cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unsupervised immunophenotypic profiling of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Background Proteomics and functional genomics have revolutionized approaches to disease classification. Like proteomics, flow cytometry (FCM) assesses concurrent expression of many proteins, with the advantage of using intact cells that may be differentially selected during analysis. However, FCM has generally been used for incremental marker validation or construction of predictive models based on known patterns, rather than as a tool for unsupervised class discovery. We undertook a retrospective analysis of clinical FCM data to assess the feasibility of a cell-based proteomic approach to FCM by unsupervised cluster analysis. Methods Multicolor FCM data on peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) lymphocytes from 140 consecutive patients with B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs), including 81 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLLs), were studied. Expression was normalized for CD19 totals, and recorded for 10 additional B-cell markers. Data were subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis using complete linkage by Pearson's correlation. Analysis of CLL in PB samples (n = 63) discovered three major clusters. One cluster (14 patients) was skewed toward “atypical” CLL and was characterized by high CD20, CD22, FMC7, and light chain, and low CD23. The remaining two clusters consisted almost entirely (48/49) of cases recorded as typical BCLL. The smaller “typical” BCLL cluster differed from the larger cluster by high CD38 (P = 0.001), low CD20 (P = 0.001), and low CD23 (P = 0.016). These two typical BCLL clusters showed a trend toward a difference in survival (P = 0.1090). Statistically significant cluster stability was demonstrated by expanding the dataset to include BM samples, and by using a method of random sampling with replacement. Conclusions This study supports the concept that unsupervised immunophenotypic profiling of FCM data can yield reproducible subtypes of lymphoma/chronic leukemia. Expanded studies are warranted in the use of FCM as an unsupervised class discovery tool, akin to other proteomic methods, rather than as a validation tool. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Anti‐Fy5, an Antibody Disclosing a Probable Association between the Rhesus and Duffy Blood Group Genes

Abstract. A new antibody, anti-Fy5, has been found in the serum of a Negro Fy(a–b–) person. It reacts with Fy(a+) or Fy(b+) red cells of common Rh type, but not with Fy(a–b–) cells from Negroes, or with Rhnull cells. An example of Caucasian Fy(a–b–) red cells was Fy5 positive. U-negative or LW-negative red cells give the reaction expected of their Duffy type. The data suggest that the Fy5 determinant is formed by interaction of Rhesus and Duffy gene products.
N-Fold Joint Photon Counting Distributions Associated with the Photodetection of Gaussian Light

Recently, Arecchi, Bern\'e, and Sona reported results of theoretical and experimental investigations on the twofold joint photocount distributions of a stationary Gaussian-Markovian radiation field. In this paper, we generalize their results by deriving the $N$-fold joint photocount distribution of a Gaussian (thermal) radiation field of arbitrary spectral profile, when the counting-time intervals are short compared to the coherence time of the light. The present analysis provides simple recurrence relations for the $N$-fold joint photocount distributions and for their generalized factorial moments. These relations are derived with the help of an $N\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}N$ generating matrix which is introduced here. The present analysis also indicates to what extent the $N$-fold joint photocount distributions contain useful information about the higher-order coherence properties of the radiation field.
Purification and properties of the human placental uracil DNA glycosylase

Abstract Human placental uracil DNA glycosylase was purified 3700-fold to apparent homogeneity as defined by SDS gel analysis. Its immunological characteristics were examined using three monoclonal antibodies prepared against partially purified human placental uracil DNA glycosylase. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that, even in crude isolates, only one glycosylase species of molecular weight 37 000 could be detected. Each of the three monoclonal antibodies quantitatively recognized the highly purified enzyme by ELISA. The glycosylase is a single polypeptide with a molecular weight of 37 000 as defined by both Sephadex gel filtration and by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. The enzyme is heat-stable, with a t 1 2 of greater than 30 min at 42° C or 45° C. Surprisingly, inhibitor analysis demonstrated that the glycosylase was inhibited by preincubation with either 5-fluoroucacil or 5-bromouracil. However, no significant inhibition was observed when either compound was added directly to the enzyme assay.
Tetanus and diphtheria immunization

Abstract Tetanus and diphtheria are easily preventable diseases that cause significant morbidity and mortality in unvaccinated or inadequately immunized persons. Tetanus is caused by a sporulating bacillus, found in soil and human and animal feces, that may contaminate acute or chronic wounds and release an exotoxin that causes muscle spasms and interferes with release of transmitters in autonomic nerves. Diphtheria is caused by a nonsporulating bacillus, found only in humans, that ordinarily resides in the superficial layers of the respiratory mucosa and in skin lesions and is spread by direct contact with these areas. Active immunization with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine (DTP, whole cell or acellular) is part of the current recommended childhood immunization schedule. Booster doses of tetanus and reduced-dose diphtheria toxoids (Td) are recommended every 10 years following completion of a childhood primary series. For persons beginning a primary series at 7 years of age or older, including adults with uncertain vaccination histories, an initial dose of Td should be followed 4–8 weeks later by a second dose of Td. The second dose should be followed 6–12 months later by a third dose of Td, with booster doses every 10 years thereafter. Vaccine also is indicated for patients recovering from clinical tetanus or diphtheria and for postexposure prevention of tetanus under certain circumstances. The major contraindication to vaccine use is a history of a neurologic or severe hypersensitivity reaction following a prior dose of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids. Among the adverse effects associated with administration of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids are local reactions; mild systemic reactions such as fever, headache, and malaise; and, rarely, more severe systemic reactions, including generalized urticaria, anaphylaxis, and neurologic complications such as Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and brachial neuritis.
The vibrational dependence of quartic centrifugal distortion

Abstract The dependence of the quartic centrifugal distortion coefficients of a molecule on the vibrational quantum number vk is of type H ˜ 24 in the expansion of the effective Hamiltonian. It gives information on the quartic potential constants of the type k ′ k k l m and is therefore additional to that provided by the anharmonicity constants xkl, which depend only on the quartic potential constants of the type k ′ k k l l . The present work describes the calculation of these H ˜ 24 terms from a given potential by perturbation theory, using a computer program which calculates the coefficients in the successive contact transformations. Results are presented, in terms of directional centrifugal distortion constants, for the SO2, ClO2, O3, and H2O molecules. Good agreement with observed coefficients is obtained for SO2 and ClO2. For O3, the strong rotational resonance between the (100) and (001) states complicates the comparison, and the transformation to the effective Hamiltonian used empirically requires further study. For H2O, poor agreement is obtained for the (010) level because of quasilinear behaviour. The effects of the resonance between (100) and (001) are less severe than for O3, and the agreement with the observed is somewhat better.
Mass Transport and Calibration in Liquid Chromatography Particle Beam Mass Spectrometry

Differences in the designs of two liquid chromatography particle beam mass spectrometry systems result in differences in the transport of ammonium acetate and differences in ion abundance-enhancing carrier effects. The effect of mobile phase composition, especially the proportion of water in the mobile phase, on transport efficiency is described. Instrument detection limits for 12 compounds with two different interface designs are presented. The calibrations are generally nonlinear explained in terms of mass transport effects and supported by experiments with isotopically labeled species that coelute with the native species. Summary results of a small multilaboratory study are presented. Calibration with isotopitally labeled internal standards is recommended for real-world environmental samples.
Development Of The Photographic Objective

A brief outline is given of the development of the more significant types of photographic objective lens that have been introduced since the invention of photography some 145 years ago. Many other forms have been tried, but because they were inferior to, or more expensive than, existing types, they were eventually abandoned. The use of the modern electronic computer has enabled designers to experiment with more complex arrangements, some of which are now regularly manufactured.
Long primitive binary BCH codes have distance d leq 2n ln R^{-1}/log n cdots

In this paper, we obtain upper and lower bounds on the designed and actual distances of any sequence of extended primitive BCH codes of increasing lengths n and fixed rate R . The results of this paper are based on [1, ch. 12], which gives an exact expression for the rates of any sequence of extended primitive BCH codes of increasing length and fixed ratio of distance/length.
Climatology in American Geography

Abstract In this essay, I attempt to chronicle and assess the position of climatology in American geography during the past one hundred years with emphasis on the role of papers published in the Annals. The approach I take is influenced by my interest in the decline of physical geography, including climatology, beginning in the last half of the 1800s (Leighly 1938) to its resurgence in the 1950s and 1960s, and reviews of the climatology literature that have appeared recently (e.g., Carleton 1999). I discuss climatology in American geography in three loosely defined periods. The first is the formative era in which physical geography, including climatology, was a dominant part of our discipline, and physical geographical conditions such as climate were considered determinants of human affairs. In the middle (regional) era, the physical geographic environment, including climatology, was largely taken to be a static physical milieu or “stage” on which human activity occurred, simply to be described by geograp...
STEPS: A grid search methodology for optimized peptide identification filtering of MS/MS database search results

For bottom-up proteomics, there are wide variety of database-searching algorithms in use for matching peptide sequences to tandem MS spectra. Likewise, there are numerous strategies being employed to produce a confident list of peptide identifications from the different search algorithm outputs. Here we introduce a grid-search approach for determining optimal database filtering criteria in shotgun proteomics data analyses that is easily adaptable to any search. Systematic Trial and Error Parameter Selection--referred to as STEPS--utilizes user-defined parameter ranges to test a wide array of parameter combinations to arrive at an optimal "parameter set" for data filtering, thus maximizing confident identifications. The benefits of this approach in terms of numbers of true-positive identifications are demonstrated using datasets derived from immunoaffinity-depleted blood serum and a bacterial cell lysate, two common proteomics sample types.
Does preservation of the neurovascular bundle affect surgical outcome in men with prostate cancer

Does preservation of the neurovascular bundle affect surgical outcome in men with prostate cancer?
Ubiquinone in Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides. Some thermodynamic properties.

Abstract In Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides chromatophores there are 25 ± 3 ubiquinone (Q) molecules/reaction center protein. They comprise several thermodynamically and functionally different ubiquinone complements. There are approx. 19 ubiquinones (Em7 = 90 mV) in the main ubiquinone complement which, within experimental resolution, appears thermodynamically homogenous and follows the redox reaction Q + 2e + 2H+ ag QH2 from pH 5–9. A method which takes advantage of the 2H+ bound/molecule of Q reduced is described for measuring the time course of light-activated reaction center-driven reduction and oxidation of the 19 Q complement. No stable semiquinones were detected in the constituents of the 19 Q complement. There are approx. 6 ubiquinones of lower Em which are currently unaccounted for, although one or possibly two of these can be assigned to the quinones of the reaction center protein. The remainder may be associated with the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase.
Time to equilibrium for spatially variable watersheds

Abstract An algorithm for calculating the time to equilibrium of complex watersheds is developed for spatially varied watershed characteristics and excess rainfall intensity. The wave travel time through the flow path originating from the hydraulically most remote point in the basin essentially determines the equilibrium time of the system. The wave travel time is computed for two distinct phases: overland flow and channel flow. The hydraulically most remote point is stationary for all spatially uniform rainstorms but may vary for spatially distributed storms. The time to equilibrium varies inversely with rainfall intensity raised to the power 0.4. Using a raster-based approach, algorithms were developed to determine the distance-drainage area relationship and to perform the numerical integration of the time to equilibrium. Although approximate, the algorithm provides maps showing the isochromes of surface runoff and travel time to the outlet, along with time-area histograms for uniform or spatially distributed rainstorms. Isochrones determine the response time required for water, dilute suspensions and pollutants to reach the watershed outlet under complete equilibrium. The effects of infiltration in delaying the time to equilibrium are significant only when δ / K is large.
Anti-series normally-On SiC JFETs operating as bidirectional switches

Ac-ac matrix converters and cycloconverters require bi-directional switches, which are typically formed by two antiparallel thyristors or a two-switch (IGBT/MOSFETs) two-diode configuration. As silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) devices become more available, it is possible to have higher voltage FETs with low conduction and switching losses and reverse conduction capability, which allows the elimination of the diodes in a bidirectional switch. This paper will investigate a bidirectional switch formation that is formed by using two normally-on SiC JFETs in anti-series with no anti-parallel diodes.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an established procedure for the complications of portal hypertension. The largest body of evidence for its use has been supported for recurrent or refractory variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. Its use has also been advocated for acute variceal bleed, hepatic hydrothorax, and hepatorenal syndrome. With the replacement of bare metal stents with polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents, shunt patency has improved dramatically, thus, improving outcomes. Therefore, reassessment of its utility, management of its complications, and understanding of various TIPS techniques is important.
Identifying Personnel Costs in Library Acquisitions

This article discusses the cost of personnel in library acauisitions departments. The areas considered are: (1) interviewing and hiring; (2) employee attitudes; (3) training; (4)consultation; (5) performance evaluation; (6) non-productive time; (7) mistakes; (8) absenteeism; (9) staff development. Each factor is analysed for cost implications and examined to show how they contribute to rising costs when not carefully controlled. There is an exploratory discussion on measuring services and productivity and suggestions for further investigation.
What Asexuality Contributes to the Same-Sex Marriage Discussion

While same-sex marriage debates have captured public attention, it is but one component of a broader discussion regarding the role of marriage in a changing society. To inform this discussion, I draw on qualitative, Internet survey data from 102 self-identified asexual individuals. I find that asexual relationships are complicated and nuanced in ways that have implications for a GLBTQ political agenda, including same-sex marriage recognition. In addition, findings indicate that assumptions of sex and sexuality in relationships are problematic and that present language for describing relationships is limiting. Findings suggest a social justice agenda for marginalized sexualities should be broader in scope than same-sex marriage.
SEM for the 21st Century: Scanning Ion Microscopy

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) has become the most widely used of all advanced imaging tools because it offers a unique range of capabilities. It can resolve and image objects with sizes ranging from millimeters to below 1 nm; it offers multiple ways to generate, collect, and display signals; the images produced contain information about the topography, chemical composition, and the magnetic, electrostatic, and crystallographic properties of the sample; and it can generate characteristic x-ray emission from the specimen to provide a quantitative chemical analysis. Unfortunately, one thing that it will be unable to do is maintain its competitive edge in the 21st century. This is because electrons are electromagnetic ‘‘waves’’ and thus the smallest spot, ‘‘d,’’ into which an electron beam can be focused has a diameter of the order of: d 1⁄4 k=a ð1Þ
Metallurgical and Corrosion Studies of Modified T91 Grade Steel

Modified 9Cr-1Mo steels containing different Silicon (Si) content have been tested for evaluation of their metallurgical and corrosion properties. The results of tensile testing indicated reduced failure strain up to 400°C followed by its enhancement at a higher temperature. Stress corrosion cracking tests at constant load did not show any failure in any materials. However, reduced ductility and true failure stress were noted in slow strain rate (SSR) testing, indicating increased cracking susceptibility at elevated temperatures. The corrosion potential became more active with increasing temperature in polarization studies. A combination of intergranular and cleavage failures was observed in specimens tested by the SSR technique.
Conjunctive Effects of Fibroblast Growth Factor and Glycosaminoglycan on Bone Metabolism in Neonatal Bartter Syndrome

The calciotropic activity of urine from a subject with neonatal Bartter syndrome (NBS) has been partially purified using ion-exchange and gel chromatographic techniques. A bioassay using bone disks from rat calvaria was used to estimate calciotropic activity, which in the urine of the subject with NBS appears to be due to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) bound to a glycosaminoglycan susceptible to heparitinase digestion. The calciotropic activity is eluted from DEAE-Sephacel and Sepharose CL-6B in a narrow band in association with metachromatic material and is destroyed by heparitinase and blocked by an antibody to bFGF. After treatment of purified preparations with heparitinase, a component that is inactive alone but develops calciotropic activity in association with heparin can be isolated by affinity chromatography on heparin-Sepharose columns. This component is recovered from the column at NaCl concentrations expected to elute bFGF and is inactivated by antibodies to bFGF. No calciotropic activity can be shown in glycosaminoglycan-containing fractions from urine from a normal boy or a normal man, but such fractions exhibit calciotropic activity if bFGF is added to the assay system. When bFGF is added to urine from either normal subject followed by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel, calciotropic activity is eluted at NaCl concentrations closely similar to those found to elute calciotropic activity from the urine of the NBS subject. It appears that the abnormal findings in NBS urine are due to excess bFGF, although they could be due to some abnormality of the glycosaminoglycan component.
A Method for Evaluating the Abrasion Resistance of Optical Surfaces and Thin Films

A method of evaluating resistance to rubbing abrasion is described which is applicable to any optical surface, whereby surfaces of widely different optical properties can be compared. The depth of penetration of the abrasion marks is less than the thickness of many optical films so that properties of the film, rather than the substrate, are measured. After abrading, the surfaces are aluminized, and the light scattered from a reflected beam is collected over a complete hemisphere by a novel design of hazemeter. Results of measurement on films of Cr, MgF2, and SiO as well as on plate glass and two transparent plastics are presented.
Integrating quality management practices with knowledge creation processes

Several quality thought leaders have considered the role of knowledge in quality management practices. For example, Deming proposed The Deming System of Profound Knowledge™ that dealt explicitly with knowledge. However, various authors in the quality field diverge considerably when contemplating knowledge. We propose an integrated view of quality and knowledge using Nonaka's theory of knowledge creation. This integrated view helps illuminate how quality practices can lead to knowledge creation and retention. The knowledge perspective also provides insight into what it means to effectively deploy quality management practices. Previous empirical research noted the importance of effective deployment, but provided little insight into what effective deployment means. This research argues that quality management practices create knowledge, which leads to organizational performance. Taking a knowledge-based view (KBV) of the firm provides a deeper understanding of why some organizations are more successful at deploying quality management practices than others.
A finite element quasi-Eulerian method for three-dimensional fluid-structure interactions

Abstract A quasi-Eulerian approach is used in the development of a three-dimensional hydrodynamic finite element. With this approach the motion of the computing grid may be different from the motion of the material. Within each element the field variables are represented by trilinear interpolation functions and the pressure field is assumed to be constant. This leads to a set of simple relations for internal nodal forces that are easily coded and computationally efficient. Because the formulation is based upon a rate approach it is applicable to problems involving large displacements. The technique of degeneration is applied to the hexahedron to generate a pentahedral element. The use of the hour-glass dissipating nodal-forces for mesh stabilization is discussed. The procedure used to couple the fluid and structural domains of a problem is presented. The above method is applied to a three-dimensional, fluid-structure interaction problem in the area of reactor safety.
Clinicians' attitudes regarding barriers to the implementation of psychiatric advance directives.

Psychiatric advance directives (PADs) may include documenting advance instructions (AIs) and/or designating health care agents (HCAs). Laws authorizing PADs have proliferated in the past decade, but there has been little research regarding perceptions of barriers to the implementation of PADs among groups of mental health professionals. A total of N=591 mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers) completed a survey regarding their perceptions of potential barriers to the effective implementation of PADs. Across the three professional groups barriers related to operational features of the work environment (e.g., lack of communication between staff, lack of access to the document) were reported at a higher rate than clinical barriers (e.g., inappropriate treatment requests, consumers’ desire to change their mind about treatment during crises). However, psychiatrists were more likely to report clinical barriers to implementation than both psychologists and social workers. In multivariable analyses, legal defensiveness, employment in public sector mental health services, and a belief that treatment refusals will outweigh the benefits of PADs were associated with more perceived barriers, whereas age and endorsing positive perceptions of PADs were associated with fewer perceived barriers. Psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers tend to perceive significant potential barriers to PADs, related to operational aspects of these professionals’ work environment as well as certain clinical features of PADs for persons with severe mental illness. Additionally, legal defensiveness and general endorsement of PADs appear to shape perceptions of barriers to the effective implementation of PADs.
Stokes-Adams Attacks Induced by Rectal Stimulation in a Patient with Complete Heart Block

This paper reports a case of complete heart block whose Stokes-Adams attacks were induced by straining at stool and invariably by digital stimulation of the rectum. Electrocardiograms during attacks exhibited high ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation and chaotic heart action.
Muscle-specific gene expression controlled by a regulatory element lacking a MyoD1-binding site.

Muscle-specific expression of the gene encoding the delta subunit of the acetylcholine receptor is controlled by a 54-base-pair region that does not contain a binding site for MyoDl, a protein involved in activation of the myogenic program. A MyoDl-binding site is present in the proximal promoter region of the gene encoding the δ-subunit, but is neither sufficient nor necessary for muscle-specific expression in transfected muscle cells.
A study of the effects of air preheat on the structure of methane/air counterflow diffusion flames

Abstract The effects of air preheat on flame structure are studied in counterflow methane–air diffusion flames, considering air temperatures in the range 300 to 560 K. Species concentrations for H 2 , O 2 , N 2 , CH 4 , CO, CO 2 , C 2 H 2 , and C 2 H 4 were measured using sampling and gas chromatography. Concentrations of NO were measured using sampling and chemiluminescence analysis. Results of numerical calculations using GRI-Mech 2.11 were compared with the measurements. The results of the numerical calculations and the measurements show excellent agreement for O 2 , N 2 , CH 4 , and good agreement for CO 2 , H 2 , and CO. However, they show poor agreement for C 2 H 2 and C 2 H 4 . Independent of the air temperature in the range 300 to 560 K, measured and predicted concentrations of CH 4 , CO 2 , O 2 , and N 2 collapse reasonably well when plotted against the local equivalence ratio. The peak CO and H 2 concentrations increase with increasing air preheat. The peak CO concentrations increase because of enhanced dissociation of CO 2 . The peak H 2 concentrations increase because of an increase in H atom concentrations causing enhanced rates of the reaction CH 4 + H → CH 3 + H 2 . Both the measured and the predicted NO profiles showed approximately a 70% increase in the peak mole fractions with the increase in air temperature. The predictions of NO mole fractions in the fuel-lean region and near the peak are within 10% of the measurements. However, in the fuel-rich region, the predicted NO mole fractions are lower by up to 70% than the measured NO mole fractions. The increase in peak NO mole fractions with air preheat occurs primarily through the enhanced reaction rate of the prompt initiation reaction N 2 + CH → HCN + N. The NO production by the thermal mechanism increases significantly with air preheat, but still remains a very small portion of the total. The effects of air preheat on many species and reaction rates manifest through the increased H atom concentrations.
Parametric excitation of tire-wheel assemblies by a stiffness non-uniformity

Abstract A simple model of the effect of a concentrated radial stiffness non-uniformity in a passenger car tire is presented. The model treats the tread band of the tire as a rigid ring supported on a viscoelastic foundation. The distributed radial stiffness is lumped into equivalent horizontal (fore-and-aft) and vertical stiffnesses. The concentrated radial stiffness non-uniformity is modeled by treating the tread band as fixed, and the stiffness non-uniformity as rotating around it at the nominal angular velocity of the wheel. Due to loading, the center of mass of the tread band ring model is displaced upward with respect to the wheel spindle and, therefore, the rotating stiffness non-uniformity is alternately compressed and stretched through one complete rotation. This stretching and compressing of the stiffness non-uniformity results in force transmission to the wheel spindle at twice the nominal angular velocity in frequency, and therefore, would excite a given resonance at one-half the nominal angular wheel velocity that a mass unbalance would. The forcing produced by the stiffness non-uniformity is parametric in nature, thus creating the possibility of parametric resonance. The basic theory of the parametric resonance is explained, and a parameter study using derived lumped parameters based on a typical passenger car tire is performed. This study revealed that parametric resonance in passenger car tires, although possible, is unlikely at normal highway speeds as predicted by this model unless the tire is partially deflated.
Retrovirus-Mediated Transduction of Porcine Keratinocytes in Organ Culture

Direct transfer of new genetic information to keratinocytes in epidermis may prove effective in treating certain genodermatoses; however, current methods for in vivo gene transfer to skin do not lead to persistence of the transgene. The goal of this study was to explore direct gene transfer using retrovirus-mediated transduction. Retroviral vectors integrate a DNA copy of their genome into the host chromosome and therefore have the potential to effect a permanent gene therapy. To facilitate development of methods for in vivo transduction with retroviral vectors, a porcine skin organ culture model was constructed in which the denuded surface was repopulated with replicating keratinocytes from hair follicles and epidermal remnants. In situ transduction was carried out by topical application of two retrovirus vectors, MFGlacZ (10 7 blue forming units per ml) and LZRN pseudotyped with the G protein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) (10 9 colony forming units per ml), each encoding the β-galactosidase reporter gene and the latter encoding the neomycin phosphotransferase selectable gene. β-galactosidase expressing cells were observed more frequently with LZRN than with MFGlacZ; however, transduction efficiency remained low in both instances. At equivalent titers, the VSV-G pseudotyped retroviral vector was shown to transduce porcine keratinocytes more efficiently than a similar vector with the amphotropic envelope. The number of β-gal+ cells in organ culture could be increased by selection of LZRN-transduced cells in situ with G418. To achieve transduction of epidermis in vivo , these studies point out the importance of high titer retroviral vectors, pseudotyping with VSV-G protein, and in situ selection.
Genetic Algorithm Optimization of a Compact Heat Exchanger Modeled Using Volume Averaging Theory

This paper proposes and implements a new methodology for optimizing Compact Heat Exchangers (CHXs) using a Volume Averaging Theory (VAT) model and a Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimizer. This method allows for multiple-parameter optimization of CHXs by design of their basic morphological structures, and is applied to a Finned-Tube Heat Exchanger (FTHX). A consistent model is used to describe transport phenomena in a FTHX based on VAT, which allows for the volume averaged conservation of mass, momentum, and energy equations to be solved point by point, with the morphology of the structure directly incorporated into the field equations. The equations differ from known equations and are developed using a rigorous averaging technique, hierarchical modeling methodology, and fully turbulent models with Reynolds stresses and fluxes in the space of every pore. These averaged equations have additional integral and differential terms that must be dealt with in order for the equation set to be closed, and recent work has provided this closure. The resulting governing equation set is relatively simple and is discretized and solved using the finite difference method. Such a computational algorithm is fast running, but still able to present a detailed picture of the temperature fields in both of the fluid flows as well as in the solid structure of the heat exchanger. A GA is integrated with the VAT-based solver to carry out the FTHX optimization, which is a ten parameter problem, and the FTHX’s effectiveness is selected as the fitness function to be optimized. This method of using the VAT-based solver fully integrated with a GA optimizer results in an all-in-one tool for performing multiple-parameter constrained optimization on FTHXs.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Laser-enhanced ionization spectroscopy of sodium atoms in an air-hydrogen flame with mass spectrometric detection

Abstract Sodium atoms in an air-hydrogen flame at atmospheric pressure have been selectively ionized by laser-enhanced ionization (LEI) spectroscopy, and the resulting ions have been drawn into a vacuum and detected by quadrupole mass spectrometry. A commercial inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer, modified for use with a flame rather than an ICP, was used to sample and detect the LEI ions. Following double-resonance LEI using pulsed dye lasers, the detected sodium ion signal was enhanced by a factor of 350 over that induced by thermal ionization alone. Using a 5 mm laser beam diameter, the LEI signal pulse was found to last for 0.54 ms (FWHM). Spatial studies in which the position of the laser beam relative to the mass spectrometer sampler cone was varied, demonstrated that the ions produced by LEI travel with the flame velocity into the mass spectrometer, with no significant losses due to recombination from as far as 13 mm from the interface.
Laser Spark Plug Numerical Design Process With Experimental Validation

This work reports the numerical modeling design procedure for a miniaturized laser spark plug. In previous work both side pumped and end pumped laser spark plugs were empirically designed and tested. Experimental data from the previous laser spark plug development cycles is compared to the output predicted by a known set of rate equations. The rate equations are used to develop interrelated inter cavity time dependent waveforms that are then used to identify key variables. These variables are then input to a set of secondary equations for determining the output pulse energy, output power, and output pulse width of the simulated laser system. The physical meaning and the operation of the rate equations is explained in detail. This paper concentrates on the process and decision points needed to successfully design a solid state passively Q-switched laser system, either side pumped or end pumped, that produces the appropriate output needed for use as a laser spark plug for internal combustion engines.
Design and synthesis of the pseudo‐EF hand in calbindin D9K: Effect of amino acid substitutions in the α‐helical regions

A series of 37-residue analogues of the pseudo-EF hand in bovine calbindin D9K has been synthesized by the solid phase method. In the presence of calcium an alpha-helical induction of up to 44% was observed for the peptide with the native sequence with a Kd for calcium binding of 0.35 mM. A number of amino acid substitutions have been carried out to study the packing of the two alpha-helices based on the crystal structure of the entire protein. Three strategies were employed: (1) replacement of the Leu residues, which in the crystal structure do not contribute to the hydrophobic interaction between the two helices, by Gln or Ala in order to control the orientation of the helix packing, (2) stabilization of the individual helix by introducing a Glu-...Lys+ salt bridge or by changing the N-terminal charge to compensate for the helix dipole moment, and (3) introduction of a disulfide bond between the two helices to help the packing of the helices. The mutants with the substitution of (Leu-30, Leu-32) to (Gln-30, Gln-32), (Gln-30, Ala-32), and (Ala-30,Ala-32) designed based on the strategy 1 do not show any affinity for calcium and have low alpha-helicity. The Leu-30 to Lys-30 mutant designed to form a salt bridge between the side chains of Glu-26 and Lys-30 has an apparent Kd for calcium of 6.8 mM. Kd of the N-terminal acetylated and succinylated mutants are 0.41 and 0.45 mM, respectively, and no increase in the alpha-helix content relative to that of the natural sequence peptide is observed. The disulfide containing mutants, namely Tyr-13, Leu-31 to Cys-13, Cys-31 and Tyr-13, Leu-31 to Cys-13, hCys-31, show apparent Kd values of 0.93 and 2.1 mM, respectively. The former mutant shows the highest alpha-helix content among the peptides studied in the presence and absence of calcium. While it is difficult to construct an isolated and rigid helix-loop-helix motif with peptides of this size, introduction of a disulfide bond proved to be effective for this purpose.
The Leader‐Member Encounter in the Formal Organization

An adequate study of leadership behaviour must take account of leader‐member encounters in routine meetings and in the more informal and spontaneous discussions with individuals and groups. This comprehensive approach to leadership behaviour must relate the behaviour of the leader and member in interaction to the social system of the organization. The present discussion focusses on the relationship between general organizational values and normative role prescriptions on the one hand and behaviour in leader‐member encounters on the other. Particular use is made of the views of Talcott Parsons and Erring Goffman. It is concluded that the relationship between the constructs selected for discussion is subtle and difficult to test. However, there appears to be merit in the detailed study of the more informal leader‐member encounters which occur in the daily life of the organization.
Time Resolved Measurements of Pyrolysis Products From Thermoplastic Poly-Methyl-Methacrylate (PMMA)

The goal of this research is to obtain quantitative information on chemical speciation over time during high temperature material thermal decomposition. The long term goal of the research will be to impact structural fire safety by developing a data base of characteristic “burn signatures” for combustible structural materials. In order to establish procedure and to generate data for benchmark materials, the first material tested in these preliminary tests is poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA). Material samples are heated in an infrared (IR) heating chamber until they undergo pyrolysis. Time resolved quantitative measurements of the exhaust species CO2 , O2 , HC, and CO were obtained. During heating the PMMA sample undergoes two distinct processes. First, pre-combustion pyrolysis is characterized by the appearance a peak in the THC signal between 600–650 °C. Secondly, at about 900 °C flaming combustion occurs as evidenced by an exothermic reaction reported by the thermocouples. The time sequence of the production of HC, O2 depletion and CO2 production are consistent with combustion in an excess-oxidizer environment.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Supercomputer applications in molecular modeling

An overview of the functions performed by molecular modeling is given. Molecular modeling techniques benefiting from supercomputing are described, namely, conformation, search, deriving bioactive conformations, pharmacophoric pattern searching, receptor mapping, and electrostatic properties. The use of supercomputers for problems that are computationally intensive, such as protein structure prediction, protein dynamics and reactivity, protein conformations, and energetics of binding is also examined. The current status of supercomputing and supercomputer resources are discussed. >
Development of NYSLAB

Since the development of ILLI-SLAB software in 1979, researchers have made significant contributions to the capabilities of tools for jointedpavement analysis. These efforts have culminated in some commercial and noncommercial software packages such as JSLAB and ISLAB2000. Even though JSLAB has undergone several improvements since 1986, the underlying core of the software maintains the characteristics of the initial ILLI-SLAB code. A thorough review of JSLAB2004 revealed that it would be beneficial to redesign the software completely to take advantage of modern computer resources and finite element modeling techniques available today. For this reason, a new analysis tool was developed that significantly improves on the efficiency and capabilities of JSLAB2004. The improvements led to NYSLAB, a tool that (a) has no limitations on the number of jointed slabs and foundation layers analyzed, (b) more accurately models the contact between debonded slabs and between the bottom slab and the top foundation layer,...
High-performance thin-film transistors in large grain size polysilicon deposited by thermal decomposition of disilane

The characteristics of polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors (TFTs), fabricated on films deposited in an LPCVD system using disilane, were investigated as a function of grain size. The grain size and its statistical distribution were correlated with processing conditions; optimum conditions to maximize grain size for device applications were determined. The dependence of the ON current and the OFF (leakage) current of polysilicon TFTs, as well as of their statistical distributions, on the grain size, the gate dielectric processing temperature, the channel length, and the device structure are reported and discussed. Larger grain size polycrystalline silicon films were found to yield devices with higher mobilities and lower leakage currents. TFTs, fabricated in polysilicon films with average grain sizes of 1.8 /spl mu/m with thermally grown silicon dioxide as gate dielectric, had ON/OFF current ratio well above 10/sup 8/, average effective mobility value of 170 cm/sup 2//V.s and subthreshold slope of 0.3 V/dec.
Multi-Task Learning for Spoken Language Understanding with Shared Slots.

This paper addresses the problem of learning multiple spoken language understanding (SLU) tasks that have overlapping sets of slots. In such a scenario, it is possible to achieve better slot filling performance by learning multiple tasks simultaneously, as opposed to learning them independently. We focus on presenting a number of simple multi-task learning algorithms for slot filling systems based on semi-Markov CRFs, assuming the knowledge of shared slots. Furthermore, we discuss an intradomain clustering method that automatically discovers shared slots from training data. The effectiveness of our proposed approaches is demonstrated in an SLU application that involves three different yet related tasks.
The eed mutation disrupts anterior mesoderm production in mice

Mouse embryos homozygous for the mutation embryonic ectoderm development (eed) exhibit a growth defect and fail to gastrulate normally. While extraembryonic mesoderm is produced extensively, very little embryonic mesoderm is detected in eed mutant embryos, and there is no subsequent organization of mesoderm into node, notochord, or somites. The phenotype is consistent with a defect in the distal primitive streak. Here we report additional phenotypic analyses that include mRNA in situ hybridization of genes whose expression reflects the function of different regions of the primitive streak and their derivatives. These studies have confirmed that mesoderm derived from the proximal primitive streak is specified appropriately. Despite the absence of a morphologically distinct node, sparse axial mesoderm cells in eed mutant embryos are specified, as reflected by expression of Brachyury (T), Sonic hedgehog, and Tcf3b/HNF-3 beta, and definitive endoderm is produced. Specification of these cell types is also independent of correct expression of nodal, Fgf4, and gsc. Finally, T and Evx1 display ectopic expression in cells not normally fated to ingress through the primitive streak. The data presented are discussed in terms of mechanisms for establishment of the eed phenotype, and are consistent with the eed gene product playing an early role in primitive streak formation and/or organization.
Noninvasive arterial blood pressure waveform monitoring using two- element ultrasound system

This work details noninvasive arterial blood pressure (ABP) waveform estimation based on an arterial vessel cross-sectional area measurement combined with an elasticity measurement of the vessel, represented by pulse wave velocity (PWV), using a two-element ultrasound system. The overall ABP waveform estimation is validated in a custom-designed experimental setup mimicking the heart and an arterial vessel segment with two single element transducers, assuming a constant hemodynamic system. The estimation of local PWV using the flow-area method produces unbiased elasticity estimation of the tube in a pressure waveform comparison. The measured PWV using 16 cardiac cycles of data is 8.47 + 0.63 m/s with an associated scaling error of −1.56 + 14.0% in a direct pressure waveform comparison, showing negligible bias error on average. The distension waveform obtained from a complex cross-correlation model estimator (C3M) reliably traces small pressure changes reflected by the diameter change. The excellent agreement of an estimated pressure waveform to the reference pressure waveform suggests the promising potential of a readily available, inexpensive, and portable ABP waveform monitoring device.
Migraine as a Cause of Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing loss is common, but unexplained in many cases. Although usually attributed to a viral infection of the inner ear in most patients, the abrupt onset of the hearing loss in many patients argues against a viral etiology. We present 13 cases of unexplained sudden hearing loss who meet the diagnostic criteria for migraine. All had the sudden onset of hearing loss and other neurologic phenomena that could be attributed to vasospasm, including vertigo, amaurosis fugax, hemiplegia, facial pain, chest pain, and visual aura. We suggest that vasospasm of the cochlear vasculature was the cause of the sudden hearing loss in these patients. A personal and family history of migraine should be sought in patients with sudden hearing loss and when found, a trial of antispasmodic agents should be considered.
A generalized PC-based bus impedance matrix building algorithm

A generalized PC-based bus impedance matrix building algorithm for power system analysis for positive, negative and zero sequence networks is described. Program features include optimal line ordering, mutually coupled lines and shunt elements in the network. One of the unique features of this algorithm is how mutually coupled lines are processed. The program handles lines that are directly and indirectly mutually coupled. In processing these mutually coupled lines, the minimum dimension of the primitive impedance matrix is constructed for each mutually coupled line being assembled. A numerical example is presented. >
Addressing reciprocity between families and schools: Why these bridges are instrumental for students’ academic success

One instrumental step in promoting overall children’s academic success across the trajectory of early childhood, elementary, middle, and secondary grades is purposefully establishing positive linka...