cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diamond: Molten under pressure

Shockwaves driven by intense laser pulses allow the phase diagram of diamond to be extended up to pressures of 40 megabars and temperatures of 50,000 K. The results could help us better understand the material properties of the core of giant planets within and beyond our Solar System.
Inclusion of heat transfer computations for particle laden flows

A newly developed direct numerical simulation method has been used to study the dynamics of nonisothermal cylindrical particles in particulate flows. The momentum and energy transfer equations are solved to compute the effects of heat transfer in the sedimentation of particles. Among the effects examined is the drag force on nonisothermal particles, which we found strongly depends on the Reynolds and Grashof numbers. It was observed that heat advection between hotter particles and fluid causes the drag coefficient of particles to significantly increase at relatively low Reynolds numbers. For Grashof number of 100, the drag enhancement effect diminishes when the Reynolds number exceeds 50. On the contrary, heat advection with colder particles reduces the drag coefficient for low and medium Reynolds number (Re<50) for Grashof number of −100. We used this numerical method to study the problem of a pair of hot particles settling in a container at different Grashof numbers. In isothermal cases, such a pair of particles would undergo the well-known drafting-kissing-tumbling (DKT) motion. However, it was observed that the buoyancy currents induced by the hotter particles reverse the DKT motion of the particles or suppress it altogether. Finally, the sedimentation of a circular cluster of 172 particles in an enclosure at two different Grashof numbers was studied and the main features of the results are presented.
Selective antagonism of nicotine actions in the rat cerebellum with α-bungarotoxin

Abstract Nicotine, locally applied to identified neurons in the rat cerebellar cortex, excites inhibitory interneurons, but depresses the discharge of Purkinje cells. Alpha-bungarotoxin blocked the excitatory actions of nicotine on the inhibitory interneurons. The antagonism of nicotine excitatory actions is largely irreversible and also insurmountable with higher doses of nicotine. The antagonism by alpha-bungarotoxin is, in addition, selective since there is no blockade of the inhibitory actions of nicotine on Purkinje neurons. The present data suggest that the excitatory actions of nicotine on inhibitory interneurons are mediated by neuromuscular-type nicotinic receptors in the cerebellum. Moreover, the present data also supports the hypothesis of multiple nicotinic sites of action in mammalian brain.
Progressive Bronchial Obstruction During the Acute Stage of Respiratory Tract Infection in Asthmatic Children

To study the time-course of infectious asthma, we retrospectively examined FEV 1 from 5 days before to 10 days after the onset of illness in 31 asthmatic children (20 boys and 11 girls), aged 8 to 12 years. Infections were confirmed by a rise of at least fourfold in serum compliment fixation titers (respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae ) and hemoaggulutination inhibition titers (parainfluenza virus types 1,2, and 3). All the patients had 20 percent or more fall in FEV 1 from baseline value during acute phase, but were clinically tolerable and required minimum or no bronchodilators. Regardless of infectious agent, FEV 1 began to fall on the first disease day or the previous day, and deteriorate for the first few days. Mean(SD) maximum fall in FEV 1 ranged from 39(12) percent to 45(20) percent. Thereafter, FEV 1 began to improve and returned to the preillness level by the seventh to tenth day. These results suggest that progressive bronchial obstruction may be inevitable during the acute stage of any infectious asthma.
Visualization of multi-INT fusion data using Java Viewer (JVIEW)

ABSTRACT Visualization is important for multi-intelligence fusion and we demonstrate issues for presenting physics-derived (i.e., hard) and human-derived (i.e., soft) fusion results. Physics-derived solutions (e.g., imagery) typically involve sensor measurements that are objective, while human-derived (e.g., text) typically involve language processing. Both results can be geographically displayed for user-machine fusion. Attributes of an effective and efficient display are not well understood, so we demonstrate issues and results for filtering, correlation, and association of data for users - be they operators or analysts. Operators require near-real time solutions while analysts have the opportunities of non-real time solutions for forensic analysis. In a use case, we demonstrate examples using the JVIEW concept that has been applied to piloting, space situation awareness, and cyber analysis. Using the open-source JVIEW software, we showcase a big data solution for a multi-intelligence fusion application, specifically context-enhanced information fusion. Keywords: Multi-INT fusion, JVIEW, User Defined Operating Picture, UDOP, Level 5 fusion, tracking
Robust control of free-floating space robot systems

In this paper, we propose a robust control scheme for a free-floating space robot system where a robot arm is mounted on a free-floating base—a satellite, spacecraft or space station. The base is not controlled by external moments or forces. We model the system as an extended robot, including a pseudo-arm representing the base motion produced by six hypothetical passive joints, and a real robot arm. This model allows us to categorize the free-floating space robot system as a specific type of under-actuated system with mixed passive and active joints. We then discuss some fundamental properties of such a system. By means of an input-output linearization technique, we demonstrate that the internal dynamics of the system are nonlinear parametric and therefore, the control of the system using conventional robot control schemes is not feasible. To overcome the difficulty in controlling the internal dynamics subject to parameter uncertainty, and to avoid the measurement of the base acceleration, we develop a ro...
Similar Electrophysiological Changes in Axotomized and Neighboring Intact Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

We investigated electrophysiological changes in chronically axotomized and neighboring intact dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in rats after either a peripheral axotomy consisting of an L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) or a central axotomy produced by an L5 partial rhizotomy (PR). SNL produced lasting hyperalgesia to punctate indentation and tactile allodynia to innocuous stroking of the foot ipsilateral to the injury. PR produced ipsilateral hyperalgesia without allodynia with recovery by day 10. Intracellular recordings were obtained in vivo from the cell bodies (somata) of axotomized and intact DRG neurons, some with functionally identified peripheral receptive fields. PR produced only minor electrophysiological changes in both axotomized and intact somata in L5 DRG. In contrast, extensive changes were observed after SNL in large- and medium-sized, but not small-sized, somata of intact (L4) as well as axotomized (L5) DRG neurons. These changes included (in relation to sham values) higher input resistance, lower current and voltage thresholds, and action potentials with longer durations and slower rising and falling rates. The incidence of spontaneous activity, recorded extracellularly from dorsal root fibers in vitro, was significantly higher (in relation to sham) after SNL but not after PR, and occurred in myelinated but not unmyelinated fibers from both L4 (9.1%) and L5 (16.7%) DRGs. We hypothesize that the changes in the electrophysiological properties of axotomized and intact DRG neurons after SNL are produced by a mechanism associated with Wallerian degeneration and that the hyperexcitability of intact neurons may contribute to SNL-induced hyperalgesia and allodynia.
Using free web storage for data backup

Backing up important data is crucial. A variety of causes can lead to data loss, such as disk failures, administration errors, virus infiltration, theft, and physical damage to equipment. Users and businesses have important information that is difficult to replace, such as financial records and contacts. Reliable backups are crucial because some data cannot be replaced, while recreating other data can be expensive in terms of time and money. We propose two methods which leverage various types of free Web storage to provide simple, reliable, and free backup solutions.The first method is based on the storage of data in the caches of Internet search engines. We have developed CrawlBackup, a tool which prepares and provides the data for Web crawlers and can then restore the data from the Internet even if all the data on the original computer is unavailable. The second method, called MailBackup, stores redundant copies of the important data in the mailboxes of Internet mail services. We have successfully used these backup systems since the middle of 2005. In this paper we discuss and compare these methods, their feasibility of deployment, their security, and their flexibility.
Financial Literacy and Economic Empowerment of Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: Examining the Differences Between Public Assistance Recipients and Nonrecipients

Financial literacy helps build economic empowerment and self-sufficiency among economically vulnerable groups. This article explores the effect of financial literacy on the economic empowerment of survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and investigates whether the relationship might differ for women receiving public assistance. Using survey data from 120 survivors of IPV, regression models examine the direct and interactive effects of financial literacy and public assistance receipt. Findings indicate that though being a public assistance recipient seems to be related to higher levels of economic empowerment, this effect disappears when controlling for financial literacy levels and their interaction with benefit status.
Semantic aphasia: a neglected entity.

Abstract Three cases of semantic aphasia are reported. Computerized brain tomography showed bilateral temporo-parieto-occipital junction hemorrhages in one patient, and left parieto-occipital junction infarctions in the other two patients. The auditory comprehension defect of the three patients was characterized by preserved understanding of single words and impaired understanding of grammatically complex constructions. It is suggested that this comprehension defect reflects an inability to fully grasp the meaning of words and grammatical constructions imbued with spatial or quasi-spatial significance. Each of the three patients showed a complex spatial disorder that included constructional apraxia, spatial agnosia, and elements of Gerstmann's syndrome. The aphasic as well as the spatial disorder of semantic aphasics may be manifestations of a common defect in the perception of spatial relationships produced by left temporo-parieto-occipital region damage.
The assembly of protein particles of the RNA bacteriophage fr in absence of RNA.

Abstract In absence of RNA the selfassembly of fr phage-like particles proceeds at a lower rate and a lower ionic strength than in presence of RNA. The resulting particles are similar in diameter to the empty capsids obtained by phage degradation, however, they have a higher sedimentation constant and are less penetrated by negative stain. A hypothesis for the structure of these particles is offered.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN SCORES ON KIRTON'S INVENTORY FOR NURSING STUDENTS AND A GENERAL STUDENT POPULATION

This study compared scores on the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory of 60 first-year nursing students with scores of 73 nonnursing majors of approximately the same age to test the hypothesis that, in general, individuals selecting nursing as a major tend to show a more adaptive style of creativity in problem solving than their nonnursing peers. Analysis indicated the nursing students were significantly more "adaptive" in problem solving and less "innovative" than the nonnursing control group.
Effect of Secondary Cooling on Non-Oriented Electrical Steel Strips Produced by Twin-Roll Casting Process

Effect of secondary cooling on non-oriented electrical steel strips was investigated. The 2.0 mm thick cast strips contain two compositions were produced by twin-roll casting process, cooled in the air or cooled by spraying water. The microstructure was observed by optical microscopy, and EBSD was used to characterize the texture of the cast strips. The results showed that air-cooling cast strips have uniform and equiaxed grains with average size of 250 μm. The microstructure of the water-spraying cast strips compose of most equiaxed grains and a small number of abnormal big grains. At the same time, the secondary cooling rate mildly affects the cast texture strength but has no influence on the texture type.
GABAA Receptor M2–M3 Loop Secondary Structure and Changes in Accessibility during Channel Gating

The gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor M2-M3 loop structure and its role in gating were investigated using the substituted cysteine accessibility method. Residues from alpha(1)Arg-273 to alpha(1)Ile-289 were mutated to cysteine, one at a time. MTSET(+) or MTSES(-) reacted with all mutants from alpha(1)R273C to alpha(1)Y281C, except alpha(1)P277C, in the absence and presence of GABA. The MTSET(+) closed-state reaction rate was >1000 liters/mol-s at alpha(1)N274C, alpha(1)S275C, alpha(1)K278C, and alpha(1)Y281C and was <300 liters/mol-s at alpha(1)R273C, alpha(1)L276C, alpha(1)V279C, alpha(1)A280C, and alpha(1)A284C. These two groups of residues lie on opposite sides of an alpha-helix. The fast reacting group lies on a continuation of the M2 segment channel-lining helix face. This suggests that the M2 segment alpha-helix extends about two helical turns beyond alpha(1)N274 (20'), aligned with the extracellular ring of charge. At alpha(1)S275C, alpha(1)V279C, alpha(1)A280C, and alpha(1)A284C the reaction rate was faster in the presence of GABA. The reagents had no functional effect on the mutants from alpha(1)A282C to alpha(1)I289C, except alpha(1)A284C. Access may be sterically hindered possibly by close interaction with the extracellular domain. We suggest that the M2 segment alpha-helix extends beyond the predicted extracellular end of the M2 segment and that gating induces a conformational change in and/or around the N-terminal half of the M2-M3 loop. Implications for coupling ligand-evoked conformational changes in the extracellular domain to channel gating in the membrane-spanning domain are discussed.
Processing and Mechanical Properties of Ti3SiC2: I, Reaction Path and Microstructure Evolution

In this article, the first part of a two-part study, we report the reaction path and microstructure evolution during the reactive hot isostatic pressing of Ti3SiC2, starting with titanium, SiC, and graphite powders. A series of interrupted hot isostatic press runs have been conducted as a function of temperature (1200°–1600°C) and time (0–24 h). Based on X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy, at 1200°C, the intermediate phases are TiCx and Ti5Si3Cx. Fully dense, essentially single-phase samples are fabricated in the 1450°–1700°C temperature range. The time-temperature processing envelope for fabricating microstructures with small (3–5 μm), large (∼200 μm), and duplex grains, in which large (100–200 μm) Ti3SiC2 grains are embedded in a much finer matrix, is delineated. The microstructure evolution is, to a large extent, determined by (i) the presence of unreacted phases, mainly TiCx, which inhibits grain growth; (ii) a large anisotropy in growth rates along the c and a directions (at 1450°C, growth normal to the basal planes is about an order of magnitude smaller than that parallel to these planes; at 1600°C, the ratio is 4); and (iii) the impingement of grains. Ti3SiC2 is thermally stable under vacuum and argon atmosphere at temperatures as high as 1600°C for as long as 24 h. The influence of grain size on the mechanical properties is discussed in the second part of this study.
Field line dependence of magnetospheric electron density

[1] Observations of the electron density ne based on measurement of the upper hybrid resonance frequency by the Polar spacecraft Plasma Wave Instrument (PWI) are available for March, 1996 to September, 1997, during which time the Polar orbit sampled all MLT values three times. Using this data set, we assume a power law form for the electron density dependence along field lines ne = ne0 (Rmax/R)α, where ne0 is the equatorial electron density and Rmax ≈ LRE is the maximum geocentric radius R to any point on the field line, and model the statistical average of α as αmodel = 8.0 − 3.0 log10ne0 + 0.28 (log10ne0)2 − 0.43(Rmax/RE) for all categories of plasma (plasmasphere and plasmatrough), with an average error of 0.65. The data set on which this result is based is limited to 2.5RE ≤ Rmax ≤ 8.5RE, 2RE ≤ R ≤ Rmax, and 2 ≤ ne0 ≤ 1500 cm−3. There is no remaining dependence of the average α – αmodel on MLT or Kp.
Jupiter Occultation of Beta Scorpii: Are the Flashes Time-symmetric?

AN outstanding feature of the May 13, 1971, occultation of Beta Scorpii AB and C by Jupiter was the occurrence of numerous light flashes, or “spikes”. In a discussion of our observations1 we noted that at a time resolution δt∼1 s, the pattern of some of the spikes observed during the emersion of β Sco AB seemed vaguely time-symmetric with that seen during immersion. But other portions of the occultation curves seemed to be largely uncorrelated at this δt. Fairall2 has since published the results of photographic observations of the bright star event. He suggests that the spikes are on the whole significantly time-symmetric, and infers from this a global stratification of the Jovian atmosphere. We have tested this suggestion on our data, which are more extensive and have an improved δt and photometric accuracy.
Structure of laminar permanently blue, opposed-jet ethylene-fueled diffusion flames

Abstract The structure and state relationships of laminar soot-free (permanently blue) ethylene-fueled diffusion flames at various strain rates were studied both experimentally and computationally using an opposed-jet configuration. Measurements of gas velocities, temperatures, and compositions were carried out along the stagnation stream line. Corresponding predictions of flame structure were obtained, based on numerical simulations using several contemporary reaction mechanisms for methane oxidation. Flame conditions studied included ethylene-fueled opposed-jet diffusion flames having stoichiometric mixture fractions of 0.7 with measurements involving strain rates of 60–240 s −1 and predictions involving strain rates of 0–1140 s −1 at normal temperature and pressure. It was found that measured major gas species concentrations and temperature distributions were in reasonably good agreement with predictions using mechanisms due to GRI-Mech (Version 1.2, 1995) and Peters (1993) and that effects of preferential diffusion significantly influence flame structure even when reactant mass diffusivities are similar. Oxygen leakage to fuel-rich conditions and carbon monoxide leakage to fuel-lean conditions both increased as strain rates increased. Furthermore, increased strain rates caused increased fuel concentrations near the flame sheet, decreased peak gas temperatures, and decreased concentrations of carbon dioxide and water vapor throughout the flames. State relationships for major gas species and gas temperatures were found to exist over a broad range of strain rates, providing potential for significant computational simplifications for modeling purposes in some instances.
A comparative study of chemisorption by density functional theory, ab initio, and semiempirical methods: carbon monoxide, formate, and acetate on Cu(1 1 0)

Abstract We calculate the preferred adsorption sites, molecular structure, infrared spectra, and energies relative to stable gas phase molecules for carbon monoxide, the formate ion, and the acetate ion when adsorbed on the (1 1 0) face of copper. This substrate is modeled using small clusters of (8–46) copper atoms. Our semiempirical calculations compare well with those from ab initio, density functional theory, and with experiments. We offer a method of estimating the adsorption energy.
Applying multi agent techniques to reconfigurable systems

This paper extends the concepts of multi agent technology to reconfigurable systems--systems in which the functionality of both the associated hardware and software can be altered some time after the system has been constructed. The utilization of this new paradigm has the potential to greatly increase the flexibility, efficiency, expandability, and maintainability of reconfigurable systems and to provide an attractive alternative to the current set of disjoint approaches that are currently applied to this problem domain. The focus of this paper is on the suitability of reconfigurable hardware to support hardware agents. We believe that such hardware agents can be used in conjunction with traditional software agents in hybrid architectures to support many of today's more complex applications. The paper introduces a general agent model that can be applied to hardware. We also show how hardware agents can be created using a conventional hardware description language that when synthesized produces synchronous and asynchronous hardware constructs.
Nonlinear Equilibration of Two-Dimensional Eady Waves: Simulations with Viscous Geostrophic Momentum Equations

Abstract Equilibration of two-dimensional Eady waves is numerically investigated using the geostrophic momentum equations incorporating heat and momentum diffusion. Extended solutions are obtained beyond what would be the collapse of surface fronts in the inviscid theory, and are found to accurately reproduce the equilibration of baroclinic waves simulated with the primitive equations. Potential vorticity anomalies produced at the surface fronts are essential in the initial amplitude saturation and in the asymptotic behavior of the equilibrated flow. A supergeostrophic shear spun up nonlinearly in the zonal flow also plays an important role in causing the reversal of the tilt. The zonal mean potential temperature profile in the equilibrium state is similar to the prediction by the adjustment hypothesis of Gutowski when only horizontal diffusion is present. However, it is closer to an Eady's basic state with enhanced static stability when vertical diffusion is also present. The difference in the ageostroph...
Amino acids in equatorial Pacific Ocean water

Abstract Seawater samples from the Eastern Equatorial Pacific Ocean were analyzed for amino acids by a ligand-exchange chromatography technique. The results showed that dissolved free amino acids make up only 0.3% of DOC, much less than has been previously reported for open ocean waters. Substantially larger amounts of combined amino acids are present, however. Concentration variations of the combined amino acid fraction in the water column suggest their potential use as a water mass indicator.
A Disease-causing Mutation in the Active Site of Serine Palmitoyltransferase Causes Catalytic Promiscuity

The autosomal dominant peripheral sensory neuropathy HSAN1 results from mutations in the LCB1 subunit of serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT). Serum from patients and transgenic mice expressing a disease-causing mutation (C133W) contain elevated levels of 1-deoxysphinganine (1-deoxySa), which presumably arise from inappropriate condensation of alanine with palmitoyl-CoA. Mutant heterodimeric SPT is catalytically inactive. However, mutant heterotrimeric SPT has ∼10–20% of wild-type activity and supports growth of yeast cells lacking endogenous SPT. In addition, long chain base profiling revealed the synthesis of significantly more 1-deoxySa in yeast and mammalian cells expressing the heterotrimeric mutant enzyme than in cells expressing wild-type enzyme. Wild-type and mutant enzymes had similar affinities for serine. Surprisingly, the enzymes also had similar affinities for alanine, indicating that the major affect of the C133W mutation is to enhance activation of alanine for condensation with the acyl-CoA substrate. In vivo synthesis of 1-deoxySa by the mutant enzyme was proportional to the ratio of alanine to serine in the growth media, suggesting that this ratio can be used to modulate the relative synthesis of sphinganine and 1-deoxySa. By expressing SPT as a single-chain fusion protein to ensure stoichiometric expression of all three subunits, we showed that GADD153, a marker for endoplasmic reticulum stress, was significantly elevated in cells expressing mutant heterotrimers. GADD153 was also elevated in cells treated with 1-deoxySa. Taken together, these data indicate that the HSAN1 mutations perturb the active site of SPT resulting in a gain of function that is responsible for the HSAN1 phenotype.
Hellinger Deviance Tests: Efficiency, Breakdown Points, and Examples

Abstract Hellinger distance analogs of likelihood ratio tests are proposed for parametric inference. The proposed tests are based on minimized Hellinger distances between nonparametric density estimates and densities corresponding to null and unconstrained parametric models. If the parametric model is correct, the Hellinger deviance test is asymptotically equivalent to the likelihood ratio test. A simulation study examines the relative performance of these tests in finite samples. Breakdown properties of the Hellinger deviance tests and likelihood ratio tests are compared. The Hellinger tests are generally high breakdown-point tests, whereas, in many instances, the likelihood ratio tests have breakdown points of 0. Two numerical examples illustrate the implementation and performance of the proposed tests. Likelihood-based methods are widely used in applications. They provide a routine method for generating efficient estimates and inference statements. In many instances, however, these methods are known to...
Program Units as Higher-Order Modules

We have designed a new module language called program units. Units support separate compilation, independent module reuse, cyclic dependencies, hierarchical structuring, and dynamic linking. In this paper, we present untyped and typed models of units.
Immunomodulation: bioengineering aspects.

: Plasmapheresis is generally recognized as a “black box” therapy. Factors effecting the immunomodulating influence of plasmapheresis and their impact on the clinical results include the disease state and stage, associated drug and medical therapies, and the methodology of plasmapheresis. The immunomodulating influence of the methodology of plasmapheresis, including duration of treatment, frequency of treatment, equipment type, materials choice, anticoagulant choice, and volume replacement versus selective removal, has a profound impact on the clinical results. Limitations in the design of controlled trials emphasize the importance of assessing the events occurring within and as a result of the individual black box utilized in plasmapheresis therapy. The analysis and understanding of the immunomodulating influences of the “black box” will prove to be very valuable in the development of better technologies for patient care.
Optimal Sequential Selection Based on Relative Ranks with Renewable Call Options

Abstract Sequential sampling problems may be affected significantly by the presence of sampling costs and the ability to recall historical observations. In the context of the classical secretary problem, we incorporate these two notions into the decision maker's action set, thereby creating a stopped decision process. Whenever a desirable applicant appears, we may consider purchasing an option to recall it subsequently. The problem is solved for the best-choice criterion, either reduced or discounted by the option costs incurred.
Quantitative cross-species extrapolation in noncancer risk assessment

A procedure has been developed to extrapolate dose–effect findings across species and quantify some of the associated uncertainty via traditional statistical methods. The relationship between dose–effect curves which are known in two species can be described by a k-parameter dose equivalence equation (DEE). When a DEE is determined for as many agents of a given “family” as are known, a k-dimensional distribution of DEE parameters would obtain. When an actual extrapolation is to be made for a new agent of the same family which has not been (or cannot be) tested in the species to which results are to be extrapolated, the best estimate of the parameters of the new DEE would be some measure of central tendency and the best estimate of the uncertainty would be the variance/covariance of the k-dimensional distribution of DEE parameters. The method of extrapolation seeks to compliment the mechanistic knowledge or be a substitute for mechanistic methods in the large majority of cases where such understanding is lacking.
Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate receptor causes formation of ER cisternal stacks in transfected fibroblasts and in cerebellar purkinje cells

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) is expressed at very high levels in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Within these neurons, it has a widespread distribution throughout the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is present at particularly high concentrations at sites of membrane appositions within peculiar stacks of ER cisternae. Here we report that stacks of ER cisternae, reminiscent of those observed in Purkinje cells, can be induced by overexpression of full-length IP3R, but not of mutant forms of the protein in COS cells. Within these stacks the IP3R forms a crystalline array at apposed cisternal faces. Additionally, we show that Purkinje cell stacks are not permanent structures. Our findings suggest that massive stack formation in purkinje cells represents an adaptive response of the ER to hypoxic conditions and is due to the presence of the high concentration of IP3R in its membranes.
A potpourri of RCT topics

(1. Randomization of the first patient. At least six examples are known to the author, and there are undoubtedly others. (2. Factorially structured treatments. The advantages of conducting two trials in the same patients when there is no suggestion of interaction, and documenting interaction if it exists must be weighed against the potential loss of power and the inconvenience of missing values. (3. RCT control groups as a source of unnatural history. Such a small percentage of apparently suitable patients are actually randomized in most clinical trials that be control group can never the considered representative of that disease seen by practicing physicians. (4. Bias in random and nonrandom treatment assignments. Differences in risk factors documented before randomization can be as much responsible for differences in outcome as the treatments under study. (5. Time lags between innovation, RCTs, and practice. These have varied from a very few years (coronary bypass operations) to 154 years (treatment of scurvy).
Combined forced and free convection MHD channel flow in entrance region

Abstract The entrance problem of convective magnetohydrodynamic channel flow between two parallel plates subjected simultaneously to an axial temperature gradient and a pressure gradient is investigated numerically. Both constant heat flux and constant wall temperature cases are considered. The solutions match to the fully developed solutions after a certain entrance length. It is found that an applied transverse magnetic field may reduce the entrance length of the velocity considerably, but has little effect on the temperature development. At high Hartmann number, the velocity entrance length is inversely proportion to M 2 as it was predicted by Shercliff in the absence of free convection. However, a sufficient large free convection may prolong the developing process considerably.
Biomarkers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism, and cardiorenal remodeling.

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” —Albert Einstein [(1)][1] With the advances in our understanding of novel biomarkers in heart failure (HF), much research has focused on expanding the role of biomarkers beyond that of prognosis. In
Reversal of strophanthidin negative inotropy by metabolic substrates in cardiac Purkinje fibres

The action of substrates and metabolic inhibitors on strophanthidin inotropy was studied in canine cardiac Purkinje fibres perfused in vitro. Both membrane potentials and contractile force were recorded. The results show that: 1) pyruvate (1 to 10 mmol X litre-1) decreases and then increases contractile force in Tyrode solution or in the presence of a low concentration of strophanthidin without modifying the action potential magnitude or configuration; 2) during the decreasing (but not the increasing) phase of strophanthidin (2 to 5 X 10(-7) mol X litre-1) inotropy, pyruvate increases contractile force; 3) beta-hydroxybutyrate has effects similar to those of pyruvate; 4) glucose increases contractile force and more so during the descending phase of strophanthidin inotropy; 5) the positive inotropic effect of pyruvate during declining strophanthidin inotropy is not prevented by glucose-lack and/or by iodoacetate but is markedly reduced in a hypoxic solution; 6) in contrast, glucose under similar conditions has the usual effects in hypoxia but not in the presence of iodoacetate; 7) the combination of hypoxia and glucose-lack leads to a decline in contractile force and to contracture: strophanthidin increases both contractile and resting force whereas O2 and/or glucose relax the contracture; 8) pyruvate has a positive inotropic effect also in the presence of high (greater than 10 mmol X litre-1) calcium. It is concluded that the decline in contractile force during exposure to strophanthidin or high calcium can be reversed by providing suitable substrates and therefore may involve a deficit in the production of high energy phosphates.
Mercury porosimetry of cement-based materials and associated correction factors

Abstract This paper reviews briefly the technique of mercury porosimetry, presents assumptions and corrections relevant to the application of mercury porosimetry to cement-based materials, and examines the impact of these corrections and assumptions on calculations based upon porosimetry data. A generalized form of the Washburn equation is given; corrections are given for machine expansion, differential mercury compression, sample compression and hydrostatic pressure; and values appropriate for cement-based materials are given for contact angle, surface tension and pore shape. Numerical relationships that predict strength, permeability and durability on the basis of pore structure information are then given, and these equations are used to assess quantitatively the impact of different assumptions and corrections. It is shown that assumptions and corrections employed in processing porosimetry data have a significant effect on porosimetry results, affecting total porosity values, threshold pore size values and curve shape. Different assumptions and corrections can, therefore, lead to significantly different predictions of strength, permeability and durability. Thus, researchers should include details on the assumptions and corrections used when presenting porosimetry results to enable comparisons with other work.
Deposition and characterization of 22Na sources for use with monoenergetic positron beams

Abstract We report results on deposition and characterization of sealed 0.5 mCi to 0.25 Ci 22 Na β + sources. During deposition the homogeneity of the activity distribution of the sources and the yield of energetic β + particle was followed in order to optimize the quality.
THE ROLE OF CAPITAL ADEQUACY REGULATION IN THE HEDGING DECISIONS OF FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

This paper identifies the effect of capital adequacy requirements, which have been ignored to date in the hedging literature, on the forward hedging decisions of financial intermediaries. Using a more general framework than has been used in the literature on intermediary behavior in forward markets, cases are developed where capital and forward contracting are substitutes as well as where increasing the capital requirement increases the volume of desired forward contracting. The model shows that the most important factors in determining the equilibrium rate and the equilibrium position of intermediaries are the statistical association between the level of the forward rate and the spread between interest rates, the level of the capital-to-assets ratio, and the degree of risk aversion of intermediaries and other participants in the forward market. To characterize whether the intermediary's optimal forward position is long or short, one must have knowledge of at least the sign of the association between the level and spread for the particular intermediary, the intermediary's capital position, and whether the forward market equilibrium corresponds to a positive or negative premium. The model also demonstrates that a full hedge of assets is always sub-optimal, and a universally applicable expression for the optimal hedge ratio when hedging is costless is derived.
Abstract 4485: Anticancer properties of novel rhenium compounds against human cancer cell lines.

Cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, and related metallodrugs are extensively being used in the treatment of a variety of cancers. Unfortunately these drugs are highly toxic and tumor becomes drug-resistance. These circumstances have led researchers to look for new cytotoxic agents that may exhibit less toxicity and devoid of drug resistance. It is believed that cisplatin and related drugs directly bind to genomic DNA through purine bases. Synthesis of new metallodrugs which does not follow the above mechanism of action might yield better drugs with less toxicity and devoid of drug resistance. Recently we have demonstrated that several anticancer rhenium compounds do not directly bind to DNA. We have synthesized numerous rhenium pentylcarbonato and acetylsalicylato complexes which include (CO)3(2,2’-Bipyridyl)ReOC(O)OC5H11 (PC-1), (CO)3(1,10-Phenanthroline)ReOC(O)OC5H11 (PC-2), (CO)3(5-Methyl-1,10-Phenanthroline)Re ReOC(O)OC5H11 (PC-3), (CO)3(2,9-Dimethyl-1,10-Phenanthroline)ReOC(O)OC5H11 (PC-4), (CO)3(5,6-Dimethyl-1,10-Phenanthroline)ReOC(O)OC5H11 (PC-5), (CO)3(4,7-Diphenyl-1,10-Phenanthroline)ReOC(O)OC5H11 (PC-6), (CO)3(2,9-Dimethyl-4,7-Diphenyl-1,10-Phenanthroline)Re ReOC(O)OC5H11 (PC-7), (CO)3(2,2’-Bipyridyl)ReOC(O)C6H4·C(O)OCH3 (ASP-1), (CO)3(1,10-Phenanthroline)ReOC(O)C6H4·C(O)OCH3, (ASP-2), (CO)3(5-Methyl-1,10-Phenanthroline)ReOC(O)C6H4·C(O)OCH3 (ASP-3), (CO)3(2,9-Dimethyl-1,10-Phenanthroline)ReOC(O)C6H4·C(O)OCH3 (ASP-4), (CO)3(5,6-Dimethyl-1,10-Phenanthroline)ReOC(O)C6H4·C(O)OCH3 (ASP-5), (CO)3(4,7-Diphenyl-1,10-Phenanthroline)ReOC(O)C6H4·C(O)OCH3 (ASP-6), (CO)3(2,9-Dimethyl-4,7-Diphenyl-1,10-Phenanthroline)ReOC(O)C6H4·C(O)OCH3 (ASP-7). The anticancer properties of the compounds were evaluated using human prostate, alveolar lung, brain, colon, and leukemia cancer cell lines and normal bone marrow cell lines. The results of this study demonstrate that these complexes have significant anticancer properties. Therefore, these complexes can potentially find applications in the treatment of these cancers. Acknowledgment. The work at MSU was partially supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (Grant No. G11HD038439) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Grant No. NRC-HQ-12-G-27-0086). The work at ECSU-UNC was partially supported by grant from the Department of Energy (TMCF/DOE grant). Citation Format: Hirendra N. Banerjee, Deidre Vaughan, Jewe Medley, Gwyn Hyman, Christopher Krauss, Carl Parson, Santosh Mandal, Pola Olczak, Michael Mbagu, Divine Kebulu, Saroj Pramanik, Fazlul Sarkar. Anticancer properties of novel rhenium compounds against human cancer cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4485. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4485
Light chain of botulinum neurotoxin serotype A: structural resolution of a catalytic intermediate.

Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A, 1296 residues) is a zinc metalloprotease that cleaves SNAP25 to inhibit the fusion of neurotransmitter-carrying vesicles to the plasma membrane of peripheral neurons. BoNT/A is a disulfide-linked di-chain protein composed of an N-terminal, thermolysin-like metalloprotease light chain domain (LC/A, 448 residues) and a C-terminal heavy chain domain (848 residues) that can be divided into two subdomains, a translocation subdomain and a receptor binding subdomain. LC/A cleaves SNAP25 between residues Gln197−Arg198 and, unlike thermolysin, recognizes an extended region of SNAP25 for cleavage. The structure of a recombinant LC/A (1−425) treated with EDTA (No−Zn LC/A) was determined. The overall structure of No−Zn LC/A is similar to that reported for the holotoxin, except that it lacks the Zn ion, indicating that the role of Zn is catalytic not structural. In addition, structures of a noncatalytic mutant LC/A (Arg362Ala/Tyr365Phe) complexed with and without an inhibitor, ...
Imaging Coronal Mass Ejections and Other Heliospheric Phenomena: Six years of Observations and Implications for Future Capabilities

January 2009 marked the 6th anniversary of the launch of the Air Force Research Laboratory Solar Mass Ejection Imager (SMEI) instrument on the Coriolis spacecraft. Originally planned as a three year mission, SMEI has amassed an unprecedented dataset of ~25,000 full-sky images since 2003 with a 102-minute cadence, 1° spatial resolution, and better than 8th magnitude sensitivity. SMEI, with its Sun/Earth line views, has been joined by the twin STEREO spacecraft, launched in October 2006, whose heliospheric Imagers (HIs) image along the ecliptic with opposing, off-axis views, 70° in diameter. These two data sets are complementary and several events observed by both SMEI and STEREO are being analyzed. But SMEI is nearing its end of life and the STEREO spacecraft continue to drift apart by 45°/year with decreasing telemetry coverage. What would be the characteristics of the next generation instrument in heliospheric imaging? What would the differences be for an operational instrument vs. a research instrument? What are the advantages of staring vs. composite imaging, views from the Sun/Earth line vs. other views, L1 position vs. low Earth orbit, etc? What are the engineering lessons learned from SMEI and STEREO and the environment through which such an instrument operates? In this presentation we discuss these issues and some possible future mission concepts.
Low-substrate regulated microaerophilic behavior as a stress response of aquatic and soil bacteria.

Low-substrate regulated microaerophilic behavior (LSRMB) was observed in 10–54% of the bacteria isolated from several fresh-water lakes or ponds, subsurface soils, activated sludge, and Antarctic dry valley soils. Five Pseudomonas and two Bacillus type species showed LSRMB. A subsurface Pseudomonas jessenii strain was used as a model to show the metabolic interaction between substrate and oxygen concentrations, cell band movement, and the appearance of unique stress lipids and proteins. When the oxygen in the P. jessenii culture medium was increased from 11% to 100% saturation under atmospheric condition, the concentration of 17:0 cyclopropane fatty acid, a stress indicator, increased five-fold, and four unique proteins were also detected. This stress response occurred only in low-substrate media. It is our hypothesis that LSRMB is a common but under-appreciated trait of many aquatic and soil bacteria.
The Safety of Cardiac Operations in the Liver Transplant Recipient

Abstract Background . Advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive drugs have improved the survival of patients after orthotopic liver transplantation. Enhanced survival has resulted in an increased number of patients who require medical as well as surgical managment of diseases. Methods . To contribute to the sparse literature on the surgical aspects, we reviewed our experience with 15 patients who underwent cardiac operation (1.25%) from a total of 1,200 liver transplant recipients at our center. The variables studied included the pretransplant cardiac evaluation, the interval from transplantation to cardiac operation, postoperative complications, the management of immunosuppression, and follow-up. The patients had a mean age of 52.9 years (range, 39 to 69 years) and 13 of them (86.6%) were men. Multiple cardiac risk factors were present in all 15 patients and chronic renal insufficiency was present in 7 patients. Cardiac operation was undertaken a mean of 30.4 months (range, 9 days to 62 months) after myocardial ischemia and valvular regurgitation had been ruled out at the time of transplantation. Myocardial revascularization was performed in 12 patients, 2 of whom underwent concurrent valve operation and 3 of whom underwent valve repair or replacement. Most patients had their immunosuppression regimen continued at baseline levels. Results . There were no early deaths. Three patients had major complications and 4 had minor complications. There were no bleeding, infection, or healing complications. Postoperative renal parameters were persistently elevated in 5 patients and transiently elevated in 3. Liver function parameters were transiently elevated in 6 patients after the cardiac operation. No patient had hepatic rejection. A transient elevation or decrease in immunosuppressive drug levels was seen in 3 patients. Follow-up, obtained on all 15 patients, ranged from 6 to 83 months (mean, 26.5 months). There were 2 late deaths (13.3%), and 3 patients (25%) who underwent myocardial revascularization had recurrent angina. Conclusions . Cardiac operations can be undertaken safely in liver transplant recipients with good intermediate-term results. The immunosuppression regimen can be continued at preoperative levels with no need for stress-dose steroids. There were no hepatic complications among our patients, although some patients can experience worsening of renal failure.
The cDNA sequence for the protein-tyrosine kinase substrate p36 (calpactin I heavy chain) reveals a multidomain protein with internal repeats

Abstract We have isolated and sequenced a full-length cDNA clone for the protein-tyrosine kinase substrate p36 (calpactin I heavy chain). This sequence predicts a 339 amino acid (M r 38,493) protein containing an N-terminal region of 20 amino acids, known to interact with a 10 kd protein (light chain), and a C-terminal region, found to contain two Ca2+phospholipid-binding sites, that can be aligned as four 70 amino acid repeats. A single p36 gene was detected in the mouse genome, and a major p36 mRNA of 1.6 kb was found to be expressed in different mouse tissues. Unexpectedly, p36 and the phospholipase A 2 inhibitor lipocortin I were found to be 50% identical in sequence over the C-terminal 300 residues. The function of p36 and its relation to other proteins are discussed.
Icarian Games: Iosif Chaikov and the Jewish Legacy

Abstract The focus of this article is on the early, experimental sculpture of Iosif Chaikov, known for his Socialist Realist statues rather than for his avant-garde involvement. Chaikov’s Jewish lineage, his collaboration with the Kultur-Lige, his international training, and his cultivation of flight as a central theme are examined in an attempt to restore a more synthetic and comparative station to his oeuvre as a Soviet artist. Copious reference is made to his industrial or “Constructivist” themes of the 1920s and 1930s.