cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teaching game programming using XNA

As educators work to expand the audience interested in computer science, computer gaming programs have blossomed at a variety of educational institutions. Educators are coming to recognize that gaming is a compelling way to motivate students to learn challenging technical concepts such as programming, software engineering, algorithms, and project management. At the core of many gaming programs are game development courses, which teach technical aspects about software development in a motivating environment. While many game development courses share a common goal, the structure and goals of game development courses can be quite diverse. We describe a game development course that uses the XNA platform to allow a heterogeneous group of students to gain experience in all aspects of console game creation, an approach we believe has some interesting pedagogical benefits.
Techno-economic impacts of shale gas on cellulosic biofuel pathways

Abstract This analysis quantifies the economic feasibility of cellulosic biofuel pathways under fossil fuel price uncertainty. Eight pathway scenarios are developed on the basis of existing techno-economic analyses and projected fossil fuel commodity prices from the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) 2010 Annual Energy Outlook (AEO). A 20-year net present value (NPV) is then calculated for each pathway scenario. Uncertainty distributions are developed for each pathway scenario by fitting historical monthly price variance distribution curves for each fossil fuel commodity to their projected annual prices. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is completed by replacing the EIA’s AEO 2010 projected prices with those from its AEO 2013, the latter incorporating recent exploitation of U.S. shale gas reserves into its projections. The results of this analysis indicate that fast pyrolysis scenarios see the greatest increase in estimated NPV value followed by gasification and acetic acid synthesis scenarios. Fischer–Tropsch synthesis scenarios remain largely unaffected by the updated EIA projections. Methanol-to-gasoline and enzymatic hydrolysis NPVs decrease as a result of lower projections for fossil fuel prices.
Perivenous application of fibrin glue as external support enhanced adventitial adenovirus transfection in rabbit model.

Background Placement of an external support has been reported to prevent intimal hyperplasia of vein grafts. However, it’s application limited by potential complications. Peri-adventitial gene delivery is a promising alternative therapy to reduce intimal hyperplasia, but it is limited by low and transient levels of gene transfection. To get more effective inhibition of intimal hyperplasia and to avoid the limitations associated with these two approaches, a study was undertaken to investigate whether mixing adenovirus with fibrin glue may increase the level and prolong the time period of gene expression. Methods Right jugular vein to common carotid artery interposition grafting was performed in 36 male New Zealand white rabbits (2.5–3.0 kg) and the animals were divided into four groups: control group (n = 6); fibrin glue group (n = 6); Ad-GAL group (n = 12); fibrin glue/Ad-GAL group (n = 12). Commercially available fibrin glue and adenovirus expressing the gene for β-galactosidase (Ad-GAL) was applied separately or in mixing around vein grafts. At 7th day and 14th day after implantation, the grafts were harvested to evaluate transfection rate. At 28th day the grafts were harvested for morphometric analysis. Results Compared with weak staining in 2.1 ± 0.5% in Ad-GAL alone grafts, a high level of β-Galactosidase staining was evident in 13.2 ± 4.6% in fibrin glue/Ad-GAL grafts at 7th day (P Conclusions A novel method of adventitial gene delivery using fibrin glue as external support is proposed. Fibrin glue may be an ideal candidate for controlled release delivery that would facilitate adventitial gene transfer.
On the design of a new arbitration network

Abstract An arbitration network with an unequal number of inputs and outputs (8 × 4) is described. The binary n-cube networks, (ESC) extra stage cube network, and various redundant networks like gamma network, are N × N networks and have an equal number of inputs and outputs. The network described is re-arrangeable and achieves all possible permutations. It is self-routing with a simple routing tag. The fault tolerance properties of the network are discussed. The interconnection networks are suitable for VLSI implementation.
Crossover and parallel study of oral analgesics.

: Ten years ago, analgesics were studied using crossover designs. In recent years, analgesics have been studied only in parallel designs primarily because biostatisticians do not like crossover studies. The advantages of crossover studies are numerous: (1) patients serve as their own control; (2) there is less variability of responses among patients; and (3) a smaller number of patients is needed to provide statistically significant data. As long as crossover of treatment medications does not occur within 4 to 6 hours, the problem of carryover effect of the previous medication is insignificant or negligible. Two studies will be presented. One is a crossover study of Percodan with and without naloxone to placebo. The other is a parallel study comparing the effects of propoxyphene with naloxone to those of propoxyphene alone. The results of these studies reaffirm the value of the crossover method of evaluating analgesics.
Fidelity analysis of sampled imaging systems

Many modeling, simulation and performance analysis studies of sampled imaging systems are inherently incomplete because they are conditioned on a discrete-input, discrete-output model that only accounts for blurring during image acquisition and additive noise. For those sampled imaging systems where the effects of digital image acquisition, digital filtering and reconstruction are significant, the modeling, simulation and performance analysis should be based on a more comprehensive continuous-input, discrete-processing, continuous-output end-to-end model. This more comprehensive model should properly account for the low-pass filtering effects of image acquisition prior to sampling, the potentially important noiselike effects of the aliasing caused by sampling, additive noise due to device electronics and quantization, the generally high-boost filtering effects of digital processing, and the low-pass filtering effects of image reconstruction. This model should not, however, be so complex as to preclude significant mathematical analysis, particularly the mean-square (fidelity) type of analysis so common in linear system theory. We demonstrate that, although the mathematics of such a model is more complex, the increase in complexity is not so great as to prevent a complete fidelity-metric analysis at both the component level and at the end-to-end system level: that is, computable mean-square-based fidelity metrics are developed by which both component-level and system-level performance can be quantified. In addition, we demonstrate that system performance can be assessed qualitatively by visualizing the output image as the sum of three component images, each of which relates to a corresponding fidelity metric. The cascaded, or filtered, component accounts for the end-to-end system filtering of image acquisition, digital processing, and image reconstruction; the random noise component accounts for additive random noise, modulated by digital processing and image reconstruction filtering; and the aliased noise component accounts for the frequency folding effect of sampling, modulated by digital processing and image reconstruction filtering.
Bimolecular cycloaddition reactions of isomünchnones derived from the rhodium(II) catalyzed cyclization of diazo pyrrolidinones

Abstract Treatment of diazo substituted pyrrolidinones with a catalytic amount of rhodium(II) acetate in refluxing benzene results first in the formation of a rhodium carbenoid which then cyclizes onto the neighboring carbonyl oxygen to produce an isomunchnone ring system. Subsequent cycloaddition across the pi-bond of an added dipolarophile affords 1,3-dipolar cycloadducts in high yield. The isomunchnone derived from 2-diazoacetyl-2-pyrrolidinone reacts readily with both electron-rich (diethyl ketene acetal) and electron deficient (N-phenyl maleimide, methyl vinyl ketone) dipolarophiles. The regiochemical results are in full accord with FMO theory. The frontier orbital coefficients of the isomunchnone were determined by semi-empirical AMAC calculations. When acetylenic dipolaro-philes were used as the trapping agents, the expected dipolar cycloadducts were not isolated, but underwent a 4+2-cycloreversion instead to furnish furanoisocyanates. The isocyanates were characterized as their urethane derivatives by reaction with methanol.
Insulin Resistance Induced by Hyperinsulinemia Coincides with a Persistent Alteration at the Insulin Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Domain

Insulin resistance, the diminished response of target tissues to insulin, is associated with the metabolic syndrome and a predisposition towards diabetes in a growing proportion of the worldwide population. Under insulin resistant states, the cellular response of the insulin signaling pathway is diminished and the body typically responds by increasing serum insulin concentrations to maintain insulin signaling. Some evidence indicates that the increased insulin concentration may itself further dampen insulin response. If so, insulin resistance would worsen as the level of circulating insulin increases during compensation, which could contribute to the transition of insulin resistance to more severe disease. Here, we investigated the consequences of excess insulin exposure to insulin receptor (IR) activity. Cells chronically exposed to insulin show a diminished the level of IR tyrosine and serine autophosphorylation below that observed after short-term insulin exposure. The diminished IR response did not originate with IR internalization since IR amounts at the cell membrane were similar after short- and long-term insulin incubation. Forster resonance energy transfer between fluorophores attached to the IR tyrosine kinase (TK) domain showed that a change in the TK domain occurred upon prolonged, but not short-term, insulin exposure. Even though the altered ‘insulin refractory’ IR TK FRET and IR autophosphorylation levels returned to baseline (non-stimulated) levels after wash-out of the original insulin stimulus, subsequent short-term exposure to insulin caused immediate re-establishment of the insulin-refractory levels. This suggests that some cell-based ‘memory’ of chronic hyperinsulinemic exposure acts directly at the IR. An improved understanding of that memory may help define interventions to reset the IR to full insulin responsiveness and impede the progression of insulin resistance to more severe disease states.
Raman measurements of the superionic conductor KAg4I5

Abstract Raman measurements of the superionic conductor KAg4I5 are reported between 77K and 296K and compared to similar data of RbAg4I5. The mode frequencies for the two materials are very similar and a mode at 22.7 cm−1 abruptly and reversibly disappears at the transition temperature, Tc=137 K, as is observed in RbAg4I5, at 121 K.
Efficient production of recombinant human transcription factor IIE

Transcription factor IIE (TFIIE) is a general initiation and promoter escape factor for RNA polymerase II composed of p56 (TFIIE-alpha) and p34 (TFIIE-beta) subunits. Our laboratories experienced difficulty producing adequate quantities of recombinant human TFIIE-alpha for in vitro studies using available clones. We therefore re-engineered the TFIIE subunit production vectors and tested various Escherichia coli host strains to optimize expression. We report a much-improved system for production of pure, soluble, and active TFIIE complex for in vitro studies.
Lower urinary tract injury during the Burch procedure: Is there a role for routine cystoscopy?

Abstract Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the use of intraoperative cystoscopy for the detection of incidental bladder or ureteral injuries during abdominal urethropexy procedures and to determine whether the incidence of injuries warrants the routine use of cystoscopy. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 109 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal urethropexy procedures between November 1990 and February 1996 at a teaching institution. Each underwent intraoperative cystoscopy. We determined the incidence of cystotomy and ureteral obstruction and attempted to determine surgical factors that might be associated with an increased risk of injury. Results: Ten of 109 patients (9%) had bladder or ureteral injury, including 1 cystotomy during retropubic dissection, 6 cases of a transvesical suture noted during cystoscopy, 1 cystotomy recognized before closure, 1 case of ureteral obstruction found during cystoscopy, and 1 case of ureteral obstruction not recognized at cystoscopy. Cystoscopy allowed detection of 7 of 9 (78%) otherwise unrecognized events. The only injury that resulted in significant postoperative morbidity was the unrecognized ureteral obstruction. There was no association between incidence of lower urinary tract injuries and surgical risk factors. Conclusion: Intraoperative bladder or ureteral injuries during urethropexy procedures are not uncommon, with an incidence of 9% in our series. There is minimal morbidity if these injuries are detected and corrected during the operation, whereas morbidity may be significant if they remain unrecognized. With a potential for unrecognized injury in 8% of Burch procedures without the use of cystoscopy, routine use of cystoscopy during urethropexy procedures appears to be warranted. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:35-8.)
Heat transfer to NaK flowing through unbaffled rod bundles

Abstract The paper presents the results of an extensive experimental study of heat transfer to NaK flowing through unbaffled rod bundles (or banks). In-line flow results are reported on nine different test rods located in the center of a 19-rod bundle. They were obtained under conditions of fully established velocity and temperature profiles, and also under entrance-region conditions. The results on the first five test rods were in fairly good agreement with theoretical predictions and with earlier results obtained on mercury; but those on the last four fell low in the molecular-conduction (low-Peclet-number) regime. The lower the flow rate the lower the coefficients fell, indicating the presence of an interface resistance which was quite sensitive to the flow rate. It was concluded that the difficulty was due to less-than-perfect wetting of the heating surface, coupled with the presence of inert seal gas at the heating surface. The oxygen concentration in the NaK was at all times less than 25 ppm, which was far below the saturation level corresponding to the coldest part of the circulation loop. Results were also obtained for 90°-cross and 45°-oblique flows through rod bundles, for the condition where only the test rod was heated and for that where all the rods were heated. Measurements were made at several rod locations in the bank, and both rod-average and circumferentially local heat-transfer coefficients were obtained. The 90°-cross-flow results were in good agreement with previously published results on mercury, and with predictions based upon the theoretical correlation of Hsu [21]. In the low Peclet region, the all-rods-heated coefficients were appreciably higher than those for the condition where only the test rod was heated, but the difference decreased as the flow rate increased. The 45°-oblique-flow coefficients, falling lower than Hsu's [26, 27] theoretical prediction, were 75 percent of those for the 90°-cross-flow case. The circumferential variation of the local normalized heat-transfer coefficient was found to be independent of flow rate, and the same for both 90°- and 45°-flow directions. Also, for both types of flow, the circumferential surface temperature profile was that of a simple cosine function. On the basis of the results obtained in the study, supported by previous theoretical and experimental results, semi-empirical equations are proposed for predicting heat-transfer coefficients for both 90°- and 45°-cross flows for the condition where only the test rod is heated, and for that where all rods are heated.
Explanations and Expectations: Understanding the 'Doing' Side of Optimism

1. More attention to underlying processes is needed to explore whether ES is epiphenomenal to its correlates. The process by which causal explanations contribute to expectancy formation, and how the two kinds of cognition may combine to affect depression and achievement, is a crucial link which has been neglected in ES research. 2. We also need an understanding of the effects of the individual dimensions of ES, and how they interact with the dimensions of nonexplanatory cognition about negative events (e.g., about the consequences of events).
Domestic Violence: Clues to Victimization

Abstract [McCoy M: Domestic violence: Clues to victimization. Ann Emerg Med June 1996;27:764-765.]
Wrinkle ridges in Lunae Planum Mars: Implications for shortening and strain

Photoclinometric data for Lunae Planum wrinkle ridges indicate average relief of about 130 m and distinct elevation discontinuities across the ridge of 55 m. Modeling ridges as the result of thrust faulting and associated upper-plate folding indicates shortening across individual ridges of about 131 m (90 percent faulting). Total shortening at 20 N across Lunae Planum is about 1840 m corresponding to a regional compressive strain of 0.29 percent. Strain appears uniform across Lunae Planum, although it is accommodated by larger and fewer structures in the west than in the east.
Properties of an electron in a quantum double well driven by a strong laser: Localization, low-frequency, and even-harmonic generation.

We study how a strong semi-infinite laser pulse affects an electron confined by a potential whose parameters mimic an AlAs-GaAs-AlAs double quantum well. Interesting phenomena take place for special values of laser frequency, intensity, and pulse rise time. There are values of these parameters for which the dipole moment of the system has a low-frequency Fourier component whose magnitude is higher than that of the fundamental (i.e., the component having the same frequency as the laser). For other parameter values, the low-frequency component disappears and the Fourier transform of the dipole moment has a large zero-frequency component and intense even-harmonic components (i.e., with frequency 2n\ensuremath{\omega}, where n is an integer and \ensuremath{\omega} is the laser frequency). The presence of the even harmonics is intriguing: The system has inversion symmetry and even harmonics are forbidden by symmetry rules valid to all orders in perturbation theory. Finally, a laser pulse with well-chosen parameters can drive an electron that was initially in a delocalized eigenstate, to a state in which it is almost completely localized in one well. These processes are systematically investigated by numerical calculations and are rationalized with the help of a simple model which predicts the qualitative behavior observed numerically. The model suggests that these phenomena occur at those values of the parameters for which two Floquet states having different generalized parities become degenerate or nearly degenerate. This condition is rather general and we see no reason why it will not be fulfilled in systems other than double quantum wells (e.g., atoms or molecules).
Thermodynamic Model for Branched Polyolefins Using the PC-SAFT Equation of State

This article presents a simple thermodynamic model for branched polyolefin systems in the framework of the PC-SAFT equation of state. The physical properties of the polymeric material can be tailored to a customer's specific needs by the choice of the α-olefin comonomer and the adjustment of its content in the chain. The model efficiently captures the effect of chain branching, comonomer type, and branching density on the phase behavior of polyolefin solutions. Since few adjustable parameters are required, it can be applied to systems for which little experimental data is available. The model parameters follow sensible trends, demonstrating its robustness for extrapolations and parameter prediction. Finally, the simple formulation facilitates its incorporation into commercial software for phase equilibria calculations.
Aircraft Recirculation Filter for Air-Quality and Incident Assessment.

The current research examines the possibility of using recirculation filters from aircraft to document the nature of air-quality incidents on aircraft. These filters are highly effective at collecting solid and liquid particulates. Identification of engine oil contaminants arriving through the bleed air system on the filter was chosen as the initial focus. A two-step study was undertaken. First, a compressor/bleed air simulator was developed to simulate an engine oil leak, and samples were analyzed with gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry. These samples provided a concrete link between tricresyl phosphates and a homologous series of synthetic pentaerythritol esters from oil and contaminants found on the sample paper. The second step was to test 184 used aircraft filters with the same gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry system; of that total, 107 were standard filters, and 77 were nonstandard. Four of the standard filters had both markers for oil, with the homologous series synthetic pentaerythritol esters...
Efficient emulation of hardware prefetchers via event-driven helper threading

The advance of multi-core architectures provides significant benefits for parallel and throughput-oriented computing, but the performance of individual computation threads does not improve and may even suffer a penalty because of the increased contention for shared resources. This paper explores the idea of using available general-purpose cores in a CMP as helper engines for individual threads running on the active cores. We propose a lightweight architectural framework for efficient event-driven software emulation of complex hardware accelerators and describe how this framework can be applied to implement a variety of prefetching techniques. We demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of our framework on a wide range of applications from the SPEC CPU2000 and Olden benchmark suites. On average, our mechanism provides performance benefits within 5% of pure hardware implementations. Furthermore, we demonstrate that running event-driven prefetching threads on top of a baseline with a hardware stride prefetcher yields significant speedups for many programs. Finally, we show that our approach provides competitive performance improvements over other hardware approaches for multi-core execution while executing fewer instructions and requiring considerably less hardware support.
Tryptophan oxidation in phenylketonuria.

Extract: Tryptophan oxidation was evaluated in 6 institutionalized phenylketonuric subjects (age range 5–13 years) by measuring the urinary excretion of oxidation metabolites following administration of L-tryptophan loads by mouth. Observations were made when subjects were on a general diet, a low-phenylalanine diet and a low-phenylalanine diet containing added L-phenylalanine. At some time during each dietary regime, the subjects also received tryptophan by mouth, 100 mg/kg body weight. Measurement was made in urine of: 1. 3-hydroxykynurenine; 2. kynurenine; 3. acetyl kynurenine; 4.3-hydroxyanthranilic acid; 5. xanthurenic acid; 6. kynurenic acid; 7. anthranilic acid; 8.3-indole-acetic acid; 9. o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid; and 10. phenylpyruvic acid. Excretion of tryptophan-kynurenine metabolites (products 1–9) amounted to 3.78 μmoles/kg/24 h and was similar to that of control subjects while on all diets. With tryptophan loading on normal diets, excretion of metabolic products was lower than for control subjects. With tryptophan loading on low-phenylalanine diets, the excretion of tryptophan metabolites was 2–3 times higher than the mean value of 22.7 μmoles/kg/24 h observed in normal subjects. The response to loading when the diet contained added phenylalanine was variable, since two patients excreted normal amounts of metabolites and three excreted amounts several times greater than the controls. Excretion of indole and 3-indoleacetic acid was abnormally elevated with and without tryptophan loading on normal diets and when phenylalanine was added to the low-phenylalanine diets. Values in μmoles/kg/24 h were: 3-indoleacetic acid 1.7 (normal); 2.5–9.4 (PKU); indican 6.24 (normal); 14.9–24.6 (PKU). Speculation: Limited metabolism of tryptophan may be of importance to central nervous system development and function in certain phenylketonuric children. Malabsorption of tryptophan coupled with an inhibition of the tryptophan-kynurenine synthesis pathway for nicotinic acid could deprive the central nervous system of important cofactors essential to central nervous system metabolism. The subtle effects of secondary disturbances on enzymatic pathways for tryptophan, tyrosine and other amino acids may be more important than the direct influence of the metabolites of phenylalanine on the central nervous system in phenylketonuric subjects.
An operational amplifier 4-electrode impedance bridge for electrolyte measurements.

A 4-electrode electronic half bridge which utilises solid-state operational amplifiers is described. This system, because of its extremely high input impedance, virtually eliminates the effects of a.c. electrode polarisation impedance in the measurements of the electrical properties of electrolytes. The system finds application in a.c. biological impedance spectroscopy.
Contributions from elastic inhomogeneity and from plasticity to γ' rafting in single-crystal Ni-Al

Abstract Directional coarsening (rafting) of γ′ precipitates in single-crystal Ni–Al alloys under external load is investigated by three-dimensional computer simulations. Contributions from modulus mismatch between the precipitate and matrix phases and from channel plasticity are considered. The simulation technique is based on a phase field model that captures spatiotemporal evolution of precipitate microstructure in elastically anisotropic and inhomogeneous systems. Channel plasticity is incorporated in the model through the introduction of an effective plastic strain that is formulated based on dislocation contents in the γ channels. Experimental data on lattice misfit, elastic moduli, applied stress and dislocation density in γ channels are used as model inputs. The driving force for rafting is monitored continuously by tracking the change in chemical potential difference between different types of γ channels after an external stress is applied until rafting completes. Quantitative comparisons of the rafting driving force and rafting completion time obtained from the simulations confirm the dominant role of channel plasticity, indicating that the rafting direction is determined by channel plasticity rather than by modulus inhomogeneity. However, elastic inhomogeneity also makes a significant contribution to the driving force for rafting, especially during the first several hours after the external load is applied.
High- and low-thrust propulsion systems for the space station

The purpose of the Advanced Development program was to investigate propulsion options for the space station. Two options were investigated in detail: a high-thrust system consisting of 25 to 50 lbf gaseous oxygen/hydrogen rockets, and a low-thrust system of 0.1 lbf multipropellant resistojets. An effort is also being conducted to determine the life capability of hydrazine-fueled thrusters. During the course of this program, studies clearly identified the benefits of utilizing waste water and other fluids as propellant sources. The results of the H/O thruster test programs are presented and the plan to determine the life of hydrazine thrusters is discussed. The background required to establish a long-life resistojet is presented and the first design model is shown in detail.
Mode localization and frequency veering in a non-conservative mechanical system with dissimilar components

Abstract A singular perturbation method is applied in carrying out an investigation on the connection between frequency veering and mode localization phenomena in a two-degree-of-freedom damped linear oscillator. The components of the system examined are dissimilar, and as a result the modes are localized for most of the combinations of the parameters. However, the natural frequencies become close, leading to curve veering, only for some special combinations of the parameters. A typical mathematical consequence is that regular perturbation expansions of the natural frequencies, in terms of a single parameter, break down in the vicinity of curve veering. In the present study, damping effects are included and this breakdown is shown to happen for the natural frequencies as well as the damping ratios of the system examined. This difficulty is eventually overcome by applying the method of matched asymptotic expansions. Accurate, uniformly valid expressions are derived for both the frequencies of free oscillation and the corresponding damping ratios.
Infrared transmission properties of CO, HCI, and SO2 and their significance for the greenhouse effect on Venus

IR absorption properties of CO, HCl and sulfur dioxide measured for role in Venus greenhouse effect
Facilitation du déploiement d’un stentgraft Zenith fenêtré modifié avec un fil réducteur de diamètre

Rationnelle Des endoprotheses fenetrees modifiees ont ete employees pour le traitement compassionnel de gros anevrysmes de l’aorte complexes chez les patients a haut risque qui n’ont pas acces a un dispositif manufacture et ne sont pas des candidats a la reparation chirurgicale ouverte conventionnelle. Une conception precise et l’implantation precise du dispositif sont les composantes cles du procede. Une technique de modification du dispositif avec un fil reducteur de diametre est decrite pour faciliter le catheterisme des branches collaterales. Methodes L’endoprothese modifiee Zenith de Cook etait creee avec des fenestrations renforcees par des marqueurs d’or nitinol. Le fil d’acier inoxydable, qui fixe le chapeau superieur dans le stent non couvert, etait partiellement retire, recupere, et redirige exterieurement a travers-et-a travers le tissu du stentgraft. Chaque stent en Z etait contraint en utilisant le fil d’acier inoxydable pour appui et deux boucles non bloquantes de Prolene. Le stentgraft contraint etait 30% plus etroit que le dispositif sans contrainte, ce qui permettait un flux entre le stentgraft et la paroi aortique, ainsi que le mouvement longitudinal et de rotation du stentgraft. Apres le catheterisme reussi des fenestrations, des stentgrafts expansibles par ballon etaient avances avec des gaines hydrophiles, et le fil reducteur de diametre en acier inoxydable etait enleve avec la pleine expansion des stents en Z a leur diametre sans contrainte. Les fenestrations etaient stentees avec des stentgrafts expansibles par ballon, avant le placement des jambages iliaques. Conclusion L’utilisation d’un fil reducteur de diametre permet un mouvement longitudinal et de rotation du stentgraft fenetre modifie et facilite le catheterisme des branches collaterales en cas de mauvais alignement entre la fenestration et l’origine de l’artere cible.
Oxidative coupling of methane using catalysts synthesized by solution combustion method: Catalyst optimization and kinetic studies

Abstract The Na2WO4-Mn/SiO2 catalyst has shown promise for oxidative coupling of methane (OCM). Our prior work demonstrates that 10%Na2WO4–5%Mn/SiO2 prepared by solution combustion synthesis (SCS) exhibits good performance in terms of C2 yield and ethylene to ethane ratio. In this work, we use SCS for preparation of several modified Na2WO4-Mn/SiO2 catalysts for OCM. The catalyst composition was optimized by addition of different metals and Si precursor used. The optimized catalyst (5%La–10%Na2WO4–5%Mn/SiO2, using tetraethoxysilane as the Si precursor) showed the best performance for OCM, with C2 yield 27% and ethylene/ethane ratio 3.6 under optimized operating conditions, both values are among the highest reported in the literature. Kinetic studies for this catalyst indicated that methane conversion was first-order in methane and half-order in oxygen, implying that methane activation is likely to be rate-limiting and oxygen adsorption is dissociative. The formation rates of primary products (C2H6, CO and CO2) could be well described by the reaction scheme proposed in a prior work.
Specific isolation of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine glycopeptides from complex mixtures

Galactosyltransferase and UDP-[3H]galactose are commonly used to identify O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc)-bearing proteins and peptides. In this report we show that immobilized Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA I) specifically binds in vitro galactosylated O-GlcNAc-bearing peptides, facilitating their selective isolation from complex mixtures. First, the peptide YSDSPSTST was O-GlcNAc glycosylated, galactosylated, and sialylated. Of these three glycoforms, only the one with a terminal galactose interacted with the lectin. Next, RCA I was used to isolate glycopeptides from the O-GlcNAc-bearing basic phosphoprotein (BPP) of human cytomegalovirus. BPP was overexpressed using baculovirus, [3H]galactosylated, digested with trypsin, and fractionated on RCA I. Peptides that were not galactosylated passed through the column, whereas the majority of the radiolabeled glycopeptides interacted weakly with the lectin and did not require lactose or elution. These radiolabeled peptides eluted as a broad peak with the leading edge being characterized by more hydrophobic glycopeptides and the lagging edge by less hydrophobic peptides, suggesting that the polypeptide backbone may influence the interaction with the lectin. Lactose was required to elute the remaining radiolabeled peptides, suggesting that these peptides are multiply glycosylated. The weakly interacting glycopeptides were analyzed directly by liquid chromatography/electrospray-mass spectrometry (LC/ES-MS). Glycopeptides corresponding to both of the major sites of glycosylation of BPP were identified. Thus, RCA I greatly facilitates the selective isolation of in vitro galactosylated O-GlcNAc glycopeptides from complex mixtures and substantially reduces the purification required for subsequent site-mapping by gas-phase sequencing and/or LC/ES-MS.
Motility of Human Milk Leukocytes in Collagen Gels

We previously reported that adherence, orientation and directed movement of human milk leukocytes (HMLs) were less than peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs). Since the diminished motility may have been due to a decrease in adherence, a type 1 collagen gel system where leukocyte movement is less dependent on adherence was used to explore these questions.
Culture and Sex Modification of Male Cucumber Buds in vitro

SEX expression in plants has been the subject of many investigations, which have been thoroughly reviewed by Heslop-Harrison1. In recent years attention has been mainly directed to the use of growth substances in the experimental modification of sex expression. Much of this work was done with cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Laibach and Kribben2 found that application of auxins such as indolyl-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 1-naphthalene acetic acid may cause earlier occurrence of pistillate (female) flowers in cucumber plants. Application of gibberellins was found to affect their sex expression in the opposite direction3.
Saponite and celadonite in layer 2 basalts, DSDP Leg 37

Detailed examination of igneous core recovered during Leg 37 of the DSDP, has revealed that basalt diagenesis, an alteration effect resulting from low temperature interaction with seawater, is pervasive to depths of greater than 600 meters in layer 2. Phyllosilicates are among the main components of this low grade alteration effect and occur exclusively as saponite, celadonite and interlayered mixtures of these two phases. Saponites fall into two chemical groups as (a) Mg rich-Fe poor types characteristic of oxidative diagenesis and (b) Fe rich-Mg poor types characteristic of non-oxidative diagenesis. Celadonite is entirely restricted in occurrence to the oxidative diagenetic environment (oxidation halos) and rarely, if ever, occurs as a pure phase. In this respect, X-ray and electron microprobe analyses suggest the presence of interlayered smectite in some cases and iron-oxide contamination in others.
On the Relationship between the Logarithmic Strain Rate and the Stretching Tensor

Abstract In this paper we investigate the relationship between the stretching tensor D and the logarithmic (Hencky) strain In V, with V the left stretch tensor. We establish the simple formula 1, which holds for arbitrary three-dimensional motions. Here F is the deformation gradient, is the time derivative of In V measured in a coordinate system which rotates with the left principal strain axes, and Ω, is the spin of the right principal strain axes. We use this formula to show that (or, equrvatently, the Jaumann derivative of ln V), if and only if the characteristic spaces of the right stretch tensor U are constant on any time interval in which the number of distinct principal stretches is constant. Finally, we show that the asymptotic approximation 3 holds whenever the displacement gradient H satisfies.
Low-frequency noise from random dislocation motion in large convective systems.

We investigate theoretically the low-frequency noise arising in layers of fluid of large horizontal extent subjected to the Rayleigh-B\'enard instability. Two models built on the phase-diffusion equation are investigated. In the first the phase of the rolls obeys a diffusion equation with a white-noise forcing. This corresponds to local agitation that does not result in nucleation or annihilation of rolls. It produces an ${f}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ noise for two-dimensional patterns and an ${f}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3/2}$ noise in the one-dimensional case. The ${f}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ noise can be identified with noise observed in convective patterns very close to threshold. In the second model, roll patterns where a single dislocation performs a Brownian motion are investigated. It is shown that the corresponding stochastic phase equation can be solved for an infinite domain. The result is an ${f}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}$ noise, in agreement with recent experimental observations by Croquette, Le Gal, and Pocheau [Phys. Scr. T13, 135 (1986)]. The theoretical result is also valid for an arbitrary number of dislocations performing independent random walks.
Conserved Molecular Paradigms Pattern Smooth Muscle in Urogenital Development

The role of hedgehog and Bmp signaling in patterning development was first described in Drosophila m. In the developing wing the genes hedgehog (hh) and decapentaplegic (dpp) are expressed in adjacent domains. Interaction between these 2 signaling pathways, mediated by the activity of the Hh regulated transcription factor Cubitus interruptus (Ci), defines the anterior-posterior axis of the developing wing, and is critical for proper development and differentiation of the wing structures. In mammalian embryos the most abundantly expressed descendents of Hh and Dpp are sonic hedgehog (Shh) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (Bmp4), respectively. These genes have been shown to have essential roles in patterning the anterior-posterior axis of a variety of structures including the brain and limb. 1,2 In the development of organs such as the lung these same genes have roles in determining the axial polarity of the developing bronchi. 3 More recently they have been implicated in determining radial polarity in luminal structures such as the intestine and ureter, regulating the development and location of smooth muscle in the wall of these structures. 4‐6 Cheng et al present evidence suggesting that Shh signaling from the epithelium of the developing bladder is associated with restricted expression of the Ci homolog Gli2 and Bmp4 in the adjacent mesenchyme, and that this is associated with localized stimulation of mesenchymal cell proliferation and inhibition of smooth muscle differentiation. The result is the patterning of bladder wall development with an outer layer of smooth muscles and an inner layer of fibroblastic stroma. Perturbations of this pattern of expression cause decreased mesenchymal proliferation and unrestricted smooth muscle differentiation. The result is a bladder that is underdeveloped and abnormally patterned. So what? The work reported here and similar work being performed by others provides new and powerful insights into the mechanisms that regulate urogenital development in general and bladder development in particular. 7 It is safe to predict that these observations will quickly translate into a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of disorders such as megacystis and nonobstructive megaureter. These studies will also facilitate the investigation of pathological processes that may recapitulate features of normal development such as detrusor hypertrophy or fibrosis. Finally, studies such as these will be critical for progress in regenerative medicine. Efforts are already under way to develop biodegradable scaffolds in which specific signaling molecules such as Shh and Bmp4 are incorporated in specific patterns or gradients for the specific purpose of regulating the pattern of growth and differentiation in regenerated tissues. Such possibilities are not limited to the bladder. It is likely that regenerated tissues made with such technologies will become standard resources in reconstructive surgery throughout the urogenital tract.
The adsorption of bromide ions on mercury from propylene carbonate solutions of constant ionic strength

Abstract The adsorption of Br − anions has been studied from propylene carbonate solutions of low ionic strength (0.16 M) at mercury. A maximum on the capacity curve is observed at low Br − ion concentration, a result which is unusual for strongly adsorbed ions. A new method of analysing the interfacial thermodynamic data, which makes use of data obtained in the absence of Br − ion, is presented. Adsorption is shown to be very strong and can be represented by a virial adsorption isotherm over the range that data are available. The adsorption parameters can be rationalized on the basis of the electrostatic model for adsorption with the proviso that the system is complex because of varying inner layer parameters for a given electrode charge density. When the present data are compared with those obtained in other solvents, it is shown that the standard Gibbs energy of adsorption changes with solvent acidity and basicity due to corresponding changes in anion solvation in the bulk, and the Gibbs energy of solvent adsorption on mercury, respectively, the adsorption parameters at the point of zero charge are examined with respect to non-primitive statistical mechanical models for ionic adsorption, discussed recently in the literature.
Silicate mineralogy of martian meteorites

Abstract Basalts and basaltic cumulates from Mars (delivered to Earth as meteorites) carry a record of the history of that planet – from accretion to initial differentiation and subsequent volcanism, up to recent times. We provide new microprobe data for plagioclase, olivine, and pyroxene from 19 of the martian meteorites that are representative of the six types of martian rocks. We also provide a comprehensive WDS map dataset for each sample studied, collected at a common magnification for easy comparison of composition and texture. The silicate data shows that plagioclase from each of the rock types shares similar trends in Ca–Na–K, and that K2O/Na2O wt% of plagioclase multiplied by the Al content of the bulk rock can be used to determine whether a rock is “enriched” or “depleted” in nature. Olivine data show that meteorite Y 980459 is a primitive melt from the martian mantle as its olivine crystals are in equilibrium with its bulk rock composition; all other olivine-bearing Shergottites have been affected by fractional crystallization. Pyroxene quadrilateral compositions can be used to isolate the type of melt from which the grains crystallized, and minor element concentrations in pyroxene can lend insight into parent melt compositions. In a comparative planetary mineralogy context, plagioclase from Mars is richer in Na than terrestrial and lunar plagioclase. The two most important factors contributing to this are the low activity of Al in martian melts and the resulting delayed nucleation of plagioclase in the crystallizing rock. Olivine from martian rocks shows distinct trends in Ni–Co and Cr systematics compared with olivine from Earth and Moon. The trends are due to several factors including oxygen fugacity, melt compositions and melt structures, properties which show variability among the planets. Finally, Fe–Mn ratios in both olivine and pyroxene can be used as a fingerprint of planetary parentage, where minerals show distinct planetary trends that may have been set at the time of planetary accretion. Although the silicate mineralogical data alone cannot support one specific model of martian magmatism over another, the data does support the basic igneous reservoirs proposed for Mars, and may also be used to constrain some aspects of specific petrogenetic models. Examples include enriched and depleted reservoirs that can be identified by plagioclase K, Na and Al composition, multivalent element partitioning in olivine and pyroxene (V, Cr) elucidates oxygen fugacity conditions of the reservoirs, and minor element concentrations (i.e., Cr in pyx) show that proposed fractional crystallization models linking Y 980459 to QUE 94201 will not work.
Differences in lean growth performance of pigs sampled from 1980 and 2005 commercial swine fed 1980 and 2005 representative feeding programs

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess how changes in genetics and feeding programs over 25 years in the U.S. commercial swine industry have impacted lean growth performance. Genetic samples (GS) of pigs (n = 162) from the commercial industries in 1980 and 2005 were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 feeding programs (FP) representative of 1980 or 2005. Pigs were placed 3 per pen (n = 54) at approximately 4 weeks of age and were harvested when average BW of the pen exceeded 116 kg. Real-time ultrasound measures for backfat depth and longissimus muscle area at the 10th rib were collected every 4 weeks, beginning at week 8 (group 1) or week 10 (group 2) until harvest. Average daily gain, ADFI, and G:F were calculated for the nursery period (7.0 ± 0.4 to 26.9 ± 0.7 kg BW), finishing period (26.9 ± 0.7 to 119 ± 0.7 kg BW), and overall (7.0 ± 0.4 to 116 ± 0.7 kg BW). Lean ADG and lean G:F were calculated for the period of first real-time ultrasound to harvest (42.7 ± 1.0 kg to 116 kg BW). Pigs from 2005 vs. 1980 GS and pigs fed 2005 vs. 1980 FP reached final BW of 116 kg sooner; 11 and 12 d, respectively. For ADG during finishing and overall, GS × FP interactions were observed, where 1980 GS pigs fed 1980 vs. 2005 FP showed increases of 7.0 and 6.3%, respectively; however, 2005 GS pigs fed 1980 vs. 2005 FP had increases of 12.6 and 12.3%, respectively. Pigs from the 2005 GS had greater ADG during finishing and overall, increased lean ADG, with no difference in ADFI during finishing, overall, and lean gain period or reduced ADFI during nursery which led to greater G:F and lean G:F. Pigs fed 2005 FP had increased ADG during all periods, with reduced ADFI during finishing, overall, and the lean gain test period which led to greater lean G:F and G:F during all portions of the trial. Although via different methods, changes over the past 25 years in the U.S. swine industry with respect to both genetics and feeding programs have resulted in a 15% reduction in days to harvest and a 45% improvement in lean efficiency.