cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catalytic lean NOx reduction over mixed metal oxides, and its common features with selective oxidation of alkanes

Abstract In catalytic reactions involving molecular oxygen, activation of oxygen by dissociative adsorption can be an important step. When the rate of this step is slow compared to other steps in the reaction, the activation of other oxygen sources and the formation of products that require smaller number of oxygen atoms become more competitive. This can be accomplished by highly dispersing the redox centers in the catalyst, which are commonly transition metal ions. This hypothesis can be used to explain the results of the catalytic lean NO x reduction by hydrocarbon over mixed metal oxides, as well as catalytic selective oxidation of butane and selective epoxidation of alkenes. However, when the activation of molecular oxygen is a crucial step in determining the overall activity of the catalyst, possibly as in the NH 3 -SCR reaction over V/TiO 2 , a balance between the ability of the catalyst to activate molecular oxygen and the selectivity to N 2 when NO is reduced will determine the form of a de sirable catalyst.
Deep central arteriovenous malformations of the brain: The role of endovascular treatment

✓ Cerebral deep central arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are uncommon lesions associated with considerable difficulty in treatment. The authors report a series of 14 deep central AVMs treated by endovascular methods and examine the present role of endovascular treatment. This treatment used alone resulted in complete obliteration of AVMs in approximately 15% of cases and reduction in 50% to a size permitting treatment by means of radiosurgery. Reversal of previous neurological signs and symptoms occurred in 35.7% of embolized patients. Overall, nearly 80% of patients had either complete obliteration of the lesion, reduction to a size allowing radiosurgical treatment, or reversal of previous neurological deficits. There were treatment complications in 14.3% of the cases. Endovascular treatment methods may make a significant contribution to the therapy of AVMs that have a particularly poor course and are difficult to treat by other means.
Ruler arrays reveal haploid genomic structural variation.

Despite the known relevance of genomic structural variants to pathogen behavior, cancer, development, and evolution, certain repeat based structural variants may evade detection by existing high-throughput techniques. Here, we present ruler arrays, a technique to detect genomic structural variants including insertions and deletions (indels), duplications, and translocations. A ruler array exploits DNA polymerase’s processivity to detect physical distances between defined genomic sequences regardless of the intervening sequence. The method combines a sample preparation protocol, tiling genomic microarrays, and a new computational analysis. The analysis of ruler array data from two genomic samples enables the identification of structural variation between the samples. In an empirical test between two closely related haploid strains of yeast ruler arrays detected 78% of the structural variants larger than 100 bp.
A lower bound for two-server balancing algorithms

We consider the class of balancing algorithms for two servers. Such algorithms have appeared in a number of the early papers on this problem; they are so named because they seek to ``balance'''' the distance travelled evenly among the servers. In this paper, we show a universal lower bound on the competitive ratio of any balancing algorithm for two servers. The lower bound is equal to (5 + $\sqrt{7}$)/2 ($\sim$ 3.82), and consequently shows that no optimal on-line algorithm for two servers can be expressed as a balancing algorithm.
The Effect of Ultraviolet‐Depleted Light on the Flavonol Contents of the Cactus Species Opuntia wilcoxii and Opuntia violacea

An early investigation at the Biosphere-2 Laboratory, an artificial ecosystem in the Arizona desert, had shown that the flavonoid content of cacti grown in glass-filtered solar light was lower than of cacti grown in normal solar light. This was attributed to the absence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is required for flavonoid biosynthesis. In this study, two species of Opuntia cacti were grown in solar and UV-depleted light, and their flavonol contents of different tissues were determined by HPLC. O. wilcoxii, previously raised in the absence of UV light, was exposed to normal solar light. The flavonol content of young O. wilcoxii pads was 28-fold higher when grown in solar light as compared to UV-depleted light. The flavonol contents of mature outer tissues were only slightly higher. O. violacea, previously raised in solar light, was also maintained in the same UV-depleted artificial ecosystem. The flavonol content after hydrolysis of outer tissues was similar, whether grown in solar light or UV-depleted light. We attribute these responses to different biosynthetic and metabolic rates of young vs. mature plant tissues; slow-growing mature tissues neither produce nor metabolize compounds as quickly as immature tissues. These findings indicate that artificial ecosystems can influence the production of natural products in cultivated plants.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills Training for Radiology Trainees Using a Rotating Peer Supervision Model (Microteaching)1

February 1999, the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) formulated six core competencies that a new practitioner should possess, but left it to the residency and fellowship programs to define the necessary skills and implement a process of teaching, assessment, and process improvement (1). Programs were mandated to create a process using results of assessments to achieve progressive improvement in residents’ competence and performance. Although it is relatively easy to establish comparative metrics for factual knowledge (eg, written in-service examinations) or even manual skills (eg, procedure logs, phantom simulation), traditional methods fall short when sharpening soft skills becomes the goal (2). The ACGME lists interpersonal and communication skills among its core competencies. The challenge rests not only in the definition of what the most effective interpersonal and communication skills are, but also in how they are to be taught, measured, and integrated into the ACGME’s other core competency of practice-based learning and improvement. Habits of interpersonal conduct are difficult to instill or break in a classic lecture. New behaviors are unlikely to emerge from reading assigned material only. People-skill
Creep of Transmission Line Conductors

Results of creep tests of all-aluminum conductors and ACSR at several temperatures are presented. Elevated temperatures have less influence on the creep of ACSR than on the creep of the all-aluminum conductors.
Modern Analytical Techniques in High Temperature Oxidation and Corrosion

Modern analytical techniques are useful to characterize oxide films and to study oxide growth processes. This paper will summarize some of our work on the high temperature oxidation of both metals and semiconductors. Systems considered include binary III-V semiconductors, e.g. GaAs, which unlike silicon does not normally form high-quality native oxide. For GaAs, the influence of deuterium in the substrate and surface platinum have been evaluated with respect to oxide growth. Both aluminum-containing alloys (FeCrAl and NiAl) and semiconductors (AlGaAs, InAlAs and InAlP) are included. The objective is to produce good quality protective and insulating aluminum-containing oxides. In these studies, the application of several modern surface- analytical techniques, particularly Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry, complemented by other techniques, e.g. transmission electron microscopy and X-ray analysis provides useful information on the chemical composition of the oxides and leads to a better understanding of oxidation and corrosion phenomena. In the case of AlGaAs and InAlP, thermal oxidation produces aluminum-containing oxides that have good insulating characteristics which makes the oxide films potentially useful for some device applications.
Allee Effects Limit Population Viability of an Annual Plant

Allee effects may be experienced by plants when populations are too small or isolated to receive sufficient pollinator services to replace themselves. This article reports experimental data from an annual herb, Clarkia concinna, documenting that small patches suffered reproductive failure due to lack of effective pollination when critical thresholds of isolation were exceeded. In contrast, sufficiently large patches attracted pollinators regardless of their degree of isolation. These data accord with data on patch extinctions showing that small and isolated patches have a higher extinction rate than do large patches and with observations showing chronically low reproductive success in such patches prior to extinction. While not conclusively demonstrating that Allee effects cause extinction in small and isolated patches, the data are suggestive. Although threshold effects have been postulated in several mathematical models of population viability, this is the first report of data from natural populations that display the occurrence of such thresholds. These results have implications for the management of endangered plants, which often are restricted to isolated, small populations, as well as suggesting a potential limit to spatial spread in plant populations dependent on animal vectors for reproduction.
Liquid phase epitaxial In1-x Gax P1-z Asz/GaAs1-y Py quaternary (LPE)-ternary (VPE) heterojunction lasers (x ∼0.70, z ∼0.01, y ∼0.40; λ < 6300 Å, 77°K)

Laser operation (77°K) of LPE In1−x Gax P1−zAsz/ GaAs1−yPy (x ∼0.70, y ∼0.40, z ∼0.01) heterojunctions is demonstrated at λ<6300 A. The junctions are prepared by the LPE growth of laser‐quality p‐type In1−x Gax P1−zAsz layers on n‐type VPE GaAs1−yPy substrates. It is found that the problem of lattice matching In1−xGaxP on a GaAs1−yPy substrate is eased if the ternary is rendered a quaternary by the incorporation of a small amount of As in the LPE layer. During growth of the resulting p‐type quaternary layer, Zn diffuses into the n‐type ternary substrate, yielding a thin compensated active region. Laser operation of these devices is obtained at significantly shorter wavelengths and lower thresholds than for comparable homojunctions.
SOME PITFALLS IN THE USE OF DERIVATIVE SPECTRA

— Several difficulties are described in the use of derivative spectra: increase in the number of apparent bands, disproportionate band heights and difficulties associated with numerical differentiation.
Effect of Vertically Structured Porosity on Electrochemical Performance of FeF2 Films for Lithium Batteries

Abstract Iron fluoride (FeF 2 ) is an attractive material for use as nanocomposite conversion reaction based cathodes in lithium ion batteries because of its high specific theoretical capacity of 571 mA h g −1 . However, despite the optimistic potential of FeF 2 to advance battery cathodes, the cycling performance of the material requires further development for it to be a viable cathode candidate. A deeper understanding is required of how orientation, selective reaction fronts, and morphology impact the electrochemical performance through subsequent enhancement of ionic and/or electronic transport. FeF 2 films of various degrees of vertical porosity and thickness were fabricated through the use of dynamic glancing angle deposition. Respectable performance was obtained with film thicknesses of 850 nm, well above the nanodimensions typically required to trigger electrochemical activity. Significant, systematic changes in the cycling stability of the films were induced by changes in the morphology. The structure - electrochemical relationships were utilized to formulate insights on the electronic and ionic transport limitations observed in typical nanocomposite powders.
The fine structure of the pia mater of the rat.

Tissue from the central nervous system of 11 adult Sprague-Dawley rats fixed by vascular perfusion with buffered aldehydes was used in a study of the fine structure of the pia mater. Surface tissue from the cerebral and cerebellar cortices, ventral pons, olfactory bulb, tuber cinereum, spinal cord, superior colliculus, optic chiasm, and median longitudinal fissure was examined. Variations in pial composition occurred within each of these selected areas although a basic pattern prevailed throughout. The components of the pia mater are described under three categories: pial cells, extracellular elements, and macrophages. The pial cells are the more numerous cell type, possessing long, flattened cytoplasmic processes which contain few inclusions. These cells vary in thickness in any one area and there may be from one to six distinct cytoplasmic layers. Fenestrations between pial cell processes or total absence of pial cells are occasionally encountered. Unit collagen fibrils make up most of the extracellular material of the pia. These have a major period of about 550 A and are about 400 A wide. Macrophages are rounded up and contain various cytoplasmic inclusions. In normal animals evidence of active phagocytosis is rare.
Parameter distribution estimation in first order ODE

With development of new technologies applied to biological experiments, more and more data are generated every day. To make predictions in biological systems, mathematical modeling plays a critical role. Ordinary differential equations (ODEs) contribute to a large portion in mathematical modeling. In which parameters are inevitable. Noise is intrinsic in all experiments. Therefore, to think of parameters as statistical distributions is a realistic treatment. In this paper, we discuss in a 1st order ODE common in biological systems, how to calculate parameter distribution analytically according to the experimentally observed output assumed to be normal distribution. Conditions on when parameter can be correctly estimated are elucidated.
Maternal Depression and Psychotropic Medication Effects on the Human Fetus

Ultrasound studies examined fetuses of depressed and nondepressed mothers. Fetuses of depressed mothers were more active during mid-gestation and exhibited lower baseline heart rate and moved less during late-term vibratory stimulation. Mid-gestation heightened activity and late-term diminished responsivity may be a prenatal manifestation of the "general adaptation syndrome." Color Doppler technology measured blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery of fetuses whose mothers were prescribed SSRIs or lithium. SSRIs were associated with velocity increases and lithium with velocity decreases. The effects of psychotropic medications on prenatal neurobehavioral development require further study to document potential benefits and adverse effects.
Optical Coherence Tomography: A Noninvasive Method to Assess Wound Reepithelialization

BackgroundAccurate assessment of wound healing may require invasive tissue biopsies, limiting its clinical usefulness in humans. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel, high-resolution method using light reflection to obtain noninvasive cross sectional imaging of biological tissues. ObjectivesTo evaluate the utility of OCT for assessing wound reepithelialization in a porcine model. MethodsThe authors conducted an animal study with two domestic pigs. Excisional cutaneous wounds were created over the ventral surface of the animals using an electric dermatome set at a depth of 600 μm. The wounds were excised two or three days later and precisely marked to guide initial OCT and subsequent tissue slicing and microscopy. Comparing hematoxylin and eosin–stained histologic sections and the corresponding OCT images from each tissue sample permitted identification of the correlative micromorphology. Scatter and Bland–Altman plots were used to present the data. The primary measure of agreement was the standard deviation of the pairwise differences in percent reepithelialization between OCT and histology together with a 95% confidence interval. ResultsIn normal skin, the epidermis was characterized by a thin, bright layer indicating a high degree of light scattering on OCT. The dermis below was characterized by a thicker, darker area indicating less scattering of light. All fresh excisional wounds lacked an outer bright layer of epidermis immediately after injury. At days 2 and 3, the wounds were partially reepithelialized. A new bright layer with intense light scattering was present on OCT corresponding to the neoepidermis on hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections. The correlation between percent reepithelialization measured with OCT and histology was 0.66 (p < 0.001), and the standard deviation of the differences was 11.0% (95% confidence interval = 8.4% to 16.1%). ConclusionsOCT accurately detects the presence or absence of the epidermal layer of skin, allowing noninvasive tracking of wound reepithelialization.
Random walk with persistence and external bias

The partial differential equation of the random walk problem with persistence of direction and external bias is derived. By persistence of direction or internal bias we mean that the probability a particle will travel in a given direction need not be the same for all directions, but depends solely upon the particle's previous direction of motion. The external bias arises from an anisotropy of the medium or an external force on the particle. The problem is treated by considering that the net displacement of a particle arises from two factors, namely, that neither the probability of the particle traveling in any direction after turning nor the distance the particle travels in a given direction need be the same for all directions. A modified Fokker-Planck equation is first obtained using the assumptions that the particles have a distribution of travel times and speeds and that the average time of travel between turns need not be zero. The fional equation incopporating the assumption of a persistence of direction and an external bias is then derived. Applications to the study of diffusion and to long-chain polymers are then made.
Characterization of polypeptide chains of epidermal prekeratin and reconstituted filaments

Prekeratin was isolated from bovine snout epidermis with 0.1 M citric acid/sodium citrate buffer, pH 2.6 (buffer A). Filaments, 6.0-9.0 nm wide, were produced by dialysis against low ionic strength buffer A or by dissociating prekeratin in 8 M urea solution followed by dialysis against 0.005 M Tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.0. The polypeptide composition of both prekeratin and filaments was studied by four different SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis methods. The best resolution was obtained by Laemmli's technique in which both prekeratin and filaments were separated into three major and seven distinct minor bands of polypeptides. The major ones comprise approx. 70% of total polypeptides and their estimated molecular weights are 68 000, 54 000, and 50 000. The molecular weight of minor ones is in decreasing order 65 000, 63 000, 61 000, 58 000, 47 000, 44 000 and 42 000. It is proposed that the major polypeptides form the backbone structure of epidermal filaments and the minor polypeptides play a role in its stabilization.
Sexual impotency: Current knowledge and treatment I. Urology/sexuality clinic

Investigative and therapeutic measures for evaluating sexual impotency are rather recent. Psychogenic and organic problems may overlap. Thorough clinical appraisal and objective tests are currently affording better differentiation of etiology and, consequently, appropriate treatment. Causes of and tests for sexual impotency guide the choice of treatment. Surgical intervention can be offered for irreversible organic impotency. However, most instances of acquired impotence are psychogenic. Any nonjudgmental, competent practitioner can aid victims of psychogenic impotence by a "listening and encouragement" method. Urologists, in particular, are commonly confronted with genital/sexual problems and may be best suited as primary therapists by developing interest in urologic counseling. A newly formed Urology/Sexuality Clinic at the University of California in San Francisco provides therapy for patients and offers training for resident physicians.
Physical sciences: terrestrial spectroscopy by a cryogenic gravity meter.

LATE in the nineteenth century and early in the twentieth century, British scientists such as Lamb1 and Love2had made theoretical predictions about the free oscillations of the Earth. The gravest mode was calculated to be about 1 h. Benioff3 in 1954 surmised that a signal with a 57 min period recorded during the Kamchatka earthquake might be the grave mode of the free oscillations of the Earth. Pekeris4 and his colleagues, stimulated by such predictions, were able to calculate the period of free oscillations of the Earth for a large number of modes, and these theoretical predictions were confirmed for the first time5,7 after the great Chilean earthquake of May 22, 1960. Easier numerical integration techniques for calculating different models of the Earth have since been introduced8 and other earthquakes—among them, the Kurile Islands earthquake9 of October 13, 1963, the great Alaskan earthquake10 of 1964 and the Rat Island (Aleutians) earthquake11 of February 4, 1965—have confirmed some of the observations made during the Chilean earthquake. Recently, it has been possible12 to record the spheroidal oscillations of the Earth from earthquakes of magnitude 6.5.
Neuroprotective effects of transcription factor Brn3b in an ocular hypertension rat model of glaucoma.

PURPOSE Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy commonly associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), leading to optic nerve head (ONH) cupping, axon loss, and apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which could ultimately result in blindness. Brn3b is a class-4 POU domain transcription factor that plays a key role in RGC development, axon outgrowth, and pathfinding. Previous studies suggest that a decrease in Brn3b levels occurs in animal models of glaucoma. The goal of this study was to determine if adeno-associated virus (AAV)-directed overexpression of the Brn3b protein could have neuroprotective effects following elevated IOP-mediated neurodegeneration. METHODS Intraocular pressure was elevated in one eye of Brown Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), following which the IOP-elevated eyes were intravitreally injected with AAV constructs encoding either the GFP (rAAV-CMV-GFP and rAAV-hsyn-GFP) or Brn3b (rAAV-CMV-Brn3b and rAAV-hsyn-Brn3b). Retina sections through the ONH were stained for synaptic plasticity markers and neuroprotection was assessed by RGC counts and visual acuity tests. RESULTS Adeno-associated virus-mediated expression of the Brn3b protein in IOP-elevated rat eyes promoted an upregulation of growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43), actin binding LIM protein (abLIM) and acetylated α-tubulin (ac-Tuba) both posterior to the ONH and in RGCs. The RGC survival as well as axon integrity score were significantly improved in IOP-elevated rAAV-hsyn-Brn3b-injected rats compared with those of the IOP-elevated rAAV-hsyn-GFP- injected rats. Additionally, intravitreal rAAV-hsyn-Brn3b administration significantly restored the visual optomotor response in IOP-elevated rat eyes. CONCLUSIONS Adeno-associated virus-mediated Brn3b protein expression may be a suitable approach for promoting neuroprotection in animal models of glaucoma.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experience regarding Hiv/Aids among Older Adult Inner-City Latinos:

Although Latinos, now the largest minority group in the U.S., comprise 13% of the population, they represent 18% of all new HIV and AIDS cases. This disproportionate representation also appears among older adult Latinos. Semi-structured interviews with 45 inner-city Spanish speaking older adult Latinos provide new data regarding HIV/AIDS among this largely ignored but at risk population. Findings indicate that approximately two thirds of the sample ascribed to at least one myth regarding viral transmission (e.g., via mosquito bites; using public toilets) and less than half were aware of age and gender specific risk factors (e.g., increased mortality and side-effects from antiviral medication; greater risk of contracting HIV through intercourse among older women). Women were significantly less likely to have experience with condoms than men, and machismo, lack of perceived risk, and perceived ineffectiveness were identified as potential barriers to condom use. Recommendations are offered for the design of culturally sensitive, primary prevention programs for this older Latino population.
Expert searching in consumer health: an important role for librarians in the age of the Internet and the Web.

Objectives: The Patient Education Resource Center at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center conducts mediated searches for patients and families seeking information on complex medical issues, state-of-the-art treatments, and rare cancers. The current study examined user satisfaction and the impact of information provided to this user population. Methods: This paper presents the results of 566 user evaluation forms collected between July 2000 and June 2006 (1,532 forms distributed; 37% response rate). Users provided both quantitative and qualitative feedback, which was analyzed and classified into recurrent themes. Results: The majority of users reported they were very satisfied with the information provided (n = 472, 83%). Over half of users (n = 335, 60%) shared or planned to share the information with their health care provider, and 51% (n = 286) reported that the information made an impact on treatment or quality of life. For 96.2% of users (n = 545), some or all of the information provided had not been received through any other source. Discussion: The results demonstrate that, despite the end-user driven Internet, patients and families are not able to find all the information they need on their own. Expert searching remains an important role for librarians working with consumer health information seekers.
Structural characterization of bovine granulocyte colony stimulating factor: Effect of temperature and pH

Abstract The protein bovine granulocyte colony stimulating factor (bGCSF) was studied in solution as a function of pH (2–7) and temperature (10°–90°C) using fluorescence, circular dichroism, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, as well as differential scanning calorimetry and optical density as a measurement of aggregation. bGCSF possesses significant conformational lability under the solution conditions examined. Under all pH conditions examined, a major conformational change is observed as a function of temperature at 50°–60°C, although the magnitude and precise temperature at which this occurs varies with pH. Three major conformations are adopted with changing pH. One is observed at pH 2 and 3, a second at pH 4, and a third at pH 5–7. At low pH (2–3), bGCSF adopts a molten globule-like conformation at moderate temperatures (25°–45°C), whereas at pH 4 the protein appears to form a non-molten globule extended conformation. The use of this type of study as complementary data for protein phase diagram development as well as the relationship between the conformational lability demonstrated by bGCSF and that observed for recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor and other similar cytokines is discussed. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.
Statistical Characterization and On-Chip Measurement Methods for Local Random Variability of a Process Using Sense-Amplifier-Based Test Structure

An on-chip digital characterization method for local random variation in a process is presented. The method uses a sense-amplifier-based test circuit that uses digital voltage measurement instead of the analog current measurements of conventional techniques. The proposed circuit helps design fast on-chip built-in-self-test schemes for measuring random variation. A testchip is designed in 0.13mum CMOS and measured to show the effectiveness of the proposed circuit in extracting local random variation.
THE INTERTWINED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEPRESSION AND MARITAL DISTRESS: ELEMENTS OF MARITAL THERAPY CONDUCIVE TO EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OUTCOME

Within the framework of the interpersonal view of depression, this article examines the linkage between depression and four aspects of marital relationship: stress, support, role expectations, and interactional dynamics. Acknowledging the intertwined relationship between depression and marital adjustment, existing models of martial therapy for married depressed patients are examined for the extent to which they address these four aspects. The empirical evidence for the efficacy of these models is also reviewed, suggesting elements of marital therapy that are conducive to effective treatment outcome.
Remarks on a paper of Gel'fand and S̆ilov on Fourier transforms

Abstract If ƒ(z) is an entire function of order larger than one that satisfies certain additional conditions, characterizations of the growth of its Fourier transform are given, in terms of the growth of ƒ(z) . The results obtained are extensions of theorems of Paley and Wiener, and are a refinement of prior work of Gel'fand and Silov.
Do Improvements in Surgical Technique Mean it is Time to be more Selective in our Approach to Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy for Rectal Cancer

Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for rectal cancer. Widespread use of total mesorectal excision (TME) has greatly reduced local recurrence, improved survival, and made it possible for most patients to avoid a permanent stoma. Combined modality therapy (CMT) has improved overall results and is now standard treatment for stage II and III rectal cancer. However, CMT has risks: toxicity, delayed chemotherapy, and potential overtreatment. Several investigators report that, for some patients, equivalent recurrence-free and overall survival are possible with TME alone. Many patients can be stratified for treatment according to risk status assessed on the basis of T/N classification, and some may benefit from a more limited approach that excludes pelvic radiation. A multi-institutional prospective, randomized controlled trial is in progress to address this question. As preoperative staging and our understanding of tumor biology continue to improve, we will be better able to assess risk and deliver rectal cancer treatment selectively.
Levels of Training and Research: Community Health Development in Costa Rica

An international program for research and training was initiated by my department in Costa Rica in 1982. The program's main objectives are: (1) through problem-solving research, to discover health problems in coastal communities in the Limon Province and, (2) through collaboration with health officials to work toward solving these health problems. The original purpose of the program was to provide students with an international applied field experience in the area of applied medical anthropology. Over the past three years, however, it has expanded to provide a training site for graduate students to become involved in community development issues other than health.
Design and simulation of muon ionization cooling channels for the Fermilab Neutrino Factory feasibility study

In the past few years, the concept of a high intensity muon storage ring has been pursued as an option for the next generation neutrino source. To produce the high intensity muon beam needed for the successful operation of a neutrino source, on the order of 1020 muon decays per year, the phase space occupied by the muon beam must be significantly reduced before the beam is accelerated. The initial transverse emittance of the muon beam before acceleration is assumed to be 9p mm rad. Because of the time limitation imposed by the muon lifetime, the technique employed to accomplish the desired emittance reduction is ionization cooling. In this paper we present two ionization cooling lattice designs, which use solenoidal focusing elements and liquid hydrogen absorbers to reduce the muon beam phase space. We discuss the design concepts and engineering constraints for these lattices and present simulation results obtained using a detailed tracing code with a complete model of muon-matter interactions. The reduction in transverse emittance is approximately a factor of 5. This result is within a factor of 2 of the total cooling requirements for a successful neutrino factory design and within a factor of 1.4 of the requirements for the main cooling section specified in the conceptual design of this machine.
Long-Term Psychological and Social Impact of Witnessing Physical Conflict Between Parents

A community sample of 617 adult women completed a questionnaire about witnessing interparental physical conflicts before the age of 16. One hundred and twenty-three (20%) of the respondents reported witnessing some type of physical conflict between their parents. The mean age when physical conflict was first observed was 8. Women who had witnessed parental physical conflict exhibited higher levels of current psychological distress on the General Severity Index of the Brief Symptom Inventory and lower levels of social adjustment as measured by the Social Provisions Scale. The differences in adult psychological and social adjustment between the witness and nonwitness groups persisted even after individually covarying for the influence of witnessing parental verbal conflict, childhood physical abuse, and perceived parental caring. Conceptual and methodological difficulties involved in trying to isolate the effects of witnessing parental physical conflicts from the effects of multiple overlapping family risk ...
High Frequency Square-Wave Current in Dermatology: Epilation, Iontophoresis, Cutaneous Sensory Threshold1

Square-wave current is essentially an electric current interrupted by a make-and-break device. The square-wave oscillogram is characterized by a perpendicular rise of voltage, a plateau of current interval and a perpendicular drop of voltage to zero. This is followed by a period of inactivity, and the process is repeated at regular intervals. Kovacs (1) lists this type of current under low frequency currents and refers to it as “interrupted galvanic current.” The interrupted galvanic current is used in electrodiagnosis for testing of the responses of muscles and nerves, and in treatment for stimulation of extremely weak muscles. Leduc (2) originally described an interrupted galvanic current for use in electronarcosis. He used a motor-driven devise producing interruptions at a rate of 100 per second. Other investigators have attempted to study inhibition of nervous activity with modifications of Leduc's apparatus ranging from motor-driven devises to vacuum tube machines. A vacuum tube apparatus designed by Sheer (3) in 1940 originally intended for investigation of electrical anesthesia was used for this report. More recently Mauro, Truant, and McCawley (4) described a vacuum tube square-wave apparatus which was used for studies in neuropharmacology.
Oral ACTH (H.P. Acthar®Gel) inhibits IL-1 and IL-17 secretion in humans

Abstract Objective We have shown that oral corticotropin hormone (ACTH) decreased clinical score, inflammatory foci and T eff IL-17 in fed and adoptive transferred recipient mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Therefore, we determined whether oral administration of ACTH had immunological and endocrinological effects and was safe in humans. Methods Three groups of three healthy adult volunteers were assayed for total serum ACTH, cortisol and a set of pro-inflammatory and counter-regulatory cytokines after ingested dose(s) of ACTH 4 IU ( n = 3), 41 IU ( n = 3), or 123 IU ( n = 3) over 5 days. Results There were no safety issues during the trial. There was no increase in total ACTH levels after day 1 or day 5. There was no significant increase in total cortisol among the groups comparing day 1 to day 5. There were significant decreases in the inflammatory cytokine IL-1 and IL-17 secretion at day 6 compared to baseline with the 123 IU dose but not after the 4 IU and 41 IU doses. Conclusions These data provide evidence for the safety and an immunological effect of oral ACTH in humans. It is unknown if the change in IL-1 and IL-17 reflects a local GI-mediated effect or effects following systemic absorption of ACTH.
High-resolution TEM characterization of SiC nanowires as reinforcements in a nanocrystalline Mg-matrix

Abstract SiC nanowires have been used as potential reinforcements in a nanocrystalline magnesium-based matrix composite processed by cryomilling and spark plasma sintering. The morphology and crystallinity of SiC nanowires were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopies. Our results indicate highly faceted sidewalls and bamboo-like SiC nanowires that contain a high density of twins and stacking faults. In addition to the common cubic 3C crystal structure, we also found the hexagonal 2H polytype. We suggest that the particular morphology of the SiC nanowires enhances their interlocking with the Mg matrix. A detailed analysis of the interface between a SiC nanowire and the nanocrystalline magnesium alloy was performed using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy techniques. We demonstrate the absence of interfacial reaction at the SiC nanowires/Mg-matrix interfaces, which is critical for the development of high-performance composites.
The role of precipitation variability on the ecohydrology of grasslands

Precipitation event timing and magnitude are important drivers of ecosystem processes and are instrumental in creating landscape heterogeneity. Ecosystems respond to precipitation and other driving variables at different spatial and temporal scales, which complicates understanding of the relationships that govern ecosystem conditions. To better characterize the ecosystem response, we present a low-dimensional framework for simulating the influence of precipitation event timing and magnitude on grassland ecosystems, with particular focus on characterizing the temporal sensitivity of water and carbon fluxes to climate forcings and the feedback of water and carbon on soil moisture availability. Results show variation in daily through seasonal sensitivity of ecosystem water and carbon fluxes and identifies the way these sensitivities change at daily to annual timescales to shape long-term ecosystem states. This provides for a better understanding of the nonlinearities inherent to ecosystem interactions during the growing season and provides assessment of the extent that precipitation variance has on grassland functioning and heterogeneity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flight evaluation of a precision landing task for a powered-lift STOL aircraft

A flight research experiment was conducted with the NASA-Ames Research Center's Quiet Short-Haul Research Aircraft to determine the factors which influence the touchdown distribution for a powered-lift STOL aircraft. The pilots were given two tasks for each of a series of precision approaches flown using a microwave landing system (MLS) in simulated instrument meteorological conditions. They flew the aircraft, with forward vision obscured by a screen, to a 100-ft decision height using a flightpath-oriented, color electronic display and one of four levels of control augmentation. Approaches were flown along a nominal 6 deg glidepath, as well as to calibrated offsets at the decision height to establish a variety of initial conditions for the landing task. The screen was removed at the decision height and the pilot was briefed to land in a 200 foot touchdown zone of the STOLport with a sink rate less than 5 ft/sec. Statistical performance envelopes and pilot ratings are used to describe the results of this experiment. The data generated are expected to be useful for establishing STOL aircraft operating requirements and STOL MLS approach criteria.
Behavioral effects of (+-) 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and (+-) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in the pigeon: interactions with noradrenergic and serotonergic systems.

The effects of three amphetamine analogs were assessed in pigeons key pecking under a multiple 3-min fixed-interval (FI), 30 response fixed-ratio (FR) schedule of food presentation. At doses between 0.1 and 10.0 mg/kg, (±) 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), (±) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and (±)-N-ethyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDE) either had no effect or decreased response rates in both components of the multiple schedule in a dose-dependent manner. MDA was at least 1 log unit more potent than the other two compounds. Metergoline (0.1–1.0 mg/kg), a serotonin (5-HT) antagonist with comparable affinity for the 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptor subtypes, blocked the rate-decreasing effects of 3.0 mg/kg MDA in both components of the multiple schedule, but did not affect the MDMA dose-response curve. The 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin (0.1–3.0 mg/kg) also restored FI and FR responding that was decreased by 3.0 mg/kg MDA, but had no effect on responding suppressed by MDMA. The noradrenergic alpha-1 antagonist prazosin (0.3–3.0 mg/kg) blocked the behavioral effects of 3.0 mg/kg MDMA at doses that did not attenuate MDA's rate-decreasing effects. These results indicate that although MDA and MDMA are structurally similar and have similar behavioral effects, their actions appear to be mediated through different neurotransmitter systems.
An O (N2 log N) restriction map comparison and search algorithm.

We present an O ( R log P ) time, O ( M + P 2 ) space algorithm for searching a restriction map with M sites for the best matches to a shorter map with P sites, where R , the number of matching site pairs, is bounded by MP . As first proposed by Waterman et al. (1984, Nucl. Acids Res. 12 , 237–242) the objective function used to score matches is additive in the number of unaligned sites and the discrepancies in the distances between adjacent aligned sites. Our algorithm is basically a sparse dynamic programming computation in which “candidate lists” are used to model the future contribution of all previously computed entries to those yet to be computed. A simple modification to the algorithm computes the distance between two restriction maps with M and N sites, respectively, in O ( MN (log M + log N )) time.
Design of Experimental Procedure and Analysis Methods of Small Scale Wind Turbine Blades With Different Geometries

The renewable energy is a promising field, which shows a lot of potential for future energy solutions. The design of the blade shows a lot effects on the efficiency of the wind turbine, and the design parameters governs the performance characteristics. This paper addresses a number of innovative blade designs that was developed by alterations made to the existing conventional straight blade. These blades were extensively studied using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, and showed promising results, which was the motive behind this study. We are designing an experiment to study small scale wind turbines, which will enable us to gather data that will explain some differences in power and torque output. These steps will help us to come to a better understanding of some aerodynamic aspects that will impact the performance of each individual blade design. The comparing criteria for this study was the torque generation at the axes of rotation, which can be translated to several parameters, such as energy output, using some theoretical basis equations.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
A semi-analytical model for simulating fluid transport in multi-layered fibrous sheets made up of solid and porous fibers

Abstract Direct simulation of fluid transport in fibrous media consisting of swelling (i.e., fluid-absorbing) and non-swelling (i.e., solid) fibers is a challenge. In this work, we have developed a semi-analytical modeling approach that can be used to predict the fluid absorption and release characteristics of multi-layered composite fabrics made up of swelling and non-swelling fibrous sheets. The simulations presented here are based on a numerical solution of Richards’ equation. Two different fibrous sheets composed of non-swelling (PET) and swelling (Rayon) fibers with different Solid Volume Fractions (SVFs) and thicknesses were arbitrarily chosen in this study for demonstration purposes. The sheets’ capillary pressure and relative permeability are obtained via a combination of numerical simulations and experiment. In particular, the capillary pressure expression for non-swelling media is obtained from the analytical expressions that we previously developed via 3-D microscale simulations, while the capillary pressure for swelling media is obtained via height rise experiments. The relative permeability expressions for both swelling and non-swelling media are obtained from the analytical expressions previously developed via 3-D microscale simulations, which are also in agreement with experimental correlations from the literature. On the macroscale, simulation results are reported for fluid transport in bi-layered composite fabrics, and comparison is made between the performances of these fabrics in terms of the order in which the layers are stacked on top of one another. A higher rate of absorption was observed when the layer in contact with the fluid is that comprised of swelling fibers. A similar study was conducted for motion-induced fluid release from the composite fabrics when partially-saturated with a fluid. It was shown that less fluid release is expected when the swelling sheet is placed in contact with the surface.
Robust generalized linear mixed models for small area estimation

Use of generalized linear model for small area estimation is relatively new for the survey statisticians. For a unified analysis of both discrete and continuous data, this paper introduces hierarchical Bayes generalized mixed linear models. Constant variance normal distribution is usually assumed for small area specific random effects. This paper uses, instead, a finite mixture of normals as a prior for the random effects. Such prior is believed to be more robust than a normal prior. There are difficulties with this model, however. First, standard reference priors for the parameters of the mixture components yield improper posteriors. Second, posterior analysis does not provide a direct estimate of the number of components to be used for the mixture distribution. Both improper and partially proper prior distributions are used and a general theorem is provided to ensure the propriety of posteriors. The hierarchical Bayes procedure is implemented via Markov Chain Monte Carlo integration techniques.
Role of Sirtuin 1 in metabolic regulation

Sirtuin proteins are an evolutionarily conserved family of NAD + -dependent protein deacetylases. Originally discovered in yeast as gene-silencing proteins, they subsequently emerged as key regulators of life span in yeast and other lower species. Recent identification and characterization of mammalian Sirtuin homologs have revealed a widespread spectrum of biological activities in gene regulation linked to cell survival, cell apoptosis and metabolism. These findings have stimulated several drug discovery efforts. Here, we review current knowledge of the biological functions and possible pharmacological implications of Sirtuin 1, the most characterized member of the mammalian Sirtuin family, in glucose and fat metabolism.