers were oxidized to the sulfones and differential thermal analyses were obtained on the sulfide polymers as well as the sulfone analogs.
High-resolution infrared spectroscopy of the J = 1 H 2 pair in parahydrogen crystals

We have conducted high-resolution laser spectroscopic studies of the ortho-${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ impurity-pair ${Q}_{1}(1)$ ($v=1\ensuremath{\leftarrow}0,$ $J=1\ensuremath{\leftarrow}1$) transitions in solid para-${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ with the ortho-${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ concentration of $l~0.2%.$ Several hundred lines were observed in the frequency region between 4142.9 and $4150.3{\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1},$ with the linewidth of 7 to 200 MHz half width at half maximum. Except for the single-molecule ${Q}_{1}(1)$ transition located at $4146.5621{\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1},$ all transitions are due to the pairs and higher-order clusters of ortho-${\mathrm{H}}_{2}.$ Using calculated relative intensities for spectral lines of nearest-neighbor (NN) pairs and next-nearest-neighbor (NNN) pair, and the accurate energy levels of the ground states by microwave spectroscopy [B. W. Statt, W. N. Hardy, and R. Jochemsen, Can. J. Phys. 58, 1326 (1980)], we have assigned 180 spectral lines that are due to NN and NNN pairs, including both symmetric and antisymmetric excited states. The ground-state frequency-combination differences agree to within $0.001{\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1},$ the accuracy of the measurement. The agreement of the relative intensities and polarization dependences between the observed spectrum and the calculated spectrum is also satisfactory. The energy levels in the excited states obtained from the assignment demonstrate that the pair splitting due to the first- and second-order electric quadrupole-quadrupole (EQQ) interaction and the crystal-field interaction remains similar between the ground and excited states. Small and similar deviations from the ground state have been noted for the excited states of NN in-plane (IP), NN out-of-plane (OP), and NNN pairs. The widths of the observed spectral lines differ by more than an order of magnitude depending on the levels. We noticed that only the $F=2,$ $M=0$ level, which has the highest energy among all the $F,M$ components due to the EQQ interaction, has significant homogeneous broadening on the order of 100 MHz due to relaxation to the lower $F,M$ levels. The inhomogeneous broadening due to the randomly distributed ortho-${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ is approximately proportional to the difference in EQQ energy between the ground and excited $F,M$ levels. These observations were useful in conducting spectral assignments. Complete energy level patterns for the six excited states: NN IP $(s,a),$ NN OP $(s,a),$ and NNN $(s,a)$ pairs have been determined and discussed. A comprehensive analysis using the Hamiltonian is left for a future work.
Knowledge of oral cancer and screening practices of primary care providers at Federally Qualified Health Centers.

Objectives Primary care providers (PCPs) who worked in Federally-Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in Michigan were surveyed to assess their knowledge level and practices related to screening and preventing oral cancer. Methods A questionnaire was developed with the assistance of dental and medical experts, and revised through focus groups. The questionnaire included one case scenario describing a suspicious oral lesion in a 55-year old female patient, followed by questions assessing PCPs' knowledge level, attitude, opinion, and screening practices for oral cancer. This mail survey was conducted in 2003. Results Survey response rate was 56.4%. Over 70% of the respondents reported that they screen patients for oral cancer during a routine physical examination. Forty-four percent of PCPs had high knowledge level, based on the scenario questions. Those who had high knowledge level were more likely to be physicians, males, and more likely to perform screening for oral cancer than those with low knowledge level. There was no difference in age and race/ethnicity between high and low knowledge groups. Perceived barriers included (1) lack of education; (2) lack of specialists to refer patients; and (3) lack of reimbursement. Conclusions The majority of PCPs in this survey had positive attitudes about performing screening for oral cancer. To involve PCPs in screening for oral cancer, oral health programs should focus on providing up-to-date education, setting up a referral system, and providing proper reimbursement.
The effects of load carriage and muscle fatigue on lower-extremity joint mechanics.

Military personnel are commonly afflicted by lower-extremity overuse injuries. Load carriage and muscular fatigue are major stressors during military basic training. Purpose: To examine effects of load carriage and muscular fatigue on lower-extremity joint mechanics during walking. Method: Eighteen men performed the following tasks: unloaded walking, walking with a 32-kg load, fatigued walking with a 32-kg load, and fatigued walking. After the second walking task, muscle fatigue was elicited through a fatiguing protocol consisting of metered step-ups and heel raises with a 16-kg load. Each walking task was performed at 1.67 m·s− 1 for 5 min. Walking movement was tracked by a VICON motion capture system at 120 Hz. Ground reaction forces were collected by a tandem force instrumented treadmill (AMTI) at 2,400 Hz. Lower-extremity joint mechanics were calculated in Visual 3D. Results: There was no interaction between load carriage and fatigue on lower-extremity joint mechanics (p>.05). Both load carriage and f...
Toward high‐performance computational chemistry: I. Scalable Fock matrix construction algorithms

Several parallel algorithms for Fock matrix construction are described. The algorithms calculate only the unique integrals, distribute the Fock and density matrices over the processors of a massively parallel computer, use blocking techniques to construct the distributed data structures, and use clustering techniques on each processor to maximize data reuse. Algorithms based on both square and row-blocked distributions of the Fock and density matrices are described and evaluated. Variants of the algorithms are discussed that use either triple-sort or canonical ordering of integrals, and dynamic or static task clustering schemes. The algorithms are shown to adapt to screening, with communication volume scaling down with computation costs. Modeling techniques are used to characterize algorithm performance. Given the characteristics of existing massively parallel computers, all the algorithms are shown to be highly efficient for problems of moderate size. The algorithms using the row-blocked data distribution are the most efficient. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The determination of chondroitin sulfate C-type polysaccharides in mixture with other acid mucopolysaccharides

Abstract Chondroitin sulfate C-type polysacchrides may be directly determined in mixtures with chondroitin sulfate A and keratosulfate on a microscale by a procedure using hyaluronidase. This method furnishes a more reliable criterion for purity of chondroitin sulfate A or chondroitin sulfate C-type polysaccharides than does either infrared analysis of measurement of optical rotation.
Influence of synthetic (poly I:C) and viral double-stranded ribonucleic acids on adenovirus 12 oncogenesis in hamsters.

SummarySynthetic double-stranded ribonucleic acid (Poly I:C) and replicative form RNA from MU9 coliphage reduced the occurrence of internal but not subcutaneous tumor after injection of adenovirus 12 subcutaneously into newborn hamsters. The effect was more evident in female than in male animals. Poly I:C treatment was consistently effective only when started prior to virus. The single homopolymers Poly I and Poly C were also protective even though they exert little, if any, interferon-inducing capacity. The action of the ribonucleotides might have been related both to interferon and to ordinary immune mechanisms. The greater activity in females as compared with male animals and the fact that the single-stranded Poly I and Poly C homopolymers were active favors the latter possibility. Pyran copolymer and endotoxin showed a minor reduction in internal but not subcutaneous tumor when given prior to and after adenovirus.
Dynamics of singlet biradicals. Application of ab initio variational transition state theory to the fragmentation of tetramethylene

Abstract The fragmentation of the anti conformation ( 1 ) of the singlet tetramethylene biradical was studied by canonical variational transition state theory using ab initio wavefunctions. The minimum energy path for fragmentation was calculated using a 6-31G basis set and a 4-electron-4-orbital (4-in-4) CASSCF wavefunction. Energies were corrected by a truncated singles-and-doubles multi-reference CI based on all references of a 4-in-4 CASSCF using a 6-31G* basis set. The fragmentation has no calculated potential energy barrier, but does have a small free energy barrier due to the decrease in entropy associated with a tightening of the terminal CH 2 rotations as fragmentation proceeds. The fragmentation rate is predicted to decrease slightly with increasing temperature. The calculations are consistent with, but do not demand, the hypothesis that 1 is a mechanistically insignificant intermediate, and that it fragments as soon as it is formed.
Research on Mediator Style: A Summary and Some Research Suggestions

Empirical research on mediator style, after promising beginnings, has not kept pace with the significant and continuing interest of mediation practitioners in mediator stylistic behavior and thinking. In the hopes of closing the research-practice gap, we consider the practical and conceptual importance of conducting research on mediator style. We then present an overview of what is known empirically about mediator stylistic behavior, with an emphasis on the research papers in this volume. Those papers address three major issues: (a) What mediators say about their stylistic preferences; (b) the degree to which mediators show stylistically flexibility; and (c) the relative impact of mediator style on the process and outcomes of mediation. We thenconsider why the empirical record on mediatorstyleisstillrelativelyweak,andweoffersuggestions for moving forward along more vigorous research lines.
State Supreme Court Elections The Significance of Racial Cues

The literature on judicial elections in the United States is virtually unanimous in its assessment of voter interest and turnout; most studies show that judicial elections do not provide voters with the sort of salient cues that generate interest and participation in elections for positions on the bench. For this reason, the elections for seats on the Florida Supreme Court in 1976 provide an enlightening context for evaluating the effect of voter cues in low saliency elections. Those elections represented a quiet landmark in American electoral politics inasmuch as it was the first time since Reconstruction that a black had been elected to statewide office in the South. We use this context to evaluate the impact of a black candidate in drawing black voters to participate in an otherwise low-saliency judicial election. Our data, drawn from statewide sampling of Florida election precincts, show that voters in predominantly black precincts participated in substantially higher proportions in the race with a bl...
Transport Equations with Quadratic Nonlinearities

Abstract Two papers have recently appeared with approximate analysis of transport equations with quadratic nonlinearities. These equations can generally be solved exactly by means of a linearizing transformation, although there are exceptions that depend on the type of boundary conditions.
Successful treatment of metastatic retinoblastoma.

BACKGROUND In the past, patients with metastatic retinoblastoma have had a poor prognosis when treated with conventional modalities. In the current study, the authors evaluated the use of combined intensive conventional chemotherapy, high dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue (ASCR), and radiation therapy. METHODS Four patients with metastatic retinoblastoma were treated. All had orbital and bone marrow metastases. In addition, three patients had bone metastases and two patients had liver metastases. None had central nervous system disease. Patients received intensive conventional chemotherapy that included vincristine, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and either cisplatin or carboplatin. Stem cells were harvested after bone marrow disease was no longer detectable. High dose chemotherapy with carboplatin (500 mg/m2/day × 3 days or area under the curve = 7 via the Calvert formula) and thiotepa (300 mg/m2/day × 3 days) with (n = 3 patients) or without (n = 1 patient) etoposide (250 mg/m2/day × 3 days) was administered with ASCR. Sites that originally harbored bulky disease were irradiated after recovery from the high dose chemotherapy. RESULTS The therapy was associated with substantial acute hematopoietic and mucosal toxicities. At last follow-up, all four patients had survived event free from 46–80 months after the diagnosis of metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS The treatment strategy described in the current study is effective for patients with metastatic retinoblastoma that does not involve the central nervous system. However, a multicenter trial should be considered to evaluate it in a larger group of patients. Cancer 2000;89:2117–21. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Structural and functional consequences of the substitution of glycine 65 with arginine in the N-lobe of human transferrin.

The G65R mutation in the N-lobe of human transferrin was created to mimic a naturally occurring variant (G394R) found in the homologous C-lobe. Because Gly65 is hydrogen-bonded to the iron-binding ...
Keeping It Together in Times of Stress: Checkpoint Function at Stalled Replication Forks

In this issue of Molecular Cell, De Piccoli et al. (2012) show that, contrary to current models of DNA replication checkpoint function, replication proteins remain associated with each other and with replicating DNA when replication is stressed in checkpoint-deficient cells.
Uterine PEComa: appraisal of a controversial and increasingly reported mesenchymal neoplasm

In recent years, a group of tumors that have been designated "perivascular epithelioid cell tumors" (PEComa) have been reported with increasing frequency from a wide variety of anatomic locations. The uterus and retroperitoneum appear to be the most frequent sites of origin for these lesions. PEComas belong to an identically named family of tumors comprised of conventional angiomyolipomas, clear cell sugar tumors, lymphangiomyomatosis and clear cell myomelanocytic tumor of the falciform ligament/ligament teres, and are also known as PEComa-NOS. This article is a primer for clinicians on the most salient clinicopathologic features of uterine PEComas, as most of the debate and discussion have taken place in the pathologic literature. The author appraises in detail the current state of knowledge on PEComas of the uterus based on a review of published data on the 44 previously reported cases, and comments on areas of controversy. The latter are centered predominantly on the significant morphologic and immunophenotypic overlap that exists between uterine PEComa and some smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. The clinicopathologic features of cases reported as epithelioid smooth muscle tumors and cases reported as uterine PEComas are compared and contrasted, and a practical approach to their reporting is proposed.
Prospecting for drugs in ancient texts

The mass screening of plants in the search for new drugs is vastly expensive and inefficient. It would be cheaper and perhaps more productive to re-examine plant remedies described in ancient and mediaeval texts.
Perceived mobility of impact: global elites and the bono effect

Purpose – This paper aims to examine how the globally mobile elite (GME) uses its capital and networks to create a perception that market-driven solutions to social problems are superior to the efforts of government and civil society. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on a number of emerging literatures, the authors introduce and develop the concept of the “perceived mobility of impact” and use the case of the “Bono effect” to illustrate how this phenomenon is enacted. The authors then employ a critical lens to challenge the consequences of this perceived mobility of impact. Findings – Global elites use their mobility to generate network capital, which in conjunction with celebrity affinity for global humanitarian causes builds a self-reinforcing consensus and legitimizes market-driven solutions to social problems. While this approach may make the GME feel generous about their contribution, it raises questions about accountability and representation in shaping global social policy. Originality/value –...
The presence and distribution of elastin in the posterior and retrobulbar regions of the mouse eye

The Presence and distribution of elastin in the posterior and retrobulbar regions of the mouse eye was investigated. Mice of two strains (C57/BL6 and DBA/2J) were studied at 2 months and 8-12 months of age. Light, confocal, and transmission electron microscopy were used to identify elastin, using immunohistochemical techniques and ultrastructural evaluation. Elastin was found in the following ocular structures: conjunctiva, muscle tendons, sclera, choroid, and meninges. The elastin in the sclera was most dense in a ring surrounding the peripapillary optic nerve head, with its presence in the inner sclera declining with greater distance from the nerve head. Elastin fibers were oriented in the sclera along what would be expected to be the principal stress directions generated from the intraocular pressure, though actual biomechanical measurements have not yet been made in the mouse sclera. Elastin comprises a portion of the mouse sclera and its distribution in the peripapillary area is similar to that in human eyes.
Macrophages and mesenchymal stromal cells support survival and proliferation of multiple myeloma cells

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by almost exclusive tropism of malignant cells for the bone marrow (BM) milieu. The survival and proliferation of malignant plasma cells have been shown to rely on interactions with nonmalignant stromal cells, in particular mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), in the BM microenvironment. However, the BM microenvironment is composed of a diverse array of cell types. This study examined the role of macrophages, an abundant component of BM stroma, as a potential niche component that supports malignant plasma cells. We investigated the proliferation of MM tumour cell lines when cultured alone or together with MSCs, macrophages, or a combination of MSCs and macrophages, using the carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester assay. Consistently, we observed increased proliferation of MM cell lines in the presence of either MSCs or macrophages compared to cell line-only control. Furthermore, the combined co-culture of MSCs plus macrophages induced the greatest degree of proliferation of myeloma cells. In addition to increased proliferation, MSCs and macrophages decreased the rate of apoptosis of myeloma cells. Our in vitro studies provide evidence that highlights the role of macrophages as a key component of the BM microenvironment facilitating the growth of malignant plasma cells in MM.
Vibrational Optical Activity In Amino Acids, Peptides And Proteins

Vibrational optical activity has emerged as an important new technique for probing local solution conformation in chiral biological molecules. Vibrational circular dichroism, in particular, has provided information on conformations and intramolecular hydrogen bonding in sugars, amino acids and amino acid derivatives, small peptides, and catecholamine neurotransmitters and related molecules through application of the coupled oscillator and ring-current mechanisms.
Unsedated Colonoscopy Introduced to Ensure Access is Acceptable to a Subgroup of Veterans

Background Nurses for monitoring and recovery are required for sedated colonoscopy. A nursing shortage necessitated discontinuation of sedated colonoscopy at a VA academic training program. Aim Elements of a case series that documented acceptance of unsedated colonoscopy are reviewed to raise awareness of the feasibility of this option. Method The pros and cons of sedation and no sedation were summarized. After discussion, patients who chose the unsedated option were scheduled for examination locally while those who desired sedation were scheduled at another VA site. Colonoscopy was performed by supervised trainees. Results From September 2002 to June 2005 scheduled unsedated colonoscopy was accepted by 145 of 483 veterans. Cecal intubation was achieved in 81%. Thus, of the cohort 30% had local access to and 24% completed unsedated colonoscopy. Implementation of unsedated colonoscopy obviated the need for two registered nurses previously required for sedated colonoscopy. Conclusion Unsedated colonoscopy offered as an option to ensure access was acceptable to a subgroup of our veteran patients. Implementation required less nursing resources. Techniques to enhance the cecal intubation rate of unsedated colonoscopy performed by supervised trainees deserves to be assessed in future studies.
Window-based greedy contention management for transactional memory: theory and practice

We consider greedy contention managers for transactional memory for M × N execution windows of transactions with M threads and N transactions per thread. We present, formally analyze, and experimentally evaluate three new randomized greedy contention management algorithms for transaction windows. Assuming that each transaction has duration τ and conflicts with at most C other transactions inside the window, the first algorithm Offline-Greedy produces a schedule of length O(τ· (C + N· log(MN))) with high probability. The offline algorithm depends on knowing the conflict graph which evolves while the execution of the transactions progresses. The second algorithm Online-Greedy produces a schedule of length that is only a logarithmic factor worse than Offline-Greedy, but does not require knowledge of the conflict graph. The third algorithm Adaptive-Greedy is the adaptive version of the previous algorithms which produces a schedule of length asymptotically the same as with online algorithm by adaptively guessing the value of C. All of the algorithms exhibit competitive ratio very close to O(s), where s is the number of shared resources, and at the same time, our algorithms provide new non-trivial tradeoffs for greedy transaction scheduling that parameterize window sizes and transaction conflicts within the execution window. We evaluate these window-based algorithms experimentally using the sorted link list, red-black tree, skip list, and vacation benchmarks. The evaluation results confirm their benefits in practical performance throughput and other metrics such as aborts per commit ratio and execution time overhead, along with the non-trivial provable properties of the algorithms.
A study of optimal conditions for separating protein fractions from isolated cell nuclei

Abstract A study has been made of the effect of changes in conditions used for the extraction of the globulin fraction of isolated cell nuclei on the ratios of the various nuclear protein fractions to DNA. It has been found that the ratio of total histone to DNA is maximal when the pH of globulin extraction is about 5.6 or the concentration of NaCl used for globulin extraction is 0.8% or both. Under these conditions the total histone to DNA ratio is about 2.5. As the pH of globulin extraction increases above 6.0, the ratios of total histone and residual protein to DNA fall rather rapidly, as does the concentration of DNA in the nuclei. The latter effects are thought to be attributable to increased proteolysis and nucleolysis as the pH of globulin extraction increases above 5.8.
Convergence of phase inversion for simple crystal shapes using coherent x-ray diffraction

The penetrating nature and atomic-scale wavelength of X-ray radiation makes the possibility of an X-ray microscope a very exciting prospect. Unfortunately, existing X-ray optics are far less efficient than their visible light counterparts. An attractive alternative to optics is computational inversion of the far-field coherent X-ray diffraction (CXD), which can be measured using modern X-ray sources. Thus we seek to defeat the so-called phase problem by iteratively seeking a set of phases consistent with the CXD measurement and some physical real-space constraints. We have found the behavior of fitting algorithms to be qualitatively different for simulated diffraction patterns and measured coherent X-ray intensity patterns. We will compare the convergence of the inversion of CXD patterns from simply shaped metal crystals with simulation.
Intrinsic sympathomimetic activity and the effects of beta-adrenergic blocking drugs on vulnerability to ventricular fibrillation

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents differ considerably in their effects on myocardial excitable properties. The possibility that intrinsic sympathomimetic activity might contribute to such differences has not been adequately explored. This study examined the influence of intrinsic sympathomimetic activity on the electrophysiologic effects of three agents with varying degrees of such activity. Intravenous propranolol (0.5 mg/kg), oxprenolol (0.5 mg/kg) and pindolol (0.05 mg/kg) were administered in 16 anesthetized dogs. The effects of the drugs on ventricular vulnerability were studied over a 2 hour period. Propranolol and oxprenolol raised the ventricular fibrillation threshold by 42 and 56%, respectively. In contrast, pindolol resulted in an elevation of only 25%. After depletion of endogenous norepinephrine stores using reserpine, pindolol led to a decrease of the ventricular fibrillation threshold, which was reversed by propranolol. These data indicate that intrinsic sympathomimetic activity of beta-adrenergic blocking agents substantially alters their ultimate effect on myocardial excitable properties.
Chemical synthesis of staphyloferrin A and its application for Staphylococcus aureus detection

The chemical synthesis of staphyloferrin A, a siderophore used by Staphylococcus bacteria for ferric iron retrieval, has been achieved with 79% yield via solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Biological activity of synthetic staphyloferrin A has been confirmed by demonstrating its capture and uptake by live S. aureus.
Nuclear pore complex clustering and nuclear accumulation of poly(A)+ RNA associated with mutation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RAT2/NUP120 gene

To identify genes involved in the export of messenger RNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, we used an in situ hybridization assay to screen temperature-sensitive strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This identified those which accumulated poly(A)+ RNA in their nuclei when shifted to the non-permissive temperature of 37 degrees C. We describe here the properties of yeast strains carrying mutations in the RAT2 gene (RAT - ribonucleic acid trafficking) and the cloning of the RAT2 gene. Only a low percentage of cells carrying the rat2-1 allele showed nuclear accumulation of poly(A)+ RNA when cultured at 15 degrees or 23 degrees C, but within 4 h of a shift to the nonpermissive temperature of 37 degrees C, poly(A)+ RNA accumulated within the nuclei of approximately 80% of cells. No defect was seen in the nuclear import of a reporter protein bearing a nuclear localization signal. Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are distributed relatively evenly around the nuclear envelope in wild-type cells. In cells carrying either the rat2-1 or rat2-2 allele, NPCs were clustered together into one or a few regions of the nuclear envelope. This clustering was a constitutive property of mutant cells. NPCs remained clustered in crude nuclei isolated from mutant cells, indicating that these clusters are not able to redistribute around the nuclear envelope when nuclei are separated from cytoplasmic components. Electron microscopy revealed that these clusters were frequently found in a protuberance of the nuclear envelope and were often located close to the spindle pole body. The RAT2 gene encodes a 120-kD protein without similarity to other known proteins. It was essential for growth only at 37 degrees C, but the growth defect at high temperature could be suppressed by growth of mutant cells in the presence of high osmolarity media containing 1.0 M sorbitol or 0.9 M NaCl. The phenotypes seen in cells carrying a disruption of the RAT2 gene were very similar to those seen with the rat2-1 and rat2-2 alleles. Epitope tagging was used to show that Rat2p is located at the nuclear periphery and co-localizes with yeast NPC proteins recognized by the RL1 monoclonal antibody. The rat2-1 allele was synthetically lethal with both the rat3-1/nup133-1 and rat7-1/nup159-1 alleles. These results indicate that the product of this gene is a nucleoporin which we refer to as Rat2p/Nup120p.
Interference of Bulk and Boundary Scattering in Ultrathin Quantized Systems

Abstract Interference of bulk and surface scattering processes is analyzed for ultrathin systems with quantized motion in the direction perpendicular to the walls. The effective relaxation time for scattering by random bulk and surface inhomogeneities is calculated, when possible analytically, beyond the Matthiessen's rule. The applications to the size effect, weak localization, transport along the walls, and boundary slip are discussed.
1008-15 Effectiveness of Heparin for Prevention of Coagulation Factor Activation During Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation

A major complication of radiofrequency catheter ablation is thromboembolism, although the mechanism underlying this is unknown. We compared coagulation factor activation during catheter ablation and diagnostic electrophysiologic study and sought to determine whether IV heparin is effective in preventing it. Methods Fifty-five pts were prospectively studied: group I (28 pts) had diagnostic electrophysiologic study; group II (9 pts) had ablation without heparin; group III (18 pts) had ablation with heparin (8842 ± 1842 unit bolus + 1000 units/hr infusion). No differences were found in age, procedure time, or number of radiofrequency applications in group II vs. group III, Thrombogenesis was measured at the start (T0) and end of the electrophysiologic study or ablation procedure (T1), and the following morning (T2) using D-dimer (DD; ng/ml) and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT: ng/ml) assays. Results (Median values): Group I Group II Group III TAT DD TAT DD TAT DD T0 9.1 915 5.1 464 5.3 206 T1 20.0 1102 23.2 2107 8.6 627 T2 4.5 1016 10.6 627 7.6 720 DD increased in all groups at Tl and T2 (p l 0.05) with the largest increase in the ablation groups (II and III). Compared to baseline, TAT was increased only in Groups II and III at Tl (p l 0.05; Wilcoxon matched pairs signed ranks test); however, heparinized patients showed a smaller rise in TAT (p = 0004). TAT returned to baseline by T2 in all groups. Conclusions 1. The magnitude of coagulation factor activation appears to be greater in the catheter ablation group compared to the electrophysiologic study group. 2. Coagulation factor activation may be reduced, but not eliminated, by conventional doses of IV heparin 3. Higher doses of heparin may be needed during catheter ablation to prevent thrombogenesis.
Regulation of Heat Shock Gene Expression by RNA Polymerase II Elongation Factor, Elongin A

The elongation stage of transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) has emerged as an essential regulated step. Elongin A (EloA) is the largest subunit of the Elongin complex that can increase the catalytic rate of mRNA synthesis by Pol II. We recently demonstrated that the Elongin A homologue in Drosophila, dEloA, is essential and has properties consistent with those of a Pol II elongation factor in vivo. The goal of this study was to test whether dEloA is required for heat shock gene transcription, since heat shock gene expression is thought to be controlled at the level of Pol II elongation. Here, we demonstrate that dEloA is rapidly recruited to heat shock loci with Pol II in response to heat shock. Furthermore, through the use of RNA interference in vivo, we show that dEloA is required for the proper expression of one of these genes, HSP70, and that its requirement for heat shock gene expression is exerted after the initiation of transcription at heat shock loci. Our data represent the first demonstration of an essential role for an RNA polymerase II elongation factor in the regulation of heat shock gene expression in an animal model.
Anomalous paraconductivity of superconducting whiskers above Tc

Abstract Tin whiskers show anomalously broad resistive transitions which narrow in a magnetic field. This indicates that the fluctuation paraconductivity would be divergent except for the presence of pair breaking interactions.
On Empirical Bayes Testing for a Location Parameter in a Shifted Gamma Distribution

Abstract Consider a location parameter θ in a shifted gamma distribution having a where is the fixed shape parameter. We study the two-action problem of testing against using the empirical Bayes approach. An empirical Bayes test is constructed. Under some mild conditions, is shown to be asymptotically optimal at a rate of order for where n is the number of past data available when the current decision problem is considered. The achieved rate of much improves the existing result in the literature.