cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced uptake of dissolved oxygen and glucose by Escherichia coli in a turbulent flow.

Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the effect of turbulence on Escherichia coli cells in an oscillating grid reactor under conditions of no oxygen transfer to the liquid phase. Fluid flow was quantified at a submillimeter resolution using a particle image velocimetry measuring technique. The root-mean-square estimates of the velocity gradient tensor components indicated the dominance of shear rate deformation in the fluid surrounding E. coli. The E. coli growth rate, dissolved oxygen (DO), and glucose uptake rates were facilitated by fluid-flow energy dissipation in the turbulent fluid. The Kolmogorov length scale (η K) and velocity (uK) underlined characteristic scales at which enhanced DO and glucose uptake by E. coli were determined in a turbulent flow in comparison to still-water controls. A first-order power–law relation between the mass transport to the cells and the moving fluid is developed. The combined effects of the enhanced rate of strain at ηK scale and uniform velocity at u K determined the facilitated DO and glucose fluxes to E. coli. The mass transport to the E. coli was modeled by the Sherwood (Sh)–Peclet (Pe) number relationship by $$Sh = 1 + {\text{1}}{\text{.08 }}Pe_{u_K }^{0.62}$$ where $$Pe_{u_K } $$ is the Peclet number defined by the u K velocity scale. The proposed first-order model described experimental data fairly well.
Bit sequential multiplier using carry-look-ahead technique

Abstract An algorithm using carry-look-ahead adders for serial multiplier is proposed in this paper. A cell suitable for (Very Large Scale Integration) implementation is given. The procedure is faster than the canonical bit sequential multiplier proposed recently.
On the Application of the Thiele/Zeldovich Analysis to Porous Carbon Combustion

The combustion of porous carbon particles is a complex process which involves both diffusion through the particle's boundary layer and its internal pore structure as well as a heterogeneous chemical reaction governed by adsorption and desorption. To provide a general basis for the solution of the relevant Thiele/Zeldovich equation of internal diffusion with reaction, we reformulate the two-step Langmuir rate expression in the format of the one-step nth-order relation. The purpose of this treatment is to obtain tractable expressions, which allow adequate prediction of combustion behavior of coal char in flames, with appropriate accuracy.
The American Customer Satisfaction Index: Nature, Purpose, and Findings

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) is a new type of market-based performance measure for firms, industries, economic sectors, and national economies. The authors discuss the nature and...
A morphologic study of a carcinogenic procedure in the hamster submandibular gland

Abstract A carcinogen-Carbowax implant technique has been used in the submandibular gland of hamsters. Ductal regeneration and squamous metaplasia were the most prominent reactions to this procedure. Regeneration appeared to originate in cuboidal cells of the striated intralobular ducts. Squamous metaplasia was observed in these ducts in response to experimental procedures. Cells of convoluted tubules bordering the induced lesions appeared to revert to striated cells. These ducts also demonstrated squamous metaplasia. The carcinogenic procedure designed to induce epithelial malignancies resulted in fibro-sarcomas.
Mixing characteristics of InAlAs/InGaAs metal-semiconductor-metal optoelectronic mixers

Interdigitated-finger metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors (MSM-PDs) are widely used for high-speed optoelectronic applications. Recently, GaAs MSM-PDs have been utilized as optoelectronic mixers (OEMs) in an incoherent laser radar (LADAR) system. InGaAs MSM-PDs would allow LADAR operation at eye-safe wavelengths, mainly 1.55 μm. Unfortunately, the Schottky barrier height on InGaAs is quite low (~0.1-0.2eV) leading to high dark current and, hence, low signal-to-noise ratio. To reduce dark current, the Schottky barrier is typically “enhanced” by employing a high-band-gap lattice-matched Schottky enhancement layer (SEL). Detectors using SELs yield low dark current, high responsivity, and high bandwidths. In this paper we analyze the mixing effect in InAlAs Schottky-enhanced InGaAs-based MSM-PDs. We find that the measured frequency bandwidth of such a mixer is smaller than when used as a photodetector. Moreover, the mixing efficiency depends on the light modulation and mixed signal frequencies and decreases non-linearly with decrease in optical power. This is not observed in GaAs-based and non-Schottky-enhanced InGaAs MSM-PDs. We present a circuit model of the MSM-PD OEM to explain the experimental results.
Summary Abstract for the 7th ACM International Workshop on Cyber Security Analytics, Intelligence and Automation

The 7th ACM International Workshop on Cyber Security Analytics, Intelligence and Automation (SafeConfig) is held as part of ACM Computer and Communications Security CCS 2014. SafeConfig 14, following many successful preceding workshops, is concerned with developing new security techniques and approaches that offer proactive, intelligent and a holistic security analytics based on analyzing the system artifacts including system traces, configurations, logs, incident reports, alarms and network traffic. Scalable analytics techniques are essential to handle large volumes of data and to normalize, model, integrate, analyze and respond to threats in real time.
Remarks on Lipschitz properties of matrix groups actions

It is proved that a large class of matrix group actions, including joint similarity and congruence-like actions, as well as actions of the type of matrix equivalence, have local Lipschitz property. Under additional hypotheses, global Lipschitz property is proved. These results are specialized and applied to obtain local Lipschitz property of canonical bases of matrices that are selfadjoint in an indefinite inner product. Real, complex, and quaternionic matrices are considered.
Generation and transformation of interface traps in MOS structures

Abstract This paper reviews the time dependent evolution phenomena of interface traps in MOS structures after their creation either by ionizing radiation or hot-carrier injection.
Review of technique for combined closed incisional hernia repair and panniculectomy status post–open bariatric surgery

Abstract Background After open bariatric surgery, many patients develop incisional hernia. Patients who were once morbidly obese provide a unique challenge to hernia repair, given the larger nature of their fascial defects and the concomitant problem of extreme amounts of abdominal wall laxity. We reviewed a technique for surgical repair of incisional hernias combined with panniculectomy. Methods A retrospective review of 50 consecutive patients status post–open bariatric surgery who underwent incisional hernia repair with overlay mesh and combined panniculectomy between 2000 and 2003. Results Hernia repair and panniculectomy were performed 18 months after open bariatric surgery. The patients had an average weight loss of 58.6 kg. Mean follow-up after hernia repair and panniculectomy was 18 months. Patients underwent prefascial hernia repair with plication of the fascial edges followed by midline anchoring of overlay mesh. The averave amount of excess tissue excised via panniculectomy was 3001 g. The average hospital stay was 4 days. Minor wound problems (eg, suture abscess, seroma) occurred in 20 patients. Seromas were treated with serial aspiration in the office. There were no intra-abdominal complications or recurrences of the incisional hernias. Conclusion Closed hernia repair with prefascial plication and overlay mesh is a safe, effective alternative to traditional incisional hernia repair. It provides adequate hernia repair without recurrence and eliminates intra-abdominal complications. It is our belief that combining the hernia repair and panniculectomy minimizes the risk of hernia recurrence through alleviation of stress on the repair by removing excess abdominal wall tissue.
Tremor syndromes in dogs: Diagnosis and treatment

Tremor is frequently associated with a variety of diseases in human beings and animals. Unlike humans beings, however, many tremor disorders of animals resist strict classification and have poorly defined aetiologies. In dogs, generalised tremor is more commonly recognised than tremor localised to one body area. History and clinical presentation remain important in the differential diagnosis of these disorders. Appropriate therapy for several of these syndromes can result in long term control or resolution of tremor.
Coefficient of thermal expansion anisotropy and texture effects in ultra-thin titanium sheet

Several measurements have been made for the coefficient of thermal expansion (COTE) of titanium in both single crystal and polycrystalline samples. The most commonly observed preferred crystallographic orientation of cold-rolled Ti has been presented by Clark and others to be a 209 to 40{degree} tilt of the c-axis in both transverse directions. This rolling texture is common among HCP metals with a c/a ratio lower than the ideal, and it results from the two most common slip systems active in Ti at room temperature. These were first reported by Anderson, Jillson, and Dunbar, who found that the critical resolved shear stress (CRSS) for slip in the {l_angle}11{bar 2}0{r_angle} direction on the (0002) basal plane is 110 MPa, and the CRSS for slip in the {l_angle}11{bar 2}0{r_angle} direction on the {l_brace}10{bar 1}0{r_brace} first order prism planes is 50 MPa. Thus the Ti unit cell is oriented for easiest slip when it lies in a position near the CRSS maximum for the first order prism plane slip system, while still permitting cross slip on the basal plane.
Flow of a non-Newtonian fluid between heated parallel plates

Abstract The flow of a fluid of grade three between heated parallel plates is examined for two cases. In the first instance we postulate constant heat flux at the walls and via a similarity transformation calculate the Nusselt number as a function of both Γ, the parameter controlling viscous dissipation, and Λ, the non-Newtonian parameter. In the second case we restrict the temperature to change only normal to the plates; solutions in this case are obtained for two temperature-viscosity models, μ = μ ( θ ).
Superconductivity in A15 Nb3(Ge, Ga) and Nb(Ge, B) compounds

Abstract We report results of a preliminary investigation of the superconducting properties, T c and H c2 (0), of stoichiometric pseudobinaries Nb 3 (Ge x Ga 1−x ) and pseudobinaries Nb-(Ge, B) prepared by chemical vapor deposition. We find that the addition of third elements Ga and B to A15 Nb 3 Ge depresses T c relative to that of the binary but that the incorporation of B holds promise for enhanced values of H c2 (0).
Radiative widths of levels in 58Ni and 60Ni

Abstract The radiative widths of six levels in 58 Ni and four in 60 Ni at excitation energies below 4.2 MeV have been measured using the resonance scattering of bremsstrahlung. From the angular distribution of the resonance radiation, the 4.020 MeV level in 60 Ni was shown to have spin 1. The experimental B (M1) values for the ground state transitions from four 1 + states exhibit considerably less variation from level to level than expected on the basis of a modified Tamm-Dancoff approximation calculation using the two-body matrix elements of Kuo and Brown.
Electromagnetic scattering from biological tissue

Based on the mathematical models of the experimentally fitted spectrum of index inhomogeneities, we analyze the electromagnetic field scattered from biological tissue. The resulting cross-spectral density matrices are expressed in spherical polar coordinates and the two-dimensional definition of polarization could be used. The results show that the polarization characteristics of the far scattered field depend closely on the types of the tissue.
Determination of optimal number of Kanbans using stochastic petri nets

Abstract Kanbans, whose functions are to direct materials just-in-time (JIT)to workstations, and to pass information as to what and how much to produce, act as the nerve of most JIT systems. This paper introduces Petri nets as an alternate tool for the analysis of a two-station dual kanban system. A model is developed using stochastic Petri nets (SPN) to determine the holding and shortage costs, thereby finding the optimal number of kanbans between two stations. Unique features of the model include the dual-card set-up, and transportation times between workstations. Experiments were conducted by varying parameters like demand rates, and production ratio between two stations. It is observed that as the demand is increased, both the optimum number of kanbans required to operate between workstations and machine utilization increase. Advantages to using Petri nets as a modeling tool, and possible extensions to the model developed are discussed at the end.
Renal disease in familial dysautonomia

Renal disease in familial dysautonomia. A study of renal disease in familial dysautonomia identified excess glomerulosclerosis in 10 of 13 autopsied and biopsied patients. Sympathetic nerve terminals could not be found on renal vessels in biopsied tissue; they were invariably demonstrable in controls. Altered renovascular responsivity to systemic hypotension in familial dysautonomia may lead to ischemia and subsequent sclerosis of glomeruli. Review of 79 living outpatients showed that clinically overt renal disease was rare in familial dysautonomia. Nevertheless, frequent observations of elevations of serum creatinine concentrations (32% of patients) and blood urea concentrations (76% of patients) indicated a high prevalence of abnormality. An association was found between hypotension and renal dysfunction. Atteinte renale dans la dysautonomie familiale. Une etude de l'atteinte renale dans la dysautonomie familiale a identifie une glomerulosclerose excessive chez 10 malades parmi les 13 autopsies ou biopsies. Les terminaisons sympathiques n'ont pas pu etre mises en evidence dans les vaisseaux renaux des fragments biopsiques. Elles ont ete toujours observes dans les fragments controles. Une modification de la reponse renovasculaire a l'hypotension systemique au cours de la dysautonomie familiale peut conduire a l'ischemie puis a la sclerose glomerulaire. L'etude de 79 malades externes vivants a montre que l'atteinte renale cliniquement evidente est rare au cours de la dysautonomie familiale. Cependant, la constatation frequente de creatininemies elevees (32% des malades) et de concentrations plasmatiques d'uree elevees (76% des malades) indique une frequence elevee d'anomalies. Une association a ete constatee entre l'hypotension et la modification du fonctionnement renal.
Improvement in dose homogeneity with electronic tissue compensation over IMRT and conventional RT in whole brain radiotherapy.

Abstract Background and purpose To perform a dosimetric analysis of whole brain radiotherapy using electronic tissue compensation (ECOMP) with dynamic multileaf collimation (dMLC) and its comparisons with inverse-planned intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with optimization constraints and conventional whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Materials and methods Ten patients (6 adult, 4 pediatric) who were treated at our institution were selected for this study. WBRT fields were defined using opposed lateral fields directed at the intracranial contents and MLC leaves were used to block the critical normal structures. A two-field inverse-planned IMRT plan was then developed using sliding window technique and two optimization constraints. Finally, a dMLC plan with electronic tissue compensation (ECOMP) was developed using identical beam and collimator angles and blocking strategy; the fluence map was generated based on tissue compensation and no additional constraints were given for optimization purposes. This tissue compensation based fluence map was applied to deliver a homogenous dose to the intracranial contents. Radiation dose was identically prescribed to the isocenter (30.0Gy in 10 fractions) for all the cases. A dosimetric comparison was then performed for each method in our patient population. Results ECOMP significantly reduced the mean maximum dose ( D max ) to the intracranial contents as compared to both WBRT (103.9% vs. 112.4%, p p =0.02). ECOMP also reduced the intracranial volume receiving greater than 103% of the prescribed dose (2.6% vs. 54.9%, p p p Conclusions Dynamic multileaf collimation with electronic tissue compensation (ECOMP) leads to improved dose homogeneity with less ‘hot spots' as compared to conventional and inverse-planned intensity modulated whole brain radiotherapy. At our institution, ECOMP is being used in all pediatric patients or select adult patients with a long life expectancy requiring cranial radiotherapy.
Phenotypic and cytotoxic characteristics of the immune cells of the human placenta

Despite some functional impairment of the newborn's T-cell immune system, most infants survive the intrauterine and perinatal period without succumbing to infection or maternal lymphocyte engraftment. The placenta may play a crucial role in protecting the infant from microbial and histocompatibility antigens. Accordingly, we studied phenotypic and functional capacities of placental cells. Placentas were obtained from uncomplicated pregnancies. Matched cord blood and maternal peripheral blood were also obtained in many instances. Fresh minced placental tissue was washed and digested with collagenase and DNase and mononuclear cells were obtained by density gradient centrifugation. The average yield was 10(6) cells/g of tissue with greater than 80% viability. Chromosome analysis of five placental preparations indicated that these cells were of fetal rather than maternal origin. The isolated placental cells consisted of trophoblasts, lymphocytes (74 +/- 3%), monocytes (16 +/- 3%), and granulocytes (8 +/- 2%). E-rosette forming cells (T cells) made up 65 +/- 2% and surface membrane immunoglobulin positive cells made up 8 +/- 1% of the placental mononuclear cells. Fluorescent activated analysis of the mononuclear cells indicated less Leu 4-positive cells (Pan-T) 43 +/- 3%, and less Leu 3-positive (T-helper cells) (25 +/- 2%), than cord and maternal cell preparations. Leu-2, DR, and B1 positive cells were similar to those in cord and maternal blood. Leu 7 and especially Leu 11 positive cells, markers for natural killer cells, were abundant in placental cells, making up 4 +/- 0.7% and 20 +/- 3%, respectively. The Leu 7/Leu 11 ratio of the placental cells was different from either the maternal or cord blood cells. Natural killer activity of placental cells against a K562 natural killer target was low, despite the abundance of cells with NK markers. The K562 activity was low in the placental cells, similar to the low NK activity of maternal and cord cells. Molt 4f killer activity was near normal. Lectin-dependent cytotoxicity using an EL-4 cell target plus PHA was low in placentas, compared to normal, maternal, or cord cell cytotoxicity. Matched samples indicated that LDCC activity was mother greater than cord greater than placenta. Antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (Raji target) of placental cells showed low activity, and again the paired studies indicated that normal controls greater than maternal greater than cord greater than placenta cytotoxicity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
What is behind the increase in oil prices? Analyzing oil consumption and supply relationship with oil price

Abstract The continuing increases in oil prices have renewed the argument over the real culprits behind these movements. The growth in demand for oil in international markets, especially from the United States and China, is often identified as the main source of consumption pressure on prices, and thus the upward trend in oil prices. This paper uses unit root tests with two endogenous breaks to analyze the characteristics of oil prices, production, and consumption for several countries. By taking into account structural breaks, we find that many countries’ oil consumption and oil prices are stationary, while other countries are not. We also perform causality tests to determine the direction of any possible relationship between oil price and oil consumption and production. Our statistical analysis reveals that production variables cause oil prices, while oil prices tend to cause consumption. As a result, we claim that the blame for the recent fluctuations in oil prices is more appropriately associated with supply factors, not consumption influences.
Stenting of the renal artery to improve renal function prior to thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair.

Purpose:To report the successful staged treatment of a patient with a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAA), who presented with renal insufficiency attributable to renal artery stenosis.Methods an...
The COOH-terminal domain of the JIL-1 histone H3S10 kinase interacts with histone H3 and is required for correct targeting to chromatin.

The JIL-1 histone H3S10 kinase in Drosophila localizes specifically to euchromatic interband regions of polytene chromosomes and is enriched 2-fold on the male X chromosome. JIL-1 can be divided into four main domains including an NH2-terminal domain, two separate kinase domains, and a COOH-terminal domain. Our results demonstrate that the COOH-terminal domain of JIL-1 is necessary and sufficient for correct chromosome targeting to autosomes but that both COOH- and NH2-terminal sequences are necessary for enrichment on the male X chromosome. We furthermore show that a small 53-amino acid region within the COOH-terminal domain can interact with the tail region of histone H3, suggesting that this interaction is necessary for the correct chromatin targeting of the JIL-1 kinase. Interestingly, our data indicate that the COOH-terminal domain alone is sufficient to rescue JIL-1 null mutant polytene chromosome defects including those of the male X chromosome. Nonetheless, we also found that a truncated JIL-1 protein which was without the COOH-terminal domain but retained histone H3S10 kinase activity was able to rescue autosome as well as partially rescue male X polytene chromosome morphology. Taken together these findings indicate that JIL-1 may participate in regulating chromatin structure by multiple and partially redundant mechanisms.
UVR exposure of the lens in the mammalian eye, species difference

Purpose To determine the absorption properties of the anterior segment of the mammalian eyes and relate those changes to aging mechanisms of the anterior segment and to possible consequences of cataract formation. Methods A simple method has been developed to determine the optical properties of the anterior segment of the intact eye. This consists of a probe which is inserted into the posterior sclera and detects light passing through the anterior segment. The probe is connected to a CCD spectrophotometer via a fiber optic bundle. Digitized data is collected and analyzed by a laptop computer. Results The absorption and transmission characteristics of mammallain anterior segments vary markedly with species and age. This has implications for photochemical and other light studies in both the lens and retina. The anterior segment of nocturnal animals, such as the rodent, transmit light down to 300 nm, but as they age this increases to 310-320 nm. Diurnal mammals, such as the rabbit, guinea pig and cow contain large amounts of NAD(P)H, which absorbs all of the UV-B and most of the UV-A. The yellowing of the primate lens results in a progressive decrease in the amount of blue light reaching the retina. The young lens absorbs primarily UV-A, whereas with age, there are increases in absorptions at 320 nm and out to wavelengths as long as 550 nm. The position of cortical cataract may be due to the optical characteristics of anterior segment. Conclusion The optical characteristics of the lenses of various animal models have markedly different UVR absorption properties. These qualities are critical to consider when using animal models to study aging mechanisms and cataract formation in the lens.
Revision status of American standard definitions of electrical terms

In answer to numerous queries, the author indicates briefly the procedure which is being followed, the large number of factors which must be taken into consideration, and the possible publication date of the current revision of the American Standard Definitions of Electrical Terms.
The Ancient Chinese Pearl in number theory—the Chinese remainder theorem

The authors discuss in this paper the Chinese remainder theorem as given in some Chinese classical books of mathematics.
Ecological integrity as an economic variable: An application to forested landscapes in the southern United States

Abstract Ecological integrity is important to fully describe the development of an economy. We calculated an aggregate index that quantifies the closeness of a forested region to a natural state. This naturalness index was based on the diversity of native tree species and sizes for ecological subregions in a seral condition. The index used the spatial–temporal array of sample plots from the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) database of the USDA Forest Service. In the 70 survey units of the southern US between 1961 and 2005 the naturalness of forests generally improved with per capita personal income and population. The increase with income was consistent with the hypothesis of an environmental Kuznets curve for forested landscapes.
On the importance of fibers' cross-sectional shape for air filters operating in the slip flow regime

Abstract In this paper, we investigate the effects of fibers' cross-sectional shape on the performance of a fibrous filter in the slip and no-slip flow regimes. The slip flow regime is expected to prevail when fiber diameter is comparable in size to the mean free path of the gas molecules (about 65 nm at normal temperatures and pressures), whereas the no-slip flow regime describes the aerodynamic condition of flow through media with large fibers. Our numerical simulations conducted for flow around single fibers with different geometries indicate that, while the collection efficiency is only weakly affected by the cross-sectional shape of nanofibers, the fiber drag (i.e., permeability of the media) can be considerably influenced by the fiber's shape. Simulating the flow field around nano- and microfibers with circular, square, trilobal, and elliptical cross-sections, it was found that the more streamlined the fiber geometry, the lower the fiber drag caused by a nanofiber relative to that generated by its micron-sized counterpart.
SOCIAL WORK AND CORRECTIONS Comments on an Uneasy Partnership

This paper offers a summary of social work contributions to correctional treatment and provides a refutation to charges that social work in corrections is ineffective and adds a therapeutic veneer that prolongs the life of an outmoded, deficient system. Fundamental theories and practices of social work are consistent with the shifting emphasis from punishment to rehabilitation and community integration through focusing on the client within a social framework, attempting to influence the functioning of the social system, and coordinating new resources to met emerging needs. Postponing access to social services until after discharge from prison prevents the most rootless and disorganized among the prison population, with the highest probability of recidivism, from receiving necessary services, which might help to break the vicious cycle.
Lack of Increased Risk for Extracranial, Nonleukemic Neoplasms in Recipients of Recombinant Deoxyribonucleic Acid Growth Hormone*

This report describes cases of new extracranial nonleukemic neoplasms in recombinant human GH (rhGH) recipients. The data are largely from the National Cooperative Growth Study (NCGS), with over 51,000 patient-years at risk from 12,209 patients treated with Protropin rhGH. In addition to case reports of extracranial tumors from the NCGS enrollees, there have been reports from non-NCGS patients. Ten cases of new extracranial neoplasms have been reported from this total study population, and there have been eight cases whose second neoplasms were extracranial in nature. For the new cases, the number of observed cases is compared with the number of expected cases, as derived from incidence rates published by the National Cancer Institute's SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) Program. The standard morbidity ratio (SMR), defined as the number of observed cases/expected cases, is calculated for males and females separately, with further subgroup analysis based upon age. For the NCGS population, t...
Integrating clinical trial data into clinical practice.

During the past decade, eight new antiepileptic medications (AEDs), including felbamate (FBM), gabapentin (GBP), lamotrigine (LTG), levetiracetam (LEV), oxcarbazepine (OXC), tiagabine (TGB), topiramate (TPM), and zonisamide (ZNS), have been approved in the United States. In multicenter controlled clinical trials, each of these new AEDs has demonstrated efficacy as adjunctive therapy in adults with refractory partial seizures,1-18⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓ and some have shown efficacy as monotherapy in adults with partial seizures.19-27⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓ Although large amounts of data have emerged from these trials, the challenge for clinicians who treat adults with epilepsy has been to integrate these data into their clinical practices. Clinicians who treat children with epilepsy have faced greater obstacles. Only a handful of multicenter controlled clinical trials involving the newer AEDs have been conducted in children with epilepsy. In addition, these studies have focused on answering regulatory questions rather than addressing routine clinical issues. However, it is possible to extract practical and clinically useful information from these multicenter trials by systematically examining specific aspects of the efficacy, safety, and serum concentration trial data. An important factor in evaluating clinical trial data is to determine whether the study’s efficacy data demonstrate the potential usefulness of an AED for children with epilepsy. Direct application of adult clinical trial data to children has many potential hazards. There are a variety of differences between pediatric and adult epilepsy, including age-related seizure types and epilepsy syndromes, etiologic differences in partial seizures between adults and children, and a higher frequency of localization-related epilepsy syndromes in children.28 Therefore, only data from pediatric studies are included in this analysis. The design of the clinical trial is the critical factor determining the potential …
Optical assembly of a visible through thermal infrared multispectral imaging system

The Optical Assembly (OA) for the Multispectral Thermal Imager (MTI) program has been fabricated, assembled, and successfully tested for its performance. It represents a major milestone achieved towards completion of this earth observing E-O imaging sensor that is to be operated in low earth orbit. Along with its wide-field-of-view (WFOV), 1.82{degree} along-track and 1.38{degree} cross-track, and comprehensive on-board calibration system, the pushbroom imaging sensor employs a single mechanically cooled focal plane with 15 spectral bands covering a wavelength range from 0.45 to 10.7 {micro}m. The OA has an off-axis three-mirror anastigmatic (TMA) telescope with a 36-cm unobscured clear aperture. The two key performance criteria, 80% enpixeled energy in the visible and radiometric stability of 1% 1{sigma} in the visible/near-infrared (VNIR) and short wavelength infrared (SWIR), of 1.45% 1{sigma} in the medium wavelength infrared (MWIR), and of 0.53% 1{sigma} long wavelength infrared (LWIR), as well as its low weight (less than 49 kg) and volume constraint (89 cm x 44 cm x 127 cm) drive the overall design configuration of the OA and fabrication requirements.
The electroretinogram of the sodium glutamate-treated albino rat: its characteristics and comparison with those of the untreated rat.

This paper describes ERG's obtained from all rod retinas containing essentially only a-waves. Albino rats, treated with sodium glutamate, were used. The fractionated ERG's obtained from dark adapted rats were in response to stimuli of varying intensity, duration, and wave length. Others were taken during the recovery from light adaptation. A small b-wave was present whenever an a-wave was absent. In the presence of an a-wave, the b-wave appeared only as a very small positive deflection at the peak of the a-wave. The a-waves obtained in these experiments are compared with those obtained from untreated albino rats. The a-wave appears unaffected by the sodium glutamate treatment.
Laminin-111 Restores Regenerative Capacity in a Mouse Model for α7 Integrin Congenital Myopathy

Mutations in the α7 integrin gene cause congenital myopathy characterized by delayed developmental milestones and impaired mobility. Previous studies in dystrophic mice suggest the α7β1 integrin may be critical for muscle repair. To investigate the role that α7β1 integrin plays in muscle regeneration, cardiotoxin was used to induce damage in the tibialis anterior muscle of α7 integrin-null mice. Unlike wild-type muscle, which responded rapidly to repair damaged myofibers, α7 integrin-deficient muscle exhibited defective regeneration. Analysis of Pax7 and MyoD expression revealed a profound delay in satellite cell activation after cardiotoxin treatment in α7 integrin-null animals when compared with wild type. We have recently demonstrated that the muscle of α7 integrin-null mice exhibits reduced laminin-α2 expression. To test the hypothesis that loss of laminin contributes to the defective muscle regeneration phenotype observed in α7 integrin-null mice, mouse laminin-111 (α1, β1, γ1) protein was injected into the tibialis anterior muscle 3 days before cardiotoxin-induced injury. The injected laminin-111 protein infiltrated the entire muscle and restored myogenic repair and muscle regeneration in α7 integrin-null muscle to wild-type levels. Our data demonstrate a critical role for a laminin-rich microenvironment in muscle repair and suggest laminin- 111 protein may serve as an unexpected and novel therapeutic agent for patients with congenital myopathies.
Module types, module variables, and their use as a universal encapsulation mechanism

The objective of this paper is to develop a universal encapsulation mechanism which can serve as a single substitute for classes, packages, records and subroutines. The proposed mechanism, the module type, is based on a modification of the traditional meaning of the concept of type. A module type defines a collection of entities, such as constants, types, variables, and optionally, a module body. A module type can be used to declare module variables. The body of a module variable can be activated by a module call.It is demonstrated how module types can implement classes, and how module variables can serve the need for packages, subroutines, and records.The concept of module type is embedded in an experimental language whose main features are briefly described in the paper. A prototype compiler for this language has been developed. The implementation scheme is also discussed.Module types and module variables have uncomplicated and intuitively clear semantics. As a result, they are simple to use, and they allow more efficient implementation compared to traditional encapsulation mechanisms.The paper outlines a programming language experiment and is not aimed at a formal theoretical study of module types.
Shoot and root biomass of desert grasses as affected by biosolids application

Abstract This research evaluated the effects of level and season of biosolids application and irrigation regime on shoot and root biomass production of blue grama ( Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) Lag. ex Steud.) and tobosagrass ( Hilaria mutica (Buckl.) Benth.), two perennial, warm season grasses of Chihuahuan Desert rangelands. Plants of both species were transplanted to pots and maintained under a rain-out shelter. The plants were treated either in the spring or summer with biosolids at levels of 0, 7, 18, 34, and 90 dry Mg ha −1 and irrigated at 40% or 80% field capacity soil water content. In general, biosolids increased shoot biomass of both species, which was partly a result of the increased soil NO 3 -N concentrations that followed biosolids application. More biomass was allocated to the roots of the grasses when biosolids and irrigation levels were low. In contrast, more biomass was allocated to the shoots when biosolids and irrigation levels were high. Shoot biomass production and soil NO 3 -N concentrations were enhanced more by the spring application of biosolids than by the summer application. The season of application influences the beneficial effect of biosolids on desert grasses.
Reasons for incomplete proctoscopy

About one of four patients could not be proctoscoped 20 cm or more. Psychologic factors, normal anatomic variations, or pathologic lesions prevented complete proctoscopy in 277 of 1,113 cases. Incomplete proctoscopy for other than organic reasons may be reduced by letting the patient know what to expect and by advising him that the examination can be stopped at any time that he requests.
Interference between 3D → 3D electron-exchange transitions and interband excitations in MnO(100)

Abstract We report the observation of strong optically forbidden 3d → 3d transitions in the electron-energy-loss spectra of vacuum-cleaved MnO(100). A striking sensitivity of the relative amplitudes of the various 3d → 3d multiplet transitions to the interference from other excitation channels is observed for the first time in the transition-metal oxides. A model reflecting the electron exchange nature of the 3d → 3d transition in MnO, similar to that used to describe the 4f → 4f transitions in rare-earth metals, is proposed to explain the large amplitudes of the transitions. However, unlike the case of the rare-earth metals, the energy dependence of the amplitude of the transitions cannot be explained simply in terms of a resonant electron emission process.
The Contribution of Different Oil Consumption Sources to Total Oil Consumption in a Spark Ignition Engine

As a part of the effort to comply with increasingly stringent emission standards, engine manufacturers strive to minimize engine oil consumption. This requires the advancement of the understanding of the characteristics, sources, and driving mechanisms of oil consumption. This paper presents a combined theoretical and experimental approach to separate and quantify different oil consumption sources in a production spark ignition engine at different speed and load conditions. A sulfur tracer method was used to measure the dependence of oil consumption on engine operating speed and load. Liquid oil distribution on the piston was studied using a one-point Laser-Induced-Fluorescence (LIF) technique. In addition, important in-cylinder parameters for oil transport and oil consumption, such as liner temperatures and land pressures, were measured. Engine test data and modeling results were combined to separate and quantify the contributions of oil entrained in the blowby gas flow, oil evaporation, and oil flow past piston and valve guides into the combustion chamber. The results show that the contribution of each consumption source varies with engine operating conditions. At low load, oil flowing into the combustion chamber was found to be the major consumption source (90 percent), while the 1 contributions of oil evaporation and of blowby entrainment became more significant with increasing engine load. The variation of engine speed at full load increased the contribution of all three oil consumption sources. However, the relative importance of each source did not vary significantly with engine speed. The major contributions were from the oil transport (40 to 50 percent) and oil evaporation (30 to 40 percent).
Production of the Isoflavones Genistein and Daidzein in Non-Legume Dicot and Monocot Tissues

Metabolic engineering for production of isoflavones in non-legume plants may provide the health benefits of these phytoestrogens from consumption of more widely used grains. In legumes, isoflavones function in both the symbiotic relationship with rhizobial bacteria and the plant defense response. Expression of a soybean isoflavone synthase (IFS) gene in Arabidopsis plants was previously shown to result in the synthesis and accumulation of the isoflavone genistein in leaf and stem tissue (Jung et al., 2000). Here we further investigate the ability of the heterologous IFS enzyme to interact with the endogenous phenylpropanoid pathway, which provides the substrate for IFS, and produces genistein in several plant tissue systems. In tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) floral tissue that synthesizes anthocyanins, genistein production was increased relative to leaves. Induction of the flavonoid/anthocyanin branch of the phenylpropanoid pathway through UV-B treatment also enhanced genistein production in Arabidopsis. In a monocot cell system, introduced expression of a transcription factor regulating genes of the anthocyanin pathway was effective in conferring the ability to produce genistein in the presence of the IFS gene. Introduction of a third gene, chalcone reductase, provided the ability to synthesize an additional substrate of IFS resulting in production of the isoflavone daidzein in this system. The genistein produced in tobacco, Arabidopsis, and maize (Zea mays) cells was present in conjugated forms, indicating that endogenous enzymes were capable of recognizing genistein as a substrate. This study provides insight into requirements for metabolic engineering for isoflavone production in non-legume dicot and monocot tissues.
Age-Associated Increase in Cytokine Production During Systemic Inflammation: Adipose Tissue as a Major Source of IL-6

Increased mortality and overexpression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) during inflammatory stress are well-documented age-associated phenomena; however, the site of IL-6 overexpression is not entirely known. Here, we report that white adipose tissue is a major source of IL-6 in aged animals during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation. Among the various tissues examined, white adipose tissue from the epididymal fat pad (located in the abdominal cavity) expressed the highest level of IL-6 messenger RNA in both young and aged mice with a 5.5-fold higher level in the aged. Immunohistochemistry revealed that, within the adipose tissue, LPS-induced IL-6 expression is localized to both the adipocytes and stromal cells. Compared with age-matched wild-type mice, aged IL-6(–/–) mice exhibited reduced mortality to LPS suggesting a deleterious effect of IL-6 overexpression in the aged. These results demonstrate that increased vulnerability to systemic inflammation with age is due in part, to augmented IL-6 production by the adipose tissue.
Local approximation of the efficient frontier in robust design

The problem of robust design is treated as a bi-objective optimization problem in which the performance mean and variation are optimized and minimized, respectively. A method for deriving a utility function as a local approximation of the efficient frontier is presented and investigated at different locations of candidate solutions, with different ranges of interest, and for efficient frontiers with both convex and nonconvex behaviors. As an integral part of the interactive robust design procedure earlier proposed by the authors, the method assists designers in adjusting the preference structure and exploring alternative efficient robust design solutions. It eliminates the need of solving the bi-objective problem repeatedly using new preference structures, which is often computationally expensive. Though demonstrated for robust design problems, the principle is also applicable to any bi-objective optimization problem.
Selenoproteins and Their Impact on Human Health Through Diverse Physiological Pathways

In the last few decades, the importance of selenium in human health has been the subject of numerous studies. It is believed that the physiological effects of selenium occur mainly through the function of selenoproteins, which incorporate selenium in the form of one or more selenocysteine residues. Recent advances in understanding the complex regulation of selenoprotein synthesis and functional characterization of several members of the selenoprotein family have contributed to an improved comprehension of the role(s) of selenium in human health and the great diversity of physiological pathways influenced by this trace element.
Keeping It Legal: Transboundary Management Challenges Facing Brazil and the Guarani

This paper examines the legal and ecological problems facing the Guarani Aquifer System. Because the majority of the Guarani Aquifer System underlies Brazil, the Brazilian legal regime forms the paper's principal focus. The importance of the region makes the need for accurate information crucial. Yet relying on such information to manage a complex resource presents risks. Too often, the role of uncertainty in regulating is underplayed. Increasing knowledge over the resource demands categorizing “hard” and “soft” uncertainties, especially those presented by climate change. In addition, regulators must acknowledge the unitary nature of the aquifer while remaining sensitive to differing national priorities.
Comparison of methods for the enumeration of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli from veal hides and carcasses.

The increased association of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) with veal calves has led the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service to report results of veal meat contaminated with the Top 7 serogroups separately from beef cattle. However, detection methods that can also provide concentration for determining the prevalence and abundance of EHEC associated with veal are lacking. Here we compared the ability of qPCR and a molecular based most probable number assay (MPN) to detect and enumerate EHEC from veal hides at the abattoir and the resulting pre-intervention carcasses. In addition, digital PCR (dPCR) was used to analyze select samples. The qPCR assay was able to enumerate total EHEC in 32% of the hide samples with a range of approximately 34 to 91,412 CFUs/100 cm2 (95% CI 4-113,460 CFUs/100 cm2). Using the MPN assay, total EHEC was enumerable in 48% of the hide samples and ranged from approximately 1 to greater than 17,022 CFUs/100 cm2 (95% CI 0.4-72,000 CFUs/100 cm2). The carcass samples had lower amounts of EHEC with a range of approximately 4 to 275 CFUs/100 cm2 (95% CI 3-953 CFUs/100 cm2) from 17% of samples with an enumerable amount of EHEC by qPCR. For the MPN assay, the carcass samples ranged from 0.1 to 1 CFUs/100 cm2 (95% CI 0.02-4 CFUs/100 cm2) from 29% of the samples. The correlation coefficient between the qPCR and MPN enumeration methods indicated a moderate relation (R2=0.39) for the hide samples while the carcass samples had no relation (R2=0.002), which was likely due to most samples having an amount of total EHEC below the reliable limit of quantification for qPCR. Interestingly, after enrichment, 81% of the hide samples and 94% of the carcass samples had a detectable amount of total EHEC by qPCR. From our analysis, the MPN assay provided a higher percentage of enumerable hide and carcass samples, however determining an appropriate dilution range and the limited throughput offer additional challenges.
An Ugi Reaction in the Total Synthesis of (−)-Dysibetaine†

(−)-Dysibetaine has been synthesized in 11 steps from readily available L-malic acid (see scheme). The key step is a unique Ugi 4-center-3-component cyclization reaction, where an ester group acts as the carboxylic acid component. The use of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyldisilazane as an ammonia equivalent and a specially designed isocyanide leads to an expeditious synthesis.